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United States · Official source
1,629 records where Rep. Shadegg, John B. [R-AZ-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funds for States to create and to operate existing high risk health insurance pools. Increases the maximum allowable premium in a qualified high risk pool to 200 percent of the premium for applicable standard risk rates. Defines "standard risk rate" as a rate that: (1) is determined under the State high risk pool by considering the premiums charged by other health insurers in the same market; (2) is established using reasonable actuarial techniques; and (3) reflects anticipated claims experience and expenses. Expands the definition of "qualified high risk pool" to allow a State to meet the requirement to provide all eligible individuals with health insurance coverage by utilizing an acceptable alternative mechanism that includes a high risk pool as a component and: (1) that provides for risk adjustment, risk spreading, or a risk spreading mechanism (among issuers or policies of an issuer) or for some financial subsidization for eligible individuals, including through assistance to participating issuers; or (2) under which each eligible individual is provided a choice of all individual health insurance coverage otherwise available. Amends the formula for appropriating funds to States to operate such pools to give one-half of the funds to eligible States equally and apportion the other half based on the number of uninsured individuals in each State and the number of enrollees in the State's qualified high risk pool. (Currently, all funds are allotted based solely on the number of uninsured individuals in the State.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Shadow Wolves Border Defense Act - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (commonly known as the Shadow Wolves unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within ICE additional Customs Patrol Officer units. Requires such units to enforce the customs laws of the United States on Indian lands by preventing the smuggling of narcotics, weapons of mass destruction, and other contraband. Sets the rate of basic pay for journeymen Customs Patrol Officers in such units.
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 · 6 October 2004
Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, using funds available for improving the national system to notify the public in the event of a terrorist attack, to conduct a pilot study under which the Secretary may issue public warnings regarding homeland security threats using an AMBER Alert system.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Boutique Fuels Reduction Act of 2004 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily waive controls or prohibitions on the use of a fuel or fuel additive regulated under specified provisions of that Act or prescribed in an applicable State Implementation Plan (SIP) if the Administrator determines that: (1) extreme and unusual circumstances exist in a State or region that prevent distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or fuel additive to consumers; (2) such circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or another unforeseeable event; and (3) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver. Permits such a waiver only if it: (1) applies to the smallest necessary geographic area; (2) is effective for 20 days or the shortest practicable time period; (3) permits a transitional period after the termination of the temporary waiver to allow wholesalers and retailers to blend down their inventory; (4) applies to all persons in the motor fuel distribution system; and (5) is preceded by public notice to all parties in the distribution system, local and State regulators, public interest groups, and consumers in the State or region covered by the waiver. States that the Administrator shall have no authority, when considering a SIP or SIP revision regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives, to approve any fuel: (1) if doing so would increase the total number of approved and fully implemented fuels as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; and (2) unless that fuel was approved and fully implemented in at least one SIP in the applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense District (with the exception of fuels with a specified summertime Reid Vapor Pressure). Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy jointly to study and report to Congress on the effects on air quality, number of fuel blends, fuel availability, fuel fungibility, and fuel costs of SIPs adopted pursuant to CAA provisions regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Ensuring Access to Emergency Rooms Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem hospitals, emergency rooms, physicians, and physicians groups that provide emergency care to uninsured individuals employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to items and services furnished and post-stabilization services provided to such individuals. Requires the Attorney General to make separate estimates as to the cost of claims expected to arise under this Act and to establish separate funds for such claims. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to limit the total amount of payments under this Act to the amounts appropriated in advance for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Emergency Care Liability Relief Act - Limits noneconomic and punitive damages for injuries arising from the provision of uncompensated care by emergency care providers. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees and costs in actions in which a party's liability or such damages are contested. Requires liability for such awards to be allocated to the nonprevailing party personally, the attorney or law firm representing such party if representation was on a contingent fee basis, or both, taking into account specified factors. Requires the court, in actions in which liability or noneconomic or punitive damages described in this Act are contested, to instruct the jury that it must take into account the effect of the amount to be awarded in damages on the price and availability of health care liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Individual Social Security Investment Program Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to add a new part B (Individual Social Security Investment Program) to change Social Security into a system of individual accounts where workers born on or after January 1, 1950, who have elected to participate in the new part B program have ownership of and control over the investment of their retirement funds in various investment vehicles: (1) Tier I Investment Fund; (2) Tier II Investment Fund; and (3) Tier III Investment Accounts. Allows participating workers choosing the individual account option to have 100 percent of their redirected Social Security contribution for the calendar year (6.2 percent of the sum of the total wages paid to, and self-employment income derived by, the participant) deposited into the Tier I Investment Fund. Provides for transfer of any amount held in the Tier I Investment Fund into the Tier II Investment Fund, and for an individual's first election of a Tier III investment account once the total balance of the Tier II account exceeds the minimum deposit balance of $10,000. Directs the Executive Director to establish and maintain a part B totalization account for each participant. Provides that workers choosing the individual account under the Tier II option with a variety of investment options, with the initial default option set at 60 percent stocks, and 40 percent bonds. Provides for retirement distributions, including purchase of annuities. Provides that workers who choose the individual account option shall receive a recognition bond, redeemable upon reaching retirement age, based on the accrued value of their lifetime to date benefits. Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an Individual Unvestment Board to administer the program established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from income taxation any fund created, account established, or annuity under part B of title II of the Social Security Act, unless subject to taxes on unrelated business income of charitible organizations. Excludes from the gross income of a distributee or payee: (1) any fund or account distribution or any annuity payment; or (2) the value of a recognition bond issued to a participant, or the proceeds from its sale or redemption. Amends SSA title II to provide that, except with respect to determination of disability insurance benefits, a participant shall not be credited with wages or self-employment income under part B of SSA title II. Provides for the maintance of adequate balances in the Social Security trust funds.
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
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2005. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for homeland security information. Establishes within the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) submit annual budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; (2) conduct an assessment of the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology to address basic scientific research needs; and (3) establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for professional development programs in cybersecurity. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with U.S. allies in the war on terrorism that have extensive experience in counterterrorism activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program. Establishes the Liberty Shield Award for Innovation and Excellence in Critical Infrastructure Protection. Urges the DHS Homeland Security Operations Center to increase on-site participation of representatives from private sector critical infrastructure sectors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and distribute critical infrastructure protection awareness and education materials for emergency response providers; (2) ensure that DHS terrorism preparedness exercises and related information and training meet specified requirements; (3) establish a program supporting the development of mutual aid systems for terrorism and emergency preparedness and response; (4) develop a domestic emergency national preparedness goal, a comprehensive national biodefense strategy, a comprehensive national strategy to mitigate the radiological and nuclear threat, and a plan to ensure enhanced cooperation and interoperability of maritime and airborne homeland security assets; (5) initiate a pilot program of expedited inspection at designated ports of entry away from U.S. ports; (6) submit budget request information for DHS's information technology-related spending organized by directorate and critical mission area; and (7) keep each appropriate congressional committee informed of DHS activities. Establishes the Director of the U.S. Secret Service as an officer of DHS.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Defines "marriage" for all legal purposes in the District of Columbia to mean the union of one man and one woman.
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 · 21 June 2004
AMT Middle Class Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow as a deduction against alternative minimum taxable income certain State and local taxes; and (2) provide for an inflation adjustment of the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for individual taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Air Tanker Emergency Release Act of 2004 - Requires, upon a qualifying owner's request, the temporary reinstatement of an aerial firefighting contract for a large air tanker that was canceled on May 10, 2004, by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion psychosis. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to: (1) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, post-abortion conditions; and (2) conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques. Requires the Secretary to make grants to establish, operate, and coordinate effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion depression or post-abortion psychosis.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Federal Election Integrity Act of 2004 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require any individual who desires to register or re-register to vote in an election for Federal office to provide the appropriate State election official with proof that the individual is a U.S. citizen. Requires proof of citizenship in States without registration requirement and States permitting same day registration. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the appropriate State or local election official from: (1) providing a ballot for an election for Federal office to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official a current and valid photo ID; or (2) accepting any ballot of an individual voting by mail without a copy of a current photo ID.
