Rep. Turner, Jim [D-TX-2]

An amendment to clarify to Federal agencies that a common application and reporting form is required when it is appropriate.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require that agency plans are not inconsistent with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 22 and printed in House Report 107-615 to indemnify companies who sell anti-terrorism technologies to the federal government, as well as, state and local governments, in a manner similar to the protection afforded under P.L.85-804.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to insert: Section 1. Sanctions for Frivolous Pleading--Imposes mandatory sanctions on frivolous pleadings (first violation--required payment of costs and attorneys fees; second violation--adds that the attorney is held in contempt and monetary fine; third violation--adds referral to state bar for disciplinary proceedings). Section 2. Sanctions for Frivolous Conduct During Discovery--Imposes mandatory sanctions on discovery violations (first violation--required payment of costs and attorneys fees; second violation--adds that the attorney is held in contempt and monetary fine; third violation--adds referral to state bar for disciplinary proceedings). Section 3. Ban on Frivolous Concealment of Unlawful Conduct--Limits the ability of corporate wrongdoers to conceal any conduct harmful to public welfare by requiring that court records may not be sealed unless the court first finds that such sealing is justified. Section 4. Enhanced Sanctions for Document Destruction--Provides that parties which destroy documents in connection with civil proceedings shall be punished with mandatory civil sanctions, held in contempt of court, and referred to state bar for disciplinary proceedings. Section 5. Expelled Disposition of Frivolous and other Lawsuits in State Courts--Imposes the Civil Justice Reform Act, which has proved suc.essful in federal courts, to the state courts in order to speed up the pretrial process and weed out junk lawsuits.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to increase funding for customs and border protection.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered twenty-two printed in the Congressional Record to provide $200 million for additional expenses, not otherwise provided for, that are related to the procurement, installation or operation of radiation portal monitoring technology.

United States · United States Congress

Winning the War on Terror Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Winning the War on Terror Act of 2004 - Provides for increases in the numbers of U.S. special operations forces. Provides counter-proliferation measures, including a Global Threat Reduction Initiative (to secure nuclear and radiological materials outside the United States) and radiological material threat assessments. Requires elimination of the U.S. chemical stockpile no later than the end of 2012. Establishes a Terrorist Screening Center in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Secure Borders Act - Institutes, or modifies, measures related to: (1) border infrastructure and monitoring, transportation workers and cargo containers, and public and tribal lands; (2) identification document standards; (3) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing, detention and removal operations, informant aliens, and alien smuggling penalties; (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) foreign coordination, visa security, and the visa waiver program; and (5) immigration benefit functions, including identification techniques. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to make grants for public transportation security. Directs the Secretary to develop public transportation best practices, public awareness, and security plans. Requires a Memorandum of Agreement between the Secretaries of Homeland Security and of Transportation concerning their respective roles in public transportation security matters. Secure Containers from Overseas and Seaports from Terrorism Act or Secure COAST Act - Requires establishment of security standards and verification procedures for maritime cargo containers moving within the intermodal transportation system. Imposes validation and inspection requirements, including deployment of radiation detection portal equipment at all ports of entry and a staffing assessment. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants and requires funding for an information sharing and analysis capability within the maritime industry. Increases funding for Coast Guard components associated with the Integrated Deepwater System. Increases authorized Coast Guard active duty personnel levels. Requires aviation security measures that include provision of checked baggage screening for explosives, phaseout of passenger "bag-matching" programs, technology assessment, a shipping companies database, wireless flight crew communications, a national transportation security strategy, and passenger watchlists. Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a private sector emergency preparedness program. Sets forth requirements for promoting the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan for security critical infrastructure; and (2) a national biodefense strategy. Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Requires a strategy and research programs to expedite the development and approval of countermeasures against novel or unknown pathogens or toxins. Chemical Security Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes procedures for assessment of the vulnerability of chemical sources to terrorist release and planning to address security concerns. Authorizes establishment of a program to fund cybersecurity professional development programs. Creates a National Cybersecurity Office in DHS. Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Establishes an Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications and a program to fund communications interoperability improvements. Strengthening Homeland Innovation to Emphasize Liberty, Democracy, and Privacy Act or the SHIELD Privacy Act - Requires designation of a Chief Privacy Officer within the Office of Management and Budget and of an official primarily responsible for privacy policy in each executive branch agency. Establishes a Commission on Privacy, Freedom, and Homeland Security and a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Revises DHS organizational provisions to institute certain civil rights and civil liberties safeguards. Sets forth policies (and measures) regarding prevention of future international terrorism, including concerning: (1) the role of Pakistan; (2) the future of Afghanistan; (3) the U.S.-Saudi relationship; (4) politics, culture, and education in the Islamic world; and (5) the use of economic and trade policies as part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. Urges a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism.

