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 · 7 December 2006
Prescribes requirements for affixing permanent or semi-permanent artwork to, or removing it from, the public spaces and committee rooms of the Senate wing of the Capitol and the Senate office buildings. Requires the Senate Commission on Art to recommend the affixation, in an appropriate location, or removal. Requires that at least 25 years have passed since: (1) the death of any subject in a portrait included in the artwork; or (2) the commemorative event that is to be portrayed in it. Requires also that the Senate has passed a Senate resolution approving the Commission's recommendation. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Commission consider specified factors before making an affixation recommendation. Requires the Commission, if a request meets the requirements of this Act, to select the artist and supervise the creation of the artwork and its application to the selected surface.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006
Amends specified Senate Resolutions to extend the authority for the Senate National Security Working Group from December 31, 2006, until December 31, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006
Authorizes the Majority Leader and one staff member to travel to Mexico for the inauguration of the new President of Mexico scheduled for December 2, 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006
North Korea Refugee Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2006 - States that purpose of this Act is to help the people of North Korea gain freedom from political oppression. Establishes in the Treasury the North Korea Refugee Relief and Reconstruction Fund. Authorizes the President to use Fund amounts for: (1) refugee relief, relocation, and resettlement assistance; and (2) Korean reunification and reconstruction assistance. Expresses the sense of Congress that the governments of South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia and other concerned governments should make commensurate commitments to: (1) assist refugees fleeing political oppression in North Korea; and (2) meet humanitarian and reconstruction needs arising in connection with the reunification of North Korea with South Korea, or the emergence in North Korea of a national government committed to respect for human rights, nonproliferation, and peaceful relations with the United States and the other countries in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2006 - Designates Albania, Croatia, Georgia, and Macedonia as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. States that such designation: (1) is in addition to the designation of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia pursuant to the NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996, the designation of Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria pursuant to the European Security Act of 1998, and the designation of Slovakia pursuant to the Gerald B. H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2002 as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994; and (2) shall not preclude the designation by the President of other countries as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. Specifies FY2007 amounts under the Arms Export Control Act for: (1) Albania; (2) Croatia; (3) Georgia; and (4) Macedonia. Affirms that Congress stands ready to consider, and if all applicable criteria are satisfied, to support efforts by Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for the development of an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparity Elimination; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities in health professions; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority and other health disparity populations through improved access to health care, patient navigators, and health literacy education and services. Provides for grants to: (1) design, implement, and evaluate culturally and linguistically appropriate, science-based and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic health and health care disparities; and (2) implement systems of primary care practices to eliminate disparities in the delivery of health care and improve the health care provided to all patients. Requires the Secretary to establish the Community Health Initiative demonstration program to support comprehensive state, tribal, or local initiatives to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and other health disparity populations. Provides for grants or contracts for research to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities and other health disparity populations. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection of data from federally conducted or supported health programs by race, ethnicity, geographic location, socioeconomic position, primary language, and, when practicable, health literacy. Establishes an Office of Minority Health and Health Disparity Elimination and transfers to it functions of the Office of Minority Health. Requires the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2006 - States that it should be U.S. policy to neither negotiate nor seek to bring into force an agreement for cooperation with the government of any country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran unless the President has made specified determinations under this Act. States that no agreement for cooperation between the United States and the government of any country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran may be submitted to the President or to Congress pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, no such agreement may enter into force with such country, no export license may be issued to such country for any nuclear material, facilities, components, or other goods, services, or technology that would be subject to such agreement, and no approval may be given for the transfer or retransfer to such country of any nuclear material, facilities, components, or other goods, services, or technology that would be subject to such agreement, until the President determines and reports to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on International Relations that: (1) Iran has suspended all enrichment-related and reprocessing-related activity, has committed to verifiably refrain permanently from such activity, and is abiding by that commitment; or (2) the government of the country that is assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran has suspended all nuclear assistance to Iran and all transfers of advanced conventional weapons and missiles to Iran, and is committed to maintaining that suspension until Iran has implemented measures that would permit the President to make such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Condemns: (1) the statements made by President Hugo Chavez at the U.N. General Assembly on September 20, 2006; and (2) the undemocratic actions of President Chavez.