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 · 2 June 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) congratulates Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks on pitching a perfect game on May 18, 2004; and (2) recognizes Randy Johnson for a brilliant career.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
ASU/MCCCD Land Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to release, without consideration, the reversionary interests retained by the United States and all other terms, conditions, reservations, and restrictions imposed, in connection with the conveyance of portions of former Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, to Arizona State University and Maricopa County Community College District under the authority of the February 1995 Record of Decision for the disposal of excess Federal property at that installation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Legal Expense Equity Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize parties in civil diversity litigation to serve written settlement offers on an adverse party at any time not less than 10 days before trial. Authorizes the court, at any time before judgment is entered, to exempt from settlement any claim that presents a novel and important question of law or fact that substantially affects nonparties. Voids all settlement offers made by the parties with respect to such exempted claims. Authorizes an offeror whose proposed settlement was declined by an offeree to file a petition with the court seeking payment by the offeree of costs and fees, including attorney's fees, from the date of the last settlement offer by either party if the ultimate judgment or order is not more favorable to the offeree than the proposed settlement. Requires the court to order payment by the offeree in such circumstances unless requiring payment would be manifestly unjust. Limits attorney's fees ordered under this Act to: (1) the actual attorney's fees incurred by the offeree in connection with the claim; or (2) if no such cost was incurred due to a contingency fee agreement, a reasonable cost that would have been incurred by the offeree absent a contingency fee agreement. States that this Act does not apply to claims seeking equitable remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
Declares that Congress honors past and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their families by encouraging every American to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day as a sign of admiration and thanks to those individuals who died to preserve freedom and democracy in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004
Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn Crime Victims' Rights Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that a crime victim has the following rights: (1) to be reasonably protected from the accused; (2) to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused and to not be excluded from any such proceeding; (3) to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding involving release, plea, or sentencing; (4) to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case; (5) to full and timely restitution as provided in law; (6) to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and (7) to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy. Directs: (1) the court to ensure that a victim is afforded these rights; (2) officers and employees of Federal agencies engaged in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime to make their best efforts to see that victims are notified of, and accorded, these rights; and (3) the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to enforce victims' rights and to ensure compliance by responsible officials with the obligations respecting crime victims. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime to make grants to: (1) develop, establish, and maintain programs for the enforcement of victims' rights; and (2) develop and implement state-of-the-art systems for notifying victims of important dates and developments relating to criminal proceedings. Requires: (1) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the number of times such victims' rights are asserted and the relief requested is denied; and (2) the Comptroller General to evaluate the effect of this Act on the treatment of victims.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004
Small Business Jobs Creation Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer with annual gross receipts of less than $25 million a business tax credit for 50 percent of the excess of unemployment insurance wages paid in the current year over 102 percent of such wages paid during the preceding calendar year. Limits the annual amount of such credit to $100,000. Terminates the credit after 2009.
