United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that due to the allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and abuse within the United Nations oil-for-food program Kofi Annan should resign as Secretary General of the United Nations to help restore confidence that the investigations into those allegations are being fully and independently accomplished.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 - Amends Federal law concerning commercial space transportation to make such law applicable to space flight crews and space flight participants. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that only one license or permit is required from the Department of Transportation to conduct activities involving crew or space flight participants. Prohibits the Secretary from granting waivers that would permit launches without a license or permit if humans will be aboard. Allows the holder of a license or a permit to launch and reenter crews and space flight participants, but only as specified. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations requiring space flight participants to undergo physical examination prior to launch or reentry. Authorizes the Secretary to issue safety regulations governing launch vehicle design or operation. Provides for the issuance of experimental permits (including permits for reusable suborbital rockets) allowing for an unlimited number of launches. Permits suspension of licenses under which a previous launch or reentry resulted in serious or fatal injuries. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government. Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a study of the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation which assesses how the current system could be eliminated. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a report analyzing safety issues related to launching humans into space.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
States that Congress: (1) denounces the killings of Margaret Hassan, the Iraqi head of CARE International's Iraq operations, and Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh as acts of terrorism and condemns all such acts committed in the name of Islam; (2) strongly urges Muslim countries and leading clerics and practitioners of the Islamic faith to take the lead in denouncing and thwarting violence committed in the name of Islam against helpless victims; (3) calls on people of all faiths to denounce such barbarous acts committed against Muslims; and (4) strongly encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deny access to Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia to members of organizations that have taken credit for, and to individuals who have committed, any crime or act of terrorism, barbarism, or mutilation in the name of Islam.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to exercise its long-standing statutory authority to support activities of the Boy Scouts of America, particularly the periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30777 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California, as the "Dalip Singh Saund Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5505 Stevens Way in San Diego, California, as the "Earl B. Gilliam/Imperial Avenue Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) recognizes the Boy Scouts of America for the public service the organization performs for neighborhoods and communities across the United States; and (2) commends the Boy Scouts of America for the Good Turn for America program and the work the organization has accomplished while partnering with the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity International, the American Red Cross, and thousands of other community and civic organizations to address critical issues facing communities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Bakers Creek Air Crash Memorial Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery, or another appropriate site, a memorial marker to honor the memory of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives at Bakers Creek, Australia on June 14, 1943.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Space and Aeronautics Prize Act - Establishes a National Endowment for Space and Aeronautics, to be headed by a Chairman appointed by the President, to: (1) further the public's knowledge of and inspiration by the Earth, the Earth's atmosphere, human and robotic spaceflight and science missions, and celestial bodies; (2) carry out a program to award cash prizes for outstanding achievements in basic, advanced, and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration in conjunction with or independent of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (3) carry out advertising of commercial products and services in conjunction with such endeavors; and (4) encourage private gifts for the benefit of such endeavors. Requires the Endowment annually to report to Congress. Authorizes the Chairman to carry out a program to award cash prizes for outstanding achievements in basic, advanced, and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have potential for application to the activities of NASA. Requires the Chairman annually to report to specified congressional committees on the administration of such program. Requires the Endowment to carry out a program to award a prize for the demonstration of a space flight vehicle to carry at least one person to a minimum altitude of 400 kilometers from within the United States or its territories, complete at least three Earth orbits, and return safely.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Constantine Menges Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek an European Union (EU) commitment that it will not lift its arms sale embargo to the People's Republic of China (PRC); and (2) the 2005 Department of Defense military report on the PRC should include an analysis of such embargo's lifting on U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region and a review of U.S. steps taken to address such EU action.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Congratulates Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by Burt Rutan and Paul Allen, for winning the privately funded $10,000,000 Ansari X Prize and inspiring the next generation of space explorers to even greater heights. Commends the pilots of SpaceShipOne for their skill and bravery. Commends the founders of, contributors to, and management of the X Prize Foundation for spurring this achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Iran Freedom Support Act - States that: (1) U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to weapons of mass destruction with respect to Iran shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has permanently and verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs and has committed to combating such weapons' proliferation; and (2) such certification shall have no effect on other sanctions relating to Iranian support of international terrorism. Amends the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) eliminate mandatory sanction provisions respecting Libya; (2) impose mandatory sanctions on a person or entity that aids Iran acquire or develop weapons of mass destruction or destabilizing types and numbers of conventional weapons; (3) revise multilateral regime reporting requirements, including provisions respecting sanctions on individuals aiding Iranian petroleum development; (4) enlarge the scope of sanctionable entities; and (5) eliminate the sunset provision Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to eligible foreign and domestic individuals and groups that support democracy in Iran and that are opposed to the Government of Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should appoint a special assistant on Iranian matters; (2) contacts should be expanded with democratic Iranian opposition groups; and (3) the President should designate at least one such eligible group within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 23055 Sherman Way in West Hills, California, as the "Evan Asa Ashcraft Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Constantine Menges Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Makes eligible for the Office of the President non-native born persons who have held U.S. citizenship for at least 20 years and who are otherwise eligible to hold such Office.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should consider and take appropriate action to respond to the growing threat that the ruling State Peace and Development Council in Burma poses to the Southeast Asia region and to the people of Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Commends the Festival of Children Foundation for its efforts on behalf of children and expresses support for the designation of a Child Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the sacrifices of U.S. military and civilian personnel and their families on the anniversary of those attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Liberty List Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress an "Annual Report on the Promotion of Religious Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights in Foreign Countries by Individuals, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Media Groups and Organizations."
