United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to: (1) improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2) capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3) help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
Confidence in Voting Act of 2006 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to direct the Election Assistance Commission to pay to each jurisdiction that conducts a general election on November 7, 2006, and uses a voting system other than a paper ballot voting system, an amount equal to the documented costs it pays or incurs for the preparation, production, and use of contingency paper ballots for such election. Sets a maximum payment of 75 cents for each contingency paper ballot printed. Sets forth conditions for payment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006
National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006
Expresses support for the goals of Red Ribbon Week. Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people to promote the creation of drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Extends the exceptions process period from the beginning of calendar 2006 through calendar 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Recognizes September 15-October 15, 2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of our nation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Commemorates the life of each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Extends deepest condolences to the victims, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. Condemns the attacks, the terrorists who perpetrated them, and their sponsors. Commits to support the necessary steps to defeat terrorists who plot to harm the American people. Recommits the Senate and the Nation to bringing the perpetrators of the attacks and their sponsors to justice. Honors members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders, members of the intelligence community, and others who have bravely participated in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. Declares September 11, 2006, to be a National Day of Remembrance, in commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns today (September 11, 2006), it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
States that specified chapters of the federal criminal code relating to electronic surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) shall provide the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted. Prohibits any modification or repeal of any provisions of title I (Electronic Surveillance) of FISA without an express legislative directive. Directs the President to brief each member of the congressional intelligence committees on the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA) and certain other surveillance programs. Amends FISA to extend the period allowed for emergency electronic surveillance without a court order. Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate the authority to approve an application for electronic surveillance and to appoint certain personnel in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the NSA to authorize emergency surveillance in the United States. Authorizes the appointment of additional judges to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a classified document management system to process electronic surveillance applications. Expands the authority of the President to authorize wartime electronic surveillance without a court order. Permits electronic surveillance without a court order of communications between individuals outside of the United States under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Calls for Congress to support: (1) efforts to promote awareness of cancer in children; (2) investment in childhood cancer research; (3) medical trainees and investigators in the field of pediatric oncology; (4) incentives to encourage the development of drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers; (5) policies that encourage participation in clinical trials; (6) medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients; and (7) enhanced education, services, and other resources related to late effects from treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Condemns the government of Sudan's: (1) military offensive in Darfur in violation of the terms of the Darfur Peace Agreement (2006) and the N'Djamena cease-fire accord (2004); and (2) rejection of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006). Commends the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for its monitoring of the N'djamena cease-fire agreement and encourages the African Union (AU) to leave the AMIS force in place until a U.N. peacekeeping mission is deployed to Darfur. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) cease its military offensive in Darfur; and (2) comply with the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon the United Nations to: (1) deploy as quickly as practicable well trained and equipped peacekeeping troops as authorized by Security Council Resolution 1706; and (2) begin considerations of sanctions as called for by Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) and Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004). Urges the President to help improve the security situation in Darfur by: (1) pursuing the imposition of a "no-fly zone" in Darfur in cooperation with the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or NATO allies; (2) garnering support for NATO assistance with the AU handover of AMIS to the United Nations; (3) obtaining the support of China, Russia, and U.S. allies in the Arab League to secure Sudan's compliance with U.N. peacekeeper deployment; (4) supporting full funding for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Sudan; (5) securing U.N. member state support for a special session on Sudan in the U.N. Human Rights Council; and (6) appointing a Special Envoy to Sudan to head the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy. Urges the international community to: (1) support the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur financially, with logistical and equipment support, or through troop contributions; (2) fulfill financial obligations to U.N. and international humanitarian aid agencies for responding to the crisis in Darfur or addressing humanitarian needs throughout Sudan; (3) impose targeted sanctions against members of the National Congress Party responsible for human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; and (4) impose sanctions consistent with Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1564.