United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Commends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-121 mission; and (2) its pioneering work in space exploration.
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 · 12 July 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is commended for completing the STS-121 mission and for its pioneering work in space exploration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involved in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accused of gross human rights violations, government security personnel involved in shootings of demonstrators, and Ethiopian civilians involved in killings of Ethiopian policemen. Directs the President to provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Ethiopian torture victims. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with the Oromo Liberation Front to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal. Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) economic policy assistance; (2) financing for U.S.-Ethiopian commercial ventures; and (3) resource policy assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the following energy research, development and commercial application projects: (1) advanced clean coal energy technology; (2) advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies for generating electricity and industrial process heat from nuclear power; (3) advanced battery technologies for use in motor vehicles, particularly for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; (4) production of liquid fuels from biomass; (5) technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles; (6) advanced solar photovoltaic technologies; and (7) advanced wind energy technologies. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to conduct a research, development, and commercial application program on technologies needed for the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006, or the SUN Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to establish a grants program: (1) for states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology; (2) for businesses and organizations for new construction or renovation of energy efficient buildings; and (3) for Cooperative Extension services or offices, states, local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions with expertise in energy research or extension to conduct activities to transfer knowledge and information about advanced energy technologies that increase efficiency of energy use. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation: (1) for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program; and (2) for improvement of interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of high performance buildings. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study and make further recommendations to Congress on the October 2005 National Academy of Sciences recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Commends the American Council of Young Political Leaders for working for 40 years to prepare young political leaders to play a leadership role in international relations and world affairs.
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
Commends: (1) the counterterrorism cooperation of Italy, Sweden, and Bosnia-Herzegovina; and (2) the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for increasing U.S. and European security through counterterrorism operations and for decreasing the likelihood of terrorist attacks. Condemns the European Parliament for criticizing CIA and allied counterterrorism efforts. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Temporary Committee of the European Parliament's declarations on the alleged CIA use of European countries for transport and illegal detention of prisoners decrease the security of European and American citizens and increase the likelihood of terrorist acts.
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 · 25 May 2006
The Fair Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Amendment of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to grant the district court original and exclusive jurisdiction of any action to enforce a foreign judgment exceeding $75,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) against a citizen of the United States, where: (1) any plantiff is a citizen of a state different from any defendant; (2) any plaintiff is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a state; or (3) any plaintiff is a citizen of a state and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject or a foreign state. Permits removal of such an action to a district court without regard to whether any defendant is a citizen of the state in which the action is brought. Allows such a removal by any defendant without the consent of all defendants.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Zero Baseline Budget Act of 2006 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses; (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization; (3) inflation; and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Exempts from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or or any other factor. Amends the Act to extend indefinitely the formula used to calculate the baseline.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that officers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should not: (1) undermine the efforts of citizen groups such as the Minuteman Project to preserve the integrity of U.S. borders and protect the nation from intrusion; and (2) contact Mexican officials about the location of individuals who participate in such groups while conducting surveillance on the southern U.S. border.
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 · 23 May 2006
States that the provisions of section 235 the Immigration and Nationality Act (inspection of aliens, expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens, and referral for hearing) in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act supersede any court order issued prior to the effective date specified in section 309(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (inspection, apprehension, detention, adjudication, and removal of inadmissible and exportable aliens) if the court order affects the Secretary of Homeland Security's ability to carry out expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Congratulates the people and government of Mongolia on the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood, and commends the people and government of Mongolia for their commitment to democracy and economic reform. Affirms that the United States is proud to be considered Mongolia's "third neighbor," and supports efforts to strengthen strategic, political, economic, educational, and cultural ties between the two countries. Urges the government of Mongolia to take further steps to fight corruption and provide greater accountability in government operations. Encourages private investment and increased business ties between investors in both countries, and increased people-to-people ties through expanded academic, cultural, and sports exchanges. Supports increased Mongolian participation in international organizations and initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Offers congratulations to His Majesty King Bhumibol and best wishes for continued prosperity to his Majesty and the Kingdom of Thailand. Looks forward to enduring ties of friendship between the Thai and American people.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Condemns the failure of the government of Venezuela to stop criminal drug trafficking. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it should continue to be U.S. policy to support cooperation between Venezuela and its partners in the Andean region to combat drug trafficking; (2) efforts to restore cooperation between Venezuela and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration should be continued; (3) it should continue to be U.S. policy to assist the international community in a review of security measures at the Simon Bolivar International Airport and to work with the Organization of American States (OAS) to bring Venezuela into compliance with OAS conventions and treaties to punish and eliminate narco-terrorism; (4) the Secretary of Transportation should report to Congress on actions taken by the government of Venezuela to restore airport security measures at Simon Bolivar International Airport; and (5) the Secretary of State should report to Congress on Venezuela's compliance with international counternarcotics treaties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Shoulder-Fired Missile Threat Reduction Act of 2006 - Defines "MANPADS" as: (1) a surface-to-air missile system designed to be man-portable and carried and fired by a single individual; or (2) any other surface-to-air missile system designed to be operated and fired by more than one individual acting as a crew and portable by several individuals. States that it is U.S. policy to assist foreign governments to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out an accelerated global program to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. States that it should be U.S. policy to hold foreign governments accountable for knowingly transferring MANPADS to state-sponsors of terrorism or terrorist organizations. Directs the President, upon a determination that a foreign government which has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism knowingly transfers MANPADS to a foreign government or a terrorist organization, to: (1) report such information to the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) impose specified foreign assistance and military assistance sanctions on the transferring government. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such prohibition. Authorizes a national security waiver. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should pursue strengthened international diplomatic efforts to: (1) limit the availability and proliferation of MANPADS; and (2) exert diplomatic pressure to influence member country compliance with such efforts. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting MANPADS and conventional weapons threat reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Condemns the actions of the Catholic Patriotic Association of China in their coerced ordination of priests Joseph Ma Yinglin and Joseph Liu Xinhong. Extends deepest sympathy to the Catholic population of China and the Catholic Church for this insult. Reaffirms the right of all religious organizations to choose their leaders free of intimidation or terror in accordance with the Uniform Declaration of Human Rights. Urges the government of China to end its repression of religious organizations, recognize the ecclesiastical authority of religious leaders to provide spiritual leadership to their followers, and end the practice of only allowing religious worship through state-sanctioned patriotic religious associations. Insists that China refrain from additional ordinations of Catholic bishops until and unless their elevation is approved by the proper ecclesiastical authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Expresses sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned as a result of their participation in the democracy protests of June 3-4, 1989, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China (PRC), and to all the people of China who lack fundamental human rights. Commends all persons who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights in China. Condemns the ongoing human rights abuses by the government of the PRC, and calls on that government to: (1) reevaluate the official verdict on the Tiananmen pro-democracy activities and order formal investigations into the reported killing, torture, and imprisonment of democracy activists; (2) release all prisoners of conscience; (3) end censorship of free speech on the Internet and persecution of Internet dissidents; (4) end persecution of Falun Gong; (5) end organ harvesting that is not voluntary; (6) end the coercive one-child policy; (7) grant the United Nations High Commission on Refugees access to all refugees, and end forcible repatriations of refugees, particularly to North Korea; (8) close "re-education through labor" camps; and (9) release Dr. Yang Jianli.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Recognizes and honors the 30th Anniversary of the California victory at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting and recognizes the historical significance of this event to the U.S. wine industry.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act of 2006 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation in writing. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.
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 · 26 April 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the U.N. Security Council should sanction Iran for its Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) noncompliance; and (2) if the Security Council does not sanction Iran, the Secretary of State may withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) until the Security Council takes proper action to return Iran to NPT compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2006 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain blanket mortgage insured by the Secretary. Revises requirements for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund. Sets limitations upon the Secretary's authority to enter into commitments for loan guarantees. Makes insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the General Insurance Fund). Eliminates the limitation placed upon the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure a home equity conversion mortgage when its primary purpose is to enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a 1-to 4 family dwelling in which the mortgagor will occupy one of the units. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to insure temporarily certain mortgages for a single family residence located within a presidentially declared major disaster area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Truth in Accounting Act of 2006 - Amends federal law to require the Secretary of the Treasury to include in his audited financial statement of the previous year a calculation of the net present value of the overall liabilities and commitments of the U.S. government.
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 · 6 April 2006
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the next of kin or personal representative of each passenger or crew member on board United Airlines Flight 93 who is identified by the Attorney General as having aided in the effort to resist the hijackers on board the plane, in recognition of heroic service to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such gold medal. Declares such medals to be national medals. Requires that proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all restrictions on U.S. visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, should be lifted; (2) the United States should encourage direct Cabinet level exchanges in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and (3) it is in the U.S. national interest to strengthen links with the democratically-elected government of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week. Recognizes the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States. Encourages all Americans to work to keep beaches, which are a critical part of the natural heritage of the United States, safe and clean for the continued enjoyment of the public. Urges individuals to engage in beach cleanup during National Clean Beaches Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Alfred Ernest Alquist. Honors, recognizes, and expresses gratitude for his distinguished service, career, and achievements to Santa Clara County, California, and to such state.
