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United States · Official source
1,355 records where Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Commends the Grand Ole Opry, on the occasion of its 80th anniversary, for its important role in the popularization of country music and for its eight decades of musical and broadcast excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Declares that the Senate honors the life and accomplishments of Rosa Parks and expresses its condolences on her passing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005
Declares that the Senate honors and thanks James Patrick Rohan and his wife, Cecilia, and children, Ben, Natalie, Eric and David, and his entire family, for a lifelong professional commitment of service to the U.S. Capitol Police and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Authorizes Kim Coalter, an employee in the office of Senator Thad Cochran, to testify in the case of state of Mississippi v. Edward Statecum, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005
Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and oversee activities that support and accelerate qualified countermeasure or qualified pandemic or epidemic product advanced research and development. Requires the Director of BARDA to establish and convene a Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Establishes the National Biodefense Advisory Board and the Biodefense Medical Countermeasure Development Fund. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the period of market exclusivity for designated countermeasure products from seven to ten years. Prohibits any cause of action for liability for damages related to a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic and epidemic product, with an exception for willful misconduct. Requires the Secretary of HHS to establish a process to provide compensation to individuals involved in an emergency response plan who are injured as a result of a countermeasure. Allows the Secretary to award rebates or grants related to manufacturing of, or research on, vaccine, qualified countermeasures, or qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Requires the Secretary to establish the Animal Model/Research Tool Scientific Advisory Committee. Amends the Clayton Act to allow antitrust exemptions for certain meetings and agreements among parties involved in the development of security or qualified countermeasures or qualified pandemic or epidemic products if deemed necessary to ensure the availability of such countermeasures or products. Prohibits any payment on a security countermeasure procurement contract until delivery of a acceptable portion of such product to the Secretary unless advance payment is necessary to ensure the success of the project. Establishes the National Pathology Center and a Board of Regents of the Center. Transfers to the Center certain functions of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005
Expresses: (1) sympathy and support for the people of South Asia following the devastating October 2005 earthquake that struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and conveys condolences to the affected families, communities, and governments; and (2) admiration and support for the rescue and relief workers. Supports the initial pledge by President George Bush of humanitarian assistance, the deployment of U.S. military assets to the region, and the provision of additional U.S. assistance to save lives and help the region recover. Commends: (1) the ongoing international relief effort; and (2) the governments of Pakistan and India for their cooperation in saving lives and providing humanitarian relief to people on both sides of the Line of Control. Encourages further cooperation between India and Pakistan on relief operations and efforts to expand peace and stability in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Energy-Water Efficiency Technology Research, Development, and Transfer Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Laboratories energy-water efficiency and supply technology research, development, and transfer program for the transfer and commercialization of economically viable and cost-effective energy-water efficiency and supply technologies. Designates the following as Program Lead Laboratories: (1) Sandia National Laboratory, New Mexico; (2) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee; and (3) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California. Prescribes guidelines for water supply technology assessment. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish the Energy-Water Efficiency and Supply Technology Advisory Panel; (2) provide competitive grants to entities with expertise in the conduct of energy-water efficiency and supply technology projects; and (3) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct periodic peer reviews of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Community Disaster Loan Act of 2005 - Authorizes the transfer of up to $750 million, of the "Disaster Relief" amounts provided in Public Law 109-62, to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program (including up to $1 million for related administrative expenses) for the cost of direct loans as authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Requires such funds to be used to assist local governments in providing essential services. Allows such transfer to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed $1 billion under the Stafford Act. Permits the amount of any such loan to exceed $5 million. Prohibits the cancellation of such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2005
Authorizes: (1) Carol Carpenter and other employees of Senator Judd Gregg's office from whom testimony or the production of documents may be required to testify and produce documents in the cases of State of New Hampshire v. Anne Miller, Mary Lee Sargent, Jessica Ellis, Lynn Chong, Donald Booth, and Eileen Reardon, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Carol Carpenter and such employees in connection with the cases.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2005
Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2005 - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide grants (not to exceed $500) to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides such grants to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by the English language course in which the legal resident is enrolled. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four (currently, five years) years of continuous U.S. legal residency. Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens; (2) establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship; and (3) implement a strategy to enhance public awareness of naturalization ceremonies. Amends INA to set forth a new oath of allegiance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) incorporate a knowledge and understanding of the oath of allegiance into the history and government citizenship test; and (2) notify the embassy of the country of which a new citizen was a citizen or subject that such citizen has renounced allegiance to that foreign country, and sworn allegiance to the United States. Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the ten-year period ending on the date of such recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2005
Condemns the October 2005 terrorist attacks in Bali, Indonesia, and expresses deepest sympathies to the people of Indonesia and the victims and their families. Expresses solidarity with the people of Indonesia in opposing extremism and pledges to remain shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Indonesia to bring the terrorists responsible for these and other acts of violence to justice. Calls upon the international community to strengthen efforts to defeat terrorists and combat the social injustice and extremism that contributes to terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005
