United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Declares that the Senate will work with federal agencies, national organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to encourage the development and implementation of existing and future computer security voluntary consensus standards, practices, and technologies in order to enhance the state of computer security in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Fiscal Accountability, Integrity, and Responsibility in SCHIP Act of 2006, or FAIR-SCHIP Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to set forth special rules to fund the FY2007 SCHIP allotment shortfalls, including through a redistribution of certain unused FY2005 allotments. Extends authority for qualifying states to use certain funds for Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to declare that it is the intent of Congress that: (1) in a claim brought under such Act, the facts are not to be given a broad liberal construction in favor of the employee or of the employer; (2) the laws pertaining to the claim are to be construed in accordance with the basic principles of statutory construction and not liberally in favor of either the employee or employer; and (3) the system established under the Act shall be efficient and self-executing, but not an economic or administrative burden. Makes compensation under the Act payable regardless of fault as a cause of an injury (no-fault). Specifies requirements for proportional payment of compensation, the last employer doctrine, intervening employment, and noncontributing employment exposure. Prescribes criteria for the preemption of state law providing additional or alternative remedies for an injured employee, the employee's legal representative, spouse, next of kin, or anyone otherwise entitled to recover from an employer on account of an employee's injury or death. Revises requirements for physician selection. Allows a carrier to designate one or more participating networks or one or more health care panels, or both, to provide medical services to employees. Modifies the formula used to determine disability compensation, including for loss of hearing. Increases allowed funeral expenses. Revises requirements for: (1) determination of death compensation to survivors; (2) timing and recipients of a notice of such injury or death; (3) filing of claims; (4) date of payment of compensation; (5) assignment and exemption from the claims of creditors; (6) presumptions, burdens, and rules of evidence; (7) review of compensation orders; (8) modification of compensation awards for fraud or overpayment; (9) reports of fraud; and (10) payments into the special fund in the absence of an entitled survivor of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Declares that the Senate will work with federal agencies, national organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to encourage the development and implementation of existing and future computer security voluntary consensus standards, practices, and technologies in order to enhance the state of computer security in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
Congratulates and honors the Columbus Northern Little League team on winning the 60th annual Little League Baseball World Series. Commends Little League Baseball for continuing the tradition of encouraging the development of sportsmanship and confidence in youth by sponsoring world-class baseball.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, including the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur are genocide, and the need for U.S. and international involvement in Darfur. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to direct the President, with waiver authority upon congressional notification, to block the assets and deny visas and entry to any individual complicit in or responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Darfur, including certain family members or associates of such individual. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to reinforce an expanded African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). States that the President should take steps to deny the government of Sudan access to oil revenues, including prohibiting U.S. port entry to cargo ships or oil tankers engaged in trade activities in Sudan's oil sector or involved in the shipment of goods for the Armed Forces of Sudan until the government of Sudan has honored its commitments to cease attacks on civilians, demobilize and demilitarize the Janjaweed and associated militias, grant access for humanitarian assistance, and allow for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Exempts from such prohibition cargo ships or oil tankers involved in: (1) an internationally recognized demobilization program or the shipment of economic assistance; or (2) the shipment of certain military assistance. Prohibits, with national interest waiver authority, U.S. assistance to a country in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591 (embargo on military assistance to Sudan). States that certain restrictions against the government of Sudan shall remain in place until the President makes specified certifications to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the government of Sudan. Amends the Assistance for International Malaria Control Act to repeal provisions authorizing the President to provide additional assistance to, and exempting prohibitions on exports from, areas outside the control of the government of Sudan. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to repeal the provision authorizing the President to provide additional nonmilitary assistance to areas outside the control of the government of Sudan. Authorizes the President, subject to congressional notification by the Secretary of State, to provide economic assistance for Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei. Authorizes the President to provide specified military assistance to the government of Sudan. Waives prohibitions concerning Sudan in Executive Order No. 13067 regarding activities with respect to Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Commemorates the life of each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Extends deepest condolences to the victims, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. Condemns the attacks, the terrorists who perpetrated them, and their sponsors. Commits to support the necessary steps to defeat terrorists who plot to harm the American people. Recommits the Senate and the Nation to bringing the perpetrators of the attacks and their sponsors to justice. Honors members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders, members of the intelligence community, and others who have bravely participated in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. Declares September 11, 2006, to be a National Day of Remembrance, in commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns today (September 11, 2006), it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2006
