Rep. John, Christopher [D-LA-7]

An amendment to insert a new section on page 105, after line 16, regarding mosquito control.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record of July 15,2003, to add a new section to the bill to prohibit use of funds to prosecute any individual for hunting migratory birds on or over land or water where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of manipulated re-growth of a harvested rice crop.

United States · United States Congress

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in Louisiana. Designates the Atchafalaya Trace Commission as the local coordinating entity of the Heritage Area. Prohibits the use of Federal funds authorized under this Act to acquire real property. Requires the Commission to develop and implement a management plan, subject to the Secretary of the Interior's approval, that incorporates an integrated and cooperative approach to conserve, interpret, and enhance the resources of the Heritage Area. Establishes a procedure for the voluntary inclusion of private property in the Heritage Area.

PROTECTION Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2004 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers for community policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts; and (3) in paying overtime to existing career law enforcement officers. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $50,000.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.

Medicare Rural Home Health Services Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Medicare Rural Home Health Services Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to provide for a two-year extension of the temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area.

Hunting Heritage and Fishing Preservation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Hunting Heritage and Fishing Preservation Act of 2004 - Hunting Heritage Protection Act - Requires that Federal public lands be open to access and use for recreational hunting with certain exceptions. Directs the head of each relevant Federal agency to support, promote, and enhance recreational hunting opportunities. Declares that Federal land management decisions and actions should, to the extent practicable, result in no net loss of land area available for hunting opportunities on Federal public lands. Prohibits a withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management status that effectively closes 5,000 or more acres of Federal public land for use for recreational hunting from occurring unless the head of the Federal agency with authority to manage the land has submitted written notice of the action to specified congressional committees. Freedom to Fish Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require that any fishery management plan, which is prepared by any Council or by the Secretary of Commerce, not establish geographic areas where recreational fishing is prohibited unless: (1) clear indication exists that recreational fishing in such area is the cause of a specific conservation problem; (2) no alternative conservation measures will adequately provide for conservation and management of the fishery; (3) the management plan provides for specific measurable criteria to assess whether the prohibition provides conservation benefits to the fishery, and requires periodic review to assess the continued need for the prohibition; (4) the best available scientific information supports the need to close the area to recreational fishing; and (5) the prohibition is terminated as soon as the condition that was the basis of the prohibition no longer exists.

Energy Independence for a Strong America Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Energy Independence for a Strong America Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a sale of oil and gas leases on all submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that: (1) are depicted on a specified Minerals Management Service document as "Leased or Deferred--Not Offered;" and (2) are not subject to a lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Keeping Our Education Promise to America's Children Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Keeping Our Education Promise to America's Children Act of 2004 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to defer certain Federal mandates under ESEA amendments made by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA) if the Federal Government fails to make specified minimum appropriations for provisions related to such mandates. Prohibits any school or local educational agency (LEA) from being identified for or subject to certain requirements of school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring for any year for which appropriations are less than 97 percent of specified amounts in each of FY 2005 through 2007 to carry out ESEA title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs). Authorizes any State educational agency (SEA) to defer commencing, suspend implementing, or modify (but not cease developing) certain SEA and LEA requirements for teachers and paraprofessionals, for one year for each year for which appropriations are less than 97 percent of specified amounts in each of FY 2005 through 2007 to carry out ESEA title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) subparts 1 through 4 (Grants to States; Subgrants to LEAs; Subgrants to Eligible Partnerships; Accountability).

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25 percent of any Social Security cost of living increase.

Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the extended availability through FY 2004 of SCHIP allotments for FY 1998 through 2001. Specifies formulae for amounts to be used in computing redistributions for FY 2003, 2003, and 2004. Provides for reallocation of 70 percent of the expiring FY 1998, 1999, and 2000 funds to States that have fully expended their annual allotments. Extends the availability of the remaining 30 percent of such expiring funds with the States that currently have them. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2002 SCHIP allotments to remain available through FY 2006. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2003 and 2004 SCHIP allotments to remain available through the end of FY 2007. Requires redistribution of the other 50 percent of such funds to States that have fully spent their allotments during the three-year period they were available. Requires a second redistribution according to the same 70-30 formula of any retained or redistributed funds still unexpended at the end of the two-year extention or redistribution. Provides for continued authority for qualifying States to use certain funds for Medicaid expenditures.

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.

Rural Education Equity Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004

Rural Education Equity Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Education to extend to all rural local educational agencies (LEAs) the same level of increased flexibility or facilitated compliance that the Secretary authorizes for any category of rural LEAs with respect to part A basic LEA programs of title I provisions for improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Providing that the trade authorities procedures under the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 shall not apply to any implementing bill submitted with respect to the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004

Declares that the President has failed or refused to notify or consult in accordance with the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 on negotiations with respect to the Central American Free Trade Agreement and, therefore, the trade authorities procedures under that Act shall not apply to any implementing bill submitted with respect to such trade agreement.

Essential Waterways Operations and Maintenance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004

Essential Waterways Operations and Maintenance Act of 2004 - Makes available for each fiscal year to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for operations and maintenance of essential waterways (in addition to amounts otherwise made available for operations and maintenance), five percent of the amount of duties collected during the preceding fiscal year on articles transported by vessel unladen for purposes of entering the customs territory of the United States. Defines an "essential waterway" as a waterway that: (1) the Secretary of the Army determines provides service to one of the 25 highest ranked U.S. ports in terms of total tonnage of cargo transported through the port; (2) the Secretary of Energy determines is a critical component of the U.S. energy infrastructure; (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security determines provides service to at least one militarily and economically strategic port; or (4) the Secretary of Transportation determines provides service to at least one commercially strategic port.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding Federal assistance for programs to reduce suicide among children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop and implement State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) support public organizations actively involved in State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies and in the development and continuation of such intervention and prevention strategies; (3) collect and analyze data on State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention services that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (4) assist eligible entities in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award a grant or contract to establish the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to expand mental and behavior health services to students, to provide such services, and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services.

Drug Importation Promotion and Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004

Drug Importation Promotion and Safety Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish the Office of Drug Importation Promotion and Safety. Allows a registered drug importation facility, pharmacy, Internet pharmacy, or wholesaler to import a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug from Canada or a permitted country. Prohibits the commingling of domestic and imported prescription drugs. Requires a pharmacy or Internet pharmacy that dispenses an imported prescription drug to label such drug accordingly. Allows individuals to import prescription drugs from: (1) a registered Internet pharmacy; or (2) licensed pharmacies for personal use. Allows the Secretary to suspend importation of a particular drug from a particular facility, pharmacy, wholesaler, or country. Allows licensed Internet pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs. Sets forth licensing requirements for Internet pharmacies. Makes interactive computer service providers and advertising service providers liable for violations under this Act if such a provider accepts advertising: (1) for a prescription drug from an unlicensed Internet pharmacy; or (2) stating that an individual does not need a prescription to obtain a prescription drug. Requires the Secretary to: (1) require the adoption and use of electronic track and trace technology to identify each sale, purchase, or trade of a prescription drug; and (2) establish a network to provide prompt notification of counterfeit drugs and to facilitate the identification and reporting of such drugs. Sets forth requirements for wholesalers, including requirements to identify the immediately previous distributor of record and all previous sales, purchases, or trades for imported prescription drugs.

Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Extension Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004

Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to extend the terrorism risk insurance program through December 31, 2008. Restricts "insured loss" with respect to the Final Program Year to certain losses covered by property and casualty insurance issued before January 1, 2008, and expiring not later than December 31, 2008. Sets forth an insurer deductible that is the value of an insurer's direct earned premiums multiplied by 15 percent for Program Years 3, 4, and 5, and for the Final Program Year. Redefines "insured loss" to include group life insurance coverage.

To amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to include a definition of initial reservation and consultation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004

Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to define initial reservation (geographical area) and consultation (with State, local, and tribal governments within 50 miles of land proposed to be taken into trust for a gaming facility). Revises consultation requirements for an exception to gaming restrictions on certain land. Specifies that the State or local governments or nearby Indians tribes with which the Secretary of the Interior is required to consult on a proposed gaming establishment must have jurisdiction over land located within 50 miles of the land proposed to be taken into trust for the establishment. Declares as a favorable determination alternative to the currently required best interest of the Indian tribe and its members, with no detriment to the surrounding community, that the gaming establishment would not have a negative economic impact on businesses, governments, or Indian tribes within a 50 mile radius of the land proposed to be taken into trust.

Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care management services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the different payment methodologies applicable with respect to chronic care management services developed and implemented under this Act; (2) the effectiveness of the pay for performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, including dementia; (3) process measures and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses, including dementia; (4) the cost-effectiveness and quality associated with chronic care management under the Medicare program; and (5) the feasibility of broadening and incorporating the findings of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) study into the Medicare program.

To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to pay for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services at a rate that is at least 101 percent of the payment rate otherwise applicable under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage organizations to provide for a payment rate for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services at least 101 percent of the payment rate otherwise applicable under the Medicare Program.

Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a three-year pilot program under which up to 15 States authorized by the Secretary may issue electronic migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps. Requires implementation of the program no later than one year after the beginning of the first full Federal migratory waterfowl hunting seasons after enactment of this Act and continuation of the program for three such seasons. Prohibits a State's participation in the program absent the Secretary's approval of an application providing details of the State's electronic stamp process. Requires the Secretary to publish: (1) deadlines for the submission of State applications; (2) eligibility requirements for program participation; and (3) criteria for selecting States for the program. Directs the Secretary to require participating States to: (1) provide an actual (paper) stamp to each individual to whom the State sells an electronic stamp by the date on which the electronic stamp expires; and (2) collect and transmit to the Secretary electronic stamp revenue and customer information. Authorizes participating States to charge a reasonable fee to cover program costs. Sets forth requirements for electronic stamps. Authorizes termination of a State's participation in the program by the Secretary, upon written notice, for violations of the terms of an approved application or by the State. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report on the pilot program.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the importance of life insurance, and recognizing and supporting National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004

Recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of Life Insurance Awareness Month.

Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004

Patient Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to apply patient protection and quality care standards to group health plans and issuers of health insurance coverage. Applies such standards also to Federal health insurance programs. Requires such plans and issuers to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Requires patient access to health plan information and to care, including: (1) a consumer choice option and choice of health care professional; (2) emergency care; (3) timely access to specialists; (4) obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics; (5) care continuity; (6) prescription drugs; (7) participation in clinical trials; and (8) breast cancer treatment hospital stays and consultations. Restricts interference by a plan or insurer with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits discrimination against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Sets forth requirements relating to payment of claims and protection of patient advocacy. Provides a tax credit for the health insurance expenses of small businesses. Treats qualified health benefit purchasing distributions by private foundations as distributions for a charitable purpose. Establishes demonstration grants programs to: (1) increase access to health insurance through alternative means; and (2) provide health insurance information to small employers.

Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a person from using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine, computer, or other device to send, to another fax machine, an unsolicited advertisement to a person who has requested that such sender not send such advertisements, or to any other person unless: (1) the sender has an established business relationship with the person; and (2) the advertisement contains a conspicuous notice on its first page that the recipient may request not to be sent any further unsolicited advertisements, and includes a domestic telephone and fax number (neither of which can be a pay-per-call number) for sending such a request. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide that a request not to send unsolicited advertisements complies with FCC requirements if: (1) the request identifies the recipient fax number to which the request relates; (2) the request is made to the telephone or fax number of the sender; and (3) the person making the request has not subsequently provided express invitation or permission to have such advertisements sent. Authorizes the FCC to allow professional tax-exempt trade associations to send unsolicited advertisements to their members in furtherance of association purposes. Requires the: (1) FCC to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of the above requirements; and (2) Comptroller General to study, and report to specified congressional committees on, complaints received by the FCC concerning unsolicited advertisements sent to fax machines.

