United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Freedom to Fly Act of 2007 - Allows a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65 years old only if the pilot serves: (1) as a required pilot in multi-crew aircraft operations; and (2) with another required pilot who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Terminates the age-60 rule (mandatory retirement age) 30 days after enactment of this Act. Declares that such requirements shall not provide the basis for a claim of seniority made under any labor bargaining agreement in effect between the pilots and an air carrier by any pilot who has attained age 60 before the effective date of this Act and who is seeking a position as a pilot with such carrier following that pilot's termination or cessation of employment or promotion or transfer to another position with such air carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Methamphetamine Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to reduce the threshold requirements for imposing enhanced criminal penalties on individuals engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise involving methamphetamine. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security should address methamphetamine controls in multilateral or bilateral negotiations with foreign countries; and (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration should collaborate with foreign law enforcement officials to combat methamphetamine trafficking into the United States. Requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on problems faced by Indian reservations relating to methamphetamine trafficking and abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) extend the period reasonable cost reimbursement contracts under Medicare can remain in the market, and the period during which they can be modified to expand their service area; and (2) apply to extended or renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage).
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that an artistic tribute to commemorate the speech given by President Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, should be placed within the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 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 · 7 December 2006
Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies over a 200-year period in providing research, service, and stewardship of the marine environment; (2) the vision of President Thomas Jefferson in supporting the advancement of science and coastal surveys; and (3) the contributions of employees and officers of the Office of Coast Survey, the National Geodetic Survey, and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Allows any person that holds an approved Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permit to construct or install on Lookout Mountain in Jefferson County, Colorado, either a digital television broadcast station antenna or tower, or both, to proceed with such construction, and all associated facilities and services, if such antenna or tower is of the same height or lower than the tallest existing analog broadcast antenna or tower at that location.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for calendar years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to recovery plans approved by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Excludes from gross income certain payments under: (1) the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program authorized by the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act; and (2) the Landowner Incentive Program, the State Wildlife Grants Program, and the Private Stewardship Grants Program authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006
Allows the court to: (1) approve a settlement agreement executed after December 1, 2006, by plaintiffs or defendants in connection with litigation that resulted in the entry of an injunction against a satellite carrier for a willful or repeated pattern or practice of delivering a primary transmission made by a network station and embodying a performance or display of a work to subscribers who are not eligible to receive the transmission; and (2) modify the injunction accordingly.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006
Amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make modifications that are reasonably required to preserve the site security of Bureau of Reclamation dams and related facilities. Provides for specified reimbursement for costs incurred for building and site security activities. Requires dam safety and site security costs allocated to irrigation, municipal, and industrial water service for the Central Valley Project, California, to be collected by the Secretary exclusively through inclusion of such costs in operation and maintenance rates, capital water rates, or a combination of both, not segregated from other project costs for separate allocation or repayment. Directs the Secretary, during site security-related construction, to consider cost containment measures. Prohibits the obligation of funds exceeding a specified amount for carrying out actual construction to modify an existing dam, the cause of which results from new hydrologic or seismic data or changes in the state-of-the-art criteria deemed necessary for site security or structural safety purposes, prior to 30 calendar days after the Secretary has transmitted a report on such existing dam to Congress. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report annually to Congress on building and site measures carried out during the applicable fiscal year (including a summary of expenditures and information relating to a five-year plan for security measures detailed to show pre- and post-September 11, 2001 costs); (2) provide written notice to project beneficiaries upon identifying a Bureau facility for a site security measure; and (3) include in required reports the Secretary's response when a modification is the result of new data deemed necessary for structural safety purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to waive reporting requirements that could adversely impact site security.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006
Satellite and Cable Access Act of 2006 - Amends federal copyright law and the Communications Act of 1934 to allow certain counties and areas to receive broadcast transmissions of network televsion stations located in the capital of the state in which such counties and areas are located.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006
