United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to increase from $250 million to $500 million the maximum size of a small insured depository institution which the appropriate federal banking agency may subject to a full-scope, on-site examination every 18 months (instead of every 12 months), if the greater amount would be consistent with the principles of institution safety and soundness.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006
Mourns the passing of Doctor Milton Friedman and extends deepest condolences to his family, including widow Rose Friedman, who is herself an accomplished economist and was instrumental in co-authoring some of his major works. Honors Doctor Friedman's lifetime of achievements and recognizes his outstanding contributions to freedom, the study of economics, the United States of America, and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing. Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Congratulates Andre Agassi on his esteemed professional tennis career and expresses thanks for his contributions to the community of Las Vegas, Nevada.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Margaret Thatcher Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Margaret Thatcher in recognition of her dedication to the values of free markets and free minds.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Financial Services Regulatory Relief Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act regarding depository institutions lacking federal deposit insurance to authorize the state supervisor of a private deposit insurer, or of a depository institution which receives deposits insured by a private deposit insurer, to examine and enforce compliance with the requirement that a private deposit insurer obtain annual independent audits. Requires depository institutions without federal deposit insurance to disclose on every share certificate that: (1) the institution is not federally insured; and (2) if it fails, the federal government does not guarantee that depositors will get back their money. Revises the requirement that such institutions disclose conspicuously in all advertising and at each place where deposits are normally received that the institution is not federally insured. Requires such a notice also on the institution's main Internet page. Requires the institution to obtain or attempt to obtain a written acknowledgment of such disclosure from new depositors acquired through a conversion or merger. Redefines depository institution and repeals a certain related prohibition. Modifies Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce compliance with the requirements of the Act for depository institutions lacking federal deposit insurance. Confers enforcement authority for compliance with the requirements of the Act upon a state supervisor of such an institution. Imposes on certain other lenders the maximum interest rate or related charges for debt applicable to home state banks in competition with local branches of out-of-state banks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Community Development Investment Enhancements Act of 2006 - Amends the Revised Statues of the United States and the Federal Reserve Act to increase from 10% to 15% of its capital stock actually paid in and unimpaired, and from 10% to 15% of its unimpaired surplus fund, the maximum aggregate community development investments of a national banking association or a state member bank, including its subsidiaries. Applies such limits to each such investment. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize a federal savings association to make investments designed primarily to promote the public welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderate-income communities or families through the provision of housing, services, and jobs (community development investments). Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to establish: (1) the amount any savings association may invest in any one project; and (2) the aggregate amount of investment of any savings association. Declares that the maximum aggregate amount of investments of any savings association is limited to the same 15% of capital stock actually paid in and unimpaired and 15% of unimpaired surplus fund as imposed by this Act on national banking associations and state member banks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Congratulates the Professional Golfers' Association of America on its 90th anniversary and applauds its contributions to employment and economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Fair Fund Improvement Act - Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to revise the requirement that, if the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) obtains an order requiring disgorgement for a violation, and also obtains a civil penalty, such penalty shall, at SEC motion or discretion, be added to the disgorgement fund for the benefit of victims. Repeals the initial requirement for a disgorgement order. Declares that, if the SEC obtains a civil penalty for violation of securities laws, the penalty shall, upon SEC motion, be added to and become part of a disgorgement or other fund established for the benefit of the victims of such violation. Authorizes the SEC to enter into contracts to retain private legal counsel to collect delinquent judgments and orders.
