United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Comprehensive Peace for Sudan Act - Authorizes the President to provide: (1) humanitarian assistance for Chad and Darfur; and (2) assistance to support a North-South peace agreement in Sudan, contingent upon a continuing certification to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Sudan is acting to demobilize the Janjaweed militia, protect civilians, and cooperate with aid workers and the African Union monitoring team. Directs the President to take specified sanctions against Sudan and its officials if Sudan has not taken actions necessary for such certification. Directs the Secretary of State to require the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to pursue a Security Council Resolution condemning Sudan for its actions in Darfur and calling for: (1) accountability for those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur; and (2) member states of the United Nations to freeze the assets of senior members of the Government of Sudan, cease importing Sudanese oil, restrict the entry or transit of senior members of the Government of Sudan, and cease selling arms to the Government of Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court should act expeditiously to resolve the current confusion and inconsistency in the Federal criminal justice system by promptly considering and ruling on the constitutionality of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
States that Congress reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and honors the victims of this heinous act and expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives. Underscores U.S. concern regarding the case's continuing delay. Urges the Government of Argentina to continue to provide the resources necessary for its judicial system and intelligence agencies to investigate all areas of the AMIA case. Calls upon the international community to cooperate with the AMIA investigation. Encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies to cooperate with the Government of Argentina to expand the investigation into this bombing and suspected terrorist support activities in the tri-border area of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Encourages the President to direct the U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in the AMIA investigation, and urge OAS member countries to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization. Stresses the need for international pressure on Iran and Syria to extradite for trial individuals and government officials accused of planning or perpetrating the AMIA attack. Expresses desire for a relationship between the United States and Argentina which is built in part on mutual abhorrence of terrorism and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004
Reducing Crime and Terrorism at America's Seaports Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) entry by false pretenses to a secure area of a seaport; (2) knowingly failing to obey an order to heave to by an authorized Federal officer; (3) forcibly interfering with an authorized law enforcement action or providing false information during a boarding; and (4) willfully disabling a passenger vehicle. Sets penalties for knowingly and intentionally: (1) placing in U.S. navigable waters a device or substance likely to destroy or damage a vessel or its cargo or likely to interfere with safe navigation or maritime commerce; (2) discharging or releasing into U.S. navigable water or onto an adjoining shoreline any substance that would endanger human life, health, or welfare or the marine environment; and (3) transporting aboard any vessel explosive, biological, chemical, or radioactive or nuclear material to be used to commit terrorism. Sets penalties for: (1) knowingly transporting aboard any vessel a terrorist or terror suspect; (2) willfully causing destruction of a vessel or maritime facility; and (3) imparting or conveying false information concerning an attempt made to commit certain criminal acts Expands the scope of a prohibition against theft of interstate or foreign shipments. Increases penalties for stowaways on vessels or aircraft. Prohibits bribery affecting port security. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase penalties for noncompliance with manifest requirements and to expand the scope of those requirements to cover any responsible party, including non-vessel operating common carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) at the 56th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission the United States should remain firmly opposed to commercial whaling, and take other specified related steps; and (2) the United States should make full use of all appropriate diplomatic mechanisms, relevant international laws and agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms to implement these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Calls for the President to designate the week of November 7-13, 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week to emphasize educational programs for elementary and secondary school students regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
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 · 24 June 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the members of the armed forces and their families have performed courageously and have earned the deep gratitude of the people of the United States; (2) success in Iraq is a global priority and therefore demands cooperation and financial assistance from all states and international organizations; (3) the international community should establish additional police training academies inside and outside of Iraq, contribute additional trainers to those academies, and dedicate experienced police to train Iraq police officers in the field; (4) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is uniquely qualified to meet Iraq's needs for security and stability; (5) NATO member states should contribute additional military and security forces toward such effort; (6) countries unable to contribute security personnel should contribute in other ways as requested by the Iraqi government; (7) countries holding debt incurred under the Saddam Hussein regime should meaningfully reduce such debt; (8) the United States is committed to a free and peaceful Iraq; and (9) it is appropriate to thank coalition partners and other countries that have helped promote security, stability, reconstruction, and democracy in Iraq.
