United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Simple Tax for Seniors Act - Allows eligible seniors (or their spouses in the case of a joint return) with Social Security and pension income to use new Form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) to file their Federal income tax returns without regard to the amount of their taxable interest or other taxable income.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Cockpit Security Technical Corrections and Improvements Act of 2004 - Amends Federal aviation law to revise requirements for the program for deputizing eligible pilots as Federal law enforcement officers (Federal flight deck officers) to defend against acts of criminal violence or air piracy. Shifts responsibility for the program from the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Revises eligibility requirements for pilots to be a Federal flight deck officer, adding mental standards and firearms training. Makes a special exception from ordinary requirements for certain active or reserve members of the armed forces or a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency. Revises certain Federal flight deck officer training requirements and adds requalification training requirements. Revises requirements for the carrying of firearms by Federal flight deck officers outside of the United States, including designation as Federal air marshals, and the authority to use force to defend an aircraft against terrorism by a Federal flight deck officer. Extends to entities and individuals the prohibition (currently limited to air carriers) against prohibiting a pilot employed by an air carrier from becoming or threatening retaliatory action against such a pilot for becoming a Federal flight deck officer. Specifies further prohibited disciplinary actions. Authorizes a Federal flight deck officer or pilot who is adversely affected by a failure by the Secretary to comply with any requirements under this Act to file a petition for judicial review with the appropriate U.S. district court. Sets forth requirements to: (1) prohibit the disclosure of information related to a pilot's participation in the Federal flight deck officer program; (2) provide certain adjudication procedures for pilots who have been determined ineligible to be a Federal flight deck officer or has had other adverse action taken against them; (3) provide certain authorities with respect to Federal flight deck officers, including issuance of credentials, use of force to prevent terrorism or defend life, exposure to security inspections, and access to sensitive security information; (4) require certain reports to Congress on the Federal flight deck officer program; and (5) require the Secretary to promote and publicize the Federal flight deck officer program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2004 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to include: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country in provision of services, like or directly competitive with services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) the situation where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Requires the Secretary of Labor to certify as eligible to apply for TAA any adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Specifies criteria for determination of the existence of increased imports of like or directly competitive articles or services. Increases from $220 million to $440 million the amount of fiscal year payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance for the establishment of industrywide programs for new service development. Modifies the trade monitoring system to include imports of services.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives expresses its gratitude for the contributions made by America's community banks to the Nation's economic well-being and prosperity. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a Community Banking Month should be designated to raise public awareness of, and public appreciation for, the contributions of the helpful institutions that are our Nation's community banks.
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
Veterans Housing Affordability Act of 2004 - Increases the maximum amount of Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed home loans to veterans for the purchase or construction of a home from $60,000 to the dollar amount equal to 22.5 percent of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limitation determined under the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, as adjusted for the year involved.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Firearm Commerce Modernization Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to permit a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to: (1) sell or deliver a firearm (currently, a rifle or shotgun) to a resident of a State other than a State in which the licensee's place of business is located or temporarily located if the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the transfer; and (2) conduct business temporarily at any gun show or event sponsored by any national, State, or local organization, or any affiliate devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms (currently, only at such a location in the State specified on the person's license). Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to diminish the right of a licensee to conduct firearms transfers (currently, "curious or relics" firearms transfers) with another licensee away from the transferor's business premises.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Declares that Congress: (1) supports the recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, and (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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 · 24 March 2004
Authorizes the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate, and instruct the U.S. delegation to implement, a plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual World Health Assembly summit in May 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland; (2) introduce a resolution in support of observer status for Taiwan at such summit; and (3) report annually on U.S. efforts to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly held yearly by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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 · 24 March 2004
Honors the life of Mildred McWilliams "Millie" Jeffrey (a social justice activist and recipient of the Medal of Freedom who died in March 2004 at the age of 93) and her contributions to her community and the nation.
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 · 17 March 2004
Congratulates the American Dental Association for establishing and continuing its sponsorship of the Give Kids a Smile program. Emphasizes the need to improve access to dental care for children. Thanks the thousands of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and others who volunteered their time to provide dental education, screening, and care to an estimated one million children during this year's Give Kids a Smile program. Thanks Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, Sullivan-Schein Dental, DEXIS Digital X-ray Systems, and Ivoclar Vivadent Inc. for their support of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Cool and Efficient Buildings Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 15-year depreciation recovery period, calculated on a straight line basis, for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems installed in nonresidential buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Michigan Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service Midwest Regional Office, to study and report on: (1) potential economic and tourism benefits of preserving Michigan maritime heritage resources; (2) suitable and feasible options for long-term protection of these resources; and (3) the manner in which the public can best learn about and experience these resources. Directs the Secretary, in conducting the study, to take specified actions, including: (1) reviewing Federal, State, and local maritime resource inventories and studies; (2) identifying sources of financial and technical assistance to communities for the conservation and interpretation of State maritime heritage resources; and (3) addressing ways of linking national, State, and regional and local areas and sites into a Michigan Maritime Heritage Destination Network.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) affirms that the United States and the world have been made safer with the removal of Saddam Hussein and his regime from power in Iraq; (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; and (4) commends the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service.
