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United States · Official source
1,309 records where Rep. Simmons, Rob [R-CT-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2006 - Amends the Fur Product Labeling Act to revise the definition of "fur product" to mean any article of wearing apparel made in whole or in part of fur or used fur, regardless of the fur's value, the quantity of fur imported, or the expense of labeling (thus requiring labeling of all fur products).
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Repeals provisions permitting states with Internet tax laws enacted prior to the ban on Internet taxes to continue enforcing such laws.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of items and services under a cardiac rehabilitation program and a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 215 West Industrial Park Road in Harrison, Arkansas, as the "John Paul Hammerschmidt Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
United States Security Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to state that the purpose of a mandatory investigation of a proposed corporate merger, acquisition, or takeover (transaction) undertaken under such Act is to determine whether the acquisition could affect U.S. national security. Directs the President, within five days after initiating a mandatory investigation, to notify each House of Congress of the transaction being investigated. Requires such notice to be promptly transmitted to specified congressional committees. Prohibits the President from taking any action regarding a transaction under investigation until 14 days after congressional notification. Requires the President to consider and take into account any comments on the transaction provided by any congressional committee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Foreign Investment Security Improvement Act of 2006 - Directs the President (or the President's designee) to investigate, under the Defense Production Act of 1950, the acquisition by Dubai Ports World (DP World), an entity owned or controlled by the Emirate of Dubai, of the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) Steam Navigation Company, a national of the United Kingdom. Requires such investigation to be completed within 45 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the President to suspend any decision, under provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 permitting the President to stop the acquisition because it will impair national security, with respect to such acquisition made before the completion of the investigation, including any decision made before enactment of this Act. Specifies requirements for the investigation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide information for the investigation, including: (1) relevant information on DP World from the Automated Targeting System maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and (2) port assessments at foreign seaports where DP World operates. Requires the President to: (1) report to Congress within 15 days after completion of the investigation; and (2) provide certain Members of Congress a detailed briefing on the contents of the report. Requires the President to take action necessary to prohibit the acquisition if the President does not stop the acquisition under the provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 permitting the President to stop the acquisition because it will impair national security if a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted into law within 30 days after Congress receives a report from the President that an acquisition will not be stopped. Requires, if such acquisition has been already been completed, the President to direct the Attorney General to seek divestment or other appropriate relief in US district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. Modifies the definition of "wire communication facility" to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of "bets and wagers" to include all forms of gambling activity. Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations. Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities. Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user. Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to: (1) advance from FY2007 to FY2006 the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and (2) repeal the limitation on such funds as a one-time only obligation and expenditure. Bars use of the funds for certain state planning and administration purposes. Accelerates the termination of such appropriation and related allocations and conditions from September 30, 2007, to September 30, 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should increase trade opportunities with Taiwan by launching negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Canine Volunteer Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to modify the definition of "police animal" for purposes of the prohibition against harming certain animals (i.e., dogs and horses) used in law enforcement to include animals employed or commissioned for search and rescue missions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Federal Aviation Administration Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to revise certain federal aviation administration personnel management system requirements to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from implementing any proposed change to the FAA personnel management system in cases where the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service do not lead to an agreement between the Administrator and FAA employees unless a bill is enacted into law by Congress that authorizes the change during the 60-day period beginning from the time Congress received the proposed change. (Current law does not require congressional action.) Requires the Administrator and FAA employee bargaining representatives to submit the proposed change to binding arbitration if Congress does not enact a bill into law within the 60-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives will work with the engineering community to make sure that its creativity and contribution can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation. Supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week and its aims to: (1) increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers; and (2) promote literacy in math and science.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Global Internet Freedom Act - Establishes in the International Broadcasting Bureau the Office of Global Internet Freedom to develop and implement a comprehensive global strategy to combat state-sponsored and state-directed Internet jamming by repressive foreign governments, and the intimidation and persecution by such governments of their citizens who use the Internet. Requires an annual report from the Office to Congress on the status of state-sponsored and state-directed Internet jamming by repressive foreign governments and a description of U.S. efforts to counter such jamming. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) denounce repressive foreign governments that engage in Internet jamming; (2) direct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations (UN) to submit a resolution condemning repressive foreign governments that engage in Internet jamming and deny their citizens the freedom to access and share information on the Internet; and (3) deploy technologies aimed at defeating state-sponsored and state-directed Internet jamming by repressive foreign governments, and the intimidation and persecution by such governments of their citizens who use the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2006 - Amends the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2005 to extend for three years the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural worker).
