United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Robo COP Act: Robo Calls Off Phones - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), notwithstanding any other provision of law, to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry. Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Vets (HEALTHY Vets) Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a veteran for whom Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities are geographically inaccessible, to use current authority for contracting out veterans' medical care to non-Department facilities in order to provide the following care to such veterans: (1) primary care; (2) acute or chronic symptom management; (3) nontherapeutic medical services; and (4) other medical services determined appropriate by the director of that geographic service region, after consultation with the Department physician responsible for the veteran's primary care. Outlines conditions under which Department facilities shall be deemed geographically inaccessible. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement of geographic inaccessibility, on a case-by-case basis, if the costs to the Department of providing such care significantly outweigh the benefits of localized health care for the veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Retired Pay Restoration Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability. Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent or more). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013. Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Religious Freedom for Providers of Adoption, Foster Care, and Child Welfare Services Act - Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance to a state or local government that discriminates against any entity that provides adoption or foster care services to only those couples who are united in marriage (defined as a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife) and to only those individuals whose conduct is in accordance with such entity's religious principles and practices.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2007 - Requires executive agencies to furnish a U.S. flag to drape the casket of a civilian federal employee who dies in a combat zone, upon request of the deceased's next of kin or a close associate of the deceased. Requires notification of federal civilian employees who are located or stationed in a combat zone to perform one or more functions in support of military operations of the flag ceremony benefit provided for under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Sets forth rules governing AHPs, including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation and coverage, nondiscrimination, contribution rates, notice of voluntary termination, correction actions, and mandatory termination. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Requires the Secretary to establish a Solvency Standards Working Group. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that commenced operations in such state after the enactment of this Act. Preempts any state law that may preclude a health insurance issuer from: (1) offering health insurance coverage in connection with a certified AHP; or (2) offering health insurance coverage of the same policy type to other employers operating in the state that are eligible for coverage under such AHPs, whether or not such other employers are participating employers in such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the states shall have power to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag and to set criminal penalties for such act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Employment Eligibility Verification and Anti-Identity Theft Act - Directs the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to notify a person or entity each time that the combination of name and Social Security account number it has submitted for an individual does not match Social Security Administration records. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (HS) to notify a person or entity each time that: (1) an immigration status or employment authorization document presented or referenced by an individual during the employment eligibility verification process was assigned to another person; or (2) there is no agency record that the document was assigned to any person. Directs the HS Secretary to establish a system, meeting specified requirements, for verifying an individual's identity and employment eligibility. Requires any person or entity that has received a discrepancy notice under this Act to verify the individual's employment authorization and identity through such system. Places the burden of resolving errors in the verification mechanism on the individual whose employment eligibility and identity have not been verified. Requires the individual to terminate any employment in the United States if a final nonverification is received. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to provide the last known name, address, and location of a nonverified individual to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Provides for sanctions against employers who continue to employ an individual after receiving a final nonverification. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require any person or entity that receives written notice about more than 20 individuals in one calendar year to: (1) participate in a basic pilot project for employment eligibility confirmation; and (2) comply with specified terms and conditions. Provides for: (1) a remedy under the Federal Tort Claims Act for job dismissals occasioned by verification mechanism errors; and (2) protection from civil and criminal liability for persons or entities that take action in good faith on the basis of verification mechanism information.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Informed Choice Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit community based pregnancy help medical clinics for the purchase of ultrasound equipment. Requires each grantee to: (1) provide free ultrasound examinations to pregnant women; (2) show the visual image of the fetus from the ultrasound examination to each pregnant woman with a general anatomical and physiological description of the fetus; (3) give each pregnant woman the approximate age of the embryo or fetus; (4) provide information on abortion and alternatives to abortion, such as childbirth and adoption, and information concerning public and private agencies that will assist in those alternatives; and (5) obtain medical malpractice insurance. Limits each grant to the lesser of 50% of the purchase price of the ultrasound machine involved or $20,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Bartlett Montgomery GI Bill Act - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to allow an individual who has completed six years of service in the Armed Forces and enters into an agreement to serve at least four more years to transfer their educational assistance entitlement to their spouse, child, or a combination thereof. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a percentage annual increase in the rates of such educational assistance based on the average monthly costs of higher education. Authorizes reimbursement of reductions in basic pay for educational assistance coverage in the case of extended active-duty service. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years. Provides educational assistance eligibility credit for cumulative active-duty service in the Selected Reserve. Increases the rates of educational assistance under the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill. Applies an annual adjustment to the rates of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Citizens' Self-Defense Act of 2007 - Declares that a person not prohibited under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act from receiving a firearm shall have the right to obtain firearms for security and to use firearms in defense of: (1) self or family against a reasonably perceived threat of imminent and unlawful infliction of serious bodily injury; (2) self or family in the course of the commission by another person of a violent felony against the person or a member of the person's family; and (3) the person's home in the course of the commission of a felony by another person. Authorizes persons whose rights under this Act have been violated to bring an action in U.S. district court against the United States, any state, or any person for damages, injunctive relief, and such other relief as the court deems appropriate. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the award of attorney's fees; and (2) the statute of limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2007 - Deems the approved application for the drug mifepristone (marketed as Mifeprex, commonly known as RU-486, and used for the chemically induced termination of intrauterine pregnancy) to have been withdrawn. Deems the drug misoprostol to be misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) if it bears labeling providing that the drug may be used for the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report on the process by which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone. Provides for the reinstatement of the approved application for such drug if the report determines the approval to have been in accordance with FFDCA.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Prohibits an individual (or a survivor or beneficiary thereof) from receiving federal annuity or retired pay if such individual is convicted, indicted, or has outstanding charges against him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for specified offenses concerning: (1) bribery, graft, or conflicts of interest related to public officials and witnesses, Members of Congress, government officers or employees, or obtaining appointive public office; (2) embezzlement or theft of public money, property, or records; (3) the solicitation or use of gifts; (4) fraud and false statements or entries; (5) perjury; (6) subornation of perjury; or (7) false declarations before a grand jury or court. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Business Checking Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to authorize interest-bearing or dividend-bearing transaction accounts for all businesses, permitting up to 24 transfers per month to another account of the owner in the same institution. Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to repeal the prohibition against the payment of interest on demand deposits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board to survey biennially and report biennially to Congress on bank fees and certain services. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, to repeal certain reporting requirements. Cites practices which shall not be treated as payment or receipt of interest if they relate to an escrow account maintained at a depository institution in connection with a real estate transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Social Security Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) government pension offset requirements applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to OASDI payments; and (2) windfall elimination requirements with respect to computation of an individual's primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Disapproves the totalization agreement between the United States and Mexico, establishing totalization arrangements between the Social Security Systems of the two countries, which was signed by the Commissioner of Social Security and the Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute on June 29, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Notes with sorrow the one-year anniversary of the November 9, 2005, terrorist attacks in Amman, Jordan, and condemns such attacks in the strongest terms. Expresses ongoing condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed in the attacks and sympathies to those who were injured. Reiterates support for the Jordanian people and its government. Values the strong U.S.-Jordan friendship. Expresses readiness to assist the Jordanian authorities in their efforts to pursue and dismantle the networks that carry out such terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006
Mourns the passing of Doctor Milton Friedman and extends deepest condolences to his family, including widow Rose Friedman, who is herself an accomplished economist and was instrumental in co-authoring some of his major works. Honors Doctor Friedman's lifetime of achievements and recognizes his outstanding contributions to freedom, the study of economics, the United States of America, and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow a Member to designate the amount of the reduction in new budget authority that should be used to reduce the federal budget deficit (or to increase the federal budget surplus) if an amendment offered by the Member to any general appropriation bill (or resolution making continuing appropriations to the end of a fiscal year) to reduce new budget authority (and resulting outlays) is agreed to. Requires the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, whenever such legislation is engrossed in the House, to: (1) reduce the suballocation of new budget authority and outlays to the appropriate subcommittee by the net amount of such reductions; and (2) promptly report those revisions to the House. Prohibits the Committee from reallocating such reductions to other subcommittees. Deems the revised suballocations to be made under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 in the House. Requires the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to make appropriate revisions in allocations to the Committee on Appropriations to reflect the revised suballocations and report them to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any measure making supplemental appropriations for two or more unrelated emergencies. Prohibits any provisions containing spending that is not designated as emergency spending from being reported in a measure making supplemental appropriations. Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider: (1) the conference report on a measure making supplemental appropriations if such measure contains such spending; or (2) any bill, joint resolution, or conference report if the accompanying report or joint statement of managers does not comply with this Act. Requires the Committee on Appropriations or any other House or Senate committee that reports any bill or joint resolution that provides budget authority for any emergency, the accompanying report, or the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report on the measure to: (1) identify all provisions that provide budget authority and the resulting outlays for such emergency; (2) state the reasons why such budget authority meets the definition of an emergency; and (3) justify why such funding is in a supplemental appropriation and not the regular appropriation for the next fiscal year. Prohibits a provision containing an earmark from being reported in a measure making supplemental appropriations. Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider the conference report on any measure making supplemental appropriations containing earmarks.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytologic preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; and (2) maintain a record of program results. Requires the Secretary to terminate individual proficiency testing that was in effect before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Margaret Thatcher Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Margaret Thatcher in recognition of her dedication to the values of free markets and free minds.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Community Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit indefinite detention of specified dangerous aliens under orders of removal who cannot be removed, subject to review every six months. States that habeas corpus review of such provisions shall be available only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after exhaustion of administrative remedies. Requires that a detention review process be established for aliens under order of removal who have effected an entry and are cooperating with removal. Authorizes indefinite detention of an inadmissible alien until such alien is subject to an administrative final order of removal. States that habeas corpus review of such provision shall be available only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after exhaustion of administrative remedies. Provides for expedited removal of aliens removable on criminal grounds. Makes an alien inadmissible for U.S. entry if: (1) such alien has been deported for criminal street gang participation; or (2) the consular officer or the Secretary of Homeland Security knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that such alien is a member of a criminal street gang seeking U.S. entry in furtherance of gang-related crimes or activities or is a member of a designated criminal street gang. Defines: (1) criminal street gang; and (2) gang crime. Makes an alien deportable who: (1) is a street gang member convicted of committing or attempting to commit a gang crime; or (2) is determined by the Secretary to be a member of a designated criminal street gang. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate a group or association as a criminal street gang. Requires the Attorney General to provide specified congressional leaders with prior notice of, and the factual basis for, such designation. Provides for revocation of such designation by: (1) an Act of Congress; (2) the Attorney General's review based upon changed circumstances or national security; or (3) judicial appeal or petition to the Attorney General by a gang or association so designated. Requires mandatory detention of aliens subject to removal based upon criminal street gang membership. Makes such aliens ineligible for asylum and protection from removal to certain countries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 - Affirms that state and local law enforcement personnel have the inherent authority to investigate, identify, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across state lines to detention centers) for purposes of assisting in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws in the course of carrying out routine duties. States that such provision shall not be construed to require state or local law enforcement personnel to: (1) report the identity of a victim of, or a witness to, a criminal offense to the Secretary of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement purposes; or (2) arrest such victim or witness for an immigration violation. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Attorney General should adopt uniform guidelines for the prosecution of smuggling offenses. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase the number of U.S. attorneys employed to prosecute alien smuggling cases by at least 20 in each of FY2008-FY2013. States that if a court determines that prospective relief should be ordered against the government in any civil immigration action the court shall: (1) limit the relief to the minimum necessary to correct the violation; (2) adopt the least intrusive means to correct the violation; (3) minimize, to the greatest extent practicable, the adverse impact on national security, border security, immigration administration and enforcement, and public safety; and (4) provide for relief expiration on a specific date which is not later than the earliest date necessary for the government to remedy the violation. Provides that preliminary injunctive relief shall expire 90 days after entry unless otherwise determined by the court. Requires a court to promptly rule on any government motion to vacate, modify, or otherwise terminate a prospective relief order in a civil immigration action. Provides for an automatic 15-day stay of the prospective relief order. Authorizes a court to enter an order to postpone an automatic stay's effective date for up to 15 days. Provides that any order staying, suspending, delaying, or otherwise barring an automatic stay's effective date, other than an order to postpone the effective date for up to 15 days, shall be treated as an order refusing to vacate, modify, or otherwise terminate an injunction and shall be appealable. Prohibits a court in a civil immigration action from entering, approving, or continuing a consent decree that does not comply with the prospective relief requirements under this section. Permits private settlement agreements not complying with the requirements for an order granting prospective relief against the government if the terms of the agreement are not subject to court enforcement other than reinstatement of the civil proceedings that the agreement settled.