United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and their full participation in the reestablishment of democracy are essential to Afghanistan's reconstruction, and to achieve such reconstruction the U.S. government must commit resources to advance the rights of women throughout Afghanistan. Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to revise the provisions respecting assistance to women and girls in Afghanistan. Extends funding authority. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) condition the provision of such assistance on the recipient adhering to international standards for women's rights and human rights; and (2) ensure that Afghan women-led nongovernmental organizations with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Afghan women and children receive grants without ethnic, religious, or any other discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Family Abduction Prevention Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states for projects involving: (1) the extradition of individuals suspected of committing a family abduction; (2) investigation by law enforcement agencies of family abduction cases; (3) training for law enforcement agencies in responding to family abductions and recovering abducted children; (4) outreach and media campaigns to educate parents on the dangers of family abductions; and (5) notifying law enforcement authorities of the name and address of anyone requesting the school records of an abducted child. Requires that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a project for which a grant is made be provided by non-federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Freedom to Fly Act of 2007 - Allows a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65 years old only if the pilot serves: (1) as a required pilot in multi-crew aircraft operations; and (2) with another required pilot who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Terminates the age-60 rule (mandatory retirement age) 30 days after enactment of this Act. Declares that such requirements shall not provide the basis for a claim of seniority made under any labor bargaining agreement in effect between the pilots and an air carrier by any pilot who has attained age 60 before the effective date of this Act and who is seeking a position as a pilot with such carrier following that pilot's termination or cessation of employment or promotion or transfer to another position with such air carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs. Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Authorizes a point of order by any Senator against consideration of a conference report that includes any matter not committed to the conferees by either chamber. Adds Rule XLIV (Earmarks) to the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order to consider any Senate bill, amendment, or conference report, unless a list of all its earmarks, the identity of the Member or Members proposing them, and an explanation of their essential governmental purpose, along with any associated joint statement of managers, is made available to all Members, and to the general public on the Internet, for at least 48 hours before its consideration. Amends Rule XXVIII (Conference Committee; Reports; Open Meetings) to make it out of order to consider a conference report unless it is available to all Members and the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration. Amends Rule XXIII (Privilege of the Floor) to deny floor privileges (except for ceremonial functions and events) to former Senators and Senators elect, Secretaries, Sergeants at Arms of the Senate, and Speakers of the House of Representatives if they: (1) are registered lobbyists or agents of a foreign principal; or (2) are in the employ of or represent any party or organization for the purpose of influencing, directly, or indirectly, the passage, defeat, or amendment of any legislative proposal. Amends Rule XXXV (Gifts) to exclude gifts from lobbyists or agents of a foreign principal from the gift ban exceptions. Requires a Member, officer, or employee, before accepting otherwise permissible transportation or lodging from any person other than a governmental entity, to obtain a written certification from such person that includes certain disclaimers regarding a registered lobbyist or foreign agent. Prescribes additional disclosure requirements, including certain information regarding noncommercial air travel. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require a publicly available report, in the case of a principal campaign committee of a federal candidate (other than one for President or Vice President), of any flight taken by the candidate on an aircraft not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) to impose a one-year lobbying moratorium, upon leaving such position, on any employee on the staff of a Member or on the staff of a committee meeting specified rate of pay and congressional employment criteria. Prohibits a Senator from directly negotiating or having any arrangement concerning prospective private employment until after the election for his or her successor has been held, unless public disclosure of such employment negotiations and arrangements is provided. Requires a Member to prohibit all of his or her staff from having any official contact with the Member's spouse or immediate family member if such individual is a registered lobbyist or is employed or retained by a registered lobbyist to influence legislation. Amends Rule XLIII (Representation by Members) to prohibit a Member, with the intent to influence on the basis of partisan political affiliation an employment decision or employment practice of any private entity, from: (1) taking or withholding, or offering or threatening to take or withhold, an official act; or (2) influencing, or offering or threatening to influence, the official act of another. Expresses the sense of the Senate that any applicable restrictions on congressional branch employees in this Act should apply to the executive and judicial branches. Prohibits a Member of Congress from receiving a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) if he or she voted for any amendment (or against tabling it) that provided that such adjustment would not be made. Specifies conditions under which the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate shall recognize a notice of intent of a member of their caucus to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) with respect to lobbying disclosures reports, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Increases the penalty for noncompliance with LDA disclosure requirements. Includes among lobbying activities any paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying, but excludes grassroots lobbying itself. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act, with respect to foreign government lobbying registration statements and updates, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Requires the Comptroller General to audit annually lobbyist disclosure information. Requires the Select Committee on Ethics to provide certain ethics training and awareness programs for Senators and their staff. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the lobbying community should develop specified proposals for multiple self-regulatory organizations. Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics each to report annually on alleged ethics violations in its chamber. Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers of the legislative branch with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated. Prohibits former employees of either chamber of Congress, within one year after leaving office, from making lobbying contacts with a Member, officer, or employee of either chamber. Exempts contacts with staff of the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House regarding compliance with LDA lobbying disclosure requirements. Amends the LDA to prohibit a registered lobbyist from knowingly making a gift or providing travel to a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, unless the gift or travel may be accepted under the rules of the House or the Senate. Subjects lobbyists to LDA penalties for violating this ban. Commission to Strengthen Confidence in Congress Act of 2007 - Establishes in the legislative branch the Commission to Strengthen Confidence in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Wakefield Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend by one year the length of time for which a grant may be awarded under the emergency medical services for children grant program, which allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states or schools of medicine to support projects to expand and improve emergency medical services for children who need treatment for trauma or critical care. Sets forth as the purpose of the program the reduction of child and youth morbidity and mortality by supporting improvements in the quality of all emergency medical care children receive. Requires the Secretary to support emergency medical services for children by supporting projects that: (1) develop and present scientific evidence; (2) promote existing innovative technologies appropriate for the care of children; and (3) provide information on health outcomes and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Directs that such program: (1) strive to enhance the pediatric capability of emergency medical service systems; and (2) be coordinated with all research, evaluations, and awards undertaken by the federal government related to emergency medical services for children.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Applies federal minimum wage requirements to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage in the Commonwealth shall be gradually increased to equal the federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Restoring Fiscal Discipline Act of 2007 - Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase or cause an on-budget deficit during certain specified time periods. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider, under the expedited procedures applicable to reconciliation in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), any bill, resolution, amendment, amendment between chambers, motion, or conference report that increases the deficit or reduces the surplus in the first fiscal year or the ensuing five or 10 fiscal years covered by the most recently adopted concurrent resolution on the budget. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider, pursuant to CBA, any resolution, concurrent resolution, amendment, amendment between the chambers, motion, or conference report that contains reconciliation directives that would increase the deficit or reduce the surplus in such fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006
Supports the principles of the Addis Ababa Agreement and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006) concerning Darfur. Declares that the deployment of a United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force under U.N. command is the minimum acceptable international effort to protect the people of Darfur. Supports strengthening the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) allow implementation of the U.N. support packages as provided for in the Addis Ababa Agreement; and (B) work with the United Nations and the international community to deploy U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon all parties to the conflict to: (1) adhere to the 2004 N'Djamena ceasefire; and (2) respect the neutrality of humanitarian agencies so that relief workers can have access to their beneficiary populations. Urges the President to: (1) continue to work with the international community, including the permanent members of the Security Council, the AU, the European Union (EU), the Arab League, Sudan's trading partners, and the government of Sudan to facilitate deployment of the U.N. peacekeeping force; (2) ensure the ability of any Darfur peacekeeping force to carry out its mandate by providing adequate funding and working with our international partners to provide technical assistance, logistical support, intelligence gathering capabilities, and military assets; (3) work with Security Council members and the international community to develop and impose economic and diplomatic sanctions against the government of Sudan should such government continue to refuse to cooperate with implementation of Resolution 1706 and the Addis Ababa Agreement; and (4) work with Security Council members and the international community to address insecurity in Chad and the Central African Republic.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Barrier Project Consolidation and Construction Act of 2006 - Considers the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier Project (Barrier I) and the project related to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier (Barrier II) to constitute a single project to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) upgrade and make permanent Barrier I; (2) construct Barrier II; (3) operate and maintain Barriers I and II as a system; (4) study options and technologies for reducing the impacts of hazards that may reduce the Barriers' efficacy; and (5) provide each state with a credit equal to the amount of funds contributed by the state toward Barrier II. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study options and technologies to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and other aquatic pathways; and (2) determine the the feasibility of, and construct and maintain if found feasible, a dispersal barrier project at the Lake Champlain Canal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend through September 30, 2007, a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) on the fourth anniversary of his passing, Senator Paul Wellstone should be remembered for his compassion and leadership on social issues throughout his career; and (2) Congress should act to end discrimination against U.S. citizens who live with a mental illness by enacting legislation to provide for coverage of mental health benefits with respect to health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Renewable Fuels Promotion Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a franchisor from restricting a franchisee from: (1) installing a renewable fuel pump on the franchisee marketing premises; (2) converting an existing tank and pump on the marketing premises of the franchisee for renewable fuel use; (3) advertising the sale of renewable fuel; or (4) selling renewable fuel in any specified area on the franchisee marketing premises. Declares any such restriction to be null and void and unenforceable under the Act. Prohibits a franchise-related document that requires the franchisee to sell three grades of gasoline from preventing the franchisee from selling a renewable fuel in lieu of one grade of gasoline. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to set a deadline for mandatory installation of at least one renewable fuel pump at every federal fleet fueling center in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to engage in an activity within 60 minutes before and after, and within a specified distance of, a funeral of a member or former member of the Armed Forces at a cemetery other than a national cemetery that intentionally disburbs or tends to disturb the peace or good order of such funeral or impedes access to such funeral. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Kindergarten Plus Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) to provide Kindergarten Plus (K+) programs of voluntary full days of kindergarten during the summer before and the summer after the traditional kindergarten school year determined by the state. Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the extent possible, that each such grant is of sufficient size to enable the SEA to provide K+ to all eligible students served by the local educational agencies (LEAs) within the state with the highest concentrations of eligible students. Makes eligible students those children who are: (1) five-years old or who will be eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year; (2) from a family with an income at or below 185% of the poverty line; and (3) not already served by a high-quality program in the summer before or the summer after the child enters kindergarten. Requires SEAs, in awarding subgrants, to give priority to LEAs that: (1) serve the greatest number or percentage of eligible students; and (2) propose to reduce class size and student-to-teacher ratios in K+ significantly below the average ratios in regular kindergarten classes served by the LEA. Provides for direct grants to LEAs in states that do not apply for grants. Sets forth K+ teacher and personnel quality standards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Recognizes, on its 20th anniversary, the national role of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as an advocate and champion for Hispanic higher education. Applauds Hispanic Serving Institutions for providing quality educational opportunities for all Hispanic and other students attending their institutions. Urges those providing and supporting Hispanic higher education to continue to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Designates October 12, 2006, as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day to promote programs and activities that will lead to the greater use of cleaner, more efficient transportation that uses new sources of energy. Urges Americans to: (1) increase the personal and commercial use of, and promote public sector adoption of, cleaner and energy-efficient alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles; and (2) encourage the enactment of federal policies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil through the advancement and adoption of alternative, advanced, and emerging vehicle and fuel technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) on the fourth anniversary of his passing, Senator Paul Wellstone should be remembered for his compassion and leadership on social issues throughout his career; (2) Congress should act to end the discrimination against U.S. citizens who live with a mental illness by guaranteeing equal status for mental and physical illness by health insurance companies; and (3) mental health parity legislation should be a priority for consideration in the 110th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) on the fourth anniversary of his passing, Senator Paul Wellstone should be remembered for his compassion and leadership on social issues throughout his career; (2) Congress should act to help U.S. citizens who live with a mental illness by enacting legislation to provide for equal coverage of mental health benefits with respect to health insurance coverage unless comparable limits are imposed on medical and surgical benefits; and (3) mental health parity legislation should be a priority for consideration in the 110th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; (6) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; (7) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota; and (8) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to carry out emergency measures under: (1) the emergency watershed protection program; (2) the emergency conservation program, including wildfire recovery efforts; and (3) the environmental quality incentives program, including wildfire recovery efforts. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2006 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans. Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health-related data collection; (2) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols; and (3) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces. Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD. Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans. Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out a program of veteran peer counseling to other veterans on mental health matters; and (2) develop model programs to address mental health disorders prevalent among veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations. Requires counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action. Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education. Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD. Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions. Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing food allergy management guidelines contained in the policy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer certified as a Patriot employer by the Secretary of the Treasury a tax credit for one percent of such employer's taxable income. Defines a "Patriot employer" as any taxpayer who: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States; (2) pays at least 60% of the health care premiums of its employees; (3) maintains or increases the number of its full-time workers in the United States relative to its full-time workers outside of the United States: (4) provides its employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits; and (5) provides full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 to carry out title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White Care Act). Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining the amounts of formula grants for FY2007, from using a methodology for counting the number of AIDS or HIV cases that is different than the methodology used by the Secretary for FY2006.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006
YWCA Retirement Plan Preservation Act of 2006 - Treats a specified pension plan maintained by the Young Women's Christian Association Retirement Fund as a defined contribution plan for purposes of prohibitions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 against employee pension benefit plans requiring or permitting the cessation or reduction of allocations to an employee's account because of age. Applies this Act to any civil action brought on or after September 21, 2006, alleging an age discrimination violation occurring before June 29, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006
Smoke Free Mothers and Babies Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require coverage, without cost-sharing, of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use by pregnant women. Provides for an increased federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for tobacco cessation counseling services and medications.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International Standards Conforming Act - Amends the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to declare that specified wool products, including cashmere, are misbranded if their average diameter of wool fiber does not meet certain standards of fineness. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to adopt additional standards or deviations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in a suitable permanent location in the the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Keep Children Covered Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (3) extend authority through FY2006 for qualifying states to use certain SCHIP funds for Medicaid expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Commends the delegates from the government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army for agreeing to a cessation of hostilities. Recognizes the government of Southern Sudan's leadership in mediating the cessation of hostilities and establishing a framework for peace. Expresses the support of the citizens of the United States for the people of Uganda who have endured decades of violence resulting from that conflict. Entreats all parties to address issues of accountability and impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity and to support national reconciliation efforts. Encourages the government of Uganda to improve the professionalism of its military personnel, with an emphasis on enhancing respect for human rights, accountability for abuses, and effective protection of civilians. Urges the government of Uganda to augment its resettlement plan by: (1) expanding social services; (2) deploying professional civil servants; and (3) developing the legal, political, and security infrastructure necessary to facilitate the freedom of movement of civilians to their homes, land, and areas within and around camps, and essential to fulfill the needs of returnees and former combatants. Calls on the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as the international community to: (1) provide humanitarian assistance through nongovernmental organizations; (2) pay particular attention to victimized women and children; and (3) provide assistance for the demobilization and reintegration of rebel combatants and abductees, and diplomatic and logistical support for the cessation of hostilities agreement and progress towards peace in Uganda.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow enterprise zone businesses operating in empowerment zones (economically depressed areas) who file necessary information with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development documenting reasonable efforts to meet the residency requirement applicable to zone employees to receive an exemption from such requirement if at least 35% of their employees during the final three months of a taxable year are residents of the empowerment zone or any area within a 15-mile radius of the qualified business which has been designated by any governmental unit as an area of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