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 · 29 March 2006
Congratulates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Transportation System. Honors Commander John Young and Pilot Robert Crippen who flew the Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12-14, 1981, on its first orbital test flight. Commends the men and women of NASA and all those supporting America's space program for their accomplishments and their role in inspiring the American people.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any U.S. officer or employee, or person operating under color of federal law, under control of a federal official, or providing services to such person, while acting in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency, from: (1) seizing or authorizing seizure of any firearm the possession of which is not prohibited under federal or state law, other than for forfeiture in compliance with federal law or as evidence in a criminal investigation; (2) requiring registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by federal or state law; (3) prohibiting possession of any firearm in any place or by any person where such possession is not otherwise prohibited; or (4) prohibiting the carrying of firearms by any person otherwise authorized to carry firearms, solely because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision of a federal agency in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency. Authorizes any individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to seek relief by bringing an action for redress and by bringing a civil action in U.S. district court for return of a confiscated firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require (currently, authorizes) the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination. Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy. Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) TB activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Expresses appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who: (1) attend military funerals across the country to show respect for fallen members of the Armed Forces and, when needed, shield mourning family members and friends of the deceased from war protesters who interrupt, or threaten to interrupt, the dignity of a funeral; and (2) in so doing, help preserve the memory and dignity of the nation's fallen heroes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006
Earmark Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006 - Prohibits a federal agency from obligating funds made available in an appropriation Act or other Act to implement an earmark: (1) that is included in a congressional report accompanying such legislation, unless the earmark is also included in the Act; or (2) if the earmark was not in the House-passed or Senate-passed version of that measure committed to the conference committee. Amends rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of a bill or amendment between the chambers or conference report on such bill unless a list of all earmarks in it, an identification of the Member who proposed it (if possible), and an explanation of the essential governmental purpose for the earmark are available to all Members, and made available to the general public on the Internet for at least 72 hours before its consideration.
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 · 7 March 2006
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit military assistance or the sale, transfer, or licensing of military equipment and technology for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Ethiopia will not use such military assistance, equipment, or technology against pro-democracy advocates or peaceful civilian protesters in Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Repeals provisions permitting states with Internet tax laws enacted prior to the ban on Internet taxes to continue enforcing such laws.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 20-year prison term for such offense. Imposes a 10-year prison term on any person who recklessly permits the construction or use of such a tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to unlawfully smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Amends rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of a conference report that would be within the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, except a report on a measure continuing appropriations or making supplemental appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Unfair Chinese Automotive Tariff Equalization Act - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any motor vehicle that is the product of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Extends such prohibition until the President certifies in writing to the Congress that the tariff rates imposed by the PRC on motor vehicles that are U.S. products are equal to the rates of duty applicable to similar motor vehicles that are PRC products.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Global Online Freedom Act of 2006 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) promote the ability of all to access and contribute information, ideas, and knowledge via the Internet; (2) use all instruments of U.S. influence, including diplomacy, trade policy, and export controls, to support, promote, and strengthen the free flow of information; and (3) prohibit any U.S. business from cooperating with officials of Internet-restricting countries in effecting potential censorship of online content. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should commence international negotiations to obtain the agreement of other countries to enact legislation similar to this Act and to pursue the development of international agreements protecting Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting or empowering an authoritarian foreign government to restrict online access to websites such as the Voice of America and other broadcasts and information, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests and undercutting efforts to promote freedom of information for all people. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require, in reports relating to foreign economic and security assistance, assessments of the freedom of electronic information in each foreign country. Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom to take specified actions to strengthen global freedom of electronic information. Directs the President to designate Internet-restricting countries. Provides minimum standards for U.S. businesses with respect to the protection of online freedom in foreign countries. Authorizes the establishment of export controls against Internet-restricting foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respect to certain Constitutional property rights claims. Requires a federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should increase trade opportunities with Taiwan by launching negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Disapproves of the Arab League's decision to hold its 2006 summit in Khartoum, Sudan. Calls on the Arab League, the government of Sudan, the Sudanese rebels, and the world community to do all they can to end the acts of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Recognizes: (1) the importance of military recruiting in ensuring national security; and (2) the essential role of U.S. Armed Forces in protecting the nation and providing valuable resources and life experiences for future leaders. Condemns: (1) municipal and university actions which defy federal statutes regarding military recruiters, including recruiter access provisions; and (2) those who denigrate military service as less significant or valuable than higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, California, as the "Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building."