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 · 18 June 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) intensify efforts to help Kosovo achieve the "Standards", as set out by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Kosovo and as further elaborated in the UNMIK (the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo), to bring about a stable, multiethnic, and democratic society in Kosovo; (2) further encourage Kosovo to become a factor for stability in the region by having good relations with its neighbors, and in particular, by engaging in dialogue with Belgrade; (3) encourage Belgrade to support the standards implementation process in Kosovo; (4) enhance efforts to provide support to KFOR (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-led international security force in Kosovo), and to call upon the PISG (Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo) to ensure the security and freedom of movement for all the people of Kosovo, and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons; (5) urge all people in Kosovo to reject ethnic violence; (6) promote steps to develop the Kosovo economy through strengthened cooperation with the South Central Europe region and Euro-Atlantic institutions; and (7) call upon the leaders of the PISG, and upon the leaders of all political parties and communities of Kosovo to enhance their cooperation with UNMIK, KFOR, and the international community.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004
Children's Hospitals Educational Equity and Research Act of 2004 or 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 costs associated with operating approved graduate medical resident training programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2004
Urges that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp be issued in honor of the centennial anniversary of Rotary International and its effort to eradicate polio; (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued; and (3) the Rotary Clubs of the United States be commended for 100 years of volunteer service.
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 · 12 May 2004
Recognizes the 30th anniversary of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program and reaffirms a commitment to support the use of science in governmental decision-making through such Program.
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 · 11 May 2004
States that Congress: (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; and (6) 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 · 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 · 5 May 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; and (6) 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 · 4 May 2004
Recognizes and honors May 17, 2004, as the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Encourages all people of the United States to recognize the importance of the decision. Acknowledges the need for the Nation to recommit to the goals and purposes of this landmark decision to finally realize the dream of equal educational opportunity for all children of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2004
Amends the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 to: (1) provide for the establishment of additional Boys and Girls Clubs of America; and (2) ensure that such facilities are in operation by January 1, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) applauds the Republic of South Africa for the remarkable transition to a democratic government and the tremendous progress achieved during ten years of majority rule; (2) looks forward to a continued partnership with South Africa focused on a sustained commitment to the health of South Africans; and (3) anticipates continued social development and economic growth in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
National Defense Energy Savings Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to: (1) enter into an energy savings performance contract in order to achieve energy savings and ancillary benefits; (2) incur obligations under the contract to finance energy conservation measures so long as guaranteed savings exceed the debt service requirements; and (3) implement a pilot program to enter into up to ten energy savings performance contracts for the purpose of achieving energy savings, secondary savings, and incidental benefits, in nonbuilding applications. Sets forth implementation guidelines, including contract terms and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
Urges Major League Baseball and its players to exercise their collective bargaining authority to negotiate and adopt a more stringent drug-testing policy that is sufficient to effectively deter Major League Baseball players from using anabolic steroids or other similar performance-enhancing substances to gain a competitive advantage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns the Government of the Republic of Sudan for its attacks, and for its failure to stop militia attacks, on innocent civilians in the Darfur region of Sudan, and demands that the Government of the Republic of Sudan take actions to cease such attacks; (2) calls on the international community to condemn such attacks and demand their cessation; (3) urges Sudan to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Darfur; and (4) urges the President to direct the United States Representative to the United Nations to seek an official investigation into whether Sudan has committed crimes against humanity in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2004
Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should continue to support efforts to combat anti-Semitism worldwide through bilateral relationships and interaction with international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); and (2) the Department of State should thoroughly document acts of anti-Semitism that occur around the world. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually on acts of anti-Semitism around the world, including a description of: (1) acts of physical violence against, or harassment of, Jewish people, and acts of violence against, or vandalism of, Jewish community institutions; and (2) governmental responses to such actions, including enactment and enforcement of laws protecting the right to religious freedom of Jewish people, and efforts to promote anti-bias and tolerance education.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2004
States that the Senate: (1) solemnly observes the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide of 1994; (2) recognizes and is saddened by the failure of the international community, including the United States, to prevent the genocide; (3) reaffirms its commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; (4) supports ongoing efforts to educate the people of the United States and of the world about the Rwandan genocide; (5) commits to continuing efforts to strengthen institutions working to bring to justice those responsible for the genocide; and (6) urges the President and the international community to seize on the occasion of this anniversary to focus attention on the future of Rwanda.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Rail Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security to complete a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation for identification of: (1) critical assets and infrastructures and threats to such assets and infrastructures; (2) vulnerabilities that are specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via railroad; and (3) security weaknesses in passenger and cargo security, transportation infrastructure, protection systems, procedural policies, communications systems, employee training, emergency response planning, and any other area identified by the assessment. Requires the Under Secretary based on the assessment to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review existing Department of Transportation (DOT) rail regulations to identify areas in which those regulations need to be revised to improve rail security. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the rail passenger transportation security programs in Japan, member nations of the European Union (EU), and other foreign countries in order to identify effective rail transportation security measures in use in those foreign rail transportation systems, including innovative measures and screening procedures determined effective. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) analyze the cost and feasibility of requiring security screening for passengers, baggage, and mail on passenger trains; and (2) conduct a pilot program of random security screening of passengers and baggage at a specified number of passenger rail stations served by Amtrak. Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Amends Federal transportation law to direct Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Authorizes the Under Secretary to make grants for certain system-wide Amtrak security upgrades and freight and hazardous materials transportation and passenger rail security upgrades. Establishes a research and development (R&D) program to improve freight and intercity passenger rail security. Directs the Federal Railroad Administration to set forth certain standards for welded rail and tank car safety improvements. Requires the Under Secretary to report to specified congressional committees: (1) an assessment of the current system for preclearance and screening of rail and airline passengers and baggage, as well as freight railroad traffic, between the United States and Canada; and (2) information on progress toward finalizing a protocal with Canada on preclearance of rail passengers between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Directs the President to establish separate campaign medals to recognize service by members of the armed forces in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan and an insurer offering group health coverage to provide screening for colorectal cancer to individuals who are age 50 or over or at high risk for colorectal cancer. Specifies the type of screening and the frequency of screening required. Allows State laws providing greater protection than that provided by this Act. Applies the same requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market. Requires the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate their rules, regulations and enforcement policies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
States that the Senate: (1) urges all people in Kosovo to immediately stop the violence, end the destruction of homes, churches, and other cultural and religious sites, and cooperate with North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Kosovo Force (KFOR), the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), and the Kosovo Police in identifying for prosecution the perpetrators of violence and property destruction; (2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of those who have been killed in the recent violence; (3) condemns the destruction of personal and religious property in Kosovo; (4) urges political leaders to take action to allow the more than 4,000 Kosovo Serbs and other minorities displaced during the violence to return to their communities; (5) encourages all political leaders in Kosovo to renounce the use of violence, and to proceed with efforts to establish a peaceful, multiethnic society; (6) recommends that the United Nations review the structure of UNMIK; and (7) urges reinvigoration of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue toward establishment of an environment guaranteeing freedom of movement and human rights in Kosovo.