Rural Energy for America Act of 2006 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program as the rural energy for America program (REAP). Makes rural school districts eligible for REAP. Authorizes: (1) production-based incentives in lieu of grants for electricity production from renewable energy systems contingent upon third-party sales; and (2) matching assistance for feasibility studies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to provide rebates for farmers, ranchers, rural school districts, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Defines eligible entities as: (1) a state energy or agriculture office; (2) a nonprofit state-based energy efficiency or renewable energy organization that uses public funds provided directly or under contract with a state agency; (3) any other nonprofit organization with a demonstrated ability to administer a statewide energy efficiency or renewable energy rebate program; or (4) a consortium of such entities. Limits rebates to the lower of $10,000 or 50% of the cost to purchase a renewable energy system or an energy efficiency improvement. Extends REAP funding through FY 2012 with set-asides for the rebate program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should implement a direct loan program to complement REAP grants.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Commemorates the life of each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Extends deepest condolences to the victims, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. Condemns the attacks, the terrorists who perpetrated them, and their sponsors. Commits to support the necessary steps to defeat terrorists who plot to harm the American people. Recommits the Senate and the Nation to bringing the perpetrators of the attacks and their sponsors to justice. Honors members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders, members of the intelligence community, and others who have bravely participated in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. Declares September 11, 2006, to be a National Day of Remembrance, in commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns today (September 11, 2006), it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Real Security Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions concerning: (1) implementation of 9/11 Commission recommendations; (2) combating terrorism; (3) intelligence authorizations; (4) transportation security; and (5) U.S. policy on Iraq. Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act - Outlines provisions effecting the implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act or HERO Act - Provides for: (1) radio spectrum for first responders; and (2) private sector preparedness. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2006 - Provides for grants to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, or recover from, threatened or actual terrorist attacks. Sets forth requirements relating to transportation security, border security, the intelligence community, and the balance between security and civil liberties. Outlines provisions concerning the use of foreign policy and public diplomacy to combat terrorism. Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2006 - Provides international nonproliferation requirements. Targeting Terrorists More Effectively Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions concerning terrorism, terrorist financing, countries that support terrorism, and preventing the growth of radical Islamic fundamentalism. Establishes a National Commission To Review Policy Regarding the Treatment of Detainees. Outlines U.S. strategy with respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities. Establishes: (1) an Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; and (2) a National Space Intelligence Center. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2006 - Outlines vessel and port security requirements, including port security training programs, an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening system, and a container security initiative. Rail Security Act of 2006 - Provides freight and passenger rail transportation security requirements. Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions relating to public transportation security assessments, security assistance grants, and aviation security. United States Policy on Iraq Act of 2006 - Provides U.S. policy on Iraq. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting (with respect to Afghanistan and Iraq).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Truth in Cigarette Labeling Act of 2006 - Prohibits a cigarette manufacturer from: (1) using a health descriptor (e.g., "light" or "low tar") on the label or the advertising of any brand of cigarette; or (2) making any claims or other representations based on data derived from the cigarette testing method established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) before enactment of this Act. Treats any violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Condemns the government of Sudan's: (1) military offensive in Darfur in violation of the terms of the Darfur Peace Agreement (2006) and the N'Djamena cease-fire accord (2004); and (2) rejection of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006). Commends the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for its monitoring of the N'djamena cease-fire agreement and encourages the African Union (AU) to leave the AMIS force in place until a U.N. peacekeeping mission is deployed to Darfur. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) cease its military offensive in Darfur; and (2) comply with the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon the United Nations to: (1) deploy as quickly as practicable well trained and equipped peacekeeping troops as authorized by Security Council Resolution 1706; and (2) begin considerations of sanctions as called for by Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) and Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004). Urges the President to help improve the security situation in Darfur by: (1) pursuing the imposition of a "no-fly zone" in Darfur in cooperation with the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or NATO allies; (2) garnering support for NATO assistance with the AU handover of AMIS to the United Nations; (3) obtaining the support of China, Russia, and U.S. allies in the Arab League to secure Sudan's compliance with U.N. peacekeeper deployment; (4) supporting full funding for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Sudan; (5) securing U.N. member state support for a special session on Sudan in the U.N. Human Rights Council; and (6) appointing a Special Envoy to Sudan to head the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy. Urges the international community to: (1) support the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur financially, with logistical and equipment support, or through troop contributions; (2) fulfill financial obligations to U.N. and international humanitarian aid agencies for responding to the crisis in Darfur or addressing humanitarian needs throughout Sudan; (3) impose targeted sanctions against members of the National Congress Party responsible for human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; and (4) impose sanctions consistent with Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1564.