United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004
Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make Alzheimer's disease research a priority within the National Institute on Aging. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative to accelerate the discovery of new risk and protective factors, to rapidly identify therapies and preventive interventions, and to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to educate the public and public health community regarding Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop coordinated respite care programs on a statewide basis. Defines "respite care" to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of such child or adult. Directs the Secretary to award a grant or cooperative agreement to a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a nonrefundable tax credit for each individual certified as having long-term care needs and for whom the taxpayer is acting as a caregiver; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care premiums paid under a qualified insurance contract; and (3) qualified long-term care insurance to be offered in a cafeteria plan and flexible spending arrangements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004
AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 - Declares the sense of Congress that the preferential market access opportunities for eligible sub-Saharan African countries (SSA countries) will be complemented and enhanced if those countries implement specified existing obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Urges such countries to participate in and support mutual trade liberalization in ongoing negotiations under WTO auspices, recognizing that such commitments may need to reflect special and differential treatment for developing countries. States that eligible SSA countries will benefit from reduction of trade barriers in other developing countries. Urges all countries to make sanitary and phytosanitary decisions on the basis of sound science. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive branch, including specified Federal agencies, should enforce African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provisions relating to preferential treatment of textile and apparel articles, broadly in order to expand trade by maximizing opportunities for imports of such articles from eligible SSA countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment for AGOA articles: (1) from FY 2008 through 2015; and (2) made from material produced in former beneficiary SSA countries. Defines former beneficiary sub-Saharan African country as a country that, after being designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA, ceased to be designated as such a country by reason of its entering into a free trade agreement with the United States. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment, including extensions of such treatment to certain apparels. Authorizes duty-free and preferential treatment for certain apparel articles such as ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country that meets certain conditions. Extends preferential treatment to an article containing fibers or yarns not wholly formed in former beneficiary SSA countries (currently, the United States or one or more beneficiary SSA countries) if the total weight of all such fibers and yarns is not more than ten (currently, seven) percent of the total weight of the article. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, under specified conditions, to liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions, limitations, or consultative levels any entries of certain apparel. Requires the President to: (1) study each eligible SSA country, identifying sectors of its economy with the greatest potential for growth, including through export sales, and identifying both domestic and international barriers impeding such growth; (2) make recommendations on how the Federal Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to assist that country in dismantling such barriers and promoting investment in such sectors; and (3) disseminate information to appropriate Federal agencies on each such country. Requires the President to develop and implement policies to encourage the development of investment in SSA countries, particularly in: (1) infrastructure projects supporting development of land transport road and railroad networks and ports, and the continued upgrading and liberalization of the energy and telecommunications sectors; (2) establishment and expansion of modern information and communication technologies and practices to improve the ability of citizens to research and disseminate specified information; and (3) agriculture, particularly in processing and capacity enhancement. Requires the President to: (1) foster improved port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships in order to facilitate and increase trade flows between eligible SSA countries; (2) encourage the development of infrastructure projects that will help increase trade capacity and a sustainable ecotourism industry in such countries; (3) identify at least ten eligible SSA countries as having the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for technical assistance, particularly with respect to pest risk assessments and complying with U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary rules; (4) assign at least 20 full-time personnel to provide assistance to such countries to ensure that their exports of agricultural products meet Federal law requirements; and (5) convene the trade advisory committee on Africa established by Executive Order 11846 of March 27, 1975, under the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
The Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds to the Secretary of State for assistance to foreign military or security forces in order to enhance a country's international peacekeeping capability. States that such assistance: (1) may be used to provide equipment, supplies, training, or funding; and (2) is in addition to any other authority to provide assistance or military assistance to a foreign country.