Rep. Simmons, Rob [R-CT-2]

An amendment numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to provide full reimbursement for professional liability insurance for counterterrorism employees at the Central Intelligence Agency.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 108-751 to express the sense of Congress that the new National Intelligence Director (NID) should establish an Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Center and to direct the NID to report to Congress whether or not an OSINT Center will be established and to justify the reasons for or against its establishment.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 108-561 to direct the Director of Central Intelligence to report to Congress on the progress the Intelligence Community is making in utilizing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered eleven printed in the Congressional Record to increase U.S. Coast Guard acquisition, construction and improvements funding by $18,500,000.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 109-459 to prevent DoD from revoking expired security clearances from defense contractors until an investigation moratorium and backlog is eliminated; and does not change the security clearance investigation process or prevent the department from revoking security clearances for national security purposes.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 14 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds in the bill for entering into, implementation of, or provision of oversight of contracts between the Secretary of the Treasury and private collection agencies. The provisions of the amendment shall not impact the administration of any tax or tariff. Finally, the amendment provides for a $5 million reduction in funds for the Business Systems Modernization account of the IRS.

United States · United States Congress

To honor the memory of Arnold "Red" Auerbach.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Honors Arnold "Red" Auerbach as a basketball genius, a leader in the effort to removal racial barriers and allow merit to prevail in professional sports, and one of the greatest coaches and executives of all time.

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application (R&D) for: (1) production of motor and other fuels from biomass; (2) technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles; (3) advanced solar photovoltaic technologies; and (4) advanced wind energy technologies. Instructs the Secretary to continue R&D activities targeting: (1) distributed energy; (2) micro-cogeneration technology; and (3) geothermal energy, hydropower, and ocean energy authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement an R&D program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric drive transportation; and (2) establish a pilot program to provide competitive grants to state governments, local governments and public entities, and metropolitan transportation authorities for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle demonstration projects. Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006, or the SUN Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary to establish a program of grants to states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot grants program for new builidng construction or renovation to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency technologies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the guidelines for a geographically dispersed network of Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to study its October 2005 recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Directs the Secretary to establish R&D programs for commercial application of: (1) coal gasification facilities that convert coal into pipeline quality gaseous fuels (methanation); and (2) materials to be added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuels. Directs the Secretary, in making awards for integrated biorefinery demonstration projects, to encourage the commercial application of biomass technologies for biodegradable natural plastics from biomass.

Automatic IRA Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Automatic IRA Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not offer qualified retirement plans or arrangements to their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account (IRA) arrangement (automatic IRAs); (2) allow employers who do not have more than 100 employees a tax credit for costs associated with establishing a payroll deposit IRA arrangement; and (3) treat automatic IRAs as individual retirement accounts (and as Roth IRAs) for income tax purposes. Establishes in the executive branch the TSP II Board to establish policies and procedures relating to payroll deposit IRA arrangements.

EAT Healthy America Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act or the EAT Healthy America Act - Amends provisions with respect to: (1) specialty crops; (2) the tree assistance program; (3) the conservation reserve program; (4) the wetlands reserve program; (5) the farmland protection program; (6) the grassland reserve program; (7) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (8) the environmental qualities incentives program; (9) air quality improvement; (10) integrated pest management initiative; (11) native plant habitat restoration; (12) agricultural trade; (13) invasive pests and diseases; (14) nutrition; (15) agricultural research; and (16) renewable energy, including crop biomass waste.

Veterans Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to, among other things: (1) authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in certain cases, to furnish up to 14 days of postnatal care to the newborn child of a woman veteran; (2) revise third-party payer provisions relating to health care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spina bifida and associated disabilities in the children of Vietnam veterans; (3) make permanent the homeless veterans' comprehensive services program; (4) include as authorized VA mental health service providers marriage and family therapists and professional mental health counselors; (5) provide a pay level adjustment for the Chief Nursing Officer; (6) authorize VA vs. private contractor cost comparison studies with respect to certain commercial or industrial products; (7) direct the Secretary to expand certain veterans' mental health clinical services and education programs; (8) provide an exception to the confidentiality of VA medical records in the case of possible organ donations; (9) direct the Secretary to expand the National Guard outreach program and telehealth services; (10) allow limited veterans' travel reimbursement in connection with treatment or care for a non-service-connected disability; (11) establish VA blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists; (12) provide priority health care and services for certain veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina; (13) authorize the Secretary to reimburse veterans for certain outstanding emergency treatment expenses for which they remain personally liable; and (14) authorize the Secretary to convey to the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, certain property located in the Tower Park area of Fort Thomas.

Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 2006 - Requires the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations that prohibit eligibility in the governmental retirement system for a Member convicted of certain felony offenses in which: (1) every act or omission of such individual that is needed to satisfy the elements of the offense occurs while the individual is a Member; (2) such act or omission relates to the performance of the individual's official duties as a Member; and (3) the offense is committed after the enactment of this Act. Requires refund of annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Defines Member as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

Margaret Thatcher Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Margaret Thatcher Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Margaret Thatcher in recognition of her dedication to the values of free markets and free minds.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!", a national celebration of after-school programs.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Supports the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!," a national celebration of after-school programs.

Supporting the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Expresses support for the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Recognizes breast cancer survivors, the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat breast cancer, and the work of national and community organizations in promoting breast cancer awareness, providing information, and offering treatment.

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; and (8) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the suburban and community forestry and open space program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; and (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program; and (3) the national organic certification and transition cost share program. Makes permanent funding available for: (1) the education grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions; and (2) the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program.

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to require disclosure of information on hospital charges, to make such information available to the public, and to provide individuals with information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services. Directs the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to research and report to Congress on: (1) the types of information on the charges and out-of-pocket costs for health care services that individuals find useful in making decisions about where, when, and from whom to receive care; (2) how such types of information vary by whether they have health benefits coverage, and what kinds; and (3) ways in which such information may be available on a timely basis and in easy-to-understand form to individuals facing such decisions.

Supporting the appointment of a Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Commends the efforts of U.S. officials who have helped secure the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Darfur Peace Agreement. Supports the appointment of an adequately staffed Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan to develop and coordinate U.S. policy toward Sudan. Urges the Envoy's mandate to include: (1) deterring further escalation of violence and humanitarian disaster in the Darfur region of Sudan while ensuring civilian protection and implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement; (2) facilitating the development of an international peacekeeping mission to Darfur; (3) coordinating reconstruction in Southern Sudan and other marginalized areas; (4) coordinating the return of refugees and displaced people in Darfur and southern Sudan; (5) consolidating peace in Northern Uganda; (6) coordinating efforts to ensure transformation of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) into a professional armed force; (7) working toward achieving a peaceful and democratic Sudan by ensuring that free and fair elections are held; and (8) coordinating efforts toward achieving accountability for the crimes committed in Darfur.

Linking Educators and Developing Entrepreneurs for Reaching Success (LEADERS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Linking Educators and Developing Entrepreneurs for Reaching Success (LEADERS) Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to support business incubation at institutions of higher education that award associate or baccalaureate degrees. Directs the Secretary to make competitive, matching awards to: (1) a nonprofit entity that manages or provides technical assistance to a degree-granting institution's affiliated incubator (or to the institution that manages in the absence of such an entity), for helping acquire or renovate space for incubators, and for developing curricula, providing services, or providing programming for entrepreneurs housed in an incubator; and (2) a degree-granting institution or a nonprofit local government or community development organization, for feasibility studies to determine the need for or siting of incubators. Requires the Secretary to reserve certain amounts for research regarding best practices for incubator programs, including the development of a benchmarking system based on uniform measures, and for dissemination of information regarding such practices. Authorizes contracts for such purposes with organizations with expertise in business incubation practices.

To provide temporary duty reductions for certain cotton fabrics, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to reduce, through December 31, 2008 , the duty on certain cotton shirting fabrics. Limits the quantity of imported cotton woven fabric entered by or on behalf of each manufacturer of men's and boy's shirts. Provides for the issuance of import licenses subject to such limitation. Establishes the Pima Cotton Trust Fund within the Treasury, consisting of transfers from the general fund in amounts attributable to the duty received since January 1, 1994, on woven fabrics of cotten under specified HTSUS headings. Provides for annual distribution of amounts from such Fund to a nationally recognized association of shirting manufacturers for the promotion of U.S.-grown pima cotton, and to yarn spinners of such cotton.

