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United States · Official source
2,860 records where Rep. McCotter, Thaddeus G. [R-MI-11] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Public Prayer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny the Supreme Court and district courts jurisdiction to review any matter related to the alleged establishment of religion involving the expression of public prayer by any federal, state, or local government entity or a government officer or agent acting in an official capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Border Law Enforcement Act of 2005 - Establishes a Designated County Law Enforcement Assistance program jointly within the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide financial assistance and authorization for the law enforcement operations of sheriffs in counties adjacent to the southern U.S. border. Authorizes the sheriffs in these counties to: (1) coordinate law enforcement operations in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (2) conduct law enforcement operations in their counties in order to enforce criminal laws and protect lives, property, and security; (3) transfer aliens detained or taken into custody who are not lawfully present in the United States to appropriate federal law enforcement officials; (4) enforce state and federal laws relating to controlled substance trafficking and other criminal laws other than immigration laws (except as provided in an agreement with DHS); and (5) be paid for the costs of performing such duties or functions by the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security. Creates the Designated County Law Enforcement Account in the Treasury. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to jointly issue regulations that govern the distribution of funds under this Act and provide uniform standards that all other federal law enforcement officials shall follow to cooperate with such sheriffs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as the Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to authorize the disclosure to government agencies of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) records on assistance provided to individuals in connection with a major disaster or emergency for purposes of complying with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law. Conditions receipt of federal funds by non-governmental organizations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on the organization providing assurances satisfactory to the President that it will disclose its records for the purpose of permitting a requesting jurisdiction to comply with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
10 by 10 Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to make it unlawful after December 31, 2009, for any person to sell, supply, offer for sale or supply, dispense, transport, or introduce into commerce, for use in any motor vehicle, any gasoline with less than 10% renewable fuel by volume.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Affirms support for the National Motto ("In God We Trust").
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
Technology Retraining and Investment Now Act for the 21st Century - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the information and communications technology education and training program expenses of individuals and employees, up to $4,000 in a taxable year. Increases the allowable amount of such credit to $5,000 for expenses for a program operated: (1) in an empowerment zone, enterprise community, or renewal community; (2) in a school district in which at least 50 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches; (3) in an federally-declared disaster area; (4) in certain rural areas receiving federal assistance; (5) in an Indian tribal jurisdiction; (6) by an employer with 200 or fewer employees during a specified period; or (7) for a disabled individual. Defines "information technology education and training program expenses" to include: (1) course work; (2) certification testing; (3) apprenticeship programs registered by the Department of Labor; and (4) other expenses essential to assessing skill acquisition. Redefines "eligible educational institution" to include a commercial information and communications technology training provider. Establishes an Information Technology Training Certification Advisory Board to develop: (1) guidelines for computer science, information technology, and related college courses; and (2) a list of the information technology training and certifications that qualify for the tax credit established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
Reiterates the House of Representatives' support for the Good Friday Agreement as the blueprint for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Commends: (1) the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for their leadership in seeing to a peaceful resolution in Northern Ireland; (2) the Sinn Fein leadership in successfully urging the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to end its armed struggle and put its weapons beyond use; and (3) the leadership of Sir Hugh S. Orde, Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all groups and organizations should end their involvement in paramilitary activity; (2) all Northern Ireland political parties should agree to share power according to the democratic mandate of the Good Friday Agreement, commit to work in good faith with all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, and work toward participating with the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and (3) the government of the United Kingdom and the government of Ireland should work to fully implement the Good Friday Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2005
Amends the Wetland Loan Act to extend funding for conservation of migratory waterfowl and habitat. Amends the Duck Stamp Act (the Act) to increase the price of federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps, and to revise procedures for disposing of unsold stamps. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to require a person to affix a stamp sold under such Act to any other license as a condition of engaging in hunting under the authority of the stamp. Expresses the sense of Congress that the funds provided pursuant to this Act should be used for preserving and increasing waterfowl populations in accordance with the goals and objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and to that end, should be used to supplement and not replace current conservation funding, including funding for other federal and state habitat conservation programs. States the sense of Congress that this Act should be implemented in a manner that helps private landowners achieve their long-term land use objectives in ways that enhance the conservation of wetlands and wildlife habitat.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Designates the Republic of Korea as a program country for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act's visa waiver program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Makes January 23, 2002, the effective date of the modification of treatment for retirement annuity purposes of part-time service performed before April 7, 1986, by certain health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Administration pursuant to the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the law enforcement and judicial authorities of Uzbekistan should ensure that Sanjar Umarov is accorded his full rights under the Uzbekistan Constitution to defend himself against charges that may be brought against him; (2) the government of Uzbekistan should observe its various treaty obligations, especially those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obligate governments to provide for due process in criminal cases; and (3) the government of Uzbekistan should clarify the charges against Sanjar Umarov, his current condition, and his whereabouts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Recognizes the religious and historical significance of Diwali, an annual festival celebrated by many South Asians that is particularly significant to Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Requests the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Diwali.