HRIFA Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA) to require determinations regarding derivative status for the children of qualifying Haitians to be made using the age of the child as of October 21, 1998. Authorizes parents or guardians of children seeking derivative status to file an adjustment application on the child's behalf if the child is physically present in the United States on the date of filing. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to waive grounds of inadmissibility not specified in HRIFA for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when otherwise in the public interest, with the exception of those grounds related to controlled substances trafficking and certain security and related matters. Permits qualifying Haitians seeking benefits pursuant to this Act to file new status adjustment applications and motions to reopen. Extends to those who file the same protection from exclusion, deportation, removal, or enforcement of a voluntary departure order as currently applies to HRIFA beneficiaries.

Bill· SS. 2993 (108th)referred

National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004

National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand and facilitates economic growth. Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including such matters as: (1) the capacity of infrastructure improvements to sustain economic development; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public works improvements; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve facilities and the projected share of investment requirements and expenditures on infrastructure facility improvements by Federal, State, and local governments; and (5) estimates of the return to the economy from public works investment. Directs the Commission to develop recommendations regarding: (1) a Federal infrastructure plan that will detail national infrastructure program priorities; (2) public works improvements and methods of delivering and providing for public work facilities; (3) analysis or criteria and procedures that may be used by Federal agencies and State and local governments in inventorying existing and needed public works improvements, assessing the condition of improvements, and developing uniform criteria and procedures; and (4) proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting by Federal agencies of data regarding infrastructure improvements.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 457 (108th)passed

A resolution designating the week of October 24, 2004, through October 30, 2004, as "National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week".

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2004

Designates the week of October 24-30, 2004, as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Bill· SS. 2960 (108th)referred

Rush Hour Congestion Relief Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Rush Hour Congestion Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal-Aid Highways Program to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a traffic incident management program to assist States and localities in: (1) regional traffic incident management program planning; and (2) carrying out projects to mitigate the effects of traffic delays resulting from accidents, breakdowns, and other non-recurring incidents on highways. Prohibits funds apportioned under this Act from being obligated for an urbanized area with a population greater than 300,000 until such time as a regional traffic incident management plan is developed for the urbanized area. Requires an urbanized area that receives funds under this Act to engage in certain regional collaboration and coordination activities to develop a prescribed regional traffic incident management plan. Prescribes an apportionment formula for funds distribution among the States to implement this Act.

Bill· SS. 2942 (108th)referred

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

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

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

Bill· SS. 2911 (108th)referred

Medicare Competitive Acquisition Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Medicare Competitive Acquisition Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Moderization Act of 2003, to revise requirements for the phase-in among competitive acquisition areas of Medicare programs for acquisition of competitvely priced items and services. Prescribes a phase-in schedule from FY 2005 through 2007 (currently from FY 2007 through 2009). Revises the conditions for awarding a competitive acquisition contract to require an entity to have an active National Supplier Clearinghouse identification number and comply with specified additional requirements, including all Federal and State licensure and regulatory requirements. Requires such entity also not to have been suspended within the 12 months preceding its bid for billing for items or services not furnished.

Bill· SS. 2906 (108th)referred

Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2005, to reduce the monthly Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premium rate for each month in the year for individuals not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and each individual enrolled under Medicare part B so that the aggregate amount of such reductions in the year equals an amount computed according to a specified formula involving reduced payments to Medicare Advantage organizations. Requires the Secretary, in applying risk adjustment factors to payments to Medicare Advantage organizations, to ensure that such payments are adjusted to reflect the enrollee's health status, including adjusting for the difference between the health status of the enrollee and individuals enrolled under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B. Requires payments to such organizations, in the aggregate, to reflect such differences. Eliminates the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund (Slush Fund).

Bill· SS. 2889 (108th)open

American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004

American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in celebration of the recovery of the bald eagle, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the placement of the bald eagle on the endangered species list under such Act, to mint and issue not more than: (1) 100,000 $5 gold coins; (2) 500,000 $1 silver coins; and (3) 750,000 half dollar coins. Directs that the design of the coins be emblematic of the bald eagle and its history, natural biology, and national symbolism. Requires that sales of the coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin, $10 for the $1 coin, and $3 for the half dollar coin, which shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the American Eagle Foundation of Tennessee to: (1) establish an interest-bearing endowment called the American Eagle Fund as a permanent source of support for the care, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery of the bald eagle and its habitat in the United States; (2) make annual grants to Federal, State, and private eagle restoration, protection, and enhancement projects; (3) administer the Fund in an annual amount not to exceed the lesser of ten percent of the annual income of the Fund or $250,000; and (4) provide financial support for capital projects and for continuation and expansion of the Foundation's efforts to educate the American people about the bald eagle.

