United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) apologizes to the victims and survivors of lynching for its failure to enact anti-lynching legislation; (2) expresses its deepest sympathies and most solemn regrets to the descendants of such victims whose ancestors were deprived of life, human dignity, and the constitutional protections accorded all other U.S. citizens; and (3) remembers the history of lynching, to ensure that these personal tragedies will be neither forgotten nor repeated.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2005
Children's Hospitals Educational Equity and Research Act or the CHEER Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments through FY 2010 (currently, through FY 2005) to children's hospitals for expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs. Excludes reductions for unused resident positions when calculating the number of full-time residents in a children's hospital's approved training program for purposes of reimbursing direct expenses. Requires the Secretary to adjust the proportion of such a hospital's costs attributable to wages for differences in hospital wage levels by geographic area. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2010 for direct and indirect expenses associated with operating such programs. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) perinatal hospitals play an important role in providing quality care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for thousands of seriously ill newborns each year; and (2) medical training programs at perinatal hospitals give providers essential training in treating healthy mothers and babies as well as patients in neonatal intensive care units.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2005
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to national dairy market loss payments to: (1) extend, by two years, program sign-up and contract periods; and (2) double single dairy operation payment quantities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Recognizes the election of Mr. Mahmoud Abbas as President of the Palestinian Authority as a milestone in the development of Palestinian democracy and congratulates President Abbas on his election. Commends the efforts of the Israeli Government to facilitate the election. Urges: (1) President Abbas and the new Palestinian leadership to abide by its commitments to reform the security services, establish the rule of law, and continue the development of democratic institutions; and (2) President Abbas to move quickly to honor his pledges to halt violence and incitement against Israel, dismantle terrorist organizations, and fulfill the Palestinian Authority's obligations under the Roadmap. Supports efforts to increase U.S. assistance to the Palestinian people and to help President Abbas rebuild and reform the Palestinian Authority's institutions. Urges all members of the international community, particularly all parties to the Roadmap, to take advantage of this historic opportunity by assisting the new Palestinian Government to implement the Roadmap, establish a democratic state, improve the lives of the Palestinian people. Calls upon Arab states to provide support to the Palestinian Authority, extend full recognition to Israel, and support an end to anti-Israel incitement and terrorism. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the security of Israel and the Roadmap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2005
Stabilization and Reconstruction Civilian Management Act of 2005 - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the development, as a core mission of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), of an expert civilian response capability to carry out stabilization and reconstruction activities in a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance and permit the export of goods and services to assist in stabilizing and reconstructing a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of State to establish an Office of International Stabilization and Reconstruction. Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a Response Readiness Corps, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife (up to 250 personnel to serve in the Corps, and such other personnel as the Secretary may designate from the Department of State and USAID); and (2) a Response Readiness Reserve of personnel to augment the Corps. Amend the Foreign Service Act to authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a stabilization and reconstruction curriculum for use in programs of the Foreign Service Institute, the National Defense University, and the United States Army War College. Sets forth related personnel provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2005
Recognizes that the people of Iraq elected a Transitional National Assembly and leaders of provincial and regional governments in an election that is a milestone in the democratic development of Iraq. Commends the people of Iraq on the election, and congratulates the new members of the Transitional National Assembly and the leaders of the provincial and regional governments. Urges the international community to help Iraq end the insurgency. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to help the people of Iraq build a free and united Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Military Retiree Survivor Benefit Equity Act of 2005 - Repeals the requirement that military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities be reduced by the amount of survivors' dependency and indemnity compensation being received by such individuals. Prohibits the: (1) payment of retroactive benefits; and (2) recoupment of military retired pay amounts previously refunded to SBP participants.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Family Opportunity Act of 2005 or Dylan Lee James Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct demonstration projects under which up to ten States are awarded grants, on a competitive basis, to test the effectiveness in improving or maintaining a child's functional level and cost-effectiveness of providing coverage of home and community-based alternatives to psychiatric resident treatment for children enrolled in the Medicaid program. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Ensuring College Access for All Americans Act - Prohibits the application of the annual updates (published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2004) to the allowance for State and other taxes in the tables used in the Federal Needs Analysis Methodology to determine a student's expected family contribution for the award year 2005-2006 under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to the extent such updates will reduce the amount of Federal student assistance for which the student is eligible.