United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to return to 14 the age until which the passive income of children is taxed at their parents' marginal income tax rates (the age limit had been increased to 18 by the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005).
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006
Reaffirms the national motto, "In God We Trust," on its 50th anniversary. Commends it as fundamental to America's national life and affirms its substance as vital to the nation's future success.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Commends efforts by members of faith-based and community organizations in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Encourages all government agencies to consider such organizations in disaster relief and recovery in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Competitive and Open Markets that Protect and Enhance the Treatment of Entrepreneurs Act, or the COMPETE Act - Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the management assessment of internal controls in the annual report of each issuer of registered securities to require certain rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to permit a small public company to elect voluntarily not to provide in its annual report an assessment of (or a related public accounting firm attestation concerning) the effectiveness of its internal control structure and financial reporting procedures, if it meets specified size criteria. Includes among such criteria: (1) total market capitalization of less than $700 million; (2) total product revenue of less than $125 million; and (3) fewer than 1500 record beneficial holders. Requires SEC rules to provide for random audits after the first year for which an attestation and report of such a small public company is made by a registered public accounting firm. Directs the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (Board) to: (1) alter the standard for review from a remote likelihood standard for noting weaknesses to a 5% de minimus material weakness criterion (based on 5% of net profits); (2) establish specific guidelines for measuring certain terms; and (3) modify independence rules to allow prudent interaction between registered public accounting firms performing such assessments and internal consultants. Directs the SEC and the Board to: (1) jointly study and report to Congress on the principles-based Turnbull Guidance under the securities laws of the United Kingdom; and (2) compare and contrast such principles to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Social Security Number Fraudulent Use Notification Act of 2006 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Commissioner of Social Security to notify an individual when: (1) the Social Security account number ascribed to the individual in the wage records provided by an employer to the Social Security Administration does not match relevant Administration records; or (2) the individual's Social Security account number has otherwise been used by any other person in a fraudulent or otherwise illegal manner.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
E-85 Investment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property by: (1) increasing to 75% the rate of such credit for property using 85% ethanol fuel; (2) reducing the maximum dollar amount of such credit in 2013 and 2014 for ethanol-related refueling property; and (3) extending such credit through 2016 for ethanol-related refueling property.
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
Tax and Education Assistance for Children (TEACH) Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit for the tuition paid by taxpayers to send their dependents to private or religious elementary or secondary schools. Sets the annual credit limit at $4,500 for single individuals and taxpayers filing a joint return, and $2,250 for a married individual filing a separate return.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation in writing. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the U.N. Security Council should sanction Iran for its Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) noncompliance; and (2) if the Security Council does not sanction Iran, the Secretary of State may withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) until the Security Council takes proper action to return Iran to NPT compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 calendar days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 calendar days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Makes it unlawful for a PDP sponsor of a prescription drug plan to display on the prescription drug card the name, brand, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Requires each PDP sponsor to charge not less than the minimum dispensing fee, $14, adjusted annually for inflation, for generic covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Revises requirements for a covered medication therapy management service, allowing it to be furnished by a health care provider, other than a pharmacist, with advanced training in medication management. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify: (1) the population of part D eligible individuals appropriate for services under a medication therapy management program, based on certain characteristics; and (2) a minimum defined package of medication therapy management services that shall be provided to each enrollee. Revises requirements for pharmacy fees. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a two-year demonstration program to examine the impact of medication therapy management furnished by a pharmacist in a community-based or ambulatory-based setting on quality of care, spending, and patient health; and (2) a Best Practices Commission to develop a best practices model for medication therapy management.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Truth in Accounting Act of 2006 - Amends federal law to require the Secretary of the Treasury to include in his audited financial statement of the previous year a calculation of the net present value of the overall liabilities and commitments of the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Executive Branch Reform Act of 2006 - Requires recording and filing by each executive branch official with the Office of Government Ethics on any significant contact made between that official and any private party relating to an official government action. Outlines the authorities and responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics with regard to such reports. Sets prohibitions on covered executive branch officials who are entering or leaving government service. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to modify provisions relating to procurement officials. Sets a prohibition on the personal and substantial involvement by certain former contractor employees in the award or administration of government contracts. Sets a prohibition on unauthorized expenditure of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes. Requires an advertisement or other communication paid for by an executive agency to disclose that such advertisement or communication is paid for by that agency. Directs each federal agency to submit to the Archivist of the United States and specified congressional committees a report describing the use of "pseudo" classification designations. Requires the Archivist to: (1) report on the use of "pseudo" classification designations; and (2) promulgate regulations banning "pseudo" classification designations. Prohibits an employee or applicant for employment of a covered agency from being discriminated against as a reprisal for disclosing covered information to an authorized Member of Congress or to an authorized official of an executive agency, the Department of Justice, or the Inspector General of the employee's employing covered agency.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Independent Pharmacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each prescription drug plan contract entered into with a plan sponsor to provide for: (1) the availability of direct deposit payments; (2) an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs; and (3) payments within 10 days for certain pharmacies. Requires the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug therapeutically equivalent and bioequivalent to a brand name covered part D drug dispensed through the pharmacy to be at least 50% greater than the dispensing fee for the brand name drug. Limits to $10 the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug. Prohibits a prescription drug plan, subject to exception by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from decreasing the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a brand name drug to an amount less than the dispensing fee paid for it on the date of enactment of this Act. Applies this Act to contracts with a Medicare Advantage organization in the same manner as they apply to those with a prescription drug plan sponsor.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Tax Return Choice Act of 2006 - Prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from providing individual taxpayers with free electronic tax preparation and filing services except through the Free File program and the Internal Revenue Service's Taxpayer Assistance Centers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, and volunteer income tax assistance programs. Repeals the provision of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 directing the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a return-free tax system.
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 · 4 April 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives expresses its: (1) gratitude and appreciation for the professional manner in which the U.S. Capitol Police carry out their diverse missions; and (2) appreciation for the dedication such officers have for protecting the Capitol Complex. Commends them for their continued courage and professionalism in protecting the Capitol Complex and its employees and visitors.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008-FY2011. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2011 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2011. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and the Workforce; (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Government Reform; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (8) Ways and Means. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means to report a reconciliation bill providing for revenue reduction. Requires the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to submit to the Committee on the Budget its findings that identify savings amounting to 1% of total spending under its jurisdiction from activities that are wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Establishes a reserve fund for emergencies. Prohibits House legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. Makes rule XXVII of the House (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution) inapplicable with respect to the adoption by Congress of a budget resolution for FY2007. Requires: (1) reported legislation designated as an emergency requirement to include an explanation of the manner in which the legislation meets specified criteria; and (2) if such legislation is to be considered without being reported, the explanation to be published in the Congressional Record in advance of floor consideration. Provides for changes in allocations and aggregates resulting from realistic scoring of measures affecting federal revenues. Prohibits the use of revenue increases to comply with budget allocations and aggregates. Makes it out of order in the House to consider direct spending legislation that would increase an on-budget deficit or decrease an on-budget surplus for any specified applicable time period. Requires the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to maintain a: (1) Budget Protection Mandatory Account; and (2) Budget Protection Discretionary Account.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any U.S. officer or employee, or person operating under color of federal law, under control of a federal official, or providing services to such person, while acting in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency, from: (1) seizing or authorizing seizure of any firearm the possession of which is not prohibited under federal or state law, other than for forfeiture in compliance with federal law or as evidence in a criminal investigation; (2) requiring registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by federal or state law; (3) prohibiting possession of any firearm in any place or by any person where such possession is not otherwise prohibited; or (4) prohibiting the carrying of firearms by any person otherwise authorized to carry firearms, solely because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision of a federal agency in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency. Authorizes any individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to seek relief by bringing an action for redress and by bringing a civil action in U.S. district court for return of a confiscated firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act - Amends firearms provisions of the federal criminal code to: (1) lift restrictions on the