United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005
Expresses appreciation and gratitude for those States which host refugees and offer refugee resettlement, and denounces the practice of warehousing refugees. Urges the Secretary of State to pursue refugee assistance models that permit refugees to enjoy all the rights recognized in: (1) the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees; and (2) the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. Calls upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to monitor refugee situations more effectively. Encourages: (1) those countries that have not ratified the Convention or the Protocol to do so; and (2) all countries to enact legislation or promulgate policies to provide for the legal enjoyment of the basic rights of refugees as outlined in the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception; (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman; (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request; and (4) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman to pay. Prohibits any hospital from receiving federal funds unless such hospital provides to survivors of sexual assault, regardless of ability to pay: (1) an assessment of the individual's risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections; (2) advice concerning significantly prevalent infections for which effective post-exposure prophylaxis exists and for which the deferral of treatment either would significantly reduce treatment efficacy or would pose substantial risk to the individual's health; and (3) such prophylactic treatment for infections, upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) provide grants and low-cost revolving loans, on a competitive basis, to certain governmental and nonprofit agencies for projects to reduce diesel emissions; and (2) support grant and loan programs administered by the states to achieve reductions in diesel emissions. Requires the allocation of at least 50 percent of the funding under this Act for the benefit of public fleets. Requires the Administrator to give priority to proposed projects that will, among other things: (1) maximize public health benefits; (2) serve areas with the highest population density that are poor air quality or nonattainment areas; and (3) maximize the useful life of any retrofit technology. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a biennial report evaluating the implementation of programs under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for informing industry stakeholders (e.g., equipment manufacturers, state and local air quality managers, community organizations, and public health and environmental organizations) and foreign countries with air quality programs of the benefits and uses of technologies for diesel emission reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 (FSIA) to require that a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism under specified laws, or an official, employee, or agent of such a foreign state, shall be liable to a U.S. national for the national's personal injury or death caused by acts of that state or official, employee, or agent acting within the scope of his or her duties. Provides that the removal of a foreign state from designation as a state sponsor of terrorism shall not terminate such a cause of action arising during the period of designation. Authorizes U.S. courts to exercise jurisdiction over such actions for money damages under an FSIA provision concerning acts of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, and material support for such acts. Mandates that property interests of foreign states, or agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states, against which judgment is entered pursuant to such provision are subject to attachment execution. Requires foreign states to be held vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VCA) to modify the definition of "victim" for purposes of compensation under that Act. Requires the transfer of VCA funds to carry out an order appointing Special Masters in the matter of Peterson, et al. v. The Islamic Republic of Iran. Revives previously dismissed causes of action that would be cognizable under this Act by retroactively tolling the applicable statute of limitations from the date of initial filing to 60 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005
Reiterates Senate support for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as the blueprint for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Irish Republican Army (IRA) must complete its decommissioning and cease to exist as a paramilitary organization; (2) the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland must share power with all parties according to the democratic mandate of the Agreement; (3) Sinn Fein must work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland; (4) the leadership of Sinn Fein must insist that those responsible for, and witnesses to, Robert McCartney's murder cooperate with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and be protected from IRA retaliation; and (5) the government of the United Kingdom (UK) must restore democratic institutions, complete demilitarization, and advance equality and human rights in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005
Amends the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to approve projects to address the root causes of threats to great apes in range states; (2) grant the Secretary discretion in convening the expert panel established under the Act to identify conservation needs for the great ape; (3) exempt such panel from requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act; (4) increase funding for administrative expenses from the Great Ape Conservation Fund; and (5) increase and extend through FY2010 the authorization of appropriations to such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005