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 · 28 September 2006
Iran Freedom Support Act - States that: (1) specified U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations with respect to Iran shall remain in effect. Authorizes the President to terminate such sanctions in whole or in part upon congressional notification; and (2) nothing in this Act shall affect sanctions, controls, or regulations relating to Iranian support of international terrorism. Amends the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) eliminate mandatory sanction provisions respecting Libya; (2) impose mandatory sanctions on a person or entity that aids Iran acquire or develop weapons of mass destruction or destabilizing types and numbers of conventional weapons; (3) require that Iran be determined to pose no significant threat to U.S. national security, interests, or allies in order to lift sanctions against entities investing in Iran's petroleum industry; (4) extend the sunset provision; and (5) rename such Act as the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to eligible foreign and domestic individuals and groups that support democracy in Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) not bring into force an agreement for cooperation with the government of any country that is assisting the nuclear program of Iran or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to Iran; and (2) support independent human rights and peaceful pro-democracy forces in Iran. Includes money laundering activities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or missiles in the federal provisions regulating certain monetary transactions.
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 · 27 September 2006
Enhanced Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 25-year prison term for such offense. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization Imposes a 15-year prison term on any person who knows of or recklessly disregards the construction or use of an unauthorized tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Soldiers to Citizens Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that, except for provisions relating to revocation of citizenship for separation from service under other than honorable conditions, noncitizens: (1) shall not be denied the opportunity to apply for Armed Forces membership; and (2) who become active duty Armed Forces members shall, consistent with active duty naturalization provisions and with the approval of their chain of command, be granted U.S. citizenship after performing at least two years of honorable active duty service. Requires citizenship to be granted within 90 days of application. Waives certain naturalization requirements, but requires that the applicant participate in the oath ceremony and demonstrate to his or her military chain of command English proficiency, good moral character, and knowledge of U.S. government and history. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment to satisfy any naturalization fingerprint requirements if the individual: (1) may be naturalized; (2) was fingerprinted at the time of enlistment; and (3) submits a naturalization application within 12 months of enlistment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a toll-free naturalization assistance telephone service for Armed Forces members and their families; (2) ensure that such service is operated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees with specialized training on the naturalization process for Armed Forces members, and who are located in the same unit as the military processing unit that adjudicates naturalization applications; and (3) monitor the accuracy and quality of information provided by such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Community Protection Against International Gangs Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make an alien inadmissible or deportable (provides the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General with waiver authority) if the Attorney General or the Secretary (or a consular officer regarding inadmissibility) knows or has reason to believe that such alien: (1) is or has been a member of a criminal street gang; or (2) has participated in a criminal street gang's activities, knowing or having reason to know that such activities furthered the criminal gang's illegal activity. Authorizes the Secretary to instruct the Department of State to deny visas to individuals from a country that has denied or unreasonably delayed acceptance of a citizen, national, or resident of that country who has been ordered removed from United States until the country accepts such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Illegal Immigration Source Study and Focus Act - Directs the Secretary of State to conduct a study and report to Congress every five years respecting: (1) the geographic areas in Mexico from which large numbers of residents and large percentages of the population are leaving to illegally enter the United States; and (2) the social, political, and economic conditions in such areas that contribute to such illegal immigration. Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): (1) in consultation with the Secretary, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and appropriate Mexican officials, to designate up to four geographic areas within Mexico as Immigration Impact Focus Areas; and (2) in consultation with the Secretary, to develop a plan to concentrate economic development and humanitarian assistance provided to Mexico in such Areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to produce documents and its staff to testify, except where a privilege should be asserted, in the investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia of the financial disclosures made to the Committee by Dr. Lester Crawford in connection with confirmation proceedings on his nomination to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Committee employees in connection with such case.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2006
Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try alien unlawful enemy combatants engaged in hostilities against the United States for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Prohibits a combatant under trial from invoking the Geneva Conventions as a source of rights. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try such combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2006
