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United States · Official source
7,990 records where Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2006
Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act of 2006 - Provides one-year temporary protected status to certain Lebanese nationals who have been present in the United States since enactment of this Act. (Treats Lebanon as a designated country for such purpose under the Immigration and Nationality Act.) Provides such aliens with prior consent for temporary emergency travel abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from: (1) discontinuing the Survey of Income and Program Participation; (2) making any change in the design or content of such Survey; or (3) allowing any of the foregoing unless the discontinuation or change involved has first been approved in accordance with this Act. Provides that whenever, in the judgment of the Secretary, it becomes necessary to discontinue the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), or to make any change in its design or content, the Secretary shall prepare a written proposal. Establishes the Commission on the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP Commission) to consider and act on any proposal relating to the SIPP in accordance with this Act. Requires the SIPP Commission to consider promptly any proposal received under this Act and, after appropriate deliberation, transmit its decision of approval or disapproval to the Secretary in a timely fashion.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Medicare Early Access Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part E (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals 55 to 65 Years of Age). Provides access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 64 years of age who do not have coverage under a federal health insurance program or under a group plan. Requires enrollees to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage. Requires the Secretary to base the premium on the Secretary's estimate of the average, national annual per capita amount of the cost of providing services to the population. Allows early retirees with access to retiree coverage to enroll under this part while keeping their federal or state COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage. Allows an employer that offers employment-based retiree health coverage to an individual who enrolls under this part to modify such coverage to provide for: (1) employer payment of items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) employer payment of 25% of the monthly premium applicable to the individual after enrollment. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums collected under this Act and to support the new program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow program enrollees to receive a 75% advance, refundable credit to offset Medicare early access premium costs (thus requiring program enrollees in the Medicare early access program to be responsible for 25% of the monthly premiums).
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 · 20 July 2006
Teacher Center Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or consortiums of LEAs for the establishment and operation of new teacher centers or the support of existing centers. Requires that special consideration be given to high-need LEAs that serve a specified number or percentage of poor children and face difficulties in recruiting highly qualified teachers. Requires teacher centers established or supported with such funds to provide: (1) high-quality professional development to teachers that will enable them to help students improve their achievement and meet state academic standards; (2) teachers with information on developments in curricula, assessments, and educational research; and (3) training and support for new teachers. Lists other permissible uses of such funds by teacher centers. Conditions a center's receipt of such assistance on its operation under the supervision of a teacher center policy board, the majority of whose members must be representatives of, and selected by, the elementary and secondary school teachers to be served by the center.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006
Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish requirements for providing and receiving reimbursement for school-based health care for children, including children with special needs, and the related administrative and transportation costs covered under Medicaid. Includes health care provided through Medicaid managed care organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, acting jointly, to develop and implement a uniform methodology for claims under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006
Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth provisions concerning global warming pollution emissions. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) set milestones to reduce the aggregate net levels of emissions (authorizes EPA to establish market-based programs to achieve such reduction); (2) require each fleet of automobiles sold by a manufacturer beginning in model year 2016 to meet emission standards; (3) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the potential contribution of the non-highway portion of the transportation sector towards meeting the emission reduction goal; (4) require that electric generation units meet an emission standard that is not higher than the emission rate of a new combined cycle natural gas generating unit; and (5) establish a low-carbon generation trading program. Requires covered generators to provide a minimum percentage of the base quantity of electricity produced for sale from low-carbon generation. Requires EPA to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for geological disposal deployment projects; and (2) carry out a global climate change standards and processes research program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that federal funds for clean, low-carbon energy research, development, and deployment should be increased by at least 100% each year for 10 years. Directs: (1) EPA to promulgate requirements concerning the energy efficiency and peak load reduction of electricity suppliers and to establish a renewable energy credit program; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emissions through biological sequestration activities; and (3) major stationary sources to report to EPA on emissions of global warming pollutants. Requires the President to establish the Task Force on International Clean, Low Carbon Energy Cooperation. Authorizes the President to adjust, suspend, or waive any regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act in a national emergency. Requires EPA to require that gasoline contain the applicable volume of low-carbon renewable fuel. Directs EPA to require manufacturers to meet standards for new motor vehicles or engines. Requires executive agency automobiles to be as fuel-efficient as practicable. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to report on the effects of U.S. failure to adopt measures that require or result in a reduction in total emissions in accordance with the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require securities issuers to inform investors of risks relating to global warming; and (3) the SEC to clarify that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the Framework are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Directs federal agency environmental impact statements or analyses to evaluate the effects on, and impact of, global warming.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006
Delays until October 1, 2011, the application of the National Security Personnel System to personnel management at certain defense research laboratories.
