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Official portrait of Rep. Schwarz, John J.H. "Joe" [R-MI-7]

Rep. Schwarz, John J.H. "Joe" [R-MI-7]

United States · Official source

Records

312 records where Rep. Schwarz, John J.H. "Joe" [R-MI-7] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 1898 (109th)referred

Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 140 (109th)referred

Recognizing and affirming the efforts of the Great Lakes Governors and Premiers in developing a common standard for decisions relating to withdrawal of water from the Great Lakes and urging that management authority over the Great Lakes should remain vested with the Governors and Premiers.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Recognizes and affirms the efforts of the Governors of the Great Lakes States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and the Premiers of the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in developing a common standard for decisions relating to the withdrawal of water from the Great Lakes. Urges that the management authority over such waters should remain vested with such Governors and Premiers.

Bill· HRH.R. 1806 (109th)referred

Private Prison Information Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Private Prison Information Act of 2005 - Provides that each nongovernmental entity contracting with the Federal Government to provide a prison or other correctional facility shall have the same duty to release information about its operation as a Government owned and run facility has under the Freedom of Information Act. Authorizes any party aggrieved by a violation of that duty to obtain relief in a civil action.

Bill· HRH.R. 1696 (109th)referred

Employee Free Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Employee Free Choice Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board to certify a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other individual or labor organization currently certified or recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees in the unit. Sets forth special procedural requirements for reaching an initial collective bargaining agreement following certification or recognition. Revises enforcement requirements with respect to unfair labor practices during union organizing drives. Provides, under injunction provisions, for priority to be given to preliminary investigation of charges of violations by employers or other entities. Adds to remedies for such violations: (1) back pay plus liquidated damages; and (2) additional civil penalties.

Law· HRH.R. 1674 (109th)enacted

Tsunami Warning and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

United States Tsunami Warning and Education Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Weather Service, to operate a tsunami forecasting and warning program for the Pacific Ocean region and for the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico region. Directs the Administrator to establish tsunami warning centers to, among other things, disseminate forecasts and tsunami warning bulletins to government officials and the public. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami preparedness of at-risk areas in the United States and its territories; and (2) a research program to develop detection, forecast, communication, and mitigation science and technology for tracking and numerical forecast modeling. Directs the Administrator, in coordination with other members of the U.S. Interagency Committee of the National Tsunami Mitigation Program, to provide technical assistance and training to specified international entities to develop a fully functional global tsunami forecast and warning system comprising regional warning networks. Directs the Administrator to operate an International Tsunami Information Center to improve preparedness for all Pacific Ocean nations participating in the International Tsunami Warning System of the Pacific.

Bill· HRH.R. 1631 (109th)open

Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century - Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to designate high-speed rail infrastructure bonds if: (1) the bonds are issued by a State, or one or more of the States that have entered into an interstate compact under the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, or by such compact; (2) they are for financing projects that make a substantial contribution to providing the infrastructure required to complete a railroad passenger transportation corridor for high-speed intercity rail passenger service, or for projects for the Alaska Railroad; (3) for a railroad passenger transportation corridor design that includes the use of freight railroad rights-of-way, a written agreement exists between the applicant and the freight railroad regarding such use and other conditions are met; (4) the corridor design eliminates all existing railroad grade crossings that would impede high-speed rail operations; (5) the applicant agrees to comply with certain labor standards with respect to such project; and (6) the applicant agrees not to pay the principal or interest on the bonds using funds derived directly or indirectly from the Highway Trust Fund, except as permitted by existing law. Excludes the interest on such bonds from an individual's gross income. Requires any entity providing high-speed intercity passenger railroad transportation to negotiate over hiring and working conditions with the collective bargaining agent or agents of the employees of any existing rail passenger service it might be replacing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax credits to holders of qualified high-speed rail infrastructure bonds. Makes corridor development activities (including the acquisition of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and signal equipment) eligible for Federal assistance. Amends specified Federal law to change from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for rail rehabilitation and improvement projects to State and local governments, interstate compacts, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad.