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Commends the people and Government of Ukraine for their commitment to democracy and for ensuring a free and fair runoff presidential election. Congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as President of Ukraine. Applauds the Ukrainian presidential candidates, the European Union and other European representatives, and the U.S. Government for the role they played in helping to resolve the crisis. Acknowledges the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine. Pledges assistance to the strengthening of Ukraine's democracy and a free market system, reaffirmation of its independence and territorial sovereignty, and its full integration into the international community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Clean Power Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations to achieve specified reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and mercury from certain electric generation facilities by January 1, 2010 (January 1, 2009, for mercury emissions); and (2) establish an emission allowance tracking and transfer system for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. Directs the Administrator to study the impact of emission allowance trading. Limits the trading of allowances with facilities other than electricity generating facilities to certain carbon dioxide emission control programs. Sets forth an allocation scheme for emission allowances. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish and annually review emission limitations for mercury; and (2) promulgate regulations preventing captured or recovered emissions from being re-released into the environment. Requires the Administrator to: (1) request information from owners/operators of coal-fired electric generation facilities about hazardous air pollutants other than mercury; and (2) propose and promulgate emission standards. Requires facilities to achieve specified emission standards should emission limitation regulations not be promulgated. Makes specified violations of this Act unlawful. Modifies reporting requirements for the acid precipitation research program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Commends the people and Government of Ukraine for their commitment to democracy and for ensuring a free and fair runoff presidential election. Congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as President of Ukraine. Applauds the Ukrainian presidential candidates, the European Union and other European representatives, and the U.S. Government for the role they played in helping to resolve the crisis. Acknowledges the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine. Pledges assistance to the strengthening of Ukraine's democracy and a free market system, reaffirmation of its independence and territorial sovereignty, and its full integration into the international community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
International Remittance Consumer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to require a remittance transfer provider to: (1) clearly and conspicuously make specified disclosures in writing and in a form that the consumer may keep to each consumer requesting a remittance transfer; and (2) make such disclosures in English and in the same languages principally used by the remittance transfer provider, or its agents at that office, if other than English. Prescribes error resolution guidelines and remedies governing remittance transfer errors. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to publish electronically on each business day the foreign currencies dollar exchange rate. Subjects a remittance transfer provider to liability for violations committed by its agents or subsidiaries. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to empower Federal Credit Unions to: (1) provide remittance transfers to persons in the field of membership; and (2) to cash checks and money orders for such persons for a fee. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to work with the Federal reserve banks to expand the use of the automated clearinghouse system for remittance transfers to foreign countries. Requires certain Federal banking agencies to provide guidelines to financial institutions regarding the offering of low-cost remittance transfers and no-cost or low-cost basic consumer accounts, as well as agency services to remittance transfer providers. Requires such agencies and the Secretary to assist the Financial Literacy and Education Commission in improving the financial literacy and education of consumers who send remittances.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Extends the U.S. Postal Service's authority to issue special postage stamps to help provide funding for breast cancer research through December 31, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Combat Meth Act of 2005 - Authorizes funds to provide training to State and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents for investigation and prosecution of methamphetamine offenses, including a set-aside for prosecutors and law enforcement agents for rural communities. Amends: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the public safety and community policing grant program to authorize the use of grant funds to hire personnel and purchase equipment to assist in enforcing and prosecuting methamphetamine offenses and in cleaning up methamphetamine-affected areas; (2) the Controlled Substances Act to add pseudoephedrine to schedule V; and (3) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants for the development of drug endangered children rapid response teams and grants to local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment for methamphetamine abuse. Directs the Attorney General to allocate funds for the hiring and training of special assistant U.S. attorneys. Authorizes the Attorney General, acting through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, to award grants to States to establish methamphetamine precursor monitoring programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the 30-patient limit for medical practitioners in group practices that may dispense specified narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Targeting Terrorists More Effectively Act of 2005 - Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) Army special operations forces increases; (2) increasing foreign language expertise in the United States for the purpose