United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006
Global Resources, Environment, and Security Commission Act of 2006 - Establishes the Commission on Global Resources, Environment, and Security, a bipartisan and independent commission that will make recommendations for a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy for new and existing strategies initiated by the United States to promote global environmental security. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress on its findings and conclusions. Authorizes the Commission to establish a multidisciplinary science, economic, and technical advisory panel. Requires the panel to ensure that the scientific information considered by the Commission is based on the best available data. Encourages the Commission, Congress, and federal agencies to continue the dialogue about global environmental security after the Commission is terminated (30 days after the submittal of its report to Congress) and to examine institutional needs, including the formation of a new office. Requires the President to submit to Congress and agencies a report containing a statement of proposals to carry out or respond to the Commission's recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing food allergy management guidelines contained in the policy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in a suitable permanent location in the the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Keep Children Covered Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (3) extend authority through FY2006 for qualifying states to use certain SCHIP funds for Medicaid expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to suspend its plan to use private debt collection companies to collect unpaid taxes and prohibits the use of any IRS funds for tax collection contracts with private companies.
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
Education for Retirement Security Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to a national entity to carry out a subgrant program for economic and financial education. Requires a grant recipient to award subgrants to enable eligible area entities to deliver economic and financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to: (1) enhance financial and retirement knowledge; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud and identity theft. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to: (1) create and make available materials and information that promote economic and financial education; and (2) provide training and assistance regarding the establishment of economic and financial education programs to eligible area entities awarded a subgrant.
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 · 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 · 27 July 2006
Medicare Early Access Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part E (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals 55 to 65 Years of Age). Provides access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 64 years of age who do not have coverage under a federal health insurance program or under a group plan. Requires enrollees to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage. Requires the Secretary to base the premium on the Secretary's estimate of the average, national annual per capita amount of the cost of providing services to the population. Allows early retirees with access to retiree coverage to enroll under this part while keeping their federal or state COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage. Allows an employer that offers employment-based retiree health coverage to an individual who enrolls under this part to modify such coverage to provide for: (1) employer payment of items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) employer payment of 25% of the monthly premium applicable to the individual after enrollment. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums collected under this Act and to support the new program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow program enrollees to receive a 75% advance, refundable credit to offset Medicare early access premium costs (thus requiring program enrollees in the Medicare early access program to be responsible for 25% of the monthly premiums).
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006
Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth provisions concerning global warming pollution emissions. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) set milestones to reduce the aggregate net levels of emissions (authorizes EPA to establish market-based programs to achieve such reduction); (2) require each fleet of automobiles sold by a manufacturer beginning in model year 2016 to meet emission standards; (3) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the potential contribution of the non-highway portion of the transportation sector towards meeting the emission reduction goal; (4) require that electric generation units meet an emission standard that is not higher than the emission rate of a new combined cycle natural gas generating unit; and (5) establish a low-carbon generation trading program. Requires covered generators to provide a minimum percentage of the base quantity of electricity produced for sale from low-carbon generation. Requires EPA to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for geological disposal deployment projects; and (2) carry out a global climate change standards and processes research program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that federal funds for clean, low-carbon energy research, development, and deployment should be increased by at least 100% each year for 10 years. Directs: (1) EPA to promulgate requirements concerning the energy efficiency and peak load reduction of electricity suppliers and to establish a renewable energy credit program; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emissions through biological sequestration activities; and (3) major stationary sources to report to EPA on emissions of global warming pollutants. Requires the President to establish the Task Force on International Clean, Low Carbon Energy Cooperation. Authorizes the President to adjust, suspend, or waive any regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act in a national emergency. Requires EPA to require that gasoline contain the applicable volume of low-carbon renewable fuel. Directs EPA to require manufacturers to meet standards for new motor vehicles or engines. Requires executive agency automobiles to be as fuel-efficient as practicable. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to report on the effects of U.S. failure to adopt measures that require or result in a reduction in total emissions in accordance with the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require securities issuers to inform investors of risks relating to global warming; and (3) the SEC to clarify that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the Framework are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Directs federal agency environmental impact statements or analyses to evaluate the effects on, and impact of, global warming.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 14 July 2006
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) in order to preserve the integrity of the G-8 as a forum of the leading industrialized democracies of the world, President George W. Bush and other heads of state attending the G-8 Summit should engage Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin in a dialogue about the anti-democratic behavior of the government of the Russian Federation; (2) the United States and other democratic countries should reaffirm their support for civic and non-governmental organizations working to promote democracy and the rule of law in Russia; (3) the government of the Russian Federation should take action to ensure that it guarantees the full range of civil and political rights to its citizens, as it is obligated to do under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (4) consistent with its obligations under the International Covenant, the government of the Russian Federation should take steps to cease its interference with foreign news organizations, including the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; (5) the government of the Russian Federation should take action to combat rising racism, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia in Russian society; and (6) the United States and countries of the G-8 should reaffirm their support for new democracies on the borders of Russia and, where applicable, expedite their integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions to provide a bulwark for democracy in eastern Europe and the Caucuses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Law Enforcement Officers Retirement Equity Act - Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) Federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Requires that such service which is performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer be treated: (1) on or after the enactment date of this Act, for all purposes, as service performed as a law enforcement officer, irrespective of how such service is treated under the following; and (2) before, on, or after such date, for purposes of CSRS and FERS, as service performed as such an officer, but only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management five years after such date or before separation from Government service, whichever is earlier. Provides that nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from Government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the involuntary separation of an officer before the end of the three-year period beginning on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Federal Law Enforcement Pension Adjustment Equity Act of 2006 - Amends the Law Enforcement Pay Equity Act of 2000 to apply a prohibition against treatment as an increase in salary, for purposes of increased annuitant pension benefits, of the conversion of positions and members of the U.S. Park Police and the Secret Service Uniformed Division to a new salary schedule, and the associated initial adjustments in basic pay rates, with respect to any payment made prior to January 1, 2006. (Thus permits cost-of-living adjustments in pension benefits for annuitants of the U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division for payments made in 2006 and in subsequent years.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006
Condemns the July 11, 2006, terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. Expresses condolences to the families and friends of those individuals killed in the attacks, and expresses sympathies to those individuals who were injured. Expresses: (1) solidarity with the government and people of India in fighting and defeating terrorism; and (2) support for enhancement of U.S.-India strategic cooperation, with the goal of combating terrorism and advancing peace and security.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of certain multifamily housing property to a housing agency or related organization (preservation entity) that agrees to maintain certain affordability and use restrictions for such property. Limits the excludable amount of such gain to the depreciation adjustments for such property.
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
Calls on the government of Iran to cease repressive activities aimed at the Iranian Baha'i community, and holds the government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of its nationals, including the Baha'i community. Requests the President to: (1) call for the government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights covenants; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the government of Iran's human rights practices as a significant factor in U.S.-Iran foreign policy; and (3) initiate a consistent dialogue with other governments and the European Union (EU) in order to persuade the government of Iran to rectify its human rights practices.
