United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that no U.S. assistance should be provided directly to the Palestinian Authority if any representative political party holding a majority of parliamentary seats within the Palestinian Authority maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Expresses admiration for Mrs. Coretta Scott King's lifelong commitment to social justice and peace. Recognizes her role as a leading participant in the American civil rights movement and her support to democracy movements worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Tax Incentives Act of 2006 or the PACE-Finance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase the rate of such credit from 20 to 40%; (3) expand such credit to include expenses of a research consortia; and (4) allow a business tax credit for the cost of employee continuing education in science or engineering. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study and make recommendations on methods to expand the scope of the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) conduct an analysis of the U.S. tax system and its effect on innovation investment and related activities; and (3) report on such studies to the President and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act of 2006 or PACE-Energy Act - Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education with principal responsibility for administering mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department of Energy (DOE); and (2) establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund to carry out provisions under the Act relating to laboratory cooperative science centers and other authorized education activities and education partnerships. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a summer internship program for middle and secondary school students that shall provide them with internships at the national laboratories and promote experiential, hands-on learning in mathematics or science; (2) establish at each of the national laboratories a program to support a Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at one public secondary school located in the region of the national laboratory to provide assistance in accordance with this Act; (3) establish or expand summer institute programs at the national laboratories to provide additional training to strengthen the mathematics and science teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools in kindergarten through grade 12; (4) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by the national laboratories; and (5) award grants to outstanding eligible early-career researchers to support the work of such researchers in DOE. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority--Energy (ARPA-E). Requires the use of the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Energy Technologies established by this Act to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts supporting specified advanced energy research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Education and Research Act of 2006 - PACE-Education Act - Establishes programs to provide additional mathematics and science teachers in K-12 elementary and secondary education (teachers), including: (1) Department of Education (ED) grants to institutions of higher education (IHE's) for baccalaureate degree programs in mathematics, science, and engineering, with teacher certification, and for master's degree programs in mathematics and science education for teachers; (2) National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarships for recruiting and training new teachers, and fellowships for teachers; (3) ED grants to nonprofit entities to train additional teachers for Advanced Placement (AP), pre-AP, International Baccalaureate (IB), and pre-IB programs; (4) a National Clearinghouse on Mathematics and Science Teaching Materials; (5) Future American-Scientist Scholarships (ED); (6) Department of Energy graduate research fellowships in scientific areas of national need; and (7) NSF early-career research grants for scientists and engineers. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy Matters to: (1) coordinate science, mathematics, and engineering education programs; (2) establish a National Coordination Office for Advanced Research Instrumentation and Facilities; (3) establish guidelines for federal agencies to allocate funds for high-risk, high-payoff research; and (4) award a President's Innovation Award. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to award early-career research grants. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Department of Commerce to award grants for feasibility studies and plans for science parks, and for revolving loan funds to develop science park infrastructure. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) create a new visa category for doctorate students in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences; and (2) exempt from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants certain aliens who have received such advanced degrees and are working in a related field. Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to award early-career research grants. Expresses the sense of Senate on: (1) policies to accelerate deployment of access to broadband Internet; (2) the visa process for foreign students at U.S. IHE's and foreign researchers engaging in scientific research in the United States; (3) patent reform; and (4) exemption of certain uses of technology from treatment as exports.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006