of improving national security; (3) preventing terrorist financing; (4) prohibiting transactions with countries that support terrorism; (5) preventing the growth of radical Islamic fundamentalism, and promoting democracy and development in the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia; (6) advancing U.S. interests through diplomacy; (7) the treatment of detainees, including establishment of a National Commission to Review Policy Regarding the Treatment of Detainees; (8) strategy for the U.S. relationship with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia; (9) non-proliferation programs, including Russian nuclear facilities and tactical nuclear weapons; (10) border protection, including border personnel increases; (11) seaport protection, including deployment of radiation detection portal equipment, tanker security, and acceleration of the Megaports Initiative; (12) first responders, including training for law enforcement personnel; and (13) prohibitions on war profiteering.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Howard S. Liebengood, former Sergeant at Arms of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Expresses: (1) sympathy for the victims and families of the earthquake and tsunami that struck communities throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Eastern Africa on December 26, 2004; and (2) gratitude and respect for the work of all aid and relief personnel, including U.S. military personnel. Supports President George W. Bush's pledge of $350,000,000 in direct financial assistance, and additional indirect assistance, through the dispatch of U.S. military assets and personnel and through substantial voluntary and annual contributions to international organizations and bodies. Commends the ongoing international relief effort. Recognizes that U.S. Government assistance will be greatly supplemented by private U.S. donations and volunteers. Supports the long-term U.S. commitment to provide financial aid and other assistance to the impacted region.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2004
Condemns the fraud in the November 21, 2004, runoff presidential election in Ukraine. Supports a peaceful political and legal settlement in Ukraine that is based on democratic principles and reflects the will of the people of Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2004
Condemns the fraud in the November 21, 2004, runoff presidential election in Ukraine. Objects to the separatist initiatives in Ukraine that are being used by one side to influence the outcome of the election dispute. Supports a peaceful political and legal settlement in Ukraine that is based on democratic principles and reflects the will of the people of Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2004
Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to authorize the Attorney General to allow any controlled substance that is in schedule I or II or that is a narcotic drug in schedule III or IV to be exported from the United States to a country (first country) for subsequent export to another country (second country) if: (1) both such countries are parties to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; (2) each of such countries has maintained an adequate system of substance import controls; (3) the substance is consigned to a holder of permits or licenses required under the first country's laws and a permit to import the substance has been issued; (4) substantial evidence that the substance is to be consigned to a permit holder as required under the second country's laws is furnished, a permit to import it is to be issued, the substance is to be applied exclusively to legitimate uses within that country, and it will not be re-exported; (5) within 30 days after export from the first country, the person who exported it from the United States certifies that re-export has occurred; and (6) the Attorney General has issued a permit to export the substance from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2004
Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2004 -Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention Act of 2004 or the ART Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the unauthorized, knowing use of a video camera or similar device to transmit or make a copy of a copyrighted audiovisual work from a performance in a movie theater. Establishes criminal penalties for willful copyright infringement by knowingly making a computer program, musical work, motion picture, or sound recording being prepared for commercial distribution available to the public on a computer network. Family Movie Act of 2004 - Exempts from copyright and trademark infringement, under certain circumstances: (1) making limited portions of the audio or video content of a motion picture for private home viewing imperceptible; or (2) the creation of technology that enables such editing. National Film Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to direct the Librarian of Congress to carry out preservation activities, including generating public awareness of the National Film Registry, updating the national film preservation program with technological advances, and utilizing the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center to ensure that Registry films are properly stored and disseminated in accordance with copyright law and any relevant agreements. Reauthorizes film preservation provisions. National Film Preservation Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Allows the Foundation's board of directors to determine the location of its principal office. Authorizes appropriations to the Library of Congress for the Foundation. Preservation of Orphan Works Act - Provides that the limitation on reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works does not apply to the authority of libraries or archives, during the last 20 years of copyright, to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform in facsimile or digital form a copy or phonorecord of published works for preservation, scholarship, or research under certain conditions. Anticounterfeiting Act of 2004 - Prohibits knowingly trafficking in: (1) a counterfeit label on a phonorecord, computer program, motion picture, or other audiovisual work; or (2) counterfeit documentation or packaging. Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act - Prohibits knowingly providing materially false contact information when registering a domain name. Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004 - Provides that patentability is not precluded on the basis of obviousness where subject matter which qualifies as prior art is developed by a person different from the person claiming the invention, under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Congratulates the people of Georgia on the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution, the peaceful and bloodless protests that followed parliamentary elections deemed to be fraudulent, and for their commitment to democracy, peace, stability, and economic opportunity. Commends President Mikheil Saakashvili for his vision of, and commitment to, a peaceful and democratic Georgia, the rule of law, an open market economy, regional cooperation, and closer integration into western institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