Bill· HRH.R. 1630 (109th)open

Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for FY 2006 through 2008 for: (1) capital expenditures; (2) certain mandatory payments; and (3) Amtrak's contractual obligations for commuter and State-supported passenger rail service. Includes among mandatory Amtrak payments to the Treasury: (1) an amount equal to the tax Amtrak must pay as an employer under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act that is more than the amount needed for anticipated benefits for retirees and their beneficiaries; (2) amounts necessary to pay the contribution for employee unemployment benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act that are more than its obligations calculated on an experience-related basis; and (3) amounts necessary to pay railroad unemployment repayment taxes. Requires Amtrak to transmit to the Secretary of Transportation annually a comprehensive business plan, including targets for ridership and for each intercity train route (including Autotrain), revenues, and capital and operating expenses, and supplemental reports describing the work completed to date, any changes to the business plan, and the reasons for such changes. Prohibits the use of amounts appropriated under this Act to subsidize operating losses of commuter rail passenger or rail freight transportation.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 216 (109th)passed

To honor the late playwright Arthur Miller and the University of Michigan for its intention of building a theatre in his name.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Recognizes Arthur Miller's extraordinary contributions to American literature and theater. Honors him as a great American and pioneer in the annals of American history. Commends the University of Michigan for its commitment to build the Arthur Miller Theatre, a fitting monument to one of its most distinguished alumni.

Bill· HRH.R. 1595 (109th)open

Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act - Recognizes the suffering and the loyalty of the people of Guam during the Japanese occupation of Guam in World War II. Establishes in the Treasury the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Fund (which shall terminate on the later of three years after the date of enactment of this Act or one year after disbursement of all Fund payments). Directs: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to make specified payments to eligible family members as successor claimants to persons who were killed, injured, interned, or subjected to forced labor or marches resulting from, or incident to, such occupation and subsequent liberation; (2) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States (FCSC) to establish the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Commission to adjudicate such claims; and (3) the Secretary to establish the non-profit Guam World War II Remembrance Trust Fund, which shall undertake educational, medical, and other endeavors to benefit the people of Guam.

Bill· HRH.R. 1602 (109th)referred

Grants for DNA Backlog Prosecutions Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Grants for DNA Backlog Prosecutions Act - Amends the Justice for All Act of 2004 to direct the Attorney General to make grants to train and employ personnel to help prosecute cases cleared through the use of funds provided for DNA backlog elimination.

Bill· HRH.R. 1591 (109th)referred

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2005 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for all vessels operating in U.S. waters. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to promulgate regulations for ballast water management standards and certification procedures. Directs the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to establish a priority pathway management program that identifies those pathways that pose the highest risk for the introduction of aquatic invasive species unless further managed. Prohibits the importation of live aquatic organisms of a species not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a national system of ecological surveys for rapid early detection and monitoring of invasive species. Requires the Task Force to review and approve State rapid response contingency strategies. Requires the Invasive Species Council to establish a Federal rapid response team for each of the ten Federal regions. Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) to complete construction of and operate the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal dispersal barrier project to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate Federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to coordinate activities to ensure that international efforts to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies.

Bill· HRH.R. 1592 (109th)referred

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Geological Survey (administering agencies) to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation and coordination of this Act; and (2) develop a marine and fresh-water research program to support efforts to assess introduction rates and patterns of invasive nonnative species into the aquatic ecosystem, and efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate them. Requires the administering agencies to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of such species; (2) conduct research to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of such species; and (3) analyze the data collected and develop a profile that determines whether a species planned for importation is likely to invade an aquatic ecosystem. . Requires the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a central, national pathway and ecological surveys database of information. Makes the Invasive Species Council responsible for disseminating such information and develop a national strategy for how it will be shared with Federal, State, and local entities. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound, cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate such species. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of ship pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.

Bill· HRH.R. 1621 (109th)referred

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions enacted by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into contracts with private collection agencies for the collection of taxes.

Bill· HRH.R. 1558 (109th)referred

Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and to establish penalties for knowingly making available a computer-assisted remote hunt (i.e., using a computer or other device, equipment, or software to allow a person remotely to control the aiming and discharge of a weapon to kill or injure an animal while not in the targeted animal's physical presence).

Bill· HRH.R. 1578 (109th)open

Real Estate Investment Thrift Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Real Estate Investment Thrift Savings Act - Amends Federal law relating to the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide for the establishment of a Real Estate Stock Investment Fund under the Thrift Savings Plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 1548 (109th)referred

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) so long as all of the active members of such clubs are full-time students at the college or university with which such clubs are associated. Defines "collegiate housing and infrastructure grants" to include grants to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing.