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President encouraged the Group of Eight to outline a plan to engage with the countries of the ``Broader Middle East and North Africa'' in a way that allows such countries' reform and modernization; (2) reforms in the countries of the Greater Middle East, including nations of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and South Asia, must be generated by the people and governments of such countries; (3) the President should seek to build on the initiatives of the Group of Eight and establish specific mechanisms for accomplishing the goals of reform and modernization of the Greater Middle East such as establishment of a Greater Middle East Twenty-First Century Trust; (4) the members of the Group of Eight can help effect long-term political and economic change in the Greater Middle East by leveraging financial contributions from Europe, Asia, and the wealthy countries of the region, and by providing the imprimatur of the broad international community; (5) the President should use his leverage with allies inside and outside the region to promote democratic reforms and political freedom; and (6) recognizing that social and political change would be more difficult in an atmosphere of violence, the President should work with other industrialized democracies and with the countries of the Greater Middle East to promote peace and maintain a stable environment. States that the Senate urges the President to consider generating support for a Greater Middle East Twenty-First Century Trust in coordination and partnership with the members of the Group of Eight and the countries of the Greater Middle East in a quest for political, economic, and educational reform and modernization. (Sets forth Trust guidelines.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Hunger Relief Trucking Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the cost of transporting food to assist hunger relief efforts of certain charitable organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for basic care for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries, including assistance for: (1) community-based care; (2) school food programs; (3) education and employment training; (4) mental health care; and (5) protection of inheritance rights. Directs the President to develop a coordinating strategy for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of tobacco products by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Food and Drug Administration, including through disclosure, annual registration, inspection, recordkeeping, and user fee requirements. Sets forth criteria by which tobacco products are deemed adulterated or misbranded. Allows the Secretary to require prior approval of all label statements. Allows the Secretary to restrict the sale or distribution of tobacco products, including advertising and promotion, if the Secretary determines that such regulation would be appropriate for the protection of the public health. Prohibits such regulations from: (1) limiting product sales or distribution to authorization of a practitioner licensed to prescribe medical products; (2) prohibiting product sales in face-to-face transactions by a specific category of retail outlets; or (3) establishing a minimum age greater than 18 years of age for product purchases. Prohibits cigarettes from containing any artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including strawberry, cinnamon, or coffee. Requires the Secretary to establish tobacco product standards to protect the public health, but reserves to Congress the power to ban any tobacco products or reduce the nicotine level to zero. Allows the Secretary to take specified actions, including public notification and recall, against unreasonably harmful products. Requires premarket approval of all new tobacco products. Sets forth standards for the sale of modified risk tobacco products. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) coordination with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (3) congressional review of regulations; and (4) state and local authority. Requires the Secretary to establish a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change cigarette warning label and advertising requirements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to change smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2004
Urges that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp be issued in honor of the centennial anniversary of Rotary International and its effort to eradicate polio; (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued; and (3) the Rotary Clubs of the United States be commended for 100 years of volunteer service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
Expresses the grateful thanks of the Nation to the more than 16 million individuals who served in the Army, Army Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine in World War II and to the millions of Americans on the home front who contributed to the war effort. Recognizes the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2004, as an occasion to acknowledge and pay tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II, who are known collectively as the Greatest Generation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2004
Commends all Americans serving nobly abroad. Condemns the despicable acts at Abu Ghraib prison and joins with the President in expressing apology for the humiliation suffered by the prisoners in Iraq and their families. Urges: (1) the Government of the United States to take appropriate measures to ensure that such acts do not occur in the future; and (2) that all individuals responsible for such acts be held accountable. Expresses the belief that the appropriate Senate committees and the President should conduct a full investigation of the abuses alleged to have occurred at Abu Ghraib.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
States that the Senate: (1) welcomes the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Goh Chok Tong, to the United States; (2) expresses profound gratitude to the Government of Singapore for its assistance in Iraq and its support in the global campaign against terrorism; and (3) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the continued expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Singapore.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2004