Bill· SS. 2886 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain hazard mitigation assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income hazard mitigation payments received under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or the National Flood Insurance Act.

Bill· SS. 2857 (108th)referred

Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the project for ecosystem restoration, water supply, flood control, and protection of water quality, Indian River Lagoon, South Florida, at a specified total cost, in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Chief of Engineers, dated August 6, 2004. Deauthorizes certain projects authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 and the Flood Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the project for ecosystem restoration, Picayune Strand, Collier County, Florida, at a specified total cost, substantially in accordance with the project implementation report for the project, and subject to the conditions recommended in a final report of the Chief of Engineers, if a favorable report of the Chief is completed not later than December 31, 2004.

Bill· SS. 2835 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow penalty free withdrawals from retirement plans for victims of federally declared disasters.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt qualified disaster-relief distributions from the ten percent penalty on premature distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans; and (2) allow repayment of such distributions to the retirement plan within five years after the date of such distribution. Defines a "qualified disaster-relief distribution" as a distribution to an individual who has sustained a loss in excess of $100 from a major disaster declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act if such distribution is made within one year after the disaster declaration and the distribution does not exceed the amount of the loss and is not covered by insurance or otherwise.

Bill· SS. 2759 (108th)open

Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

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

Bill· SS. 2704 (108th)open

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for an extension of conveyance and passenger customs user fees.

Bill· SS. 2685 (108th)referred

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004

Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for the extension of conveyance and passenger customs user fees.

Bill· SS. 2672 (108th)referred

Independent National Security Classification Board Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004

Independent National Security Classification Board Act of 2004 - Establishes the Independent National Security Classification Board as an independent agency within the executive branch. Directs the Board, with respect to national security information, to: (1) review the classification system for such information and recommend reforms to ensure the protection of national security, information sharing among Government agencies, and an open and informed public discussion; (2) prescribe the classification system for such information applicable to all departments and agencies of the United States; and (3) upon its own initiative or by request of the Inspector General of an executive agency or the chairman or ranking member of specified congressional committees, review any classification decision made by an executive agency with respect to such information. Authorizes the Board to: (1) conduct hearings; (2) secure information from any Federal agency; (3) obtain administrative support services; (4) use the U.S. Postal Service in the same manner as other Federal agencies; and (5) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 407 (108th)passed

A resolution designating October 15, 2004, as "National Mammography Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004

Designates October 15, 2004, as National Mammography Day.

Bill· SS. 2656 (108th)referred

Ponce de Leon Discovery of Florida Quincentennial Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004

Ponce de Leon Discovery of Florida Quincentennial Commission Act - Establishes the National Commission on the Quincentennial of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon to plan, encourage, coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the quincentennial (500th anniversary) of the discovery of Florida by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a study regarding the feasibility of creating a National Heritage Area or National Monument to commemorate the discovery of Florida; and (2) coordinate activities throughout the United States and internationally that relate to the history and influence of such discovery.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 124 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution declaring genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004

States that Congress: (1) declares that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide; (2) reminds the President and the international community of their international legal obligations, as affirmed in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; (3) commends the President's leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur and in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by that conflict, including the provision of assistance in Darfur and Eastern Chad; (4) urges the President to seek a United Nations Security Council resolution that directs the member states of the United Nations to impose sanctions against those responsible for the atrocities committed in Darfur, authorizes a multinational force to guarantee humanitarian access and security for foreign aid workers and internally displaced persons, urges a halt to violence committed by militias and by the armed forces of Sudan, creates a Commission of Inquiry, and calls for the establishment of a formal peace process between Darfurians and the Government of Sudan; (5) calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to establish a Darfur Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Fund; and (6) urges the President to provide political and financial support to the African Union to promote its effective intervention in Darfur.

Bill· SS. 2623 (108th)referred

SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004

SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide a two-year extension of supplemental security income (SSI) from FY 2005 through 2007 for qualified aliens (including asylees and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants).

Bill· SS. 2621 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase the amount of authorized appropriations for the pilot program for alternative water source projects and extend program authorization through FY 2009.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 401 (108th)passed

A resolution designating the week of November 7 through November 13, 2004, as "National Veterans Awareness Week" to emphasize the need to develop educational programs regarding the contributions of veterans to the country.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004

Calls for the President to designate the week of November 7-13, 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week to emphasize educational programs for elementary and secondary school students regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Bill· SS. 2589 (108th)open

A bill to clarify the status of certain retirement plans and the organizations which maintain the plans.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Sets forth rules regarding the status of certain retirement plans maintained by specified types of ecumenical organizations as church plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Exempts certain of such plans from prohibitions, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, against commingling specified assets for investment purposes.

