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United States · Official source
5,946 records where Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on vulcanized rubber felt bottom boots for use in waders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Nonitemizer Real Property Tax Deduction Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the standard tax deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize tax deductions by $500 ($1,000 for joint returns) of the real property taxes paid or accrued by such taxpayers in a taxable year; (2) define economic substance for purposes of evaluating tax shelter transactions; and (3) impose a penalty for understatements of tax liability resulting from transactions lacking economic substance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on vulcanized rubber lug bottom boots for use in fishing waders.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
EPSCoR Research and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Requires the Director of the NSF: (1) in the administration of the NSF's research infrastructure improvement grant program, to authorize states participating in the grant program to include partnership with out-of-state research institutions if the amount of funding transferred to another state does not exceed 5% of the amount of the grant in any fiscal year; and (2) from the amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act, to make available specified amounts for FY2007-FY2011 to such grant program. Requires the Director to obligate and spend not less than 20% of the amount available for EPSCoR on co-funding projects that are ranked by a peer-review process in the top 20% of all proposals submitted in response to an announced competition. Requires the submission of annual reports providing information concerning: (1) co-funded projects on a state-by-state basis; and (2) the amount and use of co-funding by each of the NSF's directorates. Requires the Director: (1) through the Office of Cyber Infrastructure, to develop and publish a plan enabling states participating in EPSCoR to develop partnerships and participate fully in the NSF's Cyber Infrastructure Initiative; and (2) through the Office of Major Research Instrumentation, to develop and publish a plan enabling states participating in EPSCoR to develop partnerships and participate fully in the NSF's major research instrumentation program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Stable Fire Funding Act of 2006 - Establishes in the Treasury separate funds to be used to pay 80% of the cost for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service emergency wildland fire suppression activities that exceed amounts annually appropriated for wildland fire suppression activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Reaffirms steadfast support for Israel. Supports Israel's right of self-defense and its right to take appropriate action to deter aggression by terrorist groups and their state sponsors. Urges the President to continue to fully support Israel in exercising its right of self-defense in Lebanon and Gaza. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah or Hamas. Condemns the governments of Iran and Syria for their continued support for Hezbollah and Hamas and holds these governments responsible for the acts of aggression carried out by Hezbollah and Hamas against Israel. Condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for exploiting civilian populations as shields and locating their military activities in civilian areas. Urges the President to use all available political and diplomatic means, including sanctions, to persuade the governments of Syria and Iran to end their support of Hezbollah and Hamas. Calls on the government of Lebanon to do everything in its power to free the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon and to fulfill its responsibility under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 to disband and disarm Hezbollah. Calls on the Security Council to: (1) condemn these unprovoked acts; and (2) demand compliance with Resolution 1559, which requires that Hezbollah and other militias be disbanded and disarmed and that all foreign forces leave Lebanon. Urges all sides to protect innocent civilian life and infrastructure and strongly supports the use of all diplomatic means to free the captured Israeli soldiers. Recognizes that thousands of American nationals reside peacefully in Lebanon and that those American nationals in Lebanon concerned for their safety should receive full U.S. government assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Customs and Trade Facilitation Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Establishes the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to replace the U.S. Customs Service in the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to replace the Bureau of Border Security with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Provides for multilateral customs negotiations. Requires the Secretary to oversee the establishment of an International Trade Data System. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend through FY2010 deposits in, or authorization of appropriations from, the Customs Commercial and Homeland Security Automation Account. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the Commissioner of Customs (Commissioner) to establish a voluntary government-private sector Customs Industry Partnership Program. Requires the Commissioner to develop a Trade Resumption Plan in the event of a transportation disruption. Specifies required components of the Automatic Targeting System for identifying cargo for increased inspection before its clearance in the United States. Requires the Commissioner to study the feasibility of developing and employing nonintrusive scanning systems in foreign ports. Establishes within the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Office of Regulations and Rulings an Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Division. Requires the Commissioner to extend the hours of commercial operations at the Santa Teresa Port-of-Entry. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Requires the Commissioner to establish performance indicators relating to the seizure of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursor chemicals. Provides for U.S. port and terminal operator competitiveness. Amends COBRA to provide for the payment of overtime for CBP employees performing customs border patrol services by charter air carriers for charter flights arriving after normal operating hours. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to consider an article exported and subsequently imported into the United States as retaining its identity notwithstanding that it may contain one or more essential components recovered from other such or similar U.S. exported articles.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the North American Wetlands Conservation Act for FY2007-FY2012.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement entered into with the government of Oman and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement it. Authorizes the President to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. government to issue regulations, necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) arbitration of claims against the United States covered by the Agreement; and (3) specified tariff modifications. Prescribes requirements for: (1) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (2) reliquidation of certain entries; (3) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (3) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make products or services of any foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to the Agreement eligible for U.S. government procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006
Tribal Government Tax-Exempt Bond Parity Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by an Indian tribal government if: (1) at least 95 percent of the net proceeds are used to finance facilities on an Indian reservation; or (2) the obligation is part of an issue substantially all of whose proceeds are to be used in the exercise of an essential government function. Excludes an obligation used to finance a gaming facility. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt obligations issued by an Indian tribal government or subdivision from registration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2006
