United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant jurisdiction to the U.S. Tax Court to review taxpayer petitions for equitable relief from joint and several tax liability (i.e., innocent spouse relief).
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (HoPE) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) extension of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision) under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; (3) the definition of low-volume hospital for purposes of the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment; (4) critical access hospitals; (5) extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas; (6) extension of the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services; (7) Medicare home health care planning; (8) rural health clinics; (9) use of medical conditions for coding ambulance services; (10) extension of increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services in rural areas; and (11) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 with respect to the extension of: (1) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals; and (2) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program; and (2) community health center collaborative access. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct pilot projects to provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize remote home monitoring and communications technologies; and (2) facilitate the provision of telehealth services across state lines.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it remains an important priority for further improvement in U.S.-Libya relations that the Libyan government make a good faith effort to resolve all outstanding claims of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya; (2) it is in the best interests of the long-term U.S.-Libya relationship that final payment be made to the families of the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 attack; and (3) the President should not accept the credentials of any Libyan government representative without the expressed understanding that such government will continue to work in good faith to resolve outstanding cases of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya, including the settlement of cases arising from the Pan Am Flight 103 and LaBelle Discotheque bombings.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006
Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to extend from three years to six years after enactment of that Act the maximum duration of any renewal under it of import restrictions on Burmese products. Approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Act. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain structures, parts, and components for use in an isotopic separation facility.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) 50 dollar gold coins; and (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other metals that are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Directs each federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has or continues to conduct space-related missions to make efforts to secure and retrieve from privately-held craft flown in space such gold, silver, copper, and other metals that the Director determines are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bonze duplicates of the $50 gold coins authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
United States Direct Investment Act of 2006 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce a United States Direct Investment Administration, headed by an Under Secretary of Commerce for United States Direct Investment. Requires the Under Secretary to collect, analyze, and report annually to the President and the appropriate congressional committees: (1) on specified data about direct investment in each state and region; and (2) an agenda based on such data and analysis. Requires the President to establish, and the Under Secretary to assume lead responsibility for, an Interagency United States Direct Investment Promotion Committee. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to designation of renewal communities) to authorize the Under Secretary to designate an additional 10 nominated areas as renewal communities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) certify in writing to Congress that any individual whose personal information is compromised due to lax data security at the VA has been appropriately notified in writing of such compromise; and (2) provide free of charge to each such individual credit monitoring services during the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment and a copy of the affected individual's credit report (in addition to any other credit report provided under otherwise applicable law) once annually during the two-year period beginning on the date on which the credit monitoring services terminate.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Declares that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Lloyd Bentsen, a former member of the United States Senate. Extends its warmest sympathies to his family members and friends. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 23, 2006, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bentsen.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to make members and former members of the Armed Forces who are age 50 or older eligible for the colorectal cancer screening tests described under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, without regard to whether such members are at high risk for such cancer or have previously exhibited any symptom of such cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit a state from providing for medical assistance through enrollment of an individual with benchmark coverage or benchmark-equivalent coverage unless it includes certain family planning services and supplies; (2 ) include women who are not pregnant but who meet certain income eligibility standards in a mandatory categorically needy group for family planning services purposes; and (3) allow a state Medicaid plan to provide for making medical assistance available to such individuals during a presumptive eligibility period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate to: (1) condemn the military junta in Burma for its campaign of terror against ethnic minorities; (2) call on the United States and other democracies to continue to work with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote democracy, human rights and justice in Burma; and (3) call on the United States to lead a U.N. Security Council effort to pass a binding, non-punitive resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other prisoners of conscience in Burma, condemning these atrocities, and supporting democracy, human rights and justice in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Border Health Security Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, or public health entities for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats or bioterrorism along the border area. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational public health infrastructure and health insurance efforts. Authorizes any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Clean Energy Development for a Growing Economy Act of 2006, or the Clean EDGE Act of 2006 - Instructs the President to develop measures to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum imports by reducing petroleum in end-uses. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or create specified alternative fuel, vehicle, and energy tax credits. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a low-interest loan program for farmer-owned retail delivery of alternative fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the President to promulgate rules to increase renewable fuel content of motor fuels and clean energy sources. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop Transit-Oriented Development Corridors. Declares that it is unlawful to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at a price exceeding certain standards. Amends the Clayton Act to declare unlawful for any person to refuse to engage in certain regular petroleum or natural gas marketing practices with the primary intention of increasing prices or creating a market shortage. Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2006 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to instruct the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to promulgate rules governing reporting and recordkeeping for positions involving energy commodities. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the United States Housing Act of 1937 regarding utility costs. Amends the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Agriculture, respectively, to make loans to small business concerns injured by significant increases in gas and heating oil prices. Prescribes specified measures to realize improved vehicle fuel economy. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to federal agency purchases of renewable energy products. Establishes the Clean Energy Security Collaborative. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to establish the National Motor Vehicle Efficiency Improvement Program. Amends the Global Environmental Protection Assistance Act of 1989 to direct the President to establish a Task Force on International Clean Energy Cooperation. Establishes the Interagency Center in the Office of International Energy Market Development of the Department of Energy. Provides for clean energy assistance to developing countries. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Office of Advanced Energy Research, Technology Development, and Deployment. Prescribes guidelines for a near-term vehicle technology program. H-Prize Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes biennially to advance hydrogen energy technologies. Expresses the sense of Congress that no tax should be imposed on hydrogen fuel before January 1, 2014. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to postsecondary educational institutions to train 10,000 individuals in green building and zero-energy home design and construction. Establishes the Clean Energy Investment Administration (CEIA). Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct Secretary of Energy to establish a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve. Establishes the Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate certain tax incentives for major integrated oil companies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain oil and gas royalty provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Medicare Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the annual, coordinated election period, without any late enrollment penalty, for an additional seven months until the end of calendar 2006 for enrollments in Medicare Advantage plans and in the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Permits a one-time change of plan enrollment for the Medicare prescription drug benefit during all of 2006 (currently, only during the first six months of 2006). Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award health insurance information, counseling, and assistance grants to states under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2006
Urges reconciliation among the people of Haiti, including a government led by President-elect Rene Preval that respects the rights of all political parties. Supports President-elect Preval's efforts to coordinate municipal and local elections in 2006. Thanks the countries that are contributing personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), particularly Brazil, whose President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that Brazilian peacekeepers will stay in Haiti for as long as the new government in Haiti needs them. Supports U.S. efforts to encourage Canada, Chile, and Argentina to maintain their commitments to MINUSTAH. Encourages U.N. Security Council members to support current MINUSTAH troop levels and to raise significantly the numbers of U.N. civilian police forces. Urges the international community to support MINUSTAH, fulfill pledges made at the July 2004 International Donors Conference, and plan for a new multi-year commitment of support at a new donor's conference to be held no later than July 2006. Recommends: (1) the creation of an effective demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program to encompass former military members and gangs; and (2) that the new government cooperate fully with MINUSTAH in assuring police and judiciary reform. Supports U.S. government assistance for Haiti's reconstruction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Department of Energy Contractor Employee Equitable Treatment Act of 2006 - Prohibits any funds from being expended to implement, administer, or enforce the guidance of the Department of Energy (DOE) relating to contractor employee pension and medical benefits policy. (DOE will no longer reimburse contractors for new employees' pension and medical costs under defined benefit plans, but will now reimburse only such costs under defined contribution, market-based plans that vary from the average cost of such market-based plans by no more than 5%.) Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) withdraw such guidance not later than one day after enactment of this Act; and (2) reinstate eligibility or reimbursement for benefits or reinstate reimbursement for benefits if the Secretary has acted on such guidance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Western Hemisphere Energy Security Act of 2006 - Authorizes U.S. persons to: (1) explore and extract hydrocarbon resources from any portion of the foreign exclusive economic zone that is contiguous to the U.S. exclusive economic zone; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for the exploration for or extraction of hydrocarbon resources. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to allow under a general license employees of oil and gas producers, distributors, and shippers to travel to, from, or within Cuba to explore for and extract hydrocarbon resources from such zone.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Health Partnership Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Innovation Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) provide states with reform options for state health care expansion and improvement programs; (2) establish minimum performance measures and goals with respect to coverage, quality, and cost of state programs; (3) review state applications and determine whether to submit a state proposal to Congress; and (4) submit to Congress a list of state applications that the Commission recommends for approval. Deems such proposals to be approved unless a joint resolution has been enacted disapproving such proposal. Sets forth rules for congressional consideration of such proposals. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide a grant to a state that has an application approved to enable such state to carry out an innovative state health program; (2) give priority to those state programs that the Commission determines have the greatest opportunity to succeed in providing expanded health insurance coverage and improving health access; and (3) link state allocations to the meeting of the goals and performance measures established under this Act. Prohibits states from: (1) failing to maintain the same level of expenditures for health care coverage; (2) changing eligibility criteria for state medical assistance programs; or (3) permitting the imposition of any preexisting condition exclusion for covered benefits, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
Medicare Part D Outreach and Enrollment Enhancement Act of 2006 - Authorizes and makes appropriations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for additional grants to state health insurance counseling and assistance (HICA) programs to conduct outreach and education related to enrollment in the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Makes appropriations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide funding to Area Agencies on Aging and Native American aging programs to conduct outreach and education related to the Medicare prescription drug program under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of SSA title XVIII. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to provide a special enrollment period for individuals who qualify for a low- income-related subsidy under the Medicare prescription drug program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Enhanced Energy Security Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy and other specified cabinet officials to promulgate regulations to implement a national oil savings plan. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth federal fleet conservation requirements to achieve reduced petroleum consumption. Provides assistance to states to: (1) retire fuel-inefficient motor vehicles; and (2) reduce school bus idling. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology; and (2) establish a research and development program for lightweight materials research and vehicle weight reduction. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) provide loan guarantees for fuel-efficient automobile manufacturers and suppliers; and (2) require that the federal government consume specified amounts of renewable energy. Establishes the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to: (1) deploy new technologies to reduce oil use in transportation, including fuel from cellulosic biomass; (2) competitively award financial incentives for the manufacture of high-efficiency consumer products; and (3) conduct a national media campaign to decrease oil and natural gas consumption. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) set forth a federal renewable portfolio standard; and (2) require state regulatory authorities to implement energy efficiency resource programs that include electric utilities and gas utilities. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize a federal agency to: (1) enter into a separate contract for energy services and conservation measures; and (2) provide the financing necessary to implement such contract. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make disaster relief loans to small business concerns for substantial economic injury incurred because of a significant increase in heating oil prices. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary to establish, within the Weatherization Assistance Program, a program to assist in the replacement of unsafe or highly inefficient heating and cooling units in low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Enhanced Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 the tax credits for: (1) producing electricity from certain renewable resources; (2) investment in clean renewable energy bonds; (3) new energy efficient homes; (4) nonbusiness energy property; (5) residential energy efficient property; (6) investment in qualified fuel cell and microturbine property and solar energy property; (7) alternative fuels; and (8) qualified electric vehicles. Extends through 2010 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building property. Allows accelerated three-year depreciation of qualified energy management and water submetering devices. Limits depreciation allowances for certain large passenger motor vehicles. Removes the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle tax credit. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced technology motor vehicles, fuel-efficient fleets of motor vehicles used in a trade or business, idling reduction devices, and combined heat and power system property. Terminates such credits after 2010. Increases from 30 to 50% the tax credit rate for investment in alternative vehicle refueling property (service stations for dispensing alternative motor vehicle fuels to retail consumers) and extends such credit through 2010. Requires certain integrated oil companies with gross receipts over $1 million and crude oil production levels over 500,000 barrels to revalue their LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products according to a specified formula. Denies such oil companies: (1) two-year amortization of their geological and geophysical expenditures; and (2) foreign tax credits for payments to foreign countries from which they receive a specified economic benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor or an MA-PD plan, and any related marketing materials, from displaying the name or brand of any pharmacy (co-branding). Prescribes criminal penalties for engaging in prohibited co-branding.