Tax Code Termination Act - Terminates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for taxable years beginning after 2008, except provisions of such Code relating to social security taxation (i.e., taxes on wage, self-employment, and railroad retirement income). Establishes within the legislative branch a National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification. Directs the Commission to: (1) review the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its impact on the economy, families, and the workforce: (2) determine whether the current income tax system can be replaced by more a more efficient and fair system of taxation; and (3) submit a report to Congress on the results of its review with recommendations for fundamental reform and simplification of the Code. Requires congressional approval of a new federal tax system no later than July 4, 2008, or a vote of Congress to reauthorize the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation Act of 2005 - Amends federal criminal code provisions regarding child sexual exploitation to apply recordkeeping requirements applicable to visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct to pictures, digital images, and digitally- or computer-manipulated images of actual human beings. Prohibits any person to whom these provisions apply from refusing to permit the Attorney General to conduct an inspection of records at that person's business premises at a reasonable time. Establishes recordkeeping requirements for simulated sexual conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes) to: (1) exempt such loans from certain financial institution portfolio limits; (2) establish loan-to-value ratio and downpayment requirements; (3) provide that any such contract shall be conclusive evidence of an institution's insurance eligibility; (4) increase loan limits; (5) set forth borrower premium charges; and (6) direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish underwriting criteria that will ensure the manufactured housing program's financial soundness.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Honors the memory of, and identifies, 2398 members of the Armed Forces who died in service to the United States in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as of December 12, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns recent statements by President Ahmadinejad of Iran that denied the occurrence of the Holocaust and supported moving the State of Israel to Europe, and demands an official apology for these anti-Semitic statements that ignore history, human suffering, and the loss of life during the Holocaust. Supports efforts by the people of Iran to exercise self-determination over the form of their country's government. Reaffirms the need for Iran to: (1) end its support for international terrorism; and (2) join other Middle Eastern countries in seeking a successful outcome of the Middle East peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns recent statements by President Ahmadinejad of Iran that denied the occurrence of the Holocaust and supported moving the State of Israel to Europe, and demands an official apology for these anti-Semitic statements that ignore history, human suffering, and the loss of life during the Holocaust. Reaffirms the need for Iran to: (1) end its support for international terrorism; and (2) join other Middle Eastern countries in seeking a successful outcome of the Middle East peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
National Innovation Act of 2005 - 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 (NIST) to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Make permanent the research credit for qualified research expenses and provides for an alternative simplified credit for such expenses. Requires studies: (1) to explore methods for managing costs associated with catastrophic healthcare events and with chronic disease; and (2) for establishing lifelong learning accounts for educational or training purposes; and (3) of methods to mitigate new forms of risk for businesses that affect innovation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue regulations relating to private foundation support of innovations in economic development; and (2) establish an advisory group to examine best practices for valuation of intangibles. Makes it the goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate: (1) at least 3% of the total DOD budget to science and technology; and (2) of such amount, at least 20% to basic research. Extends and expands the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Scholarship Pilot Program. Expands the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship program. Requires DOD to: (1) award institution-based traineeships in areas of importance to DOD in mathematics, science, or engineering; and (2) undertake specified actions with respect to defense manufacturing research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable William Proxmire, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 15, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Proxmire.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Declares Charles Nyaga to have been lawfully admitted to, and remained in, the United States, and to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Agricultural Employment and Workforce Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan, including detailed strategies, timelines, and estimated costs, to establish operational control of U.S. borders and effectively enforce immigration laws within the United States; (2) develop a plan for using Department of Defense (DOD) equipment for surveillance of U.S. international land borders; and (3) increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection Officers. Authorizes the Secretary to construct additional land ports of entry to enhance U.S. border security. Authorizes state or local law enforcement officials to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to: (1) require the Secretary to accept custody of illegal aliens held by state or local law enforcement officials; (2) reimburse states and local governments for the costs of holding and transporting such aliens; and (3) make aliens who are members of criminal street gangs ineligible for admission to the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) hire additional personnel to investigate immigration status violations; (2) provide the National Crime Information Center with information on certain classes of illegal aliens; and (3) build or acquire additional alien detention facilities. Amends the INA to: (1) revise requirements for the H-2A visa (temporary agricultural workers); (2) establish a cross-border commuter worker program (H-2AA) to allow Canadian and Mexican workers to enter and exit the United States for work purposes each day; and (3) establish a blue card program for undocumented agricultural workers who have at least 1600 hours of agricultural employment in the United States in 2005 and have no criminal record. Allows such workers to work in the United States for two years.