Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]

SAMDT 561

United States · United States Congress

To fulfill the U.S. commitment to provide health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

United States · United States Congress

SAMDT 363

United States · United States Congress

To provide emergency disaster assistance to agricultural producers.

United States · United States Congress

A resolution relative to the death of J. Stanley Kimmitt, Former Secretary of the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2004

Expressses the condolences of the Senate upon the death of the Honorable J. Stanley Kimmitt, former Secretary of the Senate.

A bill to amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to reauthorize the Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for: (1) home energy grants; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non-federal resources.

Emergency Flu Response Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Emergency Flu Response Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to immediately declare the shortage of the influenza vaccine to be a public health emergency justifying an authorization of the use of unapproved products. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consult with certain foreign countries to assess the availability of excess vaccines; (2) determine whether such vaccines meet the criteria for emergency authorization; (3) purchase, import, and distribute such vaccines; (4) award a grant to each State to develop and implement a plan to respond to the current shortage; and (5) establish a program to purchase and redistribute excess doses for administration to individuals in priority areas. Requires the head of each executive agency and the Attending Physician of the Capitol to ensure that vaccines are administered only to employees in priority groups and to provide the Secretary with any excess doses for redistribution. Allows the Secretary to purchase any approved drug to treat influenza for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct clinical trials to determine whether a diluted influenza vaccine is effective in priority groups. Establishes the National Quarantine Compensation Program to pay individuals subject to a State or Federal quarantine order an amount equal to lost wages. Prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against such individuals. Allows the Secretary, upon determining that measures taken under this Act have not been effective, to: (1) take additional measures necessary to protect the public health; and (2) require manufacturers or anyone in possession of the vaccine to sell their supply to the Federal Government.

Child Protection and Home Safety Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Child Protection and Home Safety Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for up to 25 percent of the cost of a qualified residential gun safe. Defines "qualified residential gun safe" as a container not intended for the display of firearms which is specifically designed to store or safeguard firearms from unauthorized access and which meets established performance standards. Limits the amount of such credit to $250.

A bill to grant a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Grants a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated (a nonprofit corporation organized in the United States).

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that combat pay be treated as earned income for purposes of the earned income credit.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow combat zone compensation (otherwise excludable from gross income) to be treated as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide funding for Indian tribal prison facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for investment in Indian tribal prison facility bonds. Requires that 95 percent of the proceeds of such bonds be used for the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, expansion, or operating expenses of Indian tribal prison facilities and that the term of such bonds not exceed ten years. Establishes a national limitation for Indian tribal prison facility bonds in 2005 through 2007, with no limitation after 2007. Allows a carryover of unused bond limitation amounts to succeeding calendar years. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate bond amounts to Indian tribes based upon specified criteria, including overcrowding, the condition of existing facilities, the health and safety of both inmates and prison employees, and other financial resources available to an Indian tribe.

A resolution to authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Daniel Bayly, et. al.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Authorizes: (1) Claire Barnard, a former employee of, and Edna Falk Curtin, a former detailee to, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation to testify in the case of United States v. Daniel Bayly, et al., except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent them in connection with such testimony.

Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2005 through 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2005 through 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2007 to carry out the activities of the Department of Justice. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to: (1) merge the Byrne grant program and the local law enforcement block grant program into an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; and (2) establish within the Office of Justice Programs an Office of Weed and Seed Strategies to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, criminal drug-related activity, and gang activity. Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to authorize grants for nonprofit neighborhood and community-based victim service organizations and coalitions to improve outreach and services to crime victims. Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2004 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to expand its scope to cover acts or threats involving burglary, embezzlement, and fraud in the purchase of securities. Prevention and Recovery of Missing Children Act of 2004 - Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require each State reporting on missing children to ensure that no law enforcement agency within the State establishes or maintains a policy that requires the removal of an entry from its State law enforcement system or the National Crime Information Center computer network based solely on the person's age and provide that any relevant information shall be entered within two hours of receipt. Revises the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to require the responsible official to obtain from a sex offender who is required to register: (1) information regarding the offender's anticipated future residence, employer's name and address, license plate number and vehicle, and student enrollment; and (2) fingerprints and a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sample, unless they were obtained within the previous three months. Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2004 - Amends the Safe Streets Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act or PACT Act - Amends the Jenkins Act to prohibit any person or other legal entity from selling, transferring, or shipping cigarettes into a State that taxes the sale or use of cigarettes (or from advertising or offering cigarettes for such a sale or transfer and shipment) without filing specified information with the tobacco tax administrator of such State within a specified time frame. Grants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives authority to conduct certain undercover investigative operations and to inspect records and cigarettes of cigarette sellers who ship, sell, distribute, or receive any quantity in excess of 10,000 cigarettes within a single month. Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement of 2004 or CREATE Act - Amends patent and trademark law to deem subject matter developed by another person and a claimed invention to have been owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person, for purposes of provisions that treat inventions of a common owner similarly to inventions made by a single person, if: (1) the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made; (2) the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the agreement; and (3) the application for patent for the claimed invention discloses, or is amended to disclose, the names of the parties to the agreement. Protecting Intellectual Rights Against Theft and Expropriation Act of 2004 - Amends copyright law to authorize the Attorney General to: (1) commence a civil action against any person who engages in conduct constituting copyright infringement; (2) collect damages and profits resulting from such infringement; and (3) collect statutory damages. Koby Mandell Act of 2004 - Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism. Seniors Safety Act of 2004 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish procedures regarding telemarketing fraud. Federal Prosecutors Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2004 - Includes Federal prosecutors within the definition of "law enforcement officer" (thus making them eligible for certain benefits). Anti-Atrocity Alien Deportation Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide for the inadmissibility and removability of aliens who have committed or otherwise participated in acts of torture or extrajudicial killings abroad. Parental Responsibility Obligations Met through Immigration System Enforcement Act or PROMISE Act - Amends the INA to make an alien excludable from U.S. admission for nonpayment of child support, with an exception. Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act - Authorizes the President to present to the personal representative or next of kin of each individual who died on or after September 11, 2001, as a direct result of the act of terrorism within the United States on that date, a Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Medal. National Film Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to reauthorize appropriations to the Library of Congress for the National Film Preservation Board. National Film Preservation Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends specified Federal law to reauthorize appropriations to the Library of Congress for the National Film Preservation Foundation. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2003 (sic) or DREAM Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on State residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such State residence. Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Database Act of 2004 or Dru's Law - Directs the Attorney General to establish a national sex offender registry that: (1) makes publicly available, via the Internet, information about sexually violent predators and persons convicted of a sexually violent offense or a criminal offense against a minor; and (2) allows users to determine which registered sex offenders are currently residing within a specified area.

Commodity Assessment, Protection, and Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Commodity Assessment, Protection, and Reform Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to collect commodity assessments from the proceeds of a marketing assistance loan made in accordance with an agreement between the Secretary and a State. Defines "assessment " as funds that are: (1) collected with respect to a specific commodity; (2) paid by the first purchaser of the commodity; and (3) not collected through a tax or other revenue collection activity of a State.

A resolution to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in United States v. Roberto Martin.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Authorizes: (1) employees of Senator Graham's office from whom testimony or production of documents may be required to testify and produce documents in the case of United States v. Roberto Martin, except concerning matters for which a privilege may be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senator Graham's staff in such case.

A resolution congratulating and commending the Veterans of foreign Wars of the United States and its national Commander-in-Chief, John Furgess of Tennessee.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Recognizes the historic significance of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). Congratulates the VFW on achieving that milestone. Commends the approximately 2,000,000 veterans who belong to the VFW and thanks them for their service to their fellow veterans and the United States. Recognizes the VFW's national Commander-in-Chief, John Furgess, for his service and dedication to the veterans of the United States.

A bill to amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish certain conditions under which a Farm Credit System institution can terminate its status as a System institution.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 with respect to the termination of a Farm Credit System institution's participant status to require the Farm Credit Administration to: (1) hold public hearings in the affected States; and (2) not approve or disapprove the termination plan until at least 180 days after its submission.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating impact on families.

A resolution recognizing and supporting all efforts to promote greater civic awareness among the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Recognizes and supports all efforts to promote greater civic awareness among the people of the United States, including civic awareness programs such as candidate forums and voter registration drives. Encourages local communities and elected officials at all levels of government to promote greater awareness among the electorate of civic responsibility and the importance of participating in these elections.

Governmental Pension Plan Equalization Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Governmental Pension Plan Equalization Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to specify that rules for governmental plans also apply to plans established for their employees by Indian tribal governments or their subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, or entities which they wholly-own or control.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should reject Social Security privatization proposals, including those that require deep cuts in Social Security benefits, such as the proposals of President Bush's Social Security Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should reject Social Security privatization proposals, including those that require deep cuts in the Social Security benefits, such as the proposals of President Bush's Social Security Commission.