St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance Works and Milk River Project Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct studies to determine: (1) the feasibility of rehabilitating and improving the St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance Works (a portion of the Milk River Project, a Bureau of Reclamation project in Montana, that is located within the Blackfeet Reservation) to provide for sustained environmental and economic benefit within the St. Mary and Milk River basins; and (2) the environmental impact of such rehabilitation project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate the planning, design, and construction of the project alternative that is selected; and (2) develop and implement an emergency response plan to be followed in the event of a catastrophic infrastructure failure. Establishes in the Treasury an emergency response plan fund. Requires: (1) the Milk River Project to be operated primarily for irrigation purposes; and (2) the Secretary to prioritize Project structures in need of rehabilitation and improvement. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that land and water rights held in trust for the benefit of the Blackfeet Tribe are protected; (2) resolve tribal claims against the United States; (3) identify appropriate Blackfeet projects to improve economic conditions on the Reservation; (4) complete studies to determine the feasibility of carrying out such projects; and (5) conduct studies to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating and improving Blackfeet irrigation project structures determined to be in need based on the appraisal investigation and of developing a safe and adequate rural, municipal, and industrial water supply project for the residents of the Fort Belknap Reservation and surrounding communities.
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
Agriculture Small Business Opportunity and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to approve a qualifying State meat inspection program and allow the shipment in commerce of carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products so inspected. Requires the Secretary to review approved plans annually. Prohibits from state inspection plan participation: (1) establishments that have more than 50 employees, except for those subject to state inspection as of January 1, 2007; and (2) federally inspected establishments after such date that have more than 50 employees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a cooperative agreement to establish the relationship between a state program and the Secretary; and (2) provide partial reimbursement for state costs to meet federal requirements. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) sampling; (2) noncompliance; (3) acceptance of interstate shipments of meat and meat food products; and (4) advisory committees. Directs the Secretary to temporarily suspend or take over a noncomplying state program (or an establishment). Makes similar amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to establish interstate meat and poultry inspection programs under this Act if approval and cooperative agreements have not been concluded by January 1, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Designates the week of November 5-November 11, 2006, as National Veterans Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006
Veterans and Military Privacy Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop and implement a program of financial counseling and support to any veteran, spouse of a veteran, and other person who may be a victim of identity theft as a result of the security breach at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on May 3, 2006. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to direct each consumer reporting agency (CRA), upon the request of such a veteran, spouse, or other person, to provide automatic extended fraud alerts to such individuals. Authorizes the placement in the files of such an individual of a security freeze by a CRA, after which the CRA may not release information from their file for consumer credit purposes to a third party without prior express written authorization from the individual. Requires notification to such individual by a CRA before the removal of a security freeze. Provides security freeze exceptions. Amends the federal criminal code to double the penalties for identity theft when the victim is one of the above individuals. Requires Comptroller General studies on: (1) VA data protection; (2) VA security breach investigation; (3) an FTC program for veterans and others at risk of identity theft; and (4) federal agency compliance with personal data protection requirements.
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 · 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 · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on lug bottom boots for use in fishing waders.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
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) 50 dollar gold coins; and (2) one 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 metals that are appropriate for use 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. Directs each federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has or continues to conduct space-related missions to make efforts to secure and retrieve from privately-held craft flown in space such gold, silver, copper, and other metals that the Director determines are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bonze duplicates of the $50 gold coins authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend and modify duty suspensions relating to wool.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on felt bottom boots for use in waders.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain golf bag bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to make technical corrections relating to duties on wool products.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Veterans Privacy Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop and implement a program of financial counseling and support to any veteran (and spouse of a veteran) who may be a victim of identity theft as a result of the security breach at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on May 3, 2006. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to direct each consumer reporting agency (CRA), upon the request of such a veteran or spouse, to provide automatic extended fraud alerts to such individuals. Authorizes the placement in the files of such a veteran or spouse of a security freeze by a CRA, after which the CRA may not release information from their file for consumer credit purposes to a third party without prior express written authorization from such veteran or spouse. Requires notification to the spouse or veteran by a CRA before the removal of a security freeze. Provides security freeze exceptions. Amends the federal criminal code to double the penalties for identity theft when the victim is a veteran or their spouse. Requires Comptroller General studies on: (1) VA data protection; (2) VA security breach investigation; (3) an FTC program for veterans and spouses at risk of identity theft; and (4) federal agency compliance with personal data protection requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Designates June 8, 2006, as the day of a National Vigil for Lost Promise. Encourages: (1) young people to choose to live a drug-free life; (2) people to work to stop drug abuse before it starts and remain vigilant against the far reaching loss of promise caused by deaths from drug abuse; and (3) U.S. citizens to remember on such day the lost promise of youth caused by drug abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit Members of the Senate from using any charitable tax-exempt organization for personal or political gain. Specifies conditions under which a Senator shall be considered to have used such organization for such purpose. Requires Senators and their employees to disclose to the Secretary of the Senate the identity of any person who makes to such an organization a contribution of over $200 and of which such Member or employee knows. Requires the Secretary to make such disclosures public. Authorizes the Select Committee on Ethics to grant a waiver to Members with respect to this Act in the case of an organization over whose affairs the Member's spouse, but not the Member, is in a position to exercise substantial influence.