CARE Act of 2005 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to charitable giving, including to: (1) allow nonitemizing taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions; (2) permit tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) expand the tax deductions for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (4) allow an increased tax deduction for charitable contributions of literary, musical, artistic, and scholarly compositions; and (5) exclude from gross income reimbursements to volunteers for the charitable use of an automobile. Revises various disclosure and oversight requirements relating to tax-exempt organizations. Restores and increases funding for the Social Services Block Grant Program. Savings for Working Families Act of 2005 - Allows certain low income individuals to establish individual development accounts (IDAs) to accumulate assets for homeownership, education, business startup, and other purposes. Allows an investment tax credit for contributions to an IDA. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the U.S. Attorney General, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, nongovernmental organizations to assist nonprofit community-based organizations in delivering social services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract for an evaluation of maternity group homes under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005
Commends Timothy S. Wineman, an employee of the Senate Disbursing Office, for his exemplary service to the United States Senate and the Nation. Expresses deep appreciation and gratitude for his long, faithful, and outstanding service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President, in order to coordinate efficiently and monitor spending, avoid duplication, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, shall appoint an individual to oversee all federal work and the obligation of all federally appropriated funds for the purpose of Hurricane Katrina recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Expresses the Senate's disapproval of the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Newdow, et al. v. U.S. Congress, et al. (holding that the policy of daily teacher-led recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school students violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution). Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to continue to cooperate fully with the Attorney General in such case to vigorously defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Oversight of Vital Emergency Recovery Spending Enhancement and Enforcement Act of 2005 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of Hurricane Katrina Recovery Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Makes the CFO responsible for the efficient and effective use of federal funds in all activities relating to the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Requires the CFO to strive to ensure that priority in the distribution of federal: (1) relief funds is given to individuals and organizations most in need of financial assistance; and (2) reconstruction funds is given to business entities based in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Florida, or business entities that hire workers who resided in those States on August 24, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Recognizes September 15-October 15, 2005, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of our Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Acknowledges Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's lifelong service to the United States. Commends his 33-year tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court and his many accomplishments as Chief Justice. Extends sympathy to his family and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Permits a Senator or employee of the Senate to: (1) solicit another Senator or employee of the Senate within Senate buildings for nonmonetary donations for the relief of victims of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) work with a nonprofit organization with respect to the delivery of such donations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the condolences of the Nation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina; (2) commends the resiliency and courage of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; and (3) commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of such states in the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to transfer to the custody of the Supreme Court of the United States the catafalque situated in the crypt beneath the Rotunda of the Capitol so that it may be used in the Supreme Court Building in connection with services for the former Honorable William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2005
Provides for a recess or an adjournment of the Senate from September 1 or 2, 2005, until September 6, 2005 (or until another time of reassembly under this concurrent resolution), and an adjournment of the House of Representatives from September 2, 2005, until September 6, 2005 (or until another time of reassembly). Authorizes the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, or their respective designees, acting jointly after consultation with the Minority Leaders of the Senate and of the House, to notify the Members of the House and the Senate, respectively, to reassemble at such place and time as they may designate whenever, in their opinion, the public interest shall warrant it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Repeals the termination date in the Jobs Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 for provisions reducing individual tax rates on capital gains and dividend income.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005
Healthy America Act of 2005 - Patients First Act of 2005 - Sets forth provisions governing health care lawsuits, including provisions establishing a statute of limitations and limiting recovery of non-economic damages and punitive damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative; and (2) facilitate the electronic exchange of health information. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to: (1) develop quality measurement systems to provide value-based payments to providers; (2) establish a value-based purchasing pilot program; and (3) authorize waivers for states to establish such programs for state Medicaid programs. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary to maintain a patient safety network of databases to accept, aggregate, and analyze non-identifiable patient safety data voluntarily reported by patient safety organizations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an advanceable credit for health insurance; (2) a deduction for premiums under a high deductible health plan; and (3) a credit for a small employer's contribution to an employee's health savings account. Reauthorizes grants to states to create and operate high risk health insurance pools. Covering Kids Act of 2005 - Amends Title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide awards for innovative outreach and enrollment efforts. Allows the Secretary to make grants for qualified integrated health care systems that provide care to medically underserved populations. Provides coverage under Medicare and Medicaid for integrated health center services. Allows a forbearance on student loans for volunteering at a free clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005