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the uniformed services whose retired pay in any taxable year is reduced due to an award of disability compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs an extension of the three-year limitation period for filing tax refund claims until one year after the date of a disability determination. Limits the period for which such refund claims may be filed to taxable years beginning less than 15 years before the date of a disability determination.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Home Energy Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2006 - Allows individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for 25% of of their home energy costs (i.e., electricity, natural gas, propane, and heating oil) incurred between October 1, 2005, and March 31, 2006. Limits the amount of such credit to $200 ($400 for joint returns) and reduces the credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $30,000 ($60,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Ensuring Access to Contraceptives Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to furnish assistance to provide contraceptives in developing countries in order to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. States that a nongovernmental organization shall not be subject to eligibility requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds that are more restrictive than those that apply to a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2006
Amends the federal criminal code to allow any person who was the victim of a sexual crime while a minor to sue in federal court for damages for resulting injury, regardless of whether the injury occurred while such person was a minor. (Current law allows a minor who is the victim of a sexual crime to sue.) Increases from $50,000 to $150,000 the minimum amount of damages such a victim shall be deemed to have sustained.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to promote the emergence of a democratic Palestinian governing authority that denounces and combats terrorism, upholds human rights for all people, and has agreed to recognize Israel as an independent Jewish state. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act or any other provision of law to the Palestinian Authority (PA) only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined: (1) that no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization and no member of a foreign terrorist organization serves in a PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality; (2) that the PA has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the government of the United States, the government of Israel, and the international community; and (3) that the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect with respect to the PA.: (1) assistance to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human health needs from such limitation.); (2) U.S. contributions to the United Nations intended for U.N. agencies providing assistance directly to the PA; (3) visa issuance to any PA official or affiliated person (with a case-by-case exemption for U.S. security needs); (4) travel outside of a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building for officials and representatives of the PA and of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City; and (5) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA or the PLO. Requires the President to direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA during any such period. Directs the Secretary of State to audit and report respecting duplicative entities and functions of: (1) the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights; (2) the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; (3) the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority; (4) the NGO Network on the Question of Palestine; (5) the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories; and (6) any other entity the Secretary determines results in duplicative efforts or funding or fails to ensure balance in the approach to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds specified U.S. contributions to the United Nations for such entities until the report's recommendations are implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. Prohibits funds to be used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate, attend official meetings, or have official contacts with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization, until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse states fully for expenditures associated with the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit for dual eligible individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that general appropriation bills contain a separate list of all earmarks in the accompanying report and the name of the sponsoring Member of each such earmark.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
No Parole for Sex Offenders Act - Requires a state, in order not to reduce the funds available for Local Law Enforcement Block Grants by 10%, to have in effect a law that disallows parole for a sexually violent predator or an individual convicted of a criminal offense against a minor. Provides for the redistribution of withheld funds to participating states that are in compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Commission on Terrorism Risk Insurance Act - Amends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to establish the Commission on Terrorism Risk Insurance. Directs the Commission to identify and make recommendations regarding actions to: (1) encourage, facilitate, and sustain provision by the private domestic insurance industry of affordable coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism; (2) sustain or supplement the ability of the domestic insurance industry to cover losses resulting from acts of terrorism; (3) reduce the federal role over time in any continuing federal terrorism risk insurance program; and (4) evaluate whether coverage under the Terrorism Insurance Program is necessary to permit redevelopment at sites of previous acts of terrorism. Instructs the Commission to evaluate and makes recommendations on the need for a federal terrorism risk insurance program. Requires the Terrorism Insurance Program to remain in effect, but only to cover insured losses under property and casualty insurance issued on or before December 31, 2008, if the Commission determines that the market will not provide for renewal or generation of new insurance contracts necessary to permit redevelopment at the site of a previous act of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) electronic filing; (3) maintenance of certain lobbying disclosure information in an electronic data base, available to the public free of charge over the Internet; (4) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment; (5 ) disclosure of grassroots lobbying activities by paid lobbyists; (6) disclosure of registered lobbyists contributions and payments; and (7) an increased penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Revises criteria, with regard to disclosure requirements, for determining a coalition or association of groups that retain a person to conduct lobbying or grassroots lobbying activities. Extends from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers and employees of the legislative branch with any officer or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to grant a current or former employee or officer assigned to an Indian tribe to perform services pursuant to self-governance contracts or compacts formerly performed by them for the United States to communicate with and appear before any department, agency, court, or commission on behalf of the Indian tribe with respect to any matter relating to the contract or compact. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment negotiations. Exempts from the restrictions on gifts to Members of Congress or Senators, officers, or employees the market value for a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Declares that such market value is the fair market value of a charter flight. Requires public disclosure of such flights. Requires increased disclosure of travel by Members of Congress. Requires the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Select Committee on Ethics to develop and revise guidelines on reasonable expenses or expenditures for official government travel. Declares that a gift to a covered executive branch official, or to an officer, employee, or Member of the House or of the Senate, of a ticket to a sporting or entertainment event shall be the face value of the ticket; and if there is no face value, then the highest cost of a ticket with a face value for the event. Calls for reviews and semiannual reports by the Comptroller General on activities carried out by the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Continuing Care Seniors Housing Act of 2005 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions which allow a tax exemption for the interest imputed to below-market rate interest loans to certain continuing care facilities to: (1) decrease from 65 to 62 the qualifying age for lenders to continuing care facilities; (2) eliminate the $90,000 limitation on loans to such facilities; (3) modify continuing care contract requirements; and (4) revise the definition of continuing care facility to include an independent living unit, plus an assisted living or nursing facility, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International Standards Conforming Act - Amends the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to declare that specified wool products, including cashmere, are misbranded if their average diameter of wool fiber does not meet certain standards of fineness. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to adopt additional standards or deviations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission Act of 2005 - Extends the authorization of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission through FY2009.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Code Talkers Recognition Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal: (1) to persons, including specified individuals, who served as Sioux or Comanche Code Talkers during World War II; (2) honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I; and (3) to any other Native American member of the armed forces, identified by the Secretary of Defense, who served as a Code Talker in any foreign conflict in which the United States was involved during the 20th Century. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under this Act and to deposit the proceeds in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of A Day of Hearts: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day (February 14, 2006).
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - 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 of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Supports strengthened economic, scientific, military, humanitarian, and anti-terrorism ties between the United States and India. States that the United States and India have a vital common interest in reducing the dangers posed by nuclear weapons through effective nonproliferation and disarmament endeavors. Expresses concern that the supply of nuclear fuel to India could result in the availability of India's existing fissile material stockpile, and in India's capacity to produce fissile material, for weapons purposes and thereby compromise U.S. ability to comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Finds that the proposal for full civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and India poses potentially adverse implications for U.S. nuclear nonproliferation objectives. Disapproves of any nuclear cooperation proposal that would result in the export or transfer to any country that: (1) is not a party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and has detonated a nuclear explosive device; or (2) is a nonnuclear-weapon state under that Treaty, but has not accepted full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards over all of its nuclear facilities, materials, equipment, or technology that could assist in nuclear weapons production.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from issuing any final rule that would change the Department of Transportation's (DOT) interpretation of what constitutes "actual control" of an airline with respect to requirements prohibiting foreign interests from exercising actual control over all airline operations. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the impact of DOT's proposed change of allowing foreign interests to control economic and competitive decisions while requiring U.S. citizens to control decisions concerning commitments to the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, transportation security, safety, and organizational documents. (Under current law, only an airline that qualifies as "a citizen of the United States" may provide service between U.S. cities or on international routes obtained by the United States through international agreements. Defines "a citizen of the United States" as an individual who is a citizen of the United States, a partnership each of whose partners is an individual who is a citizen of the United States, or a corporation or association in which at least 75% of the voting interest is owned or controlled by persons that are citizens of the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2005 - 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 offenses that are: (1) committed by the individual while a Member, (2) related to the individual's service as a Member, and (3) after enactment of this Act. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Management System to prescribe necessary regulations with respect to the Thrift Saving Plan and which include provisions requiring the return of all vested amounts attributable to periods of service rendered by the individual as a Member. 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."
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Condemns the vile assertions concerning Israel and the Holocaust made by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and again demands that he disavow his remarks. Calls upon the U.N. Security Council and all civilized nations to censure Iran for its government's dangerous attempt to rewrite history. Reiterates the House of Representatives' pledge to prevent Iran from procuring nuclear weapons and its steadfast bonds with Israel. Affirms its understanding of all of the lessons of World War II, including that the millions murdered in the Holocaust must never be forgotten and such atrocities should never happen again.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Urges the President to issue annually a proclamation calling on state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe an American Jewish History Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in a suitable permanent location in the rotunda of the Capitol. Expresses the sense of Congress that the most suitable location for the placement of the bust is one adjacent to the statue known as the Portrait Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 - Commends and thanks the Coast Guard (CG) for its outstanding efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina. Expresses the sense of Congress that the CG should play a major role in any future national emergency or disaster caused by a natural event in a U.S. coastal or offshore area. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to temporarily extend the duration of merchant mariners' licenses or documents or vessel certificates of registry issued to an individual until not later than February 28, 2006, if such individual is a resident of: (1) Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana; or (2) any other state, and the individual's records are located in a CG facility in New Orleans that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, or were damaged or lost as a result of it. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the duration or the validity of a certificate of inspection or a certificate of compliance issued for up to three months for a vessel inspected by a CG Marine Safety Office located in Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Authorizes CG members assigned to duty in support of units in the Eighth CG District area to mitigate the consequences of, or assist in the recovery from, Hurricane Katrina during the period from August 28, 2005, to January 1, 2006, and who would lose accumulated leave in excess of 60 days as a result of such assignment, to retain an accumulated total of up to 90 days of leave.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish programs of grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) undergraduate scholarships and academic programs to recruit and educate elementary and secondary school mathematics and science teachers; and (2) master's degree scholarships and part-time graduate programs for inservice mathematics and science teachers. Requires the NSF Director to: (1) increase the number of awards under the Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century program and allow its grantees to operate one- to two-week summer teacher institutes; (2) add to the Teacher Professional Continuum Program a grants component for preparing to teach Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate science and mathematics courses; and (3) with a national panel and the Secretary of Education, disseminate effective materials and support development of new materials for K-12 science and mathematics teaching. Authorizes, or extends the authorization of, appropriations for NSF programs established or revised under this Act, including NSF Instructional Materials Development, as well as for the Department of Energy's Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Fuel Choices for American Security Act of 2005 - Instructs Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish an action plan in the Federal Register that targets oil savings for specified years. Directs the Secretaries of Energy and of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator), to promulgate regulations to implement the standards set forth in the Director's action plan. Requires the head of each federal agency to establish an oil usage baseline and develop a specified plan to reduce oil consumption. Directs the Postmaster General to report to Congress on annual fleetwide fuel savings and cost savings associated with eliminating Saturday mail delivery. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a national media campaign to decrease domestic oil consumption. Amends federal transportation law to set forth a national tire efficiency program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish an idling reduction tax credit. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a research and development program for electric drive transportation technology. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish a lightweight material research and development program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary to accelerate hybrid technology improvements by using loan guarantees that target automobile manufacturers and suppliers. Amends the IRC to allow: (1) an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit; and (2) a qualified flexible fuel hybrid and plug-in hybrid motor vehicle credit. Terminates the limitation on the number of qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for alternative motor vehicle credit. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring each federal agency to achieve by FY2015 at least a 20% reduction in its fleet petroleum consumption. Amends the IRC to: (1) establish a fuel-efficient tax credit for private fleets; and (2) subject heavy vehicles to the depreciation limitation imposed upon certain luxury automobiles. Prescribes: (1) a production schedule for passenger cars that are either fuel choice enabling motor vehicles, or alternative fuel automobiles; and (2) calculations for flexible fuel vehicle economy. Requires the Secretary to transmit an action plan to Congress to ensure: (1) an increasing supply by non-oil fuels of the total domestic ground transportation fuel demand; and (2) nationwide inclusion of at least 10 % ethanol in the domestic ground transportation fuel supply by December 31, 2015. Amends the IRC to increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. Amends federal transportation law to establish the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe the minimum quantity of renewable fuel derived from cellulosic biomass for specified calendar years. Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors in certain urbanized areas. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) repeal the geographical limitation on the Sugar Cane Ethanol Program; (2) authorize preprocessing and harvesting demonstration grants for transportation fuel produced from biomass (in lieu of ethanol production); (3) direct the Secretary to establish a loan guarantee program for conversion of municipal solid waste into transportation fuel produced from biomass (in lieu of ethanol); and (4) instruct the Administrator to fund demonstration projects for producing transportation fuel produced from biomass (in lieu of ethanol).