Terrorist Surveillance Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to establish a new title relating to electronic surveillance programs (programs). Gives the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (established under FISA) jurisdiction to review programs that seek to obtain foreign intelligence information or to protect against international terrorism. Allows the Court to issue an order that authorizes a program for up to 90 days, while allowing the Attorney General (AG) an unlimited number of times to seek reauthorization of an order with respect to a specific target. Outlines AG application requirements for approval of programs, including an explanation of how the program will ensure that communications acquired are of or with: (1) a foreign power, or agent of a foreign power, engaged in international terrorism; (2) a person believed to have communicated with or be associated with a foreign power or agent that engages in such activities; or (3) a foreign power or agent that poses an imminent threat of attack likely to cause death, serious bodily injury, or substantial economic damage to the United States. Provides for congressional oversight of approved programs through regular AG reports to the congressional intelligence committees. Directs the AG and the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a feasibility study to develop and implement a document management system that permits the prompt preparation, modification, and review of applications for orders approving programs by appropriate personnel of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and other applicable elements of the intelligence community. Includes as an "agent of a foreign power" under FISA a person other than a U.S. person who engages in the development or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, or activities in preparation therefor.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2006
Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try alien unlawful enemy combatants engaged in hostilities against the United States for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Prohibits a combatant under trial from invoking the Geneva Conventions as a source of rights. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try such combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act. Terrorist Surveillance Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to establish a new title relating to electronic surveillance programs (programs). Gives the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (established under FISA) jurisdiction to review programs that seek to obtain foreign intelligence information or to protect against international terrorism. Allows the Court to issue an order that authorizes a program for up to 90 days. Provides for congressional oversight of approved programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006
Expresses support for the goals of Red Ribbon Week. Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people to promote the creation of drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.
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 · 14 September 2006
Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare and private data that is publicly available or is provided by the entity requesting the report, concerning national, regional, and service provider- and supplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for disclosure of Medicare data to Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to establish a Quality Advisory Board to: (1) coordinate existing collaborative efforts identifying quality and efficiency health care measures; (2) provide the Secretary with recommendations for development of model quality health care measures; (3) request Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations for reports on existing recommended model quality and efficiency health care measures; and (4) examine how clinical registries can be linked to Medicare data in order to develop reports on the quality and efficiency of service providers and suppliers. Directs the Secretary to permit researchers that meet existing criteria for appropriate release of Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services data to: (1) have access to all Medicare data; and (2) report on the performance of service providers and suppliers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Border Death Reduction Act of 2006 - Directs the Commissioner of Customs to begin collecting data relevant to deaths occurring at the U.S.-Mexico border, divided by sector, and including: (1) causes, locations, and number of deaths; and (2) demographic characteristics, including the sex and approximate age of those deceased. Directs the Commissioner to report to the Secretary of Homeland Security respecting: (1) annual border deaths; and (2) rescue beacon (as defined by this Act) placement. Directs the Commissioner to deploy additional rescue beacons in all areas recommended in such report. States that any person who commits an alien-smuggling related act and, in the course of such act, abandons an alien in a place not within sight of a paved road or rescue beacon shall be considered to have placed a person's life in jeopardy and subject to fine and/or up to 20 years in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Recognizes September 15-October 15, 2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of our nation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Terrorist Tracking, Identification, and Prosecution Act of 2006 - Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try individuals for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act. National Security Surveillance Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (the Act) to establish a new title relating to electronic surveillance. Gives the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) (established under the Act) jurisdiction to review U.S. electronic surveillance programs (programs) that seek to obtain foreign intelligence information or to protect against international terrorism. Allows the Court to issue an order that authorizes a program for up to 90 days. Provides for congressional oversight of approved programs.