PROTECTION Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2004 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers for community policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts; and (3) in paying overtime to existing career law enforcement officers. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 South Swenson Street in Stamford, Texas, as the "Gordon Wood Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 South Swenson Street in Stamford, Texas, as the "Gordon Wood Post Office Building."

Directing the Architect of the Capitol to establish a temporary exhibit in the rotunda of the Capitol to honor the memory of members of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Requires the Architect of the Capitol to display in the rotunda of the Capitol an exhibit to honor the memory of members of the U.S.armed forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include within the primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that civil rights are not diminished by efforts aimed at securing the homeland. Requires DHS's Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to report directly to the Secretary of DHS. Includes among the Officer's responsibilities to: (1) assist the Secretary, directorates, and offices of DHS to develop, implement, and periodically review DHS policies and procedures to ensure that the protection of civil rights is appropriately incorporated into DHS programs and activities; (2) oversee compliance with requirements relating to civil rights; (3) coordinate with the DHS Privacy Officer; and (4) investigate complaints and information indicating possible abuses of civil rights unless the DHS Inspector General (IG) determines that such complaints or information should be investigated by the IG. Directs the IG to designate a senior official within the IG's Office to perform specified functions, including initiating investigations of alleged abuses by DHS employees, officials, contractors, or grantees. Requires the Privacy Officer to report directly to the Secretary. Makes the Privacy Officer responsible for coordinating with the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure that programs, policies, and procedures involving civil rights and privacy are addressed in a comprehensive manner and that Congress receives appropriate reports.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to raising awareness and enhancing the state of computer security in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of National Computer Security Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Supports the goals and ideals of National Computer Security Awareness Month (October 2004).

Secure Borders Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Secure Borders Act - Establishes the Land Border Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of land ports of entry (POEs). Directs the Secretary to: (1) make permanent specified pre-enrollment programs that allow expedited inspections at POEs for participants; (2) develop a comprehensive plan to deploy technological surveillance systems along U.S. borders; (3) increase the number of K-9 units working within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); (4) ensure that radiation portal monitors are installed at all southern border POEs no later than September 30, 2005; (5) contract with an independent entity to study the necessary allocation of personnel at POEs and Border Patrol sectors; and (6) provide ongoing training for inspectors. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to submit a report to Congress on the One Face at the Border Initiative (a Department of Homeland Security [DHS] initiative that unifies customs, immigration, and agricultural inspection functions by cross-training CBP personnel) that addresses: (1) the effectiveness of the initiative in enhancing security and facilitating trade; (2) the number of CBP personnel who worked for the former Customs Service or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service before the DHS was established and the number hired after its establishment; (3) training time provided to each employee for initiative components; (4) steps taken by CBP to ensure that expertise is retained with regard to customs, immigration, and agriculture inspection functions under the initiative; and (5) whether the missions of customs, agriculture, and immigration are equally emphasized. Requires the Comptroller General to review such reports and report on the effectiveness of the initiative. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit unclassified and classified versions of a comprehensive border security strategy; (2) integrate the IDENT and IAFIS databases; and (3) make interoperable those databases used by inspectors in secondary inspections. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create the positions of Northern Border Coordinator and Southern Border Coordinator within the DHS's Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. Requires the President to submit information regarding progress toward implementation of the Smart Border Accords. Expresses the sense of Congress that Mexicans and Canadians should be treated with parity in establishing periods of lawful admission. States that, once the entry-exit data system required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is fully implemented, the period of admission for aliens holding border crossing cards shall be six months. Requires the Secretary to create an Office of US-VISIT Outreach to inform local border officials, residents, and businesses about developments in the US-VISIT program. Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 to reconstitute the integrated entry-exit system task force. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure implementation of electronic arrival/departure records no later than December 1, 2005; (2) report on the development and distribution of a transportation worker identification card; and (3) establish standards and verification procedures for the security of intermodal cargo containers. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for additional staff for the U.S. Consulate-General in Mexico. Establishes the Office of Tribal Security within DHS. Requires the Secretary to transfer the CBP Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (known as the Shadow Wolves) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Requires development and implementation of State identification document standards as a prerequisite for the acceptance of such documents by Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to make grants to assist States and localities in issuing documents that meet those standards. Authorizes appropriations for an increase in staff and detention space for ICE. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) immigration cases involving incarcerated criminal aliens should be processed while the alien is in prison; and (2) appropriations should be authorized for staff increases for judicial and prosecutorial offices to better enforce immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new subclass in the S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant visa category for certain aliens in possession of critical reliable information regarding commercial alien smuggling organizations or enterprises. Provides for adjustment of status for such nonimmigrants. Imposes increased penalties for, and establishes a rewards program to combat, aggravated alien smuggling. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to promulgate sentencing guidelines that reflect enhanced sentences and fines for alien smuggling. Amends the Federal criminal code to enhance penalties for smuggling merchandise into the United States. Requires the USSC to amend sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for merchandise smuggling that results in a death. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an Office of Overseas Service within DHS's Office of International Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report on implementation of prior recommendations regarding visa security; (2) establish an electronic advance passenger screening system for visa waiver program (VWP) participants as part of an integrated entry-exit system; (3) create a VWP Office; and (4) provide fraud detection and foreign language training for inspectors inspecting VWP aliens. Requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman to launch a public information campaign and to establish an advisory group that provides private sector input. Directs the Comptroller General to assess CIS and report findings to the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to study biometric identifiers that might be used for immigration benefit applications and petitions. Requires all fingerprints taken for adjudicating such applications or petitions to be digitized, and all such applications or petitions to be registered using a biometric identifier, no later than January 1, 2005.

Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004

Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, who shall assist the Secretary in promoting cybersecurity for the Nation. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS for all cybersecurity-related critical infrastructure programs of DHS. Includes among the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish and manage a national cybersecurity response system, a national cybersecurity threat and vulnerability reduction program, a national cybersecurity awareness and training program, a government cybersecurity program, and a national security and international cybersecurity cooperation program; (2) coordinate specified activities with the private sector, with other directorates and offices within DHS (including with the Chief Information Officer), and with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (3) develop processes for information sharing with the private sector; (4) consult with the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Task Force on private sector outreach and information activities and with the Office for Domestic Preparedness to ensure that realistic cybersecurity scenarios are incorporated into tabletop and recovery exercises; and (5) consult and coordinate with other Federal agencies on cybersecurity-related programs, policies, and operations and with other relevant Federal agencies and within DHS on security of digital control systems. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS over the National Communications System.

Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004

Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and maintain special access programs associated with research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition of technology. Directs: (1) the Secretary to submit to Congress certain budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; and (2) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to transmit to Congress a summary of the solicitations and resulting contracts and grants awarded in the past fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of: (1) the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology; and (2) the methods used by the Directorate for the prioritization of science and technology projects among and within research portfolios. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) the establishment or expansion of professional development programs and associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (2) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with foreign governments that are U.S. allies in the war on terrorism and have extensive experience in counterterrorism. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Geospatial Management Office; and (2) a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program.

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $50,000.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.

Congratulating Lance Armstrong on his record-setting victory in the 2004 Tour de France.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Congratulates Lance Armstrong on his historic victory in the 2004 Tour de France and commends his commitment to cancer awareness and survivorship.

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director to manage the National Intelligence Program. Empowers the Secretary of Defense with lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center for strategic analysis concerning transnational terrorist organizations with global reach. Requires the President to direct the head of each appropriate Federal department or agency to identify and prioritize actual or potential terrorist sanctuaries throughout the world. Requires a national strategy to destabilize identified sanctuaries. Authorizes the President to support the Government of: (1) Pakistan in its efforts against extremists; and (2) Afghanistan to extend its authority over such country. Directs the Secretary of State to establish programs to promote greater familiarity with American society and values among the general public and select audiences in Muslim countries. Directs the President to: (1) strengthen counterproliferation efforts against weapons of mass destruction; and (2) track the financing of terrorist organizations and prevent money laundering for their benefit. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) integrate U.S. border screening systems with Federal security sites within the U.S. transportation system and sites containing vital national facilities; (2) complete a biometric entry and exit screening system for persons entering and departing the United States; (3) develop a plan for the allocation of limited transportation security resources; and (4) improve aviation screening. Requires: (1) the sharing of information for purposes of protecting the national security; (2) the establishment of a board to oversee Federal adherence to civil liberties; (3) that all U.S. emergency response agencies adopt the Incident Command System and unified command procedures; (4) the promotion of private sector emergency preparedness; (5) both Houses of Congress to pass separate intelligence appropriations bills; (6) a specialized and integrated national security workforce at the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (7) regular adequacy assessments of the strategies and planning of the United States Northern Command to defend the United States against military threats.

Recognizing Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004

Recognizes Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25 percent of any Social Security cost of living increase.