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make Alzheimer's disease research a priority within the National Institute on Aging. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative to accelerate the discovery of new risk and protective factors, to rapidly identify therapies and preventive interventions, and to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to educate the public and public health community regarding Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop coordinated respite care programs on a statewide basis. Defines "respite care" to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of such child or adult. Directs the Secretary to award a grant or cooperative agreement to a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a nonrefundable tax credit for each individual certified as having long-term care needs and for whom the taxpayer is acting as a caregiver; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care premiums paid under a qualified insurance contract; and (3) qualified long-term care insurance to be offered in a cafeteria plan and flexible spending arrangements.

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.

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2004 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-Federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires rates charged to reasonably and equitably reflect the costs of the benefits provided. Permits rates and premiums to vary based on age but not on health status factors. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.

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.

Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the definition of "firefighter" for purposes of death benefit provisions to include fire department members regardless of age, status as an apprentice or trainee, or related duty restrictions. Makes this Act applicable to deaths and injuries which occur on or after May 4, 2002.

Medicare Prescription Drug Low-Income Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Medicare Prescription Drug Low-Income Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the automatic enrollment of beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) in the interim prescription drug discount program and the transitional assistance program, making them eligible for the $600 per year in low-income discount card assistance without requiring a separate enrollment process. Provides for automatic enrollment for MSP beneficiaries under the permanent Medicare part D prescription drug coverage program.

Public Servant Retirement Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Public Servant Retirement Protection Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the current windfall elimination provisions (which reduce Social Security benefits of retirees who paid into the Social Security system for part of their careers and who also receive a government pension from work in the public sector not covered by Social Security) and to replace them with a formula that treats non-Social Security earnings as if they were Social Security earnings for the purpose of calculating lifetime earnings for certain individuals.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Community Health Center Week to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Calls for the establishment of a National Health Center Week (beginning on August 8, 2004) to raise awareness of the health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers.

Healthy Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Healthy Troops Act - Requires predeployment and postdeployment medical examinations of certain members of the armed forces to include self-administered surveys followed by clinical examinations. Specifies that predeployment surveys and examinations shall include: (1) the collection of clinical data; (2) the collection of information on current and past physical or mental health conditions that might affect performance; (3) an assessment of mental health; (4) screening for diseases prevalent among the armed forces; and (5) referrals for any conditions needing further treatment. Specifies that postdeployment surveys and examinations shall include self-reported information about relevant exposures during the period of deployment including combat experience and screening for post-traumatic stress disorder. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study of the effectiveness of self-administered surveys.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to restrict the application of the windfall elimination provision to individuals whose combined monthly income from benefits under such title and other monthly periodic payments exceeds $2,500 and to provide for a graduated implementation of such provision on amounts above such $2,500 amount.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance)of the Social Security Act to: (1) restrict the application of the windfall elimination requirement to individuals whose combined monthly income from the individual's primary insurance amount under such title and the portion of the monthly periodic payment attributable to noncovered service performed after 1956 exceeds $2,500; and (2) provide for a graduated implementation of such requirement on amounts above such threshold by applying applicable percentages determined according to a specified formula.

To amend title 32, United States Code, to rename the National Guard Challenge Program as the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, to increase the maximum Federal share of the costs of State programs under the National Youth Guard Challenge Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004

Amends Federal provisions concerning the National Guard Challenge Program (a civilian youth opportunities program conducted by the Secretary of Defense) to: (1) provide a maximum Federal matching funds level of 65 percent of the costs of operating the State program during FY 2005, 70 percent during FY 2006, and 75 percent for FY 2007 and beyond; (2) authorize appropriations for the Program for FY 2005; and (3) rename it the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

To award posthumously a congressional gold medal to Thurgood Marshall.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the family of Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court) in recognition of Marshall's contributions to the Nation.