Satellite Consumer Protection Act of 2006 - Grants a satellite carrier under an injunction for certain secondary transmission violations a statutory license to provide distant network stations in specified local markets under prescribed conditions. Requires a satellite carrier as a condition of license use to deposit escrow funds with the Copyright Office. Imposes monetary penalties for license violations. Terminates such license authority after February 17, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Act - Designates certain lands in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, as the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an alignment line and identify the boundaries for the East Shore Trail within the East Shore Trail Area. Authorizes necessary adjustments in such boundaries, except any that would place any portion of the Trail in such Wilderness. Sets forth provisions concerning permitted and prohibited activities, water rights, and mineral resources within such Wilderness. Permits the Secretary to acquire private land within the Wilderness with the owner's consent. Allows water project development if authorized by the Secretary or President. Sets forth provisions governing continued operations at the Grand River Ditch. Applies provisions governing leases of National Park System buildings and property to property known as the Leiffer tract near the Park's eastern boundary in Larimer County, Colorado, as if such property was part of the Park.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the qualifying advanced coal project tax credit to provide an alternate sulfur dioxide removal measurement for advanced coal-based generation technology electric generation units.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Commemorates the life of each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Extends deepest condolences to the victims, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. Condemns the attacks, the terrorists who perpetrated them, and their sponsors. Commits to support the necessary steps to defeat terrorists who plot to harm the American people. Recommits the Senate and the Nation to bringing the perpetrators of the attacks and their sponsors to justice. Honors members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders, members of the intelligence community, and others who have bravely participated in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. Declares September 11, 2006, to be a National Day of Remembrance, in commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns today (September 11, 2006), it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Methamphetamine Trafficking Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to states and private entities to use technology or aerial surveillance to detect methamphetamine (and its chemical precursors) on the U.S. border (Border Technology Grants Program). Authorizes appropriations to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in FY2007-FY2011 to deploy trace chemical detectors for detecting narcotics and explosive devices along the U.S. border. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Trade Representative should consider ways to curb illicit use and shipment of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and similar chemicals in any multilateral or bilateral negotiations. Directs the DEA Administrator to establish an exchange program with foreign law enforcement officers from countries that traffic methamphetamine into the United States. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on methamphetamine trafficking and abuse on Indian reservations on or near the U.S. border.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006
Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified renewable school energy bonds. Defines "qualified renewable school energy bond" as a bond with a 20-year term, 95% of the proceeds of which are used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy products for public school and school district administrative buildings in states with a specified percentage of population growth.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006
Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit remedies to injunctive relief and declaratory relief in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of rights where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including a violation resulting from: (1) a veterans' memorial, a public building, or the official seal of a state or local government containing religious words or imagery; or (2) the chartering of Boy Scout units by a state or local government and the Boy Scouts using state or local government buildings. Denies attorneys' fees in such a civil action, including such an action against the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Agricultural Protection and Prosperity Act of 2006 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to: (1) include the definition of "manure"; and (2) exclude manure from the meaning of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Provides that such exclusion shall not: (1) impose liability under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to manure; (2) affect any provision of the Air Quality Agreement entered into between the Administrator and operators of animal feeding operations; or (3) affect the applicability of any other environmental law as it relates to the definition of manure or the responsibilities or liabilities of any person regarding the treatment, storage, or disposal of manure. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure (as defined under CERCLA) from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006
Protection against United Nations Taxation Act of 2006, the PUNT Act of 2006, or the Helms-Biden Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Requires the withholding of 20% of U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations (U.N.) and other applicable international organizations until the President certifies that neither the United Nations (or U.N. agencies) nor any other international organization has authority under U.S. law to impose, or has imposed or proposed, taxes or fees on the U.S. government, states, or U.S. corporations or nationals. States that such provision shall not apply to: (1) fees for publications or other fees that are not tantamount to a tax on U.S. citizens; (2) the World Intellectual Property Organization; or (3) staff assessment costs of the United Nations and its agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Governance Committee established under the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement, to: (1) participate in such Program; (2) carry out any projects or activities that are designated for implementation during the Program's first 13 years (First Increment); (3) acquire interests in land, water, and facilities from willing sellers; (4) transfer acquired interests; and (5) accept or provide grants. Allows the Program to be modified before the completion of the First Increment if the Secretary and the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado determine that the modifications are consistent with program purposes. Terminates the Secretary's authority to implement the First Increment on September 30, 2020. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to: (1) modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir; and (2) enter one or more agreements with the state of Wyoming to implement the Pathfinder Modification Project. Authorizes the capacity of the Pathfinder Reservoir to be used for municipal, environmental, and other purposes, as described in Appendix F to the final settlement stipulation in Nebraska v. Wyoming .