Student Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to rebate the amount of aid lost to students whose Pell Grants were reduced or eliminated for academic year 2005-2006 as a result of the update to the tables for state and other taxes in the student aid need analysis determination of expected family contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005
Fuels Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require that motor vehicle fuel contain a specified volume of renewable fuel. Defines "renewable fuel" to include motor vehicle fuel that is: (1) produced from grain, starch, or oilseeds; (2) natural biogas; (3) cellulosic biomass fuel; (4) biodiesel; or (5) composed of a mix of components derived from renewable fuel. Establishes a system of: (1) tradeable credits for motor vehicle fuel containing more renewable fuel than required; and (2) waivers of renewable fuel requirements for states and small refineries. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require federal agency heads to ensure that ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel-blended diesel fuel is purchased for agency vehicles in areas where such fuel is available at competitive prices. Amends the Clean Air Act to eliminate the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish standards for toxic air pollutants from the use of reformulated gasoline; and (2) within 30 days of enactment of this Act, determine the adequacy of any petition from a state governor to exempt gasoline sold in the state from certain requirements for reformulated gasoline. Permits states additional opt-in areas under the reformulated gasoline program. Requires the Administrator, at the request of a state, to enforce state controls on fuels and fuel additives. Sets forth various data collection and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide loan guarantees for demonstration projects to convert celllulosic biomass into ethanol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2005
Health Information Technology Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants to eligible health care entities to offset costs related to clinical health care informatics systems and services designed to improve quality in health care and patient safety, including costs for the purchase, lease, or installation of computer software and hardware. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies to: (1) evaluate the use of clinical health care informatics systems and services to measure and report quality data; and (2) assess the impact of such systems and services on improving patient care, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies. Directs the Secretary to establish a methodology for making adjustments in Medicare payment amounts for providers of services and suppliers who use health information technology and technology services with patient-specific applications that improve the quality and accuracy of clinical decision-making, compliance, health care delivery, and efficiency. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and adoption of national data and communication health information technology standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between varieties of provider health information technology systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible entity to elect to expense qualified health care informatics system expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. James Exon, former United States Senator for Nebraska. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 13, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Exon.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005
National Oceans Protection Act of 2005 - Declares the purpose of this Act is to secure for future U.S. generations a full range of benefits of healthy marine ecosystems. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings National Ocean Policy and Leadership Act - Specifies a national ocean policy. Establishes in federal law (as it already exists under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Establishes: (1) a Council on Ocean Stewardship; and (2) a Presidential Panel of Advisers on Oceans and Climate. Requires the head of each federal agency that undertakes, authorizes, or funds an activity that affects U.S. ocean or coastal waters or resources to make a certification that such action will not harm the marine ecosystem. Directs the Administrator to develop and maintain a coordinated offshore permit program for certain non-extractive activities in federal waters. Establishes: (1) the Marine Resources Trust Fund; (2) a Committee on Ocean Science, Education, and Operations; and (3) a National Ocean Science and Technology Scholarship Program. Deep Sea Coral Protection Act - Requires the Administrator to: (1) research and map deep sea corals and sponges; and (2) compare areas open to bottom-tending mobile fishing gear with areas designated as a Coral Management Area (CMA). Authorizes the President to permit the Administrator to identify, with foreign entities, areas in international waters that would benefit from additional protection for deep sea corals and deep sea sponges. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to establish a habitat protection program to protect seafloor habitats from the adverse impacts of bottom-tending mobile fishing gear and any other gear or practice that damages seafloor habitat. Requires the Secretary to prepare and provide guidance for the development of Fisheries Ecosystem Plans. Requires fishery management plans to: (1) establish and implement a bycatch monitoring and minimization plan; and (2) account for all direct and indirect sources of fishing mortality (including bycatch mortality) in stock assessments, in determining the maximum sustainable yield for the fishery, in establishing total allowable catch and other catch limits necessary to achieve the optimum yield, and in counting the catch. Cetacean and Sea Turtle Conservation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with countries that engage in commercial fishing operations that adversely impact cetaceans or sea turtles that result in agreements requiring such countries to reduce bycatch of such animals to at least sustainable levels. Provides grants to persons to carry out research and development (R&D) of appropriate fishing gear and methods for use in oceans inhabited by cetaceans or sea turtles. Revises individual fishing quota provisions to provide for establishment of a fishing quota system through a fishery management plan or amendment. Requires that such a plan: (1) include conservation management measures; (2) establish procedures for a Regional Fishery Management Council (or the Secretary) to review the quota system; (3) allocate, review, and limit or terminate quota shares in accordance with this Act; and (4) not require shares to be held by a person engaged in personal-use fishing, provided the plan designates a separate portion of the allowable catch for such purposes. Requires a Council to make a fair allocation of the total allowable catch limit as quota shares among existing categories of vessels, fishing gear types, or other appropriate qualifiers. Sets forth certain requirements for the allocation, transfer, or termination of a share issued under such a system. Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005 - Requires each science and statistical committee established by a Council to include a fishery and marine science subcommittee to determine biological catch limits that will prevent overfishing in a fishery and any protections required for threatened or endangered species. Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary to establish a gear research mini-grant program for developing new types of fishing gear designed to eliminate or reduce the incidental taking of marine mammals. Establishes a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program. Establishes a Community-Based Restoration Program. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop criteria designed to help prevent development and substantial redevelopment in coastal areas. Establishes the NOAA National Office of Education. Ballast Water Management Act of 2005 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Sets forth protocols for the early detection and monitoring of recently established aquatic invasive species in U.S. waters. Requires certain administering agencies to conduct a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates of, patterns of, and conditions surrounding introductions of nonidigenous aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to ensure that international efforts to prevent and control aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator to: (1) conduct a program to monitor aquatic sediment quality; and (2) promulgate sediment quality criteria and standards protective of the most sensitive aquatic species at their most sensitive life stages. Requires a state whenever it has reviewed or adopted new water standards to adopt certain advanced wastewater treatment standards for the removal of nutrients from discharges into marine and estuarine water and freshwater. Authorizes a person to file a civil suit against any person (including the government) in U.S. district court for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold such drugs, devices, or services. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005
Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program to protect the environmental integrity of undeveloped coastal and estuarine areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make program grants to coastal States, except to ones that have lost less than one percent of their wetlands to development or conversion to other land uses, for the purpose of acquiring property that will further the goals of an approved Coastal Zone Management Plan or Program, a National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan, or a regional or state watershed protection plan.. Prohibits any more than 75 percent of the grant funding from being derived from Federal sources. Authorizes the Secretary to provide $5 million for a regional watershed protection demonstration project that: (1) leverages land acquisition funding from other Federal conservation or acquisition programs; (2) involves partnerships with Federal, State, and non-governmental entities; (3) creates conservation corridors; (4) protects habitats under imminent threat of development or conversion; (5) provides water quality protection for areas under the National Estuarine Research Reserve program; and (6) provides a model for future regional watershed protection projects. Reserves 15 percent of program funds for acquisitions benefitting the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Specifies that when property is acquired under this program, the grant recipient shall provide assurances that: (1) title will be held by the grant recipient; (2) property will be managed consistent with the purpose of the program; and (3) funds will be returned to the Secretary for redistribution if the property is sold, exchanged, or divested. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the Secretary to enter into contracts or other arrangements with other Federal agencies (including interagency financing of Coastal America activities) as well as any other qualified person for the purposes of carrying out technical assistance and research to support coastal zone management. (Current law allows the Secretary to enter into such arrangements only with any qualified person).
