United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Cesar E. Chavez Congressional Gold Medal Act - 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 next of kin or other personal representative of Cesar E. Chavez in recognition of his service to the Nation. (Chavez organized farm workers to campaign for safe and fair working conditions, founded the National Farm Workers Association-- predecessor of the United Farm Workers of America-- and was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.)
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to replace the program of assistance to disadvantaged children in Asia with a program of assistance for orphans and vulnerable children in developing countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance (grants, international organization contributions, or governmental assistance) for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries for: (1) basic care; (2) HIV/AIDS treatment, including mental health services; (3) school food programs; (4) education and employment training assistance; and (5) protection of inheritance rights. Establishes within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) an Office for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children. Provides assistance priority for countries with specified HIV levels among women and high-risk groups.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Health, Safety, and Security of Peace Corps Volunteers Act of 2004 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to establish in the Peace Corps the Office of the Ombudsman of the Peace Corps, which shall administer complaints or concerns regarding services or support provided by the Peace Corps to its volunteers, including matters respecting: (1) safety and security; (2) due process, including processes relating to separation from the Peace Corps; (3) benefits and assistance; (4) medical or other health-related assistance; and (5) access to files and records. Establishes the Office of Safety and Security of the Peace Corps, which shall be responsible for safety and security activities of the Peace Corps, including background checks, volunteer, staff, and facilities safety, and information technology security. Requires specified reports respecting Peace Corps: (1) medical services; (2) volunteer assignment; and (3) employment duration. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to provide for the appointment of an Office of Inspector General for the Peace Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Climate Stewardship Act of 2004 - Expands Federal climate change research initiatives by: (1) establishing a graduate fellowship program; (2) creating a grant program for research in identified priority areas; and (3) instituting research programs on potential abrupt climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) related standards, measurement technologies, and processes. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) report to Congress on the oceanic and coastal impacts of climate change; and (2) assist certain coastal States in preparing persons to adapt to climate change. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of GHG emissions by covered entities (specified entities that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to both covered and noncovered entities. Establishes a program for the market-driven reduction of GHGs by covered entities through the use of tradeable emissions allowances. Requires covered entities, beginning in 2010, to submit to the Administrator one tradeable allowance for every metric ton of GHGs emitted. Allows tradeable allowances to be sold, exchanged, purchased, retired, or otherwise used as authorized by this Act. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation (CCCC) to receive, manage, buy, and sell tradeable allowances. Directs the Administrator to make allocations of allowances to covered sectors and entities, and to the CCCC, providing initial allocations for early action and accelerated participation. Imposes civil penalties on covered entities that fail to submit allowances.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2004
United States International Leadership Act of 2004 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State and the relevant U.S. chiefs of mission, to seek to establish a democracy caucus at the United Nations (UN), the UN Human Rights Commission, the UN Conference on Disarmament, and at other broad-based international organizations. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a high-level Government delegation is sent annually to consult with key foreign governments to promote the U.S. agenda at international fora. Directs the President, through the Secretary and the relevant U.S. chiefs of mission, to use the influence of the United States to reform the criteria for leadership and, in appropriate cases for membership, at all UN bodies and at other international organizations and multilateral institutions so as to exclude nations that violate organization principles, or are subject to organization sanctions. Amends the Foreign Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish training courses for Foreign Service officers, including appropriate chiefs of mission, on the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions and at broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments. Declares that selection boards responsible for recommending Senior Foreign Service promotions shall consider whether the Service member has served in a position whose primary responsibility is to formulate policy towards or represent the United States at an international organization, a multilateral institution, or a broad-based multilateral negotiation of an international instrument. Directs the Secretary to report on: (1) establishment of a new Foreign Service cone concentrating on service at international organizations and multilateral institutions or participation in multilateral negotiations of international instruments; and (2) alternative mechanisms for developing a core group of U.S. diplomats and other government employees experienced in conducting multilateral diplomacy. Authorizes the Secretary to establish, within the Bureau of International Organizational Affairs an Office on Multilateral Negotiations. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 to require the Secretary to report annually on U.S. and international efforts to obtain full membership for the Magen David Adom of Israel in the International Red Cross Movement. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) combat the piracy of U.S. copyrighted materials; and (2) make a voluntary contribution to the Organization of American States for the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to develop a port as a model of best security practices.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Celebrates the 50th anniversary of relations between the United States and the European Union. Commends the U.S. mission to the European Union and the mission of the European Commission to the United States for the professional representation of the interests of the United States and European Union over the past 50 years. Recognizes that continued cooperation between the United States and the European Union is essential to resolving international disputes, promoting peace, expanding global economic opportunity, combating global threats, and being prepared to respond to unforeseen events. Encourages enhanced United States-European Union strategic discussion and institutional cooperation, including increased discussions between representatives of the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament through the Transatlantic Legislator's Dialogue.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Honors the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin for its commitment to improving access to health care and enhancing awareness of and action on issues affecting Indian American health. Calls for the establishment of an American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns Iran's continuing deceptions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the international community about its nuclear programs and activities, and demands that Iran immediately and permanently cease efforts to acquire nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and cease nuclear enrichment activities; (2) calls upon all State Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), including the United States, to use all appropriate means to deter Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including ending all nuclear and other cooperation with Iran, until Iran fully implements the Additional Protocol between Iran and the IAEA for the application of safeguards; (3) calls upon all countries to intercede with their commercial entities to ensure that these entities refrain from or cease all investment and investment-related activities that support Iran's energy industry; (4) urges the IAEA Board of Governors to report to the United Nations Security Council that Iran is in noncompliance with its agreements; (5) urges the United Nations Security Council, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Zangger Committee, and other international entities to declare that non-nuclear-weapon states under NPT who commit violations of their safeguards agreements regarding uranium enrichment or plutonium reprocessing, or engage in activities which could support a military nuclear program, thereby forfeit their right to engage in nuclear fuel-cycle activities; (6) urges the United Nations Security Council to consider measures to support IAEA inspection efforts; and (7) urges the President to keep the Congress fully and currently informed concerning the matters addressed in this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Urges the President to provide encouragement and support for the ratification, establishment, and financing of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea for the prosecution of surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2004
Commends the Government of the People's Republic of China (China) for its steps to improve its legal framework for intellectual property (IP) rights protection and efforts toward compliance with international standards for IP rights established by the World Trade Organization. Recognizes, despite such steps, the continued existence of widespread IP rights violations in China. Urges the Chinese Government to undertake a coordinated nationwide IP rights enforcement campaign and related actions. Recommends that China implement: (1) more effective customs and border measures to prevent massive exportation of pirated goods into the United States and other countries; and (2) a legal framework and effective enforcement mechanisms that would protect the IP rights not only of the United States and other foreign business enterprises, but also of Chinese IP rights holders. Urges the Chinese Government to give greater market access to the foreign producers of legitimate products such as film and other audiovisual products in order to reduce demand for and prevalence of pirated and counterfeit goods. Calls upon the Chinese Government to promptly accede to the 1996 World Intellectual Property Organization Internet-related treaties and harmonize its regulations and implementing rules. Encourages China's efforts to bring its framework of laws, regulations, and implementing rules into compliance with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the human rights of North Koreans should remain a key concern in future negotiations between the United States, North Korea, and other parties in Northeast Asia; (2) the United States should increase its support for radio broadcasting to North Korea; (3) the United Nations has a significant role to play in promoting and improving human rights in North Korea; (4) the United States should pursue an international agreement to adopt a `first asylum' policy, modeled on the first asylum policy for Vietnamese refugees, that guarantees safe haven to North Korean refugees; (5) the Government of China has obligated itself to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with unimpeded access to North Koreans inside its borders to enable UNHCR to determine whether they are refugees and whether they require assistance; and (6) the United States should promote measures similar to humanitarian parole or temporary protected status granted in countries that neighbor North Korea. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to promote human rights, democracy, rule of law, and the development of a market economy in North Korea; (2) increase the availability of information inside North Korea by increasing the availability of information sources not controlled by the Government of North Korea; (3) provide assistance to the World Food Program and to U.S. nongovernmental organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to North Koreans inside North Korea; and (4) provide assistance to organizations or persons that provide humanitarian assistance or legal assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the permission of the Government of North Korea. Prohibits U.S. agency humanitarian or nonhumanitarian assistance to the Government of North Korea without certification that North Korea has taken steps to ensure the humanitarian, nonpolitical use of such assistance. States that for refugee or asylum status under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a national of the Democratic Republic of Korea shall not be considered a national of the Republic of Korea. Directs the Secretary of State to designate natives or citizens of North Korea who were subjected to disproportionately harsh or discriminatory treatment for their political or religious beliefs as a priority refugee group. Provides, with respect to qualifying citizens and nationals of North Korea, for: (1) parole entry; (2) status adjustment to permanent resident; and (3) temporary protected status.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/14 (December 8, 2003) which requests the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to render an advisory opinion concerning the international legal consequences arising from Israel's construction of a security fence in parts of the West Bank; (2) deplores the use of the International Court of Justice by the United Nations General Assembly for political purposes that only do harm to the credibility of the General Assembly and the Court, and threaten to impede international and United States efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; (3) commends the Administration for its leadership in opposing the manipulation of the International Court of Justice into a political forum for denunciation of Israel and its legitimate self-defense; (4) expresses the continued commitment of the United States to Israel's right to exist as a Jewish democratic state, its security and its right of self-defense, including the right to build a security fence as a direct consequence of more than three years of Palestinian terrorism; (5) condemns the ongoing failure of the Palestinian leadership to take action to cease all violence and terrorism against Israel and to instead pursue misguided political alternatives to the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, democratic reform, and direct peace negotiations; and (6) reiterates support for the President's June 2002 speech setting out the conditions necessary for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for the achievement of a negotiated two-state solution based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 1397 (2002) calling for the exchange of territory for peace, direct negotiations between the parties, and the immediate cessation of all violence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the well-being of deployed U.S. armed forces is of paramount importance; (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) should do its utmost to see that such personnel have the best force protection equipment available; (3) DOD and the military departments should increase the ability of currently unarmored vehicles that are deployed forward under Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to resist improvised explosive devices; and (4) DOD should immediately release to the military departments all funds that have been authorized and appropriated, but not released, for defeating such improvised explosive devices and mitigating their effect on vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004
GEAR UP & GO Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise specified requirements for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) to facilitate the transition of low-income high school students into postsecondary education. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out a GEAR UP & GO grants program to provide low-income high school students participating in GEAR UP partnerships or State programs opportunities for dual/concurrent enrollment in college courses while still enrolled in high school. Provides that students in such program: (1) shall not be required to apply for admission to the institution of higher education; and (2) may receive college credit. Requires up to 25 percent of GEAR UP & GO program funds to be reserved for grants to early/middle college high schools designed to provide 9th through 12th grade low-income and first-generation college students with a coherent course of study enabling them to earn simultaneously a high school diploma and college credit toward a postsecondary degree.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) acknowledges the belief that the United States and the world have been made safer with the removal of Saddam Hussein and his regime from power in Iraq, and the belief that a final judgment on the value of activities in Iraq cannot be made until Iraq is stable and secure; (2) commends the Iraqi people for their courage in the face of unspeakable oppression and brutality inflicted on them by Saddam Hussein's regime; (3) commends the Iraqi people on the adoption of Iraq's interim constitution; (4) commends the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service; (5) expresses deep sorrow and regret for the deaths of more than 550 and the wounding of more than 3,500 U.S. armed forces members in Iraq and extends support to their families; and (6) expresses sorrow and regret for the deaths in Iraq of U.S. civilians, U.N. personnel, unknown numbers of Iraqi civilians, and other noncombatants. States that the House of Representatives urges the President to: (1) take all steps necessary to ensure that U.S. armed forces members in Iraq receive the best force protection equipment available, including protective body armor and extra-armored wheeled vehicle; (2) ensure that U.S. armed forces members who suffer wounds or other injuries, or who incur illness while serving in Iraq receive high-quality health care to treat the short-term and long-term consequences of such wounds, injuries, and illnesses; (3) recognize the key contributions made by members of the reserve components of the armed forces, and their families, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and, in