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 · 26 March 2004
Anticounterfeiting Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit trafficking in an "illicit authentication feature." Defines that term to mean an authentication feature that: (1) without the authorization of the respective copyright owner, has been tampered with or altered so as to facilitate the reproduction or distribution of a phono-record, a copy of a computer program, a copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or documentation or packaging, in violation of the rights of the copyright owner; (2) is genuine, but has been distributed, or is intended for distribution, without the authorization of the respective copyright owner; or (3) appears to be genuine but is not. Authorizes a copyright owner who is injured by a violation of this Act or is threatened with injury to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court. Sets forth remedies for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
Anticounterfeiting Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit trafficking in an "illicit authentication feature." Defines that term to mean an authentication feature that: (1) without the authorization of the respective copyright owner, has been tampered with or altered so as to facilitate the reproduction or distribution of a phono-record, a copy of a computer program, a copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or documentation or packaging, in violation of the rights of the copyright owner; (2) is genuine, but has been distributed, or is intended for distribution, without the authorization of the respective copyright owner; or (3) appears to be genuine but is not. Authorizes a copyright owner who is injured by a violation of this Act or is threatened with injury to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court. Sets forth remedies for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2004
Rail Transportation Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess the security risks associated with freight and intercity passenger rail transportation and develop prioritized recommendations for: (1) improving the security of rail infrastructure and other areas identified as posing significant rail-related risks to public safety and the movement of interstate commerce; (2) deploying chemical and biological weapon detection equipment; (3) training employees in terrorism response activities; and (4) identifying immediate and long-term economic impact of measures that may be required to address those risks. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review existing Department of Transportation (DOT) rail regulations to identify areas in which those regulations need to be revised to improve rail safety and security. Directs the Comptroller General to carry out a study of the rail passenger transportation security programs in Japan, member nations of the European Union, and other foreign countries in order to identify effective rail transportation security measures in use in those foreign rail transportation systems, including innovative measures and screening procedures determined effective. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study the cost and feasibility of requiring security screening for all passengers, baggage, mail, express, and other cargo on Amtrak trains; and (2) conduct a pilot program of random security screening of passengers and baggage at a specified number of the busiest passenger rail stations served by Amtrak. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 for Amtrak for certain life safety and infrastructure upgrades at specified tunnels.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 - Amends the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 to modify the definition of "anabolic steroid" to include tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), androstenedione, and specified related chemicals. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to exempt from regulation any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any anabolic steroid, that is intended for administration to a human being or an animal, and that does not present any significant potential for abuse because of its concentration, preparation, formulation, or delivery system. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines with respect to offenses involving anabolic steroids and consider amending such guidelines to provide for increased penalties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) award grants to enable public and nonprofit private entities to carry out science-based education programs in elementary and secondary schools to highlight the harmful effects of anabolic steroids; and (2) ensure that the National Survey on Drug Use and Health includes questions concerning the use of anabolic steroids.
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 · 10 March 2004
Domestic Violence Connections Campaign Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to award: (1) a grant to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for technology and telecommunication training and assistance for those affiliated with the Hotline in using improved equipment made available through the Connections Campaign; (2) a grant to a university or other research institution to study the Hotline; and (3) a grant to an experienced organization to conduct a campaign to raise public awareness of domestic violence issues and the Hotline.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal in commemoration of the Reverend Oliver L. Brown (the lead plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education) in recognition of his and his fellow plaintiffs' enduring contributions to civil rights and American society.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Commemorates and honors the late Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski (who was killed with eight others in a February 2004 plane crash) by: (1) offering condolences to the people of Macedonia, the family of President Trajkovski, and the families of the other crash victims; (2) recognizing the courageous leadership and significant role that President Trajkovski played in efforts to promote peace, stability, and reform, including his work to secure the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement; and (3) encouraging the Macedonian government to continue efforts to implement the Ohrid Peace Agreement and to move forward with reforms necessary to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Designates March 8, 2004 as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to: (1) ending discrimination and violence against women; (2) ensuring the safety and welfare of women; and (3) pursuing policies that guarantee the basic rights of women. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe International Women's Day with appropriate programs and activities.
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 · 25 February 2004
Stabilization and Reconstruction Civilian Management Act of 2004 - 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 within the Department of State an Office of International Stabilization and Reconstruction. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the USAID, to establish a Response Readiness Corps 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) the Secretary to establish a Response Readiness Reserve of Federal and non-Federal personnel to augment the Corps. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)