Fiscally Responsible Family Tax Relief Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Fiscally Responsible Family Tax Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2005: (1) the $1,000 (per child) child tax credit amount; (2) the increased standard deduction for married taxpayers; and (3) the increased ceilings for the 15 and ten percent tax brackets for married taxpayers. Eliminates the reduction in the refundability (15 to ten percent) of the child tax credit. Includes combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of calculating the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Sets forth a uniform definition of "child" for purposes of applying certain tax provisions, including the dependent care credit, the child tax credit, and the deduction for personal exemption for dependents. Sets forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine. Increases penalties for promoting abusive tax shelter transactions. Proposes new restrictions on tax shelter activities, including increased disclosure requirements, denial of a tax deduction for interest on underpayments attributable to undisclosed tax shelter transactions, and denial of privilege for communications relating to certain tax shelter transactions. Proposes restrictions on corporate tax shelters, including: (1) a limitation on the transfer or importation by a corporation of built-in losses; (2) the repeal of special rules for Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts (FASITS); and (3) expansion of the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to deny tax benefits related to tax shelter transactions. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend the authority for certain customs user fees through September 30, 2013.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 102 East Alexander Street in Three Rivers, Texas, as the "Private Felix Z. Longoria Veterans' Memorial Post Office".

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 102 East Alexander Street in Three Rivers, Texas, as the "Private Felix Z. Longoria Veterans' Memorial Post Office."

NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.

To amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify that persons may bring private rights of actions against foriegn states for certain terrorist acts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004

Amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 (FSIA) to require that a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism under specified laws, or an official, employee, or agent of such a foreign state, shall be liable to a U.S. national for the national's personal injury or death caused by acts of that state or official, employee, or agent acting within the scope of his or her duties. Authorizes U.S. courts to exercise jurisdiction over such actions for money damages under a FSIA provision concerning acts of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, and material support for such acts. Mandates that property interests of foreign states, or agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states, against which judgment is entered pursuant to such provision are subject to attachment execution. Requires foreign states to be held vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents. Revives previously dismissed causes of action that would be cognizable under this Act by retroactively tolling the applicable statute of limitations from the date of initial filing to 60 days after enactment of this Act.

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Amarillo, Texas, as the "Thomas E. Creek Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004

Names the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Amarillo, Texas, as the Thomas E. Creek Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Kleberg in Kingsville, Texas, as the "Irma Rangel Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Kleberg in Kingsville, Texas, as the "Irma Rangel Post Office Building."

Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004

Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a program to enhance private sector preparedness for emergencies and disasters, including acts of terrorism. Directs the Secretary to develop guidance and identify best practices for private sector action in: (1) identifying hazards and assessing and mitigating risks and impacts; (2) managing emergency preparedness and response resources; (3) developing mutual aid agreements; (4) developing and maintaining emergency preparedness and response plans, including operational procedures, and communications and warning systems; (5) developing and conducting training and exercises to support and implement such plans and procedures; and (6) developing procedures to respond to requests for information from the media and the public. Directs the Secretary to: (1) support the development of, promulgate, and regularly update national voluntary consensus standards for private sector emergency preparedness; and (2) coordinate the program with and utilize voluntary standards for disaster and emergency management and business continuity programs developed by the American National Standards Institute and the National Fire Protection Association, and any existing private sector emergency preparedness guidance or best practices developed by industry organizations.

To redesignate the Rio Grande American Canal in El Paso, Texas, as the "Travis C. Johnson Canal".

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004

Redesignates the Rio Grande American Canal in El Paso, Texas, as the Travis C. Johnson Canal.

Creating a select committee to investigate the abuses of detainees held in United States custody in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or any operation within the Global War on Terrorism, in particular those abuses that have been documented by thousands of photographs and on video at Abu Ghraib prison.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Creates the Select Committee to Investigate Detainee Abuses to conduct a full and complete investigation of the abuses of detainees held in U.S. custody in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or any operation within the Global War on Terrorism, in particular those documented abuses at Abu Ghraib prison, and to make appropriate findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives. Requires the Select Committee to assess, analyze, and evaluate relevant persons, policies, procedures, reports, and events during the course of its investigation, including but not limited to those specified in this Resolution. Sets forth procedures and authorities of the Select Committee. Requires the Select Committee to submit its final report to the House within six months of adoption of this Resolution and to cease to exist one month thereafter.

Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004

Patient Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to apply patient protection and quality care standards to group health plans and issuers of health insurance coverage. Applies such standards also to Federal health insurance programs. Requires such plans and issuers to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Requires patient access to health plan information and to care, including: (1) a consumer choice option and choice of health care professional; (2) emergency care; (3) timely access to specialists; (4) obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics; (5) care continuity; (6) prescription drugs; (7) participation in clinical trials; and (8) breast cancer treatment hospital stays and consultations. Restricts interference by a plan or insurer with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits discrimination against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Sets forth requirements relating to payment of claims and protection of patient advocacy. Provides a tax credit for the health insurance expenses of small businesses. Treats qualified health benefit purchasing distributions by private foundations as distributions for a charitable purpose. Establishes demonstration grants programs to: (1) increase access to health insurance through alternative means; and (2) provide health insurance information to small employers.

Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2004

Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish a grant program to expand the availability of primary dental care services in medically underserved areas. Authorizes retention bonuses for eligible dental officers of the Indian Health Service. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of HRSA and the Director of the Indian Health Service, to establish demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an oral health initiative to reduce disparities in oral health; and (2) Chief Dental Officers for Medicaid and SCHIP, HRSA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requires the Director of the CDC to collect data on dental, craniofacial, and oral health. Requires the Secretary to identify populations at high risk for early childhood caries (tooth decay) and to develop prevention programs. Revises the eligibility requirements for the school-based dental sealant program to include Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to award grants to States and Indian tribes to improve their basic capacity to improve the oral health of children and their families.

National Dairy Equity Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

National Dairy Equity Act of 2004 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to give producers in a State participating in the national dairy market loss payment program 60 days to decide whether to continue participating in such program or to participate in the program established under this Act. Establishes the following five regional dairy marketing areas: (1) Northeast region - Northeast Dairy Marketing Area (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont); (2) Southern region - Southern Dairy Marketing Area (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia); (3) Midwest region - Midwest Dairy Marketing Area (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin); (4) Intermountain region - Intermountain Dairy Marketing Area (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) and (5) Pacific region - Pacific Dairy Marketing Area (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington). Administers each region by a Regional Dairy Board. Sets forth Board powers, including authority to establish: (1) over-order price (a price higher than the marketing order or non-marketing area price) for Class I milk; (2) equalization pools to equalize over-order prices to producers throughout a regulated area; and (3) processor administrative fees. Requires producer referendum to approve of a proposed over-order price establishment, amendment, or termination. States that each covered processor that purchases Class I milk during a month that will be sold in the regulated area of a Region shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the product of the over-order premium and the quantity of purchased Class I milk. Establishes in the Treasury the National Dairy Producers Fund. Directs the Secretary to make monthly payments from the Fund to the Boards which shall make payments to eligible producers of all milk classes. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the national dairy market loss payment program.

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments through FY 2010 (currently, through FY 2005) to children's hospitals for costs associated with operating approved graduate medical resident training programs.

Safe, Efficient, Coordinated, Unified, Revitalized, Enhanced Visa Waiver Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004

Safe, Efficient, Coordinated, Unified, Revitalized, Enhanced Visa Waiver Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an electronic system that requires aliens seeking entry to the United States under the visa waiver program (VWP) to submit biographical information prior to embarkation. Requires such system to: (1) make electronic determinations of eligibility for admission within 30 minutes; (2) require carriers and other corporations providing transportation to inquire electronically, prior to embarkation, whether the alien has been determined eligible for admission and to respond to such inquiries within 90 seconds; and (3) be deployed as soon as possible. Requires the Secretary: (1) to charge a fee to VWP aliens that ensures the recovery of the full costs of establishing and operating the system; and (2) in developing the system, to consult with and allow for review by a private sector group consisting of experts in travel, tourism, privacy, national security, or computer security issues. Amends the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act to extend by one year: (1) the deadline for installing equipment and software at U.S. ports of entry to allow biometric comparison and authentication of machine-readable passports issued by VWP countries; and (2) the deadline for VWP aliens to present such passports. Authorizes the Secretary to grant up to two extensions of the new deadlines where the VWP country is making substantial progress toward issuing machine-readable, tamper-resistant passports that incorporate biometric and document authentication identifiers.

Columbia Space Shuttle Memorials Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004

Columbia Space Shuttle Memorials Act of 2004 - Establishes as units of the National Park System four memorials to the Space Shuttle Columbia, to be located on the four specified parcels of land in Texas on which large debris from the Space Shuttle was recovered.

Access to Rural Physicians Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Access to Rural Physicians Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend to one year after enactment of this Act the deadline for seeking waivers of the two-year foreign residence requirement applicable to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who entered the United States on J-1 (exchange visitor) visas and are seeking to change status. Provides a special effective date for the extension provisions of this Act with respect to J visa holders by requiring such provisions to take effect as if enacted on May 31, 2004 (thus preventing the June 1, 2004 expiration of current waiver provisions). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the numerical limitation on H-1B (specialty occupation) visas those FMGs whose visa status is changed from J-1 to H-1B after obtaining a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement upon request by an interested State agency.

