United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Specifies Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) fund amounts to be used for the Program in each of FY2008-FY2012. Makes the Secretary of Agriculture responsible for specified program administration provisions currently delegated to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the government of Turkmenistan should: (1) release from prison and psychiatric institutions all prisoners of conscience and political prisoners, including Mukhametkuli Aimuradov, Sapardurdy Khajiev, Annakurba Amanklychev, Kakabai Tedjenov, Cheper Annaniyazova, and Nasrullah ibn Ibadullah; (2) provide the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with access to all detained persons, including Batyr Berdyev and Boris Shikhmuradov; (3) investigate the death in custody of Ogulsapar Muradova; (4) provide fair retrials of those imprisoned for the alleged 2002 assassination attempt of President Niyazov; (5) provide independent investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment; and deaths in custody; (6) permit the normal functioning of opposition groups, independent nongovernmental groups; (7) cease the use of collective punishment, psychiatric hospitals, and house arrest of relatives and associates of perceived dissidents; (8) allow press and related freedoms; (9) end the diversion of state funds into President Niyazov's personal offshore accounts; (10) make educational reforms; (11) continue to discuss human rights and democratization in Turkmenistan and; and (12) support increased Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) activities in Turkmenistan. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should consider: (1) appropriate responses if the government of Turkmenistan continues to ban peaceful independent political party participation in the upcoming December elections; (2) designating Turkmenistan a "country of particular concern;" (3) withholding Turkmenistan's waiver under the Jackson-Vanik amendment until the right to freedom of movement is ensured; (4) encouraging companies which transport Turkmen gas to account for revenues and make public the identities of all their shareholders and beneficiaries; (5) raising with the European Union (EU), as well as transit and purchasing countries, the importance of not entering into trade agreements with Turkmenistan until the government demonstrates a commitment to implementing basic norms of fiscal transparency; (6) issuing a report on the personal assets and wealth of President Niyazov; and (7) working with other U.N. member states to introduce a resolution denouncing human rights violations in Turkmenistan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 to carry out title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White Care Act). Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining the amounts of formula grants for FY2007, from using a methodology for counting the number of AIDS or HIV cases that is different than the methodology used by the Secretary for FY2006.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Paterson Great Falls National Park Act of 2006 - Establishes in Paterson, New Jersey, the Paterson Great Falls National Park as a unit of the National Park System. Requires the Park to be administered in partnership by the Secretary of the Interior, the state of New Jersey, the city of Paterson and its applicable subdivisions, and others. Establishes the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Partnership to coordinate the activities of federal, state, and local authorities and the private sector in the development, for the Secretary's approval, and implementation of an integrated resource management plan. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to establish a Paterson Great Falls National Park Advisory Council. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land or interests within the boundaries of the Park by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Older Kids Act of 2006 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions allowing a tax credit for adoption expenses to increase: (1) the dollar limitation on the amount of adoption expenses eligible for the credit for children with special needs or children age nine or older; and (2) the adjusted gross income limitation applicable to such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
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 (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to expand and intensify NIMH research and related activities with respect to post-abortion depression and psychosis. Requires the Director of NIMH to: (1) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, such post-abortion conditions; and (2) conduct a 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 such post-abortion conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion, except in a medical emergency. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Allows the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women. Provides for the collection and dissemination of information on Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions. Provides for services to pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to have a pregnant "box check" on homicide death certificates. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist pregnant and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to provide for programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to finish high school. Requires group homes for pregnant and parenting women to provide counseling on adoption and parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and make refundable the tax credit for adoption expenses. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Extends the exceptions process period from the beginning of calendar 2006 through calendar 2007.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