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception for certified medical emergencies. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Recognizes the important contributions to the U.S. economy of the live-cut Christmas tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the Christmas tree industry. Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the live-cut Christmas tree industry's importance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Recognizes the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, and salutes the outstanding service of its members and staff on behalf of agriculture and the people of North Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Secure Fence Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate actions to achieve operational control (as defined by this Act) over U.S. international land and maritime borders, including: (1) systematic border surveillance through more effective use of personnel and technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, ground-based sensors, satellites, radar coverage, and cameras; and (2) physical infrastructure enhancements to prevent unlawful border entry and facilitate border access by United States Customs and Border Protection, such as additional checkpoints, all weather access roads, and vehicle barriers. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to provide at least two layers of reinforced fencing, installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors extending: (1) from ten miles west of the Tecate, California, port of entry to ten miles east of the Tecate, California, port of entry; (2) from ten miles west of the Calexico, California, port of entry to five miles east of the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry (with specified priority areas); (3) from five miles west of the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry to ten miles east of El Paso, Texas; (4) from five miles northwest of the Del Rio, Texas, port of entry to five miles southeast of the Eagle Pass, Texas, port of entry; and (5) 15 miles northwest of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry to the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry (with specified priority areas). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study and report to Congress respecting the necessity and feasibility of constructing a state-of-the-art barrier system along the U.S. northern international land and maritime border; and (2) evaluate and report to Congress respecting United States Customs and Border Protection authority to stop fleeing vehicles that enter the United States illegally, including related training, technology, and equipment reviews.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an inflation adjustment based upon the gross domestic product deflator to the adjusted basis of certain assets (including C corporation common stock and tangible property used in a trade or business) held by a taxpayer for more than three years for purposes of determining gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of such assets. Sets forth rules for applying such inflation adjustment to short sales, regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts, partnerships and other pass-thru entities, and dispositions of assets between related persons.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Accountable Budgeting Commission Act of 2006 - Establishes the Accountable Budgeting Commission to review, evaluate, and make recommendations respecting the budget concepts that underlie the federal budget and its process. Prohibits the Commission from making findings, conclusions, or recommendations with respect to Social Security, Medicare, or government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Recognizes the important contributions to the U.S. economy of the Christmas tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the Christmas tree industry. Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the Christmas tree industry's importance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
America's Commitment to Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2007 for the Legal Services Corporation and for family planning programs under the Public Health Service Act to the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans' medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Cut the Unnecessary Tab Resolution, or CUT Resolution - Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that would limit any amendment that would otherwise be in order to a rescission bill. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) to require the House Budget Committee, whenever a rescission bill passes the House, to reduce the applicable committee allocations by the total amount of resulting reductions in budget authority and outlays. Amends Rule XIII to require the Majority Leader to introduce a rescission bill by certain dates in each session. Makes any motion to discharge the committee from consideration of such a bill privileged 10 legislative days after its introduction, if it was not introduced by one of the deadlines. Makes it out of order to offer any amendment to a rescission bill unless it increases the amount of budget authority to be rescinded. Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) to make it out of order to consider any rescission bill, its conference report, or amendment, unless: (1) such bill or conference report is made available to Members and the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration; (2) an amendment to such measure made in order by a rule is available within one hour after the rule is filed; or (3) an amendment under an open rule is made available immediately after being offered in a format searchable and sortable. Requires amendments to rescission bills to be germane.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Recognizes the centennial anniversary of the 1906 Iranian constitution. Expresses hope that the people of Iran will once again enjoy a democratic government in the spirit of the 1906 Iranian constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Military Fallen Heroes Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person, except with permission, from using the name, image, or likeness of a protected individual in connection with any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, commercial, or political activity in a manner calculated to: (1) connect the protected individual with that individual's service in the Armed Forces; and (2) convey the impression that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the protected individual. Defines as a "protected individual" any person who: (1) is a member of the Armed Forces; or (2) was a member at any time after April 5, 1917, and, if not living, has a surviving spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring actions to enjoin violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity involved in interstate commerce from: (1) soliciting or knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting a donation of human fetal tissue knowing that a human pregnancy was deliberately initiated to provide such tissue; or (2) knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting tissue or cells obtained from a human embryo or fetus that was gestated in the uterus of a nonhuman animal. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Repeals Rule XXVII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House of Representatives. (Thus abolishes the procedure for automatic adjustment of the public debt level upon passage of a new concurrent resolution on the budget setting forth an amount different from the amount of the statutory limit on the public debt otherwise in effect for the period covered by the budget resolution.) Redesignates Rule XXVIII (General Provisions) as Rule XXVII.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006
Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require the owner or operator of any point source to provide information necessary to address an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment. Requires the Administrator to provide an operator a reasonable opportunity to correct a violation of a permit condition for a site with residential construction activity before initiation of an enforcement action, if such violation has not resulted in a discharge of stormwater. Prohibits more than one opportunity to correct violations of the same condition. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a permit for stormwater runoff from such a site if: (1) the runoff enters a municipal separate storm sewer system that is covered by a permit and the operator is in compliance with runoff requirements; and (2) such site has minimal potential for soil erosion. Prohibits the Administrator from exercising enforcement authority with respect to a state permit that authorizes stormwater discharge from such a site unless: (1) such a discharge flows across a state line or onto a federal facility or Indian tribal lands; (2) such permit was issued under a state program that the Administrator has suspended or withdrawn; or (3) a discharge results in imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from paying any state penalty for a violation of a permit for such a discharge. Requires the Administrator to establish a program that will develop and distribute to site operators a pamphlet that explains permitting requirements for stormwater discharges. Authorizes the Administrator or the state to issue a general permit for no more than five years on a state, regional, or nationwide basis to cover any category of discharges, sludge use, disposal practices, or facilities. Declares that the Administrator or state is not required to review, approve, or provide an opportunity for public comment on any application for a discharge under a general permit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that: (1) marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman; and (2) neither the U.S. Constitution nor the constitution of any state shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors Act of 2006 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to authorize a border state (a state that shares a border with Canada or Mexico or a political subdivision of such a state) to use up to 75% of the minimum amount allocated to the state under the state and local domestic preparedness support grant program to build a physical barrier near the U.S. border to deter illegal crossings and for incidental costs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following non-sale activities by the seller: (1) the seller was the manufacturer of the product; (2) the seller participated in the design of the product; (3) the seller participated in the installation of the product; or (4) the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer. Requires, where a claimant proves one or more of such activities, that: (1) the activity be negligent; and (2) damages be limited to those directly caused by the activity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Securing the Homeland Through Agency Reporting Enhancement Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) with respect to any case in which the Social Security account number in the wage records of an employee provided by the employer to the Social Security Administration do not match relevant records otherwise maintained by the Administration. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security, in such a case, to send a prompt written notice ("no match" letter): (1) informing the employer of the discrepancies; (2) requesting information that would assist the Commissioner in resolving the discrepancies; and (3) informing the employer that a copy of such notice is being forwarded to assist the Secretary of Homeland Security in the enforcement of applicable federal immigration laws relating to employment of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. Requires the Commissioner to forward such a copy to the Secretary of Homeland Security, including the information in which discrepancies appear.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Zero Baseline Budget Act of 2006 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses; (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization; (3) inflation; and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Exempts from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or or any other factor. Amends the Act to extend indefinitely the formula used to calculate the baseline.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that officers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should not: (1) undermine the efforts of citizen groups such as the Minuteman Project to preserve the integrity of U.S. borders and protect the nation from intrusion; and (2) contact Mexican officials about the location of individuals who participate in such groups while conducting surveillance on the southern U.S. border.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene for a 90-day period after the enactment of this Act (suspension period). Provides for the reimbursement of the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for tax receipts lost during the suspension period. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to: (1) establish an oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain, defined as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) 102 Coastal Plain Area; and (2) conduct two lease sales before October 1, 2010.
![Official portrait of Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_nc_5_foxx_virginia_200.jpg)