Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8]

An amendment, made in order by H. Res. 208 and printed as amendment No. 2-1 in House Rept. 104-224, to restore funding for the Title X family planning program by appropriating $193 million in funds for Title X programs and reducing funding for the Maternal and ChildHealth Block Grant program and the Community and Migrant Health Centers program by a comensurate amount.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 2 printed in H. Rept. 105-762 to strike language that prohibits title X funding to a family planning provider that knowingly provides contraceptives to a minor without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

United States · United States Congress

Part A amendment no. 2 printed in H.Rept. 106-269 that restricts funding for population planning activities unless the foreign organization certifies that funds will not be used to promote abortion as a method of family planning, or to lobby for or against abortion.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment no. 11 printed in the Congressional Record. to strike SEC. 587 , Authorization for Population Planning.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment in the nature of a substitute numbered 2 printed in House Report 107-172 to make it a criminal act, subject to criminal and civil penalties, to use somatic cell nuclear transfer, or the products from this technology, to initiate a pregnancy or with the intent to initiate a pregnancy; to make it illegal to ship, mail, transport, or receive the products of somatic cell nuclear transfer if the products will be used to initiate a pregnancy; to protect other uses of somatic cell nuclear transfer, including therapeutic cloning; to require all individuals or companies who plan to perform somatic cell nuclear transfer to register with the Secretary and attest that they know that initiating a pregnancy through such means is illegal; to provide that such registration is deemed confidential, following the same fashion as the FDA's treatment of trade secrets when a company files an Investigational New Drug application; to preempt future state laws that are different from federal cloning law or prohibit protected types of research; to sunset the ban ten years after enactment; to require those who break the law to forfeit equipment, other property, and any monetary gains; and to require a study by the Institute of Medicine on the properties of embryonic, fetal and adult stem cells.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to make it unlawful to knowingly perform an abortion after the fetus has become viable, unless, in the medical judgment of the attending physician, it is necessary to preserve the life of the woman or to avert serious adverse consequences to her health. Physicians who violate this law would be subject to civil penalty of up to $10,000.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment in the nature of a substitute numbered 3 and printed in House Report 108-21.

United States · United States Congress

Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Month.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Adoption Month.

Captive Mammal Protection Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Captive Mammal Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a captive mammal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that mammal for entertainment or for the collection of a trophy.

National Fish and Wildlife Policy Fellowship Program Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

National Fish and Wildlife Policy Fellowship Program Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to award fellowships to qualified graduate and post-graduate level students engaged in advanced degree programs concerning freshwater and anadromous fish, wildlife, conservation management, or biology in order to: (1) provide such students with opportunities to participate in the policy process within executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government; and (2) provide Federal agencies and Congress with specific expertise to aid in the effective management of the nation's natural living resources. Requires the Secretary to strive to ensure equal access to the fellowship program for minority and disadvantaged students and to report to Congress on such efforts. States that the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall administer fellowships awarded under this Act.

Affirming the commitments made by the United States at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, to improve worldwide access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation services.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Affirms the commitments made by the United States at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, to halve the number of people lacking safe drinking water and basic sanitation services and calls on developed nations to join the United States in such commitments. Expresses support for an increased effort to meet such commitments and calls on the President to report to Congress on U.S. progress. Declares that the House of Representatives shares the goals of the Water for the Poor Initiative. Expresses support for targeting U.S. water aid toward countries of greatest need and communities in which such aid can make the greatest impact.

Commending the people and Government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Commends the people of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

High School Athletics Accountability Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

High School Athletics Accountability Act of 2004 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct coeducational elementary and secondary schools, if they participate in any ESEA program, to: (1) report certain information on equality in their school athletic programs to the Commissioner for Educational Statistics; and (2) make such information available to their students and potential students, upon request, and to the public.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to businesses whose employees teach at community colleges.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit of $1,000 for each of their employees who teaches a course at an accredited community college for which the employee receives no compensation.