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
Reaffirms steadfast support for Israel. Supports Israel's right of self-defense and its right to take appropriate action to deter aggression by terrorist groups and their state sponsors. Urges the President to continue to fully support Israel in exercising its right of self-defense in Lebanon and Gaza. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah or Hamas. Condemns the governments of Iran and Syria for their continued support for Hezbollah and Hamas and holds these governments responsible for the acts of aggression carried out by Hezbollah and Hamas against Israel. Condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for exploiting civilian populations as shields and locating their military activities in civilian areas. Urges the President to use all available political and diplomatic means, including sanctions, to persuade the governments of Syria and Iran to end their support of Hezbollah and Hamas. Calls on the government of Lebanon to do everything in its power to free the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon and to fulfill its responsibility under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 to disband and disarm Hezbollah. Calls on the Security Council to: (1) condemn these unprovoked acts; and (2) demand compliance with Resolution 1559, which requires that Hezbollah and other militias be disbanded and disarmed and that all foreign forces leave Lebanon. Urges all sides to protect innocent civilian life and infrastructure and strongly supports the use of all diplomatic means to free the captured Israeli soldiers. Recognizes that thousands of American nationals reside peacefully in Lebanon and that those American nationals in Lebanon concerned for their safety should receive full U.S. government assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006
Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct a study to: (1) determine the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury; (2) report national trends in traumatic brain injury; (3) identify common therapeutic interventions which are used for the rehabilitation of individuals with such injuries; and (4) develop practice guidelines for such rehabilitation. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to states and American Indian consortia (currently, only states) to improve access to rehabilitation (currently, health) and other services regarding traumatic brain injury. Requires the Administration and the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to coordinate the collection of data regarding protection and advocacy services. Directs the Administrator to make a grant for training and technical assistance to protection and advocacy systems, if funds permit.
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
Designates July 13, 2006, as National Summer Learning Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program. Amends SSA title XI, with respect to criminal penalties for certain illegal remunerations, to exclude from prohibited remunerations (provide safe harbor for) any remuneration paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either in cash or through the distribution or donation of covered Part D drugs, to an individual enrolled in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006
Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence any Presidential Daily Briefing, or any portion of a Briefing, of the Director of Central Intelligence during the period January 20, 1997-March 19, 2003, that refers to Iraq or otherwise addresses Iraq in any fashion.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006
Student Debt Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase yearly maximum Pell grant amounts. Authorizes and appropriates specified additional annual funding for such grants if discretionary appropriations for such year are sufficient to fund a specified maximum Pell grant award of $4,050. Requires the Secretary of Education to provide institutions of higher education Student Aid Reward Payments for participating in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or Direct Loan (DL) program most cost-effective for taxpayers. Cuts interest rates under the FFEL and DL programs. Allows students to consolidate loans under the FFEL program while still in school. Reduces DL origination fees. Eliminates exceptional performer status for lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies, which rewards such entities for high due diligence in FFEL collection. Imposes certain requirements regarding federal fund supplementation and lender trustees on schools which act as FFEL lenders. Sets limits on funds available for administrative expenses under the FFEL and DL programs for FY2007-FY2012. Directs the Secretary to forgive the balance due on DLs and direct consolidation loans by individuals who have been public sector employees for 10 years and have made 120 income contingent payments on such loans. Defers FFEL principal and Perkins loan principal and interest repayments when borrowers are suffering economic hardship, redefined to include borrowers whose full-time earnings do not exceed 150% of the poverty line. Defers student loan repayments to the extent they would exceed 15% of the amount a borrower's adjusted gross income exceeds the poverty line. Includes such deferral periods in calculating the maximum period an income contingent repayment plan may be in effect for a non-defaulting borrower. Increases consolidation loan lender fees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction for higher education expenses and make it permanent. Establishes a tax credit for student loan interest payments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006
Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 - Reauthorizes the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging, the National Eldercare Locator Service, pension counseling and information programs, specified service, nutrition grants to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians, the Native Americans Caregiver Support Program, and vulnerable elder rights protection activities. Revises the definition of "information and assistance service" to include such a service to older individuals at risk for institutional placement. Authorizes the Administration on Aging's Secretary to establish an Office of Elder Abuse Prevention and Services. Adds duties and functions for the Administration on Aging, including establishing a National Center on Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency coordinating committee for aging issues. Repeals the authorization for the Assistant Secretary for Aging to provide staff and assistance to the Federal Council on Aging. Requires the Assistant Secretary to assist entities in integrated health promotion and disease prevention programs. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging, including assuring that preference will be given to services to individuals with low-income, limited English proficiency, or residence in a rural area. Revises requirements for area plans. Authorizes area agencies to assess preparedness for change in the number of older individuals. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging. Requires: (1) states to provide nutrition education, counseling, and services to recipients of meals delivered by state nutrition projects; and (2) the Assistant Secretary to use Older Americans Act funds to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board to establish an independent panel to study nutrition projects. Requires the Assistant Secretary to provide information on methods of improving indoor air quality in buildings where older individuals congregate. Amends the National Family Caregiver Support Act to include within the definition of: (1) "child" individuals with disabilities; and (2) "family caregiver" caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders. Decreases the specified age for relative caregivers. Requires area agencies to encourage using trained volunteers and to coordinate with specified volunteer programs. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to: (1) carry out activities of national significance concerning support for families and caregivers; (2) make grants to prepare communities for the aging of the population, support the use of health monitoring and technology, and improve transportation for seniors; and (3) establish a national technical assistance program. Requires the Assistant Secretary to award grants for: (1) projects for multigenerational and civic engagement activities; (2) mental health programs; (3) model aging in place projects; and (4) the federal share of costs for modifying state long-term care systems. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance (instead of corrective action) for grantees with low performance. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants for elder justice programs and collection of data regarding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label of a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement marketed in the United States to: (1) submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 15 business days any report received of a serious adverse event associated with such drug or supplement when used in the United States; (2) submit within 15 business days any related medical information that is received within one year of the initial report; (3) maintain records related to each report for six years; and (4) permit inspection of such records. Requires the Secretary to develop systems to ensure that duplicate reports of a serious adverse event are consolidated into a single report. Allows the Secretary to establish an exemption from such reporting that would have no adverse effect on public health. Prohibits any state or local government from establishing or continuing any requirement related to a mandatory system for adverse event reports for nonprescription drugs or dietary supplements that is not identical to this Act. Prohibits the responsible person from: (1) refusing to permit access to any required record; or (2) failing to establish or maintain any record, or make any report, required under this Act. Deems a nonprescription drug or dietary supplement that is marketed in the United States to be misbranded, unless its label includes an address or phone number for the reporting of a serious adverse event.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006
YouthBuild Transfer Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish a revised YouthBuild program under the authority of the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out certain activities under the YouthBuild program, including: (1) education and workforce investment; (2) supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation or construction of housing (including residential housing for homeless individuals or low-income families), transitional housing for homeless individuals, and community and other public facilities; (3) adult mentoring; and (4) follow-up services. Repeals authority for the YouthBuild program under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Transfers the YouthBuild program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Salutes the men and women of the Army.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
New National Defense Education Act of 2006 - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act to require a biennial national assessment of student achievement and grade 12 student preparedness in reading, mathematics, and science. Requires that national academic content and student achievement standards be competitive with rigorous international standards and set at a level that prepares students for non-remedial higher education, participation in the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces. Authorizes prekindergarten through grade 16 student preparedness council grants to states to ensure that a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet the national benchmarks. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the student loan forgiveness available to elementary and secondary school teachers of science, engineering and technology education, critical-need foreign languages, or special education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income compensation provided to teachers of such subjects in high-need schools and principals of such schools. Increases funding for National Science Foundation (NSF) education and human resources programs, and mathematics and science education partnerships. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to provide for summer professional development institutes for elementary and secondary school teachers. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1963 to require competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to improve the recruitment of teachers from students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, a critical-need foreign language, special education, or teaching English to students with limited English proficiency. Requires an eligible state to provide contract for educational opportunity (CEO) grants to low-income students who complete CEO requirements and enroll in a two-or four-year degree-granting institution of higher education. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to: (1) improve mathematics, science, and engineering and technology education infrastructure in public elementary schools and secondary schools; and (2) provide scholarships to make higher education tuition free for low-income and middle-income undergraduate and graduate students to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical-need foreign languages. Directs the Secretary to award grants to: (1) IHEs to develop summer institute programs to improve teachers' knowledge of foreign cultures and expose public elementary and secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students to foreign languages and cultures; and (2) eligible partnerships to provide literacy, technology, and technical skills training for workers.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Data Theft Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) the unauthorized viewing, use, downloading, or removal of any means of identification or individually identifiable health information contained in a federal database or the transfer of such information to another database; and (2) the use of such information to violate federal or state criminal law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) at the 58th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission the United States should remain firmly opposed to commercial whaling (including any linking of a Revised Management Scheme (RMS) to the lifting of the commercial whaling moratorium), and take other specified related steps; and (2) the United States should make full use of all appropriate diplomatic mechanisms, federal law, relevant international laws and agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms to implement these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it remains an important priority for further improvement in U.S.-Libya relations that the Libyan government make a good faith effort to resolve all outstanding claims of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya; (2) it is in the best interests of the long-term U.S.-Libya relationship that final payment be made to the families of the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 attack; and (3) the President should not accept the credentials of any Libyan government representative without the expressed understanding that such government will continue to work in good faith to resolve outstanding cases of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya, including the settlement of cases arising from the Pan Am Flight 103 and LaBelle Discotheque bombings.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on 1-(P-Tolyl)-3-Methyl-5-Pyrazolone.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Basic Blue 7.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Naphtol AS-CA.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on gemifloxacin, gemifloxacin mesylate, and gemifloxacin mesylate sesquihydrate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Fast Red B Base.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Naphthol AS-KB.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on 3 Amino-4-Methylbenzamide.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Acetoacetyl-2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Chloroanilide.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on Basic Violet 1.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006
Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to extend from three years to six years after enactment of that Act the maximum duration of any renewal under it of import restrictions on Burmese products. Approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Act. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
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) 50 dollar gold coins; and (2) one 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 metals that are appropriate for use 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. Directs each federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has or continues to conduct space-related missions to make efforts to secure and retrieve from privately-held craft flown in space such gold, silver, copper, and other metals that the Director determines are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bonze duplicates of the $50 gold coins authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Makes permanent (currently terminates on December 31, 2006) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish government headstones or markers for the burial of veterans at private cemeteries. Repeals an obsolete reporting requirement with respect to the use of such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006
Amends the Katrina Emergency Assistance Act of 2006 to extend the period for unemployment compensation available as a result of a disaster declaration made for Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita on or after August 29, 2005, from 39 to 52 weeks after the date of that declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) certify in writing to Congress that any individual whose personal information is compromised due to lax data security at the VA has been appropriately notified in writing of such compromise; and (2) provide free of charge to each such individual credit monitoring services during the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment and a copy of the affected individual's credit report (in addition to any other credit report provided under otherwise applicable law) once annually during the two-year period beginning on the date on which the credit monitoring services terminate.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Declares that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Lloyd Bentsen, a former member of the United States Senate. Extends its warmest sympathies to his family members and friends. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 23, 2006, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bentsen.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006