SHIELD Privacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Strengthening Homeland Innovation to Emphasize Liberty, Democracy, and Privacy Act or SHIELD Privacy Act - Directs the President to designate a senior official within the Office of Management and Budget as the Chief Privacy Officer, who shall have primary responsibility for privacy policy throughout the Federal Government. Directs the head of each department and independent agency in the executive branch to appoint a senior official of the department or independent agency, respectively, to assure primary responsibility for privacy policy. Requires the official appointed for the department or independent agency to: (1) assess the impact on privacy of each proposed action of the Department or agency that will require collecting, using, or accessing personally identifiable information from ten or more persons; and (2) make the results of such assessments publicly available through the Department's web site. Establishes the Commission on Privacy, Freedom, and Homeland Security to conduct a legal and factual study relating to U.S. efforts to further homeland security in a manner that protects privacy, civil liberties, and individual freedoms. Requires the Commission to: (1) conduct at least two field hearings in the five geographical regions of the United States; and (2) appoint a Director. Instructs the Commission to arrange with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences for assistance in studying specified matters respecting such study, including the impact of Federal legislation enacted since September 11, 2001, or pending before Congress, on civil liberties. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the Commission submits a report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Declares that Congress: (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month (May 2004); (2) should work with health care providers and celiac disease advocacy and education organizations to encourage screening and early detection of celiac disease; and (3) should increase Federal funding for celiac disease research.

Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to express the sense of Congress that: (1) Project SAFECOM (an e-government initiative) has made very limited progress toward achieving communications interoperability among government entities; (2) a lack of effective collaboration and consistent funding are impeding progress; and (3) all funding and program management to achieve interoperability should reside within the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes the Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications within the Directorate of Science and Technology. Requires with regard to communications interoperability: (1) the Secretary, acting through the Director of such Office, to provide leadership, coordination, and technical assistance; (2) the Director, under the direction of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to conduct R&D, evaluate new technologies, promote deployment of advanced broadband communications technologies, and encourage flexible and open architectures and standards; (3) the Secretary, acting through both the Director and the Office of State and Local Government Coordination, to conduct outreach and coordination; and (4) the Secretary, acting through the Director, to develop a national strategy. Creates an interoperable communications technology grant program for eligible States (those States lacking adequate interoperability that have submitted a communications interoperability plan to the Secretary) and local governments and public safety agencies within such States. Prohibits the award of grants to reimburse recipients for past expenditures except that public safety agencies may be reimbursed for funds expended after September 11, 2001, and before the date of enactment of this Act if such expenditures support an approved agency plan.

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2004 - Makes eligible for basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Selected Reserve who (among other qualifications), during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2006, serves on active duty in the Armed Forces for one or more periods aggregating not less than two years. Entitles such individuals to one month of educational assistance for each month served on active duty. Makes the amount of such assistance equivalent to that provided for active-duty personnel who have served a minimum of two years of active duty. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments concerned to inform eligible Selected Reserve personnel of such entitlement.

Safe TRAINS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Safe Transit and Rail Awareness and Investments for National Security Act of 2004 (Safe TRAINS Act) - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to improve the security of public transportation systems (including passenger, commuter, and light rail) against acts of terrorism. Sets forth grant uses and requirements. Directs grant recipients to submit to the Secretary their emergency response plan as well as a plan for conducting exercises for emergency response and public transportation employee training pursuant to guidelines published by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and disseminate to appropriate owners, operators, and providers of public transportation systems (including public transportation employees), and Federal, State, and local officials, a report containing best practices for the security of public transportation systems; (2) develop a national plan for public outreach and awareness of measures the public can take to increase public transportation system security; (3) develop a strategic plan for the security of the Nation's public transportation systems; (4) execute in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, a Memorandum of Agreement governing the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, respectively, in addressing security matters for public transportation systems; and (5) establish National Transportation Security Centers at institutions of higher education to assist in carrying out this Act, to conduct research and education, and to develop or provide professional training of public transportation employees. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for employees or other persons who have commenced, testified at, or participated in, a proceeding to enhance public transportation security, or who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation related to public transportation security.