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to arrange for the carving of the figure of former President Ronald Reagan on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Creates in the Department of the Treasury a fund for carrying out this Act. Requires all associated costs, including the cost of carving the figure of such former President on the Memorial and other administrative costs, to be provided or reimbursed by non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Commends the people and the Governments of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, and the Sultanate of Oman for their progress toward political and economic liberalization. Expresses hope that progress toward democratization in such countries will continue to thrive and that the efforts of these countries will serve as a model for other Arab countries. Reaffirms the friendship that exists between the people of the United States and the people of Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Offers to assist these countries in their future challenges of reform so that democracy and freedom are able to prosper and flourish. Supports enhancing bilateral congressional-parliamentary exchanges with Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) recognizes the 35th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing; (2) commends the astronauts and other men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) whose efforts assured the success of the Apollo 11 mission; and (3) supports the continued leadership of the United States in the exploration of space.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 Sacramento Street in Rio Vista, California, as the "Adam G. Kinser Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Employee Stock Ownership Plan Promotion and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) treat certain distributions by S corporations to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) as deductible dividends; (2) exempt deductions for ESOP dividends from corporate alternative minimum tax adjustments based on adjusted earnings and profits; (3) allow deferral of the recognition of gain for certain sales to ESOP's sponsored by any domestic corporation, including S corporations; (4) allow reinvestment of ESOP stock proceeds eligible for nonrecognition of gain in certain mutual funds; (5) modify certain ESOP stock ownership rules; and (6) allow early distributions from an ESOP for higher education expenses and first-time homebuyer purchases without penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Congratulates the California State University, Fullerton Titans baseball team for winning the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College World Series Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
States that Congress: (1) reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina; (2) honors the victims of this heinous act and expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives; (3) underscores U.S. concern regarding the case's continuing delay; (4) urges the Government of Argentina to continue to provide the resources necessary for its judicial system and intelligence agencies to investigate all areas of the AMIA case; (5) calls upon the international community to cooperate with the AMIA investigation; (6) encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies to cooperate with the Government of Argentina to expand the investigation into this bombing and suspected terrorist support activities in the Tri-Border area of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil; (7) encourages the President to direct the U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in the AMIA investigation, and urge OAS member countries to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization; (8) stresses the need for international pressure on Iran and Syria to extradite for trial individuals and government officials accused of planning or perpetrating the AMIA attack; and (9) desires a relationship between the United States and Argentina which is built in part on mutual abhorrence of terrorism and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Health Care Choice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the primary State (as designated by the health insurance issuer) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer both in the primary State and in any secondary State. Exempts health insurance issuers from any State law or regulation that would: (1) regulate the operation of the health insurance issuer in the secondary State, except for certain activities, including paying taxes and registering with the State insurance commissioner; (2) require any individual health insurance coverage issued by the issuer to be countersigned by an agent or broker residing in the secondary State; or (3) discriminate against the issuer issuing insurance in both primary and secondary States. Allows States to require brokers to obtain a license from that State, but not to impose any requirements that discriminate against nonresident brokers. Requires health insurance issuers offering coverage in more than one State to submit to the insurance commissioner of each State a copy of a plan of operation or a feasibility study, written notice of any change in designation of its primary State, and an annual financial statement. Declares that this Act does not affect the authority of Federal or State courts to enjoin the sale of health insurance coverage to any person or group who is not eligible for such insurance or by a health insurance issuer that is in hazardous financial conditions. Sets forth requirements for primary States. Gives sole jurisdiction to primary States to enforce the covered laws in primary and secondary States. Sets forth procedures for resolving disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
States that: (1) Congress reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations; (2) the military modernization and weapons procurement program of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is a matter of grave concern, particularly the missile deployment directed toward Taiwan; (3) the President should direct U.S. officials to raise these military concerns with PRC officials; (4) the President and Congress should determine whether the escalating arms buildup, including deployment of offensive weaponry and missiles in areas adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, requires that additional defense articles and services be made available to Taiwan, and the United States should encourage Taiwan to devote sufficient financial resources to its defense; (5) as recommended by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the Department of Defense should provide the appropriate congressional committees with a comprehensive report on Russian military sales to the PRC; (6) the President should encourage further dialogue between Taiwan and the PRC; and (7) the United States should not discourage Taiwan officials from visiting the United States on the basis that doing so would violate the "one China policy."