consultation with Congress, to address the civilian-military pay disparity that exists for many Reserve and Guard personnel when ordered to active duty; (4) acknowledge that there were serious deficiencies in U.S. pre-war intelligence on Iraq, particularly in light of the failure to find any evidence of significant weapons of mass destruction stockpiles, and to take steps to improve intelligence so that United States troops are better protected and future United States national security strategies are better informed; (5) request sufficient funding to fully support U.S. military operations in Iraq and the surrounding region in order to ensure the safety and well-being of U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and the surrounding region; (6) obtain international participation in the securing, reconstruction, and political development of Iraq, including the protection of women's and children's rights; and (7) take steps to correct the failure of the United States Government to plan adequately for the post-war occupation of Iraq, including the failure to integrate internal United States Government studies and outside expert opinions that predicted the onset of guerrilla activity and described how to promote effective reconstruction, democratization, and civil society development activities, and the failure to apply those studies and opinions today in order to improve current U.S. reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist bombing attacks in Madrid that occurred on March 11, 2004; (2) expresses its condolences to the families of the individuals murdered in the terrorist attacks, expresses its sympathies to the individuals injured in the attacks, and conveys its hope for the rapid and complete recovery of all such injured individuals; (3) expresses its condolences to the people and Government of the Kingdom of Spain for the losses they have suffered; and (4) expresses its solidarity with Spain and all other countries which stand united against terrorism and which work together to bring to justice the perpetrators of these and other terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2004
Designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations Reform Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to revise requirements authorizing the Secretary to designate an organization as a foreign terrorist organization. Makes designations effective until revoked or set aside (currently effective for two years, subject to revocation). Sets forth procedures requiring the Secretary to review the designation of a foreign terrorist organization upon the organization's filing a petition for revocation within two years after such designation. Requires the Secretary to review a designation if no review has taken place within a four-year period. Authorizes the Secretary to amend a designation. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to require the inclusion in the State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism of: (1) information concerning specified terrorist groups that are known to have obtained or developed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or that are designated as foreign terrorist organizations under the INA; and (2) to the extent feasible, information concerning countries that have assisted terrorists in obtaining or developing WMDs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2004
Protecting Our Children from Violence Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General, upon request of the chief executive of a State, to ensure that a covered State social services officer has the authority for online access to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases and the Interstate Identification Index to carry out criminal history records checks. Limits such authority to a check of an individual who: (1) resided with a minor at the time of an actual or alleged incident of abuse or neglect of that minor, or at the time during which such an incident may have occurred; or (2) is the subject of an investigation relating to an incident of abuse or neglect of a minor. Requires the Attorney General to ensure that such an officer has the authority for "read only" electronic access to the NCIC databases for the purpose of carrying out checks of records relating to missing persons or warrants. Directs such officer to use access only for an investigation relating to a missing child and to share any information obtained with appropriate Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Directs the Attorney General to ensure that the Case Analysis Division, the Missing Children's Division, and the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children each have access to the Index, subject to specified limitations. Limits the release of information. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly releasing information in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2004
Part-time Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide access and assistance to increase college attendance and completion by part-time students. Exempts from student aid need formula determinations earnings up to: (1) $9,000 by dependent students; (2) $12,000 by independent students with no dependents (other than spouse); and (3) $12,000 by independent students with dependents (other than spouse). Provides for a formula for a revised table of income protection allowances. Exempts earned income credits from the calculation of income. Revises and expands a program (child care access means parents in school) which provides grants to institutions of higher education for child care assistance for low-income students. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a year-round Pell grant pilot program. Authorizes a demonstration program to create a holistic approach to addressing the needs of part-time students. Allows such program to: (1) be at up to 150 associates and bachelors degree-granting institutions; and (2) include grants, leveraging funds from non-Federal sources, comprehensive child care, and better tailored remedial course programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to prohibit the operation of the Medicare comparative cost adjustment program in California.