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified land adjacent to the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado or an interest in such land for addition to the Park. Revises the boundary of the Park to reflect the acquisition of such land. Requires the Secretary to administer any land or interest in land acquired under this Act as part of the Park.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Directs: (1) the U.S. Trade Representative to certify to Congress by August 31, 2006, that Japan is no longer prohibiting the importation of U.S. beef; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury, if such certification is not made, to impose additional tariffs (which shall continue until the certification is submitted to Congress) on Japan by September 30, 2006; and (3) the Secretary of Agriculture to begin negotiations with Japan to end such beef import prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Stop Over Spending Act of 2006 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to transmit annually to Congress a maximum of four special messages that propose to rescind dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, items of direct spending, and targeted tax benefits. Requires an analysis by: (1) the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) of an estimated savings in budget authority or outlays resulting from such rescission; and (2) the Joint Committee on Taxation of an estimated savings resulting from repeal of targeted tax benefits. Requires any rescinded budget authority, items of direct spending, or targeted tax benefit to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases or revenue reductions. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under this Act. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission. Requires the: (1) President to issue an order fully implementing without change all sequestrations required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its Final Sequestration Report; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress and the President on the order's compliance with this Act. Prescribes requirements for discretionary sequestration reports by OMB and GAO, discretionary spending and maximum deficit limits, a federal tax gap initiative, executive and legislative branch sequestration procedures, and congressional response to low economic growth. Prohibits the President's budget from exceeding the maximum deficit amount for any fiscal year. Requires biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium. Establishes the National Commission on Entitlement Solvency and the Commission on Congressional Budgetary Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of the appropriate Commission's recommendations for legislative action or agency reform proposals. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise budget resolution requirements. Authorizes the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to notify the Senate of a Medicare funding warning. Makes it out of order to consider any legislation that would cause any increase in direct spending, net of proposals to change direct spending receipts, or revenues contained in the measure if the Senate has been notified of such warning for two consecutive calendar years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Mark-to-Market Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 to reauthorize through FY2011: (1) the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured MultifamilyHousing Mortgage and Housing Assistance Restructuring (Mark-to-Market) program; and (2) the Office of Multifamily Housing Assistance Restructuring. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to waive rent level limits for: (1) disaster-damaged eligible projects; and (2) up to 9% (currently 5%) of all units subject to restructured mortgages in any fiscal year, based on certain findings of special need. Redefines eligible multifamily housing project to include properties worthy of cost-effective preservation even though their rents fall below a level otherwise authorized that, on an average per unit or per room basis, exceeds the rent of comparable properties in the same market area. Requires each mortgage restructuring and rental assistance sufficiency plan to determine, for units assisted with project-based assistance in eligible multifamily housing projects, adjusted rent levels for disaster-damaged eligible projects equal to 100% of the fair market rents for the relevant market area. Revises requirements for an approved mortgage restructuring and rental assistance sufficiency plan with respect to modification or forgiveness of all or part of a second mortgage held by the Secretary (debt relief) if the project concerned is acquired by a tenant organization or tenant-endorsed community-based nonprofit or public agency. Sets forth requirements for alternative periods of eligibility for such nonprofit debt relief if the purchaser acquires the project subsequent to the date of recordation of the related affordability agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Declares the sense of Congress that an artistic tribute to commemorate the speech given by President Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, during which he uttered the immortal lines, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," should be placed within the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that it is the goal of the United States that by January 1, 2025, U.S. agricultural, forestry, and working land should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total U.S. energy consumption and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) urge the government of the Russian Federation to ensure full protection of freedoms for all religious communities and end the harassment of unregistered religious groups; (2) urge vigorous investigation and prosecution of criminal acts against registered and unregistered religious communities; (3) continue to raise concerns with the government of the Russian Federation over violations of religious freedom; (4) ensure that U.S. Embassy officials engage local officials throughout the Russian Federation and undertake outreach activities; (5) urge the government of the Russian Federation to invite representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to visit the Russian Federation and discuss issues relating to freedom of religion; and (6) urge the Council of Europe and other members of the G-8 to raise such issues with Russian officials in the context of the presidency of the council and membership in the G-8.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006
Amends the federal criminal code to permit a nonresident of a state to carry a concealed firearm (other than a machinegun or destructive device) in that state if such nonresident: (1) is not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm; and (2) is carrying a valid permit issued by a state permitting such person to carry a concealed firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006
Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to extend from three years to six years after enactment of that Act the maximum duration of any renewal under it of import restrictions on Burmese products. Approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Act. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing the number of personnel (including contractors) assigned to the Air Force Space Command (or any component of that Command), from the number assigned to the Command as of January 1, 2006, until the Secretary submits to specified congressional committees a report that includes: (1) a description of, and justification for, the proposed reduction; (2) assessments of the reduction's effects, including whether they could be mitigated by allowing greater flexibility in resource decisions; and (3) a certification that the proposed reduction will not diminish or interfere with U.S. national security space acquisition programs, operations, or technology development.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on fabric woven with certain continuous filament wholly nylon type-66 textured yarns.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Declares that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Lloyd Bentsen, a former member of the United States Senate. Extends its warmest sympathies to his family members and friends. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 23, 2006, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bentsen.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the national motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," celebrates it as a fundamental aspect of the national life of U.S. citizens, and reaffirms that its substance is vital to the future success of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States is committed to safely disposing of its chemical weapons stockpiles by the Chemical Weapons Convention deadline of April 29, 2012, or as soon thereafter as possible, and will carry out all of its other obligations under the Convention; and (2) the Secretary of Defense should prepare a comprehensive schedule for safely destroying such stockpiles to prevent further delays and submit it to the congressional defense committees annually.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2006