possession, transfer, and importation of machineguns, and certain other shotguns and rifles, for contractors providing national security services for the United States and training related to such services, and for manufacturers for testing, research, design, or development purposes; (2) prohibit the Attorney General from charging any tax or fee for any background check by the national instant criminal background check system; (3) permit juveniles to possess and use a handgun or ammunition for certain activities without written parental consent if the parent is present when the juvenile is using the handgun; (4) eliminate certain reporting requirements for multiple handgun sales (more than one sale within five days) by dealers to state police and law enforcement agencies; (5) prohibit the Attorney General from electronically retrieving records of gun dealers who have gone out of business by name or any personal identification code; (6) limit disclosure of trace records; and (7) allow importation of barrels, frames, and receivers for firearms other than handguns for repair or replacement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for HIV health care services programs. Requires recipients of HIV-related grants to expend not less than 75 percent of such funds on primary medical care. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Makes ineligible for funding any state or locality that imposes significant barriers to partner notification programs or routine testing. Provides for treatment for hepatitis B or hepatitis C for HIV-positive individuals who are co-infected. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require: (1) rapid routine testing of each client at any entity receiving funding from certain federal programs; and (2) federally funded health facilities to offer routine testing for pregnant women and newborns. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to annually purchase and distribute rapid HIV tests. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for therapeutics to be included in state formularies. Allows states to use grant funds to provide services to Medicaid-eligible individuals with HIV. Amends the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act to make grant allocations based on the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Requires the Secretary to ensure that not less than 75 percent of grant amounts are used for the provision, construction, maintenance, or development of housing assistance. Requires the Secretary to provide state AIDS officials with the authority to request and obtain all necessary information in order to coordinate HIV care and treatment with other federally funded projects.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Berry Amendment Extension Act - Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring specified covered items directly related to national security interests (including clothing, tents, or natural fiber products, specialty metals, or hand or measuring tools) that are not grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, except to the extent satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of any such product cannot be procured at U.S. market prices. Makes additional exceptions for: (1) procurements by vessels in foreign waters; (2) emergency procurements or procurements of perishable foods by establishments located outside the United States for their personnel; and (3) purchases for amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($100,000). Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) each member of the Department's acquisition workforce who regularly participates in textile acquisition receives training during FY2006 on this Act's requirements; and (2) any such training includes comprehensive information on such requirements. Makes this Act inapplicable to the extent that it is inconsistent with U.S. obligations under an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Korean War Veterans Recognition Act of 2006 - Adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the United States should be displayed.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the rescission of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority or the rescission, in whole or in part, of any item of direct spending. Sets forth requirements for the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding a proposed rescission. Requires any rescinded budget authority or items of direct spending to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Separate Enrollment and Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Prohibits the congressional appropriations committees from reporting any appropriations measure that fails to contain the same level of detail on the allocation of a proposed item of appropriations set forth in the accompanying committee report. Prohibits any congressional committee from reporting an authorization measure that contains new direct spending or a new limited tax benefit unless it presents each as a separate item, and the accompanying committee report contains a level of detail clearly indentifying its allocation. Prohibits a conference committee from filing a conference report that fails to contain the level of detail and the separate itemization of each direct spending or limited tax benefit required by this Act. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any measure reported or presented in violation of this Act. Provides for separate enrollment of each item of every appropriation and authorization measure containing new direct spending or new targeted tax benefits passed by Congress in the same form. Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation toidentify any limited tax benefits contained in any revenue or reconciliation measure amending the Internal Revenue Code that is being prepared for filing by a conference committee. Makes it out of order to consider any measure containing an emergency designation if it also provides an appropriation or direct spending for any other item or contains any other matter. Allows the measure to contain rescissions of budget authority or reductions of direct spending, or reduce amounts for that emergency. Provides for expedited judicial review of this Act. Requires the President to submit legislation for the periodic review, reauthorization, and sunset of tax expenditures with his FY2008 budget. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any measure containing a tax expenditure unless it terminates the tax expenditure within 10 years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Repeals provisions permitting states with Internet tax laws enacted prior to the ban on Internet taxes to continue enforcing such laws.