Municipal Solid Waste Responsibility Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Municipal Solid Waste Responsibility Act of 2004 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator (facility) from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste unless the owner or operator of the facility obtains explicit authorization from the affected local government. Directs affected local governments, prior to taking formal action on a request for such authorization, to: (1) notify the Governor, contiguous local governments, and any contiguous Indian tribes; and (2) provide public notice and an opportunity for comment. Creates exceptions to the authorization requirement for owners or operators who held certain authorizations prior to enactment of this Act, where the facility received shipments of out-of-State municipal solid waste during 1993, or where the waste was generated within the bi-State metropolitan statistical area in which the facility is located. Authorizes States to: (1) limit the amount of out-of-State municipal solid waste received annually by facilities; (2) impose cost recovery surcharges on the combustion or disposal of such waste; and (3) enact laws imposing limitations on the receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste. Prohibits persons from importing, transporting, or exporting municipal solid waste for final disposal or incineration in violation of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct studies and develop recommendations concerning the benefits of alternatives to open field disposal of agricultural solid wastes (including biomass).

Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Specifies a national oceans policy. Establishes national standards to require any Federal agency or federally funded activities that affect U.S. ocean waters or ocean resources to be conducted in a manner that protects and maintains healthy marine ecosystems and, where appropriate, restores degraded marine ecosystems. Re-establishes in the Department of Commerce (what already exists under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), administered by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. Directs the President to submit to Congress recommendations for reorganizing functions of existing Federal agencies to establish a Department of Natural Resources having authority for Federal programs relating to land, air, and water resources, including freshwater and ocean resources. Establishes: (1) a National Oceans Advisor; (2) a National Oceans Council; and (3) the Council of Advisors on Oceans Policy. Designates certain ocean regions for ecosystem-based management. Establishes a NOAA Regional Office and a Regional Ocean Council for each ocean region. Requires each Regional Ocean Council to prepare a Regional Ocean Ecosystem Plan for each ocean region. Establishes a Committee on Ocean Science, Education, and Operations (OSEO Committee). Directs the Chair of the National Oceans Council to develop a National Strategy for Ocean and Coastal Science. Establishes: (1) a Subcommittee on Ocean Education within the OSEO Committee; (2) an interagency ocean and coastal education program; (3) a National Ocean Science and Technology Scholarship Program; and (4) a NOAA Office of Education. Directs the Administrator to conduct a national media campaign to increase public awareness and interest in the oceans, through mass media advertising. Establishes: (1) an Office of Ocean Exploration within the Ocean and Atmospheric Research and Data Services Office; and (2) a Subcommittee on Ocean Exploration within the OSEO Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Trust Fund.

Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act of 2004 - Directs the President, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC), to carry out a pilot program to establish an integrated ocean and coastal observing system (IOOS) of monitoring, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, and research to provide data and information for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the marine and coastal environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Establishes within NORLC an interagency program office (OceanUS) which shall be responsible for program planning and coordination of the IOOS. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to be the lead Federal agency for implementation and operation of the IOOS. Requires regional associations to be responsible for the development and operation of regional ocean and coastal observing systems to meet the information needs of the users groups in the region while adhering to national standards.

Deep Sea Coral Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Deep Sea Coral Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to research and map deep sea corals and sponges. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory panel. Prohibits the use of mobile bottom-tending fishing gear in any Coral Management Area (CMA) and Coral Study Area (CSA). Requires the Secretary to designate: (1) as a CSA any area that is located within the exclusive economic zone which has not been fished using mobile bottom-tending gear for a three-year period, is determined beyond the reasonable depth limits of such gear, or where certain data indicate the actual or potential presence of a deep sea coral and sponge ecosystem; (2) CMAs according to specified coordinates; and (3) all or a part of a CSA as a CMA if there is a deep sea coral and sponge ecosystem in such area, and the use of mobile bottom-tending fishing gear in the area would cause more than minimal and temporary damage to deep sea corals or sponges. Applies the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act's civil penalty and forfeiture requirements to persons who violate this Act's prohibition against the use of mobile bottom-tending gear. Urges the President to identify, with foreign entities, areas in international waters that would benefit from additional protection.