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
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
Bringing Terrorists to Justice Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try individuals for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Methamphetamine Trafficking Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to states and private entities to use technology or aerial surveillance to detect methamphetamine (and its chemical precursors) on the U.S. border (Border Technology Grants Program). Authorizes appropriations to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in FY2007-FY2011 to deploy trace chemical detectors for detecting narcotics and explosive devices along the U.S. border. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Trade Representative should consider ways to curb illicit use and shipment of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and similar chemicals in any multilateral or bilateral negotiations. Directs the DEA Administrator to establish an exchange program with foreign law enforcement officers from countries that traffic methamphetamine into the United States. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on methamphetamine trafficking and abuse on Indian reservations on or near the U.S. border.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. Requires the Archives to use grant funds for: (1) facilities and equipment to house and provide computer and web access to a repository of Native Hawaiian historical data; (2) scholarships to assist disadvantaged students in attending college; (3) the creation of educational materials from the archives that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students; (4) outreach to elementary and secondary school students; (5) teacher training, so that the teaching of kindergarten through grade 12 students is culturally congruent with the learning modalities of such students, particularly indigenous students; and (6) the enhancement of the economic and financial literacy of college students.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to provide to law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other authorized individuals records of the Subcommittee's investigation into the use of offshore tax havens for abusive tax shelters.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Cuba Transition Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to designate specified funds to be provided to the Organization of American States (OAS) for: (1) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights activities relating to the situation of human rights in Cuba; and (2) the funding of an OAS emergency fund for the deployment of human rights observers, election support, and election observation in Cuba. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should begin consultation with: (1) governments of other Western Hemisphere countries regarding a transition in Cuba; and (2) international partners and governments regarding a multilateral diplomatic and financial support program for response to a transition in Cuba. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance and provide other support for individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support specified democracy-building efforts for Cuba. Authorizes appropriations to the President to establish a fund to provide assistance to a transition government in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
North Korea Nonproliferation Act of 2006 - Amends the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act to extend the provisions of such Act to North Korea. States that in view of North Korea's determination to produce missiles, nuclear weapons, and other weapons of mass destruction and to proliferate missiles, and in view of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1695 (prevention by Member states of missile and related transfers to or from North Korea), it should be U.S. policy to impose sanctions on persons who transfer such weapons and related goods and technology to and from North Korea in the same manner as persons who transfer such items to and from Iran and Syria currently are sanctioned under U.S. law. Urges all governments to comply with Resolution 1695 and to impose measures on persons involved in such proliferation that are similar to those imposed by the United States pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, as amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer the 181 Area and the 181 South Area for oil and gas leasing, notwithstanding their omission from the Outer Continental Shelf leasing program. Subjects the following areas to a moratorium upon oil and gas leasing (or any related activity): (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; or (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Reserves to the United States the right to designate national defense areas on the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the Secretary to permit any person who has entered into an oil or gas lease with the Secretary in any area described in this Act, as of the date of enactment of this Act, to exchange the lease for a bonus or royalty credit that may only be used in the Gulf of Mexico. Prescribes requirements for: (1) disposition of qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues from the 181 Area, the 181 South Area, and the 2002-2007 planning areas of the Gulf of Mexico; (2) allocation among Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions; (3) historical lease sites; and (4) payments to coastal political subdivisions. Sets forth the authorized uses of amounts received by Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions, including for certain environmental protection projects and activities. Sets limitations upon the amount of distributed qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to lead all federal public health and medical response to public health emergencies and incidents covered by the National Response Plan. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and transfers to the Assistant Secretary the functions of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Expands the program for state and local public health emergency preparedness to allow political subdivisions of states or a consortium of states to be eligible for funding. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and require the application of evidence-based benchmarks and objective standards that measure levels of preparedness; and (2) establish a near real-time electronic nationwide public health situational awareness capacity to enhance detection, response, and management of public health emergencies. Sets forth matching requirements for emergency preparedness funds. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the National Disaster Medical System, including a review of medical surge capacity. Transfers to the Secretary the functions of the National Disaster Medical System. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a Medical Reserve Corps to provide for an adequate supply of volunteers during a public health emergency. Allows the Secretary to establish Centers for Public Health Preparedness at accredited schools of public health. Requires the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to ensure the readiness of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in a public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
