United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Higher Education Affordability, Access, and Opportunity Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a student loan program for workforce development for high-growth occupations or industries. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) job skill training in high-growth occupations or industries, to partnerships of community colleges and workforce investment boards; and (2) training and job skills for small business owners or operators, to partnerships of institutions of higher education (IHEs) and entities that help small business development. Prohibits, under the student loan program, IHEs and accrediting agencies and associations from restricting transfer of credits in specified ways. Requires studies and dissemination of comparative data on college costs and related matters. Revises teacher quality enhancement grants, with respect to high-need local educational agencies and eligible partnerships. Allows States to submit applications, under the leveraging educational assistance partnership program, with philanthropic organizations and public or private IHEs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Get Tough on Trade Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend from FY 2005 through 2009 (currently, 1995 only) the U.S. Trade Representative's mandate to identify and report on trade expansion priorities. Requires the Trade Representative, before initiating an investigation (as under current law), to seek consultations with each foreign country identified in the report as engaging in priority foreign country practices, for the purpose of reaching a satisfactory resolution of such priority practices. Requires initiation of an investigation only if a satisfactory resolution of such practices has not been reached. Modifies the composition of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to include a Chief Enforcement Negotiator to recommend investigating and prosecuting cases before the World Trade Organization and under trade agreements to which the United States is a party.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the extended availability through FY 2004 of SCHIP allotments for FY 1998 through 2001. Specifies formulae for amounts to be used in computing redistributions for FY 2003, 2003, and 2004. Provides for reallocation of 70 percent of the expiring FY 1998, 1999, and 2000 funds to States that have fully expended their annual allotments. Extends the availability of the remaining 30 percent of such expiring funds with the States that currently have them. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2002 SCHIP allotments to remain available through FY 2006. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2003 and 2004 SCHIP allotments to remain available through the end of FY 2007. Requires redistribution of the other 50 percent of such funds to States that have fully spent their allotments during the three-year period they were available. Requires a second redistribution according to the same 70-30 formula of any retained or redistributed funds still unexpended at the end of the two-year extention or redistribution. Provides for continued authority for qualifying States to use certain funds for Medicaid expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2004 - Amends Federal monetary law to set forth requirements for the redesign and issuance of circulating $1 coins emblematic of each President of the United States. Prohibits inclusion of a President who has not completed his or her term of service (sitting President). Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue during the same period in which such $1 coins are issued commemorative coins emblematic of the spouse of each deceased former President so honored. Mandates that all Federal agencies and instrumentalities and entities that operate any business on Federal premises (including vending machines) take action to ensure that business operations they conduct that involve coins or currency shall be fully capable of accepting and dispensing $1 coins in connection with such operations. Expresses the sense of Congress about the issuance of such coins.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Heartland Investment and Rural Employment (HIRE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to agricultural cooperatives (Subchapter T), including concerning marketing rules, declaratory judgment relief, treatment of dividends on cooperative stock, and apportionment of credits among patrons of such cooperatives. Establishes a Subchapter T Commission to study the provisions of such Subchapter and make recommendations for change. Revises provisions relating to the self-employment income of farmers and other small business owners, including provisions relating to agricultural bonds, income averaging, involuntary conversions of livestock, and rules relating to Subchapter S corporations and subsidiaries. Allows individuals (currently limited to C corporations) a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food. Allows taxpayers engaged in a farming or commercial fishing business a tax deduction for contributions to a Farm, Fishing and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account). Repeals occupational taxes on producers and marketers of alcoholic beverages. Enacts or amends provisions relating to investment in rural areas, allowing for a rural investment tax credit and a rural small business investment credit. Allows for the expansion of renewal community areas based on 2000 census data. Enacts or amends provisions relating to Indian tribal governments and reservations, including a new markets tax credit for Native American reservations, modifications of the authority of Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt bonds, and a tax credit for investment in tribal school modernization bonds. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of a residence in rural areas, Indian reservations, or areas of chronic economic distress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Medicare Hospital Accreditation Act of 2004 - Amends part E (Miscellaneous Provisions) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revoke the "deeming authority" for Medicare certification of hospitals of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH), under which a hospital accredited by the JCAH shall be deemed to meet the requirements for a Medicare-certified hospital. Authorizes the Secretary to recognize the Joint Commission on Accrediation of Healthcare Organizations as a national accreditation body upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into with the Government of Morocco, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim such actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. Government to issue such regulations, as may be 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; (3) specified tariff modifications; (3) additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain agricultural safeguard goods; (4) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (5) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (6) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures. Requires the President to terminate the designation of Morocco as a beneficiary developing country on the date of the entry into force of the Agreement for purposes of such country receiving duty-free treatment for any of its eligible articles under the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