Stand By Your Internet Ad Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Stand By Your Internet Ad Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) apply to campaign communications transmitted through the Internet the same presentation requirements currently applicable to their counterpart authorized printed campaign communications, including communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; (2) require communications paid for and authorized by a candidate, and communications paid for by other persons but authorized by a candidate, to include a clearly readable statement identifying the candidate and stating that he or she has approved the communication; (3) require such communications transmitted through the Internet to meet applicable requirements with respect to any audio and video portions; (4) subject to disclosure requirements campaign communications made through prerecorded telephone calls; and (5) provide for the treatment as audio communications of prerecorded telephone calls, thereby subjecting them to applicable requirements pertaining to communications transmitted through radio.

Honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Honors the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Wilderness Act on September 3, 1964. Recognizes and applauds the extraordinary work of the individuals and organizations involved in building the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to authorize the Attorney General to allow any narcotic drug in schedule I, II, III, or IV or any non-narcotic controlled substance in schedule I or II (covered drug) to be exported from the United States to a country for subsequent export to another country if: (1) both the country to which the covered drug is exported from the United States (first country) and the country to which it is subsequently exported (second country) are parties to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances; (2) the first and second countries have each maintained an adequate system of drug import controls; (3) regarding the first country, the covered drug is consigned to a holder of such permits or licenses as required under that country's laws and a permit to import the drug has been issued; (4) regarding the second country, substantial evidence that the drug is to be consigned to a permit holder as required under that country's laws is furnished, a permit to import it is to be issued, there is an actual need for the drug, and it will not be re-exported; (5) within 30 days after export from the first country, the person who exported it from the United States certifies that re-export has occurred; and (6) the Attorney General has issued a permit to export the covered drug from the United States.

NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.

Puerto Rico Hospitals Medicare DSH Equity Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004

Puerto Rico Hospitals Medicare DSH Equity Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include consideration of additional Medicare low-income patient populations served by Puerto Rico hospitals in the calculation of Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments for prospective payment system hospitals in Puerto Rico.

Women's Business Sustainability Extension Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004

Women's Business Sustainability Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act (SBA) to set forth FY 2004 funding priorities for the women's business center program. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to reallocate unused sustainability grant funds as supplemental grants to women's business centers. Authorizes the Administrator to access and use client contact information of women's business centers solely to conduct internal program evaluations and financial and programmatic audits. Requires women's business centers to notify each client of such access and use. Requires the Administrator to include program evaluation findings in annual reports to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the policy of the United States at the 56th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) at the 56th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission the United States should remain firmly opposed to commercial whaling, and take other specified related steps; and (2) the United States should make full use of all appropriate diplomatic mechanisms, relevant international laws and agreements, and other appropriate means to implement these goals.

Ensuring Medication Safety for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004

Ensuring Medication Safety for Seniors Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program under which grants for computer hardware and software, as well as other communications capabilities, education, and training, are made available, upon request and on a voluntary basis, to Medicare health care providers to assist them in offsetting the costs of electronic prescribing systems.

Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University on 150 years of service and commending Pennsylvania's designation of the University as Pennsylvania's land-grant institution.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004

Congratulates The Pennsylvania State University for 150 years of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Nation and commends Pennsylvania's designation of the University as the land-grant institution of Pennsylvania.

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells if: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos will never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.

Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education to establish university sustainability centers to develop and implement integrated environmental, economic, and social sustainability programs through administrative and operational practices as well as multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach.

To provide for the establishment of a Center for Scientific and Technical Assessment.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Establishes: (1) a Center for Scientific and Technical Assessment to provide timely advice to Congress on scientific and technical aspects of public policy issues, administered by a Director; and (2) a Technical Assessment Board to provide guidance to the Director to ensure that the Center provides timely and useful responses to congressional requests. Authorizes the Director to appoint, with the approval of the Comptroller General, a Deputy Director. Prohibits the Director and Deputy Director from engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment, or (except with the Comptroller General's approval) holding any office in, or acting in any capacity for, any organization, agency, or institution with which the Center makes any contract or other arrangement under this Act. Permits: (1) any Member of Congress to make requests to the Board that the Center conduct an investigation and report to the requester, within a specified time period, on any matter relating to scientific and technical assessment (and sets priorities for requests); and (2) the Director to establish an advisory panel as necessary to support each technical assessment report. Requires each report to be subject to peer review before delivery to the committee or Member requesting it. Provides for public release of unclassified reports, subject to a delay of up to two weeks at the request of the Board or a Member.