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that occurred on November 9, 2005, in Amman, Jordan. Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families and friends of those individuals who were killed in the attacks, and its sympathies to the injured. Expresses the solidarity and support of the people and government of the United States with the people and government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Expresses the readiness of the House to support and assist the Jordanian authorities in their efforts to bring to justice those individuals responsible for the attacks, and to pursue and dismantle the networks which plan and carry out such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress respecting steps to be taken to address the investigation and prosecution of so-called "honor crimes," to provide refuge and rehabilitation for victimized women and their children, and to encourage public awareness and education of human rights and women's rights.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005
Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) pregnant college students should not have to make a choice between keeping their baby and staying in school; (2) the pilot program under this Act will help institutions of higher education to establish offices that will operate independent of federal funding within five years after enactment of this Act; and (3) amounts appropriated to carry out other federal programs should be reduced to offset the costs of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program to provide grants to encourage eligible institutions of higher education to establish and operate pregnant and parenting student services offices for pregnant students, parenting students, prospective parenting students anticipating a birth or adoption, and students who are placing or have placed a child for adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005
Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act - Allows a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs annual patient enrollment system to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department facility. (Currently, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may contract for such services when Department facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required.) Directs the Secretary to authorize such services pursuant to a contract with such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005
Calls on the international community to condemn the Laogai, the system of forced labor prison camps in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Calls on the U.S. government to: (1) fully implement U.S. laws prohibiting the importation of forced labor products made in the Laogai; and (2) review implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Prison Labor in 1992 and the Statement of Cooperation in 1994 with respect to the Laogai. Calls on the government of the PRC to release information about the Laogai, including information about the number of executions at the camps, and the extent of the harvesting and transplantation of organs of executed prisoners. Urges the government of the PRC to allow unrestricted visits by international human rights inspectors to Laogai camps. Urges the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to investigate the Laogai system and to make U.S. policy recommendations to help protect human rights for Chinese citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2005
Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) take the necessary steps to encourage and support the establishment of a conference at which Iranian nationals who oppose the government of Iran's policies can meet and discuss governmental reforms and their implementation; and (2) report to Congress respecting such steps and which groups of Iranian nationals have expressed interest in such a conference.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act - Rewrites federal criminal code provisions regarding animal enterprise terrorism to prohibit anyone from traveling in, or using the mail or any facility of, interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of damaging or disrupting an animal enterprise and, in connection with such purpose: (1) intentionally damaging, disrupting, or causing the loss of property used by or owned in connection with such enterprise; (2) intentionally placing a person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to that person or a family member through threats, vandalism, property damage, trespass, harassment, or intimidation; or (3) conspiring or attempting to do so. Prescribes escalating penalties. Authorizes restitution for: (1) the reasonable cost of repeating any experimentation that was interrupted or invalidated as a result of such offense; (2) the loss of food production or farm income reasonably attributable to such offense; and (3) any other economic damage, including any losses or costs caused by economic disruption, resulting from such offense.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Supports an independent Iraqi judiciary and its efforts to serve the cause of justice in a free and democratic Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Honors the historic role of Yitzhak Rabin for his distinguished service to the Israeli people and extends deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and the people of Israel on the tenth anniversary of his death. Reiterates continued support for the close ties and special relationship between the United States and Israel. Expresses admiration for Yitzhak Rabin's legacy and reaffirms the commitment to building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Condemns all acts of terrorism. Reaffirms the sacred principle that democratic leaders and governments must be changed only by the democratically-expressed will of the people.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2005
American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to allow U.S. manufacturers that use products subject to countervailing or antidumping duty proceedings or use domestic like products (industrial users) to participate in such proceedings. Requires the U.S. International Trade Commission, when deciding whether an antidumping or countervailing duty should be imposed or continued, to weigh harm to industrial users from such imposition or continuation, as well as (under current law) the potential benefits to the industry in the United States materially injured or threatened with material injury by a foreign countervailing subsidy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to create in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) the position of Chief Trade Prosecutor (CTP) to ensure that U.S. trading partners comply with trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Requires the CTP to assist the USTR in: (1) investigating and prosecuting disputes before the World Trade Organization (WTO) and pursuant to other trade agreements to which the United States is a party; and (2) carrying out USTR functions under the Act. Require the CTP to: (1) make recommendations with respect to administration of U.S. trade laws relating to foreign government barriers to U.S. goods, services, intellectual property, and other trade matters; and (4) perform such other functions as the USTR may direct.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005
Recognizes the need for every child to be vaccinated against polio. Urges all appropriate federal departments and agencies to immediately educate: (1) Americans about the need for polio vaccination; and (2) U.S. polio survivors and medical professionals about the cause and treatment of post-polio sequelae. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of observing the Year of Polio Awareness (the year beginning November 1, 2005).