America's Opportunity Scholarships for Kids Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, or nonprofit organizations to provide scholarships or sustained supplemental educational services to low-income students who attend, or their siblings who would attend, a public elementary or secondary school due for restructuring for failing to meet state academic performance standards. Requires such scholarships to enable students to attend: (1) the private elementary or secondary school of their parent's choice; or (2) a public elementary or secondary school of their parent's choice outside the student's home school district, consistent with state law. Requires the Secretary to conduct an independent evaluation of this program, including an assessment of its impact on student achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Reaffirms steadfast support for Israel. Supports Israel's right of self-defense and its right to take appropriate action to deter aggression by terrorist groups and their state sponsors. Urges the President to continue to fully support Israel in exercising its right of self-defense in Lebanon and Gaza. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah or Hamas. Condemns the governments of Iran and Syria for their continued support for Hezbollah and Hamas and holds these governments responsible for the acts of aggression carried out by Hezbollah and Hamas against Israel. Condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for exploiting civilian populations as shields and locating their military activities in civilian areas. Urges the President to use all available political and diplomatic means, including sanctions, to persuade the governments of Syria and Iran to end their support of Hezbollah and Hamas. Calls on the government of Lebanon to do everything in its power to free the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon and to fulfill its responsibility under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 to disband and disarm Hezbollah. Calls on the Security Council to: (1) condemn these unprovoked acts; and (2) demand compliance with Resolution 1559, which requires that Hezbollah and other militias be disbanded and disarmed and that all foreign forces leave Lebanon. Urges all sides to protect innocent civilian life and infrastructure and strongly supports the use of all diplomatic means to free the captured Israeli soldiers. Recognizes that thousands of American nationals reside peacefully in Lebanon and that those American nationals in Lebanon concerned for their safety should receive full U.S. government assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2006
North Korea Nonproliferation Act of 2006 - Amends the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act to extend the provisions of such Act to North Korea. States that in view of North Korea's determination to proliferate missiles, nuclear weapons, and other weapons of mass destruction it should be U.S. policy to impose sanctions on persons who transfer such weapons and related goods and technology to and from North Korea in the same manner as persons who transfer such items to and from Iran and Syria currently are sanctioned under U.S. law. Urges all governments concerned about the threat of North Korean proliferation to impose measures on persons involved in such proliferation that are similar to those imposed by the United States pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, as amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) in order to preserve the integrity of the G-8 as a forum of the leading industrialized democracies of the world, President George W. Bush and other heads of state attending the G-8 Summit should engage Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin in a dialogue about the anti-democratic behavior of the government of the Russian Federation; (2) the United States and other democratic countries should reaffirm their support for civic and non-governmental organizations working to promote democracy and the rule of law in Russia; (3) the government of the Russian Federation should take action to ensure that it guarantees the full range of civil and political rights to its citizens, as it is obligated to do under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (4) consistent with its obligations under the International Covenant, the government of the Russian Federation should take steps to cease its interference with foreign news organizations, including the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; (5) the government of the Russian Federation should take action to combat rising racism, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia in Russian society; and (6) the United States and countries of the G-8 should reaffirm their support for new democracies on the borders of Russia and, where applicable, expedite their integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions to provide a bulwark for democracy in eastern Europe and the Caucuses.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Condemns the July 11, 2006, terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. Expresses condolences to the families and friends of those individuals killed in the attacks, and expresses sympathies to those individuals who were injured. Expresses: (1) solidarity with the government and people of India in fighting and defeating terrorism; and (2) support for enhancement of U.S.-India strategic cooperation, with the goal of combating terrorism and advancing peace and security.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Authorizes the printing and binding as a Senate document of: (1) a supplement to "Riddick's Senate Procedure," to be styled "Frumin's Supplement to Riddick's Senate Procedure"; and (2) a revised edition of "Riddick's Senate Procedure," to be styled "Frumin's Senate Procedure."
![Official portrait of Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000439_200.jpg)