War on Terror Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

War on Terror Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely wounded or injured while serving on active duty in combat operations of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (each such individual to be known as a War on Terror Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury and subsequent medical treatment, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to ensure the provision of sufficient services to meet the needs of all War on Terror Wounded Heroes without regard to residential geographic location with respect to the following medical services: (1) adult day health care; (2) home health care; (3) respite care; (4) home-based primary care; (5) hospice; and (6) such other noninstitutional extended care services as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to operate and maintain a voluntary program in caregiver education, training, and certification for family members of War on Terror Wounded Heroes. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to furnish care to War on Terror Wounded Heroes, under certain conditions. Requires review by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee of the emergency cash assistance, medical services, and caregiver support programs established under this Act. Provides a business tax credit for employers hiring War on Terror Wounded Heroes.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Myositis Awareness Day.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National Myositis Awareness Day.

Congratulating and thanking Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta for his 40 years of dedicated service to the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Congratulates and thanks Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta for his long career of public service to the United States.

Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of civilian federal employees compensation for active service in a combat zone or for periods of hospitalization for wounds, diseases, or injuries incurred while serving in a combat zone.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that tips received for certain services shall not be subject to income or employment taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the first $10,000 of tips received for cosmetology, hospitality (including lodging and food and beverage services), recreation, taxi, newspaper delivery, and shoe shine services as property transferred by gift, thus exempting such tips from income, employment, and unemployment taxation and from wage withholding.

Commending the Republic of Cyprus and thanking the Cypriot people for their support and assistance in the evacuation of Americans fleeing Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006

Commends the Republic of Cyprus and thanks the Cypriot people for their support and assistance in the evacuation of Americans fleeing Lebanon.

Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system certain segments of the main stem and specified tributaries of the Eightmile River, Connecticut. Declares that: (1) such segments shall be managed in accordance with the Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan; (2) the Eightmile River shall neither be administered as part of the National Park System, nor be subject to related regulations; (3) provisions of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that prohibit federal acquisition of lands by condemnation shall apply to the Eightmile River; and (4) specified tributaries of the Eightmile River watershed are recognized as integral to its protection and enhancement.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities.

21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of Emergency Communications, to be headed by the Assistant Secretary for Emergency Communications. Includes among the Assistant Secretary's responsibilities: (1) assisting the Secretary of DHS in developing and implementing the program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government; (2) administering DHS authorities for the SAFECOM Program, the Integrated Wireless Network program, and the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program; (3) coordinating administration of the National Communications System; (4) facilitating creation of Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Groups; (5) establishing requirements for total and nonproprietary interoperable emergency communications capabilities for all public safety radio and data communications systems and equipment purchased using DHS assistance; and (6) coordinating with the Director of the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility with respect to specified functions. Directs the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to: (1) assess the range of emergency communications capabilities needed, the current capabilities, and the gap between the two; (2) develop a National Emergency Communications Report to provide recommendations regarding how the United States can accelerate the deployment of interoperable emergency communications nationwide; and (3) report annually on the degree to which such communications have been achieved and on the feasibility developing a mobile communications capability. Requires the Secretary to: (1) support the development of national voluntary consensus standards for interoperable emergency communications; and (2) prohibit a governmental jurisdiction from using DHS homeland security assistance for new equipment or systems that do not meet such standards. Establishes the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center to serve as the focal point for interagency efforts to address operable and interoperable communications.

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Consolidated Coverage Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Consolidated Coverage Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the consolidated coverage of home infusion therapy under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

Minimum Wage Competitiveness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Minimum Wage Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $6.00 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.75 an hour, beginning six months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.15 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day. Makes federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the federal minimum wage.

Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle's second Return-to-Flight mission.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Commends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-121 mission; and (2) its pioneering work in space exploration.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

Supports the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that World War II merchant mariners who were awarded the Mariners Medal shall be provided eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs health care on the same basis as veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services, and authorizes the Secretary to furnish nursing home care, as needed to any veteran who was awarded the Mariners Medal (currently, only the Purple Heart).

Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering Act of 2006 (STOP Act)

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006

Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering Act of 2006 (STOP Act) - Prohibits any person, except with permission, from using the name or image of a protected individual in connection with any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in a manner calculated to: (1) connect the protected individual with that individual's service in the Armed Forces; and (2) convey the impression that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the protected individual. Defines as a "protected individual" any person who: (1) is a member of the Armed Forces; or (2) was a member at any time after April 5, 1917, and, if not living, has a surviving spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring actions to enjoin violations of this Act.

Mentoring Matches for Youth Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2006

Mentoring Matches for Youth Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in FY2008-FY2012 to expand their mentoring programs for at-risk youth.

Extending the appreciation of Congress and the Nation to the Department of Defense organizations, military departments, and personnel engaged in the mission to achieve the fullest possible accounting for all Americans unaccounted for as a result of the Nation's wars, to the POW/MIA families and veterans who support the mission, and to foreign nations that assist in the mission.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days specified by law on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, the Air Force Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for seeking the fullest possible accounting of Americans unaccounted for as a result of the nation's previous conflicts. Extends the thanks of Congress and the nation to the personnel of those offices, commands, and laboratories and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for their efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting of Americans who remain unaccounted for as a result of the Vietnam War. Encourages and recognizes the efforts of the U.S. government, POW/MIA families and veterans, and host nations in supporting such mission. Recognizes and honors eight Americans and nine Vietnamese who paid the ultimate sacrifice in supporting such mission. Thanks Vietnam for continued assistance and cooperation in the humane recovery, identification, and repatriation of the remains of American personnel remaining unaccounted for from the Vietnam era. Recognizes that the efforts and involvement of POW/MIA families contribute significantly to the success of the JPAC.

Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a budget-neutral two-year moratorium on certain Medicare physician payment reductions for imaging services.

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) designate any chemical substance as a substance of concern or exempt any substance from such designation; (2) establish and revise the threshold quantity for a chemical substance of concern for purposes of identifying significant chemical facilities; and (3) require the submission of information regarding the quantities of such substances used, stored, manufactured, processed, or distributed by any chemical facility Directs the Secretary: (1) in determining substances of concern or threshold quantities, to consider the potential extent of death, injury, or serious adverse effects to human health, the environment, critical infrastructure, national security, the national economy, or public welfare that would result from a terrorist release of the chemical substance; (2) to maintain a list of significant chemical facilities based on the quantities of substances of concern or the threats from terrorism; and (3) to assign each facility on the list to one of at least four risk-based tiers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations to establish standards, protocols, and procedures for vulnerability assessments and facility security plans for chemical facilities on the list and require high-risk tier facilities to conduct such assessments and implement such plans; (2) conduct "red team" exercises at high-risk tier facilities; and (3) establish security performance requirements for the plans for facilities in each risk-based tier. Sets forth provisions regarding recordkeeping, inspections and verifications, enforcement, confidentiality of information, and reporting requirements.

Veterans Long Term Care Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Veterans Long Term Care Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay for nursing home care furnished in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home to any veteran in need of such care: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) who has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more. Directs the Secretary to furnish such drugs and medicines as ordered by a duly licensed physician for any veteran in need of such drugs and medicines: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more. Authorizes the Secretary, for three years after the enactment of this Act, to treat certain health facilities as state homes for purposes of eligibility for payments for care provided to veterans.

Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) pursue a global HIV prevention strategy that emphasizes the needs of married and unmarried women and girls and addresses the factors that lead to gender disparities in HIV infection rates; and (2) balance funding for HIV prevention methods. Directs the President to: (1) formulate and submit to the appropriate congressional committees, and make available to the public, a comprehensive and culturally appropriate global HIV prevention strategy that addresses the HIV vulnerability of married and unmarried women and girls and seeks to reduce the factors that lead to gender disparities in HIV infection rates; (2) ensure that the United States coordinates its overall HIV/AIDS policy and programs with foreign governments, international organizations, other donor countries, and indigenous organizations; (3) provide clear guidance to U.S. field missions; and (4) implement a monitoring and evaluation system.