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 · 1 March 2006
Amends rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of a conference report that would be within the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, except a report on a measure continuing appropriations or making supplemental appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to shift from the Secretary of Education to the states the authority to recognize a rigorous secondary school program, the completion of which is required for a student to qualify for an Academic Competitiveness Grant.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respect to certain Constitutional property rights claims. Requires a federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. Modifies the definition of "wire communication facility" to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of "bets and wagers" to include all forms of gambling activity. Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations. Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities. Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user. Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Prescription Drug Abuse Elimination Act of 2006 -Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require Internet pharmacies to meet specified criteria, including: (1) providing individuals who access the pharmacy with certain information; (2) obtaining verification of a valid prescription in some circumstances; and (3) providing contact information of the individual dispensing prescription drugs on the site to each state that licenses or authorizes the person to dispense drugs. Prohibits the sale of a prescription drug, or the ownership or operation of an illegal Internet pharmacy, in violation of the requirements of this Act. Allows district courts to order Internet providers to remove access or links to sites that violate this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate chain-of-custody requirements to track prescription drugs from the manufacturer through each importer, distributor, and retailer. Deems a drug misbranded if such requirements are not met. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to restrict the importation of a schedule II, III, or IV drug by a U.S. resident without a valid prescription to once during any 30-day period. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to: (1) convene a working group to study and report on pharmaceutical counterfeiting; and (2) study the best methods to ensure that controlled substances are not diverted for unlawful use. Requires the Secretary to conduct research and report on issues related to prescription drug abuse. Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to maintain a comprehensive, national database on deaths occurring as a result of substance abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation or the validity, under the Constitution, of the content of speech of any member of a state legislative body or any individual invited to speak before that body, when such speech occurs during the legislative session. Declares that any person who is a member of a state legislative body, or who is invited to speak before that body, other than as a witness, shall be immune from suit in any federal court, and shall not be held liable under any federal law, on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, unless such speech constitutes treason, breach of peace, or an admission of guilt of a crime. Prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce any court order relating to the content of speech occurring during the legislative session of a state legislative body, with the same exceptions. Prohibits a federal court from imposing a fine on any state, state legislative body, member of a state legislative body, or individual invited to speak before that body (other than as a witness), on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, with the same exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that it shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that establishes a new program or modifies an existing program by adding a new function unless such legislation also eliminates one or more existing programs of equal or greater total cost. Excludes legislation that establishes a new defense, homeland security, or emergency program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should increase trade opportunities with Taiwan by launching negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan.
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 · 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
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 · 1 February 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1 Boyden Street in Badin, North Carolina, as the "Mayor John Thompson `Tom' Garrison Memorial Post Office."
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 · 31 January 2006
Consumer Telephone Records Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person from obtaining or causing the disclosure of, or requesting another person to obtain, customer proprietary network information relating to another person by: (1) making a false statement to a telecommunications carrier; or (2) providing any information knowing that it is counterfeit, that it was obtained fraudulently or without the customer's consent, or that it contains a false statement. Prohibits a person from selling customer information relating to any other person knowing it was obtained in such manner. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier to notify a customer when proprietary network information relating to such customer is disclosed in violation of such prohibitions. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Gives all of the functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under that Act to the FCC to enforce compliance. Prescribes penalties, which double for violations that are part of a pattern of illegal activity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Idling Reduction Tax Credit Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for 25% of the cost of a qualifying idling reduction device, up to $1,000. Defines "qualifying idling reduction device" as any device that is: (1) installed on a heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicle to provide services that would otherwise require the operation of the main drive engine while the vehicle is temporarily parked or stationary; and (2) certified by the Secretary of Energy to reduce long-duration idling. Directs the Secretary to publish standards for certifying such devices.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that general appropriation bills contain a separate list of all earmarks in the accompanying report and the name of the sponsoring Member of each such earmark.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Stop Loans Offered to Illegal Aliens Now (Stop LOAN) Act - Prohibits loans by federal agencies to illegal aliens. Requires a federal agency to use the employment verification system established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (or any successor program) to verify an individual's name, date of birth, social security number, and lawful presence before extending a loan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Code Talkers Recognition Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal: (1) to persons, including specified individuals, who served as Sioux or Comanche Code Talkers during World War II; (2) honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I; and (3) to any other Native American member of the armed forces, identified by the Secretary of Defense, who served as a Code Talker in any foreign conflict in which the United States was involved during the 20th Century. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under this Act and to deposit the proceeds in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals awarded under this Act.