SUTA Dumping Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to administration of unemployment taxes and benefits. Revises SSA title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) to require State unemployment compensation laws, as a condition of State eligibility for such grants, to provide for transfer of unemployment experience upon transfer or acquisition of a business. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study and report to Congress on State implementation of such requirement. Revises SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose information on individuals and their employers in the National Directory of New Hires to a State agency that, for purposes of administering a Federal or State unemployment compensation law, transmits such individuals' names and Social Security account numbers to the Secretary. Requires such disclosure only to the extent that it would not interfere with effective operation of the part D program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Canyon Ferry Yacht Basin Marina Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to: (1) provide for the continued operation of the Yacht Basin Marina located on the Canyon Ferry Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program, Montana; or (2) maintain a marina at Yacht Basin that provides at least as many services and facilities as are available at the Marina on the date of this Act's enactment. Extends the lease for a public concession in the Yacht Basin Concession Area for ten years, with an exception. Bars the Secretary from including terms that are more restrictive than those of the earlier lease. Authorizes the Secretary, at the concessionaire's request and subject to specified notice, to extend the lease for up to four additional ten-year periods. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) deadline extension and requirements (including with regard to meeting operating standards or regulations applicable to Reclamation concessions at the time, particularly concerning public safety); (2) subsequent transfer of ownership of concession facilities; (3) review by the Secretary if construction or improvement poses a significant hazard to public safety or the environment; (4) boundary expansion; and (5) erosion control. Requires 80 percent of the recreation fees collected at the Canyon Ferry Unit to be deposited in that Unit's recreation account.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend through calendar 2009 the requirement that the Comptroller General determine, and report to Congress on, whether the Director of the Congressional Award Board is complying with requirements for financial operations of the Congressional Award Program. Extends the authorization of the Board from October 1, 2004, to October 1, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
States that Congress: (1) declares that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide; (2) reminds the President and the international community of their international legal obligations, as affirmed in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; (3) commends the President's leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur and in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by that conflict, including the provision of assistance in Darfur and Eastern Chad; (4) urges the President to seek a United Nations Security Council resolution that directs the member states of the United Nations to impose sanctions against those responsible for the atrocities committed in Darfur, authorizes a multinational force to guarantee humanitarian access and security for foreign aid workers and internally displaced persons, urges a halt to violence committed by militias and by the armed forces of Sudan, creates a Commission of Inquiry, and calls for the establishment of a formal peace process between Darfurians and the Government of Sudan; (5) calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to establish a Darfur Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Fund; and (6) urges the President to provide political and financial support to the African Union to promote its effective intervention in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare cost-sharing for the Medicare part B premium for certain qualifying low-income individuals through September 2005. Prescribes allocation amounts for specified periods between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement entered into with the Government of Australia, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim such actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. Government to issue such regulations, as may be 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) specified tariff modifications; (3) additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain horticulture and beef safeguard goods; (4) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (5) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; (6) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures; and (7) U.S. International Trade Commission findings and presidential actions with regard to whether imports of articles from Australia are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to U.S. articles and industries. Redefines "eligible products" to include, regarding any foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to a free trade agreement that entered into force with respect to the United States after December 31, 2003, and before January 2, 2005, a product or service of that country or instrumentality which is covered under the free trade agreement for U.S. procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue during 2009 redesigned quarter dollars commemorating the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one dollar coins emblematic of the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin (not more than 250,000 bearing his image as a young statesman and not more than 250,000 with his image as an older numismatist). Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a $10 per coin surcharge, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the Franklin Institute for purposes of the celebration of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Medicare Quality Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a quality performance incentive payment program to provide annual financial incentive payments, consisting of National Performance Quality Payments and National Quality Improvement Payments, to Medicare Advantage organizations offering Medicare Advantage plans and organizations providing benefits under a reasonable cost reimbursement contract that demonstrate superior quality health care to enrollees. Provides for a reduction in payments to such organizations in order to fund the program. Directs the Secretary to establish a corresponding renal dialysis performance incentive payment program, also including National Performance Quality Payments and National Quality Improvement Payments. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for award of bonus payments to Medicare providers that demonstrate innovative practices, structural improvements, or capacity enhancements that improve the quality of health care provided Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year demonstration program of projects for pediatric dialysis facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish a Medicare Quality Advisory Board. Requires a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) study and report to Congress on the use of adjuster mechanisms under the Medicare quality performance incentive payment programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year demonstration program to measure the quality of health care furnished to individuals under 18 years of age under the SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and title XXI (SCHIP) programs. Authorizes the Secretary to hire five full-time employees within the Center for Medicaid and State Operations from among health professionals experienced in quality improvement, chronic care management, and care coordination (at least one of them also experienced with pediatric populations). Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the efforts to coordinate and integrate data from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on care coordination programs for Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligibles. Requires the Secretary to establish a five-year program of grants for demonstration projects to develop and use Medical Smart Cards and examine their impact on health care costs, quality of care, and patient safety.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004
AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 - Declares the sense of Congress that the preferential market access opportunities for eligible sub-Saharan African countries (SSA countries) will be complemented and enhanced if those countries implement specified existing obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Urges such countries to participate in and support mutual trade liberalization in ongoing negotiations under WTO auspices, recognizing that such commitments may need to reflect special and differential treatment for developing countries. States that eligible SSA countries will benefit from reduction of trade barriers in other developing countries. Urges all countries to make sanitary and phytosanitary decisions on the basis of sound science. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive branch, including specified Federal agencies, should enforce African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provisions relating to preferential treatment of textile and apparel articles, broadly in order to expand trade by maximizing opportunities for imports of such articles from eligible SSA countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment for AGOA articles: (1) from FY 2008 through 2015; and (2) made from material produced in former beneficiary SSA countries. Defines former beneficiary sub-Saharan African country as a country that, after being designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA, ceased to be designated as such a country by reason of its entering into a free trade agreement with the United States. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment, including extensions of such treatment to certain apparels. Authorizes duty-free and preferential treatment for certain apparel articles such as ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country that meets certain conditions. Extends preferential treatment to an article containing fibers or yarns not wholly formed in former beneficiary SSA countries (currently, the United States or one or more beneficiary SSA countries) if the total weight of all such fibers and yarns is not more than ten (currently, seven) percent of the total weight of the article. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, under specified conditions, to liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions, limitations, or consultative levels any entries of certain apparel. Requires the President to: (1) study each eligible SSA country, identifying sectors of its economy with the greatest potential for growth, including through export sales, and identifying both domestic and international barriers impeding such growth; (2) make recommendations on how the Federal Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to assist that country in dismantling such barriers and promoting investment in such sectors; and (3) disseminate information to appropriate Federal agencies on each such country. Requires the President to develop and implement policies to encourage the development of investment in SSA countries, particularly in: (1) infrastructure projects supporting development of land transport road and railroad networks and ports, and the continued upgrading and liberalization of the energy and telecommunications sectors; (2) establishment and expansion of modern information and communication technologies and practices to improve the ability of citizens