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Eugene J. McCarthy, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 12, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator McCarthy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Assistant United States Attorney Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2005 - Grants an assistant United States attorney the same civil service retirement benefits as a law enforcement officer, except as specified. Includes within the definition of "assistant United States attorney" any other attorney employed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) occupying a position designated by the Attorney General upon finding that the position: (1) involves routine employee responsibilities that are substantially similar to those of assistant U.S. attorneys; and (2) is critical to DOJ's successful accomplishment of an important mission. Sets forth provisions regarding the designation of attorneys as assistant U.S. attorneys. Requires DOJ to take measures reasonably designed to provide notice to incumbent assistant U.S. attorneys on their election rights and on the effects of making or not making a timely election. Allows an incumbent to elect, for all purposes, to be treated in accordance with this Act or to be treated as if this Act had never been enacted. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) time limits for making an election; (2) retroactive effects; and (3) individual contributions for prior service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Calls on the President to: (1) oppose any effort to transfer control of the Internet to the United Nations or any other international entity; and (2) advance the values of an open Internet in the broader trade and diplomatic conversations of the United States. Applauds the President for: (1) asserting that the United States has no present intention of relinquishing its historic leadership role in Internet governance; and (2) articulating a vision of the Internet that places privatization over politicization.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
POPS, LRTAP POPS, and PIC Implementation Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for the implementation of three international environmental agreements: (1) the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops Convention); (2) the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Pops Protocol); and (3) the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (PIC Convention).
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to promote, establish, and carry out programs for the participation of disabled veterans in approved sporting and other events.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Elder Justice) to establish: (1) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Elder Justice (OEJ); (2) within the Office of the Secretary the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to make recommendations to the Secretary and the Attorney General for the coordination of activities of HHS, the Department of Justice, and other relevant federal, state, local, and private agencies and entities, relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and other crimes against elders; and (3) the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Prescribes requirements for uniform collection, maintenance, and dissemination of national data relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including an Elder Justice Resource Center in OEJ. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award grants for: (1) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) five Centers of Excellence nationwide specializing in research, clinical practice, and training relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (3) six diverse communities to examine various types of elder shelters and test various models for establishing safe havens; (4) nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations to establish or continue volunteer programs focusing on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, or providing related services; and (5) various multidisciplinary elder justice activities. Provides for: (1) reporting to law enforcement of crimes occurring in federally-funded long-term care facilities; (2) revising the quality of long-term care; and (3) increasing consumer information about long-term care, including an HHS long-term care consumer clearinghouse. Amends: (1) the Older Americans Act of 1965 with respect to the long-term care ombudsman program; (2) part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to establish an adult protective services grant program; (3) SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to assure safety of residents when nursing facilities close; and (4) part E (Miscellaneous) to apply skilled nursing facility preventive abuse requirements to long-term care facilities and providers. Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Elder Justice. Authorizes the Attorney General to award: (1) victim advocacy grants; and (2) grants for specified support to local and state prosecutors handling elder justice-related cases. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
National Health Museum Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey specified property in the District of Columbia as a site for a national health museum, under an agreement with the National Health Museum, Inc., including certain terms and conditions. Sets forth related requirements regarding environmental matters, incidental costs, and land use approvals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Stolen Valor Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the prohibition against wearing, manufacturing, or selling military decorations or medals without legal authorization to prohibit purchasing, soliciting, mailing, shipping, importing, exporting, producing blank certificates of receipt for, advertising, trading, bartering, or exchanging such decorations or medals without authorization. Prohibits falsely representing oneself as having been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces or any of the service medals or badges. Increases penalties for violations if the offense involves a distinguished service cross, an Air Force Cross, a Navy Cross, a silver star, or a Purple Heart.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Veterans Day 2005 shall be commemorated with appropriate tributes to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Henry Giugni, former Sergeant-at-Arms of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on November 3, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Henry Giugni.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005