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2005 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005
Violence Against Women Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes and increases funding under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 for grants to combat violence against women. Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, to award grants to improve court responses. Reauthorizes provisions of the Violence Against Women Acts of 2000 and 1994 concerning training and services for the elderly and the disabled and provisions of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act regarding funding for the national domestic violence hotline. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent cyber-stalking. Provides increased penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses and protection order violations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) fund programs serving domestic violence victims ages 12 to 24; (2) develop collaborative responses and services to families where there is both child maltreatment and domestic violence; (3) strengthen home visitation and health care system responses; and (4) develop long-term housing options for domestic violence victims who are homeless. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to reduce violence against women on college campuses. Authorizes limited emergency leave for a public employee who is a victim of domestic violence. Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Attorney General) authority to determine whether an alien is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking. Makes inapplicable a provision finding an alien inadmissible upon demonstrating a connection between the alien being a victim of a severe form of trafficking and that alien's unlawful presence in the United States. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) permit Indian law enforcement agencies to enter into, and obtain information from, federal criminal information databases, in cases of domestic violence; and (2) develop a national tribal sex offender registry and a tribal protection order registry. Establishes in the Office a Deputy Director for Tribal Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005
Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution participating in any program under the Act to provide to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report containing specified information about the campus fire safety practices and standards of that institution. Requires such institutions to: (1) record all on-campus fires, including the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire and all false fire alarms; and (2) open such information to public inspection. Requires the institutions to report on such information annually to the campus community in a manner that will aid the prevention of similar occurrences. Requires the institutions to request their fraternities and sororities to collect and report such information for each building and property they own or control. Requires the Secretary of Education to report to Congress on fire safety systems in facilities of institutions of higher education and on fire safety standards in all such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005
Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that benefits under the Medicare part D program have no impact on benefits under other Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2005
Saudi Arabia Accountability Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Saudi Arabia must immediately and unconditionally: (1) cooperate fully with the United States in the investigation of terror groups and individuals; (2) close permanently all organizations in Saudi Arabia that fund, train, encourage, or in any way aid terrorism anywhere in the world; (3) end funding for terror organizations outside Saudi Arabia; and (4) block funding from private Saudi citizens and entities to Saudi-based or offshore terror organizations. Directs the President to prohibit certain exports to Saudi Arabia and restrict travel of certain Saudi diplomats if the President cannot certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Saudi Arabia: (1) is fully cooperating with the United States in investigating and preventing terrorist attacks; (2) has closed permanently all Saudi-based terror organizations; (3) has ended funding for any offshore terror organization; and (4) has made all efforts to block funding from private Saudi citizens and entities to offshore terror organizations. Allows the President to waive such sanctions for national security reasons.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2005
Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 or Johanna's Law - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of women with respect to gynecologic cancers, which shall include: (1) maintaining a supply of written materials to provide information to the public on gynecologic cancers; and (2) developing and placing public service announcements to encourage women to discuss their risks of gynecologic cancers with their physicians. Requires the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit private entities to test different outreach and education strategies for increasing such awareness among women and health professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Stop Terminating Our Pensions Act - Imposes a six-month moratorium on terminations of certain pension plans, instituted under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), in cases in which reorganization of contributing sponsors is sought in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Helping Our Patriotic Employers at Helping Our Military Employees Act of 2005 or the HOPE at HOME Act of 2005 - Entitles federal employees who are absent from their jobs for a period of more than 90 days for the purpose of performing active duty service in the uniformed services to receive the full amount of basic pay that they would have received if there had been no such interruption in their federal employment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow employers a business tax credit for 50 percent of the actual compensation paid to Ready Reserve-National Guard employees while on active duty or hospitalized incident to such duty; (2) allow employers a tax credit for wages paid to temporary employees hired to replace Ready Reserve-National Guard employees while on active duty; (3) provide for withholding of tax on differential wage payments to active duty members of the uniformed services; and (4) treat such differential wage payments as employee compensation for retirement plan purposes, including for the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Attorney General to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or other assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime that: (1) constitutes a crime of violence under federal