States that the Senate: (1) urges the Government of Vietnam to respect all universally recognized human rights; (2) expresses its concern over reports that the Government of Vietnam used excessive force to put down recent, peaceful demonstrations in Vietnam's Central Highlands; (3) calls upon the Government of Vietnam to allow international organizations, U.S. officials, and foreign observers ongoing unrestricted access to the Central and Northwest Highlands; and (4) urges the Government of Vietnam to address the concerns of indigenous minorities in the Central and Northwest Highlands, and to permit direct assistance and development activities aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions for all Highlands residents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) applauds the Republic of South Africa for the remarkable transition to a democratic government and the tremendous progress achieved during ten years of majority rule; (2) looks forward to a continued partnership with South Africa focused on a sustained commitment to the health of South Africans; and (3) anticipates continued social development and economic growth in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Visa Waiver Program Compliance Amendments of 2004 - Amends the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act to extend to November 30, 2006: (1) the date on or after which visa waiver program participants must comply with technology standards requiring machine-readable, tamper-resistant passports that include biometric and document authentication identifiers; and (2) the deadline for the Secretary of Homeland Security to install equipment to read such passports at all U.S. ports of entry.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns the Government of the Republic of Sudan for its attacks, and for its failure to stop militia attacks, on innocent civilians in the Darfur region of Sudan, and demands that the Government of the Republic of Sudan take actions to cease such attacks; (2) calls on the international community to condemn such attacks and demand their cessation; (3) urges Sudan to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Darfur; and (4) urges the President to direct the United States Representative to the United Nations to seek an official investigation into whether Sudan has committed crimes against humanity in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2004
States that the Senate: (1) solemnly observes the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide of 1994; (2) recognizes and is saddened by the failure of the international community, including the United States, to prevent the genocide; (3) reaffirms its commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; (4) supports ongoing efforts to educate the people of the United States and of the world about the Rwandan genocide; (5) commits to continuing efforts to strengthen institutions working to bring to justice those responsible for the genocide; and (6) urges the President and the international community to seize on the occasion of this anniversary to focus attention on the future of Rwanda.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Directs the President to establish separate campaign medals to recognize service by members of the armed forces in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
States that the Senate: (1) urges all people in Kosovo to immediately stop the violence, end the destruction of homes, churches, and other cultural and religious sites, and cooperate with North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Kosovo Force (KFOR), the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), and the Kosovo Police in identifying for prosecution the perpetrators of violence and property destruction; (2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of those who have been killed in the recent violence; (3) condemns the destruction of personal and religious property in Kosovo; (4) urges political leaders to take action to allow the more than 4,000 Kosovo Serbs and other minorities displaced during the violence to return to their communities; (5) encourages all political leaders in Kosovo to renounce the use of violence, and to proceed with efforts to establish a peaceful, multiethnic society; (6) recommends that the United Nations review the structure of UNMIK; and (7) urges reinvigoration of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue toward establishment of an environment guaranteeing freedom of movement and human rights in Kosovo.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act of 2004 - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to provide, beginning on October 1, 2003, and for each of the seven succeeding one-year periods, duty-free treatment for certain apparel items wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti if the President certifies to Congress that Haiti: (1) has established or is progressing toward specified political, economic, and social reforms; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. security or foreign policy; and (3) does not engage in gross violations of human rights or activities in support of international terrorism. Provides for such provisions' retroactive application to certain entries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the outrage and shock of the people of the United States over the terrorist attacks that occurred in and around Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004; (2) joins with President Bush in expressing its deepest condolences and pledges to remain shoulder to shoulder with the people of Spain in the war on terrorism; (3) expresses its strong solidarity with the people of Spain during their difficult hour, and its deep condolences to the families of the victims of these despicable terrorist attacks; (4) calls on all nations to join with the United States in condemning the monstrous attacks on the innocent people of Spain and in attempting to identify the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to account; (5) expresses its readiness to consult with representatives of King Juan Carlos, President Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish government, the Spanish Cortes, and other public authorities about joint efforts to combat terrorism more effectively; (6) commends the United States Embassy in Madrid for its prompt offers of assistance to the Government of Spain, and for its efforts to determine the welfare and whereabouts of United States citizens who may have been affected by the terrorist attacks; and (7) urges the executive branch to continue to provide all possible assistance to Spain in order to identify and bring to account the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks that occurred on March 11, 2004, in Madrid and of other terrorist attacks against the people of Spain.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Early Attention to Nutrition (EATN) Act of 2004 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to establish multidisciplinary team nutrition networks, through grants to State education agencies and national activities, to promote the nutritional health of school children.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal in commemoration of the Reverend Oliver L. Brown (the lead plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education) in recognition of his and his fellow plaintiffs' enduring contributions to civil rights and American society.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Commemorates and honors the late Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski (who was killed with eight others in a February 2004 plane crash) by: (1) offering condolences to the people of Macedonia, the family of President Trajkovski, and the families of the other crash victims; (2) recognizing the courageous leadership and significant role that President Trajkovski played in efforts to promote peace, stability, and reform, including his work to secure the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement; and (3) encouraging the Macedonian government to continue efforts to implement the Ohrid Peace Agreement and to move forward with reforms necessary to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