Calls for Congress to: (1) help women, regardless of income, avoid unintended pregnancy and abortion through access to affordable contraception; and (2) support programs and policies that make it easier for women to obtain contraceptives.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so by: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final federal or state court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires each state receiving federal financial assistance for elementary and secondary education to submit an accountability plan to the Secretary annually. Requires withholding of specified portions of its federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to maintain a metropolitan area's eligibility to receive an AIDS emergency relief grant until such area fails to meet eligibility requirements for three consecutive years. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of HIV/AIDS (currently, AIDS) cases. Requires the return of unexpended grant funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the submission of an application for the use of such funds. Directs grantees to expend not less than 75% of grant funds received on core medical services. Allows the Secretary to grant waivers to such requirement under certain circumstances. Establishes a transitional grant program for metropolitan areas with lower numbers of AIDS cases. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a list of classes of core AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) antiretroviral medications. Requires states to ensure that such medications are the minimum required treatments to be included in any ADAP program. Limits the amount by which a grant to an eligible metropolitan area can decrease each year. Provides for supplemental grants to states that demonstrate a need for supplemental financial assistance. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist states in providing eligible individuals appropriate access to pharmaceutical therapies. Establishes a grant program for the provision of family-centered care involving outpatient or ambulatory care for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV/AIDS. Provides for activities to evaluate and address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and disparities in access, treatment, care, and outcome on racial and ethnic minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 or the MINER Act - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to require coal mine operators to: (1) carry out continuously a program to improve accident preparedness and response at each mine; and (2) adopt and update an accident response plan for evacuations and for maintenance of individuals trapped underground. Requires such a plan to provide for: (1) redundant means and local coordination of communication; (2) post-accident location of underground personnel; (3) emergency air supplies: (4) self-rescuer caches, maintenance, and replacement; (5) escapeways and flame-resistant directional lifelines; (6) emergency training; and (7) within three years, post accident wireless communication between underground and the surface and electronic tracking of trapped persons. Limits the liability of persons who carry out mine accident rescue or recovery operations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to require: (1) the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to establish and update criteria to certify the qualifications of mine rescue teams; and (2) mine operators to have one employee knowledgeable in emergency response on each shift and two certified mine rescue teams available at each mine within one hour. Requires notification of a mine accident to be provided to the Secretary by the operator within 15 minutes of knowledge of a death or potentially fatal injury. Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) an Office of Mine Safety and Health to enhance the development of new mine safety technology and applications and to expedite the commercial availability and implementation of such technology. Authorizes the Director of NIOSH to: (1) award competitive grants and contracts; and (2) establish an interagency working group to share technology, research, and developments concerning mine safety and accident response. Requires the Secretary to require: (1) the temporary assignment of a department official as a liaison with the families of victims of mine tragedies involving multiple deaths; and (2) MSHA to be as responsive as possible to family requests for information and to serve as the primary communicator. Prescribes penalties for operator violations of health or safety standards or orders. Requires the Secretary to finalize mandatory health and safety standards relating to the sealing of abandoned areas in coal mines, which shall increase the current 20 psi standard. Establishes a Technical Study Panel to provide independent scientific review and recommendations regarding the use of belt air and the composition and fire retardent properties of belt materials in mines. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a program to provide scholarships to individuals to increase the skilled workforce for mine operators, mine safety inspectors, and other MSHA personnel. Requires NIOSH to provide for research about various refuge alternatives in coal mines. Requires the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants for funding education and training programs to better identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2006
Designates May 1, 2006, as National Child Care Worthy Wage Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2006