law or a felony under state or Indian tribal law; and (2) is motivated by prejudice based on the race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of the victim or is a violation of the hate crime laws of the state or tribe. Directs the Attorney General to give priority for assistance to crimes committed by offenders who have committed crimes in more than one state and to rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering the extraordinary investigation or prosecution expenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to assist state, local, and Indian law enforcement officials with such extraordinary expenses. Directs the Office of Justice Programs to: (1) work closely with funded jurisdictions to ensure that the concerns and needs of all affected parties are addressed; and (2) award grants to state and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Prohibits specified offenses involving actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to study and provide sentencing enhancements for adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes. Amends the Hate Crimes Statistics Act to require the crime data to be collected and published by the Attorney General to include data about crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on gender.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan, and a health issuer offering group health insurance coverage, that cover surgical benefits to also cover outpatient and inpatient diagnosis and treatment of a child's congenital or developmental deformity, disease, or injury. Requires that such coverage: (1) be subject to pre-authorization or pre-certification requirements of the plan or issuer; and (2) include any surgical treatment deemed by the treating physician to be medically necessary to approximate a normal appearance. Defines "treatment" to include reconstructive surgical procedures that are performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease, including: (1) procedures that do not materially affect the function of the body part being treated; and (2) procedures for secondary conditions and follow-up treatment. Excludes cosmetic surgery performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve appearance or self-esteem.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Directs the Secretary of Defense to permit any member of the Armed Forces to provide to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission testimony on the military value of a military installation inside the United States, for purposes of the consideration by such Commission of the Secretary's recommendations for the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Prohibits any retaliation or discrimination against a member providing or about to provide such testimony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005
Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the definition of dealer (in animals) to include: (1) sellers of dogs imported from outside the United States; and (2) persons who sell more than 25 dogs or cats or who whelp for sale more than six litters of dogs or cats annually. Defines "retail pet store" for purposes of the Act as a public retail establishment that sells animals commonly kept as pets in U.S. households (e.g., dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters). Excludes from such definition: (1) a person breeding animals to sell to the public as pets; (2) a person selling hunting, security, or breeding dogs; or (3) a person selling wild animals. Requires dealers and retail pet stores to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with source records relating to the purchase or acquisition of dogs and cats. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the period for the temporary suspension of a dealer license for a violation of the Act from 21 to 60 days, if the Secretary believes that such violation will continue past the initial 21-day period and will jeopardize the health of any animal. Authorizes the Secretary to apply directly to a U.S. district court for a temporary restraining order or injunction to address violations of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005
Hunger-Free Communities Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Congress is committed to achieving domestic hunger goals and ending hunger by 2015; (2) federal food and nutrition programs should receive adequate funding; and (3) the entitlement nature of the child and adult care food program, the food stamp program, the school breakfast and lunch programs, and the summer food service program should be preserved. Directs: (1) the American Communities Survey to collect and submit food security information to the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) the Secretary to conduct an annual study of hunger in the United States and develop recommendations on reducing domestic hunger. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) hunger-free communities collaborative grants to eligible public food program service providers or nonprofit organizations; (2) hunger-free communities infrastructure grants to eligible emergency feeding organizations; and (3) hunger-free communities training and technical assistance grants to eligible national or regional nonprofit organizations. (States that such grants' federal share shall not exceed 80 %.) Sets forth grant priorities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005
Requires the Secretary of Defense, within seven days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress all Department of Defense (DOD) documentation related to the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments. Terminates the 2005 round if such documentation is not provided. Extends certain recommendation submission and related report dates under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 relating to the 2005 round of closures and realignments by the number of days after May 16, 2005, that the above documentation is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005
Musconetcong Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of the Musconetcong River, New Jersey, as scenic and recreational rivers. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage those segments in accordance with the Musconetcong River Management Plan (dated April 2002), which establishes goals and actions to ensure long-term protection of the outstanding values of the river segments and compatible management of land and water resources associated with such segments. Considers the management plan as satisfying the requirements for a comprehensive management plan for those river segments. Directs the Secretary, in determining whether a proposed water resources project would have a direct and adverse effect on the values for which a river segment is designated as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, to consider the extent to which the project is consistent with the management plan. Authorizes the Secretary to manage the river segments in cooperation with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to provide planning, financial, and technical assistance to local municipalities and nonprofit organizations to assist in the implementation of actions to protect the natural and historic resources of the river segments. Provides for the designation of an additional river segment if there is adequate local support.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005