Second Chance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Second Chance Act of 2004: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention or Second Chance Act of 2004 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize, rewrite, and expand provisions regarding adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, including by authorizing funds to: (1) provide structured post-release housing and transitional housing through which offenders are provided supervision and services immediately following reentry into the community; (2) facilitate specified collaboration to promote the employment of people released from prison and jail; and (3) establish or expand the use of reentry courts. Sets forth grant priorities and requirements, including that each State or local government recipient establish a Reentry Task Force or other relevant convening authority. Authorizes the Attorney General to make a grant to provide for the establishment of a National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Directs the Attorney General to establish an interagency task force on Federal programs and activities relating to offender reentry. Authorizes the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to conduct research on offender reentry. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the role of State child protective services at the time of arrest and to establish services for the preservation of families impacted by the incarceration of a family member; and (2) the Secretary of Labor to implement a program to educate employers about existing incentives to the hiring of former prisoners and to make grants to community-based organizations to provide mentoring and other transitional services essential to reintegrating ex-offenders.

Terrorism Insurance Backstop Extension Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004

Terrorism Insurance Backstop Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to define: (1) the term "Program Year 4" as the period from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006; and (2) the term "Program Year 5" as the period from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007 (thereby extending the terrorism risk insurance program from 2005 through 2007). Sets a deadline for the Secretary of the Treasury to make a final determination regarding: (1) the availability of group life insurance to both insurers and consumers; and (2) whether certain provisions of the Act shall be applied to providers of group life insurance. Sunsets the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program after December 31, 2007.

Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004

Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign to promote awareness among health care practitioners and the general public with respect to the importance of early detection and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004

Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) to develop and implement a National Arthritis Action Plan; and (2) acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct, support, and promote the coordination of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases research. Requires the Secretary to award grants to: (1) support arthritis-specific research projects at the Centers for Prevention Research by the CDC; (2) support State comprehensive arthritis control and prevention programs and public health surveillance, prevention, and control activities; and (3) assist in the implementation of a national strategy for arthritis control and prevention. Requires the Secretary to coordinate a national education and outreach program on arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Requires the Secretary to establish an Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee to: (1) improve coordination of Federal research activities related to arthritis and rheumatic diseases; and (2) convene a summit to provide a detailed overview of such current Federal research. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify juvenile arthritis research and related programs, including by awarding grants to establish new research programs. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to award grants to support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on juvenile arthritis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to support the development of a National Juvenile Arthritis Patient Registry to collect data for follow-up studies regarding the prevalence and incidence of juvenile arthritis, as well as capturing information on evidence-based health outcomes related to specific therapies and interventions. Requires the Secretary to promote and support pediatric rheumatology training, including by allowing the Secretary to establish a loan repayment program. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the economic impact of arthritis in the workplace.

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments through FY 2010 (currently, through FY 2005) to children's hospitals for costs associated with operating approved graduate medical resident training programs.

Recognizing and honoring the 40th anniversary of congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004

Recognizes and honors the 40th anniversary of passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the reduction in Medicare payment for certain items of durable medical equipment.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2004

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to repeal the reduction in Medicare payment for certain items of durable medical equipment.

Teacher Shortage Response Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Teacher Shortage Response Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount of student loans that may be forgiven for highly qualified teachers in mathematics, science, and special education and for reading specialists. Directs the Secretary of Education to notify local educational agencies eligible to participate in the Small Rural Achievement Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 of the benefits available under the amendments made by this Act, and to encourage such agencies to notify their teachers of such increased benefits.

Truth in Spending Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Truth in Spending Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise disclosure requirements for tax-exempt political organizations. Requires such organizations to file monthly reports in any calendar year in which they accept a contribution or make an expenditure for an exempt function and to file a single year-end report not later than January 31 of the following calendar year. Eliminates the quarterly reporting requirement in calendar years in which a regularly scheduled election is held.

Helping Hands for Homeownership Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Helping Hands for Homeownership Act of 2004 - Amends the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 to permit a homeowner under the sweat equity model program to perform required construction time on more than one dwelling.