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; (6) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; (7) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota; and (8) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) state grants to promote agriculture; and (2) grants for value of production. Requires a recipient state to give priority for livestock and specialty crops. Directs the Secretary to make supplemental economic loss payments to: (1) producers on a farm who received a crop year 2005 direct payment; and (2) dairy producers eligible to receive a 2005 national dairy market loss payment. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) carry out emergency measures under the emergency watershed protection and emergency conservation programs; and (2) hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Broadband for Rural America Act of 2006 - Establishes the Broadband Access Trust Fund. Establishes, in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Office of Broadband Access to coordinate the use of all Fund resources as those resources relate to the expansion of broadband technology into rural or unserved areas. Deposits into the Fund appropriations and one percent of the proceeds of frequency band auctions. Amends provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 relating to making or guaranteeing loans for broadband facilities and equipment in eligible rural communities to: (1) to extend the period for making or guaranteeing such loans; (2) modify the definition of "eligible rural community;" (3) remove provisions giving priority to communities in which residential broadband service is not available; and (4) modify loan eligibility criteria. Authorizes grants to provide broadband services. Requires the FCC to issue a final order in the matter of Unlicensed Operation in TV Broadcast Bands. Sets forth requirements for the order, including that it allow certified unlicensed devices to use certain non-licensed television broadcast channels in rural areas. Requires the FCC to initiate a proceeding to reconfigure its band plans: (1) for the upper 700 MHz band and the unauctioned portions of the lower 700 MHz band to designate up to 12 MHz of paired recovered analog spectrum; and (2) to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic license areas. Establishes the Rural Broadband Access Task Force to study broadband deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) a national mental health campaign to increase mental health awareness in the veteran community; (2) mandatory training on suicide and suicide prevention for appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and contractor personnel; (3) family education and peer support counseling; (4) veterans' health assessments, counseling, and access to mental health services; (5) suicide prevention counselors; (6) research on suicide prevention and on mental health of veterans who experienced sexual trauma; (7) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (8) a toll-free hotline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary should take into consideration the special needs of veterans suffering from PTSD in developing and implementing the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Empowerment Zone and Renewal Community Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-preferred empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and renewal communities to: (1) extend the period of designation for empowerment zones and renewal communities through 2015; (2) provide a safe harbor standard for employee residency requirements in empowerment zones; (3) eliminate certain residency requirements for the empowerment zone employment tax credit; (4) grant authority to expand the boundaries of empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and renewal communities (requires expansion of such communities located in rural areas upon the request of a local government if specified conditions exist); (5) allow carryovers of unused expensing allowances for enterprise zone businesses; (6) allow certain empowerment zone businesses to elect to receive payments in lieu of tax benefits; and (7) allow federal guarantees and tax exemptions for enterprise zone facility bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Tax Relief and Minimum Wage Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2007 various provisions relating to business investment and economic development, education, research, health care, environmental remediation, and investment in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Revises the system of tax incentives for investment in New York Liberty Zone property. Modifies tax administration provisions relating to awards for whistleblowers, frivolous tax filings, authority of the Internal Revenue Service to disclose tax return information, and refund rules for aviation kerosene. Authorizes the issuance of tax-exempt zone academy bonds and rural renaissance bonds. Allows expensing of mine safety equipment and a tax credit for mine rescue team training costs. Allows a taxpayer election to deduct certain gain from timber sales. Suspends until 2008 the disallowance of the tax deduction for business travel expenses of a spouse. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage rate. Applies such increased wage rate to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to: (1) reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AMR Fund) through FY2021; (2) reduce rates of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the AMR Fund; and (3) revise allocations of payments to states for reclamation of abandoned mines. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to liability of mine operators for payment of health care premiums of retired miners.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2006
African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Victim-Activated Landmine Abolition Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the government should continue to set an example for other countries by banning procurement of victim-activated landmines and other weapons designed to be victim-activated. Prohibits the federal government from procuring such landmines or weapons in any circumstance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2006
Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act of 2006 - Provides one-year temporary protected status to certain Lebanese nationals who have been present in the United States since enactment of this Act. (Treats Lebanon as a designated country for such purpose under the Immigration and Nationality Act.) Provides such aliens with prior consent for temporary emergency travel abroad.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)