Bill· HRH.R. 1547 (109th)open

Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of assuming the obligation to pay up to $10,000 of interest on certain student loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965, for certain borrowers who agree to serve for five years as: (1) teachers of science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an elementary or secondary school; or (2) mathematics, science or engineering professionals. Requires that selection of program participants from among eligible applicants be based on: (1) U.S. national security, homeland security, and economic security needs; and (2) the applicant's academic record or job performance. Allows other factors to be considered in such selection.

Bill· HRH.R. 1563 (109th)referred

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005 - Establishes: (1) in the National Science Foundation (NSF) a Division of Food and Agricultural Science, which shall be administered by a Director of Food and Agricultural Science; and (2) a Standing Council of Advisors. States that the Division's sole function shall be to award grants to promote complementary, fundamental agricultural research to: (1) individual scientists; (2) single and multi-institutional research centers; and (3) private and public sector entities, including the Department of Agriculture, the Foundation, or other Federal agencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 1494 (109th)open

Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a three-year pilot program under which up to 15 States authorized by the Secretary may issue electronic migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps. Requires implementation of the program no later than one year after the beginning of the first full Federal migratory waterfowl hunting seasons after enactment of this Act and continuation of the program for three such seasons. Prohibits a State's participation in the program absent the Secretary's approval of an application providing details of the State's electronic stamp process. Requires the Secretary to publish: (1) deadlines for the submission of State applications; (2) eligibility requirements for program participation; and (3) criteria for selecting States for the program. Directs the Secretary to require participating States to: (1) provide an actual (paper) stamp to each individual to whom the State sells an electronic stamp by the date on which the electronic stamp expires; and (2) collect and transmit to the Secretary electronic stamp revenue and customer information. Authorizes participating States to charge a reasonable fee to cover program costs. Sets forth requirements for electronic stamps. Authorizes termination of a State's participation in the program by the Secretary, upon written notice, for violations of the terms of an approved application or by the State. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report on the pilot program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1498 (109th)open

Chinese Currency Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Chinese Currency Act of 2005 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 regarding countervailing duty investigations to revise the definition of countervailable subsidy to include exchange-rate manipulation. Defines "exchange-rate manipulation" as protracted large-scale intervention by an authority to undervalue its currency in the exchange market that prevents effective balance-of-payments adjustment or that gains an unfair competitive advantage over any other country. Specifies factors for determining whether exchange-rate manipulation is occurring and a benefit thereby conferred. Applies the definition of "exchange-rate manipulation" to the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) or any other public entity within its territory. Specifies: (1) factors for determining whether exchange-rate manipulation is occurring in the PRC; (2) actions to be taken, if a petition for an investigation alleges and reasonably documents that it is occurring; and (3) the standard for presidential action to prevent or remedy the market disruption at issue (including import relief and its modification and extension). Directs the Secretary of Defense, upon proper request or resolution, to report to the U.S. International Trade Commission any determination as to whether or not the articles of the PRC that are the subject of the investigation are like or directly competitive with domestically produced articles critical to the U.S. defense industrial base. Prohibits the Secretary from procuring, directly or indirectly, such products if the Commission or the President or the U.S. Trade Representative makes an affirmative determination that the Secretary's determination is accurate. Provides for presidential waiver of the prohibition in the national security interests of the United States.

Law· HRH.R. 1499 (109th)enacted

Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include combat zone compensation (otherwise excludable from gross income) as earned income for purposes of calculating the tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 1471 (109th)referred

Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to design national strategies for providing services in supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic homelessness. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to eligible entities to provide services that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and that address barriers to housing stability to chronically homeless individuals in, or who are scheduled to become residents of, permanent supportive housing and to other individuals and families who have voluntarily chosen to seek other housing opportunities after a period of tenancy in supportive housing. Directs the Secretary to require grantees to report data regarding the performance outcomes of projects carried out under this Act, which shall include measuring and reporting specific performance outcomes related to the long-term goals of: (1) increasing stability within the community for people who have been chronically homeless; and (2) decreasing recurrence of periods of homelessness.

Bill· HRH.R. 1474 (109th)referred

Federal Aviation Safety Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Federal Aviation Safety Security Act of 2005 - Declares that functions performed by air traffic control specialists at Federal Aviation Administration flight service stations are inherently governmental functions, and must be performed by Federal employees. Voids any action taken pursuant to the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998 to include such functions on certain annual lists of government activities performed by Federal Government sources for an agency that are not inherently governmental functions which must be submitted by each Federal agency to the Office of Management and Budget.