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 · 28 April 2004
Arizona Trail Feasibility Study Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a joint study of the feasibility of designating the Arizona Trail as a national scenic trail or a national historic trail. Requires the map of such Trail to be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Know Your Vote Counts Act of 2004 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to revise voting system standards to require the voting system used in an election for Federal office to provide the voter with an auditable paper record showing how the vote will be recorded by the system after the voter enters it. Requires the voter to use such record to verify that the vote shown is the vote the voter intends to cast. Requires the system, if the voter does not verify his or her vote, to provide the voter with: (1) the opportunity to change the ballot and correct any error, and (2) a new auditable paper record that reflects the change or correction made by the voter. Makes a vote final once a voter verifies that the vote shown on a paper record is the vote the voter intends to cast. Makes the paper record serve as a permanent paper record of the vote. Prohibits the removal of such record from the polling place except for purposes related to a recount. Requires voluntary voting system guidelines to include guidelines to ensure security of electronic data.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) salutes the life and courage of the late Commander Lloyd `Pete' Bucher, United States Navy (retired), who commanded the U.S.S. Pueblo at the time of its capture by North Korea on January 23, 1968, and who passed away on January 28, 2004; (2) praises Commander Bucher for his exemplary bravery and sacrifice, which were an inspiration to his crew and the United States, while he and his crew were held in captivity for 11 months in North Korea; (3) praises the bravery of the crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo; and (4) expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Commander Bucher.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004
Border Infrastructure and Technology Integration Act of 2004 - Directs the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security (the Under Secretary) to study the technology, equipment, and personnel needed to address security vulnerabilities within the United States for each Bureau of Customs and Border Protection field office that has responsibility for U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico (border area). Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to provide specified funds to field offices to develop innovative techniques and technologies to carry out their duties. Directs the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology to: (1) develop pilot programs to utilize, or increase the utilization of, aerial and ground surveillance technologies to enhance U.S. border security; and (2) work with Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies on law enforcement, emergency response, or security related responsibilities for the border area. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to develop and implement a plan to improve communications systems and enhance information sharing. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to execute a memorandum of understanding establishing a system to: (1) monitor hospitals along the border area for signs of potential health threats or bioterror attacks; and (2) ensure cooperation and information sharing. Directs the Under Secretary to conduct a review of the Science and Technology Directorate's research and development needs and priorities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004
VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004 - Reserves solely to the Federal Government the responsibility and authority to regulate the offering or provision of a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) application (an application that uses the Internet or any successor protocol to offer two-way or multidirectional voice communications). Prohibits State regulation, or delegation to States, of such authority. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) establish rules and standards for appropriate arrangements to compensate providers of facilities and equipment used to transmit communications employing a connected VoIP application; and (2) maximize participation in the support of universal service among the greatest number of providers of connected VoIP applications. Requires such providers to assist the Federal Government in enforcement actions. Requires the FCC to appoint an appropriate representative industry organization to develop guidelines, protocols, or performance requirements pertaining to the offering or provision of connected VoIP applications for: (1) providing comparable capabilities to 911 services; (2) improving use by the disabled community; (3) improving reliability of VoIP applications; and (4) ensuring appropriate security for the application and voice communications. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from imposing a tax or other charge on the offering or provision of a VoIP application.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in celebration of the recovery of the bald eagle, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the placement of the bald eagle on the endangered species list under such Act, to mint and issue not more than: (1) 100,000 $5 gold coins; (2) 500,000 $1 silver coins; and (3) 750,000 half dollar coins. Directs that the design of the coins be emblematic of the bald eagle and its history, natural biology, and national symbolism. Requires that sales of the coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin, $10 for the $1 coin, and $3 for the half dollar coin, which shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the American Eagle Foundation of Tennessee to: (1) establish an interest-bearing endowment called the American Eagle Fund as a permanent source of support for the care, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery of the bald eagle and its habitat in the United States; (2) make annual grants to Federal, State, and private eagle restoration, protection, and enhancement projects; (3) administer the Fund in an annual amount not to exceed the lesser of ten percent of the annual income of the Fund or $250,000; and (4) provide financial support for capital projects and for continuation and expansion of the Foundation's efforts to educate the American people about the bald eagle.