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of the ongoing work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in combating anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, discrimination, intolerance, and related violence.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government and Congress should condemn acts of anti-Semitism and intolerance; (2) officials and elected leaders of all Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) participating states, including all OSCE Mediterranean Partner for Cooperation countries, should also condemn acts of anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination; (3) the participating OSCE states should be commended for supporting the Berlin Declaration and for bringing increased attention to incidents of anti-Semitism and intolerance; (4) the U.S. Government should work with other OSCE participating states to encourage compliance with OSCE commitments and, if necessary, urge the creation of legal mechanisms to combat and track acts of anti-Semitism and intolerance; (5) all participating states should forward their respective laws and data on incidents of anti-Semitism and other hate crimes to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights; (6) the United States should encourage appointment of a high level "personal envoy" to ensure sustained attention to OSCE commitments on the reporting of anti-Semitic crimes; (7) the United States should urge OSCE participating states that have not already done so to join the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research; and (8) all OSCE participating states should renew efforts to implement their existing commitments to fight anti-Semitism and intolerance.

International Assistance to Missing and Exploited Children Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

International Assistance to Missing and Exploited Children Act of 2004 - Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (ICARA) to make Federal Tort Claims Act provisions applicable to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (Center) and other entities to which responsibilities are delegated under ICARA by the U.S. Central Authority under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize actions in U.S. district court to resolve conflicting child custody determinations. Directs the Attorney General to establish a registry of custody and visitation orders and proceedings. Provides guidelines for disclosing registry information. Authorizes law enforcement officials to detain children listed as missing or accompanying an adult arrested for suspected child abduction in violation of a custody order. Requires officials to surrender such children to the appropriate State agency as soon as practicable. Requires the Central Authority to: (1) fund legal services to persons seeking remedies in parental kidnapping cases; (2) provide related training and technical assistance; and (3) encourage the designation of courts to hear Convention-related cases. Requires the Federal Judicial Center to provide continuing education on the Convention and related laws. Requires annual reports to Congress on: (1) progress in negotiating international child abduction agreements with countries that are not parties to the Convention; and (2) cases involving extradition requests of individuals alleged to have violated international parental kidnapping provisions. Requires the Attorney General to support State adoption and implementation of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 to include children at risk of parental kidnapping in the Safe Havens for Children Pilot Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize disclosure of taxpayer identity information to the Center. Calls for increasing the U.S. contribution to the Permanent Bureau at The Hague.

Small Business Health Insurance Promotion Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Small Business Health Insurance Promotion Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small employers (not more than 50 employees) a business tax credit equal to 50 percent of amounts paid by such employers for the health care coverage of their employees under a qualified health pooling arrangement. Limits the period during which the tax credit may be taken to four years from the date the employer begins participating in a qualified health pooling arrangement. Defines "qualified health pooling arrangement" as a national or state arrangement that provides health benefits coverage substantially similar to that of the four largest health benefit plans offered to Federal employees. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor to provide for the offering and oversight of qualified State and national health pooling arrangements and to conduct a study, through the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, of the operation of such arrangements.

Secure COAST Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Secure Containers from Overseas and Seaports from Terrorism Act (Secure COAST Act) - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, to: (1) establish standards and verification procedures (including those for seal verifications for cargo containers at loading) for the security of maritime cargo containers moving within the intermodal transportation system; (2) evaluate the benefits of existing technology for container tracking; (3) evaluate trade information, in addition to cargo manifest information, which would help the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to carry out container risk analysis; and (4) evaluate the practices and policies in place to secure shipment of empty containers at U.S. ports. Directs the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to conduct on site validations of security measures of individuals and entities in the intermodal transportation system participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Directs the Commissioner to deploy radiation detection portal equipment at all U.S. seaports, other U.S. ports of entry, and major facilities (including foreign seaports participating in the Container Security Initiative (CSI)). Amends federal shipping law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require uncleared, imported merchandise remaining on a pier for more than seven days to be removed and deposited in the public stores or a general order warehouse where it can be inspected and a delivery permit may be granted. Replaces the Secretary of Transportation with the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security with respect to the establishment of a grant program to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and help fund compliance with the Federal security plan among port authorities, facility operators, and relevant State and local agencies. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to issue a plan to develop and implement a long-range automated vessel tracking system for all vessels in U.S. waters that are equipped with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) a grant to assist the maritime industry to develop and operate a collaborative maritime information sharing and analysis capability; (2) the acquisition and construction of vessels, aircraft, shore and offshore facilities associated with the Integrated Deepwater System program; (3) the acquisition and construction of shore-based equipment and infrastructure associated with the Automated Identification System (AIS); and (4) an increase in Coast Guard personnel.