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title II part D (Health Information Technology). Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Directs the National Coordinator to: (1) maintain, direct, and oversee the continuous improvement of a strategic plan to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information in both the public and private health care sectors; and (2) serve as the coordinator of federal government activities relating to health information technology. Prescribes conditions under which any nonmonetary remuneration (in the form of health information technology and related training services) made by a hospital or a critical access hospital to a physician shall not be considered a prohibited payment (subject to civil and criminal penalties) made as an inducement to reduce or limit services to certain individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on whether pertinent state laws and current federal standards should be conformed to create a single set of national standards to preserve and protect the security and confidentality of patient health information. Amends SSA title XI to provide for establishment of uniform confidentality and security standards with respect to individually identifiiable patient health information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate a final rule for upgrading specified Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12) and National Council For Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Telecommunications standards and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes; and (2) develop a strategic plan related to the need for coordination in the area of health information technology.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit any state or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect for any food in interstate commerce: (1) any requirement that is not identical to specified FFDCA provisions (that would result in materially different requirements), including those related to adulterated foods, unsafe food additives, and new animal drugs; or (2) any notification requirement that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FFDCA provisions. Allows a state to petition for an exemption or to establish a national standard regarding any requirement under FFDCA or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide such an exemption if the requirement: (1) protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected; (2) would not cause any food to be in violation of any federal law; and (3) would not unduly burden interstate commerce. Allows a state to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FFDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this Act if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met. Declares that this Act does not preempt certain state and local laws relating to labeling or a consumer advisory relating to food sanitation imposed on a food establishment or recommended by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Recognizes the importance of the September 2005 presidential election as a first step toward greater openness and political reforms in Egypt. Expresses concern over the lack of international election monitoring and irregularities during such election. Calls on the government of Egypt, during the 2005 parliamentary elections, to: (1) authorize the judiciary to supervise the election process; (2) authorize the presence of accredited representatives of all competing parties and independent candidates at polling stations and during the vote-counting; and (3) allow local and international election monitors full access and accreditation. Calls on the government of Egypt to: (1) separate the National Democratic Party apparatus from the operations of government, divest all government holdings in Egyptian media, and end the government newspaper monopoly; and (2) repeal the 1981 emergency law and, in the development of any future anti-terrorism legislation, allow constitutional political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
States that Congress: (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the October 2005 floods and mudslides in Central America and Mexico, and expresses its deep condolences to the the victims' families; (2) commits to provide the necessary resources for the relief and rebuilding of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico; (3) recognizes the growing international relief effort; and (4) encourages the Administration and other international donors to provide immediate and long-term assistance for the reconstruction of affected infrastructure. Expresses the sense of Congress that it should be U.S. policy: (1) to promote economic growth and improved living standards, reduce poverty, and promote democracy and the rule of law in the countries of Central America; (2) in concert with multilateral humanitarian organizations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank to support the reconstruction of affected communities; and (3) to encourage the governments of these countries to improve disaster mitigation techniques and compliance among key societal sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2005
Urges the government of Saudi Arabia to reform its textbooks and education curriculum in a manner that promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence, develops civil society, and encourages functionality in the global economy. Urges the President to: (1) direct the Secretary of State to use diplomacy, international visitor exchanges, professional development, and educational reform programs to focus on educational reform in Saudi Arabia; and (2) consider educational reform progress when determining the level and frequency of U.S.-Saudi relations. Expresses disappointment with the slow pace of education reform. Requests that the Secretary report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting such educational reform.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005 - Prohibits any state or political subdivision from exercising its power of eminent domain for economic development if that state or political subdivision receives federal economic development funds during the fiscal year. Makes a state or political subdivision that violates such prohibition ineligible for any such funds for two fiscal years. Prohibits the federal government from exercising its power of eminent domain for economic development. Establishes a private cause of action for any private property owner who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act. Sets the statute of limitation for such an action at seven years. Allows the prevailing plaintiff's attorney to obtain reasonable attorney's fees and expert fees. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) compile a list of the federal laws under which federal economic development funds are distributed; (2) provide to each state and publish on a Department of Justice website the text of this Act, a description of the rights of property owners under this Act, and the compiled list of relevant federal laws; and (3) publish such text and description in the Federal Register. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the appropriate congressional committees identifying states or political subdivisions that have used eminent domain in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Expensing Property Expands our Nation's Strong Economy Act of 2005 or the EXPENSE Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the limitations on the expensing of depreciable business assets; and (2) allow taxpers to elect a two-year recovery period for depreciable property.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Condemns the government of Syria for its apparent involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and demands that Syrian President Bashar Assad and the government of Syria cooperate with international and Lebanese efforts to further investigate such assassination and bring those responsible to justice. Supports: (1) the findings of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC); and (2) full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1595. Urges the United States to support international and Lebanese efforts to investigate such assassination and bring its perpetrators to justice, including establishment of an international tribunal, if so requested by the government of Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Recognizes and honors the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery (Alabama) bus boycott.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Community Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to subject to quarterly reconciliation any payments to physicians for drugs or biologicals made according to average sales price payment methodology in order to assure that they do not exceed or fall short of the actual average sales price during any preceding period. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review all such payments in the preceding quarter and compare them to the verified average sales price reported by the manufacturer for such quarter. Removes prompt pay discounts from the calculation of the manufacturer's average sales price. Extends through December 31, 2006, the current demonstration project to identify and assess oncology services that positively affect cancer outcomes. Requires the Secretary to make an additional 2% for drug administration services payment to physicians for overhead and related costs. Directs the Secretary to develop indicators for the evaluation of the quality of oncology services provided in the physician office setting. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of cancer patients who enroll in clinical trials.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Federal Judgeship and Administrative Efficiency Act of 2005 - Federal Judgeship Act of 2005 - Directs the President to: (1) appoint additional circuit judges for the first, second, and sixth circuit courts of appeals and a temporary judge for the eighth circuit court of appeals; and (2) appoint additional permanent and temporary district judges for districts in specified states. Establishes a federal judicial district in the Virgin Islands. Revises provisions relating to the jurisdiction of courts of the Virgin Islands. Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 - Provides for additional permanent and temporary bankruptcy judgeships in specified states. Circuit Court of Appeals Restructuring and Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Directs the President to appoint five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where the new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit prior to the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district court judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Directs that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Stealth Tax Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2006 the increased alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individual taxpayers; and (2) adjust such increased exemption amount for inflation in 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005
Border Security Improvement Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Secretary of Homeland Security rather than the Attorney General responsible for border barrier improvements; and (2) direct the Secretary to provide for construction of a fence along the entire U.S. southern border.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005
Government Credit Card Sunshine Act - Requires specified information regarding the use of all federal credit cards to be made publicly available within 15 days after receipt (by the government or the federal employee, as the case may be) of any bill for purchases made with the card. Requires the information to be posted on the official website of the Inspector General of the federal department or agency concerned. Allows the Secretary of a department or agency to omit from the website otherwise required information in the interest of national security. Subjects a federal employee to disciplinary action for fraudulent use of a government credit card that involves a purchase in an amount greater than $500.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005
Condemns the actions taken by the government of the Republic of Cameroon against Ambassador Henry Fossung, his family, his house guests, and the members of the Southern Cameroons National Council. Affirms that the United States holds the government of the Republic of Cameroon responsible for upholding the rights of its citizens and nationals, regardless of political views, and urges the government to extend to all Cameroon's citizens the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations and other international covenants on human rights. Calls upon the President of the United States to: (1) assert U.S. concerns regarding such matters, and emphasize that the United States regards the government of the Republic of Cameroon's human rights practices as having a negative impact on U.S.-Cameroon relations; (2) urge the government of the Republic of Cameroon to emancipate members of the Southern Cameroons National Council; and (3) cooperate with international organizations and other governments to protect the human rights of freedom of thought and speech of all citizens and nationals of Cameroon.