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; (6) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; (7) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota; and (8) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) state grants to promote agriculture; and (2) grants for value of production. Requires a recipient state to give priority for livestock and specialty crops. Directs the Secretary to make supplemental economic loss payments to: (1) producers on a farm who received a crop year 2005 direct payment; and (2) dairy producers eligible to receive a 2005 national dairy market loss payment. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) carry out emergency measures under the emergency watershed protection and emergency conservation programs; and (2) hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment that existed prior to the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Repeals: (1) the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use; and (2) the requirement that the equipment supplier transfer title to the individual at the end of such period, with payments continuing at specified monthly rates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. Requires the Archives to use grant funds for: (1) facilities and equipment to house and provide computer and web access to a repository of Native Hawaiian historical data; (2) scholarships to assist disadvantaged students in attending college; (3) the creation of educational materials from the archives that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students; (4) outreach to elementary and secondary school students; (5) teacher training, so that the teaching of kindergarten through grade 12 students is culturally congruent with the learning modalities of such students, particularly indigenous students; and (6) the enhancement of the economic and financial literacy of college students.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Strengthening the Safety Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for the redistribution and extended availability of unexpended Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to health access networks to improve access, quality, and continuity of care for uninsured individuals through better coordination of care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Program to facilitate undergraduate study abroad for academic credit. States that the Program shall consist of: (1) undergraduate fellowships (Lincoln Fellowships); and (2) grants to institutions of higher education (Lincoln Institutional Leverage Grants).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act) to replace the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provisions establishing a Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response with provisions establishing the United States Emergency Management Authority (USEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Provides that USEMA shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be the President's principal emergency preparedness and response advisor. Requires: (1) the Administrator to develop a National Emergency Management System and establish 10 Regional Offices; (2) USEMA to be maintained as a distinct entity within DHS and to include a Director for Preparedness and a Director for Response and Recovery; (3) each Regional Administrator to establish multi-agency strike teams; and (4) the DHS Secretary to establish the National Advisory Council on Emergency Preparedness and Response. Establishes within USEMA a National Incident Management System Integration Center, a Chief Medical Officer, a National Search and Rescue Response System, and an Office of Emergency Communications. Continues the Metropolitan Medical Response System and the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center. Establishes within DHS a National Operations Center, a System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders Program, an Office for the Prevention of Terrorism, and an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Telecommunications. Authorizes grants for administering and improving the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Provides for the credentialing of DHS personnel and assets likely to be used to respond to major disasters. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, in a major disaster, to: (1) provide accelerated federal support and expanded assistance to state and local governments in recovery; and (2) provide catastrophic damage assistance, including mortgage or rental payments and unemployment assistance. Authorizes making semi-permanent housing units a part of Stafford Act assistance. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a National Disaster Recovery Strategy; (2) develop a National Disaster Housing Strategy; (3) appoint a Disability Coordinator; and (4) establish a National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a national study regarding the accessibility of emergency shelters to individuals with disabilities. Authorizes specified mental health services, unemployment and transportation assistance, and training programs. Directs the Administrator to develop a strategic plan to shape and improve USEMA's workforce. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a National Homeland Security Academy; (2) a Surge Capacity Force; and (3) a Homeland Security Rotation Program for DHS employees. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to: (1) employ the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan (NRP) as the framework for emergency response and domestic incident management; (2) conduct a comprehensive review of the NRP; (3) develop a unified system of strategic and operational plans to respond effectively to disasters; and (4) ensure the development of an inventory of federal resources and of pre-scripted mission assignments. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a national training and exercise program to prepare for a fully coordinated and effective national response to disasters. Sets forth requirements and deadlines for compliance for each agency or entity designated as a primary or support organization for any emergency support function under the NRP. Requires: (1) the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to prohibit excessive pass-through charges on contracts and subcontracts; (2) the Comptroller General to report on the use of such contracts to carry out the Stafford Act or relating to Hurricane Katrina; and (3) the Secretary to report on DHS fraud prevention programs and to conduct fraud awareness training for key DHS personnel. Provides for the establishment of: (1) a Contingency Contracting Corps of temporary volunteers to assist agencies with contracting activities during emergencies; and (2) a preference for the use of local firms and individuals in the expenditure of federal funds for major disaster or emergency assistance activities. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish an identity verification process for Individuals and Households Program registrants; (2) create a registry of contractors capable of performing emergency relief activities; and (3) report on the use of advance contracts. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006