People-to-People Engagement in World Affairs Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate encouraging the active engagement of Americans in world affairs and urging the Secretary of State to coordinate with implementing partners in creating an online database of international exchange programs and related opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Designates March 8, 2004 as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to: (1) ending discrimination and violence against women; (2) ensuring the safety and welfare of women; and (3) pursuing policies that guarantee the basic rights of women. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe International Women's Day with appropriate programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Commends the Garden Club of America for the many contributions it has made in our Nation's Capital and in communities across the United States and sends its best wishes on the occasion of its 91st annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on April 24 through 27, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2004
National Sex Offender Registry Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a national sex offender registry that: (1) makes publicly available, via the Internet, information about sexually violent predators and persons convicted of a sexually violent offense or a criminal offense against a minor; and (2) allows users to determine which registered sex offenders are currently residing within a specified area. Requires States and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to submit to the Attorney General specified information regarding convicted persons who are required to register with a sexual offender registration program, including: (1) that person's name, address, date of birth, physical description, and photograph; (2) the nature and date of commission of the offense; and (3) the date on which that individual is released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation. Requires: (1) any State that provides for a civil commitment proceeding to notify the State attorney general of any impending release of a sexually violent predator or of anyone who has been deemed by the State to be at high-risk for recommitting specified sexual or violent offenses; (2) the State attorney general to consider whether or not to institute a civil commitment proceeding; and (3) each State to intensively monitor, for at least a year, any such person who has been unconditionally released by the State and who has not been civilly committed. Makes a State that fails to submit the required information or to implement Act requirements ineligible to receive 25 percent of funds that would otherwise be allocated to it under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2004
Foreign Affairs Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2005 - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes FY 2005 appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) educational, cultural, and public diplomacy programs; (3) international organizations and conferences; and (4) international commissions. Authorizes FY 2005 appropriations for: (1) migration and refugee assistance; and (2) U.S. international broadcasting activities. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) interference with protective functions; (2) administrative subpoena authority; (3) Department of State authority for uniformed security officers; (4) prohibition on transfer of certain visa processing fees; (5) reimbursement from the United States Olympic Committee; (6) biotechnology promotion authority; and (7) the United States Diplomacy Center. Authorizes the establishment of the Latin America Civilian Government Security Program. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize establishment of the Fellowship of Hope Program. Revises provisions of such Act respecting: (1) reemployed Foreign Service annuitants; (2) home leave; (3) suspension of Foreign Service members without pay; and (4) repeal of the recertification requirement for Senior Foreign Service members. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 respecting the provision of living quarters and allowances to the United States representatives to the United Nations. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to place a 40 percent limit on the United States' share of assessments for UN peacekeeping operations after FY 2004. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise foreign terrorist organization-designation provisions. Provides for the strengthening of United States educational and cultural exchange programs with countries having a significant Muslim population. Edward R. Murrow Fellowship Act - Establishes the Edward R. Murrow Fellowship program pursuant to which the Broadcasting Board of Governors shall provide fellowships to foreign national journalists in positions at the Voice of America, RFE/RL, Incorporated, or Radio Free Asia. International Parental Child Abduction Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act revise provisions respecting the inadmissibility of aliens supporting international child abductors and relatives of such abductors. Authorizes fellowships for multidisciplinary training on nonproliferation issues. Limits fund use for any diplomatic facility in Jerusalem that is not under the supervision of the United States Ambassador to Israel. Reaffirms congressional policy regarding the criteria for recognition of a Palestinian state. Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to authorize grants for a Middle East Broadcasting Network. Peace Corps Charter for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to revise Peace Corps provisions, including increasing the size of the Peace Corps. Authorizes appropriations. Foreign Assistance Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes FY 2005 appropriations for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other Acts for: (1) agricultural, educational, and environmental sectors, and the Development Fund for Africa; (2) child survival and health programs fund; (3) development credit authority; (4) technical assistance to foreign governments and foreign central banks of developing or transitional countries; (5) international programs and organizations; (6) international disaster assistance; (7) transition and development assistance; (8) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (9) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (10) operating expenses and capital investment funds of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (11) millenium challenge assistance; (12) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (13) economic support fund; (14) assistance for Israel; (15) assistance for Egypt; (16) international military education and training; (17) peacekeeping operations; (18) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related assistance; (19) foreign military financing program, including assistance for Israel and Egypt; (20) Inter-American Foundation; and (21) African Development Foundation. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 respecting: (1) assistance for nongovernmental organizations; (2) fund use for unanticipated contingencies; (3) lethal excess property; (4) reconstruction assistance under international disaster assistance authority; (5) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (6) waiver of net proceeds resulting from disposal of U.S. defense articles provided to a foreign country on a grant basis; (7) transfer of certain obsolete or surplus defense articles in the war reserve stockpiles for allies to Israel; (8) additions to war reserve stockpiles for allies for FY 2004 and 2005; (9) restrictions on economic support funds for Lebanon; (10) administration of justice; (11) demining programs; (12) special waiver authority, including certain provisions respecting Germany; (13) prohibition of assistance for countries in default or to a government resulting from a military coup; (14) exceptions to the requirement for congressional notification of program changes; (15) alternative dispute resolution; (16) assistance for law enforcement forces; (17) special debt relief for the poorest countries; (18) Congo Basin Forest Partnership; (19) landmine clearance programs; and (20) designation of a Middle East Foundation. Amends the Arms Control Act respecting: (1) advance notice to Congress of sales or upgrades of defense articles and comprehensive export authorizations; (2) bilateral agreement requirement exceptions for defense item transfers to the United Kingdom and Australia; and (3) cataloging data and services to non-NATO countries. Makes certain waiver authority under the Freedom Support Act for assistance to independent States formerly under the Soviet Union permanent. Amends Federal law to extend Pakistan foreign assistance waivers. Authorizes Haitian Coast Guard defense purchases. Exempts NATO members, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand from certain license requirements for the transfer of commercial communications satellite information. Authorizes the transfer of certain missile frigate vessels to Portugal and Bahrain. Radiological Terrorism Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of State to report on embassy preparations to detect and mitigate radiological attacks. Authorizes the Secretary to assist foreign countries develop radiological response plans. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary to award fellowships to eligible nationals to pursue in the United States master of public health degrees with a concentration in epidemiology or advanced public health training in epidemiology. Directs the Secretary to support overseas pathogen identification training for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel. Authorizes: (1) assistance to eligible developing countries for public health laboratory and communications equipment to identify pathogens which may cause disease outbreaks or be used as a biological weapon; (2) assignment of U.S. public health officers or employees to enhance disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries; and (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the Department of Defense to expand their respective laboratories in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research. Amends specified reporting provisions respecting: (1) territorial integrity; (2) Columbia; (3) foreign military training; (4) human rights in Haiti; and (5) arms and chemical weapons control compliance. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 respecting certain claims for expropriation by the Government of Nicaragua. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) Sierra Leone; (2) Ethiopia; (3) Somalia; and (4) the central African region and the central African countries of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Authorizes the use of specified funds for the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program. Conditions the provision of certain funds to Indonesia upon the Government of Indonesia's investigation of the 2002 attack on U.S. citizens in West Papua. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to make specified Caribbean countries eligible for assistance to combat HIV/AIDS.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2004
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins emblematic of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Requires that: (1) all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $10 per coin; and (2) all surcharges from coin sales be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Library of Congress for purchasing and maintaining materials associated with the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Farming Flexibility Act of 2004 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, with respect to direct and counter-cyclical payments, to: (1) permit a producer to reduce soybean base acreage by electing to plant such acres with fruits or vegetables for processing; (2) require such election to be made annually; and (3) provide that if a farm's base acreage is recalculated, such fruit or vegetable production shall be considered the same as the planning, prevented planting, or production of soybeans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2004
