United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act or STOP Underage Drinking Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish an interagency coordinating committee to guide policy and program development across the Federal Government on underage drinking; (2) issue an annual report card to rate the performance of each State in enacting, enforcing, and creating laws, regulations, and programs to prevent or reduce underage drinking; (3) develop a set of outcome measures to prepare report cards, including the strictness of the minimum drinking age laws and the number of compliance checks conducted; (4) fund and oversee the Ad Council's national adult-oriented media public service campaign; (5) award grants to reduce the rate of underage alcohol use and binge drinking among students at institutions of higher education; and (6) collect data on, and conduct or support research on, underage drinking, including the impact alcohol use and abuse has upon adolescent brain development, the scope of the underage drinking problem, and progress in preventing and treating underage drinking. Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to award grants to design, test, evaluate, and disseminate strategies to maximize the effectiveness of community-wide approaches to preventing and reducing underage drinking. Requires the Secretary to carry out activities toward the objectives of: (1) testing every unnatural death of persons ages 12 to 20 for alcohol involvement; (2) obtaining new epidemiological data that identifies alcohol use and attitudes about alcohol use during pre- and early adolescence; and (3) developing or identifying successful clinical treatment for youth with alcohol problems.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits a qualified civil liability action from being brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce (or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers) for damages, punitive damages, injunctive or declaratory relief, abatement, restitution, fines, or penalties, or other relief, resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Requires pending actions to be dismissed. Excludes actions: (1) brought against persons who transfer a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, by a party directly harmed by such crime; (2) brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; (3) in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm knowingly violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm, and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; (4) for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or (5) for death, physical injuries, or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner, except that where the discharge was caused by a volitional act that constituted a criminal offense, such act shall be considered the sole proximate cause of any resulting death, personal injuries, or property damage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Intermodal Shipping Container Security Act - Directs the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security to take into account a certain National Maritime Transportation Security Plan to ensure that the strategy for dealing with threats to transportation security incorporates relevant aspects of the Plan and addresses all modes of commercial transportation to, from, and within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to Congress a strategic plan for integrating security for all modes of transportation by which intermodal shipping containers arrive, depart, or move in interstate commerce. Establishes the Senior Steering Group to develop solutions to conflicts among constituent agencies regarding intermodal shipping container security. Amends Federal shipping law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a system to increase the number of intermodal shipping containers physically inspected (including nonintrusive inspection by scanning technology), monitored, and tracked within the United States. Requires, beginning in 2007, no less than 50 percent of all ocean-borne shipping containers entering the United States to incorporate "Smart Box" or equivalent technology. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) report to Congress a preliminary plan for strengthening the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's container targeting system; (2) issue regulations reducing from 60 days to 45 days after arrival at a U.S. port the time period for revisions to a container manifest that is submitted to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; (3) develop a system to share threat and vulnerability information with all of the industries in the supply chain; and (4) substantially increase under the Container Security Initiative the number of U.S. Customs Service inspectors assigned to duty outside of the United States with responsibility for inspecting intermodal shipping containers being shipped to the United States. Directs the Under Secretary to implement a plan for random inspection of shipping containers in addition to any targeted or preshipment inspection of such containers required by law. Sets forth civil penalties for discrepancies found in container manifests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005
Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees. Eliminates the requirement that an eligible HSI provide assurances that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students are low-income students. Includes, among authorized activities under part A grants, articulation agreements and student support programs to help transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Eliminates the two-year wait-out period between any two five-year part A grants to an HSI.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005
Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2005 - Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSREEA of 2000) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize, under a general license, certain travel-related transactions specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with activities undertaken in connection with sales and marketing, including the organization and participation in product exhibitions, and the transportation by sea or air of products pursuant to this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should issue visas for temporary entry into the United States of Cuban nationals whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, related to purchasing U.S. agricultural goods under the provisions of TSREEA of 2000. Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under TSREEA of 2000. Repeals the ban in the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on certain transactions with respect to intellectual property in which the Cuban Government or a Cuban national has an interest regarding a mark or trade or commercial name that is the same as or substantially similar to one that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated, unless the original owner or successor-in-interest has expressly consented. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to amend the Cuban Asset Control regulations to authorize under general license the transfer or receipt of any trademark or trade name subject to U.S. law in which a designated national has an interest.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005
Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2005 - States that: (1) U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to weapons of mass destruction with respect to Iran shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has permanently and verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs and has committed to combating such weapons' proliferation; and (2) such certification shall have no effect on other sanctions 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) revise multilateral regime reporting requirements, including provisions respecting sanctions on individuals aiding Iranian petroleum development; (4) enlarge the scope of sanctionable entities; and (5) eliminate the sunset provision. Declares that U.S. policy should support: (1) efforts by the Iranian people to exercise self-determination over their form of government; and (2) an internationally-overseen referendum in Iran. Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to eligible foreign and domestic individuals and groups that support democracy and advocate nonproliferation in Iran. Directs the President to notify (which may be in classified form) the appropriate congressional committees not later than 15 days prior to designating an eligible opposition group. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should appoint a special assistant on Iranian matters; (2) U.S. representatives and officials in international fora should express support for democratic transition in Iran; (3) representatives of the Government of Iran should be denied access to U.S. Government buildings; (4) efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear weapons program should be intensified; and (5) U.S. officials and representatives should strongly support indigenous efforts in Iran calling for democratic elections.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2005
Commends the people of Iraq on the January 2005 elections, and congratulates the new members of the Transitional National Assembly and the leaders of the provincial and regional governments. Urges the new leadership of Iraq to move forward with drafting the constitution, upholding the law, and holding a referendum on the new constitution. Honors the sacrifices made for freedom by the people of Iraq. Commends the Iraqi security forces and the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces who ensured the elections could be conducted in a relatively safe and credible manner. Condemns all acts of violence and intimidation by members of the former Iraqi regime, insurgents, and other extremists and terrorists. Declares that it is in the interest of the people of Iraq, the Middle East, the United States, and the international community that Iraq transitions to a democratic state and serves as a catalyst for regional peace and stability. Calls on the international community, particularly Arab states, countries with predominantly Muslim populations, and all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, to provide military and police personnel to train Iraqi security forces and to otherwise assist in Iraq's political and economic development. Encourages the newly-elected transitional government of Iraq to ensure that all Iraqis, including members of the Sunni community, are represented in the Constitution-writing process and in the new Iraqi cabinet.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) apologizes to the victims and survivors of lynching for its failure to enact anti-lynching legislation; (2) expresses its deepest sympathies and most solemn regrets to the descendants of such victims whose ancestors were deprived of life, human dignity, and the constitutional protections accorded all other U.S. citizens; and (3) remembers the history of lynching, to ensure that these personal tragedies will be neither forgotten nor repeated.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization, over a 24-month period, of: (1) delay rental payments for the development of oil or gas wells in the United States; and (2) geological and geophysical expenses incurred in the exploration for, or development of, oil or gas in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend the Act through FY2013. Revises requirements regarding the merchantable material contracting pilot program. Requires counties participating in county projects to submit a specified notification for each project for which the participating county obligated county funds. Provides for the review of such notifications.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Columbia Space Shuttle Memorials Act of 2005 - Establishes as units of the National Park System four memorials to the Space Shuttle Columbia, to be located on the four specified parcels of land in Texas on which large debris from the Space Shuttle was recovered.