Drug Sentencing Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to to decrease mandatory minimum sentencing thresholds for powder cocaine and increase such thresholds for crack cocaine. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines to: (1) reflect changes to mandatory minimum sentences made by this Act; (2) provide increased sentences for defendants who use violence or weapons in the course of a drug trafficking offense or who play an active role in the commission of such offenses; and (3) limit sentencing for defendants who play a lesser role in the commission of drug offenses and who receive little or no compensation from their crime. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to carry out a pilot program for home detention of nonviolent prisoners age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006
Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified renewable school energy bonds. Defines "qualified renewable school energy bond" as a bond with a 20-year term, 95% of the proceeds of which are used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy products for public school and school district administrative buildings in states with a specified percentage of population growth.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006
Reaffirms steadfast support for Israel. Supports Israel's right of self-defense and its right to take appropriate action to deter aggression by terrorist groups and their state sponsors. Urges the President to continue to fully support Israel in exercising its right of self-defense in Lebanon and Gaza. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah or Hamas. Condemns the governments of Iran and Syria for their continued support for Hezbollah and Hamas and holds these governments responsible for the acts of aggression carried out by Hezbollah and Hamas against Israel. Condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for exploiting civilian populations as shields and locating their military activities in civilian areas. Urges the President to use all available political and diplomatic means, including sanctions, to persuade the governments of Syria and Iran to end their support of Hezbollah and Hamas. Calls on the government of Lebanon to do everything in its power to free the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon and to fulfill its responsibility under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 to disband and disarm Hezbollah. Calls on the Security Council to: (1) condemn these unprovoked acts; and (2) demand compliance with Resolution 1559, which requires that Hezbollah and other militias be disbanded and disarmed and that all foreign forces leave Lebanon. Urges all sides to protect innocent civilian life and infrastructure and strongly supports the use of all diplomatic means to free the captured Israeli soldiers. Recognizes that thousands of American nationals reside peacefully in Lebanon and that those American nationals in Lebanon concerned for their safety should receive full U.S. government assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006
Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2006
Commends the efforts of former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick in Darfur and the contributions of White House Policy Advisor Michael Gerson, Ambassador Cindy Courville, and Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States needs an individual of Ambassadorial rank and high stature to devote exclusive attention to Darfur and related issues concerning peace and stability in Sudan; (2) such individual should formulate and coordinate policy, lead negotiations, engage with parties to the conflict to monitor their compliance with the May 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement, gather donor resources, and ensure that this crisis remains a top U.S. government priority; and (3) the President should appoint a Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan with the rank of Ambassador and should provide not less than $250,000 to support the Presidential Special Envoy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program. Amends SSA title XI, with respect to criminal penalties for certain illegal remunerations, to exclude from prohibited remunerations (provide safe harbor for) any remuneration paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either in cash or through the distribution or donation of covered Part D drugs, to an individual enrolled in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Governance Committee established under the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement, to: (1) participate in such Program; (2) carry out any projects or activities that are designated for implementation during the Program's first 13 years (First Increment); (3) acquire interests in land, water, and facilities from willing sellers; (4) transfer acquired interests; and (5) accept or provide grants. Allows the Program to be modified before the completion of the First Increment if the Secretary and the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado determine that the modifications are consistent with program purposes. Terminates the Secretary's authority to implement the First Increment on September 30, 2020. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to: (1) modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir; and (2) enter one or more agreements with the state of Wyoming to implement the Pathfinder Modification Project. Authorizes the capacity of the Pathfinder Reservoir to be used for municipal, environmental, and other purposes, as described in Appendix F to the final settlement stipulation in Nebraska v. Wyoming .