Healthy Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Healthy Troops Act - Requires predeployment and postdeployment medical examinations of certain members of the armed forces to include self-administered surveys followed by clinical examinations. Specifies that predeployment surveys and examinations shall include: (1) the collection of clinical data; (2) the collection of information on current and past physical or mental health conditions that might affect performance; (3) an assessment of mental health; (4) screening for diseases prevalent among the armed forces; and (5) referrals for any conditions needing further treatment. Specifies that postdeployment surveys and examinations shall include self-reported information about relevant exposures during the period of deployment including combat experience and screening for post-traumatic stress disorder. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study of the effectiveness of self-administered surveys.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 410 South Jackson Road in Edinburg, Texas, as the "Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 410 South Jackson Road in Edinburg, Texas, as the "Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez Post Office Building."

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic located in Lufkin, Texas, as the "Charles Wilson Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004

Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Lufkin, Texas, as the Charles Wilson Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

Safe Passengers and Lading in Aviation for the National Enhancement of Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004

Safe Passengers and Lading in Aviation for the National Enhancement of Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) study and report to Congress on the workforce size needed to conduct adequate passenger and baggage screening operations at airports; and (2) certify to Congress that security will be preserved at an airport that has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to opt out of federalized screening of passengers and property at the airport and contract with a qualified private screening company. Directs the Secretary, in entering into agreements with airports to install electronic detection equipment or to alter airport structures to facilitate explosive detection equipment, to give priority to those airports that have not met specified Federal requirements to screen all checked baggage with explosive detection system (EDS). Amends Federal transportation law to eliminate a bag-match program (ensuring that no checked baggage is placed aboard an aircraft unless the passenger who checked the baggage is aboard the aircraft) as an acceptable alternative to screening of checked baggage by an EDS. Directs the Secretary, as part of the DHS budget request for FY 2006, to report to Congress on: (1) the status and technical maturity of aviation security technologies; (2) the planned schedule for their deployment; (3) the expected costs for development, testing, evaluation, procurement, and installation, and projected annual costs for operation and maintenance; (4) potential deployment problems in an airport setting; and (5) the advisability of deploying such technologies to airports in a manner that maximizes the number of technologies that Federal and airport security personnel can effectively operate. Requires the Secretary, acting through the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, to: (1) issue updated technical specifications governing the use of EDS for baggage screening; (2) determine compliance with such specifications of currently deployed baggage screening equipment; (3) use such specifications for future certification of new technologies for use in baggage screening; and (4) issue technical specifications governing the use of technology for screening air cargo if the Secretary determines that explosive detection technologies for passenger and baggage screening do not meet the needs for screening air cargo in accordance with the following system. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish and begin to implement a system to screen or inspect all cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete a database containing the names and other relevant information of all known shipping companies; and (2) make it available as appropriate to TSA personnel, freight forwarders, airport authorities, air carriers, and other relevant entities. Directs the Secretary to establish training standards that all Federal law enforcement officers must meet in order to serve as Federal air marshals. Requires the head of the Federal Air Marshal Service, in determining on which flights to place one or more Federal air marshals, to: (1) have access to information on whether Federal law enforcement officials meeting such training standards are scheduled to travel on commercial flights; and (2) not substitute Federal law enforcement officials that have not met such training standards for Federal air marshal personnel. Directs the Secretary to collaborate with foreign governments to coordinate air marshal activities, including air marshal scheduling on international flights, weapons training, use and protocols for nonlethal weapons, threat recognition, communications, and other appropriate issues. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to: (1) require that overflying aircraft meet or exceed the level of flight deck security for passenger and cargo as required in specified Federal regulations; and (2) govern daily preflight searches of aircraft for foreign materials that might be used in a terrorist attack. Directs the Secretary to require, to the greatest extent technically feasible, air carriers to provide flight attendants with a discreet and wireless method of communicating with pilots that meets such standards as the Secretary may establish by regulation. Requires such a system to be accessible by any Federal air marshal on a flight of an air carrier, appropriate Government security officials, and air carrier personnel. Requires the head of TSA to report to Congress on TSA implementation of specified requirements of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act regarding: (1) improved airport perimeter access security; (2) short-term assessment and deployment of emerging security technologies and procedures; and (3) employment investigations and restrictions. Requires all personnel accessing airport sterile areas (any parts of an airport regularly accessible to passengers after having cleared a passenger security screening checkpoint) from unrestricted areas to undergo security screening. Requires TSA to ensure that all personnel accessing airport secure areas have successfully undergone a TSA-conducted background check consisting of all measures required of TSA passenger screener personnel. Requires the Secretary, acting through the head of TSA and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, to report to Congress on defending against the threat of attacks on commercial aircraft from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) (shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missile systems that can be carried and transported by a person).