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act - Exempts provisions expanding the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 from the general terminating (sunset) provisions of that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize specified appropriations through FY 2011 for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Tariff Relief Assistance for Developing Economies Act of 2005 (TRADE Act of 2005) - Authorizes the President to designate Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Yemen, and Sri Lanka or their successor political entities (TRADE Act of 2005 countries) as beneficiary TRADE Act of 2005 countries eligible to receive duty-free treatment for certain articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of such countries, if after receiving the advice of the International Trade Commission (ITC) the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Conditions such designation upon eligibility requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Trade Act of 1974. Prescribes the rule of origin for the articles for the duty-free treatment. Applies duty-free treatment, without any quantitative limitations, granted to textile and apparel articles under AGOA to articles imported directly into the U.S. customs territory from a beneficiary TRADE Act of 2005 country if their assembly meets specified U.S. origin requirements. Grants AGOA preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary TRADE Act of 2005 countries or such former countries, or both, from regional fabric from yarn originating either in the United States or one or more of such countries. Establishes: (1) limitations on such preferential treatment; and (2) special rules for apparel articles wholly assembled in one or more beneficiary TRADE Act of 2005 countries or former beneficiary countries, or both, regardless of the country of origin of the yarn or fabric used to make such articles; and (3) applicable percentages of such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Amends the Head Start Act to require Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administration of any nonemergency intrusive physical examination of a child in connection with participation in a Head Start program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to identify as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System the Southwest Passage Initiative for Regional and Interstate Transportation Corridor (or SPIRIT Corridor), which extends along U.S. Route 54 from its starting point at El Paso, Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico, through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and ending in Wichita, Kansas.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that: (1) marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman; and (2) neither the U.S. Constitution nor the constitution of any state shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Emergency Reserve Fund Act of 2005 - Establishes the Emergency Reserve Fund under the office of the Secretary of the Treasury in order to provide financial resources to respond to domestic disasters and emergencies. States that amounts in the Fund shall only be available to meet the emergency funding requirements for particular domestic disasters and security emergencies that are: (1) designated by a joint resolution of Congress; or (2) declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Includes among the list of permanent statutory appropriations those appropriations designed for the Emergency Reserve Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Permanent Marriage Penalty Relief Act of 2005 - Makes permanent provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 which eliminate the marriage penalty in the standard deduction, the 15-percent tax bracket, and the earned income tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Protects from prosecution or civil liability the minor or the minor’s parents for violations of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation of this Act to seek relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Honoring Every Requirement of Exemplary Service Act of 2005 or HEROES Act of 2005 - Increases from $12,000 to $100,000 the death gratuity payable to the survivors of members of the Armed Forces who die: (1) as a direct result of armed conflict; (2) while engaged in hazardous service; (3) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; (4) through an instrumentality of war; or (5) in an operation or area designated as a combat operation or a combat zone. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an additional death gratuity of $238,000 for a member of the Armed Forces who died before the date of enactment of this Act as a direct result of one or more wounds, injuries, or illnesses that were: (1) incurred in the theater of operations of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom; or (2) as a direct result of armed conflict, while engaged in hazardous service, in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war, or through an instrumentality of war on or after October 7, 2001. Increases the maximum amount of life insurance coverage for a member of the armed forces under servicemembers' group life insurance. Provides for $150,000 additional life insurance with no deductible due from the member for combat-related deaths. Requires spousal approval for a member to elect not to have life insurance coverage or have less than the maximum amount allowable.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Extends the U.S. Postal Service's authority to issue special postage stamps to help provide funding for breast cancer research through December 31, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005
Marriage, Opportunity, Relief, and Empowerment Act of 2005 or the MORE Act - Makes permanent specified provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to tax benefits for children and marriage penalty relief. Personal Responsibility and Individual Development for Everyone Act or the PRIDE Act - Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) revise the program of grants to States for temporary aid to needy families (TANF) to, among other things, extend the authority for family assistance grants, promote family employment and self-sufficiency programs, and establish a responsible fatherhood program; (2) extend the authority for the sexual abstinence education program; (3) revise child support enforcement requirements; (4) extend the authority for approving certain child welfare demonstration projects; and (5) extend the Transitional Medical Assistance Program (TMA). CARE Act of 2005 - Amends the 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 (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (3) allow individual taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for contributions of food and book inventories. 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 for accumulating assets for homeownership, education, business startup and other purposes. Allows an investment tax credit for contributions to an individual development account. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the 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 · 4 January 2005