Bill· HRH.R. 1431 (109th)open

Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise requirements for the appointment and training of the voting members of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils. Requires each science and statistical committee established by a Council to include a fishery and marine science subcommittee. Sets forth subcommittee functions, primarily to determine for the Council biological catch limits that will prevent overfishing in a fishery and any protections required for threatened or endangered species. Revises requirements regarding the disclosure of financial interests by and recusal of members with respect to voting on Council decisions. Revises provisions required to be in a fishery management plan to require such a plan to allocate any quotas or other conservation and management measures fairly and equitably among the commercial, recreational, and charter fishing sectors in the fishery, and allow fishery sectors to develop allocation plans subject to Council approval. Provides for peer review of fishery and marine science subcommittee determinations to the Council. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a cooperative research, data collection, and gear modification program to conduct conservation projects to minimize the mortality of unavoidable bycatch or fishery impacts on essential fish habitat through modifications of fishing gear and practices. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to make certain funds available to implement the cooperative research, data collection, and gear modification program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1424 (109th)open

Darfur Genocide Accountability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Darfur Genocide Accountability Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide. Directs the President to: (1) block the property and assets of civil and military officials of the Government of Sudan and their family members implicated in the Darfur atrocities, and property and assets controlled by the National Congress Party; and (2) prohibit an entity engaged in any commercial activity in Sudan from raising capital in the United States, or from trading its securities in any capital market in the United States. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) prohibit visas for civil and military officials of the Government of Sudan, and militia members and others implicated in the Darfur atrocities; (2) reduce the Sudanese diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., and restrict or control the remaining staff's movement within the United States; and (3) instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) to oppose any UN or other international conference from being held in Sudan. Authorizes the President to: (1) use force to stop the Darfur genocide, including establishment of a no-fly zone and use of unmanned armed planes; and (2) deny U.S. port entry to ships doing business in the Sudan oil sector and /or with the Sudan armed forces.

Bill· HRH.R. 1384 (109th)open

Firearm Commerce Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Firearm Commerce Modernization Act - Amends Federal firearms provisions to permit a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to: (1) sell or deliver a firearm (currently, a rifle or shotgun) to a resident of a State other than a State in which the licensee's place of business is located or temporarily located if the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the transfer; and (2) conduct business temporarily at any gun show or event sponsored by any national, State, or local organization, or any affiliate devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms (currently, only at such a location in the State specified on the person's license). Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to diminish the right of a licensee to conduct firearms transfers (currently, "curios or relics" firearms transfers) with another licensee away from the transferor's business premises.

Law· HRH.R. 1409 (109th)enacted

Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through nongovernmental or international organizations, for basic care for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries, including assistance for: (1) community-based care; (2) school food programs; (3) education and employment training; (4) psychosocial support; (5) protection of inheritance rights; and (6) HIV/AIDS care. Directs the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Advisor for Assistance to Vulnerable Populations. Directs the President to: (1) establish a system to evaluate such assistance's effectiveness; and (2) develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a coordinating strategy for such assistance.

Bill· HRH.R. 1360 (109th)referred

FAIR Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 or FAIR Act of 2005 - Establishes within the Department of Labor the Office of Asbestos Disease Compensation, to be headed by an Administrator responsible for processing claims for compensation for asbestos-related injuries and managing the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund (Fund) (established within such Office). Authorizes the Administrator to establish a Medical Advisory Committee. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish an Advisory Committee on Asbestos Disease Compensation; (2) establish a comprehensive asbestos claimant assistance program that includes legal assistance; and (3) appoint physicians to claim-specific Physicians Panels. Establishes: (1) procedures for handling claims of asbestos-related disease and injury; (2) medical evidence auditing and review procedures and applicable medical criteria; and (3) award amounts and payment methods. Imposes a general four-year statute of limitations for filing claims, with special provisions for pending claims and multiple injuries. Allows certain asymptomatic claimants to receive medical monitoring reimbursement. Specifies the funding allocation for asbestos defendants required to pay into the Fund. Establishes the Asbestos Insurers Commission to determine Fund payment obligations of insurers up to a specified aggregate amount. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to review: (1) final determinations regarding fund obligations and actions for declaratory and injunctive relief under this Act in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia; and (2) award decisions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant resides. Amends the criminal code to prohibit and establish penalties for fraud and false information in connection with Fund claims. Amends the bankruptcy code to state that Fund contribution obligations are not subject to an automatic stay or dischargeable in bankruptcy. Requires remedies provided by this Act to be the exclusive remedy for asbestos claims. Addresses the effect of this Act on insurance and reinsurance contracts. Requires the sunset of specified provisions of this Act if the Administrator determines that the Fund has insufficient resources. Requires the Administrator to refer possible violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Clean Air Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to specified officials for possible civil or criminal penalties. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review Federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that environmental crimes relating to asbestos are sufficiently punished. Prohibits discrimination in health insurance coverage against persons who participate in medical monitoring programs under this Act. Amends the TSCA to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations prohibiting the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of asbestos containing products, subject to specified exemptions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1380 (109th)referred

Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the dollar limitation on the tax deduction for interest on education loans and expand eligibility for such deduction by revising the modified adjusted gross income phaseout for such deduction; (2) make the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses permanent; (3) increase from $2,000 to $5,000 the maximum allowable contribution to a Coverdell savings account; (4) exclude from gross income amounts received for qualified higher education expenses (e.g., books, supplies, room, board, and special needs services); and (5) allow certain additional expenses (e.g., fees, books, supplies, and equipment) for purposes of the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and provide that such tax credit shall not be reduced by Federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity (SEOG) Grants. Repeals the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) applicable to title IV, subtitles A, B, and D (Affordable Education Provisions) of such Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide that a qualified education benefit shall not be considered an asset of a student for purposes of a student financial need analysis. Defines "qualified education benefit" as a tax-exempt tuition credits program, a State education prepayment plan, and a Coverdell education savings account.

Bill· HRH.R. 1393 (109th)referred

Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Benefits Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include as a "public safety officer" for purposes of provisions governing death benefits a volunteer civilian member of the Civil Air Patrol engaged in: (1) active service rendered in performance or support of operational missions of the Patrol under the direction of the Department of the Air Force and performed consistent with written authorization that specifies a finite assignment; or (2) travel to or from such service.

Bill· HRH.R. 1372 (109th)referred

Quality Nursing Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Quality Nursing Care Act of 2005 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that each participating hospital adopt and implement a staffing system that ensures a number of registered nurses on each shift and in each unit of the hospital to ensure appropriate staffing levels for patient care. Outlines whistle-blower protections.

Bill· HRH.R. 1448 (109th)referred

To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to convey the Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW, upon its scheduled decommissioning, to the City and County of Cheboygan, Michigan, to use for purposes of a museum.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard, upon the decommissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW, to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to such vessel to the City and County of Cheboygan, Michigan (recipient), if the recipient meets specified conditions, including that it: (1) use the vessel for purposes of a museum; and (2) hold the Government harmless for claims arising from exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials after the conveyance.

Bill· HRH.R. 1358 (109th)referred

TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act - Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) to authorize the provision of mental health counseling for TRICARE participants. Authorizes the provision of mental health services in DOD clinical trials. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into personal service contracts with mental health counselors. Includes mental health counselors within DOD licensure requirements for health-care professionals.

Bill· HRH.R. 1356 (109th)referred

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.

Bill· HRH.R. 1351 (109th)open

Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2005 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which States and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make such land available for public access under State- and tribally-administered plans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to exclude from excess base acreage computation for direct and counter-cyclical payment purposes certain conservation enrolled farm land not planted in an agricultural commodity.

Bill· HRH.R. 1352 (109th)referred

Veterans Employment and Respect Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Veterans Employment and Respect Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a work opportunity tax credit for hiring certain: (1) veterans of military service in Afghanistan or Iraq; and (2) dependents of deceased members of the Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 166 (109th)referred

Urging Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Calls on Turkey to: (1) demonstrate that it is willing to abide by European Union (EU) laws; (2) eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly those based on race or religion, and grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition and ecclesiastic succession; and (3) safeguard religious and human rights. Encourages Turkey to continue the advancement of processes and programs to modernize and democratize its own society.

Bill· HRH.R. 1298 (109th)referred

Kidney Care Quality and Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2005

Kidney Care Quality and Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) grant full coverage of dialysis access procedures in the ambulatory surgical center setting for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Hospital Insurance); and (2) structure the relative value units applicable to physicians' services for vascular access procedures to encourage clinically appropriate placement of natural vascular access for dialysis patients. Directs the Secretary to establish demonstration projects for an outcomes-based ESRD financial incentives reimbursement system to evaluate methods that improve the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease. Sets forth required training for patient care dialysis technicians. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the: (1) establishment of annual update framework for the Medicare end stage renal disease composite rate; and (2) extension of Medicare as secondary payer. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of the temporary codes (G-codes) for nephrologists' services applicable under the Medicare fee schedule for physician's services. Requires the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to: (1) increase public awareness about chronic kidney disease; (2) enhance surveillance systems and expand chronic kidney disease research; and (3) enable individuals with ESRD to develop self-management skills. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare coverage of kidney disease patient education services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish blood flow monitoring demonstration projects; (2) provide for appropriate incentives to improve the Medicare home dialysis benefit; (3) arrange with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the barriers to increasing the number of individuals with ESRD who elect to receive home dialysis services under Medicare; and (4) establish an independent, multidisciplinary, nonpartisan End-Stage Renal Disease Advisory Committee.