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 · 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
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
Expresses: (1) condolences of the House of Representatives to the people of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the family of President Boris Trajkovski, and the families of the other crash victims of February 26, 2004; (2) desire for a smooth and orderly transition of power; and (3) the solidarity of the people of the United States with the people of Macedonia and the Macedonian government during this tragedy.
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
Calls for: (1) increasing public awareness of eating disorders; (2) expanding research for treatment and cures; (3) broadening access to treatment; and (4) promoting healthful eating habits and a healthy body image.
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
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
Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an element of Federal, State, or local government or officer of such government by reason of that element's or officer's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Mandatory IDEA Full-Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to revise and reauthorize part B programs of education of all children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for part B for FY 2005 through 2011 and thereafter. (Provides phased-in increases of funding designed to reach a promised 40 percent Federal share of funding by FY 2011.) Makes appropriations in specified amounts for part B for FY 2005 through 2011 and thereafter. Provides an exception to local educational agency (LEA) maintenance of effort requirements under part B. Repeals certain provisions relating to LEA treatment of Federal funds as local funds under part B.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2004 - Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the armed forces stationed outside the continental United States. Grants such an individual limited immunity under the Federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration. Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) transfer each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it; and (2) publish information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum. Prohibits the Attorney General from destroying any such firearm which has been forfeited until five years after the forfeiture. Requires that any firearm transferred to a qualified museum be registered to the transferee. Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to a transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
First Amendment Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal: (1) a requirement that persons making disbursements for electioneering communications file reports on such disbursements with the Federal Election Commission; (2) a prohibition against the making of disbursements for electioneering communications by corporations and labor organizations; and (3) a provision treating coordinated communications as contributions.
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 · 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
Safeguarding Schoolchildren of Deployed Soldiers Act of 2004 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require a State or local educational agency, for the duration of the military service on which a child's change of residence is based and at the request of a parent, to treat a child who changes residence based on such service as if the child has the residence held before the change of residence, for purposes of enrollment in elementary or secondary school.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2004 - Repeals the current termination date (December 31, 2010) of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the reductions in the amount of the child income tax credit scheduled for taxable years 2005 through 2009 and to set the amount of such credit at $1,000 for all taxable years after 2004; (2) the reductions in the basic standard deduction percentage for married couples filing joint tax returns scheduled for taxable years 2005 through 2008; (3) the reductions in the percentage applicable to the maximum taxable income in the 15 percent tax bracket for married couples filing joint tax returns scheduled for taxable years 2005 through 2007; and (4) the reduction in the income threshold amount for ten percent income tax rate eligibility scheduled for taxable years 2005 through 2007. Repeals the current termination date (December 31, 2008) of provisions in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reducing capital gains tax rates and allowing the taxation of dividends at capital gain tax rates. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) set the dollar limitation for the expense deduction for depreciable business assets at $100,000 for all taxable years after 2004 and to permanently increase to $400,000 the threshold amount for determining reductions in the dollar limitation of such deduction; (2) increase the percentage of the additional depreciation allowance for property acquired after May 5, 2003, from 30 to 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 and older, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months before October 2005; (2) 40 percent for months after September 2005 and before October 2008; (3) 45 percent for months after September 2008 and before October 2014; and (4) 55 percent for months after September 2014 . Adjusts similarly percentage amounts with respect to survivors of reserve personnel and survivors of persons who die while on active duty. Provides a corresponding phased elimination of the SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided to such surviving spouses. Requires periodic recomputation of: (1) annuity amounts beginning in October 2005; and (2) retired pay reductions for supplemental survivor annuities. Provides a one-year open enrollment period for SBP participation, commencing October 1, 2005, for those currently not participating, those electing to increase current coverage, and those wishing to participate in the supplemental SBP. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require appropriate premiums for SBP participation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on April 22, 2004, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2004
Zero Downpayment Act of 2004 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure zero-downpayment mortgages for one-family residences.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Honors the life and legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Recognizes his contributions on the anniversary of the date of his birth (January 30, 1882).