A resolution congratulating the citizens of Greece, the members of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the International Olympic Committee, the United States Olympic Committee, the 2004 United States Olympic Team, athletes from around the world, and all the personnel who participated in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Congratulates the citizens of Greece, the members of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the members, coaches, and officials of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, athletes from around the world, and the security personnel and volunteers who ensured that the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens was a great success for a job well done.

A concurrent resolution calling for the suspension of Sudan's membership on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

States that Congress, among other things: (1) recognizes and approves of the findings of the Secretary of State that genocide has occurred and may still be occurring in Darfur, Sudan, and that the Government of Sudan bears responsibility for such acts; (2) supports the Secretary of State's call for a full investigation by the United Nations into all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law that have occurred in Darfur; and (3) calls upon the Secretary of State and the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to pursue the immediate suspension of Sudan from the UN Commission on Human Rights.

A resolution honoring former President William Jefferson Clinton on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Honors former President William Jefferson Clinton on the occasion of his 58th birthday on August 19, 2004, and extends best wishes to him and his family.

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to limit the length of assignment of reservists during U.S. Central Command deployments of not less than one year. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on Department of Defense policies and communications regarding the length of deployments for reservists in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Directs the Secretary of the Army to designate a senior level official of the Department of the Army to implement recommendations for executive action to address military pay problems. Expands reenlistment bonus eligibility and the amount of such bonuses for members of the Selected Reserve. Removes conditions on Ready Reserve members' eligibility for TRICARE enrollment. Makes such eligibility permanent. Requires the Secretary concerned to pay applicable premiums to continue qualified health benefit plan coverage for family members of eligible reservists serving on active duty for the benefits coverage continuation period. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to fund child care for members of the Armed Forces on active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Requires employers to provide notice of rights and benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Office of Special Counsel to carry out a demonstration project under which certain USERRA claims against Federal agencies are referred to the Office of Special Counsel. Increases monthly educational assistance benefits for members of the Selected Reserve. Expands eligibility for such benefits to include reservists who have served on active duty for a cumulative period of 24 months during any five-year period. Reduces from 60 to 55 the age at which members of Reserve components may receive military retirement pay. Establishes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (Reserve Affairs). Eliminates the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Reduces the number of Assistant Secretaries of Defense.

A resolution expressing outrage at the recent terrorist atrocities in Beslan, Russian Federation, and condolences to the victims of the families.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Condemns the terrorist attack on September 1, 2004, at School No. 1, located in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russian Federation. Expresses condolences to the Russian people and in particular to those families who lost loved ones in the Beslan school tragedy. Commends the efforts of the Federal Government to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to the people of the Russian Federation.

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

Indian Tribal Detention Facility Reform Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Indian Tribal Detention Facility Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act with respect to the operation of tribal detention systems in American Indian communities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish within the Division of Law Enforcement Services a separate Branch of Detention Services. Requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to develop and implement protocols for reporting on serious incidents, particularly escapes, to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Requires the Division of Law Enforcement Services to conduct a preliminary inquiry of any serious incident to determine whether a full investigation is warranted. Directs the BIA to complete an assessment of the physical conditions and needs of all detention facilities.

Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the extended availability through FY 2004 of SCHIP allotments for FY 1998 through 2001. Specifies formulae for amounts to be used in computing redistributions for FY 2003, 2003, and 2004. Provides for reallocation of 70 percent of the expiring FY 1998, 1999, and 2000 funds to States that have fully expended their annual allotments. Extends the availability of the remaining 30 percent of such expiring funds with the States that currently have them. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2002 SCHIP allotments to remain available through FY 2006. Permits 50 percent of the total amount of a State's unexpended FY 2003 and 2004 SCHIP allotments to remain available through the end of FY 2007. Requires redistribution of the other 50 percent of such funds to States that have fully spent their allotments during the three-year period they were available. Requires a second redistribution according to the same 70-30 formula of any retained or redistributed funds still unexpended at the end of the two-year extention or redistribution. Provides for continued authority for qualifying States to use certain funds for Medicaid expenditures.