Requests the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and submit to Congress by December 1, 2006, a plan for a comprehensive and permanent program to: (1) medically monitor all individuals who were exposed to toxins of the 9/11 Ground Zero in New York City; and (2) provide medical treatment for all such individuals who are sick as a result of the toxins.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception for certified medical emergencies. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 - Provides certain authorities for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Amends provisions respecting: (1) fraud prevention; (2) protective functions; (3) education allowances; (4) property disposition; (5) protection of North Korean refugees; (6) discrimination; (7) passport fees; (8) personal services contracting; (9) contracting prohibition; (10) Foreign Service compensation; (11) maternal and prenatal care for persons in Belarus and Ukraine affected by Chernobyl; and (12) the dual gateway policy of Ireland. Authorizes the President to extend privileges and immunities to the African Union (AU), the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, and the Bank for International Settlements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states to: (1) provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener, with priority to children under age nine; (2) provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of such children; and (3) develop and disseminate educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Recognizes the historical significance of the Washington-Rochambeau march through New Jersey in 1781 as part of the march of American and French forces from Rhode Island to Virginia that culminated in the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia, in October 1781.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should: (1) support and participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and assist African countries in implementing EITI or in adopting resource revenue transparency policies; (2) work with the international community to develop a monitoring process for nonmining natural resources, such as timber; (3) require natural resource extraction companies to disclose natural resource revenue payments on a country-by-country basis; (4) consider a government's substantive efforts or failure to ensure revenue transparency for critical natural resource sectors when determining eligibility for U.S. trade preference programs; (5) support disclosure of resource revenues and ex-ante disclosure of foreign investment contracts underpinning extractive sector projects, making such disclosures a condition of support for financing by the United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States; and (6) work with international financial institutions to require resource revenue and contract transparency as a condition for lending or assistance to resource-rich developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
James Zadroga Act of 2006 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (Fund), part of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, to extend the current December 22, 2003, deadline for filing claims under the Fund for five years following enactment of this Act if the Special Master determines that the individual: (1) was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the deadline and before enactment of this Act; (2) was unaware of his or her eligibility to file a claim until after December 22, 2003; (3) suffered psychological harm as a result of the crashes; or (4) in the case of an individual who had previously filed a claim, suffered a significantly greater physical harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed, but did not know its full extent until after the claim was filed and before enactment of this Act. Allows the filing of a claim also during the five years after the individual first knew that he or she had suffered physical or psychological harm as the result of such crashes, if he or she did not know that until on or after enactment of this Act. Extends the same five-year filing allowance to anyone who did not know the full extent of the harm suffered until on or after the enactment of this Act, even though he or she had previously filed a claim and had suffered a significantly greater physical or psychological harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed. Waives the single claim requirement in such circumstances. Makes a claimant eligible for compensation based on the psychological harm suffered as a result of the crashes. Defines "immediate aftermath" for compensation eligibility purposes as any period of time after the crashes that was sufficiently close in time to them that there was a demonstrable risk to the claimant of resulting physical or psychological harm, including the period of time during which related rescue, recovery, and cleanup activities were conducted.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay compensation as prescribed under this Act to those living members of the Armed Forces and U.S. civilian employees who were captured by Japan, who were used as slave labor during World War II, and whose application for compensation is approved. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to accept any monetary contribution (with exceptions) made by any person upon on the condition that the contribution be used to provide such compensation to a selected veteran or civilian internee. Requires amounts received as contributions to be deposited in the Department of Defense General Gift Fund. States that, any amount paid to a selected veteran or civilian internee as compensation under this Act is in addition to any other amount paid to such veteran or civilian internee under any other provision of law as compensation for the performance of slave labor during World War II. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding contributions by certain Japanese corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2006 - Defines "child soldier." States that Congress condemns the conscription, forced recruitment, or use of children by governments, paramilitaries, or other organizations in hostilities. Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related uses from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers. Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future placement of children in combat roles and to ensure that no children are recruited before the age of 16 years old or forcibly recruited or conscripted before the age of 18 years old. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that directly address the child soldier problem. States that the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs shall coordinate U.S. policy on child soldier issues.