Safe Climate Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Safe Climate Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate: (1) targets for a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions each year from 2010-2050 ; and (2) regulations requiring reductions to meet such targets, including by setting caps on emissions of sources and sectors with the largest emissions or the best opportunities to reduce them, by issuing and authorizing trading of emission allowances, and by imposing penalties for excess emissions. Requires relevant federal agencies to finalize a rule to carry out the National Academies' recommendations for regulatory action needed to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations or explain their reasons for declining to act. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the distribution of emission allowances (including through auctions) and the use of proceeds (to be deposited in a Climate Reinvestment Fund) for specified goals, including mitigating the effects of energy cost increases and climate change. Requires the EPA to ensure that emissions and allowances are accurately tracked, reported, and verified. Authorizes the emission reduction regulations to include: (1) additional requirements for any source or sector; and (2) performance standards, best management practices, and technology-based requirements. Requires such regulations to set standards for the reduction of greenhouse emissions from motor vehicles at least as quickly as the standards adopted by the California Air Resources Board at its September 2004 hearing. Requires the EPA to revise such standards in 2014 and every five years thereafter to further reduce emissions. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) require, beginning in 2009, an annual increase in the percentage of electric energy generated from renewable sources that is sold at the retail level in the United States and to require such percentage to be at least 20% of the total electricity sold by 2020; and (2) set end-user savings targets for retail electric-energy and natural gas suppliers. Authorizes DOE to: (1) increase the required percentage of end-user savings for years after 2020; and (2) allow suppliers to achieve the targets through a market-based trading system.

SAFE Truckers Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2006 or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act 2002 to prohibit an individual from operating a motor vehicle in commerce while transporting a security sensitive material, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a security sensitive material permit issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Prohibits a person from offering a security sensitive material for transportation by motor vehicle or causing the transportation of such material by motor vehicle, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a security sensitive material permit issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Requires the Secretary to conduct a fingerprint-based background records check before issuing a security sensitive material permit to an individual. Allows the Secretary to issue a security sensitive material permit to an individual as an integrated component of a transportation security card. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for persons who violate the requirements of this Act. Prohibits a motor vehicle registered in Mexico or Canada from transporting security sensitive material in U.S. commerce until the operator of the motor vehicle has undergone a similar background records check. Establishes task forces on: (1) highway security; (2) disqualifying crimes; and (3) redundant background checks.

To authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Vietnam.

SUN Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006 or the SUN Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program of grants to states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology.

Stealth Tax Relief Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Stealth Tax Relief Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the exemption from the alternative minimum tax for individual taxpayers in 2007; and (2) extend through 2007 the allowance of certain nonrefundable tax credits against alternative minimum tax liability.

To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Constantino Brumidi for display in the Capitol Visitor Center.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Requires the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement with the Foundation of Hellenes under which the Foundation shall provide a statue of Constantino Brumidi to be displayed in the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorizes the Committee to delegate such requirement to the Architect of the Capitol (AOC).

Expressing the sense of the House that Members of Congress are not immune from having their offices searched.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, if there is an ongoing criminal investigation into a Member of Congress, then that Member's congressional office may be subject to searches and seizures by appropriate executive branch officials in possession of a valid court order.

VIP Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act or VIP Act - Establishes as an independent office in the executive branch the Office of Veterans Identity Protection Claims, headed by a Director, to receive, process, and pay claims for injuries suffered as a result of the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of identifying information stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes judicial review of claim determinations.

Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a geography education grant program under title II, Teacher Quality Enhancement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to a national nonprofit educational organization or consortium, with 75% to be used for subgrants to institutions of higher education associated with state geographic alliances, nonprofit educational organizations, or state or local educational agencies. Requires various grantee and subgrantee activities designed to expand geographic literacy among kindergarten through grade 12 students by improving their teachers' professional development programs offered through institutions of higher education. Includes among such activities state-based conferences to assess geographic literacy and identify improvement strategies.