International Assistance to Missing and Exploited Children Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

International Assistance to Missing and Exploited Children Act of 2004 - Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (ICARA) to make Federal Tort Claims Act provisions applicable to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (Center) and other entities to which responsibilities are delegated under ICARA by the U.S. Central Authority under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize actions in U.S. district court to resolve conflicting child custody determinations. Directs the Attorney General to establish a registry of custody and visitation orders and proceedings. Provides guidelines for disclosing registry information. Authorizes law enforcement officials to detain children listed as missing or accompanying an adult arrested for suspected child abduction in violation of a custody order. Requires officials to surrender such children to the appropriate State agency as soon as practicable. Requires the Central Authority to: (1) fund legal services to persons seeking remedies in parental kidnapping cases; (2) provide related training and technical assistance; and (3) encourage the designation of courts to hear Convention-related cases. Requires the Federal Judicial Center to provide continuing education on the Convention and related laws. Requires annual reports to Congress on: (1) progress in negotiating international child abduction agreements with countries that are not parties to the Convention; and (2) cases involving extradition requests of individuals alleged to have violated international parental kidnapping provisions. Requires the Attorney General to support State adoption and implementation of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 to include children at risk of parental kidnapping in the Safe Havens for Children Pilot Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize disclosure of taxpayer identity information to the Center. Calls for increasing the U.S. contribution to the Permanent Bureau at The Hague.

American Schools Abroad Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004

American Schools Abroad Support Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that additional funds should be made available to American-sponsored schools in Arab and other predominantly Muslim countries to provide full or partial merit-based scholarships to students from lower- and middle-income families of such countries to attend such schools. Authorizes the Secretary of State, acting through the Director of the Office of Overseas Schools of the Department of State, to make grants to such schools to provide scholarships to such students.

Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004

Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2004 -Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims concerning the provision of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Allows the recovery of unlimited economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a percentage based on the amount awarded. Allows: (1) any party to a lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death to introduce evidence of collateral source benefits; and (2) any opposing party to then introduce evidence of any amount paid or contributed to secure the right to such benefits. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Limits the liability of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and providers of medical products that comply with Food and Drug Administration standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004 - 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. (Thus, through ERISA preemption of State laws, certified AHPs are exempted from State regulation of health insurance providers, including State consumer protection laws and State requirements for health care benefits to be offered by such entities, with certain exceptions.) Establishes rules governing AHPs, including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation and coverage, nondiscrimination, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice of voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires AHPs which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency requirements. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any insolvent AHPs which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any AHP commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth limits on such tax, including reduction by the amount of any tax or assessment otherwise imposed by the State on specified other insurance related items maintained by the AHP. Requires AHPs to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Allows a certified AHP to exist in a State regardless of any State law that would preclude it. Preempts State requirements for benefits to be offered by AHPs; but allows a State in which an AHP is domiciled to require the domiciled AHP to cover particular types of diseases and conditions. Allows health insurance issuers to offer coverage of the same policy type offered in connection with a particular AHP to eligible employers, regardless of whether such employers are members of the particular association and regardless of State law. Deems health insurance coverage policy forms filed and approved in a particular State in connection with an insurer's offering under an AHP as approved in any other State in which such coverage is offered when the insurer provides a complete filing in the same form and manner to the authority in the other State. Makes inapplicable to certified AHPs certain current ERISA provisions which allow State regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs). Revises ERISA preemption rules to permit State regulation of self-insured MEWAs providing medical care which do not elect to meet the certification requirements for AHPs. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees by January 1, 2009, on the effect, if any, AHPs have had on the number of uninsured individuals. Revises requirements for treatment of single employer arrangements. Allows two or more trades or businesses to be deemed a single employer if they are in the same control group offering medical care benefits, under specified conditions. Provides for enforcement of AHP requirements, including criminal penalties for certain willful misrepresentations, issuance of cease and desist orders, and the responsibility of AHP boards of trustees for certain claims procedures. Directs the Secretary, regarding the exercise of authority, to consult only with the recognized primary domicile State for an AHP. Provides for transitional and other rules relating to treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that, as Congress recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, all Americans are encouraged to observe this anniversary with a commitment to continuing and building on the legacy of Brown.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004