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, including efforts to: (1) raise public awareness about Alzheimer's; (2) promote early evaluation, diagnosis, planning, and treatment; and (3) encourage progress toward the development of a national health policy to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and to ensure that people with dementia receive a diagnosis and appropriate care. Encourages Americans who may be experiencing memory impairment to seek an evaluation and diagnosis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Commends the people and government of the Republic of Montenegro for the free and responsible way in which the referendum on independence was conducted and acknowledges the broad participation of Montenegro's citizens in that important vote. Congratulates the people of Montenegro on their decision to establish an independent and sovereign state and welcomes them to the community of nations. Welcomes the U.S. decision to recognize the Republic of Montenegro's sovereignty and independence and urges the expeditious establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Urges the people and government of Montenegro to continue to embrace the principles of democratic government and to take actions to encourage respect for human rights, for a free market economy, and for a democratic society.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 to extend and specify authorization of appropriations for: (1) democracy and civil society activities; and (2) radio and television broadcasting to Belarus. Establishes specified economic and U.S. entry sanctions against Belarus until its government makes progress in meeting specified conditions respecting: (1) release of political prisoners and accounting for the disappearances of opposition leaders and journalists; (2) cessation of political harassment; (3) prosecution of senior government leaders for embezzlement of state assets and administration of fraudulent elections; and (4) holding free presidential and parliamentary elections under independent supervision.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to redefine "terrorist organization" for purposes of the alien terrorist exclusion as an organization of two or more individuals engaged in terrorist activities whose activities threaten the security of U.S. nationals or U.S. national security, as determined by the Secretary of State independently or upon the request of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security. States that the Secretary of State's failure to determine that a group threatens the security of U.S. nationals or national security shall not affect the application of any of the other security and terrorism-related bars on admission to any of the group's members. Redefines "engage in terrorist activity" for purposes of alien terrorist exclusion to provide an undue coercion or duress exception with respect to providing terrorists with material support.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Recognizes the 200th anniversary of the Principality of Liechtenstein's sovereignty. Expresses support for U.S. efforts to continue to strengthen its relationship with Liechtenstein.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services Act of 2006 - Establishes the Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services. Requires the Consortium to conduct a study of all matters relating to the potential use of new technology to assist older adults and their caregivers, including: (1) methods for identifying technology that may be adapted to meet their needs; (2) methods for fostering scientific innovation in aging services technology within the business and academic communities; (3) strategies for addressing liability, reimbursement, privacy, and security issues with respect to such innovation; (4) developments in such technology in other countries; and (5) methods for ensuring that U.S. businesses have a leadership role in the global market of such technology. Requires the Consortium to develop recommendations concerning: (1) developments in current technologies that may result in increased efficiency and cost savings to the healthcare system; (2) specifications for federal funding of research and development by businesses and academia to accelerate the development of aging services technology; (3) methods to ensure that technology infrastructure is in place to deliver services; and (4) establishment of a federal interagency task force to facilitate the development and distribution of such technology and a National Resource Center to stimulate research, oversee demonstration projects, and provide training and assistance to entities that provide such services. Requires the Consortium to report recommendations regarding development of a national policy to address issues concerning technology and assistive health services for seniors, changes to federal laws and programs that would support and encourage the private sector to develop and make widely available consumer-empowered technology solutions, and establishment of a National Resource Center on Aging Services Technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Eradication of Slavery in Sudan Act of 2006 - Establishes the United States Commission to Monitor Slavery and its Eradication in Sudan, which shall have as its primary responsibility: (1) reporting on progress made by the government of Sudan and nongovernmental organizations in identifying the location of slaves in Sudan and ensuring their freedom; (2) working with the government of Sudan to ensure safe passage of freed slaves and family reunification; (3) documenting existing cases of slavery and working to prevent new cases from occurring; (4) ensuring that former slaves have access to basic education and skill training, as well as medical, social, and psychological support needed for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society; and (5) ensuring that those individuals responsible for slavery are brought to justice. Requires an annual report to the Secretary of State.