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (the Act) to grant limited authority for a marine mammal product to be exported from the United States, including in cases where an Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo residing in Alaska exports the animal as part of a cultural exchange. Makes it unlawful for anyone under U.S. jurisdiction to release any captive marine mammal unless authorized under the Act. Increases civil fines and criminal penalties, including vessel penalties for violations of the Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce (currently, the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating) to carry out a fishing gear development program to devise fishing gear and methods that reduce the incidental taking of marine mammals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a gear improvement mini-grant program for the development of such fishing gear. Applies provisions concerning the incidental taking of marine mammals to all fishing operations (currently, only commercial fishing). Requires take reduction plans to track the number of animals from strategic stocks being incidentally lethally taken or seriously injured each year through recreational fishing (in addition to commercial fishing), and to publish proposals for reducing such incidents within a strategic stock under certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to conduct a program on the nonlethal removal and control of nuisance pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), including the development of new technologies to deter such animals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a grant to an eligible applicant to carry out a qualified nonlethal control project. Directs the Secretary to collect and update existing practices and procedures for rescuing and rehabilitating entangled (currently, only stranded) marine mammals (having gear, rope, line, or net wrapped around it). Authorizes the Secretary to enter into entanglement response agreements. Renews the scrimshaw exemption (allowing the processing and sale of pre-Endangered Species Act ivory) for the 11-year period beginning October 31, 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Condemns the July 2004 murder of American journalist Paul Klebnikov in Moscow and the murders of other members of the media in the Russian Federation. Urges the government of Russia to: (1) continue its inquiries into Mr. Klebnikov's murder; and (2) take appropriate action to protect the independence and freedom of the Russian media and all visiting members of the media. Commends journalists working and living in Russia for their dedication to transparency and the truth.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States and other responsible governments send clear signals to the marketplace that the current structure of oversight and management of the Internet's domain name and addressing service works, and will continue to deliver tangible benefits to Internet users worldwide in the future; and (2) the authoritative root zone server should remain physically located in the United States and the Secretary of Commerce should maintain oversight of ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) so that ICANN can continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the Internet's domain and addressing system, remain responsive to Internet stakeholders worldwide, and otherwise fulfill its core technical mission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005
Honors the life and achievements of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to a lasting peace in the Republic of the Sudan, and calls for full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Secretary of State with a request that the Secretary transmit it to Dr. Garang's widow, Rebecca Garang, and to the government of Southern Sudan, through the Office of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Disabled Veterans Fairness Act - Eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for beneficiaries providing transportation for veterans to obtain medical care). Directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives information in his possession regarding contracts for services or construction related to Hurricane Katrina recovery or rebuilding in the geographic areas specified in the President's Proclamation 7924 of September 8, 2005. Includes in such request: (1) copies of relevant portions of such contracts (including pre-awarded contracts or contracts that were modified or extended) awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or any other agency; and (2) communications made or received, on or after August 26, 2005, by such agency relating to such contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to urge the United Nations to establish a commission on slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Financial Data Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prescribe safeguards for data security. Declares that each consumer reporter shall have an affirmative obligation to implement policies and procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of any consumer's sensitive financial personal information maintained, serviced, or communicated by or on the reporter's behalf against any unauthorized use reasonably likely to result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the consumer. Defines "consumer reporter" as any consumer reporting agency, financial institution, or person: (1) which, for monetary fees, dues, on a cooperative nonprofit basis, or otherwise regularly engages in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer information for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties, of providing or collecting payment for or marketing products and services, or for employment purposes; and (2) which uses any means or facility of interstate commerce for such purposes. Prescribes implementation guidelines that include: (1) investigation requirements; (2) investigation notices and system restoration requirements; (3) third party duties; (4) consumer notice; (5) financial fraud mitigation; and (6) free file monitoring. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Trade Commission jointly to develop implementing standards and guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
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) individuals receiving preparatory services and secondary and postsecondary students training for high-skill, high-wage nontraditional employment fields where individuals from one gender compose less than 25% of workers. Requires eligible state agencies to administer such programs, make competitive subgrants to eligible entities, and identify certain core indicators of performance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Commends the people of Hungary as they mark the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Expresses condolences to the people of Hungary for those who lost their lives fighting for Hungarian freedom in 1956, as well as for those subsequently executed by the Soviet and Hungarian communist authorities, including Prime Minister Imre Nagy. Welcomes the changes that have taken place in Hungary since 1989, believing that Hungary's integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), together with similar developments in the neighboring countries, will ensure peace and understanding among the peoples of the Carpathian Basin. Reaffirms the friendship between the governments of Hungary and the United States and between the Hungarian and American people.