Protecting America's Miners Act - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the need for congressional intervention to maintain a highly trained Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspector workforce. Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to revise safety standards for mines, including by requiring: (1) atmospheric detection and warning systems; (2) certain communication technologies; (3) emergency underground caches of air and self-contained breathing equipment; (4) self-rescue devices and training; (5) underground refuges; and (6) electronic tracking devices. Deems violations of such standards as the creation of imminent danger to miners. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish within the Mine Safety and Health Administration a central communications emergency call center for mine operators. Requires operators to report any emergency or serious mine incident to the center no later than 15 minutes after becoming aware of the incident. Requires operators to ensure the availability and capabilities of mine rescue teams. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding mine rescue teams and accident investigations. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board or other independent federal investigative authority to investigate an accident upon the request of the authorized miners' representative or representatives of a majority of the families of the miners killed (or who could have been killed) in such accident. Requires the MSHA inspector or district manager to notify operators and miners' representatives when a potential pattern of violations is identified. Imposes penalties and miner withdrawal requirements. Revises penalties for safety standards and notification violations. Establishes, within the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor, the position of Miner Ombudsman. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop mandatory standards that implement the recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) concerning flammability of conveyor belts; (2) improve standards concerning seals for abandoned areas in mines; (3) inspect the seals of coal mines that are composed of nontraditional materials to ensure they are constructed in a safe manner; and (4) develop standards requiring a concentration of not more than 1.0 milligram of respirable dust per cubic meter of air. Abolishes for five years the ceilings on the number of MSHA mine inspector personnel that may be employed. Authorizes MSHA to hire retired inspectors in cases of shortages. Requires NIOSH to consider new technologies and those that could be adapted for use in facilitating survival of miners during emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2006
Urges reconciliation among the people of Haiti, including a government led by President-elect Rene Preval that respects the rights of all political parties. Supports President-elect Preval's efforts to coordinate municipal and local elections in 2006. Thanks the countries that are contributing personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), particularly Brazil, whose President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that Brazilian peacekeepers will stay in Haiti for as long as the new government in Haiti needs them. Supports U.S. efforts to encourage Canada, Chile, and Argentina to maintain their commitments to MINUSTAH. Encourages U.N. Security Council members to support current MINUSTAH troop levels and to raise significantly the numbers of U.N. civilian police forces. Urges the international community to support MINUSTAH, fulfill pledges made at the July 2004 International Donors Conference, and plan for a new multi-year commitment of support at a new donor's conference to be held no later than July 2006. Recommends: (1) the creation of an effective demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program to encompass former military members and gangs; and (2) that the new government cooperate fully with MINUSTAH in assuring police and judiciary reform. Supports U.S. government assistance for Haiti's reconstruction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Requires the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration to submit all public transportation security assessments to the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and augment such assessments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish and update annually security improvement priorities; (2) conduct security assessments of all public transportation agencies considered to be at greatest risk of a terrorist attack; (3) conduct security assessments to determine the specific needs of local bus-only public transportation systems and of selected rural transportation systems; and (4) use information collected to establish the process for developing security guidelines. Directs the Secretary to award grants: (1) directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital security improvements; and (2) to public or private entities to conduct research into, and demonstrate, methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from terrorist attacks against public transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that DOT receives timely notification of all credible terrorist threats against U.S. public transportation assets; and (2) award grants for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from such attacks. Rail Security Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to complete, and make prioritized recommendations regarding, a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation for identification of: (1) critical assets and infrastructures, and vulnerabilities and risks, to such assets and infrastructures; (2) vulnerabilities and risks specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via railroad; and (3) security weaknesses in passenger and cargo security, transportation infrastructure, protection systems, procedural policies, communications systems, employee training, emergency response planning, and any other area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for certain system-wide Amtrak security upgrades. Directs the Secretary to require rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans containing appropriate measures (including alternative routing and temporary shipment suspension options) to address assessed risks to high consequence targets. Maritime Security Improvement Act of 2006 - Establishes interagency operational centers to provide greater protection against terrorism at high priority ports. Directs the Secretary to identify foreign assistance programs that could facilitate implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries.