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 · 21 December 2005
States that: (1) since the Republic of Croatia became an independent country, the government and people of Croatia have made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Croatia; and (2) Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would contribute to stability in Southeast Europe; Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government and people of Croatia should be commended for their progress on protecting minority rights in Croatia, progress toward achieving the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the NATO's Membership Action Plan, contribution to the International Security Assistance Force and the war against terrorism, and for their constructive participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative and in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (2) the government of Croatia should be commended for its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia which led to the apprehension and transfer of several individuals indicted for war crimes to the Tribunal; (3) the government of Croatia should continue its cooperation with the Tribunal; (4) the government of Croatia should continue and strengthen its role as a partner on nonproliferation and its support in the war against terrorism and in Iraq; (5) the government of Croatia should continue its efforts to implement defense reforms; (6) the United States should continue and increase its defense and security cooperation with the Croatia; and (7) upon complete satisfaction of NATO membership criteria, Croatia should be invited to be a full member of NATO at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Honors the memory of, and identifies, 2398 members of the Armed Forces who died in service to the United States in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as of December 12, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns recent statements by President Ahmadinejad of Iran that denied the occurrence of the Holocaust and supported moving the State of Israel to Europe, and demands an official apology for these anti-Semitic statements that ignore history, human suffering, and the loss of life during the Holocaust. Supports efforts by the people of Iran to exercise self-determination over the form of their country's government. Reaffirms the need for Iran to: (1) end its support for international terrorism; and (2) join other Middle Eastern countries in seeking a successful outcome of the Middle East peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns recent statements by President Ahmadinejad of Iran that denied the occurrence of the Holocaust and supported moving the State of Israel to Europe, and demands an official apology for these anti-Semitic statements that ignore history, human suffering, and the loss of life during the Holocaust. Reaffirms the need for Iran to: (1) end its support for international terrorism; and (2) join other Middle Eastern countries in seeking a successful outcome of the Middle East peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable William Proxmire, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 15, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Proxmire.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Eugene J. McCarthy, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 12, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator McCarthy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Amends the District of Columbia Access Act of 1999 to authorize through FY2011 its public and private school tuition assistance programs. Redefines "eligible institution" to include any private school located in the United States. Limits federal funding for such public school and private school programs for FY2006 and each succeeding fiscal year. Requires: (1) the annual congressional reporting requirement of the Mayor of the District of Columbia to be fulfilled by August 1 each year; and (2) the report to include the number of students applying for the program and the number graduating from it.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Honors the historic role of Yitzhak Rabin for his distinguished service to the people of Israel and extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and the people of Israel on the tenth anniversary of his death. Reiterates continued support for the close ties and special relationship between the United States and Israel. Expresses admiration for Yitzhak Rabin's legacy and reaffirms the commitment to building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Condemns all acts of terrorism. Reaffirms the sacred principle that democratic leaders and governments must be changed only by the democratically-expressed will of the people.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Veterans Day 2005 shall be commemorated with appropriate tributes to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Act - Establishes the Intellectual Property Enforcement Network, consisting of specified representatives of various government agencies, to: (1) establish policies, objectives, and priorities concerning international intellectual property protection and law enforcement; (2) protect U.S. intellectual property rights overseas, including by creating an international task force; and (3) coordinate and oversee implementation of such policies, objectives, and priorities by relevant agencies. Requires the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to: (1) provide information to members and employees of the Network with appropriate security clearance; and (2) assign CIA employees to work on achieving suchpolicies, objectives, and priorities. Requires the agencies in the Network to: (1) share the information they collect; (2) coordinate civil and criminal actions related to intellectual property rights; (3) establish formal processes for working with state and local government agencies and consulting with companies, labor unions, writers, artists, and other interested persons and groups; and (4) consult with the Register of Copyrights on law enforcement matters. Urges the President and relevant agency officers, when meeting with certain foreign countries, to stress the importance of establishing and participating in the international task force. Calls for other government intellectual property initiatives to be consolidated into the work of the Network to prevent duplication. Amends the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000 to repeal provisions establishing the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Henry Giugni, former Sergeant-at-Arms of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on November 3, 2005, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Henry Giugni.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to provide, beginning on October 1, 2004, and for each of the seven succeeding one-year periods, duty-free treatment for apparel items wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti (without regard to the country of origin of the fabrics, components, or yarns) if the President certifies to Congress that Haiti: (1) has established or is progressing toward specified political, economic, and social reforms; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. security or foreign policy; (3) does not engage in gross violations of human rights or activities in support of international terrorism; and (4) is meeting specified enforcement conditions aimed at preventing tariff or quota avoidance, customs evasion, unlawful transshipment, or false information or false document use in order to obtain such preferential treatment. Applies such provisions to goods entered or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption on or after October 1, 2004, including a retroactive application to certain warehouse entries or withdrawals made between such date and the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Repudiates the anti-Israel sentiments expressed by the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on October 26, 2005. Calls on the President, on behalf of the United States, to repudiate Mr. Ahmadinejad's statement in the strongest possible terms.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Homeland Security Policy Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act to establish an Under Secretary for Policy in the Department of Homeland Security to serve as the principal policy advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2005 - Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to convey U.S. Reservation 13, subject to specified conditions, and the Old Naval Hospital to the District of Columbia, on the day on which the District conveys to GSA certain real property on the West Campus of Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Terminates any pending District claim against the United States for failure to perform or to reimburse the District for the cost of performing specified services concerning Saint Elizabeths Hospital and the District of Columbia Mental Health Services. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain conveyed properties from the District to the Secretary of the Interior for administration by the Director of the National Park Service (NPS). Transfers administrative jurisdiction over other specified properties from the United States to the District. Requires the properties transferred to the Secretary to be used as the site for establishment of a memorial to honor disabled veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Conveys specified properties: (1) by the District to the Secretary, to be administered by NPS for the closure of a one-block long roadway adjacent to Montrose Park and for the closing of the rights-of-way now occupied by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal; and (2) by the Secretary to the District upon such conveyance. Requires the Secretary to convey U.S. Reservation 174 to the District upon the District's enactment of a final plan that meets specified requirements for the development of the former Convention Center Site. Amends the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 to direct the Secretary to convey 15 contiguous acres of specified land (RFK Stadium) to the District for a public educational institution, with first preference given to a pre-collegiate public boarding school. Requires NPS, upon certification by the Secretary (acting through NPS), to convey Poplar Point to the District after the District adopts a land-use plan for it meeting specified requirements. Provides for conveyance: (1) from the District to NPS of certain facilities and properties to which NPS is to be relocated; and (2) from NPS to the District of certain other properties withheld from the conveyance of Poplar Point.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Government Pension Offset Reform Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a federal or state pension plan. Declares that such benefit reductions shall be equal to the amount by which two-thirds of the total amount of the combined monthly benefit (before reduction) and monthly pension exceeds $1,200, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should not be a signatory to any agreement or protocol with respect to the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, or any other bilateral or multilateral trade negotiations, that adopts any proposal to lessen the effectiveness of domestic and international disciplines on unfair trade or safeguard provisions, including certain proposals, and would lessen in any manner U.S. ability to enforce rigorously its trade laws, including the antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard laws. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. trade laws and international rules appropriately serve the public interest by offsetting injurious unfair trade, and that further "balancing modifications" or other similar provisions are unnecessary and would add to the complexity and difficulty of achieving relief against injurious unfair trade practices; and (2) the United States should ensure that any new agreement relating to international disciplines on unfair trade or safeguard provisions fully rectifies and corrects decisions by WTO dispute settlement panels or the Appellate Body that have unjustifiably and negatively impacted, or threaten to negatively impact, U.S. law or practice, including a law or practice with respect to foreign dumping or subsidization.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005
Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act or the Gas PRICE Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration to give priority to the construction of petroleum-based refineries in communities affected by military base closures or realignments. Revises the process for issuing permits for the construction and operation of a refinery. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to (1) solicit applications for grants under the EPA Natural Gas STAR Program to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industries; and (2) conduct workshops to provide information to state officials on methane emission reduction techniques. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) hold states harmless for emission levels resulting from emergency waivers granted by EPA; and (2) require the Administrator to revoke the approval of certain fuels no longer included in a state implementation plan. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel; (2) evaluate the use of such fuel for reducing engine exhaust emissions; and (3) submit recommendations and reports to Congress. Authorizes loan guarantees for domestic coal and petroleum coke-based Fischer-Tropsch commercial demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Social Security Guarantee Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a benefit guarantee certificate to each individual born before 1950 who is determined by the Commissioner of Social Security as of the date of the issuance of the certificate to be entitled to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act. States that any such certificate constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts, and represents the obligation of the federal government to provide for the payment to the individual to whom the certificate is issued benefits under OASDI in amounts in accordance with the guarantee set forth in the certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005
Disaster Area Health and Environmental Monitoring Act of 2005 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if one or more chemicals or substances associated with potential acute or chronic human health effects are being or have been released in a disaster area, to carry out a program for the protection, assessment, monitoring, and study of the health and safety of workers or volunteers who respond to a major disaster or emergency, residents in a disaster area, or persons who are employed in, or who attend school, child care, or adult day care in, a disaster area.. Authorizes the President to carry out such a program through a cooperative agreement with a medical institution or a consortium of medical institutions, especially those located near the disaster area and any other area in which there reside groups of individuals that worked or volunteered in response to the disaster. Requires such an institution to have appropriate experience in the areas of environmental or occupational health, toxicology, and safety. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter jointly into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on disaster area health and environmental protection and monitoring. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to extend to September 30, 2007, the authority for the predisaster hazard mitigation program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005
Truth in Budgeting Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Trust Fund Administration (TFA) in the Department of the Treasury to: (1) receive all revenues derived from the sale and issuance of any special rate Treasury obligation to any federal trust fund; and (2) invest them in non-federal government debt instrument index funds or in an index fund established by the TFA which reflects the rate of return in the overall non-federal government debt instrument market. Prohibits the TFA from investing such revenues in any stocks or other forms of equity ownership or in any debt instrument issued by a foreign government or by a corporation registered in a foreign nation. Requires the TFA to maintain such investments and resulting earnings for the sole purpose of redeeming any outstanding special rate Treasury obligations and, to the extent such investments and resulting earnings are not needed to redeem such Treasury obligations, to transfer the excess amount to meet the unfunded current withdrawal obligations (if any) of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund of the Social Security Act. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review TFA operations annually and certify to Congress that TFA investments are: (1) in compliance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (2) free of political influence; and (3) designed to maintain the security of the investment pool while maximizing investment return.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2005
National Heritage Area Extension Act of 2005 - Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to: (1) extend to September 30, 2027, the authorization for making grants or providing assistance with respect to the National Coal Heritage Area, Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Essex National Heritage Area, South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, America's Agricultural Partnership, Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor (redesignated by this Act as the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway), and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area; and (2) increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for such areas. Adds Lincoln County, West Virginia, and Paint Creek and Cabin Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia, to the National Coal Heritage Area. Requires, with respect to such Area, the Secretary of the Interior to continue a certain contractual agreement with the National Coal Heritage Area Authority rather than the Governor of West Virginia. Adds Berkeley County, South Carolina, to the South Carolina Heritage Area. Reauthorizes appropriations for the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. Directs the Secretary to prepare a strategic plan for the Route. Adds six members to the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. Requires the Commission to update the Corridor plan. Mississippi River National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Mississippi River National Heritage Area. Provides authorities and duties of the management entity for such Area, including development of an Area management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Homeland Security Management Restructuring Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act to establish a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for Management, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as the Chief Management Officer and principal advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security on matters related to management of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Declares Abraham Jaars, Delicia Jaars, and Grant Jaars each to have been lawfully admitted to, and remained in, the United States and to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act providing for the adjustment of status of a nonimmigrant to that of a person admitted for permanent residence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Welcomes recent attempts by the U.N. Secretary General to address the issue of anti-Semitism, and calls on U.N. leadership to condemn anti-Semitic statements made at U.N. meetings and hold member states accountable for such statements. Urges the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop and implement Holocaust education programs as part of an effort against anti-Semitism and racial, religious, and ethnic intolerance. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to continue working toward further reduction of anti-Semitic language and anti-Israel resolutions; (2) the President should direct the Secretary of State to report on acts of anti-Semitism at the United Nations and its agencies by member states; and (3) projects funded through the Middle East Partnership Initiative and U.S. overseas broadcasts should include efforts to educate Arab and Muslim countries about anti-Semitism, religious intolerance, and incitement to violence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President, in order to coordinate efficiently and monitor spending, avoid duplication, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, shall appoint an individual to oversee all federal work and the obligation of all federally appropriated funds for the purpose of Hurricane Katrina recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act - Modifies federal criminal code provisions regarding trafficking in counterfeit goods or services to prohibit trafficking in counterfeit marks. Subjects to forfeiture any article that bears or consists of a counterfeit mark and any property derived from proceeds of, or used in the commission of, the violation. Directs the court: (1) at the conclusion of forfeiture proceedings, to order the destruction of any forfeited article bearing or consisting of a counterfeit mark; and (2) to order a person convicted of such offense to pay restitution to the owner of the mark and any other victim of the property offense. Makes criminal penalties applicable to persons who intentionally traffic, or attempt to traffic, in labels or packaging knowing that a counterfeit mark had been applied, the use of which was likely to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive. Modifies the definition of "counterfeit mark" to include a spurious mark that is applied to, or consists of, a label, patch, medallion, documentation, or packaging that is designed, marketed, or otherwise intended to be used on or in connection with the goods or services for which the mark is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Provides that nothing in this Act shall entitle the United States to bring a criminal cause of action for the repackaging of genuine goods or services not intended to deceive or confuse. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) review and amend the federal sentencing guidelines applicable to persons convicted of trafficking in counterfeit labels or marks; and (2) determine whether the definition of "infringement amount" under the guidelines is adequate to address situations in which the defendant has been so convicted and the item the defendant trafficked in was intended to facilitate infringement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Oversight of Vital Emergency Recovery Spending Enhancement and Enforcement Act of 2005 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of Hurricane Katrina Recovery Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Makes the CFO responsible for the efficient and effective use of federal funds in all activities relating to the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Requires the CFO to strive to ensure that priority in the distribution of federal: (1) relief funds is given to individuals and organizations most in need of financial assistance; and (2) reconstruction funds is given to business entities based in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Florida, or business entities that hire workers who resided in those States on August 24, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Recognizes September 15-October 15, 2005, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of our Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) that the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia and Montenegro and the representatives of the United Nations should work toward a Kosovo agreement on the future status of Kosovo and a plan for transformation in Kosovo; (2) with respect to what such agreement and plan should do; (3) that the discussions of the long-term status of Kosovo should result in a plan for implementing the Standards for Kosovo; and (4) concerning Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, and the United Nations respecting requirements during the negotiations related to the long-term status of Kosovo.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Acknowledges Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's lifelong service to the United States. Commends his 33-year tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court and his many accomplishments as Chief Justice. Extends sympathy to his family and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the condolences of the Nation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina; (2) commends the resiliency and courage of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; and (3) commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of such states in the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to: (1) exempt family members of judicial officers and employees (currently, only officers and employees are exempt) from publicly filing reports disclosing certain personal and sensitive information upon a finding that publication of such information could endanger such officers, employees, or their families; (2) allow a report to be redacted to the extent necessary to protect such individuals; and (3) extend the authority to redact until December 31, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005
Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to limit class III gaming activity on Indian land to states that expressly permit gaming for any commercial purpose (currently, for any purpose). Requires such gaming to be conducted in accordance with the applicable laws of the state in which it is located, including restrictions on the timing or frequency of the gaming activity.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005
Healthy America Act of 2005 - Patients First Act of 2005 - Sets forth provisions governing health care lawsuits, including provisions establishing a statute of limitations and limiting recovery of non-economic damages and punitive damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative; and (2) facilitate the electronic exchange of health information. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to: (1) develop quality measurement systems to provide value-based payments to providers; (2) establish a value-based purchasing pilot program; and (3) authorize waivers for states to establish such programs for state Medicaid programs. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary to maintain a patient safety network of databases to accept, aggregate, and analyze non-identifiable patient safety data voluntarily reported by patient safety organizations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an advanceable credit for health insurance; (2) a deduction for premiums under a high deductible health plan; and (3) a credit for a small employer's contribution to an employee's health savings account. Reauthorizes grants to states to create and operate high risk health insurance pools. Covering Kids Act of 2005 - Amends Title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide awards for innovative outreach and enrollment efforts. Allows the Secretary to make grants for qualified integrated health care systems that provide care to medically underserved populations. Provides coverage under Medicare and Medicaid for integrated health center services. Allows a forbearance on student loans for volunteering at a free clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005
Recognizes and honors the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and salutes all people whose efforts contributed to its enactment. Encourages all Americans to celebrate the advance of freedom and the opening of opportunity made possible by its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2005
David Berger Memorial Act of 2005 - Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to revise the legislative language designating the David Berger national memorial to state that the memorial is located in northeastern Ohio. (Current legislative language states that it is located at the Jewish Community Center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio).
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative to recommend uniform policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology; and (2) adopt recommended modifications to standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase health information technology that is inconsistent with adopted standards and requires all federal agencies collecting health data to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to develop criteria to: (1) ensure uniform and consistent implementation of any standards voluntarily adopted by private entities; and (2) ensure and certify hardware, software, and support services compliance with adopted standards. Allows the Secretary to award grants to: (1) facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implement regional or local health information plans; and (3) develop academic programs integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the heads of specified federal agencies to develop a system to measure the quality of care patients receive. Requires the Secretary to: (1) adopt and utilize such system; (2) disseminate recommendations and best practices derived from the analysis of quality measures; and (3) study methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), to develop a Center for Best Practices to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, implement, and effectively use interoperable health information technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telemedicine.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Declares August 31, 2005, to be Solidarity Day in the United States to recognize the 25th anniversary of the establishment in Poland of the Solidarity Trade Union. Honors the people of Poland who risked their lives to restore liberty in Poland and to return Poland to the democratic community of nations. Calls on the people of the United States to remember the struggle and sacrifice of the people of Poland and that the results of that struggle contributed to the fall of communism and the ultimate end of the Cold War.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Water Infrastructure Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) establish a grant program for technical assistance to rural and small system water treatment works; (2) expand the list of projects eligible for state water pollution control revolving loan fund assistance; (3) provide assistance, including loan forgiveness, for disadvantaged communities; (4) allow a transfer of capitalization grants between revolving loan funds for water pollution control and safe drinking water treatment; and (5) establish a priority system for providing financial assistance from state water pollution control revolving funds. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs for: (1) watershed restoration through the protection or improvement of water quality; and (2) assisting community water systems in meeting the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to: (1) increase and extend through FY2010 the authorization of appropriations for state drinking water treatment revolving loan funds; and (2) establish a small system revolving loan fund program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of lead contamination in drinking water; (2) establish a nationwide demonstration grant program for water quality enhancement and management; (3) provide capitalization grants to states for agricultural pollution control technology revolving funds; (4) identify ways to improve the state revolving fund review process; and (5) contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a cost of service study of public water systems and treatment works. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct biennial assessments of water resources in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for lead service line replacement in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to apply to migratory bird species from Canada. Increases the federal share of costs for funded projects. Prescribes forms of payment for projects undertaken in the United States and Canada and for projects undertaken in Latin America and the Caribbean. Replaces provisions establishing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Account within the Multinational Species Conservation Fund with provisions establishing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Authorizes appropriations to such Fund through FY2010. Requires not less than 75 percent of such appropriations to be used for projects outside the United States. Increases the amount of funds that the Secretary of the Interior may expend to administer the Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Voinovich, George V. [R-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000126_200.jpg)