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise criminal prohibitions against damaging or interfering with the operations of an animal enterprise to include threats of death or serious bodily injury against individuals (or their family members or, spouse, or intimate partner) who are involved with animal enterprises. Expands monetary and criminal penalties for such crimes. Requires restitution for certain economic losses. Modifies the definition of "animal enterprise" to include: (1) an enterprise that uses or sells animals or animal products for profit for educational purposes; and (2) an animal shelter, pet store, breeder, or furrier. Provides that expressive conduct (including picketing or other peaceful demonstration) protected by the First Amendment is not prohibited by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2006
Personal Philanthropy Account Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction (whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions) for cash contributions to a personal philanthropy account. Defines "personal philanthropy account" as a tax-exempt trust created to make distributions for charitable purposes. Sets forth rules providing for employer contributions to such accounts, default charitable distributions in the event of an account holder's death, and minimum annual distributions. Allows an exclusion from the gross income of an employee for contributions made by an employer to the employee's personal philanthropy account.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Calls for Congress to support: (1) efforts to promote awareness of cancer in children; (2) investment in childhood cancer research; (3) medical trainees and investigators in the field of pediatric oncology; (4) incentives to encourage the development of drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers; (5) policies that encourage participation in clinical trials; (6) medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients; and (7) enhanced education, services, and other resources related to late effects from treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Condemns the government of Sudan's: (1) military offensive in Darfur in violation of the terms of the Darfur Peace Agreement (2006) and the N'Djamena cease-fire accord (2004); and (2) rejection of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006). Commends the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for its monitoring of the N'djamena cease-fire agreement and encourages the African Union (AU) to leave the AMIS force in place until a U.N. peacekeeping mission is deployed to Darfur. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) cease its military offensive in Darfur; and (2) comply with the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon the United Nations to: (1) deploy as quickly as practicable well trained and equipped peacekeeping troops as authorized by Security Council Resolution 1706; and (2) begin considerations of sanctions as called for by Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) and Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004). Urges the President to help improve the security situation in Darfur by: (1) pursuing the imposition of a "no-fly zone" in Darfur in cooperation with the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or NATO allies; (2) garnering support for NATO assistance with the AU handover of AMIS to the United Nations; (3) obtaining the support of China, Russia, and U.S. allies in the Arab League to secure Sudan's compliance with U.N. peacekeeper deployment; (4) supporting full funding for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Sudan; (5) securing U.N. member state support for a special session on Sudan in the U.N. Human Rights Council; and (6) appointing a Special Envoy to Sudan to head the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy. Urges the international community to: (1) support the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur financially, with logistical and equipment support, or through troop contributions; (2) fulfill financial obligations to U.N. and international humanitarian aid agencies for responding to the crisis in Darfur or addressing humanitarian needs throughout Sudan; (3) impose targeted sanctions against members of the National Congress Party responsible for human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; and (4) impose sanctions consistent with Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1564.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment that existed prior to the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Repeals: (1) the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use; and (2) the requirement that the equipment supplier transfer title to the individual at the end of such period, with payments continuing at specified monthly rates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to day care centers, camps, educational entities, prisons, and other entities that provide dorm-like housing, information concerning bacterial meningitis and the meningitis vaccine.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a two-year moratorium on certain Medicare physician payment reductions for imaging services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Tanning Accountability and Notification Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to determine whether: (1) the labeling requirements for indoor tanning devices provide sufficient information to consumers regarding the risks that the use of such devices pose for the development of irreversible damage to the eyes and skin, including skin cancer; and (2) an additional warning would communicate such risks more effectively; or (3) there is no warning that would adequately communicate such risks. Requires the Secretary, in making such determinations, to: (1) conduct consumer testing using the best available methods for determining consumer understanding of label warnings; and (2) hold public hearings and solicit public comments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2006