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax-exempt trust to be known as a "Lifetime Savings Account" for the benefit of an individual taxpayer or his beneficiaries. Allows an individual taxpayer to make cash contributions up to $5,000 each year to such trusts. Prohibits: (1) investment of trust assets in life insurance contracts; and (2) commingling of trust assets with any other property except in a common trust or investment fund. Provides for an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the contribution amount. Excludes from gross income distributions from such a trust. Allows tax-free rollovers to a trust from: (1) another account of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from such other account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (2) from a Lifetime Savings Account of the spouse of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from the spouse's account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (3) from a qualified state tuition plan or a Coverdell education savings account before January 1, 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Federal Contractor Security Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require the following Federal service contractors to participate in a pilot program for employment eligibility confirmation: (1) those contractors required to pay at least minimum wage; and (2) those contractors exempted from the requirements of the Service Contract Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that judicial determinations regarding the meaning of U.S. laws should not be based on foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements are incorporated into the legislative history of laws passed by the House and Senate or otherwise inform an understanding of the original meaning of U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2004
Consumer Access to Information Act of 2004 - Prohibits the misappropriation of a database by classifying such misappropriation as an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Exempts from liability under this Act the provider of an interactive computer service that makes available information provided by another content provider. Excludes from coverage by this Act specified securities-related laws, authority, and information.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Realtime Investor Protection Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require a registered securities association to: (1) establish and maintain a registration information system on its members and their associated persons; and (2) establish and maintain a toll-free telephone listing, and a readily accessible electronic or other process, to receive and promptly respond to inquiries regarding that information. (Currently such an association is required to maintain a toll-free telephone listing to receive inquiries regarding disciplinary actions involving its members and their associated persons.) Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require an investment adviser to: (1) file with the SEC any fee, application, report, or notice required to be filed through any entity designated by the SEC for that purpose; and (2) pay the reasonable costs associated with such filing and the establishment and maintenance of the telephone and electronic systems required by this Act. Directs the SEC to require the designated entity to establish and maintain a toll-free telephone listing, and a readily accessible electronic or other process, to receive and promptly respond to inquiries regarding registration information (including disciplinary actions, regulatory, judicial, and arbitration proceedings, involving investment advisers and persons associated with investment advisers).
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Declares that Congress: (1) supports Israel's construction of a security fence to prevent Palestinian terrorist attacks; and (2) condemns the United Nations General Assembly's decision to request the International Court of Justice to render an opinion on the legality of the fence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2004
States that Congress: (1) salutes the life and courage of the late Commander Lloyd `Pete' Bucher, United States Navy (retired), who commanded the U.S.S. Pueblo at the time of its capture by North Korea on January 23, 1968, and who passed away on January 28, 2004; (2) praises Commander Bucher for his exemplary bravery and sacrifice, which were an inspiration to his crew and the United States, while he and his crew were held in captivity for 11 months in North Korea; (3) praises the bravery of the crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo; and (4) expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Commander Bucher.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Family Budget Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Requires: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA), Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and benefits payable under part A of title XVIII (relating to part A Medicare hospital insurance benefits) of SSA and part C of such title (relating to the Medicare Advantage program) from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account and the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program, and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of the: (1) Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement System; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Health Care Cost Integrity and Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited (up to $3,000 annually) advanceable tax credit for amounts paid for qualified health insurance for coverage of the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2004
Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that, if the violator of the terms and conditions of any Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, permit, or certificate is either a broadcast station licensee or permittee or an applicant for a broadcast license, permit, or certificate, and such violator is determined by the FCC to have broadcast obscene, indecent, or profane language, the amount of forfeiture penalty shall not exceed $275,000 for each violation or day of such violation, to a maximum of $3 million for any single act or failure to act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2004