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Family Abduction Prevention Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to States for projects involving: (1) the extradition of individuals suspected of committing a family abduction back to the State from which the child was taken; (2)investigation by law enforcement agencies of family abduction cases; (3) training for law enforcement agencies in responding to family abductions and recovering abducted children; (4) outreach and media campaigns to educate parents on the dangers of family abductions; and (5) notifying law enforcement authorities of the name and address of anyone requesting the school records of an abducted child. Requires that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a project for which a grant is made be provided by non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) welcomes the accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); (2) reaffirms that NATO's enlargement enhances United States and North Atlantic area security; (3) agrees that NATO's enlargement should be open to membership by any European democracy that meets NATO membership criteria and whose admission would further the principles of the Washington Treaty of 1949 and enhance North Atlantic area security; and (4) recommends that NATO heads of state and government should review the enlargement process, including the applications of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia, at a summit meeting to be held no later than 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Commends the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (Girl Scouts) for its efforts to launch a national dialogue on the issue of girls' safety. Recognizes the Girl Scouts for its leadership and expertise in knowing the needs of girls through the work of the Girl Scout Research Institute. Commends the Girl Scouts for actively promoting issues important to girls.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2004
Life Insurance Anti-Discrimination in Travel Act - Prohibits denying any person life insurance coverage, or making any distinction or otherwise discriminating in the issuance, cancellation, terms (including premium rates), or conditions of life insurance coverage, based upon that person's lawful travel experiences. Makes a violation of this Act an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns the detention of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; (2) condemns the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam; and (3) urges the Government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader relationship with the United States, including the United States-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Father Ly a top concern; (2) reiterate its deep concern regarding the violation of Father Ly's and other prisoners' human rights, and continue to urge the Government of Vietnam to comply with international standards for freedom and human rights; and (3) make it clear to the Government of Vietnam that the detention and human rights violations of Father Ly and other persons create obstacles to improved bilateral relations with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2004
Directs each Federal agency that provides grants, loans, or loan guarantees to businesses to require, as a condition of such assistance, that the business provide annually information on: (1) the number of employees employed in the United States and its territories and the number employed outside the United States, as well as wage information on U.S. employees; and (2) the percentage of the workforce that has been laid off or forced to resign during the preceding year. Prohibits, until the situation is corrected, subsequent assistance to a business that lays off a greater percentage of workers in the United States or its territories than in other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) allow pancreata procured for use in islet cell transplantation or research to be counted for certification purposes for qualified organ procurement organization grants; and (2) require the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to include in its annual report an assessment of the Federal activities and programs related to pancreatic islet cell transplantation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
End Racial Profiling Act of 2004 - Prohibits any law enforcement agent or agency from engaging in racial profiling. Authorizes the United States or an individual injured by racial profiling to bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief in State court or U.S. district court. Makes proof that the routine or spontaneous investigatory activities of law enforcement agents in a jurisdiction have had a disparate impact on racial, ethnic, or religious minorities prima facie evidence of a violation. Authorizes the court to allow a prevailing plaintiff attorney's fees under specified circumstances. Directs Federal law enforcement agencies to: (1) cease practices that encourage racial profiling; and (2) maintain policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling, including the collection of data on routine investigatory activities, procedures for responding meaningfully to complaints alleging racial profiling, and procedures to discipline agents who engage in racial profiling. Requires that an application by a State, local , or Indian tribal government for funding under the Byrne, Cops on the Beat, or Local Law Enforcement Block Grant program include a certification that such government: (1) maintains adequate policies and procedures designed to eliminate racial profiling; and (2) has ceased any practices that encourage racial profiling. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States and specified entities to develop and implement best practice devices and systems to ensure the racially neutral administration of justice.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Urges that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp be issued in honor of the centennial anniversary of Rotary International and its effort to eradicate polio; (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued; and (3) the Rotary Clubs of the United States be commended for 100 years of volunteer service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
Microenterprise Results and Accountability Act of 2004 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal existing microenterprise development grant authority and reestablish and revise it as a separate title, title VI - Microenterprise Development Assistance, which shall be administered by an Office of Microenterprise Development (established by this Act) within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