States that the Senate: (1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991; (2) recognizes that a precondition for the full integration of Ukraine into the Western community of nations, including as an equal member in institutions such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is its establishment of a democratic political system; (3) urges the Government of Ukraine to guarantee freedom of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to freely assemble, to organize and conduct public events, and to exercise these and other rights free from intimidation or harassment; (4) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratic elections; (5) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the full transparency of election procedures before, during, and after the 2004 presidential elections; (6) encourages the President to consider visa bans and other sanctions on persons responsible for efforts to improperly influence the election; and (7) pledges its support and assistance to the Ukrainian people's establishment of a free and open democratic system, creation of a free market economy, and their country's assumption of a full and equal membership in the Western community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2004
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the 30-patient limit for medical practitioners in group practices that may dispense specified narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) applauds the steadfast commitment of the people of Afghanistan to achieve government through democracy; (2) strongly supports self-government and the protection of human rights and freedom of conscience for all men and women in Afghanistan; and (3) remains committed to a long-term partnership with the people of Afghanistan and to a peaceful future for Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for: (1) home energy grants; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non-federal resources.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Declares that the United States: (1) applauds the steadfast commitment of the people of Afghanistan to achieve government through democracy; (2) strongly supports self-government and the protection of human rights and freedom of conscience for all men and women in Afghanistan; and (3) remains committed to a long-term partnership with the people of Afghanistan and to a peaceful future for Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Enhanced Second Chance Act of 2004: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention or Enhanced Second Chance Act of 2004 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize, rewrite, and expand provisions regarding adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, including by authorizing funds to: (1) provide structured post-release housing and transitional housing; (2) facilitate collaboration to promote the employment of people released from prison; and (3) establish or expand the use of reentry courts. Sets forth grant priorities and requirements, including that each State or local government recipient establish a Reentry Task Force or other relevant convening authority. Authorizes the Attorney General to make a grant to provide for the establishment of a National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Directs the Attorney General to establish an interagency task force on Federal programs and activities relating to offender reentry. Authorizes the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to conduct research on offender reentry. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the role of State child protective services at the time of arrest and to establish services for the preservation of families impacted by the incarceration of a family member; (2) the Secretary of Labor to implement a program to educate employers about existing incentives to the hiring of former prisoners; and (3) the Department of Justice to modify existing procedures and policies to improve the transition of Federal prisoners into their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Delaware National Coastal Special Resources Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resources study of the national significance, feasibility of long-term preservation, and public use of sites in the coastal region of Delaware. Requires such study to include an analysis and any recommendations of the Secretary concerning the suitability and feasibility of: (1) designating one or more of the sites along the Delaware coast as units of the National Park System that relate to the themes described in this Act; or (2) establishing a national heritage area that incorporates the sites along the Delaware coast that relate to such themes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in celebration of the recovery of the bald eagle, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the placement of the bald eagle on the endangered species list under such Act, to mint and issue not more than: (1) 100,000 $5 gold coins; (2) 500,000 $1 silver coins; and (3) 750,000 half dollar coins. Directs that the design of the coins be emblematic of the bald eagle and its history, natural biology, and national symbolism. Requires that sales of the coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin, $10 for the $1 coin, and $3 for the half dollar coin, which shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the American Eagle Foundation of Tennessee to: (1) establish an interest-bearing endowment called the American Eagle Fund as a permanent source of support for the care, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery of the bald eagle and its habitat in the United States; (2) make annual grants to Federal, State, and private eagle restoration, protection, and enhancement projects; (3) administer the Fund in an annual amount not to exceed the lesser of ten percent of the annual income of the Fund or $250,000; and (4) provide financial support for capital projects and for continuation and expansion of the Foundation's efforts to educate the American people about the bald eagle.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the 30-patient limit for medical practitioners in group practices that may dispense specified narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2004