to research and disseminate specified information; and (3) agriculture, particularly in processing and capacity enhancement. Requires the President to: (1) foster improved port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships in order to facilitate and increase trade flows between eligible SSA countries; (2) encourage the development of infrastructure projects that will help increase trade capacity and a sustainable ecotourism industry in such countries; (3) identify at least ten eligible SSA countries as having the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for technical assistance, particularly with respect to pest risk assessments and complying with U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary rules; (4) assign at least 20 full-time personnel to provide assistance to such countries to ensure that their exports of agricultural products meet Federal law requirements; and (5) convene the trade advisory committee on Africa established by Executive Order 11846 of March 27, 1975, under the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2004
Repeals provisions in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, that required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; (2) prohibit applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station from obtaining a low-power FM license; and (3) conduct a program to test whether low-power FM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are not required. Requires the FCC to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between specified stations. Requires the FCC to retain rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power noncommercial FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier frequency from potential low-power FM station interference.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2003 and/or 2004 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2003 and/or 2004 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to involuntary conversion rules to: (1) permit the replacement of livestock with other farm property in the case of drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions (such provision currently applies only to cases of soil or other environmental contamination); and (2) extend the replacement period for livestock sold on account of weather related conditions. Allows an individual engaged in an eligible farming or commercial fishing business a deduction for any taxable year of up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to the eligible farming or commercial fishing business paid in cash by the taxpayer to a Farm and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account). Includes non-exempt FFARRM distributions in the taxpayer's gross income, and subjects to a special ten percent surtax distributions not made within five years of contribution. Prohibits FFARRM distributions from being used to overcapitalize any fishery. Establishes a tax on excess contributions, but exempts the taxpayer from the tax on certain prohibited transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004
Cuba Sanctions Reform Act of 2004 - Provides for the expiration of certain trade and travel restrictions with respect to Cuba unless such restrictions are renewed annually by a specified renewal resolution of the two Houses of Congress. Authorizes the President with respect to Cuba to: (1) impose certain export controls; and (2) exercise certain emergency economic powers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2004
New Shipper Review Amendment Act of 2004 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to reviews by the administering authority to establish an individual weighted average dumping margin or an individual countervailing duty rate (as the case may be) for a new exporter or producer that: (1) did not export the merchandise that was the subject of an antidumping duty or countervailing duty order to the United States during the period of investigation; and (2) was not affiliated with any exporter or producer who did. Repeals the requirement that the administering authority direct the Customs Service to allow, at the option of the importer of such merchandise, the posting, until completion of the review, of a bond or security in lieu of a cash deposit for each entry of the subject merchandise (bonding privileges).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
Tax Relief for Americans in Combat Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat nontaxable combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of calculating the refundable portion of the child tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
Expresses the grateful thanks of the Nation to the more than 16 million individuals who served in the Army, Army Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine in World War II and to the millions of Americans on the home front who contributed to the war effort. Recognizes the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2004, as an occasion to acknowledge and pay tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II, who are known collectively as the Greatest Generation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Assistance to Firefighters Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Fire Protection and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)) to make grants to State fire departments for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the public and fire-fighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards, and to provide assistance for fire prevention programs. Authorizes grants to: (1) volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) organizations; and (2) obtain automated external defibrillator devices. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish specific criteria for the preliminary review of applications; (2) review such criteria at least annually; (3) award grants based on the review of grant applications by a panel of fire service personnel appointed by a national organization recognized for expertise in the operation and administration of fire services; (4) provide for the administration of the review panel and ensure that an individual appointed to such panel is a recognized expert in fire-fighting, medical services provided by fire services, fire prevention, or research on firefighter safety; and (5) provide assistance with the preparation of grant applications. Expands program eligibility. Reduces limitations regarding matching funds. Increases the amount a grant recipient may receive. Earmarks funds for volunteer EMS organizations. Directs: (1) the Secretary to study and report to Congress on firefighter assistance; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the administration of assistance and on the Secretary's success in administering FEMA.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2004
Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than: (1) 500,000 $1 coins with the image of Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider on one side and an eagle design on the other side; and (2) 500,000 $1 coins with the image of Roosevelt on horseback on one side and a flaming sword of righteousness on the other side. Calls for the coins to be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such minted coins beginning on January 1, 2006, and to initiate coin sales before such date (2006 will mark the 100th anniversary of Roosevelt receiving the Nobel Peace Prize). Requires surcharges from the sale of the coins minted under this Act to be paid to: (1) the Theodore Roosevelt Association to be used exclusively for educational programs at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, including for construction and maintenance of a visitor's center and setting up a curatorial chair and purchase fund for the Theodore Roosevelt Collection at Harvard University Library; and (2) the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation to be used exclusively for educational programs at and around Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Badlands Institute in the badlands of North Dakota. Distributes specified surcharge amounts to the Association and Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2004
Commends all Americans serving nobly abroad. Condemns the despicable acts at Abu Ghraib prison and joins with the President in expressing apology for the humiliation suffered by the prisoners in Iraq and their families. Urges: (1) the Government of the United States to take appropriate measures to ensure that such acts do not occur in the future; and (2) that all individuals responsible for such acts be held accountable. Expresses the belief that the appropriate Senate committees and the President should conduct a full investigation of the abuses alleged to have occurred at Abu Ghraib.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2004
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend from FY 2005 through 2009 (currently, 1995 only) the U.S. Trade Representative's mandate to identify and report on trade expansion priorities. Requires the Trade Representative, before initiating an investigation (as under current law), to seek consultations with each foreign country identified in the report as engaging in priority foreign country practices, for the purpose of reaching a satisfactory resolution of such priority practices. Requires initiation of an investigation only if a satisfactory resolution of such practices has not been reached.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Army to cease to support water releases for navigation purposes at any time at which the total volume of water stored in the following reservoirs located in the vicinity of the upper portion of the Missouri River is less than 44 million acre-feet: Fort Peck Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should establish new and expanded supports and services, such as respite care, housing, and subsidized guardianship, for grandparents and other relatives who are raising children inside and outside of the foster care system. Recognizes the commitment of grandparents and other relatives raising children whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so. Urges institutions and government entities to promote public policies that support such caregivers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Amends Federal provisions concerning the National Guard Challenge Program (a civilian youth opportunities program conducted by the Secretary of Defense) to: (1) rename it the National Guard Youth Challenge Program; (2) provide a maximum Federal matching funds level of 60 percent of the costs of operating the State program during FY 2004, 65 percent during FY 2005, 70 percent for FY 2006, and 75 percent for FY 2007 and beyond; and (3) authorize appropriations for the Program for FY 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2004
State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funds for States to create high risk health insurance pools and to operate existing State high risk pools. Amends the formula for appropriating funds to States to operate such pools to give one-half of the funds to eligible States equally and apportion the other half based on the number of uninsured individuals in each State and the number of enrollees in the State's qualified high risk pool. (Currently, all funds are allotted based solely on the number of uninsured individuals in the State.) Authorizes appropriations for the program through FY 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2004
Fairness in Pension Stability Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to temporarily replace (for plan years 2004 and 2005) the 30-year Treasury rate with a rate based on long-term corporate bonds for certain pension plan funding requirements. Sets forth ERISA and Code provisions for: (1) election by certain plans of an alternative deficit reduction contribution; (2) multiemployer defined benefit plan funding notices; (3) an amortization hiatus for net experience losses in multiemployer plans; (3) procedures applicable to disputes involving pension plan withdrawal liability; and (4) an extension of transfers of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts. Revises Code provisions relating to a tax exemption for small property and casualty insurance companies. Repeals Code provisions relating to reductions of certain tax deductions for mutual life insurance companies. Amends the Retirement Protection Act of 1994 to set forth special transition rules relating to pension funding requirements under ERISA and the Code. Confirms the antitrust status of graduate medical resident matching programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