Amends Federal law concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to allow a payment due a minor or an individual mentally incompetent or under other legal disability to be made to the person who is a trustee under a trust under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act that contains the assets of an individual who is disabled. Provides for the assignability of payments under such Systems to such a trust.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Requires the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration to submit all public transportation security assessments to the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and augment such assessments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish and update annually security improvement priorities; (2) conduct security assessments of all public transportation agencies considered to be at greatest risk of a terrorist attack; (3) conduct security assessments to determine the specific needs of local bus-only public transportation systems and of selected rural transportation systems; and (4) use information collected to establish the process for developing security guidelines. Directs the Secretary to award grants: (1) directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital security improvements; and (2) to public or private entities to conduct research into, and demonstrate, methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from terrorist attacks against public transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that DOT receives timely notification of all credible terrorist threats against U.S. public transportation assets; and (2) award grants for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from such attacks. Rail Security Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to complete, and make prioritized recommendations regarding, a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation for identification of: (1) critical assets and infrastructures, and vulnerabilities and risks, to such assets and infrastructures; (2) vulnerabilities and risks specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via railroad; and (3) security weaknesses in passenger and cargo security, transportation infrastructure, protection systems, procedural policies, communications systems, employee training, emergency response planning, and any other area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for certain system-wide Amtrak security upgrades. Directs the Secretary to require rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans containing appropriate measures (including alternative routing and temporary shipment suspension options) to address assessed risks to high consequence targets. Maritime Security Improvement Act of 2006 - Establishes interagency operational centers to provide greater protection against terrorism at high priority ports. Directs the Secretary to identify foreign assistance programs that could facilitate implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006
Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act - Prohibits a person from carrying out a demonstration: (1) at a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or at Arlington National Cemetery, unless the demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or director; or (2) within 500 feet of a cemetery at which a funeral or memorial service is to be held, for a period beginning 60 minutes before and ending 60 minutes after the funeral or service, if such demonstration includes any individual making noise or a diversion that disturbs the peace or good order of the funeral or service. Amends the federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state should enact legislation to restrict demonstrations near any military funeral.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire land near Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site for the purpose of expanding the Site. Prohibits any acquisition that would require the condemnation of property, the federal seizure of private property, or the exercise of eminent domain by a federal or state entity.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
Condemns the brutality of the Castro regime toward Martha Beatriz Roque, a 61-year-old woman in frail health. Demands that the Cuban regime allow the people of Cuba to exercise their fundamental human rights. Commends the courage and perseverance of Martha Beatriz Roque and all dissidents in Cuba. Calls on the Cuban regime to release the hundreds of political prisoners and to stop the intimidation of dissidents and their families. Calls for continued international support of pro-democracy leaders in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Military Family Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program awarding grants to non-federal entities to provide assistance to families of members of the Armed Forces who live more than 180 miles from a military installation where members on active duty are stationed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of obstetrical or gynecological services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Securing Knowledge, Innovation, and Leadership Act of 2006 or the SKIL Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the annual H-1B (specialty occupation) visa cap an alien who has: (1) earned a master's or higher degree from an accredited U.S. university; or (2) been awarded a medical specialty certification based on post-doctoral training and experience in the United States. Increases the annual H-1B cap, with a 20% increase for the following year if the previous year's quota is reached. Exempts from worldwide immigration caps an alien who: (1) has earned a master's or higher degree from an accredited U.S. university; (2) has been awarded medical specialty certification based on postdoctoral training and experience in the United States; (3) will work in shortage occupations; (4) has earned a master's degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, or math and has been working in a related field in the United States during the three-year period preceding his or her immigrant visa application; (5) has extraordinary ability or received a national interest waiver; or (6) is the spouse or minor child of an employment-based immigrant. Increases the annual immigrant visa cap. Revises student visa provisions. Authorizes an L-1 (intracompany transfer) visa extension beyond the fifth or seventh year if the individual has a immigrant application pending. Permits an alien with an approved labor certification to apply for permanent resident status adjustment if there is no visa immediately available by paying a $500 supplemental fee. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pre-certification procedure for employers who file multiple employment petitions. Revises certain labor certification provisions. Prohibits immigration application approval until background and security checks have been completed and any fraud allegations have been resolved. Authorizes temporary workers (E, H, I, L O, or P visas) who have not violated their status to renew their same category visa from within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Granada Relocation Center National Historic Site Act of 2006 - Establishes the Granada Relocation Center National Historic Site, consisting of parts of Camp Amache, located in Granada, Colorado, as an affiliated site of the National Park System. Designates the "Friends of Amache" as the management entity for the Site. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a general management plan for the Site.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015: (1) the investment tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property; and (2) the tax credit for residential photovoltaic, solar water heating, and fuel cell property expenditures. Modifies the maximum amounts for such residential credits based upon kilowatt of capacity. Allows such credits to be taken against the alternative minimum tax.