Honors the life and work of Sister Dorothy Stang, an advocate for the rights of rural workers and peasants in Brazil's Amazon rain forest who was murdered in February 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005
Reinforce the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Act of 2005 - Reaffirms congressional support for the objectives of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and expresses support for appropriate measures to strengthen the NPT. Calls on all parties participating in the Seventh Review Conference on the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons to make good faith efforts to: (1) comply with NPT nonproliferation obligations; (2) establish more effective controls on sensitive technologies that can be used to produce nuclear weapons material; (3) expand the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) inspection and monitoring ability; (4) demonstrate the international community's opposition to the Iranian nuclear weapons program; (5) support U.S. diplomatic efforts in the context of the six-party talks to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programs; (6) pursue diplomacy to address regional security problems in Northeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, which would facilitate nonproliferation and disarmament efforts in those regions; (7) accelerate programs to safeguard and eliminate nuclear weapons-usable material; (8) halt the use of highly enriched uranium in civilian reactors; (9) strengthen national and international export controls and relevant security measures; (10) agree that no state may withdraw from the NPT and escape responsibility for prior Treaty violations or retain access to controlled materials and equipment acquired for "peaceful" purposes; (11) accelerate efforts to reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and weapons-grade fissile material; and (12) strengthen Proliferation Security Initiative support.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Healthy Families Act - Requires certain employers, who employ 15 or more employees for each working day during 20 or more workweeks a year, to provide a minimum paid sick leave of: (1) seven days annually for those who work at least 30 hours per week; and (2) a prorated annual amount for those who work less than 30 but at least 20 hours a week, or less than 1,500 but at least 1,000 hours per year. Allows employees to use such leave to meet their own medical needs or to care for the medical needs of certain family members. Directs the Secretary of Labor to exercise certain investigative and enforcement authority with respect to this Act's provisions regarding employees covered by title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 or the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991. Provides that, for employees under their jurisdiction, such authority shall be exercised by the Librarian of Congress, the Comptroller General, the Board of Directors of the congressional Office of Compliance, or the Merit Systems Protection Board. Declares that the requirements under this Act are minimum requirements, and are not to be construed to discourage employers from adopting or retaining more generous leave policies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payment for physicians' services to establish an update to the single conversion factor for 2006 of at least 2.7 %, and a formula for an update to the single conversion factor for 2007. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in calculating the formula for the single conversion factor, to establish an input price index and estimate a productivity adjustment factor for 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Hydraulic Fracturing Safety Act of 2005 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to: (1) include hydraulic fracturing within the definition of underground injection for purposes of such Act; (2) define hydraulic fracturing as the process of creating a fracture in a reservoir rock, through the injection of fluids and propping agents, for the purpose of reservoir stimulation during oil and gas production activities; (3) prohibit, during the hydraulic fracturing process, the use of diesel fuel or any other material that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed as a priority pollutant under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (4) require the Administrator to regulate hydraulic fracturing and ensure that state programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act regulate hydraulic fracturing in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005
Recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people, and congratulates the people of Israel as they celebrate the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence. Supports Middle East peace efforts, including the disengagement plan of the Israeli government, the Roadmap, and the recent Quartet decision to appoint World Bank President James Wolfensohn as Coordinator for Gaza Disengagement. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all administrations and Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2005 - 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; (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. Makes federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a grant program to enable states to develop statewide stroke care systems; (2) foster the development of stroke care systems through information sharing among involved agencies and individuals; (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel in the identification, assessment, stabilization, and prehospital treatment of stroke patients; (4) issue recommendations and guidelines on best practices for establishing and operating such systems; and (5) provide public information on recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and appropriate actions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry; and (2) award grants to states to develop stroke care systems that provide high-quality prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Authorizes the Secretary to make related state planning grants. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration in awarding grants to states in a geographic area with an elevated incidence of stroke or stoke-caused disabilities or demonstrating a significant need for assistance in establishing such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid for an individual who is either: (1) age 55 or older; or (2) is claimed as a dependent of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005
Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to postpone the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments, as currently required under such Act, until the last of the following occurs: (1) the complete analysis, consideration, and implementation by the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) of the recommendations of the Commission on Review of Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States; (2) the return from deployment in Iraq of substantially all major U.S. combat units and assets; (3) the receipt by the congressional defense committees of the report on the quadrennial defense review to be submitted by the Secretary in 2006; (4) the complete development and implementation by the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security of the National Maritime Security Strategy; (5) the complete development and implementation by the Secretary of the Homeland Defense and Civil Support directive; and (6) the receipt by the defense committees of a report from the Secretary assessing military installation needs. States that, effective May 13, 2005, the list of recommendations for 2005 base closures and realignments submitted by the Secretary pursuant to such Act shall have no further force and effect.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005
Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY2006-2008 to: (1) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); and (2) the Department of Transportation (DOT). Authorizes the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security (Under Secretary), acting through the TSA, to establish the position of Intermodal Manager throughout regions of the nation to: (1) serve as regional coordinator of the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security's response to terrorist incidents and threats to maritime and land assets; and (2) coordinate efforts related to maritime and land security with other Department officials, state and local law enforcement, and other public and private entities. Prohibits the Under Secretary from imposing a passenger security service fee in FY2007 and later unless: (1) such fee is imposed by rule promulgated by the Under Secretary; and (2) Congress approves. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (TSA) to: (1) report to Congress on the adequacy of training for TSA screeners; and (2) establish an employee internship program for training students to perform screening of passengers and property at airports. Rail Security Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a task force (including the TSA, the DOT, and other appropriate agencies) to complete a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Secretary, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to Amtrak for certain systemwide security upgrades. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to Amtrak tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to freight railroads (including Amtrak), hazardous materials shippers, universities and research centers, and state and local governments for freight and passenger rail security upgrades to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism or sabotage. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a research and development (R&D) program to improve freight and intercity passenger rail security. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Secretary of Transportation a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents involving an Amtrak intercity train and resulting in a loss of life. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Transportation to develop and issue guidance for a rail worker security training program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees or other persons who have provided information regarding a perceived threat to security to the employer, Federal Government, or Congress, or who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation related to rail security. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to require rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans containing appropriate measures to address assessed risks to high consequence targets. Directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to set forth certain standards for welded rail and tank car safety improvements. Requires certain rail security studies, including one on the rail passenger transportation security programs in Japan, European Union (EU) member nations, and other foreign countries. Prohibits a commercial motor vehicle operator registered to operate in Mexico and Canada from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting a hazardous material in U.S. commerce until the operator has undergone a background records check similar to the background records check required for commercial motor vehicle operators licensed in the United States to transport hazardous materials in commerce. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) written route plans for hazardous material motor carriers; (2) the equipping of certain commercial motor vehicles that transport high hazardous materials with wireless terrestrial or satellite communications technology; (3) the review of hazardous materials security plans of shippers or carriers of hazardous materials; (4) the development of a Pipeline Security and Incident Recovery Protocols Plan; (5) the review of pipeline operator adoption of certain recommendations, including pipeline security plans and critical facility inspections; and (6) the development of a national public sector response system to respond to accidents, threats, and other safety and security risks or incidents. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for certain system-wide security improvements to their operations. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish joint operational centers for port security at all Tier 1 ports in order to improve interagency cooperation and sharing of intelligence information so as to provide greater protection for port and intermodal transportation systems against terrorism. Amends federal shipping law to require the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to identify foreign assistance programs that could facilitate implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries. Requires importers shipping goods to the United States via cargo container to supply entry data under an advance notification system. Increases the number of overseas U.S. Customs Service inspectors for inspecting intermodal shipping containers being shipped to the United states. Calls for random inspection of shipping containers. Requires the promulgation of standards and procedures for the inspection and screening of cargo in foreign ports intended for shipment to the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to promulgate a strategic plan for transportation R&D. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security a competitive research program that supports projects related to homeland security research.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005
Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation: (1) recognizing the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (2) reasserting the U.S. commitment to full implementation of the Helsinki Final Act; and (3) urging all participating countries to abide by their Helsinki obligations. Calls upon the President to convey to all Helsinki signatories that respect for human rights, democratic principles, and economic liberty continue to be vital elements in promoting a new era of democracy, peace, and unity in the region covered by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) at the 57th 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 · 13 May 2005
Code Talkers Recognition Act - Requires the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of commemorative medals of appropriate design to Sioux, Comanche, Choctaw, Sac and Fox, and any other Native American Code Talkers during World War I, World War II, and any other foreign conflict in which the United States was involved during the 20th Century in recognition of their contributions to the United States. Allows the posthumous award of a medal authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005
Water Resources Research Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize appropriations for water resources research and technology institutes and for research focused on water problems of a regional or interstate nature.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005
Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for health plans or issuers of health insurance coverage, including requirements for: (1) utilization review activities; (2) procedures for claims benefits processing, prior authorization determinations, appeals, and internal reviews; and (3) access for an independent, external review. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Health Care Consumer Assistance Fund to award grants to States for consumer assistance activities designed to provide information, assistance, and referrals to consumers of health insurance products. Sets forth requirements for managed care programs and their access to care, including requiring such programs to: (1) offer coverage that allows for non-network coverage through another plan or issuer; (2) provide access to out-of-network emergency care without prior authorization; and (3) provide timely access to specialists. Requires certain annual disclosures from health plans or issuers, including disclosures of covered benefits, cost-sharing requirements, and participating providers. Prohibits a plan or issuer from: (1) restricting a health care professional's ability to advise a patient on the health of an individual or on medical care or treatment for the individual's condition or disease; and (2) operating any physician incentive plan. Establishes a cause of action against a plan or issuer that fails to exercise ordinary care in making a decision that results in a personal injury or death to a participant or beneficiary. Provides a tax credit to small businesses for expenses paid by the business for health insurance coverage of employees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005
Funding Our Risks With Appropriate Resource Disbursement Act of 2005 or the Homeland Security FORWARD Funding Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funding for first responders pursuant to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, and the Citizen Corps Program. Makes eligible for a covered grant any state, region, or directly eligible tribe. Sets forth grant application procedures and requirements. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Homeland Security Grants Board. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) clearly defined essential capabilities for state and local government preparedness for terrorism (sets forth factors to address in establishing such capabilities and lists critical infrastructure sectors and types of threats to specifically consider); and (2) a Task Force on Essential Capabilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate national voluntary consensus standards for grant-funded first responder equipment and training. Lists authorized and prohibited uses of covered grants. Requires each covered grant recipient to submit quarterly and annual reports on homeland security spending. Establishes penalties for states that fail to pass through to local governments, first responders, and other local groups funds or resources as required by this Act within 45 days of receipt. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding interoperable communications and Citizen Corps councils. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure coordination of federal efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism and other major disasters and emergencies among DHS divisions; and (2) study the feasibility of implementing a nationwide emergency telephonic alert notification system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005
Supports the participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba in May 2005 in Havana. Urges the international community to support the Assembly's mission to bring democracy and human rights to Cuba. Encourages the international community to oppose any attempts by the Cuban Government to repress Assembly organizers and participants. Shares the Assembly's pro-democracy ideals and believes that the Assembly and its mission will advance Cuba's freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005
Designates May 1, 2005, as National Child Care Worthy Wage Day. Calls on the people of the United States to observe such day by: (1) honoring early-childhood educators and programs in their communities; and (2) working together to resolve the early-childhood educator compensation crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2005
Pension Fairness and Full Disclosure Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish a termination fairness standard that limits availability of benefits under an employer's nonqualified deferred compensation plans if such employer's defined benefit pension plan is subjected to: (1) a termination based on bankruptcy reorganization; or (2) a conversion to a cash balance plan. Prohibits funding nonqualified deferred compensation plans while maintaining underfunded defined benefit plans. Imposes penalties on funding nonqualified deferred compensation plans: (1) in the event of a pension plan termination based on bankruptcy reorganization or of a conversion to a cash balance plan; or (2) while maintaining underfunded defined benefit plans. Requires disclosure with respect to nonqualified deferred compensation plans.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)