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise requirements for: (1) the use of election examiners and observers; (2) declaratory judgment on the issue of voting qualifications or standards intended to diminish the ability of U.S. citizens to elect preferred candidates; and (3) award of attorney fees in enforcement proceedings to include expert fees and other reasonable costs of litigation. Extends bilingual election requirements through August 5, 2032. Revises the requirements for determining states and political subdivisions covered by them to require use of 2010 American Community Survey census data. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the prohibition against the use of tests or devices to deny the right to vote in any federal, state, or local election. Extends both the prohibition and the date for mandatory congressional reconsideration of it.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations) (or organizations demonstrating potential to become one), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, or a consortia of such entities to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students under age seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with such entities to operate Native American Language Survival Schools for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Permits the use of grant and contract funds to provide full or partial higher education scholarships and fellowships for the professional development of faculty and staff. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with eligible entities to establish at least four demonstration programs in geographically diverse locations to: (1) provide assistance to schools and nests; and (2) participate in a national study of the linguistic, cultural, and academic effects of schools and nests. Directs the Secretary to provide nests and schools with alternative methods of achieving national education standards with respect to Native American language education.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 20-year prison term for such offense. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization Imposes a 10-year prison term on any person who knows of or recklessly disregards the construction or use of an unauthorized tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2006 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prescribe reporting and recordkeeping requirements for positions involving energy commodities (a commodity or the derivatives of a commodity used primarily as a source of energy). Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to subject to the requirements of this Act a contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery in an energy commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2006 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirm that eligibility) under the programs to: (1) address the manufacture, sale, and use of methamphetamine; (2) aid children in homes in which methamphetamine or other drugs are unlawfully manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or used; and (3) address methamphetamine use by pregnant and parenting women offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed obligation to provide health benefits to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to their employees; (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage retirees, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for retirees and their dependents; and (3) any percentage increase in health care fees, deductibles, or copayments for retirees and their families, and for members of the Selected Reserve currently serving on active duty and their families, should not exceed the percentage increase in military retired pay or basic pay, respectively. Limits to the previous percentage increase in retired or basic pay the authorized annual fee increase under: (1) the DOD pharmacy benefits program; and (2) certain premiums and other charges under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program). Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) charging an enrollment fee under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure the existence and operation of a single updated searchable database website accessible by the public at no cost, that includes for each entity receiving federal funding: (1) the amount of federal funds received in each of the last 10 fiscal years; (2) an itemized breakdown of each transaction; (3) the entity's location and primary location of performance; and (4) a unique identifier for the entity and its parent entity.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to revise the definition of "food of minimal nutritional value," the sale of which in areas where school meals are sold or eaten is prohibited as a condition for federal funding of school lunch and breakfast programs. Applies such definition (and prohibition) to all food sold outside such programs anywhere on school campuses at any time of the day, with the possible limited exemption of food sold at school fundraisers. Requires the Secretary, when revising such definition, to consider the recommendations of authoritative scientific organizations and evidence concerning the relationship between diet and health.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Free Internet Filing Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enable individual taxpayers to file their income tax returns directly through the Internal Revenue Service website without the use of any intermediary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to display in the rotunda of the Capitol from May 29 to July 4, 2006, an exhibit to honor the memory of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the uniformed services whose retired pay in any taxable year is reduced due to an award of disability compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs an extension of the three-year limitation period for filing tax refund claims until one year after the date of a disability determination. Limits the period for which such refund claims may be filed to taxable years beginning less than 15 years before the date of a disability determination.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2006
Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2006
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community Act of 2006 - Establishes the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino Community in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require (currently, authorizes) the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination. Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy. Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) TB activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Urges reconciliation among the people of Haiti, including a government led by President-elect Rene Preval that respects the rights of all political parties. Supports the holding of the second round of parliamentary elections as soon as possible while stressing the importance of a free and open process. Expresses thanks to the countries that have contributed personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), particularly Brazil. Encourages MINUSTAH to maintain current troop levels and to raise the numbers of UNPOL police forces. Urges the international community to continue to support MINUSTAH, fulfill previous 2004 donor pledges, and plan for a new multi-year commitment of support. Recommends: (1) the creation of an effective demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program to encompass former military members and gangs; and (2) that the new government cooperate fully with MINUSTAH in assuring police and judiciary reform. Supports U.S. reconstruction assistance for Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2006
