Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 521 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Declares that Congress recognizes: (1) that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan (a leader of the Sikhs) about Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and professional relations between U.S. citizens and the citizens of India; and (2) the legendary compassion, wisdom, kindness, and courage of Yogi Bhajan, and his wealth of accomplishments on behalf of the Sikh community. Extends condolences to Inderjit Kaur, the wife of Yogi Bhajan, his three children and five grandchildren, and to Sikh and Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO) communities around the Nation and the world upon the death on October 6, 2004, of Yogi Bhajan.
Bill· HRH.R. 5291 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Winning the War on Terror Act of 2004 - Provides for increases in the numbers of U.S. special operations forces. Provides counter-proliferation measures, including a Global Threat Reduction Initiative (to secure nuclear and radiological materials outside the United States) and radiological material threat assessments. Requires elimination of the U.S. chemical stockpile no later than the end of 2012. Establishes a Terrorist Screening Center in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Secure Borders Act - Institutes, or modifies, measures related to: (1) border infrastructure and monitoring, transportation workers and cargo containers, and public and tribal lands; (2) identification document standards; (3) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing, detention and removal operations, informant aliens, and alien smuggling penalties; (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) foreign coordination, visa security, and the visa waiver program; and (5) immigration benefit functions, including identification techniques. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to make grants for public transportation security. Directs the Secretary to develop public transportation best practices, public awareness, and security plans. Requires a Memorandum of Agreement between the Secretaries of Homeland Security and of Transportation concerning their respective roles in public transportation security matters. Secure Containers from Overseas and Seaports from Terrorism Act or Secure COAST Act - Requires establishment of security standards and verification procedures for maritime cargo containers moving within the intermodal transportation system. Imposes validation and inspection requirements, including deployment of radiation detection portal equipment at all ports of entry and a staffing assessment. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants and requires funding for an information sharing and analysis capability within the maritime industry. Increases funding for Coast Guard components associated with the Integrated Deepwater System. Increases authorized Coast Guard active duty personnel levels. Requires aviation security measures that include provision of checked baggage screening for explosives, phaseout of passenger "bag-matching" programs, technology assessment, a shipping companies database, wireless flight crew communications, a national transportation security strategy, and passenger watchlists. Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a private sector emergency preparedness program. Sets forth requirements for promoting the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan for security critical infrastructure; and (2) a national biodefense strategy. Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Requires a strategy and research programs to expedite the development and approval of countermeasures against novel or unknown pathogens or toxins. Chemical Security Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes procedures for assessment of the vulnerability of chemical sources to terrorist release and planning to address security concerns. Authorizes establishment of a program to fund cybersecurity professional development programs. Creates a National Cybersecurity Office in DHS. Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Establishes an Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications and a program to fund communications interoperability improvements. Strengthening Homeland Innovation to Emphasize Liberty, Democracy, and Privacy Act or the SHIELD Privacy Act - Requires designation of a Chief Privacy Officer within the Office of Management and Budget and of an official primarily responsible for privacy policy in each executive branch agency. Establishes a Commission on Privacy, Freedom, and Homeland Security and a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Revises DHS organizational provisions to institute certain civil rights and civil liberties safeguards. Sets forth policies (and measures) regarding prevention of future international terrorism, including concerning: (1) the role of Pakistan; (2) the future of Afghanistan; (3) the U.S.-Saudi relationship; (4) politics, culture, and education in the Islamic world; and (5) the use of economic and trade policies as part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. Urges a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism.
Bill· HRH.R. 5312 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Act to Save America's Forests - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date. Directs the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to each prepare a continuous inventory of forest land administered by each agency head and to document whole-system measures that will be taken as a result of the inventory. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain Federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. Designates special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Requires the Secretaries concerned to appoint a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on Federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. States that this Act shall not apply to Federal wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5335 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Coordinated Environmental Health Network Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and operate the Coordinated Environmental Health Network (the Network), including by: (1) identifying, expanding, and coordinating among existing Federal public health and environmental infrastructure; (2) providing for public access to an electronic national database on the incidence and prevalence of specified priority chronic conditions and relevant environmental and other factors; (3) operating a National Environmental Health Rapid Response Service to develop strategies to rapidly respond to, and conduct investigations of, higher than expected incidence and prevalence rates of priority chronic conditions and environmental exposures; (4) awarding grants to States, local governments, territories, and Indian tribes to establish, maintain, and operate State Environmental Health Networks; (5) developing minimum standards and procedures for data collection and reporting for State Networks, including mechanisms for allowing States to set priorities and allocate resources accordingly; (6) establishing an Advisory Committee for the Network; (7) awarding John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships to eligible students who are enrolled in an accredited school of public health or medicine; and (8) entering into a cooperative agreement with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to train and place applied epidemiology fellows in State and local health departments. Allows the Secretary to award grants to accredited schools or programs of public health to establish, maintain, and operate Centers of Excellence for research and demonstration with respect to chronic conditions and relevant environmental factors, which may include investigating causal connections between chronic conditions and environmental factors.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 849 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Congratulates Wangari Maathai for winning the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Commends her for her tireless work for sustainable development, democracy, peace and women's rights in Africa.
Bill· HRH.R. 5243 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Influenza Vaccine Emergency Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require influenza vaccine manufacturers to include a provision in any contract for the sale of the vaccine in interstate commerce expressing the policy that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to take title to necessary quantities of the vaccine if the Secretary declares that there is a public health emergency by reason of an influenza vaccine shortage, and that the manufacturer will reimburse the purchaser for any such quantity not received. Requires the Secretary to pay the manufacturer or distributor for any quantity taken at the price the manufacturer or distributor would have received for that quantity of vaccine. Requires the Secretary to determine the extent of compliance with guidelines for the distribution of influenza vaccine and, before using the authority to take title to the vaccine, to publish notice that such compliance has not been sufficient to constitute an adequate response to the emergency. Allows the Secretary, in lieu of taking title to a vaccine, to order any vaccine manufacturer or distributor to honor its contracts with States or political subdivisions. Requires the Secretary to provide any influenza vaccine to States, political subdivisions, and such other public or private entities as appropriate as a response to the emergency involved. Allows the Secretary to make an emergency declaration if the delivery waiting time for States or political subdivisions to receive the vaccine constitutes a significant threat to children, adolescents, or adults served by the immunization program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5277 (108th)referred
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 5276 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Disabled Federal Employees Protection Act - Prohibits the termination of employment of a disabled Federal employee due to a conversion to contractor performance of any activity or function of an executive agency under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 or any other Federal policy, directive, or regulation. Exempts certain nonprofit agencies for the blind or severely handicapped from this prohibition if the terminated Federal employee is offered an equivalent position in the Federal Government or with the nonprofit agency.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 503 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster and the continuing environmental problems in Bhopal, India, caused by the policies and practices of the Union Carbide Corporation. Expresses the commitment of Congress to working with the Government of the Republic of India, the Dow Chemical Corporation, and the victims of the Bhopal disaster to ensure that Union Carbide: (1) provides complete medical, social, and economic rehabilitation to the victims and to obtain the medical information necessary to help the victims; (2) completely restores the polluted plant site; and (3) a appears before the Bhopal District Court for prosecution on the criminal charges.
Bill· HRH.R. 5182 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include within the primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that civil rights are not diminished by efforts aimed at securing the homeland. Requires DHS's Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to report directly to the Secretary of DHS. Includes among the Officer's responsibilities to: (1) assist the Secretary, directorates, and offices of DHS to develop, implement, and periodically review DHS policies and procedures to ensure that the protection of civil rights is appropriately incorporated into DHS programs and activities; (2) oversee compliance with requirements relating to civil rights; (3) coordinate with the DHS Privacy Officer; and (4) investigate complaints and information indicating possible abuses of civil rights unless the DHS Inspector General (IG) determines that such complaints or information should be investigated by the IG. Directs the IG to designate a senior official within the IG's Office to perform specified functions, including initiating investigations of alleged abuses by DHS employees, officials, contractors, or grantees. Requires the Privacy Officer to report directly to the Secretary. Makes the Privacy Officer responsible for coordinating with the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure that programs, policies, and procedures involving civil rights and privacy are addressed in a comprehensive manner and that Congress receives appropriate reports.
Bill· HRH.R. 5150 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004
National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes in the Treasury the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director. Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Authorizes the Director to establish within the Authority one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program to award scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers in the IC. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Establishes a Joint Intelligence Community Council to assist the Director in developing and implementing a joint, unified national intelligence effort to protect national security. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Federal Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Career Service Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Intelligence Career Service for FBI intelligence analysts. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities. Establishes an Executive Council on Information Sharing. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Requires the congressional intelligence committees to be provided all intelligence estimates and assessments other than those prepared exclusively for the President.
Bill· HRH.R. 5130 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Secure Borders Act - Establishes the Land Border Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of land ports of entry (POEs). Directs the Secretary to: (1) make permanent specified pre-enrollment programs that allow expedited inspections at POEs for participants; (2) develop a comprehensive plan to deploy technological surveillance systems along U.S. borders; (3) increase the number of K-9 units working within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); (4) ensure that radiation portal monitors are installed at all southern border POEs no later than September 30, 2005; (5) contract with an independent entity to study the necessary allocation of personnel at POEs and Border Patrol sectors; and (6) provide ongoing training for inspectors. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to submit a report to Congress on the One Face at the Border Initiative (a Department of Homeland Security [DHS] initiative that unifies customs, immigration, and agricultural inspection functions by cross-training CBP personnel) that addresses: (1) the effectiveness of the initiative in enhancing security and facilitating trade; (2) the number of CBP personnel who worked for the former Customs Service or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service before the DHS was established and the number hired after its establishment; (3) training time provided to each employee for initiative components; (4) steps taken by CBP to ensure that expertise is retained with regard to customs, immigration, and agriculture inspection functions under the initiative; and (5) whether the missions of customs, agriculture, and immigration are equally emphasized. Requires the Comptroller General to review such reports and report on the effectiveness of the initiative. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit unclassified and classified versions of a comprehensive border security strategy; (2) integrate the IDENT and IAFIS databases; and (3) make interoperable those databases used by inspectors in secondary inspections. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create the positions of Northern Border Coordinator and Southern Border Coordinator within the DHS's Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. Requires the President to submit information regarding progress toward implementation of the Smart Border Accords. Expresses the sense of Congress that Mexicans and Canadians should be treated with parity in establishing periods of lawful admission. States that, once the entry-exit data system required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is fully implemented, the period of admission for aliens holding border crossing cards shall be six months. Requires the Secretary to create an Office of US-VISIT Outreach to inform local border officials, residents, and businesses about developments in the US-VISIT program. Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 to reconstitute the integrated entry-exit system task force. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure implementation of electronic arrival/departure records no later than December 1, 2005; (2) report on the development and distribution of a transportation worker identification card; and (3) establish standards and verification procedures for the security of intermodal cargo containers. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for additional staff for the U.S. Consulate-General in Mexico. Establishes the Office of Tribal Security within DHS. Requires the Secretary to transfer the CBP Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (known as the Shadow Wolves) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Requires development and implementation of State identification document standards as a prerequisite for the acceptance of such documents by Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to make grants to assist States and localities in issuing documents that meet those standards. Authorizes appropriations for an increase in staff and detention space for ICE. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) immigration cases involving incarcerated criminal aliens should be processed while the alien is in prison; and (2) appropriations should be authorized for staff increases for judicial and prosecutorial offices to better enforce immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new subclass in the S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant visa category for certain aliens in possession of critical reliable information regarding commercial alien smuggling organizations or enterprises. Provides for adjustment of status for such nonimmigrants. Imposes increased penalties for, and establishes a rewards program to combat, aggravated alien smuggling. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to promulgate sentencing guidelines that reflect enhanced sentences and fines for alien smuggling. Amends the Federal criminal code to enhance penalties for smuggling merchandise into the United States. Requires the USSC to amend sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for merchandise smuggling that results in a death. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an Office of Overseas Service within DHS's Office of International Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report on implementation of prior recommendations regarding visa security; (2) establish an electronic advance passenger screening system for visa waiver program (VWP) participants as part of an integrated entry-exit system; (3) create a VWP Office; and (4) provide fraud detection and foreign language training for inspectors inspecting VWP aliens. Requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman to launch a public information campaign and to establish an advisory group that provides private sector input. Directs the Comptroller General to assess CIS and report findings to the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to study biometric identifiers that might be used for immigration benefit applications and petitions. Requires all fingerprints taken for adjudicating such applications or petitions to be digitized, and all such applications or petitions to be registered using a biometric identifier, no later than January 1, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5145 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
National Fish and Wildlife Policy Fellowship Program Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to award fellowships to qualified graduate and post-graduate level students engaged in advanced degree programs concerning freshwater and anadromous fish, wildlife, conservation management, or biology in order to: (1) provide such students with opportunities to participate in the policy process within executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government; and (2) provide Federal agencies and Congress with specific expertise to aid in the effective management of the nation's natural living resources. Requires the Secretary to strive to ensure equal access to the fellowship program for minority and disadvantaged students and to report to Congress on such efforts. States that the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall administer fellowships awarded under this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 782 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Affirms the commitments made by the United States at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, to halve the number of people lacking safe drinking water and basic sanitation services and calls on developed nations to join the United States in such commitments. Expresses support for an increased effort to meet such commitments and calls on the President to report to Congress on U.S. progress. Declares that the House of Representatives shares the goals of the Water for the Poor Initiative. Expresses support for targeting U.S. water aid toward countries of greatest need and communities in which such aid can make the greatest impact.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 778 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of William "Count" Basie; and (2) acknowledges the important contributions of William "Count" Basie to jazz and swing music.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 774 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Commends the people of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