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Honors the contributions of people of Indian origin to the United States. Declares that Congress is committed to working together with India to promote peace, prosperity, and freedom among all countries.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2004
Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts benefits paid under this Act from taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2004
Congratulates the Grand Valley State University Lakers football team for winning the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Football National Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
Supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. Congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003
Recognizes: (1) the importance of good cervical health, preventing human papillomavirus (HPV), and early cervical cancer detection; and (2) the courage of cervical cancer survivors. Urges: (1) medical institutions to continue to raise public awareness about cervical cancer and early detection; and (2) Federal health agencies to provide the public and health care professionals with medically accurate HPV information.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2003 - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Interagency Committee (IC) to plan and coordinate Federal efforts in manufacturing research and development; and (2) an Advisory Committee to provide advice and information to the IC from the non-Federal manufacturing research and development community. Requires Federal agencies that are the IC members to coordinate their manufacturing grant activities with a collaborative manufacturing research grants program established by this Act's amendment to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act). Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to refer to Manufacturing in renaming the following Department of Commerce entities: (1) Manufacturing and Technology Administration; (2) Office of Manufacturing and Technology Policy; and (3) Under Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Technology. Establishes the post of Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing to serve as one of the policy analysts for the Under Secretary. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) serve as a point of contact on Federal manufacturing research and development, as well as broader policy issues related to manufacturing, for discussions among industry, academic, labor, and other groups; and (2) report on foreign governments' efforts to attract and develop technology-based manufacturing. Amends the NIST Act to require the NIST Director to establish the following programs: (1) collaborative manufacturing research grants to partnerships among firms, educational institutions, research institutions, State agencies, and nonprofit organizations to encourage development of innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing technologies; and (2) manufacturing sciences research fellowships, at specified postdoctoral and senior levels. Reauthorizes and revises the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Establishes, within the MEP program, a manufacturing extension center competitive grant program to develop projects to solve new or emerging manufacturing problems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Expresses: (1) condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the young women killed in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, since 1993, many of whom appear to be victims of one or more serial murders; and (2) the solidarity of the people of the United States with the people of Mexico in the face of these tragic and senseless acts. Recognizes the courageous struggle of the victims' families in seeking justice for them. Condemns: (1) the abductions and murders of such young women in Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua; (2) the use of torture as a means of investigation into these crimes; and (3) all senseless acts of violence in all parts of the world and violence against women in particular. Urges the President and Secretary of State to express: (1) concern over these abductions and murders to the Government of Mexico and to request that the investigative and preventative efforts of such Government become part of the bilateral agenda between the Governments of Mexico and the United States; and (2) support for the efforts of the victims' families to seek justice for the victims, to express concern relating to the continued harassment of these families and the human rights defenders with which they work, and to express concern with respect to impediments in the ability of the families to receive prompt and accurate information in their cases. Supports multilateral efforts to create a DNA database that would allow families to positively identify the remains of the victims and encourages the Secretary to facilitate U.S. participation in such database. Encourages the Secretary to: (1) include in the Department of State's annual Country Report on Human Rights all instances of improper investigatory methods, threats against human rights activists, and the use of torture with respect to cases involving the murder and abduction of young women in the State of Chihuahua; and (2) urge the Government of Mexico to ensure fair and proper judicial proceedings for the individuals accused of these abductions and murders and to impose appropriate punishment for those individuals subsequently determined to be guilty of such crimes. Recommends that the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico visit Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua to meet with the victims' families, women's rights organizations, and Mexican Federal and State officials responsible for investigating these crimes and preventing future such crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the Russian Federation's compliance with the minimum standards of civilized nations characteristic of Group of 8 (G8) member countries; (2) conditioning participation by the Russian Federation in the G8 on acceptance of, and adherence to, the democratic standards and principles adhered to by the other G8 nations; and (3) steps to suspend Russian Federation participation until the President determines and reports to Congress that the Russian Government is committed to respecting and upholding these democratic principles.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number of any current subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Allows a provider to include the wireless telephone information of any new subscriber in a WDAS only if the provider provides: (1) a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber, at the time of entering into a service agreement and at least once a year thereafter, of the right not to be listed in any WDAS; and (2) the subscriber with convenient mechanisms to decline or refuse to participate in any WDAS. Allows a provider to connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber only if: (1) the subscriber is provided prior notice of the calling party's identity and is permitted to accept or reject each call; (2) the subscriber's wireless telephone number information is not disclosed to the calling party; and (3) the subscriber is not an unlisted commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act.