Designates August 16, 2006, as National Airborne Day (to recognize the airborne forces of the U.S. Armed Forces). Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on federal, state, and local administrators and the people of the United States to observe National Airborne Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006
Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees may not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers and may not be used to distribute any information not also transmitted to all subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether DARSS licensees should be permitted to provide locally oriented services on nationally distributed channels, taking into account, among other things, the ability of such licensees to afford listeners the same emergency and other information as is afforded listeners of local broadcast stations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, or any other appropriate licenced facility, including a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
National Innovation Act--Commerce Provisions - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Requires the Director of the NSF to conduct a study regarding how the federal government should support, through research, education, and training, the new discipline of service science.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires the Office to ensure that a range of health benefits plans are provided, including one that provides the same benefits as the government-wide plan available to federal employees. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) support a peaceful, two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in accordance with the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Roadmap), and oppose those organizations, individuals, and countries that support terrorism and violently reject such two-state solution; (2) promote democracy and the cessation of terrorism and incitement in institutions and territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA); and (3) urge members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas until it agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act to the PA only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined that: (1) no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by Hamas unless Hamas has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States, Israel, and the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Roadmap; and (2) the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-American and anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Provides for, and sets forth the conditions under which, the President may waive such limitations for national security reasons. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect (period) with respect to the PA: (1) assistance under this Act to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human needs, promotion of democracy, or for national security interests from such limitation); and (2) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA (with a national security waiver). Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. States that during any such period: (1) a visa should not be issued to any alien who is an official of, affiliated with, or serving as a PA representative, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization; (2) the President should restrict the travel of PA and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials and representatives, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization, who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City to a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building; and (3) the President should direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA (exempts assistance for basic human needs and promotion of democracy from such limitation). Prohibits funds for the State Department from being used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization (except in emergency or humanitarian situations) until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Honest Leadership and Accountability in Contracting Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose fines and penalties on war profiteering and fraud. Requires revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to provide that no prospective contractor shall be considered to have a satisfactory record of integrity and ethics if it has a pattern of either overcharging the government or failing to comply with the law. Provides for the disclosure to Congress of audit reports issued by executive agencies. Requires the Federal Procurement Data System to be modified to include publication of information on specified federal contractor penalties and violations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to prohibit awarding of certain monopoly federal contracts. Requires revision of the FAR to require competition for certain multiple award contracts. Denies protest rights for certain awards. Prohibits an agency from contracting for the performance of: (1) any inherently governmental function; or (2) acquisition functions closely associated with inherently governmental functions. Prescribes minimum requirements for political appointees holding public contracting and safety positions. Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2006 - Prohibits road construction and road reconstruction in inventoried roadless areas of the National Forest System. Specifies exceptions, including because: (1) there is threat of a catastrophic event; (2) a natural resource restoration action is necessary; or (3) a Federal-aid highway project is in the public interest or is consistent with the purposes for which the land was reserved or acquired. Prohibits timber from being cut, sold, or removed in an inventoried roadless area. Permits various exceptions, including for specified environmental reasons, if the responsible official determines that the cutting, sale, or removal of timber is expected to be infrequent. Declares that this Act does not: (1) revoke, suspend, or modify legal instruments and decisions concerning the use of NFS land made before January 12, 2001; (2) compel the amendment or revision of any land and resource management plan; or (3) apply to specified activities in the Tongass National Forest. States that the prohibitions and restrictions of this Act cannot be reconsidered, modified, or terminated under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.
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