United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Department of Energy Contractor Employee Equitable Treatment Act of 2006 - Prohibits any funds from being expended to implement, administer, or enforce the guidance of the Department of Energy (DOE) relating to contractor employee pension and medical benefits policy. (DOE will no longer reimburse contractors for new employees' pension and medical costs under defined benefit plans, but will now reimburse only such costs under defined contribution, market-based plans that vary from the average cost of such market-based plans by no more than 5%.) Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) withdraw such guidance not later than one day after enactment of this Act; and (2) reinstate eligibility or reimbursement for benefits or reinstate reimbursement for benefits if the Secretary has acted on such guidance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Standing with Minimum Wage Earners Act of 2006 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; and (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day, such amounts to be automatically adjusted by a percentage equal to the annual increase in pay for Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise requirements for: (1) the use of election examiners and observers; (2) declaratory judgment on the issue of voting qualifications or standards intended to diminish the ability of U.S. citizens to elect preferred candidates; and (3) award of attorney fees in enforcement proceedings to include expert fees and other reasonable costs of litigation. Extends bilingual election requirements through August 5, 2032. Revises the requirements for determining states and political subdivisions covered by them to require use of 2010 American Community Survey census data. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the prohibition against the use of tests or devices to deny the right to vote in any federal, state, or local election. Extends both the prohibition and the date for mandatory congressional reconsideration of it.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Act of 2000 to: (1) rename the Police Athletic League the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL); (2) reauthorize grants under the Act through 2010; (3) decrease the number of programs that PAL chapters receiving grant funds are required to create or expand from four to two; and (4) allow PAL chapters to use grants funds for programs to provide character development and leadership training.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006
Keep the Promise of Medicare Act of 2006 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cap the Medicare part B premium for each month in 2007 at the same rate for each month in 2006, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015: (1) the investment tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property; and (2) the tax credit for residential photovoltaic, solar water heating, and fuel cell property expenditures. Modifies the maximum amounts for such residential credits based upon kilowatt of capacity. Allows such credits to be taken against the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 relating to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area to permit the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any member of the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership for the management of the Recreation Area, construction of recreation area facilities, or any other purpose consistent with the purposes of the Recreation Area.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Comprehensive Immigration Reform 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) 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 (4) Central American gangs. Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Provides criminal penalties for construction, financing, or use of illegal border tunnels or passages. 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 interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) alien terrorists; (2) alien street gang members; (3) illegal entry and reentry; (4) passport and immigration fraud; (5) criminal aliens; (6) voluntary departure; (7) detention and alternatives; (8) criminal penalties; (9) alien smuggling; (10) tribal lands security; (11) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (12) expedited removal; and (13) alien protection from sex offenders. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Establishes in the Treasury the Employer Compliance Fund. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Provides for a report examining the impacts of the current and proposed annual grants of legal status, including immigrant and nonimmigrant status, along with the current level of illegal immigration, on U.S. infrastructure and quality of life. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa). Provides: (1) that the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine H-2C eligibility; (2) for a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (3) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouse and children; (4) for U.S. worker protection; (5) for implementation of an alien employment management system; and (6) establishment of a Temporary Worker Task Force. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions respecting remedies for immigration legislation. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) minor children; (5) shortage occupations; and (6) student and advanced degree visas. Widows and Orphans Act of 2006 - Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Immigrant Accountability Act of 2006 - Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying illegal alien (and the spouse and children of such alien) who has been in the United States for five years and employed (with exceptions) for specified periods of time. Authorizes mandatory departure and immigrant or nonimmigrant reentry for a qualifying illegal alien who has been present and employed in the United States since January 7, 2004. Establishes a three-year mandatory departure status, and sets forth immigration prohibitions and penalties for failure to depart or delayed departure. Subjects the spouse or children of a principal alien to the same conditions as such alien, except that if such alien meets the departure requirement the spouse and children will be deemed to have done so. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2006, or AgJOBS Act of 2006 - Establishes a pilot program (Blue Card program) for adjustment to permanent resident status of qualifying agricultural workers who have worked in the United States during the two-year period ending December 31, 2005, and have been employed for specified periods of time subsequent to enactment of this Act. Revises the H-2A (temporary agricultural worker) program. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2006 or the DREAM Act of 2006 - Eliminates denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes cancellation of removal and adjustment to conditional permanent resident status of certain alien students who are long-term U.S. residents. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) additional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice immigration personnel; and (2) the Board of Immigration Appeals. Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Provides that fingerprints provided by a qualifying individual at the time of military enlistment shall satisfy naturalization fingerprint requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish the position of Citizenship Advocate at each military entry processing station. State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Provides state courts grants to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand court proceedings, and allocates funds for a related court interpreter technical assistance program. Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act - Provides for: (1) a port of entry infrastructure assessment study; (2) a national land border security plan; and (3) a port of entry technology demonstration program. September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act - Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) noncitizen Armed Forces membership; (2) nonimmigrant status for athletes; (3) extension of returning worker exemption; (4) surveillance programs, including aerial and unmanned aerial surveillance; (5) a Northern Border Prosecution Initiative; (6) reimbursement of Southern Border State and county prosecutors for prosecuting federally initiated drug cases; (7) conditional nonimmigrant worker-related grants; (8) border security on federal land; and (9) parole and status adjustment relief for qualifying widows and orphans.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Comprehensive Immigration Reform 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) 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 (4) Central American gangs. Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Provides criminal penalties for construction, financing, or use of illegal border tunnels or passages. 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 interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) alien terrorists; (2) alien street gang members; (3) illegal entry and reentry; (4) passport and immigration fraud; (5) criminal aliens; (6) voluntary departure; (7) detention and alternatives; (8) criminal penalties; (9) alien smuggling; (10) tribal lands security; (11) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (12) expedited removal; and (13) alien protection from sex offenders. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Establishes in the Treasury the Employer Compliance Fund. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Provides for a report examining the impacts of the current and proposed annual grants of legal status, including immigrant and nonimmigrant status, along with the current level of illegal immigration, on U.S. infrastructure and quality of life. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa). Provides: (1) that the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine H-2C eligibility; (2) for a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (3) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouse and children; (4) for U.S. worker protection; (5) for implementation of an alien employment management system; and (6) establishment of a Temporary Worker Task Force. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions respecting remedies for immigration legislation. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) minor children; (5) shortage occupations; and (6) student and advanced degree visas. Widows and Orphans Act of 2006 - Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Immigrant Accountability Act of 2006 - Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying illegal alien (and the spouse and children of such alien) who has been in the United States for five years and employed (with exceptions) for specified periods of time. Authorizes mandatory departure and immigrant or nonimmigrant reentry for a qualifying illegal alien who has been present and employed in the United States since January 7, 2004. Establishes a three-year mandatory departure status, and sets forth immigration prohibitions and penalties for failure to depart or delayed departure. Subjects the spouse or children of a principal alien to the same conditions as such alien, except that if such alien meets the departure requirement the spouse and children will be deemed to have done so. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2006, or AgJOBS Act of 2006 - Establishes a pilot program (Blue Card program) for adjustment to permanent resident status of qualifying agricultural workers who have worked in the United States during the two-year period ending December 31, 2005, and have been employed for specified periods of time subsequent to enactment of this Act. Revises the H-2A (temporary agricultural worker) program. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2006 or the DREAM Act of 2006 - Eliminates denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes cancellation of removal and adjustment to conditional permanent resident status of certain alien students who are long-term U.S. residents. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) additional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice immigration personnel; and (2) the Board of Immigration Appeals. Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Provides that fingerprints provided by a qualifying individual at the time of military enlistment shall satisfy naturalization fingerprint requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish the position of Citizenship Advocate at each military entry processing station. State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Provides state courts grants to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand court proceedings, and allocates funds for a related court interpreter technical assistance program. Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act - Provides for: (1) a port of entry infrastructure assessment study; (2) a national land border security plan; and (3) a port of entry technology demonstration program. September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act - Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) noncitizen Armed Forces membership; (2) nonimmigrant status for athletes; (3) extension of returning worker exemption; (4) surveillance programs, including aerial and unmanned aerial surveillance; (5) a Northern Border Prosecution Initiative; (6) reimbursement of Southern Border State and county prosecutors for prosecuting federally initiated drug cases; (7) conditional nonimmigrant worker-related grants; (8) border security on federal land; and (9) parole and status adjustment relief for qualifying widows and orphans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2009, the duty on golf club driver heads of titanium, each with an aluminum hosel insert and a plasma welded face plate, and with 10.5 degree loft.