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Agency for Vaccine Safety Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Director for Vaccine Safety Evaluation to: (1) conduct or support safety research and monitor licensed vaccines; (2) develop a vaccine safety research agenda; (3) evaluate means to promote compliance with federal adverse reaction reporting requirements; (4) provide a clearinghouse for vaccine studies; (5) ensure that functions relating to vaccine monitoring or research on adverse reactions are not carried out by anyone with a conflict of interest; (6) oversee the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project; and (7) resolve U.S. conflicts of interest related to international agreements, partnerships, and activities. Allows the Director to establish a program of awarding fellowships for research on vaccine safety. Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to provide the Director, upon request, with complete access to all vaccine-related information submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by vaccine manufacturers. Requires the Director to require vaccine manufacturers to: (1) provide for postmarketing surveillance and clinical testing for any acute or chronic adverse reactions associated with the vaccine; and (2) register in a qualified public registry each clinical trial conducted or supported by the manufacturer with respect to the vaccine. Transfers to the Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responsibilities for the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project, the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Centers, or any other post-licensure vaccine safety monitoring activities. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory council in the Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Recognizes the centennial anniversary of the 1906 Iranian constitution. Expresses hope that the people of Iran will once again enjoy a democratic government in the spirit of the 1906 Iranian constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006
New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act of 2006 - Designates the New York/New Jersey Bight as the New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, and all states from issuing a permit for ocean dumping, or establishing any new disposal site in the Zone, including under specified provisions of existing law. Terminates all existing disposal site designations, subject to exception. States that the discharge of a pollutant into the Zone from a point source constructed or put into use after enactment of this Act is prohibited under specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Prohibits permit issuance for such discharge. Prohibits a state or federal permit issued for the discharge of a pollutant into the Zone from being renewed, reissued, or modified to allow any increase of discharge capacity of any point source or to contain any effluent limitation less stringent than comparable effluent limitations in the permit. Prohibits the permanent extraction of any nonrenewable natural resource from the Zone for commercial or industrial use, except for the primary purpose of maintaining or establishing navigation channels. Prohibits the creation, licensing, leasing, easement granting, or right-of-way granting of certain facilities involving nonrenewable energy, including deepwater ports and pipelines. Prohibits categorically excluding leases, easements, or rights-of-way for renewable energy facilities from specified provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits underwater research or exploration in the Zone unless it meets certain requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to remove the reimbursement requirement for evacuation as a result of war, civil unrest, or natural disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
North Korea Nonproliferation Act of 2006 - Amends the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act to extend the provisions of such Act to North Korea. States that in view of North Korea's determination to proliferate missiles, nuclear weapons, and other weapons of mass destruction it should be U.S. policy to impose sanctions on persons who transfer such weapons and related goods and technology to and from North Korea in the same manner as persons who transfer such items to and from Iran and Syria currently are sanctioned under U.S. law. Urges all governments concerned about the threat of North Korean proliferation to impose measures on persons involved in such proliferation that are similar to those imposed by the United States pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, as amended by this Act.
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).
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.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity involved in interstate commerce from: (1) soliciting or knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting a donation of human fetal tissue knowing that a human pregnancy was deliberately initiated to provide such tissue; or (2) knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting tissue or cells obtained from a human embryo or fetus that was gestated in the uterus of a nonhuman animal. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for violations of this Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involved in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accused of gross human rights violations, government security personnel involved in shootings of demonstrators, and Ethiopian civilians involved in killings of Ethiopian policemen. Directs the President to provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Ethiopian torture victims. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with the Oromo Liberation Front to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal. Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) economic policy assistance; (2) financing for U.S.-Ethiopian commercial ventures; and (3) resource policy assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
Commends the Magen David Adom Society for its long and distinguished record of humanitarian assistance to all in need, even those responsible for atrocities against Israeli civilians. Congratulates the Magen David Adom Society, and the government and the people of Israel, for securing full membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Thanks the President, the Secretary of State, U.S. diplomatic representatives, the American Red Cross, the government of Switzerland, and officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their efforts that culminated in the Magen David Adom Society's acceptance as a full member in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Commends the President for: (1) submitting the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions to the Senate for its advice and consent; and (2) preparing related legislation for congressional consideration and enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006
African Development Foundation Act of 2006 - Amends the the African Development Foundation Act to redesignate the African Development Foundation as the United States African Development Foundation. Specifies that small enterprises, producer associations, and cooperatives are eligible for Foundation assistance grants, loans, and loan guarantee assistance. Increases the project assistance ceiling and permits such amount to be exceeded in exceptional circumstances upon Board of Directors approval and congressional notification. Requires a small enterprise to have its ownership and management and daily business operations vested in one or more individuals who are indigenous to Africa in order to qualify for Foundation assistance. Authorizes the Foundation to provide eligible recipients with technical assistance. Revises specified salary and hiring provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006
Reaffirms the importance of the relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU). Recognizes that the United States and Europe face multiple and common challenges and must continue to adapt the transatlantic partnership which has served both so well. Expresses support for the success of the June 2006 US-EU Summit in Vienna, Austria, and encourages agreements on issues such as support for global freedom, democracy, and human rights, a successful conclusion of the World Trade Organization Doha Development Agenda, and a workable transatlantic energy security strategy. Joins with the European Parliament in agreeing to continue to strengthen the transatlantic partnership by enhancing dialogue and collaboration between the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament through the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue and other legislative exchanges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Men's Health Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Men's Health to coordinate and promote the status of men's health in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Praises the U.S. diplomatic staff of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, for their actions in support of freedom for the Cuban people. Condemns the Cuban regime's: (1) harassment of such personnel; and (2) 47 years of brutality and oppression against the Cuban people. Supports the Cuban people's right to exercise fundamental political and civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, the press, and the right to multiparty elections.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006
Calls on the government of Germany to take action to combat sex trafficking in connection with the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. Urges European countries to support public awareness campaigns to educate the general public, particularly athletes, sports fans, and financial sponsors of the 2006 World Cup, about the potential for trafficking in human beings. Encourages governments, international and nongovernmental organizations, 2006 World Cup sponsors, tour operators, and air transportation providers to join the efforts to end the sexual exploitation of women and girls and prevent trafficking in human beings. Commends the "Final Whistle--Stop Forced Prostitution Campaign" launched by the National Council of German Women's Organizations and calls on sports associations, including FIFA, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the German Football Association to support this campaign. Urges Germany and all countries to ratify or accede to, and to implement, the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006
Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act - Prohibits the federal government from purchasing any product derived from a covered animal used or intended for use as food or fiber or to produce food or fiber unless the animal is raised with: (1) adequate shelter which allows the animal to stand, lie down, walk, and turn around completely and fully extend all limbs or wings without touching any part of an enclosure; (2) daily access to adequate food and water; and (3) adequate veterinary care. States that this Act shall not apply to a covered animal: (1) during lawful transport; (2) in lawful rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, or other similar exhibitions; (3) in lawful scientific or agricultural research; or (4) undergoing veterinary care. Defines "covered animal" as any non-aquatic farm animal, including a pig, head of cattle, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, goat, horse, mule, sheep, rabbit, ostrich, emu, or rhea.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that: (1) marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman; and (2) neither the U.S. Constitution nor the constitution of any state shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to inpatient hospital service payments to certain hospitals (subsection (d) hospitals) on the basis of prospective rates, to exclude certain cancer hospitals from the meaning of subsection (d) hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Veterans Identity Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide notice to each veteran whose name or other personal identifying information was part of the VA data that was stolen from the home of a VA employee around May 22, 2006, informing the veteran of: (1) the theft; (2) the nature of the breach of confidentiality; and (3) the veteran's right to request a free credit report once every three months and free monitoring of the veteran's credit report for the next year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) include with each notification a form (with a postage-paid return envelope) by which the veteran may make such requests; (2) enter into discussions with the three principal credit reporting agencies and conclude agreements necessary to implement such elections; and (3) fully implement, as rapidly as possible, each of the 16 information security improvements recommended in the VA Inspector General's report on the March 2005 audit of the VA's Information Security Program. Sets penalties for failure to implement this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)