Bill· SS. 2593 (108th)referred

Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care management services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the different payment methodologies applicable with respect to chronic care management services developed and implemented under this Act; (2) the effectiveness of the pay for performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, including dementia; (3) process measures and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses, including dementia; (4) the cost-effectiveness and quality associated with chronic care management under the Medicare program; and (5) the feasibility of broadening and incorporating the findings of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) study into the Medicare program.

Bill· SS. 2602 (108th)referred

District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue during 2009 redesigned quarter dollars commemorating the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories.

Bill· SS. 2568 (108th)referred

Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one dollar coins emblematic of the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin (not more than 250,000 bearing his image as a young statesman and not more than 250,000 with his image as an older numismatist). Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a $10 per coin surcharge, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the Franklin Institute for purposes of the celebration of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary.

Bill· SS. 2560 (108th)referred

Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004

Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004 - States that whoever intentionally induces any copyright infringement shall be liable as an infringer.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 383 (108th)passed

A resolution commending the National Hockey League Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2004 Stanley Cup Championship.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2004

Commends the Tampa Bay Lightning National Hockey League team for winning the 2004 Stanley Cup. Recognizes the achievements of all the players, coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in assisting the team to win the Stanley Cup and invites them to the Capitol Building to be honored.

Bill· SS. 2535 (108th)referred

Medicare Preventive Services Coverage Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004

Medicare Preventive Services Coverage Act of 2004 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the part B program to provide appropriate preventive benefits. Amends part E (Miscellaneous), as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for additional preventive services (including mental health services) under Medicare. Eliminates coinsurance in outpatient department (OPD) hospital settings and application of deductible with respect to additional preventive services.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 119 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution recognizing that prevention of suicide is a compelling national priority.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004

Recognizes as a compelling national priority the need to increase awareness about and prevent suicide. Reaffirms Congress's commitment to the priorities expressed in prior legislation (which recognized suicide as a national problem and declared suicide prevention to be a national priority). Encourages Americans, communities, and the nation to work to increase awareness about and prevent suicide.

Bill· SS. 2533 (108th)referred

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make Alzheimer's disease research a priority within the National Institute on Aging. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative to accelerate the discovery of new risk and protective factors, to rapidly identify therapies and preventive interventions, and to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to educate the public and public health community regarding Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop coordinated respite care programs on a statewide basis. Defines "respite care" to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of such child or adult. Directs the Secretary to award a grant or cooperative agreement to a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a nonrefundable tax credit for each individual certified as having long-term care needs and for whom the taxpayer is acting as a caregiver; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care premiums paid under a qualified insurance contract; and (3) qualified long-term care insurance to be offered in a cafeteria plan and flexible spending arrangements.

Bill· SS. 2534 (108th)open

Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st Century Act - Reduces, for purposes of certain student financial aid computations, the expected family contribution for individuals receiving educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) by an amount equal to the statutory reduction in basic pay or voluntary separation incentives for such individuals. Authorizes enrollment in the MGIB basic educational assistance program by certain individuals who participated in or were eligible to participate in the post-Vietnam era veteran's educational assistance program. Provides for commencement of the ten-year delimiting period for the receipt of certain training program benefits by veterans, survivors, and dependents upon commencement of such training. Makes MGIB educational benefits available for payment of fees associated with national admissions exams and national exams for credit at institutions of higher education. Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount for veterans seeking assistance under the Veterans Administration home loan guaranty program by indexing that amount to the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit, adjusted annually.

Bill· SS. 2524 (108th)open

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of health care, rehabilitation, and related services to veterans suffering from trauma relating to a blast injury, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish and operate at least one, but not more than three, centers for research, education, and clinical activities on blast injuries. Requires the Secretary to designate a center or centers upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health subject to specified requirements and findings. Requires the official within the central office of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) responsible for blast injury matters to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merits of proposals for the designation of centers. Authorizes clinical and scientific investigation activities at each center to compete on a priority basis for the award of funds from amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical and prosthetics research. Requires the Under Secretary for Health to ensure that useful information produced by the centers is disseminated throughout the VHA. Gives responsibility for supervising operation of the centers to the official within the central office of the VHA responsible for blast injury matters. Requires the Secretary to designate at least one center no later than January 1, 2005. Directs the Secretary to submit reports on center activities to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 381 (108th)passed

A resolution recognizing the accomplishments and significant contributions of Ray Charles to the world of music.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Recognizes Ray Charles as one of the greatest American musicians of all time and honors him for his contributions to music, culture, community, and the United States. Offers its appreciation to Ray Charles for sharing his musical gifts with the world. Extends deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Ray Charles.

Bill· SS. 2451 (108th)open

A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to restore the application date for country of origin labeling.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to make retail-sale country of origin labeling provisions effective as of September 30, 2004 (currently September 30, 2006).