Healthy America Act of 2005 - Patients First Act of 2005 - Sets forth provisions governing health care lawsuits, including provisions establishing a statute of limitations and limiting recovery of non-economic damages and punitive damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative; and (2) facilitate the electronic exchange of health information. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to: (1) develop quality measurement systems to provide value-based payments to providers; (2) establish a value-based purchasing pilot program; and (3) authorize waivers for states to establish such programs for state Medicaid programs. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary to maintain a patient safety network of databases to accept, aggregate, and analyze non-identifiable patient safety data voluntarily reported by patient safety organizations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an advanceable credit for health insurance; (2) a deduction for premiums under a high deductible health plan; and (3) a credit for a small employer's contribution to an employee's health savings account. Reauthorizes grants to states to create and operate high risk health insurance pools. Covering Kids Act of 2005 - Amends Title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide awards for innovative outreach and enrollment efforts. Allows the Secretary to make grants for qualified integrated health care systems that provide care to medically underserved populations. Provides coverage under Medicare and Medicaid for integrated health center services. Allows a forbearance on student loans for volunteering at a free clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005
Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senators John McCain, Jon Kyl, and other unnamed Senators in the case of Jones v. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, et al.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005
Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl in the case of Keyter v. McCain, et al.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses deep sympathies and condolences to the people of Egypt and the victims and the families of the victims for the heinous terrorist attacks that occurred in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt on July 23, 2005; (2) condemns the barbaric and unwarranted terrorist attacks that killed and injured innocent people there; (3) expresses strong and continued solidarity with the people of Egypt and pledges to remain shoulder-to-shoulder with them to bring the terrorists responsible for such brutal attacks to justice; and (4) calls upon the international community to renew and strengthen efforts to defeat terrorists by specified measures.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2005
Honors the life and legacy of Constantino Brumidi, artist and patriot. Recognizes Brumidi's many contributions to the world of art as well as to the United States, as reflected in his work in the U.S. Capitol Building.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Commends the people of Sudan on the signing of the January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and urges the government of National Unity of Sudan to fully implement the Agreement. Requests that the U.S. government closely monitor the Agreement's implementation and events on the ground in Sudan, including in Darfur. Urges the U.S. government to: (1) maintain sanctions on the government of Sudan until the Agreement's implementation; and (2) renew efforts to implement additional sanctions through the U.N. Security Council until peace in Darfur is achieved and those responsible for genocide and other crimes are brought to justice. Urges the government of National Unity of Sudan to use the Agreement as the basis for peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Darfur and other areas of Sudan. Supports: (1) expansion of the African Union's mission in Darfur, encouraging its continued support from the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other countries and international organizations; (2) the U.N. mission in the Sudan and its expansion to protect civilians and aid workers throughout Sudan; (3) U.S. humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the southern Sudan and Darfur; and (4) international efforts to facilitate the safe return of refugees and internationally displaced persons in Sudan. Calls upon the governments of all countries in the Sudan region and around the world to support and monitor the Agreement's full implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative to recommend uniform policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology; and (2) adopt recommended modifications to standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase health information technology that is inconsistent with adopted standards and requires all federal agencies collecting health data to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to develop criteria to: (1) ensure uniform and consistent implementation of any standards voluntarily adopted by private entities; and (2) ensure and certify hardware, software, and support services compliance with adopted standards. Allows the Secretary to award grants to: (1) facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implement regional or local health information plans; and (3) develop academic programs integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the heads of specified federal agencies to develop a system to measure the quality of care patients receive. Requires the Secretary to: (1) adopt and utilize such system; (2) disseminate recommendations and best practices derived from the analysis of quality measures; and (3) study methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), to develop a Center for Best Practices to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, implement, and effectively use interoperable health information technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telemedicine.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Authorizes the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to provide to law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other entities or individuals duly authorized by federal, state, or foreign governments, the records of its investigation into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Gaylord A. Nelson, a former member of the United States Senate from Wisconsin. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on July 11, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Nelson.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the victims and their families for the heinous terrorist attacks that occurred in London on July 7, 2005; (2) condemns these barbaric and unwarranted attacks on the innocent people of London; (3) expresses strong and continued solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom and pledges to remain shoulder-to-shoulder with them to bring the terrorists responsible for these brutal attacks to justice; and (4) calls upon the international community to renew and strengthen efforts to defeat terrorists by dismantling terrorist networks and exposing the violent and nihilistic ideology of terrorism, increase international cooperation to advance personal and religious freedoms, ethnic and racial tolerance, political liberty and pluralism, and economic prosperity, and combat the social injustice, oppression, poverty, and extremism that breeds terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2005
Recognizes and pays tribute to Sandra Day O'Connor, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2005
Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel, in conjunction with counsel for the House of Representatives, to represent Congress in the case of LaFreniere v. Congress of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2005
Suspends provisions of rule IV of the Rules for the Regulation of the Senate Wing of the Capitol and Senate Office Buildings (prohibiting the taking of pictures in the Senate Chamber) to permit the C-SPAN television network to take video images of the Senate Chamber, during a period the Senate is in recess, solely for inclusion in a documentary on the history of the Capitol which the network is preparing.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005
Welcomes recent attempts by the U.N. Secretary General to address the issue of anti-Semitism, and calls on the United Nations to condemn anti-Semitic statements in its meetings and hold member states accountable for such statements. Urges the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop and implement Holocaust education programs as part of an effort against anti-Semitism and racial, religious, and ethnic intolerance. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should direct the Secretary of State to: (1) include in the Department of State's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and annual Report on International Religious Freedom information on activities at the United Nations and its constituent bodies relating to anti-Semitism by each of the countries included in these reports; and (2) use projects funded through the Middle East Partnership Initiative and U.S. overseas broadcasts to educate Arab and Muslim countries about anti-Semitism, religious intolerance, and incitement to violence.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005
Childhood Obesity Reduction Act - Establishes a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to engage in the following activities to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity: (1) work with outside experts to develop the Congressional Challenge to Reduce and Prevent Childhood Obesity; (2) develop and maintain a website on best practices for reducing and preventing childhood obesity; (3) assist schools in establishing goals for the healthy reduction and prevention of childhood obesity; (4) consult and coordinate with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and other federal initiatives that are conducting activities to reduce and prevent childhood obesity; (5) reward elementary schools, middle schools, and local educational agencies promoting innovative, successful strategies; (6) provide information to secondary schools; and (7) designate model plans for reducing and preventing childhood obesity that are submitted by schools as Congressional Challenge winners. Establishes the National Foundation for the Prevention and Reduction of Childhood Obesity as a nonprofit private corporation to support and carry out activities to prevent and reduce childhood obesity, including by: (1) establishing a fund to provide endowments for positions within the Council and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) associated with reducing childhood obesity; (2) evaluating model plans used by schools; and (3) making Challenge awards to schools and local agencies for developing and implementing such plans. Requires creation of a committee to incorporate the Foundation under state laws, establish its policies and bylaws, provide for its initial operation, and appoint members of its board of directors.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005
Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act or the IMPACT Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand an existing grant program for training for health profession students to include the treatment of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the training of primary care physicians and other health professions on how to identify, treat, and prevent obesity or eating disorders and aid individuals who are overweight, obese, or who suffer from eating disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting though the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants for the planning and implementation of programs that promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity. Allows the Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to provide for the collection and analysis of data for determining the fitness levels and energy expenditures of children and data collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to review the research to determine if the information might be important for the health disparities report. Permits states to use preventive health and health services block grants for activities and community education programs designed to address and prevent obesity and eating disorders. Requires the Secretary to report to the relevant congressional committees on: (1) the causes and health implications of being overweight, obese, or having an eating disorder; and (2) the effectiveness of campaigns to change children's behaviors and reduce obesity.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2005
Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Therapy and Research Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with qualified cord blood stem cell banks to assist in the collection and maintenance of cord blood to be made available for transplantation through the Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Cell Transplantation Program. Requires the Secretary to require that recipients of such contracts: (1) acquire and store donated units of human cord blood; and (2) make collected cord blood units available for stem cell transplantation or, if not appropriate for clinical use, available for peer-reviewed research. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration project for the collection and storage of cord blood units for a family where a relative has been diagnosed with a condition that will benefit from transplantation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to rewrite provisions requiring the Secretary to establish and maintain a National Bone Marrow Donor Registry to require the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish and maintain the Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Cell Transplantation Program to increase the number of transplants for recipients suitably matched to biologically unrelated donors of bone marrow and cord blood. Requires the Secretary to establish a related Advisory Council. Prescribes new requirements for the Program, including: (1) operating a system for listing, searching, and facilitating the distribution of donated cord blood units; (2) maintaining and expanding medical contingency response capabilities to prepare for and respond effectively to biological, chemical, or radiological attacks and other ublic health emergencies that can damage marrow; and (3) carrying out recruitment programs and educational activities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enforce quality standards and donor selection criteria; (2) establish an office of patient advocacy; and (3) establish a scientific database of outcome information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005
Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States-Free Trade Agreement entered into with the Governments of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (CAFTA-DR), and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim such actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. Government to issue such regulations, as may be necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) arbitration of claims against the United States covered by the Agreement; and (3) specified tariff modifications. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in certain circumstances, to assess additional duties, calculated according to a specified formula, on agriculture safeguard goods included in the Schedule of the United States to the Agreement that qualify as an originating good under this Act. Excepts from additional duties any good subject to import relief under this Act or to any action to facilitate positive adjustment to import competition under the Trade Act of 1974. Prescribes requirements for: (1) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (2) retroactive application for certain liquidations and reliquidations of textile or apparel goods; (3) reliquidation of certain entries; (3) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; (5) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures; (6) presidential actions with regard to U.S. International Trade Commission findings on whether imports of articles from a CAFTA-DR country are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to U.S. articles and industries; (7) designation of CAFTA-DR countries as beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; and (8) periodic presidential reports to Congress on the implementation of the Agreement, and periodic meetings between the Secretary of Labor and the labor ministers of the CAFTA-DR countries on labor obligations and labor capacity-building. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make products or services of any foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to the Agreement eligible for U.S. government procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2005
Vests responsibility for the facilities management and operations of the Capitol Visitor Center in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), subject to congressional oversight by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and as determined separately by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Health Technology to Enhance Quality Act of 2005 or the Health TEQ Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to carry out programs and activities to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Coordinator to establish a permanent Electronic Health Information Standards Development Working Group to review existing standards, identify deficiencies, and recommend modifications. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and provide for the adoption by the federal government of any recommended modification or standard. Requires the Secretary to develop criteria to: (1) ensure uniform and consistent implementation of any standards voluntarily adopted by private entities; and (2) ensure and certify hardware, software, and support services compliance with adopted standards. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator, to direct and coordinate federal spending related to the electronic exchange of health information and the adoption of recommendations of the Working Group. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase hardware, software, or support services for implementation of a standard related to the electronic exchange of health information that is not an adopted standard. Allows the Secretary to award grants for the implementation of regional or local health information plans. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a safe harbor for group purchasing of hardware, software, and support services; and (2) guidelines that permit certain arrangements between health plans and issuers and health care providers. Requires the heads of relevant federal agencies to adopt and review uniform health care quality measures. Requires the Secretary to establish a Medicare value based purchasing pilot program and authorize waivers for states to establish value based purchasing programs for state Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Recognizes Burmese democracy activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of the spirit and dedication of the people of Burma who are struggling for freedom, human rights, and justice. Calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all prisoners of conscience who are held by the State Peace and Development Council, the illegitimate military junta in power in Burma. Urges Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to initiate a discussion of the Council's repressive practices during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional forum and post-ministerial meeting scheduled to take place in July 2005 in Vientiane, Laos.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2005
Expresses: (1) deep gratitude and sincere respect for Jesse R. Nichols, Sr. (first African American Clerk employed by the U.S. Senate) for his unfailing service and dedication to the Senate; and (2) condolences to the family due to his death on February 18, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. James Exon, former United States Senator for Nebraska. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 13, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Exon.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005
Individual Alternative Minimum Tax Repeal Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the alternative minimum tax on individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Jacob Wetterling, Megan Nicole Kanka, and Pam Lychner Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act or the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act - Repeals existing provisions governing state registration programs for persons convicted of a criminal offense against a minor or of a sexually violent offense. Directs the Attorney General to carry out a Jacob Wetterling, Megan Nicole Kanka, and Pam Lychner Sex Offender Registration and Notification program under which a "covered individual" (an individual convicted of a listed offense against a minor) shall, for that individual's life, provide to the Attorney General specified information, including any change of address and employer. Lists exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. Requires the Attorney General to prescribe regulations to ensure that every covered individual wears and maintains a device that transmits information about that person's whereabouts to the domicile state, subject to specified requirements. Sets penalties for violations. Lists the responsibilities of the Attorney General and State or tribal actors. Provides for specified community notification by law enforcement. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) maintain a National Sex Offender Registry database to track the whereabouts and movements of covered individuals; (2) develop a software application that can be used by state and tribal actors; (3) establish and maintain a database to manage DNA information regarding covered individuals; and (4) carry out a Sex Offender Management Assistance program for awarding grants to states or tribal actors to offset costs associated with implementing this Act. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to subject to deportation any alien who is a covered individual and who fails to provide registration information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people, and congratulates the people of Israel as they celebrate the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence. Supports Middle East peace efforts, including the disengagement plan of the Israeli government, the Roadmap, and the recent Quartet decision to appoint World Bank President James Wolfensohn as Coordinator for Gaza Disengagement. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all administrations and Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being.