United States Workers Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to prohibit: (1) outsourced Federal Government work from being performed by a contractor outside the United States unless Federal employees previously performed such work outside the United States (currently, prohibited by the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004); (2) work on a procurement contract from being performed outside the United States unless it is necessary in order to meet a requirement for goods and services outside the United States or the President deems it necessary for national security reasons; and (3) Federal funds from being disbursed to a State until the Governor of the State has transmitted written certification that none of the funds will be spent on work performed outside the United States. Provides that this Act becomes effective for States two fiscal years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United State should continue to insist that the People's Republic of China adhere to fundamental human rights principles and allow its citizens full enjoyment of those rights. Declares that Congress urges the People's Republic of China to: (1) stop the persecution of all religious practitioners and safeguard fundamental human rights; (2) stop the forced return of North Korean refugees; (3) end its one-child per family policy and ensure that no government officials subject women to forced abortions or sterilizations; (4) hold an open investigation into the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, release all prisoners held in connection with that event, and pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones; (5) release from detention all prisoners of conscience, persons held because of their religious activities, and persons of humanitarian concern, including named individuals; (6) release the 11th Panchen Lama; (7) adhere to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the 1951 Convention Relating to Refugees and its 1967 Protocol; and (8) allow visits to China by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Religious Intolerance and Torture, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
States that Congress recognizes: (1) as an historic achievement of friendship more than five decades of strategic partnership between the United States and the people of the Marshall Islands in pursuit of international peace and security; and (2) the importance of the nuclear weapon test code-named Bravo at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on March 1, 1954.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Repairing Young Women's Lives Around the World Act - Authorizes appropriations to be used only for U.S. voluntary contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for prevention, remedy, and repair of obstetric fistula.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Los Padres National Forest Conservation Act - Withdraws the Los Padres National Forest in California from: (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; and (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Anti-Slavery Day (February 27, 2004). Encourages each city and State to adopt laws that: (1) protect slaves who are victims of human trafficking; (2) increase communication between social service agencies, local, State, and Federal law enforcement; (3) provide training and support to the public, social services providers, and law enforcement officials so that they can better identify trafficked persons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Expresses: (1) the sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran, and their loved ones; and (2) gratitude and appreciation for the courageous work of the United States and international aid personnel saving lives in Iran. Welcomes the President's decision to issue a general license for donations to nongovernmental entities engaged in humanitarian relief activities in response to the earthquake in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the numerous human rights violations by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic; (2) calls on the international community to adopt a resolution at the upcoming 60th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights which details the dismal human rights record of Syria and establishes a Special Rapporteur to further investigate these abuses; (3) expresses its support for the Syrian people in their struggle for freedom, respect for human rights and civil liberties, democratic self-governance, and the establishment of the rule of law; (4) encourages the President and the Secretary of State, through the Middle East Partnership Initiative and other avenues, to assist dissidents, human rights activists, and the pro-democracy opposition in Syria; and (5) urges the adoption and pursuit of these and other policies to seek a democratic government in Syria that will restore freedom to the Syrian people, cease the illegal Syrian occupation of the Lebanese Republic, abandon Syrian support for terrorism, and live in peace and security with the international community.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2004
Counter-Terrorist and Narco-Terrorist Rewards Program - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 respecting the Department of State rewards program to: (1) rename the program as the "Department of State Terrorist and Narco-Terrorist Rewards Program"; (2) authorize rewards for disruption of terrorist organization financial mechanisms, including illicit narcotics production or international narcotics trafficking; (3) increase maximum awards to $25 million, and up to $50 million for the capture or information leading to the capture of Usama bin Laden; (3) authorize monetary and/or nonmonetary rewards; (4) authorize program resource use for media surveys and advertisements to disseminate program informa tion; and (5) direct the Secretary of State to report on a plan to increase advertising to maximize reward awareness for the capture or information leading to the capture of Usama bin Laden.