United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Expresses support for the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Recognizes breast cancer survivors, the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat breast cancer, and the work of national and community organizations in promoting breast cancer awareness, providing information, and offering treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act of 2006 or the JUSTICE Act of 2006 - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Prohibits a federal correctional facility from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device. Expresses the sense of Congress that states should allow for the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in their correctional facilities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a survey of all educational, testing, and other programs in federal and state correctional facilities for reducing the spread of STIs; and (2) develop and implement a five-year strategy to reduce the prevalence and spread of STIs in such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Amends of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new title X, School Construction, Modernization, And Infrastructure Improvement. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to state educational agencies for elementary and secondary school construction, reconstruction, renovation, or modernization for information technology. Sets forth wage requirements for such projects, including Davis-Bacon Act compliance and overtime; but allows exceptions for certain workers who voluntarily donate their services without full compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Linking Educators and Developing Entrepreneurs for Reaching Success (LEADERS) Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to support business incubation at institutions of higher education that award associate or baccalaureate degrees. Directs the Secretary to make competitive, matching awards to: (1) a nonprofit entity that manages or provides technical assistance to a degree-granting institution's affiliated incubator (or to the institution that manages in the absence of such an entity), for helping acquire or renovate space for incubators, and for developing curricula, providing services, or providing programming for entrepreneurs housed in an incubator; and (2) a degree-granting institution or a nonprofit local government or community development organization, for feasibility studies to determine the need for or siting of incubators. Requires the Secretary to reserve certain amounts for research regarding best practices for incubator programs, including the development of a benchmarking system based on uniform measures, and for dissemination of information regarding such practices. Authorizes contracts for such purposes with organizations with expertise in business incubation practices.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide for an expedited process for the qualification for low-income assistance through a request to the Secretary of the Treasury for tax return and other information sufficient to identify: (1) whether the individual involved is likely eligible for subsidies; and (2) the amount of premium and cost-sharing subsidies for which they would qualify based on such information. Increases the maximum permissible resource level for subsidy eligibility. Waives the late enrollment penalty for subsidy-eligible individuals for the first 24 months of non-enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, including efforts to: (1) raise public awareness about Alzheimer's; (2) promote early evaluation, diagnosis, planning, and treatment; and (3) encourage progress toward the development of a national health policy to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and to ensure that people with dementia receive a diagnosis and appropriate care. Encourages Americans who may be experiencing memory impairment to seek an evaluation and diagnosis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Planning Week, and encourages Americans to observe it with appropriate programs and activities. Recognizes the significant impact that sound financial planning can have on securing financial independence and achieving life's goals and dreams.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Urges the Secretary of Defense to immediately institute a zero-tolerance policy with regard to individuals who are members of, or participate in the activities or further the objectives of, organizations that espouse racial or ethnic extremism.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Denounces, demands the cessation of, and condemns the perpetrators of the practices of female genital mutilation, domestic violence, honor killings, acid burning, dowry deaths, and other gender-based persecutions. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) participation, protection, recognition, and independence of women is crucial to achieving a just, moral, and honorable society; (2) regardless of religion, geography, or form of government, women should not be denied equal rights, which should be defended; and (3) the United States should renew consideration of and ratify its signature on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Expresses support for the people still affected by Hurricane Katrina. Acknowledges deficiencies in the ability of Gulf Coast cities to provide social services and to attract the return of displaced residents. Reaffirms Congress's commitment to assist in rebuilding the Gulf Coast region, improving the quality of life for its residents, and ending poverty in America.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pilot Program of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants to historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges, and Hispanic serving institutions, or to any entity formed by a combination of such institutions: (1) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and (2) for the placement of small business development centers on the physical campus of the institution. Requires an institution of higher education receiving a grant to: (1) develop a curriculum that includes training in various skill sets needed by successful entrepreneurs; and (2) open a small business development center. Limits this pilot program to two fiscal years, and a grant to $1 million per fiscal year for any one institution of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006
Recognizes the 185th anniversary of Peru's independence. Extends congratulations and best wishes to Peru, Peruvians, and Peruvian-Americans as they celebrate the 185th anniversary of Peru's independence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006
Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish requirements for providing and receiving reimbursement for school-based health care for children, including children with special needs, and the related administrative and transportation costs covered under Medicaid. Includes health care provided through Medicaid managed care organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, acting jointly, to develop and implement a uniform methodology for claims under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Civil Rights History Project Act of 2006 - Requires the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture) to establish an oral history project to: (1) collect video and audio recordings of, and visual and written materials relevant to the personal histories of, participants in the Civil Rights movement; and (2) make the collection available for public use through the Library of Congress and the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006
Expresses: (1) condolences to the families and friends of the individuals killed in the July 2006 terrorist bombing attacks in Mumbai, India; and (2) deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in such attacks and to the people of the Republic of India. Condemns the cowardly and unjustified attacks on innocent civilians. Commends the authorities and people of Mumbai for their prompt and effective response to this atrocity. Expresses: (1) solidarity with the government and people of India as that nation continues combating terrorism; and (2) readiness to assist the Indian authorities in their efforts to bring to justice those individuals responsible for the recent attacks in India and to pursue and dismantle the networks that plan and carry out such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs who interact with veterans; (2) screening of veterans who receive medical care at a Department facility for suicide risk factors; (3) referral of at-risk veterans for counseling and treatment; (4) a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility; (5) research for suicide prevention and for mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service; (6) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (7) a toll-free hotline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary should take in the special needs of PTSD-afflicted veterans in developing and implementing the program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the federal minimum wage should be adjusted every four years so that a person earning such wage may earn an annual income of not less than 112% of the federal poverty threshold; and (2) Congress or the states may establish higher minimum wage requirements than that established in this Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise calculation of the federal minimum wage to be not less than $5.15 an hour beginning September 1, 1997, and not less than the minimum hourly wage sufficient for a person to earn an annual income that is 12% higher than the federal poverty threshold for a two person household, with one child under age 18 years of age, beginning January 1, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Honors former President William Jefferson Clinton on the occasion of his 60th birthday on August 19, 2006, and extends best wishes to him and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports efforts to identify, track, and pursue suspected foreign terrorists and their financial supporters by tracking terrorist money flows and uncovering terrorist networks here and abroad in accordance with existing applicable law, but notes that the expression of such support in this resolution should not be construed as providing additional authority for such efforts; and (2) expresses concern that the unauthorized disclosure of classified information may have made efforts to locate terrorists and terrorist networks, and disrupt their plans, more difficult.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days specified by law on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, the Air Force Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for seeking the fullest possible accounting of Americans unaccounted for as a result of the nation's previous conflicts. Extends the thanks of Congress and the nation to the personnel of those offices, commands, and laboratories and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for their efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting of Americans who remain unaccounted for as a result of the Vietnam War. Encourages and recognizes the efforts of the U.S. government, POW/MIA families and veterans, and host nations in supporting such mission. Recognizes and honors eight Americans and nine Vietnamese who paid the ultimate sacrifice in supporting such mission. Thanks Vietnam for continued assistance and cooperation in the humane recovery, identification, and repatriation of the remains of American personnel remaining unaccounted for from the Vietnam era. Recognizes that the efforts and involvement of POW/MIA families contribute significantly to the success of the JPAC.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006
Congratulates Avery Johnson for being named the 2006 National Basketball Association (NBA) Coach of the Year and for leading the Dallas Mavericks to their first Western Conference Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006 - Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) it may be in the U.S. interest to enter into an agreement for nuclear cooperation under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA) with a country that has never been a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) with respect to civilian nuclear technology if certain criteria have been met; (2) India meets such criteria; and (3) it is in the U.S. national security interest to deepen its relationship with India across a full range of issues, including peaceful nuclear cooperation. Declares the policy of the United States to oppose the development of a capability to produce nuclear weapons by any non-nuclear weapon state, within or outside of the NPT. Declares certain U.S. policy objectives with respect to South Asia, including to seek to halt the increase of nuclear weapon arsenals in South Asia, and to promote their reduction and eventual elimination. Specifies conditions which the President must determine to exist in order to exercise authority to: (1) exempt a proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation with India from the AEA requirement that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards be maintained for all nuclear materials in peaceful nuclear activities; (2) waive application to India of the AEA prohibition against U.S. export of source material, special nuclear material, production or utilization facilities, and any sensitive nuclear technology unless such safeguards are maintained; and (3) waive certain AEA export restrictions required because of the detonation of a nuclear explosive device by a non-nuclear-weapon state, and failure to take steps representing sufficient progress toward terminating activities involving source or special nuclear material with direct significance for the manufacture or acquisition of nuclear explosive devices. Prescribes procedures for: (1) submission to Congress of information concerning such determinations; and (2) approval by Congress of a proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation with India. Requires termination of nuclear transfers to India if India makes materially significant transfers of nuclear or nuclear-related material, equipment, or technology, or of ballistic missiles or related equipment or technology, that do not conform to guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) or the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006