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend through December 31, 2009, the duty on golf club driver heads of titanium, each with a rhombus shaped center face insert and a laser welded face plate, the foregoing with a 9 or 12 degree loft.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2009, the duty on golf club fairway heads of stainless steel, each with a sole weight screw system.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2009, the duty on golf club driver heads of titanium, each with an aluminum hosel insert and a plasma welded face plate, the foregoing with 7.5, 8.5, or 11.5 degree loft.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2009, the duty on golf club driver heads of titanium, each with a rhombus shaped center face insert and a laser welded face plate, and with 10.5 degree loft.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals. Authorizes the Director to: (1) study and develop plans that address such needs; and (2) make financial contributions to the states and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness purposes, including for emergency shelter facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act of 2006 - Directs each U.S. corporation or subsidiary that utilizes a call center to initiate telephone calls to, or receive calls from, individuals located in the United States to require each call center employee to disclose the physical location of such employee at the beginning of such call. Requires such corporation or subsidiary to annually certify to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) their compliance with such requirement. Subjects noncomplying corporations or subsidiaries to such civil penalties as the FTC may prescribe. Directs the FTC to prescribe rules for effective monitoring and compliance with such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to display in the rotunda of the Capitol from May 29 to July 4, 2006, an exhibit to honor the memory of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
End Child Poverty Act - Establishes the Child Poverty Elimination Board to develop a plan for: (1) cutting child poverty in half within a decade; and (2) eliminating child poverty entirely as soon as possible. Requires the plan to include recommendations for allocations from a Child Poverty Elimination Trust Fund. Directs the President to review the Board's plan, issue a plan which is the same as the Board's except where there is good cause for a modification that would be more effective, ensure plan implementation, and work with Congress to insure funding of plan implementation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Child Poverty Elimination Trust Fund. Transfers to such Fund an amount equal to revenue from a surtax which increases by one percent the tax imposed on that portion of adjusted gross income that exceeds the threshold amount of: (1) $1 million in the case of a joint return; or (2) $500,000 in the case of any other individual income tax return.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
States that the Senate: (1) recognizes freedom of religion as a central tenet of democracy; (2) respects the right of the people of Afghanistan to self-government, while urging the government of Afghanistan to respect all universally recognized human rights; (3) condemns the arrest of Abdul Rahman and other instances of religious persecution in Afghanistan; (4) commends the dropping of charges against Abdul Rahman; and (5) urges the government of Afghanistan to consider the importance of religious freedom in the broader U.S.-Afghanistan relationship. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President and the President's representatives should: (1) raise concerns at the highest levels with the government of Afghanistan regarding the violations of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief; and (2) ensure that the International Religious Freedom Report 2006 for Afghanistan fully addresses the issue of religious persecution in that country, including the arrest of Abdul Rahman.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Recognizes the significant contributions of U.S. youth and encourages the cultivation of a common civic bond between young people dedicated to serving their neighbors, their communities, and the Nation. Designates April 21, 2006, as National and Global Youth Service Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2006
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "immediate relative" to include the unmarried child (under age 21) of a parent of a U.S. citizen, where the child is accompanying or following to join the parent.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2006
State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to: (1) make grants to state courts to develop and implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand state court proceedings in which they are a party; and (2) allocate specified funds to establish a court interpreter technical assistance program to assist state courts receiving grants under this Act. Authorizes the use of grant awards by state courts to: (1) assess regional language demands; (2) develop a court interpreter program; (3) develop, institute, and administer language certification examinations; (4) recruit, train, and certify qualified court interpreters; and (5) pay for salaries, transportation, and technology necessary to implement the court interpreter program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2006
Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2006
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community Act of 2006 - Establishes the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino Community in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require (currently, authorizes) the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination. Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy. Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) TB activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Recognizes the achievements of Gallaudet University and expresses appreciation to Dr. I. King Jordan for his dedication to Gallaudet, the deaf and hard of hearing, and the disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Recognizes that African American spirituals are a poignant and powerful genre of music that have become one of the most significant segments of American music in existence. Requests that the President issue a proclamation that reflects on the important contribution of African American spirituals to American history and that names the African American spiritual as a national treasure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 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 the holding of the second round of parliamentary elections as soon as possible while stressing the importance of a free and open process. Expresses thanks to the countries that have contributed personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), particularly Brazil. Encourages MINUSTAH to maintain current troop levels and to raise the numbers of UNPOL police forces. Urges the international community to continue to support MINUSTAH, fulfill previous 2004 donor pledges, and plan for a new multi-year commitment of support. 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. reconstruction assistance for Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers (other than sugar cane and sugar beet producers) who have incurred qualifying 2005 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest). Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments through the 2002 livestock compensation program to livestock producers who have incurred 2005 losses in emergency-designated counties; (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005 livestock disaster losses, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, and anthrax; (3) indemnity payments to poultry producers in hurricane-affected counties; (4) compensation for certain owners of flooded crop and grazing land in North Dakota; (5) sugarcane and sugar beet disaster assistance for qualifying producers and first processors in Louisiana counties designated as disaster areas due to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita, or to qualifying producers and first processors in Florida for 2005 losses due to hurricanes, floods, rain, or storms; (6) assistance to specialty and nursery crop producers in hurricane-affected counties; (7) assistance to dairy producers in hurricane-affected counties; (8) assistance to producers and first handlers of cottonseed; (9) grants for agricultural promotion; (10) supplemental economic loss payments under a specified rate to producers who received crop year 2005 commodity assistance; and (11) assistance to tree producers (including Christmas, potted, ornamental, and nursery trees, shrubs, and vines) in hurricane-affected counties. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) financial and technical assistance to remove debris and animal carcasses that could adversely affect health and safety on non-federal land in hurricane-affected counties; and (2) immunizations to Department of Agriculture employees involved in direct recovery work in hurricane-affected counties. Directs the Secretary to hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to assist in agricultural disaster and economic assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
American Competitiveness through Education Resolution or the ACE Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should: (1) increase education tax benefits, Pell Grants, and the affordability of student loans; (2) keep its promises to children by fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Head Start Act; and (3) reject the cuts in the President's education budget for FY2007.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires the Office to ensure that a range of health benefits plans are provided, including one that provides the same benefits as the government-wide plan available to federal employees. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) support a peaceful, two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in accordance with the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Roadmap), and oppose those organizations, individuals, and countries that support terrorism and violently reject such two-state solution; (2) promote democracy and the cessation of terrorism and incitement in institutions and territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA); and (3) urge members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas until it agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act to the PA only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined that: (1) no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by Hamas unless Hamas has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States, Israel, and the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Roadmap; and (2) the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-American and anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Provides for, and sets forth the conditions under which, the President may waive such limitations for national security reasons. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect (period) with respect to the PA: (1) assistance under this Act to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human needs, promotion of democracy, or for national security interests from such limitation); and (2) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA (with a national security waiver). Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. States that during any such period: (1) a visa should not be issued to any alien who is an official of, affiliated with, or serving as a PA representative, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization; (2) the President should restrict the travel of PA and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials and representatives, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization, who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City to a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building; and (3) the President should direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA (exempts assistance for basic human needs and promotion of democracy from such limitation). Prohibits funds for the State Department from being used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization (except in emergency or humanitarian situations) until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Honest Leadership and Accountability in Contracting Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose fines and penalties on war profiteering and fraud. Requires revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to provide that no prospective contractor shall be considered to have a satisfactory record of integrity and ethics if it has a pattern of either overcharging the government or failing to comply with the law. Provides for the disclosure to Congress of audit reports issued by executive agencies. Requires the Federal Procurement Data System to be modified to include publication of information on specified federal contractor penalties and violations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to prohibit awarding of certain monopoly federal contracts. Requires revision of the FAR to require competition for certain multiple award contracts. Denies protest rights for certain awards. Prohibits an agency from contracting for the performance of: (1) any inherently governmental function; or (2) acquisition functions closely associated with inherently governmental functions. Prescribes minimum requirements for political appointees holding public contracting and safety positions. Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out the educational flexibility (Ed-Flex) program to allow states that were in the program on September 30, 2004, to continue to waive statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to certain federally-funded education programs until the reauthorization of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Right Time to Reinvest in America's Competitiveness and Knowledge Act or Right TRACK Act - Amends specified federal laws to establish: (1) the Presidential Research and Development Advisory Committee to advise the President on the allocation of federal resources in education and technology development; and (2) an interagency working group to develop collaborative research in biomedical, science, engineering, and technology research. Makes permanent the extension of a research and development (R&D) tax credit. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2013 to increase funding of R&D activities of certain federal agencies. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of nanotechnology developer stocks. Establishes a national broadband policy for improving and expanding broadband access in the United States by 2010. Sets forth reauthorizations for Amtrak. America's Better Classroom Act of 2005 - Allows a tax credit to holders of qualified public school modernization bonds. New National Defense Education Act - Requires a biennial national assessment of student achievement and grade 12 student preparedness in reading, mathematics, and science. Authorizes prekindergarten through grade 16 student preparedness council grants to states to ensure a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet certain benchmarks. Makes competitive grants to institutions of higher education to improve the recruitment of teachers from students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, or a critical-need foreign language. 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. Provides for grants to: (1) improve mathematics, science, and engineering and technology education infrastructure in public elementary schools and secondary schools and to 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; and (2) develop programs that expose public elementary and secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students to foreign languages and cultures. Requires an employer to give 90-day notice before ordering the offshoring of jobs. Defines as foreign base company income and taxable as subpart F income any imported property income derived by a foreign corporation in a taxable year. United States Workers Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits: (1) outsourced federal government work or a contract for the procurement of goods or services from being performed outside the United States unless certain requirements are met; and (2) the disbursement of federal funds to a state if any of the funds will be spent for goods or services performed outside the United States. Limits the application of certain trade authorities procedures implementing bilateral or regional trade agreements unless such agreements prohibit forced and compulsory labor and child labor. Imposes an additional duty on any article from a country that manipulates the rate of exchange between its currency and the U.S. dollar unless the President certifies to Congress that such country is no longer manipulating the rate to gain an unfair competitive advantage in international trade. Global Worker Fairness Act - Establishes a wage insurance program for workers displaced due to unfair trade competition. Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2006 - Extends trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or a public agency. Authorizes the payment of amounts for training of adversely affected workers due to unfair trade competition through FY2012. Workers Equity Act - Permits TAA where an employer has shifted production of like articles to a foreign country that has been extended permanent normal trade relations by the United States. Establishes an Office of Community Trade Adjustment in the Department of Commerce to coordinate the federal response to economic dislocation. Employee Free Choice Act - Certifies a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other currently certified or recognized exclusive employee representative. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2006 - Sets forth graduated increases of the federal minimum wage up to $7.25 an hour.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for Medical Services for mental health care for veterans. Requires an annual report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the congressional veterans' committees describing progress in meeting each milestone specified in the Department's national mental health strategic plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Medicare-Guaranteed Prescription Drug Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare-guaranteed prescription drug plan option that offers standard prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices. Revises requirements for part D standard prescription drug coverage. Provides for an annual deductible equal to the deductible for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) and for reduced coinsurance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2006
Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards to ensure the safety and accuracy of medical imaging studies and radiation therapy treatments. Imposes such standards on personnel who perform, plan, or evaluate, or verify patient doses for, medical imaging studies and radiation therapy procedures and not on the equipment used. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to ensure that individuals demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires the Secretary to provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training and experience are determined to equal or exceed that of: (1) a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; or (2) an individual who is regularly eligible to take the licensure or certification examination for that discipline. Directs the Secretary to certify qualified nonprofit organizations as approved bodies to provide accreditation to individuals that demonstrate compliance with such standards. Deems state standards for licensure or certification of personnel, accreditation of educational programs, or administration of examinations to be in compliance with the standards under this Act. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all programs under the authority of the Secretary meet such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural areas or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2006
Louis Braille Bicentennial--Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins emblematic of the life and legacy of Louis Braille, whose design: (1) on the obverse shall bear a representation of the image of Louis Braille; and (2) on the reverse shall emphasize Braille literacy and include the word for Braille in Braille code. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins only during 2009. Subjects all coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin. Requires all surcharges to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the the National Federation of the Blind to further its programs to promote Braille literacy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2006
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the suspension, through December 31, 2009, of the duty on certain audio headphones.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000105_200.jpg)