High Risk Nonprofit Security Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) enter into contracts for security enhancements and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations; and (2) issue Federal loan guarantees in connection with loans made by financial institutions to nonprofit organizations for security enhancements and technical assistance. Permits the Secretary to guarantee only such loans that have favorable repayment terms. Directs the Secretary to designate high-risk nonprofit organizations eligible for contracts or loans based on the vulnerability of the specific site of the nonprofit to international terrorist attacks. Sets forth criteria for vulnerability determinations. Authorizes: (1) the use of federally guaranteed funds borrowed from lending institutions for technical assistance and security enhancements; (2) the Secretary to select applications for execution of security enhancement and technical assistance contracts, or issuance of loan guarantees, giving preference to the nonprofit organizations determined to be at greatest risk of international terrorist attack; (3) each State to establish a State Homeland Security Authority; and (4) the Secretary to provide grants to local governments to offset incremental costs associated with law enforcement in areas with a high concentration of nonprofit organizations. Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Community Relations and Civic Affairs to administer grant programs for nonprofit organizations and local law enforcement assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act of 2004 - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to provide, beginning on October 1, 2003, and for each of the seven succeeding one-year periods, duty-free treatment for certain apparel items wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti if the President certifies to Congress that Haiti: (1) has established or is progressing toward specified political, economic, and social reforms; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. security or foreign policy; and (3) does not engage in gross violations of human rights or activities in support of international terrorism. Provides for such provisions' retroactive application to certain entries.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2004
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the nonrecourse marketing loan rate for safflower. (Separates safflower from "other oilseeds.")
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Welfare Reform Extension Act of 2004 - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through June 30, 2004: (1) the TANF block grant program under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF), including the sexual activity abstinence education program and eligibility for Medicaid under SSA title XIX; (2) the National Random Sample Study of Child Welfare under part B (Child and Family Services); and (3) demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B or part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Makes appropriations for such purposes. Authorizes grants and payments pursuant to such authority through the third quarter of FY 2004 at the level provided for such activities through the third quarter of FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
Montana Mineral Exchange Act - Sets forth a mineral rights exchange under which the Secretary of the Interior is directed to convey to Great Northern Properties all mineral interests in certain Federal tracts concurrent with conveyance from Great Northern Properties to the United States all of its mineral interests underlying the Cheyenne tract. Requires the Secretary, following such conveyance, to take [sic] such mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe (Tribe). Conditions the exchange upon: (1) waiver by the Tribe of all claims relating to the failure of the United States to previously acquire in trust for the Tribe as part of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation the private mineral interests underlying the Cheyenne tracts; and (2) joint written notification to the Secretary by the Tribe and Great Northern Properties that they have agreed upon a formula for sharing revenue from coal produced from any portion of the Federal tracts. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Northern Cheyenne Permanent Fund; and (2) the Northern Cheyenne Ancillary Fund. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) transfers from the Ancillary Fund to the Permanent Fund; and (2) expenditures from the Permanent Fund. Requires the Tribe to develop a Permanent Fund plan, in consultation with the Secretary, for the investment, management, administration, and expenditure of the amounts in the Permanent Fund. Prescribes guidelines for Federal disbursements to the Tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2004
Medicaid and CHIP Safety Net Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to Section 1115 (which gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services broad authority to conduct research and demonstration projects under several programs, including Medicaid and SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance) under SSA title XXI, and to waive certain statutory requirements for conducting these projects without congressional review). Prohibits the Secretary from imposing or approving under Section 1115 authority: (1) a cap, limitation, or other restriction on payment to a State for amounts expended as medical assistance in accordance with the Medicaid program; (2) an elimination of, or modification limiting, the entitlement of an individual to receive any medical assistance for which Federal financial participation is claimed under Medicaid; (3) an elimination or modification of the amount, duration, or scope of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services; or (4) an elimination or modification of the amount, duration, or scope of certain safety-net services, including those of a rural health clinic and a federally-qualified health center. Amends SSA title XXI to prohibit the Secretary from approving a waiver, experimental, pilot, or demonstration project (or project modification) that would allow the use of SCHIP funds to provide child health assistance or other health benefits coverage to a nonpregnant childless adult. Amends SSA title XI to establish public notice and comment requirements for States and the Secretary with respect to any State proposal for an experimental, pilot, or demonstration project (or project modification) to assist in promoting Medicaid or SCHIP objectives that would result in a substantive change in eligibility, enrollment, benefits, financing, or cost-sharing under a State program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3150 Great Northern Avenue in Missoula, Montana, as the "Mike Mansfield Post Office".