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a research agenda for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and facilitate surveillance and prevention of such disorders. Requires the Secretary to award grants for individuals with FASD, including to: (1) establish programs of surveillance, prevention, and treatment for such individuals; (2) identify best practices for educating affected children, educating officials in the criminal justice system on coping with such individuals, and educating adoption or foster care agency officials about services for children with FASD; and (3) provide for transitional services for such individuals and for respite care for their caretakers. Requires the Secretary to issue public service announcements to raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Requires the National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to identify and describe the ten most important actions that must be taken to reduce prenatal alcohol exposure and all its adverse outcomes. Requires the Secretary of Education to direct the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to take certain actions with regard to individuals with FASD, including implementing screening procedures and introducing curricula on how to educate children with such disorders. Requires the Attorney General to direct the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to take certain actions with regard to individuals with FASD, including educating officials on how to treat such individuals, studying the inadequacies of the current system for dealing with such individuals, and developing transition programs for such individuals who are released from incarceration.

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25 percent of any Social Security cost of living increase.

A bill to provide that imported ethanol shall not count toward satisfaction of any renewable fuel standard that may be enacted.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

States that ethanol that is imported or derived from imported matter shall not count toward satisfaction of any renewable fuel standard that may be enacted following enactment of this Act.

A bill to establish a National Commission on American Indian Trust Holdings.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Establishes the National Commission on American Indian Trust Holdings to fully examine: (1) the allegations made in the letter dated April 5, 2004, from Special Master Alan L. Balaran to the Honorable Royce C. Lamberth; (2) whether grazing, leasing, and other trust asset interests have been managed equitably and in a manner consistent with Federal trust law (including regulations); and (3) such other alleged breaches of the fiduciary responsibility owed by the United States to Indian tribes and individual Indians that come to the Commission's attention. Requires the Commission to: (1) build on the investigations of other entities, and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of earlier studies of the management by the Department of Interior of Indian trust assets and trust funds; and (2) report to the President and Congress its findings and recommendations for corrective measures that can be taken to recoup any losses suffered by Indian tribes or individual Indians as a result of breaches of fiduciary duty by the Department or to prevent any breaches of fiduciary duty in the future.

Dental Health Provider Shortage Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Dental Health Provider Shortage Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to: (1) health centers to increase the number of dental providers and to increase dental health care capabilities by constructing or renovating building space; and (2) eligible individuals in dental health professional shortage areas to increase dental health care capabilities by constructing or renovating building space in exchange for an agreement to practice for five years in such an area and to provide care for certain patients receiving assistance or unable to pay. Allows the Secretary to award grants to health centers to establish accredited dental residency training programs. Requires the Secretary to award grants to: (1) simplify and automate the procedures applicable to Medicaid providers to encourage providers to participate in the dental component of the program; and (2) develop, disseminate, and assist with the implementation of a model contract for States to use to enroll dentists as Medicaid providers. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to carry out a program to repay any outstanding student loans of full-time faculty members of a school of dentistry or an accredited dental education program. Allows the Director of the Indian Health Service to authorize a retention bonus for an eligible dental officer of the Indian Health Service. Sets forth provisions regarding dentists and dental hygienists in the National Health Service Corps.

Heartland Investment and Rural Employment (HIRE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Heartland Investment and Rural Employment (HIRE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to agricultural cooperatives (Subchapter T), including concerning marketing rules, declaratory judgment relief, treatment of dividends on cooperative stock, and apportionment of credits among patrons of such cooperatives. Establishes a Subchapter T Commission to study the provisions of such Subchapter and make recommendations for change. Revises provisions relating to the self-employment income of farmers and other small business owners, including provisions relating to agricultural bonds, income averaging, involuntary conversions of livestock, and rules relating to Subchapter S corporations and subsidiaries. Allows individuals (currently limited to C corporations) a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food. Allows taxpayers engaged in a farming or commercial fishing business a tax deduction for contributions to a Farm, Fishing and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account). Repeals occupational taxes on producers and marketers of alcoholic beverages. Enacts or amends provisions relating to investment in rural areas, allowing for a rural investment tax credit and a rural small business investment credit. Allows for the expansion of renewal community areas based on 2000 census data. Enacts or amends provisions relating to Indian tribal governments and reservations, including a new markets tax credit for Native American reservations, modifications of the authority of Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt bonds, and a tax credit for investment in tribal school modernization bonds. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of a residence in rural areas, Indian reservations, or areas of chronic economic distress.