Recognizes: (1) the great contributions of Will Keith Kellogg to U.S. citizens and people of the world; (2) the 100th anniversary (April 1, 2006) of the creation of the first flaked breakfast cereal; and (3) the achievements of W.K. Kellogg and the benefits enjoyed by all those touched by his life.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Tax Equity and Affordability Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; (2) require business taxpayers who receive payments for certain employee health insurance coverage to file informational returns; (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers; and (4) limit the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Congratulates Spelman College on its 125th anniversary. Commends those associated with the College for their outstanding achievements and contributions to African American education, history, and culture.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Program to facilitate undergraduate study abroad for academic credit. States that the Program shall consist of: (1) undergraduate fellowships (Lincoln Fellowships); and (2) grants to institutions of higher education (Lincoln Institutional Leverage Grants).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006
Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states to: (1) provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener, with priority to children under age nine; (2) provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of such children; and (3) develop and disseminate educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to lead all federal public health and medical response to public health emergencies and incidents covered by the National Response Plan. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and transfers to the Assistant Secretary the functions of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Expands the program for state and local public health emergency preparedness to allow political subdivisions of states or a consortium of states to be eligible for funding. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and require the application of evidence-based benchmarks and objective standards that measure levels of preparedness; and (2) establish a near real-time electronic nationwide public health situational awareness capacity to enhance detection, response, and management of public health emergencies. Sets forth matching requirements for emergency preparedness funds. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the National Disaster Medical System, including a review of medical surge capacity. Transfers to the Secretary the functions of the National Disaster Medical System. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a Medical Reserve Corps to provide for an adequate supply of volunteers during a public health emergency. Allows the Secretary to establish Centers for Public Health Preparedness at accredited schools of public health. Requires the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to ensure the readiness of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in a public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Agricultural Protection and Prosperity Act of 2006 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to: (1) include the definition of "manure"; and (2) exclude manure from the meaning of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Provides that such exclusion shall not: (1) impose liability under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to manure; (2) affect any provision of the Air Quality Agreement entered into between the Administrator and operators of animal feeding operations; or (3) affect the applicability of any other environmental law as it relates to the definition of manure or the responsibilities or liabilities of any person regarding the treatment, storage, or disposal of manure. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure (as defined under CERCLA) from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006
Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2006
Commends the efforts of former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick in Darfur and the contributions of White House Policy Advisor Michael Gerson, Ambassador Cindy Courville, and Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States needs an individual of Ambassadorial rank and high stature to devote exclusive attention to Darfur and related issues concerning peace and stability in Sudan; (2) such individual should formulate and coordinate policy, lead negotiations, engage with parties to the conflict to monitor their compliance with the May 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement, gather donor resources, and ensure that this crisis remains a top U.S. government priority; and (3) the President should appoint a Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan with the rank of Ambassador and should provide not less than $250,000 to support the Presidential Special Envoy.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individual taxpayers who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) periodic health care or medical services shall not be disqualified from making tax deductible contributions to health savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006
Protection against United Nations Taxation Act of 2006, the PUNT Act of 2006, or the Helms-Biden Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Requires the withholding of 20% of U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations (U.N.) and other applicable international organizations until the President certifies that neither the United Nations (or U.N. agencies) nor any other international organization has authority under U.S. law to impose, or has imposed or proposed, taxes or fees on the U.S. government, states, or U.S. corporations or nationals. States that such provision shall not apply to: (1) fees for publications or other fees that are not tantamount to a tax on U.S. citizens; (2) the World Intellectual Property Organization; or (3) staff assessment costs of the United Nations and its agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2005 (sic) - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage (as supplies associated with the injection of insulin) of home needle destruction devices and disposal of needles and lancets through a sharps-by-mail or similar program under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Paul Coverdell Homestead Open Space Preservation and Conservation Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax-exempt conservation organizations a tax credit for expenditures to acquire and maintain real property interests exclusively for conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