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the outrage and shock of the people of the United States over the terrorist attacks that occurred in and around Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004; (2) joins with President Bush in expressing its deepest condolences and pledges to remain shoulder to shoulder with the people of Spain in the war on terrorism; (3) expresses its strong solidarity with the people of Spain during their difficult hour, and its deep condolences to the families of the victims of these despicable terrorist attacks; (4) calls on all nations to join with the United States in condemning the monstrous attacks on the innocent people of Spain and in attempting to identify the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to account; (5) expresses its readiness to consult with representatives of King Juan Carlos, President Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish government, the Spanish Cortes, and other public authorities about joint efforts to combat terrorism more effectively; (6) commends the United States Embassy in Madrid for its prompt offers of assistance to the Government of Spain, and for its efforts to determine the welfare and whereabouts of United States citizens who may have been affected by the terrorist attacks; and (7) urges the executive branch to continue to provide all possible assistance to Spain in order to identify and bring to account the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks that occurred on March 11, 2004, in Madrid and of other terrorist attacks against the people of Spain.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2004
Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2004 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to include: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country in provision of services, like or directly competitive with services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) the situation where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Requires the Secretary of Labor to certify as eligible to apply for TAA any adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Specifies criteria for determination of the existence of increased imports of like or directly competitive articles or services. Increases from $220 million to $440 million the amount of fiscal year payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the establishment of industrywide programs for new service development. Modifies the trade monitoring system to include imports of services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2004
Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide that if an air carrier specifically requests that customs services for passengers and their baggage be provided after normal operating hours at a customs serviced airport, and overtime funds for those services are not available, the appropriate customs officer shall assign sufficient customs employees (if available) to perform any such services, which could lawfully be performed during regular hours of operation. Requires the air carrier to pay any overtime fees incurred in connection with such service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize through March 31, 2004, expenditures for obligations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) from: (1) the Highway Trust Fund; (2) the Mass Transit Account of such Fund; and (3) the Sport Fish Restoration Account and the Boat Safety Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a credit against the gasoline and diesel fuel excise tax for an amount equal to the sum of an alcohol fuel mixture credit plus a biodiesel mixture credit; and (2) a general business income tax credit for biodiesel used as fuel equal to the sum of a biodiesel mixture credit and a biodiesel credit.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Congressional Access to the CMS Chief Actuary Act of 2004 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to require the Chief Actuary in exercising the duties of his or her office to provide the committees of jurisdiction of Congress with independent counsel and technical assistance with respect to the programs under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance). Authorizes the Chief Actuary to provide Congress directly with reports, comments on, and estimates of, the financial effects of potential legislation, and other actuarial information related to such programs. Prohibits any officer or agency of the United States from requiring the Chief Actuary to submit such reports, comments, estimates, or other information to any U.S. officer or agency for approval, comments, or review before submitting them to Congress.
![Official portrait of Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000243_200.jpg)