Specially Adapted Housing Grants Improvements Act of 2005 - Provides that if a veteran who is totally and permanently service-disabled (due to loss of, or loss of use of, one or more limbs or organs) resides, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of that veteran's family, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may assist such veteran in acquiring such residence adaptations as necessary due to such disability. Provides assistance limits. Prohibits any veteran from receiving more than three assistance grants.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's research activities on inflammatory bowel disease, with an emphasis on: (1) genetic research on susceptibility for inflammatory bowel disease; (2) research targeted to increase knowledge about the causes and complications of inflammatory bowel disease in children; (3) animal model research; (4) clinical research; (5) expansion of the Institute's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centers program with a focus on pediatric research; and (6) other research initiatives identified in specified documents. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare a National Inflammatory Bowel Disease Action Plan to: (1) address the burden of inflammatory bowel disease in both adult and pediatric populations; (2) address strategies for determining the prevalence of the disease in the United States and the unique demographic characteristics of the patient community; (3) focus on strategies for increasing awareness about the disease within the general public and the health care community; and (4) address mechanisms designed to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of complications.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2005
Directs: (1) the U.S. Trade Representative to certify to Congress by December 15, 2005, that Japan is no longer prohibiting the importation of U.S. beef; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury, if such certification is not made, to impose additional tariffs (which shall continue until the certification is submitted to Congress) on Japan by December 31, 2005; and (3) the Secretary of Agriculture to begin negotiations with Japan to end such beef import prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Expresses support for the goals of Red Ribbon Week (October 23-October 31). Encourages: (1) children and teens to live a drug-free life; and (2) the promotion of drug-free communities and participation in drug prevention activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005
Calls on the President to: (1) oppose any effort to transfer control of the Internet to the United Nations or any other international entity; and (2) advance the values of an open Internet in the broader trade and diplomatic conversations of the United States. Applauds the President for: (1) asserting that the United States has no present intention of relinquishing its historic leadership role in Internet governance; and (2) articulating a vision of the Internet that places privatization over politicization.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year depreciation recovery period for certain farming business machinery or equipment placed in service before January 1, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
SouthEast Crescent Authority Act of 2005 - Establishes a SouthEast Crescent Authority for all parts of the following southeastern states not eligible for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Directs the Authority to perform various functions, including: (1) formulating plans and programs to spur economic development, and approving grants to States and public and nonprofit entities toward that end; (2) establishing priorities in a development plan for the region; (3) supporting local development districts, and creating them where they do not exist; and (4) encouraging private investment in the region. Permits the Authority to request and receive Federal, State and local government personnel as employees. Stipulates that Authority grants for infrastructure development may be made only to State or local governments. Permits other Authority grants for job training, employment-related education, business development, assisting severely distressed and poor areas, or for other purposes in accordance with the Act. Allows the Authority to designate annually: (1) distressed counties; and (2) isolated areas of distress in nondistressed counties. Directs the Authority to garner public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of its plans and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Timber Tax Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction (available to taxpayers whether or not they itemize deductions) for up to 60% of gains from certain sales or exchanges of timber.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to reduce or disapprove appropriations in any bill, order, resolution, or vote, which is presented to the President. Declares that any legislation that the President approves and signs after such amendment shall become law as so modified. Requires the President to return those portions of the legislation that contain reduced or disapproved appropriations with objections to the chamber where such legislation originated. Allows Congress to consider separately any reduced or disapproved appropriations in the manner prescribed under the U.S. Constitution for bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend through FY2015: (1) authority for inspection, weighing, and supervisory fees, supervisory and administrative cost limitations, and the advisory committee; and (2) authorization of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005