CAFO Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow owners or operators of a concentrated animal feeding operation a business-related tax credit, up to $500,000 in a taxable year, for the cost of compliance with a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Terminates such credit after 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2006
Border Security First Act of 2006 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) improving Mexico's southern border security; (4) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, document integrity, and mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry; and (5) National Guard deployment on the U.S. southern border. Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Provides criminal penalties for construction, financing, or use of illegal border tunnels or passages. Provides for: (1) the emergency deployment of additional Border Patrol agents; and (2) an increase in full-time agents. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2006 - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which is a high impact area. Sets forth law enforcement provisions respecting: (1) reimbursement for state costs in processing illegal aliens; (2) expedited removal of criminal aliens; (3) increased federal detention space for aliens; (4) the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative; and (5) reimbursement of Southern Border State and county prosecutors for prosecuting federally initiated drug cases. Affirms state law enforcement authority to assist (including transfer to federal custody) the federal government in enforcing U.S. immigration laws during the normal course of law enforcement duties. Provides for related federal reimbursement of state costs. Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act - Provides for: (1) a port of entry infrastructure assessment study; (2) a national land border security plan; (3) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism programs along the northern and southern borders; and (4) a port of entry technology demonstration program. Provides for the implementation of programs to: (1) fully integrate and utilize aerial surveillance technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); (2) procure additional automated surveillance assets to achieve operational control of U.S. borders; and (3) achieve border security on certain federal land along the borders.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006
Comprehensive Homeless Veterans Assistance and Prevention Act of 2006 - Reaffirms: (1) the national goal to end chronic homelessness among veterans within a decade of the enactment of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001; and (2) encouraging all federal and local departments and agencies and public and private sector entities and organizations to work cooperatively to achieve such goal. Expresses the sense of Congress that federal agencies should cooperate more fully to address the veteran homelessness problem. Extends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and activities to assist homeless veterans, including: (1) grants for comprehensive homelessness services; (2) treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) the transfer to VA homeless assistance programs of properties obtained through mortgage foreclosures; (4) a grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; and (5) the homeless veteran service provider technical assistance program. Extends funding for rental assistance vouchers for a VA-supported housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2006
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2006 - FHA Modernization Act of 2006 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal housing loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term to 40 years; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term. Requires the Secretary to notify specified entities whenever the Secretary takes discretionary action to suspend or revoke approval of a mortgagee to participate in any mortgage insurance program. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain blanket mortgage insured by the Secretary. Revises requirements for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund. Limits the Secretary's authority to enter into commitments for loan guarantees. Requires annual independent actuarial studies of the Fund. Declares that insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage is the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the General Insurance Fund). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) insure a home equity conversion mortgage for specified elderly mortgagors; and (2) enter into agreements to insure temporarily certain mortgages for a single family residence located within a presidentially declared major disaster area. Federal Housing Administration Manufactured Housing Loan Act of 2006 - Exempts a manufactured home (including its appurtenant lot) from the limitation placed upon federal insurance of financial institutions. Makes any mortgage insurance contract related to a manufactured housing loan conclusive evidence of the eligibility for such insurance of the financial institution involved. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance single premium structure for manufactured homes. Increases the maximum dollar amounts of loan limits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Stop Over Spending Act of 2006 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to transmit annually to Congress a maximum of four special messages that propose to rescind dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, items of direct spending, and targeted tax benefits. Requires an analysis by: (1) the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) of an estimated savings in budget authority or outlays resulting from such rescission; and (2) the Joint Committee on Taxation of an estimated savings resulting from repeal of targeted tax benefits. Requires any rescinded budget authority, items of direct spending, or targeted tax benefit to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases or revenue reductions. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under this Act. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission. Requires the: (1) President to issue an order fully implementing without change all sequestrations required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its Final Sequestration Report; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress and the President on the order's compliance with this Act. Prescribes requirements for discretionary sequestration reports by OMB and GAO, discretionary spending and maximum deficit limits, a federal tax gap initiative, executive and legislative branch sequestration procedures, and congressional response to low economic growth. Prohibits the President's budget from exceeding the maximum deficit amount for any fiscal year. Requires biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium. Establishes the National Commission on Entitlement Solvency and the Commission on Congressional Budgetary Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of the appropriate Commission's recommendations for legislative action or agency reform proposals. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise budget resolution requirements. Authorizes the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to notify the Senate of a Medicare funding warning. Makes it out of order to consider any legislation that would cause any increase in direct spending, net of proposals to change direct spending receipts, or revenues contained in the measure if the Senate has been notified of such warning for two consecutive calendar years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 10, 2006, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Moving to Work Charter Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into charter contracts, beginning in FY2007, with up to 250 public housing agencies administering the public housing program or the section 8 housing assistance program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. States that such charter contracts shall: (1) supersede and have a term commensurate with any annual contributions contract between a public housing agency and the Secretary; and (2) provide that a participating public housing agency shall receive capital and operating assistance allocated to it under specified laws. Exempts charter contracts from the requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937, except those for payment of wages prevailing in the community and the demolition and disposition of public housing. Requires a charter contract to provide that a public housing agency: (1) may combine section 8 low-income assistance and Public Housing Capital and Operating Fund assistance and use it for housing assistance and related services for activities under this Act; (2) shall ensure that at least 75% of the families assisted are very low-income families; (3) shall establish a reasonable rent policy designed to encourage employment, self-sufficiency, and home ownership by participating families; and (4) meet specified additional requirements. Directs the Secretary to appoint a federal advisory committee to assess and develop a demonstration program to test standards, criteria, and practices for a national public housing agency accreditation system or other evaluation system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the National Trails System Act to extend the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to include: (1) the route followed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the preparation phase of their expedition, starting at Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia, and traveling to Wood River, Illinois, and in the return phase starting from Saint Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C.; and (2) each designated Lewis and Clark site in the states of Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act, or SAFE Commission Act - Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues; (2) increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth; and (3) revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop one or two methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) method; and (2) hold at least one town-hall style public hearing within each federal reserve district. Requires the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to Congress and the President. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress an alternative proposal. Authorizes the Committee on the Budget of either Chamber to publish its own alternative proposal in the Congressional Record. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such legislation. Requires CBO to prepare a long-term cost estimate and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible whenever requested to do so by the Commission, the President, or the chairman of Committee on the Budget of either Chamber.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit any state or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect for any food in interstate commerce any requirement that is not identical to specified FFDCA provisions (that would result in materially different requirements), including those related to adulterated foods, unsafe food additives, new animal drugs, and warnings concerning food safety. Allows state enforcement of identical provisions unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services has determined that such state provisions should not be enforced. Allows a state to petition for an exemption or to establish a national standard regarding any requirement under FFDCA or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows the Secretary to provide such an exemption if the requirement: (1) protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected; (2) would not cause any food to be in violation of any federal law; and (3) would not unduly burden interstate commerce. Allows a state to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FFDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this Act if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met. Declares that this Act does not preempt certain state and local laws relating to labeling or a consumer advisory relating to food sanitation imposed on a food establishment or recommended by the Secretary. Declares that the Act takes effect only if the Secretary certifies to Congress that implementation will pose no additional risk to the public health or safety from terrorist acts relating to the food supply.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on non-high definition color television reception apparatus, having a single liquid crystal display for direct viewing exceeding 37 cm but not exceeding 39 cm.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain laminate wood molding measuring less than 4-feet in length.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.
![Official portrait of Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/i000055_200.jpg)