Resolves that the Federal Communications Commission should: (1) reverse its Enforcement Bureau's decision of In the Matter of Complaints Against Various Broadcast Licensees Regarding the Airing of the "Golden Globe Awards" of October 3, 2003, which found that no violation of the decency laws or regulations had occurred as a result of the airing of indecent language during the televised broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards; (2) return to vigorously enforcing the indecency and profanity statute pursuant to its declaratory order of In the Matter of a Citizen's Complaint Against Pacifica Foundation StationWBAI, which was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court; (3) make every reasonable and lawful effort to protect children from indecent and profane programming; (4) resolve expeditiously all indecency and profanity complaints and consider reviewing such complaints at the full Commission level; (5) aggressively investigate and enforce all indecency and profanity allegations; and (6) reassert its responsibility as defender of the public interest with respect to profane and indecent utterances in broadcast media.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require an issuer of registered securities to show as an expense in its mandatory annual report the fair value of all stock purchase options granted to certain of its senior executive officers after December 31, 2004. Exempts small business issuers from such requirement. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require reporting of: (1) stock option expenses as a reduction of the total expense in the fiscal year in which they expire or are forfeited; and (2) as income any excess by which such reduction exceeds total option expenses for any fiscal year. Requires any accounting principle recognized as "generally accepted" by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the expensing of stock purchase options to comply with this Act. Denies recognition to any such accounting principle until the Secretaries of Commerce and of Labor complete a joint study on the economic impact of mandatory expensing of all employee stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Ronald Reagan Dime Act - Amends Federal law governing coins and currency to require dime coins issued after a certain date to bear the likeness of President Ronald Reagan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number of any current subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Allows a provider to include the wireless telephone information of any new subscriber in a WDAS only if the provider provides: (1) a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber, at the time of entering into a service agreement and at least once a year thereafter, of the right not to be listed in any WDAS; and (2) the subscriber with convenient mechanisms to decline or refuse to participate in any WDAS. Allows a provider to connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber only if: (1) the subscriber is provided prior notice of the calling party's identity and is permitted to accept or reject each call; (2) the subscriber's wireless telephone number information is not disclosed to the calling party; and (3) the subscriber is not an unlisted commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Deplores the development by Iran of a nuclear weapons program and the failure of the Government of Iran to report material, facilities, and activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in contravention of its obligations under the safeguards convention it signed in connection with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Treaty). Concurs with the conclusion of the Department of State that Iran is pursuing a program to develop nuclear weapons. Calls on the President to use all appropriate means to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with particular attention to the needs of the IAEA for information and access, including information concerning gas centrifuges and the conduct of uranium conversion experiments. Calls on Russia to suspend all nuclear cooperation with Iran until Iran fully complies with a specified IAEA resolution, with particular attention to spent fuel. Calls on the IAEA to declare Iran in violation of the Treaty. Calls on the United Nations Security Council to consider immediately the passage of a Security Council resolution or the taking of other actions that may be necessary to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions against Iran if it fails to meet its obligations to the IAEA. Calls on the Government of Iran to cease all efforts to acquire nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and to end the enrichment and processing of uranium until it is able to provide specific, verifiable assurances that it is not engaged in a clandestine nuclear weapons program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, in coordination with the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, should establish a program to foster private assistance by the people of the United States to Iraqi schools and hospitals through adopt-a-school and adopt-a-hospital initiatives. Calls for: (1) mechanisms to establish inventories of specific material and financial educational and medical needs which are made known to schools, education professionals, students, hospitals, and health care professionals in the United States; and (2) avenues for the donation, collection, and transfer of supplies and funds directly to Iraqi schools and hospitals. Calls for online peer-to-peer consultation between education and health care professionals in Iraq and the United States, as well as student-to-student communication.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2003 - Deems the approved application for the drug mifepristone (marketed as Mifeprex, commonly known as RU-486, and used for the chemically induced termination of intrauterine pregnancy) to have been suspended. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report on the process by which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone. Provides for the contingent reinstatement of such drug if the report determines the approval to have been in accordance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Veterans Eye Treatment Safety (VETS) Act of 2003 - Allows eye surgery at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility, or facility under contract with the Department, to be performed only by a licensed medical doctor or licensed doctor of osteopathy.