A resolution to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, acting jointly, to provide to law enforcement officials, legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and other entities or individuals duly authorized by federal, state, or foreign governments, records of the Subcommittee's case study investigation into the enforcement and effectiveness of statutory anti-money laundering provisions.

A concurrent resolution authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Authorizes the printing as a Senate document of a commemorative document in memory of the former President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, consisting of the eulogies and encomiums for him, as expressed in the Senate and the House of Representatives, together with the texts of the state funeral ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the national funeral service held at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, District of Columbia, and the interment ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California.

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act of 2004 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title IV of the Social Security Act to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to negotiate prices in contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D drugs.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to recognize the services of respiratory therapists under the plan of care for home health services.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare recognition of the services of respiratory therapists that are furnished as part-time or intermittent nursing care or physical therapy services under a plan of care for home health services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the impact of paying for the services of respiratory therapists as a separate benefit under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare, and as an explicit component of the several benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of Medicare.

Kinship Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

Kinship Caregiver Support Act - Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants for kinship navigator programs to State agencies, metropolitan agencies, or tribal organizations with experience in addressing needs of kinship caregivers or children and connecting them with services and assistance. Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize all States to opt to enter agreements to provide kinship guardianship assistance payments on behalf of children to grandparents and other relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of children for whom they have cared as foster parents and have committed to care for on a permanent basis. Allows States to use part E funds to make such payments under specified conditions. Requires States to: (1) notify all adult grandparents and other adult relatives (with exceptions due to family or domestic violence) when a child is removed from custody of a parent or parents; and (2) explain the options the relative has to participate in the child's care and placement.

A resolution to authorize Senate employees to testify and produce documents with legal representation.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004

Authorizes: (1) present and former Senate employees to testify and to produce documents, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted, in connection with the pending investigation into potential false statements to a Senate committee, and any related proceedings; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent such employees in connection with the testimony.

A resolution to authorize document production by the Select Committee on Intelligence.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004

Authorizes the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, acting jointly, to provide to the U.S. Department of Justice, under appropriate security procedures, copies of Committee documents sought in connection with its investigation into the involvement of U.S. government officials in the counter-narcotics air interdiction program in Peru.

Medicare Rural Home Health Services Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004

Medicare Rural Home Health Services Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to provide for a two-year extension of the temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the 50th anniversary of the food aid programs established under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004

Expresses that the Senate, with respect to the 50th anniversary of the date of enactment of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 on July 10, 1954, recognizes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Agriculture, and associated partners for providing emergency food assistance to address famine or other extraordinary relief requirements and for promoting economic, agricultural, educational, and community development in developing countries. Declares that, July 10, 2004, is a day that recognizes: (1) the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the concessional credit program and the Food for Peace program under such Act; and (2) the accomplishments of USAID, the Department of Agriculture, and associated private voluntary organization and nongovernmental organization partners in alleviating hunger and poverty, bolstering development, and restoring hope around the world.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding Federal assistance for programs to reduce suicide among children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop and implement State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) support public organizations actively involved in State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies and in the development and continuation of such intervention and prevention strategies; (3) collect and analyze data on State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention services that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (4) assist eligible entities in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award a grant or contract to establish the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to expand mental and behavior health services to students, to provide such services, and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services.

A joint resolution commemorating the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004

Recognizes the important and unique contribution of Native Americans to the cultural legacy of the United States. Honors the cultural achievements of all Native Americans. Celebrates the official opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. Encourages all Americans to take advantage of the resources of the Museum to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans.

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend and improve national dairy market loss payments.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to national dairy market loss payments to: (1) extend, by two years, program sign-up and contract periods; and (2) double single dairy operation payment quantities.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of United States policy for a Middle East peace process.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

States that the Senate: (1) endorses the principles and practices of U.S. policy in the Middle East and ongoing actions toward realizing the vision of an Israeli and a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security; and (2) supports efforts to continue working with others in the international community to build the capacity and will of Palestinian institutions to fight terrorism and prevent the areas from which Israel has withdrawn from posing a threat to the security of Israel.

A resolution to authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Daniel Bayly, et al.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Authorizes: (1) Tim Henseler, a former employee of, and Jim Pittrizzi, a detailee to, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs to testify in the case of United States v. Daniel Bayly, et al., except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Henseler and Pittrizzi in connection with such testimony.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the transition of Iraq to a constitutionally elected government.

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.