Amends the Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003 (PROTECT Act) to eliminate the limit (18 months) on the duration of the Child Safety Pilot Program (provides for the processing of 100,000 10-fingerprint check requests from specified volunteer organizations through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Initiative 911 Act - Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to authorize the President to direct any department, agency, or other U.S. entity to furnish the Broadcasting Board of Governors with necessary assistance to provide international broadcasting activities with a surge capacity to support U.S. foreign policy objectives during a crisis abroad. Defines "surge capacity" as the financial and technical resources necessary to carry out broadcasting activities in a geographical area during a crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating impact on families.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Recognizes and supports all efforts to promote greater civic awareness among the people of the United States, including civic awareness programs such as candidate forums and voter registration drives. Encourages local communities and elected officials at all levels of government to promote greater awareness among the electorate of civic responsibility and the importance of participating in these elections.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Congratulates the citizens of Greece, the members of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the members, coaches, and officials of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, athletes from around the world, and the security personnel and volunteers who ensured that the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens was a great success for a job well done.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Second Chance Act of 2004: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention or Second Chance Act of 2004 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize, rewrite, and expand provisions regarding adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, including by authorizing funds to: (1) provide structured post-release housing and transitional housing; (2) facilitate specified collaboration to promote the employment of people released from prison; and (3) establish or expand the use of reentry courts. Sets forth grant priorities and requirements, including that each State or local government recipient establish a Reentry Task Force or other relevant convening authority. Authorizes the Attorney General to make a grant to provide for the establishment of a National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Directs the Attorney General to establish an interagency task force on Federal programs and activities relating to offender reentry. Authorizes the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to conduct research on offender reentry. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the role of State child protective services at the time of arrest and to establish services for the preservation of families impacted by the incarceration of a family member; and (2) the Secretary of Labor to implement a program to educate employers about existing incentives to the hiring of former prisoners and to make grants to community-based organizations to provide mentoring and other transitional services essential to reintegrating ex-offenders and incarcerated persons into society.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Amends the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 to authorize: (1) appropriations for concessional loan debt reduction for developing countries with tropical forests; (2) specified amounts for program audits and evaluations; and (3) principal and interest payments in local currency (under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954).
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 12, 2004, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week".
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 - Sets forth the sense of Congress regarding: (1) the Sudan Peace Act and its extension to the Darfur region of Sudan; and (2) actions to address the conflict in Sudan. Amends the Sudan Peace Act to authorize appropriations for assistance to address the humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Darfur region and its impact on eastern Chad. Authorizes additional FY 2005 appropriations for Sudan upon the conclusion of a North-South peace agreement if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Sudan has taken steps to stop attacking civilians, disarm militias, and allow humanitarian access to all areas of Sudan, including Darfur. Requires: (1) suspension of assistance and blocking of senior government officials' assets if such certification is not submitted within 120 days of enactment of this Act; and (2) continuation of existing restrictions until such certification.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Condemns the terrorist attack on September 1, 2004, at School No. 1, located in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russian Federation. Expresses condolences to the Russian people and in particular to those families who lost loved ones in the Beslan school tragedy. Commends the efforts of the Federal Government to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to the people of the Russian Federation.
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
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy. Permits any person authorized by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to: (1) arrest without warrant any person who violates this Act in the presence or view of the arresting person; (2) execute any warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction to enforce this Act; and (3) with a search warrant, search for and seize any animal taken in violation of this Act. Declares that any animal seized shall be held by the Secretary of the Interior or a U.S. marshal and, upon a defendant's conviction, be forfeited to the United States and disposed of by the Secretary. Permits the Director to use by agreement the personnel and services of any other Federal or State agency to enforce this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)