Declares that the Congress: (1) recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision; (2) encourages all Americans to recognize and celebrate the anniversary; and (3) renews its commitment to continuing and building on the legacy of Brown with a pledge to acknowledge and address the modern day disparities that remain.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Defense should rectify deficiencies in the military postal system to ensure that members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas are able to receive and send mail in a timely manner as well as receive and send election ballots in time to be counted in the 2004 elections.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives (House) that: (1) it is in the interests of the United States to immediately resolve long-standing military mail delivery problems so that our troops can receive mail from home and are not disenfranchised in the 2004 election; (2) the Secretary of Defense should establish a system that expedites the delivery of election ballots to members and accurately tracks military postal transit times; and (3) the House stands ready to assist in resolving these issues.

Commending the marchers, expressing the belief that each individual has the right to manage his or her own fertility, recognizing that the expression of sexuality is a lifelong aspect of human development, trusting individuals to make responsible choices related to having children, supporting loving families in all of their relationship forms, and celebrating the March for Women's Lives in which individuals make their voices heard through collective pro-choice power.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004

Expresses that the House of Representatives: (1) commends the marchers who have come from around the world to fight for women's lives by participating in the March for Women's Lives; (2) believes that rights have no borders and that each individual has the fundamental right to manage his or her fertility; (3) recognizes that the full expression of sexuality is a lifelong aspect of human development; (4) trusts individuals to make responsible choices about whether, when, how, and with whom to have a child; (5) supports loving families in all of their relationship forms, and it should be ensured that they are strong, secure, and free from violence; and (6) celebrates the March in which individuals of every age, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, ability, immigration status, marital status, income, geography, religion, gender, and sexual orientation make their voices heard through collective pro-choice power.

Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness of autism, supporting programs for increased research and improved treatment of autism, improving training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004

Supports the designation of a National Autism Awareness Month. Recognizes and commends the parents and relatives of children with autism for their sacrifice and dedication in providing for the special needs of children with autism and for absorbing significant financial costs for specialized education and support services. Supports the goal of increasing Federal funding for aggressive research to: (1) determine causes of autism; (2) identify the best methods of early intervention and treatment; (3) expand programs for individuals with autism across their lifespan; and (4) promote understanding of the special needs of individuals with autism. Commends the Department of Health and Human Services for the implementation of the Children's Health Act of 2000, particularly for establishing four centers of excellence at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the epidemiology of autism and related disorders and proposing centers of excellence at the National Institutes of Health for autism research. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services soon after an individual has been diagnosed with autism, noting that early intervention strategies are the primary therapeutic options for individuals with autism and early intervention significantly improves outcomes for individuals with autism and can reduce the level of funding and services needed later in life. Supports fulfilling the Federal Government's nearly 30-year-old commitment to provide States with part of the costs needed to educate children with disabilities under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by funding the maximum 40 percent of such costs. Recognizes the: (1) shortage of appropriately trained teachers who have the skills and support necessary to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students, including those students with autism; and (2) importance of worker training programs that meet the needs of developmentally disabled individuals, including those individuals with autism. Notes that people with autism can be, and are, productive members of the workforce if they are given appropriate support, training, and early intervention services.

Putting Prevention First Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004

Putting Prevention First Act - Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for family planning services grants and contracts under the Public Health Services Act. Family Planning State Empowerment Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow States to provide family planning services and supplies to certain individuals not otherwise eligible for Medicaid. Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from excluding or restricting benefits in any way for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services. Amends the PHSA to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market. Emergency Contraception Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception to the public and to health care providers. Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act - Requires hospitals, as a condition of receiving Federal funds, to offer and to provide, upon request, emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. Family Life Education Act - Requires the Secretary to make grants to States for family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Preventing Teen Pregnancy Act - Amends the PHSA to authorize the Secretary to award grants to public and private entities to establish or expand teenage pregnancy prevention programs.

Family Life Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004

Family Life Education Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Expresses the sense of Congress that States are encouraged but not required to provide matching funds. Requires the Secretary to provide for a national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in changing adolescent sexual behavior, including delaying sexual and high-risk activity, preventing pregnancy and disease (including HIV/AIDS), and increasing contraceptive knowledge. Requires States receiving such grants to provide for an individual evaluation of the State's program by an external, independent entity.