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 · 27 July 2006
Recognizes the 200th anniversary of the Principality of Liechtenstein's sovereignty. Expresses support for U.S. efforts to continue to strengthen its relationship with Liechtenstein.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 1946 season of Bob Feller (Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher) and his return from military service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Government Efficiency Act of 2006 - Authorizes the establishment of Federal Review Commissions with respect to specific aspects of federal programs and agencies. Requires a Commission to review and make recommendations on how to improve the operations, effectiveness, and efficiency of such federal programs and agencies in order to determine whether a reorganization, consolidation, abolishment, expansion, or transfer of existing federal programs and agencies is necessary to carry out any U.S. policy for promoting more effective management of the executive branch. Permits establishment of a Commission only through the issuance of an executive order or the enactment of a joint resolution that: (1) describes the federal programs and agencies to be reviewed; and (2) grants the Commission powers and authorities specified by, and subjects it to the requirements of, this Act. Describes what a Federal Review Commission shall consider in reviewing federal programs and agencies. Requires a Commission to submit to the President: (1) an assessment of the operations, effectiveness, and efficiency of the federal programs and agencies reviewed; and (2) a legislative proposal, if appropriate, to reorganize, consolidate, abolish, expand, or transfer such federal programs and agencies. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of Federal Review Commission recommendations. Directs the President to submit to Congress a schedule for establishment of Federal Review Commissions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006
Expresses support for efforts to identify, track, and pursue suspected foreign terrorists and their financial supporters by tracking terrorist money flows and uncovering terrorist networks, including through the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program. Condemns the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and expresses concern that such disclosure may endanger the lives of Americans as well as individuals and organizations that support U.S. efforts. Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) finds that the Program has been conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, that appropriate safeguards and reviews have been instituted to protect civil liberties, and that Congress has been appropriately informed and consulted and will continue Program oversight; and (2) expects the cooperation of all news media organizations in protecting American lives and the government's capability to identify, disrupt, and capture terrorists by not disclosing classified intelligence programs, such as the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006
Reaffirms the importance of the relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU). Recognizes that the United States and Europe face multiple and common challenges and must continue to adapt the transatlantic partnership which has served both so well. Expresses support for the success of the June 2006 US-EU Summit in Vienna, Austria, and encourages agreements on issues such as support for global freedom, democracy, and human rights, a successful conclusion of the World Trade Organization Doha Development Agenda, and a workable transatlantic energy security strategy. Joins with the European Parliament in agreeing to continue to strengthen the transatlantic partnership by enhancing dialogue and collaboration between the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament through the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue and other legislative exchanges.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Praises the U.S. diplomatic staff of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, for their actions in support of freedom for the Cuban people. Condemns the Cuban regime's: (1) harassment of such personnel; and (2) 47 years of brutality and oppression against the Cuban people. Supports the Cuban people's right to exercise fundamental political and civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, the press, and the right to multiparty elections.
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 · 6 June 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that: (1) marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman; and (2) neither the U.S. Constitution nor the constitution of any state shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006
Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow an eligible person or group to obtain a national franchise to provide cable service in a franchise area in lieu of any other authority under federal, state, or local law. Requires: (1) the filing of a franchise certification with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and (2) cable operators with a national franchise to provide a specified minimum of channel capacity for public, educational, and governmental use, and to meet certain other requirements. Provides for FCC enforcement of franchising requirements. Requires an annual FCC report on the deployment of cable service, including deployment by new cable operators. Empowers the FCC to enforce its broadband policy statement and principles. Requires an FCC study regarding whether such statement and principles are being achieved. Requires each VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) service provider to ensure that 911 and E-911 services are provided to subscribers of VOIP services. Outlines rights and obligations of VOIP service providers. Allows the municipal provision of cable services, requiring competition neutrality among all providers in an area. Prohibits a broadband service provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition for such service, to purchase any cable, telecommunications, or VOIP service offered by the provider. Directs the FCC to further the development of seamless mobility, requiring a study identifying barriers to achieving seamless mobility.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and activities to address such gaps. Requires annual Department of Defense (DOD) budget justification documents to include separate amounts for Guard training and equipment for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Establishes within the JCS an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for consideration of eligible reserve officers for promotion to the grades of lieutenant general or vice admiral on the active duty list. Requires the position of Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command to be filled by a qualified Guard officer eligible for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 calendar days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 calendar days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Makes it unlawful for a PDP sponsor of a prescription drug plan to display on the prescription drug card the name, brand, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Requires each PDP sponsor to charge not less than the minimum dispensing fee, $14, adjusted annually for inflation, for generic covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Revises requirements for a covered medication therapy management service, allowing it to be furnished by a health care provider, other than a pharmacist, with advanced training in medication management. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify: (1) the population of part D eligible individuals appropriate for services under a medication therapy management program, based on certain characteristics; and (2) a minimum defined package of medication therapy management services that shall be provided to each enrollee. Revises requirements for pharmacy fees. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a two-year demonstration program to examine the impact of medication therapy management furnished by a pharmacist in a community-based or ambulatory-based setting on quality of care, spending, and patient health; and (2) a Best Practices Commission to develop a best practices model for medication therapy management.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Communities Building Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of making health care coverage available, on a cost-sharing basis, to: (1) employees through employers that have not contributed to health care benefits for employees during the prior 12 months; and (2) self-employed individuals who have been without such coverage during the prior 12 months. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of forming and maintaining networks composed of health care specialists who volunteer health services to eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to make an award of a grant or contract for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse for information on demonstration projects under this Act and similar projects that are community initiated. Allows the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage public and private entities that plan or operate such projects to submit information to the clearinghouse.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Independent Pharmacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each prescription drug plan contract entered into with a plan sponsor to provide for: (1) the availability of direct deposit payments; (2) an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs; and (3) payments within 10 days for certain pharmacies. Requires the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug therapeutically equivalent and bioequivalent to a brand name covered part D drug dispensed through the pharmacy to be at least 50% greater than the dispensing fee for the brand name drug. Limits to $10 the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug. Prohibits a prescription drug plan, subject to exception by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from decreasing the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a brand name drug to an amount less than the dispensing fee paid for it on the date of enactment of this Act. Applies this Act to contracts with a Medicare Advantage organization in the same manner as they apply to those with a prescription drug plan sponsor.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Military Spouses Employment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses).
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States through FY2011. Requires the President of the Bank to establish and maintain a Small Business Division and a Small Business Committee. Establishes within the Division an office for financing of exports by socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and small business concerns owned by women. Extends through FY2011 the Advisory Committee established to assist in the development and implementation of policies and programs designed to support the expansion of the Bank's financial commitments in sub-Saharan Africa under its loan, guarantee, and insurance programs. Specifies requirements for the Bank's: (1) improved liaison with African regional financial institutions; (2) closer cooperation with other U.S. agencies working in Africa; (3) adjustments in procedures to promote qualification of African entities for participation in Bank programs; and (4) development of procedures allowing it to finance certain African programs in local currencies. Extends through FY2011 Bank authority to provide financing for the export of nonlethal defense articles or services whose primary end use will be for civilian purposes. Prescribes requirements for Bank transparency initiatives and revises specified reporting requirements, especially for the annual competitiveness report. Requires at least two members of the Advisory Committee to represent the environmental nongovernmental organization (NGO) community (although no two from the same organization). Requires the environmental organizations represented to have demonstrated experience with environmental issues associated with the Bank, the Export Credit Group of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Recognizes the 225th anniversary of the American and French victory at Yorktown, Virginia, during the Revolutionary War. Reminds the American people of the debt the United States owes to its Armed Forces and the important role Yorktown and the Commonwealth of Virginia played in securing their liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2006
Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act - Prohibits a person from carrying out a demonstration: (1) at a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or at Arlington National Cemetery, unless the demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or director; or (2) within 500 feet of a cemetery at which a funeral or memorial service is to be held, for a period beginning 60 minutes before and ending 60 minutes after the funeral or service, if such demonstration includes any individual making noise or a diversion that disturbs the peace or good order of the funeral or service. Amends the federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state should enact legislation to restrict demonstrations near any military funeral.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Urges the President to: (1) declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50% by 2015; (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research; (3) direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a lung cancer screening and disease management program among military personnel and veterans and diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer; (4) appoint a Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee; and (5) convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board to oversee and coordinate all efforts to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, including raising public awareness about the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Act of 2006 - Authorizes The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the United States and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise the determination of adjacent zones and planning areas in the subsoil and seabed of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Prescribes guidelines for: (1) lease administration; (2) lease grants; (3) lease receipts ; and (4) allocations to states and coastal municipal political subdivisions. Modifies review guidelines for OCS exploration plans and drilling permits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to include in each five-year program lease sales that offer at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area for oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Revises requirements for review of OCS development and production plans. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Declares without force or effect all provisions of existing federal law that prohibit spending appropriated funds for OCS oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with either oil or natural gas leasing, or with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulation of surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2005 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for mariculture, artificial reef, and scientific research. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for: (1) a comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources; and (2) payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Establishes the Federal Energy And Mineral Resources Professional Development Fund. National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund Act of 2006 - Establishes the National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund. Prescribes implementation guidelines for leasing areas located within 100 miles of California or Florida. Amends the OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Congratulates Dr. I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University, on his retirement and expresses appreciation for his service to Gallaudet University, the deaf and hard of hearing community, and all disabled individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Urges: (1) the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to continue to take a leadership role in identifying a cure and developing safer, more effective treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene, by August 2006 (Psoriasis Awareness Month), a special panel to study and make recommendations regarding access to care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored 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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to make technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) government deposits; (2) insurance of trust funds; (3) insurance logo for insured depository institutions and insured credit unions; and (4) the credit union share insurance fund. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) assessments and repeal of special rules relating to minimum assessments and free deposit insurance; (2) replacement of a fixed designated reserve ratio with a reserve range; and (3) merger of the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). Establishes the DIF. Prescribes guidelines for borrowing for the DIF from insured depository institutions and Federal Home Loan Banks. Requires reports to Congress on: (1) refunds, dividends, and credits from the DIF; (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) structure and expenses and certain activities and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system; and (3) a biannual FDIC survey of efforts by insured depository institutions to bring those individuals and families who have rarely, if ever, held a checking account, a savings account, or other type of transaction or check cashing account at an insured depository institution (the unbanked) into the conventional finance system. Amends the following Acts relating to the merger of the BIF and SAIF to reflect the changes made by this Act: (1) the Revised Statutes of the United States; (2) the Federal Reserve Act; (3) the Federal Home Loan Bank Act; (4) the Home Owners' Loan Act; (5) the National Housing Act; (6) the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989; (7) the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; and (8) the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Wright Brothers-Dunbar National Historic Park Designation Act - Amends the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to: (1) rename the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park as the Wright Brothers-Dunbar National Historic Park; and (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to public and private organizations relating to the preservation, development, use, and interpretation of properties within the Park.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in a suitable permanent location in the rotunda of the Capitol. Expresses the sense of Congress that the most suitable location for the placement of the bust is one adjacent to the statue known as the Portrait Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
America's Brownfield Cleanup Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for 50% of expenditures for the abatement or control of any hazardous substance, the demolition of any structure, the removal and disposal of property, and the reconstruction of utilities at certain contaminated sites. Allows a tax exclusion for certain contributions made for the remediation of contaminated sites.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude manure from the definition of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
Outer Continental Shelf Natural Gas Relief Act - States that all provisions of federal law that prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf are without any force or effect. Revokes all withdrawals from leasing of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf, including withdrawals by the President under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. States such withdrawals are no longer in effect with respect to the leasing of areas for natural gas exploration, development, and production. Prohibits granting a gas lease for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf located within 20 miles of a state's coastline unless the Governor grants state approval. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in each five-year oil and gas leasing program, to include lease sales that when viewed as a whole propose to offer for gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each Outer Continental Shelf planning area. Sets forth a scheme for bonus bids and royalties that affects: (1) new and existing gas leases; and (2) leased tracts lying partially within the seaward boundaries of a state. Permits leases that authorize development and production solely of natural gas and associated condensate, including leases for program years 2002-2007, and for program years 2007-2012.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
National Flood Insurance Program Commitment to Policyholders and Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to define an area having special flood hazards. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA Director) to report annually to Congress on the extent to which updating and modernization of all floodplain areas and flood-risk zones have been completed. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to: (1) increase from $350 to $2,000 the civil monetary penalty for mortgage lender failures to require flood insurance; and (2) eliminate the $100,000 cap on the total amount of such penalties assessed against any single regulated lending institution or enterprise during any calendar year. Requires the FEMA Director to: (1) establish an appeals process through which holders of a flood insurance policy may appeal decisions on claims, proofs of loss, and loss estimates relating to such flood insurance policy; (2) enforce the minimum training and education requirements for all insurance agents who sell certain flood insurance policies; and (3) issue regulations to implement specified portions of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to increase the maximum flood insurance coverage limits for residential property. Prescribes coverage of additional living expenses and business interruption. Increases the borrowing authority vested in the Director. Requires the Director to report semi-annually to Congress on the financial status of the national flood insurance program.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oxley, Michael G. [R-OH-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000163_200.jpg)