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 · 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
Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so by: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final federal or state court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires each state receiving federal financial assistance for elementary and secondary education to submit an accountability plan to the Secretary annually. Requires withholding of specified portions of its federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Requires the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration to submit all public transportation security assessments to the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and augment such assessments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish and update annually security improvement priorities; (2) conduct security assessments of all public transportation agencies considered to be at greatest risk of a terrorist attack; (3) conduct security assessments to determine the specific needs of local bus-only public transportation systems and of selected rural transportation systems; and (4) use information collected to establish the process for developing security guidelines. Directs the Secretary to award grants: (1) directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital security improvements; and (2) to public or private entities to conduct research into, and demonstrate, methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from terrorist attacks against public transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that DOT receives timely notification of all credible terrorist threats against U.S. public transportation assets; and (2) award grants for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from such attacks. Rail Security Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to complete, and make prioritized recommendations regarding, a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation for identification of: (1) critical assets and infrastructures, and vulnerabilities and risks, to such assets and infrastructures; (2) vulnerabilities and risks specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via railroad; and (3) security weaknesses in passenger and cargo security, transportation infrastructure, protection systems, procedural policies, communications systems, employee training, emergency response planning, and any other area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for certain system-wide Amtrak security upgrades. Directs the Secretary to require rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans containing appropriate measures (including alternative routing and temporary shipment suspension options) to address assessed risks to high consequence targets. Maritime Security Improvement Act of 2006 - Establishes interagency operational centers to provide greater protection against terrorism at high priority ports. Directs the Secretary to identify foreign assistance programs that could facilitate implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise requirements for: (1) the use of election examiners and observers; (2) declaratory judgment on the issue of voting qualifications or standards intended to diminish the ability of U.S. citizens to elect preferred candidates; and (3) award of attorney fees in enforcement proceedings to include expert fees and other reasonable costs of litigation. Extends bilingual election requirements through August 5, 2032. Revises the requirements for determining states and political subdivisions covered by them to require use of 2010 American Community Survey census data. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the prohibition against the use of tests or devices to deny the right to vote in any federal, state, or local election. Extends both the prohibition and the date for mandatory congressional reconsideration of it.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act of 2006 - Establishes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area comprising the 175 miles of historic transportation routes through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Designates the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership as the management entity for the Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a compact with the Partnership to carry out this Act's purposes. Requires the Partnership to develop a management plan for the Area that presents strategies and recommendations for conservation, funding, management, and development of the Area. Prohibits the Partnership from using federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property or any interest in real property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to set forth a general limitation upon the obligation authority of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (Fund). Reduces the reclamation fee for coal mining operations. Revises guidelines governing transfers of interests to: (1) the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund; (2) the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan; and (3) the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan established after July 20, 1992. Revises statutory objectives of the Fund, including the development of publicly owned land adversely affected by coal mining practices. Removes the date qualification restricting liens for reclamation expenses against property owners not involved in mining operations necessitating reclamation. Revises certification procedures made by the Secretary on behalf of certain states or Indian tribes. Sets forth remining incentives. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to modify requirements for disposition of moneys received from sales, bonuses, and royalties collected under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (with respect to liability of assigned signatories to coal wage agreements) to: (1) prescribe guidelines under which certain related persons and successors in interest are relieved of liability if health or death benefits or unassigned beneficiaries premiums are prepaid; and (2) modify guidelines governing federal transfers under mining laws and the board of trustees of the Combined Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Designation Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (a series of water routes extending approximately 3,000 miles along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and in the District of Columbia that traces the 1607 and 1608 voyages of Captain John Smith to chart the land and waterways of the Chesapeake Bay).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. Prohibits a governmental entity from: (1) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (2) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Provides that such prohibition shall apply retroactively. Authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity, in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Congratulates the University of Maryland Terrapins women's basketball team for winning the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I National Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2006 - Prohibits U.S. assistance to develop or promote rail connections or railway-related connections that do not traverse or connect with Armenia, and do traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Designates April 2006 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may be associated with a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) support a peaceful, two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in accordance with the Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Roadmap), and oppose those organizations, individuals, and countries that support terrorism and violently reject such two-state solution; (2) promote democracy and the cessation of terrorism and incitement in institutions and territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA); and (3) urge members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas until it agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act to the PA only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined that: (1) no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by Hamas unless Hamas has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States, Israel, and the international community, including agreements and understandings pursuant to the Roadmap; and (2) the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-American and anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Provides for, and sets forth the conditions under which, the President may waive such limitations for national security reasons. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect (period) with respect to the PA: (1) assistance under this Act to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human needs, promotion of democracy, or for national security interests from such limitation); and (2) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA (with a national security waiver). Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. States that during any such period: (1) a visa should not be issued to any alien who is an official of, affiliated with, or serving as a PA representative, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization; (2) the President should restrict the travel of PA and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials and representatives, other than the President of the PA and his or her personal representatives, provided that the President of the PA and such personal representatives are not affiliated with Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization, who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City to a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building; and (3) the President should direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA (exempts assistance for basic human needs and promotion of democracy from such limitation). Prohibits funds for the State Department from being used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization (except in emergency or humanitarian situations) until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under SSA part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program), based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices. Grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority similar to that of other federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs. States that the Secretary shall be required to: (1) negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs for each fallback prescription drug plan; and (2) participate in negotiation of contracts of any covered part D drug upon request of an approved prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a particular formulary or instituting a price structure for the reimbursement of covered part D drugs in order to carry out, and promote competition, under part D.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2006 - Amends the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2005 to extend for three years the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural worker).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006
Expresses admiration for Mrs. Coretta Scott King's lifelong commitment to social justice and peace. Recognizes her role as a leading participant in the American civil rights movement and her support to democracy movements worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2006
Commends: (1) U.S. and international efforts to assist the victims of the October 2005 earthquake in South Asia; and (2) the governments of Pakistan and India for working together to save lives and provide humanitarian relief in the affected areas and encourages them to continue in this spirit of cooperation. Urges: (1) continued attention by international donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, particularly children who have been left parentless and homeless by the disaster; and (2) the U.S. government to take the lead in encouraging the international community to commit to continue relief efforts in response to the earthquake and to help rebuild critical infrastructure in the affected area.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Tax Incentives Act of 2006 or the PACE-Finance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase the rate of such credit from 20 to 40%; (3) expand such credit to include expenses of a research consortia; and (4) allow a business tax credit for the cost of employee continuing education in science or engineering. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study and make recommendations on methods to expand the scope of the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) conduct an analysis of the U.S. tax system and its effect on innovation investment and related activities; and (3) report on such studies to the President and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act of 2006 or PACE-Energy Act - Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education with principal responsibility for administering mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department of Energy (DOE); and (2) establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund to carry out provisions under the Act relating to laboratory cooperative science centers and other authorized education activities and education partnerships. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a summer internship program for middle and secondary school students that shall provide them with internships at the national laboratories and promote experiential, hands-on learning in mathematics or science; (2) establish at each of the national laboratories a program to support a Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at one public secondary school located in the region of the national laboratory to provide assistance in accordance with this Act; (3) establish or expand summer institute programs at the national laboratories to provide additional training to strengthen the mathematics and science teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools in kindergarten through grade 12; (4) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by the national laboratories; and (5) award grants to outstanding eligible early-career researchers to support the work of such researchers in DOE. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority--Energy (ARPA-E). Requires the use of the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Energy Technologies established by this Act to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts supporting specified advanced energy research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006
Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Education and Research Act of 2006 - PACE-Education Act - Establishes programs to provide additional mathematics and science teachers in K-12 elementary and secondary education (teachers), including: (1) Department of Education (ED) grants to institutions of higher education (IHE's) for baccalaureate degree programs in mathematics, science, and engineering, with teacher certification, and for master's degree programs in mathematics and science education for teachers; (2) National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarships for recruiting and training new teachers, and fellowships for teachers; (3) ED grants to nonprofit entities to train additional teachers for Advanced Placement (AP), pre-AP, International Baccalaureate (IB), and pre-IB programs; (4) a National Clearinghouse on Mathematics and Science Teaching Materials; (5) Future American-Scientist Scholarships (ED); (6) Department of Energy graduate research fellowships in scientific areas of national need; and (7) NSF early-career research grants for scientists and engineers. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy Matters to: (1) coordinate science, mathematics, and engineering education programs; (2) establish a National Coordination Office for Advanced Research Instrumentation and Facilities; (3) establish guidelines for federal agencies to allocate funds for high-risk, high-payoff research; and (4) award a President's Innovation Award. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to award early-career research grants. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Department of Commerce to award grants for feasibility studies and plans for science parks, and for revolving loan funds to develop science park infrastructure. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) create a new visa category for doctorate students in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences; and (2) exempt from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants certain aliens who have received such advanced degrees and are working in a related field. Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to award early-career research grants. Expresses the sense of Senate on: (1) policies to accelerate deployment of access to broadband Internet; (2) the visa process for foreign students at U.S. IHE's and foreign researchers engaging in scientific research in the United States; (3) patent reform; and (4) exemption of certain uses of technology from treatment as exports.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2006
IDEA Full Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize part B programs of education of all children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for part B: (1) for FY2007-FY2011 in specified amounts; and (2) for FY2012 and each fiscal year thereafter in an amount equal to the sum of the maximum amounts of the grants all states may receive under certain IDEA provisions. (Provides phased-in increases of such authorized funding designed to reach a promised 40% federal share by FY2011.) Makes appropriations for part B for FY2007-FY2011, as well as for FY2012 and each fiscal year thereafter, in amounts less than those this Act authorizes to be appropriated.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2006 - Extends from one to two years the ban on former senior and very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers and employees of the legislative branch from making lobbying contacts with any officer or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated. Eliminates floor privileges for a former Senator or Senator-elect who is a registered lobbyist. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress and senior congressional staff of employment negotiations. Subjects to fines and penalties a Member of Congress or a congressional employee who wrongfully influences, on a partisan basis, an entity's employment decisions or practices. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) electronic filing; (3) disclosure of registered lobbyist contributions and payments; (4) disclosure of paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying; (5) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment; and (6) maintenance of certain lobbying disclosure information in an electronic data base, available to the public free of charge over the Internet. Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to: (1) exclude gifts from lobbyists from the gift ban exceptions; and (2) prohibit privately funded travel by a Member, officer, or employee. Prohibits such individuals from accepting transportation or lodging on trips sponsored by non-profit organizations that are planned, organized, requested, arranged, or financed in whole or in part by a lobbyist or foreign agent, or in which a lobbyist participates. Requires a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate to disclose certain information regarding noncommercial air travel. Requires the Committee on Rules and Administration to develop and revise guidelines on reasonable expenses or expenditures for official government travel. Establishes the Senate Office of Public Integrity. Amends the LDA to increase the penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Requires certification that congressional travel meets certain conditions. Establishes civil fines for false certifications. Establishes mandatory annual ethics training for congressional employees. Amends the Standing Rules to require: (1) actual voting in a conference committee meeting on the full text of the proposed conference report; and (2) availability of such report on the Internet for at least 24 hours before its consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006
Requiring Emergency Pharmaceutical Access for Individual Relief (REPAIR) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to transition requirements. Authorizes a pharmacy to fill prescriptions on a renewable 30-day basis for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006 when a reasonable search by the pharmacy to locate or verify an individual's enrollment fails. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) to identify clearly all full-benefit dual eligible individuals in their data records. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to prohibit conditioning Medicaid eligibility for individuals enrolled in certain creditable prescription drug coverage on enrollment in the Medicare part D drug program. Requires the Secretary to establish process to ensure that full-benefit dual eligible individuals are not overcharged. Requires reimbursement to states for 2006 transition costs. Directs the Secretary to provide for outreach and education to every pharmacy participating in the Medicaid program, on the needs of full-benefit dual eligible individuals and the transition from Medicaid prescription drug coverage to part D coverage. Directs the Secretary to ensure that an employee of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is stationed at each state health insurance counseling program to assist Medicare beneficiaries and counselors regarding the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Authorizes state coverage of non-formulary prescription drugs for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006. Prohibits the Secretary from terminating coverage of a full-benefit dual eligible individual unless such individual has functioning access to a prescription drug plan under part D or an MA-PD plan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment to satisfy any fingerprint requirements as part of an application for naturalization if the individual: (1) may be naturalized under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (2) was fingerprinted in accordance with requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD) at the time of enlistment; and (3) submits an application for naturalization within 12 months after the date of enlistment. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish the position of Citizenship Advocate at each military entry processing station to provide information and assistance to members of the Armed Forces on the naturalization process. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish a toll-free naturalization assistance telephone number available only to members and their families; and (2) after any modification of naturalization laws, update the appropriate application form, instructions and guidebook, and Internet website to reflect such modification. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) report to the congressional defense and judiciary committees on the entire process for adjudication of an application for naturalization; and (2) conduct a study on the implementation of this Act by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a single family residential unit.
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