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
President Ronald Reagan $20 Bill Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the face of $20 Federal reserve notes printed after December 31, 2004, to bear the likeness of President Ronald Wilson Reagan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets at least 100 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects striking the Earth. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act to declare that the general welfare and security of the United States requires that the unique competence of NASA in science and engineering systems be directed to provide warning and mitigation of the potential hazard of near-Earth objects impacting the Earth.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
States that House of Representatives: (1) declares that the people of Hong Kong should be free to determine the pace and scope of constitutional developments; and (2) calls upon the President to call upon the People's Republic of China to guarantee that all revisions of Hong Kong law are made according to the wishes of the people of Hong Kong as expressed through a fully democratically elected legislature and chief executive, declare that the continued lack of a fully democratically elected legislature in Hong Kong constitutes a violation of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong (the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984), and call upon the People's Republic of China to honor its obligations under such Declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Declares the sense of Congress that an artistic tribute to commemorate the speech given by President Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, during which he uttered the immortal lines "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," should be placed within the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2004
Expresses the House of Representatives deepest appreciation for the profound public service of President Ronald Reagan and its condolences to his wife, Nancy, and to his surviving children, Patti, Michael, and Ron, and the entire Reagan family. Calls on the people of the United States to reflect on President Reagan's record as President of the United States during this national period of remembrance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) 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, and to all those persons who have suffered for their efforts to keep that struggle alive, and to all the people of China who lack fundamental human rights; (2) commends all persons who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights in China; (3) calls upon those nations participating in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to urge China to fully comply with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; (4) calls upon the Communist Government of China to honor its pledge of a `high degree of autonomy' made at the time of the Hong Kong reversion in 1997 by permitting immediate elections for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and by leaving all revisions of Hong Kong law to a legislature elected by universal suffrage; and (5) condemns the human rights abuses by the Communist Government of China, and calls on that Government to reevaluate the official verdict on the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen pro-democracy activities and order formal investigations into the reported killing, torture, and imprisonment of democracy activists, establish a June Fourth Investigation Committee, release all prisoners of conscience, provide just compensation to the families of persons killed in such protests, allow the return of persons exiled for their activities in 1989, release Dr. Yang Jianli, and end the harassment and detention of all Chinese citizens exercising their legitimate freedoms of expression, association, and religion.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Identification Security Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to render evidence of an alien's possession of a consular identification card while physically present in the United States prima facie evidence of deportability in the context of removal proceedings. Places the burden of proof on the alien to establish by clear and convincing evidence that he or she is not deportable on any of the grounds charged. Imposes a ten-year bar to admission on aliens unlawfully present in the United States who present a consular identification card to satisfy identification-related requirements of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should request Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian to deploy Taiwanese Marines to Iraq to join international Coalition forces in the global war on terrorism; and (2) if Taiwan decides to deploy its armed forces to Iraq, the United States should facilitate such deployment by all appropriate means.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act - Modifies Federal criminal code provisions regarding trafficking in counterfeit goods or services to prohibit trafficking in counterfeit marks. Directs the court: (1) upon a determination by a preponderance of the evidence that any articles in a defendant's possession bear or are counterfeit marks, to order the forfeiture and destruction of such articles, regardless of the defendant's criminal culpability; and (2) in imposing sentence, to order a person convicted of, or who pleads guilty or nolo contendre to, a violation to forfeit any property derived from proceeds of, or used in the commission of, the violation. Modifies the definition of "counterfeit mark" to include a spurious mark that is applied to, or consists of, a label, patch or medallion. Authorizes the court, in determining whether a particular mark is a "famous mark," to consider information, data, testimony, and documentation regarding specified factors, such as the degree of inherent or acquired distinctiveness and the degree of general public recognition of the mark, and the record of successful criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement of rights in the mark. Places upon the United States the burden of proof and persuasion regarding the determination of whether a particular mark is a famous mark. Prohibits prosecution of a person by virtue of a counterfeit mark that has been lawfully registered and that is valid at the time of the alleged offense.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