Generate Retirement Ownership Through Long-Term Holding Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that no gain shall be recognized on the receipt of a capital gain dividend distributed by a regulated investment company if such dividend is automatically reinvested in additional shares of the company pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President, in order to coordinate efficiently and monitor spending, avoid duplication, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, shall appoint an individual to oversee all federal work and the obligation of all federally appropriated funds for the purpose of Hurricane Katrina recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Recognizes September 15-October 15, 2005, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of our Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Acknowledges Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's lifelong service to the United States. Commends his 33-year tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court and his many accomplishments as Chief Justice. Extends sympathy to his family and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Permits a Senator or employee of the Senate to: (1) solicit another Senator or employee of the Senate within Senate buildings for nonmonetary donations for the relief of victims of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) work with a nonprofit organization with respect to the delivery of such donations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the condolences of the Nation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina; (2) commends the resiliency and courage of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; and (3) commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of such states in the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Law-Enforcement Officers' Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit killing or attempting to kill a federally funded public safety officer (including a judicial officer). Establishes or increases penalties for: (1) assaulting such an officer, federal judge, and other federal official; (2) retaliating against such an officer, judge, or official by murdering or assaulting a family member; and (3) murder, manslaughter, and related crimes under federal jurisdiction. Dr. John B. Jamison Act - Amends the federal judicial code to deny a court, justice, or judge jurisdiction to consider any claim relating to the judgment or sentence in an application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody pursuant to a state court judgment for killing a public safety officer, unless specified conditions apply. Requires the court to ensure that, in a federal habeas corpus proceeding arising out of a state conviction, a crime victim is afforded specified rights. Limits to out of pocket expenditures and other monetary loss the damages that may be recovered (and prohibits the recovery of attorney fees) by an individual seeking redress for a deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities incurred in or resulting from felony or criminally violent conduct by such individual, including any deprivation in the course of his or her arrest, apprehension, investigation, prosecution, or adjudication. Redefines "qualified retired law enforcement officer" for purposes of a provision allowing such an officer to carry a concealed firearm by lowering from 15 to 10 years the amount of time such officer must have been regularly employed as a law enforcement officer. Increases penalties for: (1) injuring or influencing a judicial officer or juror; and (2) tampering with, or retaliating against, a witness, victim, or informant. Prohibits: (1) filing in any public record or private record which is generally available to the public a false lien or encumbrance against the property of a federally funded public safety officer or other federal officer or employee; and (2) knowingly making restricted personal information about a federal officer or employee, juror, witness, officer of any court, or officer serving at any proceeding before a U.S. magistrate judge publicly available with the intent that it be used to threaten or intimidate such official or to kidnap, injure, or threaten such official or an immediate family member.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend: (1) authority for inspection, weighing, and supervisory fees, supervisory and administrative cost limitations, and the advisory committee; and (2) authorization of appropriations. Authorizes with respect to export port locations of grain: (1) private entity performance of official inspection and weighing activities; and (2) use of more than one designated person or entity to perform such activities. (Makes certain geographic boundary provisions inapplicable to designated agencies at export port locations.)
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Commodity Exchange Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to authorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to bring anti-fraud actions in off-exchange principal-to-principal futures transactions. Increases specified civil and criminal penalties for violations of such Act. Specifies, with exclusions, that CFTC jurisdiction extends to any agreement, contract, or transaction in foreign currency, and any person engaged in such transaction, that is offered to, or entered into: (1) with a person who is not an eligible contract participant; (2) on a leveraged, margined, or similarly financed basis; and (3) for purposes other than commercial or personal use, except that personal use shall include only those agreements, contracts, or transactions in which a person takes immediate ownership and possession of foreign currency. Directs CFTC to maintain a liaison with the Department of Justice to coordinate civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions of CEA violations. Establishes a portfolio margining pilot program for security futures products. Requires CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to jointly promulgate a final rule to exclude from the definition of "narrow-based security index" indexes based on: (1) U.S. debt instruments; (2) other U.S. securities; (3) foreign equities; and (4) foreign debt instruments.