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified land adjacent to the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado or an interest in such land for addition to the Park. Revises the boundary of the Park to reflect the acquisition of such land. Requires the Secretary to administer any land or interest in land acquired under this Act as part of the Park.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006
Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2006 for general operating expenses, specifically to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the VA and to provide remedial assistance to veterans and other persons who have had personal data stolen from the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2006
Land and Water Conservation Fund Investment Act - Requires deposit into a special account in the Treasury of 50% of bonuses, rentals, royalties, and other sums due and payable to the United States from leases in the 181 Area (in a specified map in the Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 1997-2002 of the Minerals Management Service). Requires such funds to be made available for financial assistance to states, in accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, for outdoor recreation: (1) planning, (2) acquisition of land, waters, or interests in land or waters, or (3) development.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Directs: (1) the U.S. Trade Representative to certify to Congress by August 31, 2006, that Japan is no longer prohibiting the importation of U.S. beef; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury, if such certification is not made, to impose additional tariffs (which shall continue until the certification is submitted to Congress) on Japan by September 30, 2006; and (3) the Secretary of Agriculture to begin negotiations with Japan to end such beef import prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Rural Equity Payment Index Reform Extension Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend permanently the floor (at 1.00) on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the fee schedule for physicians' services. (The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required, after calculating the work geographic index for payment for physicians' services furnished on or after January 1, 2004, to increase the work geographic index to 1.00 for any locality for which the calculated index is less than 1.00.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Agriculture Small Business Opportunity and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to approve a qualifying State meat inspection program and allow the shipment in commerce of carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products so inspected. Requires the Secretary to review approved plans annually. Prohibits from state inspection plan participation: (1) establishments that have more than 50 employees, except for those subject to state inspection as of January 1, 2007; and (2) federally inspected establishments after such date that have more than 50 employees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a cooperative agreement to establish the relationship between a state program and the Secretary; and (2) provide partial reimbursement for state costs to meet federal requirements. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) sampling; (2) noncompliance; (3) acceptance of interstate shipments of meat and meat food products; and (4) advisory committees. Directs the Secretary to temporarily suspend or take over a noncomplying state program (or an establishment). Makes similar amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to establish interstate meat and poultry inspection programs under this Act if approval and cooperative agreements have not been concluded by January 1, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 10, 2006, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, upon receiving notice from a state judicial agency that a named person owes a past-due, legally enforceable state judicial debt, to pay such debt from any tax refund due to such person.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (HoPE) Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) extension of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision) under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; (3) the definition of low-volume hospital for purposes of the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment; (4) critical access hospitals; (5) extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas; (6) extension of the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services; (7) Medicare home health care planning; (8) rural health clinics; (9) use of medical conditions for coding ambulance services; (10) extension of increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services in rural areas; and (11) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 with respect to the extension of: (1) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals; and (2) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program; and (2) community health center collaborative access. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct pilot projects to provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize remote home monitoring and communications technologies; and (2) facilitate the provision of telehealth services across state lines.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Data Theft Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) the unauthorized viewing, use, downloading, or removal of any means of identification or individually identifiable health information contained in a federal database or the transfer of such information to another database; and (2) the use of such information to violate federal or state criminal law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it remains an important priority for further improvement in U.S.-Libya relations that the Libyan government make a good faith effort to resolve all outstanding claims of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya; (2) it is in the best interests of the long-term U.S.-Libya relationship that final payment be made to the families of the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 attack; and (3) the President should not accept the credentials of any Libyan government representative without the expressed understanding that such government will continue to work in good faith to resolve outstanding cases of U.S. victims of terrorism sponsored or supported by Libya, including the settlement of cases arising from the Pan Am Flight 103 and LaBelle Discotheque bombings.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Mourns the loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake that occurred on May 27, 2006, in Indonesia. Expresses the condolences of the American people to the families, communities, and government of the victims. Expresses sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been seriously affected. Commends relief efforts. Urges the provision of all appropriate U.S. assistance to those affected. Recognizes the role of the Indonesian government in providing assistance and promoting recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that it is the goal of the United States that by January 1, 2025, U.S. agricultural, forestry, and working land should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total U.S. energy consumption and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006
Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to extend from three years to six years after enactment of that Act the maximum duration of any renewal under it of import restrictions on Burmese products. Approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Act. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Federal Interoperable Communications and Safety Act of 2006 - Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of Emergency Communications, headed by the Under Secretary for Emergency Communications. Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) assist the Secretary of DHS in developing and implementing a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government; (2) administer DHS's responsibilities relating to the SAFECOM program; (3) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local government officials; (4) coordinate the establishment of a national response capability for the deployment of backup communications services; and (5) help to establish an integrated national public alert and warning system. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to: (1) develop a National Emergency Communications Strategy to achieve interoperable emergency communications; (2) conduct periodic assessments of federal, state, and local government capabilities; (3) assess federal grants and standards programs managed by other federal agencies; (4) submit a plan to establish Regional Emergency Communications Working Groups; and (5) develop, manage, operate, and coordinate an integrated national public alert and warning system and develop an implementation plan. Establishes the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center to: (1) serve as the focal point for interagency efforts to address communications and as a clearinghouse for information on intergovernmental efforts to achieve nationwide interoperable emergency communications capabilities; (2) ensure cooperation among federal agencies; and (3) submit an annual assessment of federal efforts to implement the Strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) 50 dollar gold coins; and (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other metals that are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Directs each federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has or continues to conduct space-related missions to make efforts to secure and retrieve from privately-held craft flown in space such gold, silver, copper, and other metals that the Director determines are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bonze duplicates of the $50 gold coins authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) certify in writing to Congress that any individual whose personal information is compromised due to lax data security at the VA has been appropriately notified in writing of such compromise; and (2) provide free of charge to each such individual credit monitoring services during the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment and a copy of the affected individual's credit report (in addition to any other credit report provided under otherwise applicable law) once annually during the two-year period beginning on the date on which the credit monitoring services terminate.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006
Declares that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Lloyd Bentsen, a former member of the United States Senate. Extends its warmest sympathies to his family members and friends. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 23, 2006, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bentsen.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Clean Energy Development for a Growing Economy Act of 2006, or the Clean EDGE Act of 2006 - Instructs the President to develop measures to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum imports by reducing petroleum in end-uses. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or create specified alternative fuel, vehicle, and energy tax credits. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a low-interest loan program for farmer-owned retail delivery of alternative fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the President to promulgate rules to increase renewable fuel content of motor fuels and clean energy sources. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop Transit-Oriented Development Corridors. Declares that it is unlawful to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at a price exceeding certain standards. Amends the Clayton Act to declare unlawful for any person to refuse to engage in certain regular petroleum or natural gas marketing practices with the primary intention of increasing prices or creating a market shortage. Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2006 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to instruct the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to promulgate rules governing reporting and recordkeeping for positions involving energy commodities. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the United States Housing Act of 1937 regarding utility costs. Amends the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Agriculture, respectively, to make loans to small business concerns injured by significant increases in gas and heating oil prices. Prescribes specified measures to realize improved vehicle fuel economy. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to federal agency purchases of renewable energy products. Establishes the Clean Energy Security Collaborative. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to establish the National Motor Vehicle Efficiency Improvement Program. Amends the Global Environmental Protection Assistance Act of 1989 to direct the President to establish a Task Force on International Clean Energy Cooperation. Establishes the Interagency Center in the Office of International Energy Market Development of the Department of Energy. Provides for clean energy assistance to developing countries. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Office of Advanced Energy Research, Technology Development, and Deployment. Prescribes guidelines for a near-term vehicle technology program. H-Prize Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes biennially to advance hydrogen energy technologies. Expresses the sense of Congress that no tax should be imposed on hydrogen fuel before January 1, 2014. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to postsecondary educational institutions to train 10,000 individuals in green building and zero-energy home design and construction. Establishes the Clean Energy Investment Administration (CEIA). Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct Secretary of Energy to establish a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve. Establishes the Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate certain tax incentives for major integrated oil companies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain oil and gas royalty provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Medicare Late Enrollment Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate months in 2006 from the calculation of any late enrollment penalty under Medicare part D. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY2007 to: (1) make grants to states for state health insurance counseling programs receiving assistance under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990; and (2) enable the Assistant Secretary on Aging to provide grants to states for area agencies on aging to provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare benefits information. Amends SSA title XVIII to set additional limitations on the total amount of expenditures from the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund for periods prior to October 1, 2007, and between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States is committed to safely disposing of its chemical weapons stockpiles by the Chemical Weapons Convention deadline of April 29, 2012, or as soon thereafter as possible, and will carry out all of its other obligations under the Convention; and (2) the Secretary of Defense should prepare a comprehensive schedule for safely destroying such stockpiles to prevent further delays and submit it to the congressional defense committees annually.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2006
Amends Federal law concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to allow a payment due a minor or an individual mentally incompetent or under other legal disability to be made to the person who is a trustee under a trust under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act that contains the assets of an individual who is disabled. Provides for the assignability of payments under such Systems to such a trust.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
![Official portrait of Sen. Salazar, Ken [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001163_200.jpg)