States that Congress: (1) declares that the warm relations and bilateral exchanges between the people of the United States and Taiwan should continue and grow deeper; and (2) supports the goals and ideals of Taiwanese American Heritage Week and recognizes the importance of Taiwanese-Americans to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
United Nations Oil-for-Food Accountability Act of 2004 - Requires the withholding of certain FY 2005 and 2006 U.S. contributions to the United Nations (UN) until the President certifies that the UN is cooperating in the investigation of the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
States that Congress: (1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991; (2) recognizes that a precondition for the full integration of Ukraine into the Western community of nations, including as an equal member in institutions such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is its establishment of a democratic political system; (3) urges the Government of Ukraine to guarantee freedom of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to freely assemble, to organize and conduct public events, and to exercise these and other rights free from intimidation or harassment; (4) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratic elections; (5) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the full transparency of election procedures before, during, and after the 2004 presidential elections; and (6) pledges its support and assistance to the Ukrainian people's establishment of a free and open democratic system, creation of a free market economy, and their country's assumption of a full and equal membership in the Western community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) honors and recognizes the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Human Rights Day; and (2) supports the designation of a Vietnam Human Rights Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2004
States that Congress recognizes: (1) the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a staunch ally of the United States, committed to principles of democracy and freedom for the Pacific region and throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend: (1) the increased standard deduction for married taxpayers filing joint returns or for surviving spouses (twice the deduction for single taxpayers); and (2) the increase in the taxable income level for qualifying married taxpayers filing joint returns or surviving spouses for the 15-percent tax bracket. Provides that the general terminating date under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (December 31, 2010) shall not apply to the extensions provided by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that upon the death of a person elected as Representative, the duties and powers of that office shall be discharged by his or her designated successor as Acting Representative until a new Representative is elected. Declares that whenever a: (1) person elected as Representative transmits to the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he or she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his or her office, and until a written declaration to the contrary is transmitted, such powers and duties shall be discharged by his or her designated successor as Acting Representative; and (2) whenever a majority of the potential successors of a person elected as Representative transmit to the Speaker their written declaration that such person is unable to discharge the powers and duties of such office, that person's designated successor shall immediately assume the powers and duties of that office as Acting Representative and thereafter, when the person elected as Representative transmits to the Speaker his or her written declaration that no such inability exists, he or she shall assume or resume such powers and duties. Allows each person elected as Representative to appoint, in ranked order, between three and five potential successors, provided that such appointments are transmitted to the Speaker in a publicly available written declaration no earlier than one year and no later than 60 days before the date such person is elected as Representative. Makes the designated successor the highest ranked potential successor appointed in conformance with this article who meets the qualifications for office, or if no such person exists, a person meeting such qualifications appointed by the executive authority of the same State. Makes such appointments effective during the term of office for which the person elected as Representative has been elected. Provides for the same procedures in the Senate, upon the death of a person elected as Senator or whenever a person elected as Senator transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate a written declaration that he or she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his or her office, and until he or she transmits a written declaration to the contrary. Authorizes a Senator to make or revise his or her written appointment of potential successors no earlier than one year and no later than 60 days before a date established by Congress for the regular election of Senators and Representatives. Makes such midterm appointment or revision effective on the next date established by the U.S. Constitution for the beginning and ending of the terms of Senators and Representatives. Amends the 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal the authority of a State legislature to empower the State executive to make temporary appointments in the Senate until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-48]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000409_200.jpg)