Expresses: (1) sympathy for the victims and families of the earthquake and tsunami that struck communities throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Eastern Africa on December 26, 2004; and (2) gratitude and respect for the work of all aid and relief personnel, including U.S. military personnel. Supports President George W. Bush's pledge of $350,000,000 in direct financial assistance, and additional indirect assistance, through the dispatch of U.S. military assets and personnel and through substantial voluntary and annual contributions to international organizations and bodies. Commends the ongoing international relief effort. Recognizes that U.S. Government assistance will be greatly supplemented by private U.S. donations and volunteers. Supports the long-term U.S. commitment to provide financial aid and other assistance to the impacted region.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make the following corrections in the enrollment of S. 150 (extension of the moratorium on Internet taxation): (1) add a provision which terminates a certain State telecommunications service tax after November 1, 2006; and (2) add a provision exempting Texas or its political subdivisions from the Internet tax moratorium in imposing or collecting the Texas municipal access line fee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Makes Rona Ramon, Asaf Ramon, Tal Ramon, Yiftach Ramon, and Noah Ramon each eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
American Hospital Preservation 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 revise the indirect medical education adjustment percentage in order to eliminate reductions in payments to hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretaries of Education, of State, and of Health and Human Services to award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, Special Olympics for specified education, international, and health activities, including ones promoting Special Olympics and a greater understanding of contributions to society by individuals with intellectual disabilities both within and outside of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 12, 2004, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week".
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.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make any corrections to the map subtitled "Four Mile Hill Unit TX-16P, North Padre Island Unit T10/T10P" (one in a set of maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System) that are necessary to ensure that it is consistent with the map entitled "Corrections to Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Unit T-10", dated June_____, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Authorizes the President to award a gold medal to each of the seven crew members who perished aboard the space shuttle Columbia: Rick D. Husband; Michael P. Anderson; Laurel Clark; David M. Brown; William C. McCool; Kapana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
States that the Senate recognizes Israel's right of self-defense against Palestinian terrorist attacks, and supports the construction of a security fence, the route of which, with the support of the Government of Israel, takes into account the need to minimize Palestinian land confiscation and the imposition of hardships on the Palestinian people. Condemns the decision of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the security fence. Urges the United States to vote against any further United Nations action that could delay or prevent the construction of the security fence and to engage in a diplomatic campaign to persuade other countries to do the same.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2005 - Appropriates funds for FY 2005 for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure functions administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), namely: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, DOD, the Army and Air National Guards, and the Army, Naval, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (4) family housing construction and operation and maintenance, defense-wide; (5) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction, defense; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act and in other military construction appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other member nations of NATO, Japan, Korea, and other U.S. allies in the Arabian Gulf to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. Prohibits this Act's funds from being obligated for Partnership for Peace programs in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, before issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the congressional defense committees of any guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments, and the extent and likelihood of Federal liability) proposed to be made by the Secretary to the private party under the contract involved in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which housing is provided under the contract; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure for missile defense studies of any funds appropriated for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program. Extends the due date for a findings report from the Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States to the President and Congress. Directs the Secretary of the Army, upon determining that any portion of certain real property at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, is excess to the needs of the Army, to first offer such property to the Secretary of Agriculture for inclusion in the National Forest System.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage (a special postage stamp) for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for childhood drinking prevention and education. Requires collected amounts to be paid to the Department of Health and Human Services. Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total Federal funding for childhood drinking prevention and education below the level that would otherwise have been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first class or other regular postage rates. Requires the special postage stamps to be made available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding Federal assistance for programs to reduce suicide among children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop and implement State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) support public organizations actively involved in State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies and in the development and continuation of such intervention and prevention strategies; (3) collect and analyze data on State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention services that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (4) assist eligible entities in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award a grant or contract to establish the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to expand mental and behavior health services to students, to provide such services, and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Federal Marriage Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to enter into a contract to revise the statue commemorating women's suffrage located in the rotunda of the United States Capitol (known as the Portrait Monument) to include a likeness of Sojourner Truth.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Ensuring Quality and Access to Cancer Care Act of 2004 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to increase the applicable percentage for services furnished during 2005 to the applicable percentage currently specified for 2004 with respect to transitional adjustment to the physician fee schedule for drug administration services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Expresses: (1) condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the young women killed in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, since 1993, many of whom appear to be victims of one or more serial murders; and (2) the solidarity of the people of the United States with the people of Mexico in the face of these tragic and senseless acts. Recognizes the courageous struggle of the victims' families in seeking justice for them. Condemns: (1) the abductions and murders of such young women in Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua; (2) the use of torture as a means of investigation into these crimes; and (3) all senseless acts of violence in all parts of the world and violence against women in particular. Urges the President and Secretary of State to continue to express: (1) concern over these abductions and murders to the Government of Mexico and to request that the investigative and preventative efforts of such Government become part of the bilateral agenda between the Governments of Mexico and the United States; and (2) support for the efforts of the victims' families to seek justice for the victims, to express concern relating to the continued harassment of these families and the human rights defenders with which they work, and to express concern with respect to impediments in the ability of the families to receive prompt and accurate information in their cases. Supports multilateral efforts to create a DNA database that would allow families to positively identify the remains of the victims and encourages the Secretary to facilitate U.S. participation in such database. Encourages the Secretary to: (1) continue to include in the Department of State's annual Country Report on Human Rights all instances of improper investigatory methods, threats against human rights activists, and the use of torture with respect to cases involving the murder and abduction of young women in the State of Chihuahua; and (2) urge the Government of Mexico to ensure fair and proper judicial proceedings for the individuals accused of these abductions and murders and to impose appropriate punishment for those individuals subsequently determined to be guilty of such crimes. Recommends that the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico visit Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua to meet with the victims' families, women's rights organizations, and Mexican Federal and State officials responsible for investigating these crimes and preventing future such crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2000 to authorize specified additional projects, including projects for water conservation and improvement in Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Hudspeth, and El Paso counties, Texas. Permits each project that the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, conducts or participates in to include: (1) the replacement of irrigation canals and lateral canals with buried pipelines; (2) the impervious lining of irrigation canals and lateral canals; (3) the installation of water level, flow measurement, pump control, and telemetry systems; (4) the renovation and replacement of pumping plants; and (5) other activities that will result in water conservation or an improved water supply.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004
NASA Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) the International Space Station (ISS); (2) space shuttle; (3) space flight support; (4) transportation systems; and (5) human and robotic technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the following programs: (1) space science; (2) earth science; (3) biological and physical research; (4) aeronautics technology; and (5) education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the: (1) Office of Inspector General; and (2) Technical Engineering Authority. Directs the Administrator of NASA to: (1) establish an agency-wide lessons-learned and best practices program to ensure availability of lessons learned and best practices to NASA's employees; (2) establish within NASA a Technical Engineering Authority; (3) provide the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance direct line authority over Space shuttle safety organization and independent funding; (4) reorganize the Space Shuttle Integration Office to ensure integration of all Space Shuttle program elements; (5) recertify Space shuttle orbiters for operation prior to any operations beyond 2010; (6) establish a program to upgrade Space shuttle and ISS engineering drawing systems; and (7) submit plans for launching assembly elements, crew, and supplies to the ISS from 2010 through 2014. Prohibits the return of the Space shuttle program to launch until all safety recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report identified as "Return to Flight" tasks have been completely satisfied. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to implement an initiative to explore the solar system and beyond. Instructs the Administrator to: (1) report on all activities and funding that support human missions to the Moon and the planet Mars; (2) submit a system requirements document for the conduct of such a mission to the Moon by 2014 and eventually to Mars; (3) submit a life cycle cost estimate for a manned mission to the Moon and annual revised estimates; (4) develop a commercialization plan to support the human missions to the Moon and Mars; and (5) develop an assessment of private sector capability to support the manned missions to the Moon and Mars. Requires program managers for major systems of the solar system exploration initiative specified above to submit quarterly reports on the total life cycle costs for such systems. Sets forth stop-loss provisions for 15 and 25 percent cost overruns. Directs NASA to report on opportunities for international cooperation from all space faring nations on a human mission to the Moon and Mars. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a Technology Transfer and Licensing Office within the solar system exploration initiative program and develop a technology transfer plan; (2) submit a plan for robotic lunar missions to the Moon within three years; (3) submit a legal review and interpretation of the laws and treaties governing space exploration and the possible ownership of resources on the Moon and Mars; and (4) establish a NASA Engineering School for NASA employees and contractors. Directs the NASA Chief Financial Officer to report on NASA's ability to improve its financial management. Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit a plan for future space vehicle launches; and (2) establish an Industry Advisory Board to review opportunities for the private sector to invest in and take advantage of activities at NASA. Sets forth provisions for implementation of a pilot program for reduction in the waiting period between publication of notice of a proposed contract action and release of the solicitation for procurements conducted by NASA for certain non-commercial acquisitions with a total value in excess of $100,000, but not more than $5 million, including options. Allows the Administrator to relinquish to a State all or part of U.S. jurisdiction over lands or interests under the Administrator's control in that State. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the Centennial Challenge Program to award prizes to stimulate innovation in research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to the performance of NASA activities. Directs the Administrator to conduct a NASA-wide assessment to identify and define areas of cultural and organizational changes and to develop a plan to: (1) create a culture that promotes effective communication and encourages expression of dissenting views; (2) increase NASA's focus on human elements management and organizational development; (3) develop procedures for leadership, management, and employee training and skill development; and (4) create a system of checks and balances to ensure NASA's technical and safety standards. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to NASA civilian and military personnel stationed outside the United States allowances and benefits comparable to those provided to officers and employees of the Foreign Service. Requires the Administrator, within 60 days after the National Academy of Sciences issues its study on the future of the Hubble Space Telescope, to submit a plan on the future of the telescope. Creates the position of Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs in NASA. Instructs the Administrator to report on the advisability of establishing a charitable and non-profit corporation to encourage private gifts for, or in connection with, NASA and to further the public's knowledge of the Earth and space. Directs the Administrator to: (1) implement a near-Earth object survey program to detect, track, and catalog the characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets of 100 meters or more in diameter in order to assess the threat of such objects striking Earth; (2) submit a plan for the development and demonstration of technologies that result in specified commercial aircraft performance characteristics; (3) submit a feasibility study for the development and demonstration of technologies to enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft; and (4) establish a scholarship program for full-time graduate students in Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering to have the opportunity for paid employment at one of the NASA Centers engaged in aeronautics research and development.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Iraqi Women and Children's Liberation Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should ensure that women and children in Iraq benefit from the liberation of Iraq; (2) women of all ethnic groups in Iraq should be included in the economic and political reconstruction of Iraq; and (3) the Government of Iraq should adhere to internationally accepted standards on human rights and rights of women and children. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for: (1) education and health care for Iraqi women and children living in Iraq or living as refugees in other countries; and (2) enhancement of political participation, economic empowerment, civil society, and personal security of women in Iraq. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should ensure that such assistance is: (1) provided in a manner that protects and promotes the human rights of all people in Iraq, utilizing indigenous institutions and nongovernmental organizations, especially women's organizations; and (2) conditioned on the government of Iraq making continued progress toward internationally accepted standards of human rights and the rights of women.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h001016_200.jpg)