Bill· HRH.R. 1288 (109th)referred

District of Columbia Personal Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2005

District of Columbia Personal Protection Act - Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under Federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by Federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Redefines "machine gun" to include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) prohibition on possession of handgun restricted pistol bullets; and (3) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked. Repeals the definition of restricted pistol bullet as any bullet designed for use in a pistol which, when fired from a pistol with a barrel of five inches or less in length, is capable of penetrating commercially available body armor with a penetration resistance equal to or greater than that of 18 layers of kevlar. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm. Amends Federal law to eliminate criminal penalties for carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person. Amends the District of Columbia Code to extend to firearms generally (currently, only to pistols) the prohibition against carrying such a weapon either openly or concealed within the District without a license issued pursuant to D.C. law. Specifies exceptions to the prohibition against carrying concealed weapons in the District.

Bill· HRH.R. 1241 (109th)referred

Cool and Efficient Buildings Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Cool and Efficient Buildings Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 20-year depreciation recovery period, calculated on a straight line basis, for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or commercial refrigeration systems installed in nonresidential buildings.

Law· HRH.R. 1245 (109th)enacted

Johanna's Law

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 or Johanna's Law - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of women with respect to gynecologic cancers, which shall include: (1) maintaining a supply of written materials to provide information to the public on gynecologic cancers; and (2) developing and placing public service announcements to encourage women to discuss their risks of gynecologic cancers with their physicians. Requires the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit private entities to test different outreach and education strategies for increasing such awareness among women and health professionals.

Law· HRH.R. 1259 (109th)enacted

To award a congressional gold medal on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen, collectively, in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal collectively to the Tuskegee Airmen in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.

Bill· HRH.R. 1227 (109th)referred

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to expand the prohibition against discrimination by group health plans and health insurance issuers in the group and individual markets on the basis of genetic information or services to prohibit: (1) enrollment and premium discrimination based on information about a request for or receipt of genetic services; and (2) requiring genetic testing. Sets forth penalties for violations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit issuers of Medicare supplemental policies from discriminating on the basis of genetic information. Extends medical privacy and confidentiality rules to the disclosure of genetic information. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate against an individual or deprive such individual of employment opportunities because of genetic information. Prohibits the collection and disclosure of genetic information, with certain exceptions. Establishes a Genetic Nondiscrimination Study Commission to review the developing science of genetics and advise Congress on the advisability of providing for a disparate impact cause of action under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1249 (109th)referred

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2005 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether State law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the FLRA to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such FLRA regulations and authority through appropriate State courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1124 (109th)referred

National Park Centennial Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

National Park Centennial Act - Establishes the National Park Centennial Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate overpayments and contributions for the benefit of the National Park System. Allocates such amounts to the Fund (along with necessary amounts from the General Fund to the extent that such amounts are inadequate in any fiscal year) for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations for a public awareness campaign about the Fund and the ability of taxpayers to make tax-related contributions. Requires a specified percentage of Fund deposits to be used: (1) for the elimination of the backlog of unmet needs in the national parks as identified in the Facility Condition Index of the National Park Service (NPS); (2) to protect natural resources within the parks; and (3) to protect cultural resources within the parks. Requires a majority of such percentages to be distributed to those national parks that have completed comprehensive business plans under the Business Plan Initiative of the NPS. Directs the Government Accountability Office annually to submit a report on the National Park System to specified congressional committees. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to elementary and secondary schools for cooperative agreements with the NPS providing distance learning and onsite education programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1131 (109th)referred

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year depreciable property. .

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 137 (109th)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the resumption of beef exports to Japan.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that if the Government of Japan continues to delay in meeting its obligations under the understanding reached with the United States on October 23, 2004, to resume beef imports from the United States, the U.S. Trade Representative should immediately impose retaliatory economic measures on Japan.