Stabilization and Reconstruction Civilian Management Act of 2004 - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the development, as a core mission of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), of an expert civilian response capability to carry out stabilization and reconstruction activities in a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance and permit the export of goods and services to assist in stabilizing and reconstructing a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office of International Stabilization and Reconstruction. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the USAID, to establish a Response Readiness Corps to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife (up to 250 personnel to serve in the Corps, and such other personnel as the Secretary may designate from the Department of State and USAID); and (2) the Secretary to establish a Response Readiness Reserve of Federal and non-Federal personnel to augment the Corps. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a stabilization and reconstruction curriculum for use in programs of the Foreign Service Institute, the National Defense University, and the United States Army War College. Sets forth related personnel provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2004
International Free Press and Open Media Act of 2004 - Amends the National Endowment for Democracy Act to include: (1) freedom of the press and other media among those international rights which the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is to promote; and (2) foreign media among those entities with which NED is to engage in various activities. Provides that at least ten percent of funds for NED for FY 2005 should be made available for programs to promote freedom of the press and other media.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; (2) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give victimized children hope for the future; and (3) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected children. Declares that the Senate: (1) supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope" which will be observed on April 7, 2004, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month; and (2) commends the individuals working on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2004
Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to specify the calculation of contingent and other attorney's fees in proposed class action settlements that provide for the award of coupons to class members. Prohibits a Federal district court from approving: (1) a proposed coupon settlement absent a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) a proposed settlement involving payments to class counsel that would result in a net monetary loss to class members, absent a finding that the loss is substantially outweighed by nonmonetary benefits; or (3) a proposed settlement that provides greater sums to some class members solely because they are closer geographically to the court. Specifies requirements for notices of proposed settlements. Grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is between citizens of different States, or citizens of a State and a foreign State or its citizens or subjects. Lists those factors pursuant to which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action, and specifies those circumstances in which a district court must decline jurisdiction. Sets forth provisions governing the removal of interstate class actions to Federal district court and the review on appeal of remand orders. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report on class action settlements, incorporating recommendations for best court practices to ensure fairness for class members and appropriate fees for counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2004
Mutual Fund Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to: (1) reduce from 60 percent to 25 percent the maximum number of interested persons serving on the board of directors of a registered investment company; and (2) prohibit an interested person of such company from serving as chairman of such board of directors. States that a fiduciary duty is owed by: (1) the board of directors to act with loyalty and care in the best interests of shareholders; and (2) an investment adviser to supply material information necessary for independent directors to review and govern the company. Revises guidelines governing independent accounting and auditing. Directs the SEC to require adoption of a code of ethics by a registered investment company and by its investment advisers and principal underwriters. Directs the SEC to require each senior executive officer of an investment adviser to certify in periodic reports to shareholders that specified procedures are in place to verify compliance with transparency and specified ethical considerations. Grants whistleblower protection for employees of publicly traded companies and registered investment companies. Directs the SEC to develop standardized disclosures for: (1) expense and transaction cost ratios; (2) cost structures; (3) investment adviser compensation; (4) point of sale; and (5) additional disclosures of broker compensation. Repeals Rule 12b-1 fees (asset-based distribution expenses paid by investors). Prohibits: (1) revenue sharing; (2) directed brokerage fees; (3) soft dollar arrangements; (4) short-term trading; and (5) joint management of mutual funds and hedge funds.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Additional Protocol to the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement Implementation Act of 200- (sic) - Authorizes the President to: (1) implement this Act and the Protocol Additional to the Agreement between the United States of America and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America, which was signed by both parties in Vienna on June 12, 1998 (Additional Protocol); and (2) designate which Federal agencies shall issue, or revise and enforce regulations to implement this Act and the provisions of the Additional Protocol. Authorizes complementary IAEA access to any location in the United States subject to access under the Additional Protocol only in accordance with this Act. Prescribes complementary access procedures, including consents, warrants, and warrantless complementary access. Exempts information acquired by the U.S. Government under this Act or under the Additional Protocol from certain statutory disclosure requirements. Prescribes recordkeeping procedures and penalties for recordkeeping violations. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over civil actions by the Attorney General to restrain such violations and compel any actions required by this Act or the Additional Protocol.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003
Return of Talent Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the Return of Talent Program to permit an eligible permanent resident alien and family members to temporarily return (two years with extension) to the alien's country of citizenship in order to make a material contribution to that country if the country is engaged in post-conflict reconstruction activities. States that such time abroad shall be considered as U.S. physical and continuous residency for naturalization purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 2003
Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-16) to make the sunset provisions inapplicable to section 202, which expanded and increased the adoption credit and adoption assistance programs under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
United States-Africa Partnership Act of 2003 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that certain non-apparel articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country (SSA country) under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) shall receive duty-free treatment only if the President determines that they are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Extends duty-free treatment for AGOA articles from FY 2008 through FY 2015. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment. Permits certain articles to contain fabric or yarn not originating from an SSA country or the United States (third country fabric), regardless of commercial availability in the United States. Extends through FY 2008 the current special rule for lesser developed SSA countries. Extends duty-free treatment to ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country meeting certain criteria. Amends AGOA to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to develop a comprehensive plan for public policies and incentives for the private sector to: (1) identify SSA products that can be exported to the United States; (2) analyze critical constraints to U.S.-Africa agricultural trade; and (3) develop a strategy for increasing such SSA agricultural exports. Requires the President and the Secretary to direct the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to evaluate methods for training African agricultural producers and for implementing capacity building programs to help the producers meet U.S. food safety standards. Directs the President to assign at least 20 full-time APHIS personnel to at least ten eligible SSA countries with the greatest: (1) potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States; and (2) need for technical training and capacity building in meeting phytosanitary standards for such products. Amends AGOA to condition the President's termination of the designation of an SSA country upon Congress' not prohibiting it. Requires the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to focus funding on investments in agribusiness, electronics, textiles, and apparel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to waive certains prohibitions against OPIC issuance of any contract of insurance or reinsurance, guaranty, or agreement to provide financing for an eligible investor's proposed investment in an SSA country even if such investment is likely to cause a significant reduction in the number of employees in the United States. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to implement regulations and procedures appropriate to ensure that full consideration is given to the extent to which any credit extension is likely to have a positive effect on industries, including the textile and apparel industry and agricultural production, in SSA countries. Requires the Secretary to direct the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to work with national African agricultural organizations to identify agricultural equipment and supply needs and implement programs that strengthen the ability of members of African agricultural organizations to fulfill these needs in conjunction with export credit guarantee programs. States the sense of Congress that USAID, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the African Development Bank, should continue to provide technical assistance to SSA countries in tax policy and revenue administration. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to seek negotiations with those SSA countries which the Secretary determines will benefit most from an income tax treaty with the United States to avoid double taxation. Directs the USAID Administrator to study the economy of each SSA country, identifying growth sectors and barriers impeding growth, as well as how the U.S. Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to help dismantle such barriers and promote investment in such sectors. Directs the President to develop and implement policies to encourage, and assist with, investment in transportation, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications infrastructure in SSA countries. Directs the USAID Administrator to foster specified port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships. Directs the President to assemble an interagency task force to facilitate the goals and objectives of this Act. Authorizes the USTR to provide grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations and to U.S. representatives of the private sector to host AGAO forums.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a grant program for State stroke care systems; (2) foster the development of stroke care systems through information sharing among agencies and individuals involved in such care; (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel, including dispatchers, first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, in stroke prehospital treatment; (4) issue best practices guidelines; and (5) provide public information on recognition of stroke symptoms and appropriate post-stroke actions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry; and (2) make State grants for the development of stroke care systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make related State planning grants. Provides special grant consideration for States in a geographic area with an elevated incidence of stroke or stoke-caused disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Mourns with the people of Italy on their National Day of Mourning for the 19 Italian citizens killed in Iraq. Recognizes the sacrifices of the Italian people and the significant contributions that Italy continues to make towards stability and democracy around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Urges the President to instruct any U.S. representative to a United Nations (UN) body to use the voice and vote of the United States to seek to establish a democracy caucus within the UN. Describes the intended purpose of the caucus as the advancement of the interests of the United States and other nations committed to promoting democratic norms and practices. Lists activities of states that will advance such interests. Limits participation in the caucus to countries that are qualified to participate in the Community of Democracies and have demonstrated a commitment to specified democratic principles and practices. Urges members to hold a ministerial-level meeting at least annually.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000504_200.jpg)