SEARCH Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004

Servitude and Emancipation Archival Research ClearingHouse Act of 2004 or the SEARCH Act of 2004 - Directs the Archivist of the United States to establish, as part of the National Archives, a national database consisting of historic records of servitude and emancipation in the United States to assist African Americans in researching their genealogy. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to maintain the database.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to modify provisions regarding firefighter assistance to make the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration (currently, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) responsible for such assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to volunteer emergency medical service squads and to provide assistance for firefighter safety research and development. Includes within authorized uses of grants the funding of such squads that are not affiliated with a fire department, hospital, or for-profit entity. Makes specified funds available for research to improve firefighter health and life safety. Grants priority for certain earmarked funds to organizations that focus on prevention of injuries to high risk groups from fire, as well as research programs that demonstrate the potential to improve firefighter safety. Allows the Administrator to provide assistance only if the applicant agrees to match with an equal amount of non-Federal funds 20 (currently 30) percent of the assistance received for any fiscal year. Modifies grant recipient limitations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene an annual meeting of non-Federal fire service experts to recommend criteria for awarding grants and necessary administrative changes; (2) publish each year in the Federal Register guidelines that describe the grant application process and award criteria; (3) appoint fire service personnel to conduct peer review of applications; and (4) re-conduct a study to define the current role and activities associated with fire services.

Get Outdoors Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004

Get Outdoors Act of 2004 - Establishes the Get Outdoors Act Fund (GOAF) in the U.S. Treasury. Sets forth formulas and related requirements for allocating GOAF amounts: (1) to coastal States with approved Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plans, as required by this Act; (2) to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for Federal and State purposes (amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965); (3) for entitlement land and migratory bird refuge revenue sharing payments; (4) for Federal and Indian lands enhancement; (5) to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Planning program (amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act); (6) to develop and implement Imperiled Wildlife and Rare Plant Recovery Agreements, as defined in this Act; (7) to carry out the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978; and (8) for historic preservation purposes (amends the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994). Requires congressional approval for use of the Federal portion of LWCF amounts. Authorizes each State to define priorities and criteria for the selection of projects eligible for grants under this Act if: (1) consistent with this Act; (2) the State provides for public involvement; and (3) the State publishes a State Action Agenda for Community Conservation and Recreation (replacing the current State Plan). Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to develop a plan for acquisition and disposal of land in Montana to consolidate forest reserves.

Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2004

Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2004 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees shall not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether DARSS licensees should be permitted to provide locally oriented services on nationally distributed channels, taking into account, among other things, the ability of such licensees to afford listeners the same emergency and other information as is afforded listeners of local broadcast stations.

Assuring Fiscal Honesty and Accountability Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2004

Assuring Honesty and Accountability Act of 2004 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend through FY 2007 the spending limits (spending caps) for the discretionary categories in new budget authority and outlays. Extends pay-as-you-go requirements through FY 2009. Extends specified budget enforcement mechanisms through FY 2009. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 concerning legislation which: (1) evades specified budget enforcement mechanisms; (2) provides direct spending (to be included in the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis (scoring)); and (3) is unreported by committee (for purposes of budget point of order rules). Requires reports on legislation which provide new budget, spending, or credit authority or otherwise provide an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures to include a projection by CBO of the cost of debt servicing (interest). Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to address issues of emergency spending through: (1) establishing criteria and guidelines; and (2) requiring a separate House vote on an emergency designation. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives concerning: (1) budget compliance statements (permitting inclusion of budgetary implications); (2) requirements for budget act waivers (inclusion mandatory for bill consideration); and (3) a separate vote to waive a major budget act point of order.