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to the security of Israel. Asserts that: (1) terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, should not be permitted to participate in Palestinian elections until such organizations recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, cease incitement, condemn terrorism, and disarm and dismantle their terrorist infrastructure; and (2) Hamas' or any other terrorist group's inclusion into the Palestinian governing structure will inevitably raise serious U.S. policy considerations, potentially undermining the ability of the United States to provide financial assistance and conduct normal relations with the PA. Calls on the Palestinian Authority (PA) President Abbas before the election to declare openly his intention to dismantle the terrorist organizations. States that progress in the peace process requires sustained Palestinian effort to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Commends all current and former Armed Forces medical personnel for their service, dedication, and outstanding care of members of the Armed Forces who are injured in combat. Reaffirms the commitment to supporting such personnel by providing the best training and equipment available.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Energy For Our Future Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, relating to alternative motor vehicle credit, to: (1) repeal the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for the credit; and (2) allow a composite energy efficient motor vehicle manufacturing tax credit consisting of an initial investment credit, a fuel economy achievement credit, and an eligible components research and development credit. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) designate transit-oriented development corridors in urban areas; and (2) award grants to a state or local governments to construct or improve transit facilities, bicycle transportation facilities, and pedestrian walkways in such a corridor. Amends federal transportation law to prescribe phased increases in automobile fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to the limitation on the depreciation of certain luxury automobiles. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to implement a national passenger car and light truck tire efficiency program. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to double the appropriations authorized for weatherization assistance. Authorizes appropriations for the Energy Star program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the credit for: (1) renewable electricity production; and (2) residential energy efficient property. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe: (1) efficiency resource standards for retail electricity and natural gas suppliers; (2) federal renewable portfolio standards; and (3) a revised standard for net metering. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal requirements for: (1) oil and gas royalties in-kind; (2) marginal property production incentives; (3) incentives for natural gas production from deep wells in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico; (4) royalty relief for deep water production; (5) comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources; (6) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources; and (7) specified tax incentives. Repeals the Alaska Offshore Royalty suspension. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to declare certain preemptions of state law inapplicable to state regulation of energy consumption or water use during a specified time period. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to restore the former procedure for appeals from consistency determinations revised by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 governing the siting of interstate electric transmission facilities. Amends the Natural Gas Act to repeal the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to coordinate federal permits and other authorizations and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends federal transportation law to repeal the preemption of state law relating to automobile fuel economy standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Commends U.S., international, Indian, and Pakistani efforts to assist the victims of the October 2005 earthquake in South Asia. Encourages further cooperation between Pakistan and India on relief operations and efforts to expand peace in the region. Urges: (1) the United States and the world community to reaffirm their commitment to additional support for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the earthquake; and (2) continued attention by international donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken countries, particularly children who have been left parentless and homeless by the disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Calls on the President to seek to convene an international conference on the threat of methamphetamine and synthetic drug precursor chemicals to intensify and coordinate an effective international response to prevent methamphetamine production. Calls on: (1) the countries in which the precursor chemicals and pharmaceutical products used in the manufacture of methamphetamine are produced and those most affected by methamphetamine trafficking to establish an effective international system to monitor and control these products to prevent their diversion to illegal purposes; and (2) the Secretary of State to take steps to establish such an international system by seeking to negotiate, draft, and ratify any necessary multilateral or bilateral agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Expresses support for: (1) conservation easements as a valuable tool for private sector land conservation; and (2) the tax deduction for charitable contributions of qualified conservation and historic preservation easements. Expresses opposition to recommendations of the Joint Committee on Taxation to reduce or eliminate tax deductions for charitable contributions of conservation and facade easements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Urges The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greece to honor the 1995 agreement under which both countries agreed to determine a mutually acceptable official name for the FYROM. Supports U.N. efforts to determine a mutually acceptable official name for the FYROM. Calls upon the U.S. government to exercise its influence in encouraging the FYROM to fully abide by the 1995 interim agreement and to redouble its efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude manure from the definition of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.