Bill· HRH.R. 5068 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, who shall assist the Secretary in promoting cybersecurity for the Nation. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS for all cybersecurity-related critical infrastructure programs of DHS. Includes among the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish and manage a national cybersecurity response system, a national cybersecurity threat and vulnerability reduction program, a national cybersecurity awareness and training program, a government cybersecurity program, and a national security and international cybersecurity cooperation program; (2) coordinate specified activities with the private sector, with other directorates and offices within DHS (including with the Chief Information Officer), and with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (3) develop processes for information sharing with the private sector; (4) consult with the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Task Force on private sector outreach and information activities and with the Office for Domestic Preparedness to ensure that realistic cybersecurity scenarios are incorporated into tabletop and recovery exercises; and (5) consult and coordinate with other Federal agencies on cybersecurity-related programs, policies, and operations and with other relevant Federal agencies and within DHS on security of digital control systems. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS over the National Communications System.
Bill· HRH.R. 5057 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to provide a support system for members of the Armed Forces who incur severe disabilities on or after September 11, 2001, including a system of advocacy and follow-up to assist those members to transition from military service to the civilian community. Requires the Secretary to designate an executive agent to carry out the program throughout the Department of Defense and, in cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, for members of the Coast Guard with severe disabilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5061 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act - Expresses the sense of Congress regarding: (1) the relevance of the Sudan Peace Act and its extension to the Darfur region of Sudan; (2) the genocide unfolding in Darfur and the Government of Sudan's violation of the Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and (3) actions to address the conflict in Sudan. Requires an annual report on the identities of entities doing business in Sudan. Prohibits an entity doing business in Sudan from raising capital or trading its securities in the United States. Provides for: (1) sanctions in support of peace in Darfur; and (2) actions to secure multilateral efforts against the Government of Sudan. Amends the Sudan Peace Act to authorize the President to assist Sudan to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement that applies to all regions of Sudan, including the Darfur region, and to address the humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Darfur region and its impact on eastern Chad, contingent upon a continuing certification to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Sudan is taking specified actions. States that certain export prohibitions shall not apply to any export or related transaction from an area in Sudan outside of the Government of Sudan's control if the President determines that the export or related transaction would directly benefit the economic development of that area and its people.
Bill· HRH.R. 5040 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 5055 (108th)referred
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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 761 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Congratulates Lance Armstrong on his historic victory in the 2004 Tour de France and commends his commitment to cancer awareness and survivorship.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 757 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the sacrifices of U.S. military and civilian personnel and their families on the anniversary of those attacks.
Bill· HRH.R. 5024 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director to manage the National Intelligence Program. Empowers the Secretary of Defense with lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center for strategic analysis concerning transnational terrorist organizations with global reach. Requires the President to direct the head of each appropriate Federal department or agency to identify and prioritize actual or potential terrorist sanctuaries throughout the world. Requires a national strategy to destabilize identified sanctuaries. Authorizes the President to support the Government of: (1) Pakistan in its efforts against extremists; and (2) Afghanistan to extend its authority over such country. Directs the Secretary of State to establish programs to promote greater familiarity with American society and values among the general public and select audiences in Muslim countries. Directs the President to: (1) strengthen counterproliferation efforts against weapons of mass destruction; and (2) track the financing of terrorist organizations and prevent money laundering for their benefit. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) integrate U.S. border screening systems with Federal security sites within the U.S. transportation system and sites containing vital national facilities; (2) complete a biometric entry and exit screening system for persons entering and departing the United States; (3) develop a plan for the allocation of limited transportation security resources; and (4) improve aviation screening. Requires: (1) the sharing of information for purposes of protecting the national security; (2) the establishment of a board to oversee Federal adherence to civil liberties; (3) that all U.S. emergency response agencies adopt the Incident Command System and unified command procedures; (4) the promotion of private sector emergency preparedness; (5) both Houses of Congress to pass separate intelligence appropriations bills; (6) a specialized and integrated national security workforce at the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (7) regular adequacy assessments of the strategies and planning of the United States Northern Command to defend the United States against military threats.
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