Urges: (1) the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the Inter-American Development Bank, and other multilateral financial institutions to cancel Haiti's debts to them under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at such institutions to use U.S. influence to accomplish this goal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Honors the town of Nicodemus, Kansas, for its contribution to American history. Commends and encourages the preservation efforts of the National Park Service and the residents of Nicodemus.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006
Congratulates Spelman College on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. Commends those associated with the College for their outstanding achievements and contributions to African American education, history, and culture.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Foreign Anti-Sex Offender Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny a family-based immigration petition by a U.S. petitioner for an alien spouse or child if: (1) the Secretary has confirmed that the petitioner is on the national sex offender registry for a conviction that individually resulted in incarceration for more than one year; (2) the petitioner has been given at least 90 days to rebut such information and has failed to do so; and (3) the Secretary finds that granting the petition would put a primary or derivative spouse or child beneficiary in grave danger of being sexually abused. Directs the Secretary to base such petitioner evaluation upon: (1) the nature of the relationship; (2) the nature of the sex offense; (3) rehabilitation; and (4) previous visa petitions. Directs the Secretary to provide the petitioner with a notice that states the reasons for the intended denial and provides the petitioner with at least 90 days to submit rebuttal evidence. Provides post-denial remedies through: (1) the Board of Immigration Appeals; and (2) a new petition filing based on additional evidence. States that where the Secretary has confirmed that the petitioner is listed on the national sex offender registry: (1) an interview with the alien spouse, and any alien sons or daughters, shall be required prior to removal of conditional permanent resident status; and (2) if there is abuse or harm by the petitioner the victim shall be offered appropriate assistance, including information on ways to remain in the United State that do not depend on continuing the qualifying marriage. Provides a hardship waiver in cases of sexual abuse of the alien spouse or child. Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force to Rescue Immigrant Victims of American Sex Offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Declares that Congress: (1) recognizes that minorities and women still face unique challenges entering into and obtaining upper level positions within the financial services industry; and (2) encourages financial institutions to take specified steps to increase participation of women and minorities in the industry. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) active measures should be taken by employers and educational institutions to increase the demographic diversity of the financial services industry; and (2) diversity within the financial services industry is vitally important not only to promoting innovation and creativity in the industry but to developing a more inclusive workforce for a fair and just economy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Urges Congress and the executive branch to: (1) recognize the successful use of advanced imaging technologies in the fight against breast cancer; and (2) provide additional support for the research and development of technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment comparable to mammograms.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006
Calls on the government of Germany to take action to combat sex trafficking in connection with the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. Urges European countries to support public awareness campaigns to educate the general public, particularly athletes, sports fans, and financial sponsors of the 2006 World Cup, about the potential for trafficking in human beings. Encourages governments, international and nongovernmental organizations, 2006 World Cup sponsors, tour operators, and air transportation providers to join the efforts to end the sexual exploitation of women and girls and prevent trafficking in human beings. Commends the "Final Whistle--Stop Forced Prostitution Campaign" launched by the National Council of German Women's Organizations and calls on sports associations, including FIFA, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the German Football Association to support this campaign. Urges Germany and all countries to ratify or accede to, and to implement, the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006
Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the food on a menu board, the number of calories in a serving of the food. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or counter for general use, daily specials, temporary menu items, and irregular menu items from these requirements. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food, such as through salad bars or buffet lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per standard serving adjacent to each food offered. Permits retail food establishments to voluntarily provide, and states to require, additional nutritional information. Requires vending machine operators to provide a conspicuous sign disclosing the number of calories in each item of food offered.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership Month, and recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and families.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
African Entrepreneurship Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to make available for private sector development in sub-Saharan African countries professional, technical, and other resources for capacity-building for retail banks and small and medium enterprises, including farmers' cooperatives and businesses, to promote entrepreneurship and economic and export diversification, to expand the formal sector, and to increase trade. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include an African Economic Diversification Fund financing rate in the determination of the tax on petroleum products entered into the United States directly from a beneficiary sub-Saharan country. Terminates the Fund financing rate after December 31, 2011. Establishes in the Treasury the African Economic Diversification Fund. Sets forth permitted expenditures. Amends the Small Business Act to establish in the Office of International Trade the 21st Century African Entrepreneurs Program to provide assistance to qualified small and medium African enterprises. Provides for the establishment of not less than three African Entrepreneurs Program Centers for each of FY2007-FY2012 in qualified sub-Saharan countries. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish the U.S.-Africa Private Sector Advisory Council. States that: (1) the Administrator should provide the Secretary of the Treasury with information pertaining to how African Development Bank programs can be used to improve the 21st Century African Entrepreneurs Program; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture should provide the Secretary of the Treasury with information pertaining to how the establishment of a value-added agricultural loan facility can be used to support development of qualified small and medium African enterprises devoted to the processing of agricultural commodities; and (3) the Secretary of State should undertake activities to strengthen internationally recognized labor rights and standards in qualified sub-Saharan African countries. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to small and medium enterprises in such countries for: (1) youth entrepreneurship programs; and (2) anti-corruption initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Congratulates the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on ten years of significant achievement in the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine. Expresses support for the continued success of the Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive, for two-year periods, requirements for awarding breast and cervical cancer grants to states if certain conditions are met, including that granting such a waiver will not reduce the number of women in the state receiving examinations and screening for breast or cervical cancer or the quality of such services. Requires the Secretary to review performance under the waiver and allows the Secretary to extend such waivers. Authorizes appropriations for breast and cervical cancer grants through FY2012.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Calls on the government of Iran to cease repressive activities aimed at the Iranian Baha'i community and holds the government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of its nationals, including the Baha'i community. Requests the President to: (1) call for the government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights covenants; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the government of Iran's human rights practices as a significant factor in U.S.-Iran foreign policy; and (3) initiate a consistent dialogue with other governments and the European Union (EU) in order to persuade the government of Iran to rectify its human rights practices.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Honors the members of the Armed Forces serving as health care professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizes the research and advancements achieved by military health care professionals in the area of battlefield medical care and the direct applications and benefits such research and advancement will have to civilian medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006
Science Accountability Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to: (1) establish challenging academic content and student achievement standards in science, beginning in the 2008-2009 school year; and (2) measure the achievement of students in grades three through eight against such standards, beginning in the 2009-2010 school year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Lawful Intelligence and Surveillance of Terrorists in an Emergency by NSA Act or LISTEN Act - States that specified provisions of federal criminal law concerning wire and electronic communications and their interception and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) shall be the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted. Directs the President to ensure that: (1) all electronic surveillance of persons in the United States is conducted within those exclusive means; and (2) the procedures for applying for an order for electronic surveillance under FISA continue to be adequate for the timely and efficient electronic surveillance of appropriate targets. Requires: (1) the President to report to the congressional intelligence and judiciary committees upon a determination that such procedures are inadequate; and (2) the report to contain findings and recommendations with respect to emergency or routine applications for such orders. Authorizes appropriations to the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for activities of the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review to ensure the timely and efficient processing of applications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) President Bush's Commission on Mental Health's finding that the failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Library of Congress Employee Transition Assistance Act of 2006 - States that any employee of the Library of Congress who at any time before or after this Act's enactment has satisfactorily completed a probationary period with the Library under a nontemporary appointment acquires a competitive status for appointment to any position in the competitive service for which such employee possesses the required qualifications. Prohibits an employee who acquires a competitive status under this Act from being required to complete a probationary period upon appointment to a position in the competitive service. Treats a displaced Library of Congress employee as an employee of an executive department, government corporation, or independent establishment who is eligible for a special selection priority under the career transition assistance program for surplus and displaced federal employees administered by the Director of the Office Personnel Management (OPM). Defines such employees as certain employees, or former employees, of the Library of Congress who were separated from employment not more than 90 days prior to the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Restoring Emergency Services to Protect Our Nation From Disasters Act of 2006 or the RESPOND Act of 2006 - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Requires FEMA to: (1) include all functions and authorities prescribed by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster and Emergency Assistance Act; (2) carry out its mission by leading and supporting the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system; and (3) be the lead agency for the National Response Plan. Provides for an Office of the Inspector General within FEMA. Requires the Director to develop a human capital strategy. Establishes within FEMA a disaster workforce reserve cadre to meet surge requirements during emergencies. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a program to assist states and local governments representing areas at substantial risk for a catastrophic incident; (2) maintain and operate a national emergency operations center; (3) develop an efficient, transparent, and flexible logistics system for procurement and delivery of goods and services; and (4) establish and maintain an interoperable communications capability. Amends the Stafford Act to require the President, acting through the Director, to establish at least three national response teams, sufficient regional and other response teams, and a national emergency preparedness goal and system. Requires the Director to: (1) carry out a grant program to improve state and local government emergency response capabilities; (2) establish a comprehensive system to assess the nation's overall emergency preparedness; and (3) establish a National Emergency Preparedness Task Force. Establishes a national incident management system.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the 2006 and 2007 initial enrollment periods for the Medicare prescription drug benefit; (2) suspend the late enrollment penalty through December 31, 2007; and (3) permit Medicare beneficiaries to change enrollment in a prescription drug plan during the first 12 months of enrollment. Prohibits a PDP sponsor, beginning with 2006, from removing a covered part D drug from the plan formulary, or imposing a restriction or limitation on the coverage of such a drug, other than at the beginning of each plan year, except as the Secretary may permit to take into account new therapeutic uses and newly covered part D drugs. Requires each PDP sponsor to furnish to each plan enrollee, at the time of each annual coordinated election period, a notice of any changes in the formulary or other part D drug coverage restrictions or limitations that will take effect for the upcoming plan year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise requirements for: (1) the use of election examiners and observers; (2) declaratory judgment on the issue of voting qualifications or standards intended to diminish the ability of U.S. citizens to elect preferred candidates; and (3) award of attorney fees in enforcement proceedings to include expert fees and other reasonable costs of litigation. Extends bilingual election requirements through August 5, 2032. Revises the requirements for determining states and political subdivisions covered by them to require use of 2010 American Community Survey census data. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the prohibition against the use of tests or devices to deny the right to vote in any federal, state, or local election. Extends both the prohibition and the date for mandatory congressional reconsideration of it.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Recognizes that African American spirituals are a poignant and powerful genre of music that have become one of the most significant segments of American music in existence. Requests that the President issue a proclamation that reflects on the important contribution of African American spirituals to American history and that names the African American spiritual as a national treasure.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Los Angeles River Revitalization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the City of Los Angeles, to submit a project-specific plan for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River that is consistent with the goals of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan. Directs the Secretary to offer to enter into a binding agreement with the City and any other non-federal sponsor to carry out the plan and to pay at least 50% of the costs. Authorizes the Secretary to recommend any locally-preferred project as an alternative to a measure proposed in the plan. Requires each such project to be included in the feasibility report or in an environmental impact statement or analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a pilot project to provide information to develop the plan. Directs the Secretary to: (1) offer to enter into a binding agreement with the City and any other non-federal sponsor to carry out each such pilot project and to pay at least 35% of the costs; and (2) assign a priority to each project. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for a Los Angeles River water reuse project, including measures for environmental restoration and revitalization.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act of 2006 - Requires the Archivist of the United States to: (1) establish, as part of the National Archives, an electronically searchable database of historic records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction contained within federal agencies for genealogical and historical research; and (2) preserve relevant records. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to provide grants to states, colleges and universities, and genealogical associations to preserve records and establish databases of local records of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the newborns and infants hearing loss program to: (1) provide services for young children (currently, limited to infants and newborns); and (2) include diagnostic services among services provided. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to assist in the recruitment, retention, education, and training of qualified personnel and health care providers. Includes within the purposes of such program: (1) developing efficient models to ensure that newborns, infants, and young children who are identified with a hearing loss through screening are not lost to follow-up by a qualified health care provider; and (2) ensuring an adequate supply of qualified personnel to meet the screening, evaluation, and early intervention needs of children. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, to establish a postdoctoral fellowship program to foster research and development in the area of early hearing detection and intervention. Amends the definition of "early intervention" to require that families be given the opportunity to obtain the full range of early intervention services, educational and program placements, and other options for their child from highly qualified providers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs. Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop and implement a federal plan to address diabetes mellitus within communities of color. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct and support research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to conduct and support programs to educate the public on diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) education and awareness programs designed to increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (2) mentorship programs for minority researchers who are conducting research on diabetes in minority populations. Provides for studies on the shortage of adult and pediatric endocrinologists specializing in diabetes and on outcomes of minority children with diabetes compared to non-minority children.
![Official portrait of Rep. Millender-McDonald, Juanita [D-CA-37]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000714_200.jpg)