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2004 - Balancing Act of 2004 - Provides assistance for working families through: (1) family and medical care leave; (2) expanded child care for young children and incentives for child care providers; (3) preschool, in-school, and afterschool nutrition and education; (4) temporary and part-time workers pension and health plan benefits; and (5) encouragement of business use of employee telecommuting. Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to allow employees covered by FMLA to take up to four hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's or grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same parental involvement leave allowance to Federal employees. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize additional funds for expanding child care activities for young children less than three years of age. Establishes: (1) the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program; and (2) the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allot funds to eligible States (and Indian tribes and tribal organizations) for distribution directly, or at State option through local governments, to pay the Federal share of the cost of making grants to eligible child care providers under both such programs. Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act - Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to allot funds to eligible States (and Indian tribes and tribal organizations) to pay for the Federal share of the cost of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for: (1) eligible child care providers; and (2) at State option, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers. Directs the Secretary to conduct an evaluation of several such funded State programs representing various approaches to increasing the rate of coverage for child care providers. Child Care Construction and Renovation Incentive Grants Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for use of community development block grants to establish child care facilities. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for insurance for mortgages: (1) on new and rehabilitated child care facilities; and (2) for acquisition of or the refinancing of debt on existing child care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make technical and financial assistance grants to acquire or improve child care facilities or equipment. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a business child care incentive grant program. Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of HHS to make grants to State agencies to develop full-day, full-year universal prekindergarten programs for all children three, four, and five years old. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a universal free school breakfast program without regard to family incomes. Provides that appropriations and expenditures for CNA shall be considered HHS, not Department of Agriculture, functions for budget purposes. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants. Revises CNA and NSLA requirements for regulation of competitive foods. Revises NSLA child and adult care food program provisions relating to reimbursements for afterschool dinners and eligibility of private child care centers. Afterschool Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require State educational agencies to give priority to 21st century community learning centers program applications submitted jointly by eligible entities consisting of at least one local educational agency receiving funds under ESEA provisions for disadvantaged students and at least one community-based organization or other public or private entity. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for treatment of employees working at less than full-time under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans and under group health plans. Expands the definition of employee to include certain individuals whose services are leased or contracted for. United States Business Telework Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct, in not more than five States, a pilot program to raise awareness about telework among employers and to encourage them to offer telework options to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Pathways Advancing Career Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make formula matching grants to States with approved plans for programs of vocational education, training, employment counseling, and related services, including tuition assistance, for: (1) single parents and displaced homemakers; and (2) secondary and postsecondary students pursuing nontraditional training and employment. Provides that State boards designated or created as State agencies responsible for vocational and technical education vocational education agency shall administer such programs and make competitive subgrants to eligible entities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2004 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to: (1) offer one or more Medicare operated prescription drug plans nationally that offers qualified prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices, while allowing the plan to offer supplemental prescription drug coverage in the same manner as other qualified prescription drug coverage offered by other prescription drug plans; and (2) enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs for eligible part D individuals, and encourage the use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally and for months in 2006 shall be $35 and for months in succeeding years shall be based on the average monthly per capita actuarial cost of offering the Medicare operated prescription drug plan for the year involved, including administrative expenses. Allows for adjustment of such premium amount in case of supplemental prescription drug coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Coin Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 five dollar gold coins and 250,000 one dollar silver coins emblematic of the values and abilities necessary to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor. Requires the Secretary to pay the proceeds from the sale of such coins to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee for the purposes of: (1) maintaining the National Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery; and (2) constructing and maintaining such memorials as the Committee and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may jointly designate.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000090_200.jpg)