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 - Establishes the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program to achieve major measurable reductions in losses of life and property from windstorms. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an Interagency Working Group consisting of representatives of the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other Federal agencies as appropriate. Outlines general agency responsibilities. Requires the Program to consist of the following primary mitigation components: (1) improved understanding of windstorms; (2) windstorm impact assessment; and (3) windstorm impact reduction, which shall be implemented through activities such as data collection and analysis and research and development. Requires research activities authorized under this Act to be peer-reviewed and the components to be designed to be complementary to and avoid duplication of other hazard reduction efforts. Requires the Working Group to: (1) develop an implementation plan for achieving Program objectives; and (2) transmit biennial reports on the status of the Program. Requires the Director to establish a National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction to assess: (1) trends and developments in the science and engineering of windstorm impact reduction; (2) the effectiveness of the Program in carrying out specified activities to improve windstorm impact assessment; (3) revising the Program; and (4) implementation and management of the Program. Requires the Advisory Committee to report biennially on such assessment.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the current policy on bids for agricultural food tenders in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. agricultural products should be prioritized during any consideration of food aid and commercial tenders to Iraq, and that this sentiment should be included in any upcoming Memorandum of Understanding or other policy decision regarding agricultural food tenders among the World Food Program, the Iraq Ministry of Trade, and/or the Coalition Provisional Authority.

Bring Our Children Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004

Bring Our Children Home Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that a contestant may bring an action in U.S. district court to resolve conflicting child custody determinations. Directs the Attorney General to establish a registry of child custody and visitation orders and proceedings. Authorizes State and local law enforcement officers to hold any child listed as missing for a proper custody disposition. Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act to require the U.S. Central Authority under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction to establish a funding program for the provision of legal services to persons seeking remedies in interstate or international parental kidnapping cases. Authorizes the Legal Services Corporation to provide Convention-related legal assistance to qualified aliens. Requires the Central Authority to encourage the designation of courts to hear Convention-related cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require the Federal Judicial Center to include in its continuing education programs information on the Convention and related laws. Requires various reports relating to international child abduction. Requires the Attorney General to support, through specified activities, the adoption and implementation in the States of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 to expand the Safe Havens for Children Pilot Program to include children at risk of parental kidnapping. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize the disclosure of taxpayer identity information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004

Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2004 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of providing Medicaid coverage for certain low-income HIV-infected individuals. Provides States taking advantage of this option with an enhanced Federal Medicaid match.

Supporting the construction by Israel of a security fence to prevent Palestinian terrorist attacks and condemning the decision by the United Nations General Assembly to request the International Court of Justice to render an opinion on the legality of the security fence.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004

Declares that Congress: (1) supports Israel's construction of a security fence to prevent Palestinian terrorist attacks; and (2) condemns the United Nations General Assembly's decision to request the International Court of Justice to render an opinion on the legality of the fence.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding negotiating, in the United States-Thailand Free Trade Agreement, access to the United States automobile industry.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that negotiations on access to critical segments of the U.S. automobile market should not take place on a piecemeal basis, but only as part of: (1) negotiations that include all major automobile producing nations; and (2) comprehensive negotiations that address both tariff and nontariff barriers specific to the automobile industry, with progress on eliminating tariff barriers explicitly linked to concrete progress on eliminating nontariff barriers.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase awareness and education about heart disease and the risk factors of heart disease among women.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2004

Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase awareness and education about heart disease and the risk factors for heart disease among women. Commends First Lady Laura Bush and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in their vital campaign to raise public awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Recognizes that the more women become cognizant of the scourge of heart disease and how to prevent it, the more likely they can make sound lifestyle changes to help reduce their chances of getting heart disease.

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 and older, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months before October 2005; (2) 40 percent for months after September 2005 and before October 2008; (3) 45 percent for months after September 2008 and before October 2014; and (4) 55 percent for months after September 2014 . Adjusts similarly percentage amounts with respect to survivors of reserve personnel and survivors of persons who die while on active duty. Provides a corresponding phased elimination of the SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided to such surviving spouses. Requires periodic recomputation of: (1) annuity amounts beginning in October 2005; and (2) retired pay reductions for supplemental survivor annuities. Provides a one-year open enrollment period for SBP participation, commencing October 1, 2005, for those currently not participating, those electing to increase current coverage, and those wishing to participate in the supplemental SBP. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require appropriate premiums for SBP participation.