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 · 22 May 2006
PBGC Confirmation Act of 2006 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to replace the chairman of the board of directors with a Director to head the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Requires the Director to be approved by the Senate. Gives joint jurisdiction over the nomination to the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the penalty for failure to file an actuarial report for defined benefit plans other than multi-employer plans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Small Business Efficiency Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat professional employer organizations (PEOs), certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as employers for employment tax purposes (thus allowing such PEOs to pay wages and collect and remit payroll taxes on behalf of an employer). Sets forth IRS certification requirements for PEOs, including financial review and reporting requirements. Requires a PEO to post a bond (the greater of $50,000 or 5% of the organization's tax liability for the preceding calendar year not to exceed $1,000,000) to guarantee payment of employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Medicare Late Enrollment Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate months in 2006 from the calculation of any late enrollment penalty under Medicare part D. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY2007 to: (1) make grants to states for state health insurance counseling programs receiving assistance under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990; and (2) enable the Assistant Secretary on Aging to provide grants to states for area agencies on aging to provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare benefits information. Amends SSA title XVIII to set additional limitations on the total amount of expenditures from the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund for periods prior to October 1, 2007, and between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Department of Energy Contractor Employee Equitable Treatment Act of 2006 - Prohibits any funds from being expended to implement, administer, or enforce the guidance of the Department of Energy (DOE) relating to contractor employee pension and medical benefits policy. (DOE will no longer reimburse contractors for new employees' pension and medical costs under defined benefit plans, but will now reimburse only such costs under defined contribution, market-based plans that vary from the average cost of such market-based plans by no more than 5%.) Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) withdraw such guidance not later than one day after enactment of this Act; and (2) reinstate eligibility or reimbursement for benefits or reinstate reimbursement for benefits if the Secretary has acted on such guidance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Western Hemisphere Energy Security Act of 2006 - Authorizes U.S. persons to: (1) explore and extract hydrocarbon resources from any portion of the foreign exclusive economic zone that is contiguous to the U.S. exclusive economic zone; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for the exploration for or extraction of hydrocarbon resources. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to allow under a general license employees of oil and gas producers, distributors, and shippers to travel to, from, or within Cuba to explore for and extract hydrocarbon resources from such zone.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Research Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax credit for increasing research expenses to establish a standard 20% credit rate for research expenses exceeding 50% of average expenses over the preceding three year period; (2) establish a uniform 80% reimbursement rate for all contract research expenses (100% for basic research payments); (3) make such tax credit permanent; (4) allow a tax credit for equity investments in small business innovation companies; and (5) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for research park facilities used in connection with research and experimentation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations on the application of private activity bond rules to the funding of federal research agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit to one four-year term the service of the public member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, or the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Requires the President to consult with the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Finance of the Senate before nominating an individual to serve as a public member.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise requirements for: (1) the use of election examiners and observers; (2) declaratory judgment on the issue of voting qualifications or standards intended to diminish the ability of U.S. citizens to elect preferred candidates; and (3) award of attorney fees in enforcement proceedings to include expert fees and other reasonable costs of litigation. Extends bilingual election requirements through August 5, 2032. Revises the requirements for determining states and political subdivisions covered by them to require use of 2010 American Community Survey census data. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the prohibition against the use of tests or devices to deny the right to vote in any federal, state, or local election. Extends both the prohibition and the date for mandatory congressional reconsideration of it.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Designates June 8, 2006, as the day of a National Vigil for Lost Promise. Encourages: (1) young people to choose to live a drug-free life; (2) people to work to stop drug abuse before it starts and remain vigilant against the far reaching loss of promise caused by deaths from drug abuse; and (3) U.S. citizens to remember the lost promise of youth caused by drug abuse on this day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations) (or organizations demonstrating potential to become one), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, or a consortia of such entities to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students under age seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with such entities to operate Native American Language Survival Schools for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Permits the use of grant and contract funds to provide full or partial higher education scholarships and fellowships for the professional development of faculty and staff. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with eligible entities to establish at least four demonstration programs in geographically diverse locations to: (1) provide assistance to schools and nests; and (2) participate in a national study of the linguistic, cultural, and academic effects of schools and nests. Directs the Secretary to provide nests and schools with alternative methods of achieving national education standards with respect to Native American language education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans) Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Amends SSA title XVIII to require PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Requires a PDP sponsor to utilize standardized technology for any communication or transaction occurring between the PDP and a participating pharmacy. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable dispensing fees for covered Medicare part D drugs dispensed through participating pharmacies. Requires a PDP sponsor to encourage generic utilization by paying an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Medicare Prescription Drug Simplification Act of 2006 - Revises the Medicare prescription drug program under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish five national uniform benefit packages consisting of three basic and two supplemental packages. Limits removal or change of coverage of covered part D drugs under a formulary under a prescription drug plan (PDP) or an Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan. Provides for: (1) additional funding for enrollment assistance; (2) comparative plan information; (3) a standardized definition for cost and utilization management tools, and nomenclature for distinguishing between excluded and nonformulary drugs; (4) standardized enrollee notice regarding coverage determinations; (5) standardized forms and processes for reconsiderations and exceptions; and (6) authority to waive late the enrollment penalty in certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary, jointly with the Commissioner of Social Security, to work to integrate processes and beneficiary information for applying for a premium and cost-sharing subsidy and enrolling in a PDP or an MA-PD plan in order to simplify steps for part D eligible individuals who wish to participate in both. Outlines requirements for comparative information regarding performance of plans under Medicare part D. Specifies factors the Secretary shall use in determining whether, for plan approval purposes, a PDP and its sponsor demonstrate a satisfactory quality of performance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and activities to address such gaps. Requires annual Department of Defense (DOD) budget justification documents to include separate amounts for Guard training and equipment for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Establishes within the JCS an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for consideration of eligible reserve officers for promotion to the grades of lieutenant general or vice admiral on the active duty list. Requires the position of Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command to be filled by a qualified Guard officer eligible for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2006 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirm that eligibility) under the programs to: (1) address the manufacture, sale, and use of methamphetamine; (2) aid children in homes in which methamphetamine or other drugs are unlawfully manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or used; and (3) address methamphetamine use by pregnant and parenting women offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2006
Common Sense Cross-Border Travel and Security Act of 2006 - Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to require that the travel document plan for U.S. citizens and others with waived document requirements traveling into the United States: (1) include a fee-free "day pass" system that would permit U.S. citizens to travel to Canada for a 24-hour period without a passport by completing a day pass application at any port of entry along the U.S.-Canadian land border, and certifying that there was not sufficient time to apply for a passport before the excursion; and (2) provide that U.S. citizens under 18 years of age who are accompanied by a parent or guardian shall not be required to present a passport when returning to the United States from Canada. Limits fees to not more that $20 for any passport card or travel document issued pursuant to such plan. Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate with the government of Canada to ensure the acceptance of such U.S. passport cards and day passes for travel to Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any U.S. officer or employee, or person operating under color of federal law, under control of a federal official, or providing services to such person, while acting in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency, from: (1) seizing, or authorizing seizure of, any firearm the possession of which is not prohibited under federal or state law, other than for forfeiture in compliance with federal law or as evidence in a criminal investigation; (2) requiring registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by federal or state law; (3) prohibiting possession of any firearm in any place or by any person where such possession is not otherwise prohibited; or (4) prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by any person otherwise authorized to carry firearms, solely because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision of a federal agency in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency. Authorizes any individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to seek relief by bringing an action for redress and by bringing a civil action in U.S. district court for return of a confiscated firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure the existence and operation of a single updated searchable database website accessible by the public at no cost, that includes for each entity receiving federal funding: (1) the amount of federal funds received in each of the last 10 fiscal years; (2) an itemized breakdown of each transaction; (3) the entity's location and primary location of performance; and (4) a unique identifier for the entity and its parent entity.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Proclaims 2006 as the Golden (50th) Anniversary Year of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways (Interstate Highway System).
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Recognizes the significant contributions of U.S. youth and encourages the cultivation of a common civic bond between young people dedicated to serving their neighbors, their communities, and the Nation. Designates April 21, 2006, as National and Global Youth Service Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Secure Rural Schools and Communities Funding Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the Rural Schools and Communities Trust Fund to make payments to eligible states and counties under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000; and (2) require the withholding of three percent of any federal payment for goods and services and the transfer of an estimated amount of such withheld funds to the Trust Fund.