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Bill· HRH.R. 5420 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2004
Universal Service Antideficiency Suspension Act - Makes Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.
Bill· SS. 2994 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Makes Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 464 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2004
Calls for: (1) the Senate to reiterate its support for reimbursing State and local governments for closing the pay gap for first responders who are called to active duty in the National Guard and Reserves by considering expanding employer tax relief provisions to cover State and local governments; and (2) the President to consider including such a proposal in his FY 2006 Budget.
Bill· HRH.R. 5291 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Winning the War on Terror Act of 2004 - Provides for increases in the numbers of U.S. special operations forces. Provides counter-proliferation measures, including a Global Threat Reduction Initiative (to secure nuclear and radiological materials outside the United States) and radiological material threat assessments. Requires elimination of the U.S. chemical stockpile no later than the end of 2012. Establishes a Terrorist Screening Center in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Secure Borders Act - Institutes, or modifies, measures related to: (1) border infrastructure and monitoring, transportation workers and cargo containers, and public and tribal lands; (2) identification document standards; (3) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing, detention and removal operations, informant aliens, and alien smuggling penalties; (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) foreign coordination, visa security, and the visa waiver program; and (5) immigration benefit functions, including identification techniques. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to make grants for public transportation security. Directs the Secretary to develop public transportation best practices, public awareness, and security plans. Requires a Memorandum of Agreement between the Secretaries of Homeland Security and of Transportation concerning their respective roles in public transportation security matters. Secure Containers from Overseas and Seaports from Terrorism Act or Secure COAST Act - Requires establishment of security standards and verification procedures for maritime cargo containers moving within the intermodal transportation system. Imposes validation and inspection requirements, including deployment of radiation detection portal equipment at all ports of entry and a staffing assessment. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants and requires funding for an information sharing and analysis capability within the maritime industry. Increases funding for Coast Guard components associated with the Integrated Deepwater System. Increases authorized Coast Guard active duty personnel levels. Requires aviation security measures that include provision of checked baggage screening for explosives, phaseout of passenger "bag-matching" programs, technology assessment, a shipping companies database, wireless flight crew communications, a national transportation security strategy, and passenger watchlists. Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a private sector emergency preparedness program. Sets forth requirements for promoting the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan for security critical infrastructure; and (2) a national biodefense strategy. Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Requires a strategy and research programs to expedite the development and approval of countermeasures against novel or unknown pathogens or toxins. Chemical Security Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes procedures for assessment of the vulnerability of chemical sources to terrorist release and planning to address security concerns. Authorizes establishment of a program to fund cybersecurity professional development programs. Creates a National Cybersecurity Office in DHS. Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Establishes an Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications and a program to fund communications interoperability improvements. Strengthening Homeland Innovation to Emphasize Liberty, Democracy, and Privacy Act or the SHIELD Privacy Act - Requires designation of a Chief Privacy Officer within the Office of Management and Budget and of an official primarily responsible for privacy policy in each executive branch agency. Establishes a Commission on Privacy, Freedom, and Homeland Security and a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Revises DHS organizational provisions to institute certain civil rights and civil liberties safeguards. Sets forth policies (and measures) regarding prevention of future international terrorism, including concerning: (1) the role of Pakistan; (2) the future of Afghanistan; (3) the U.S.-Saudi relationship; (4) politics, culture, and education in the Islamic world; and (5) the use of economic and trade policies as part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. Urges a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism.
Bill· HRH.R. 5276 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Disabled Federal Employees Protection Act - Prohibits the termination of employment of a disabled Federal employee due to a conversion to contractor performance of any activity or function of an executive agency under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 or any other Federal policy, directive, or regulation. Exempts certain nonprofit agencies for the blind or severely handicapped from this prohibition if the terminated Federal employee is offered an equivalent position in the Federal Government or with the nonprofit agency.
Bill· HRH.R. 5235 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the receipts and disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (Social Security trust funds) from being included in the Federal budget baseline for any fiscal year and from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of offsetting any tax decrease or spending increase. Excludes Social Security trust fund receipts and disbursements totals from official Office of Management and Budget and Congressional Budget Office budget pronouncements.
Bill· SS. 2898 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Program Assessment and Results Act - Amends the Federal law provisions concerning the budget and fiscal, budget, and program information to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to assess, jointly with Federal agencies, each program of such agencies at least once every five fiscal years. Instructs the Director to develop criteria for identifying programs to be assessed each fiscal year. Requires the results of such assessments to be submitted in a report to Congress at the same time the President submits the next Federal budget. Sunsets the above provisions after September 30, 2013. Requires the head of each agency to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and to the Congress a strategic plan for program activities not later than September 30 of each year following a year in which an election for President occurs, beginning September 30, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5218 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
Matt's Health Insurance Plan Act of 2004 - Requires each employer to offer health insurance coverage constituting qualified health care to employees, former employees, and their families. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit equal to 60 percent of the amount paid or incurred by an employer during the taxable year to provide qualified health care (directly or otherwise) to employees, former employees, and their families under a group health plan during the one year period ending January 1, 2005. Prescribes formulae for tax credits for other employers, including the self-employed, who provide qualified health insurance after such date. Allows a tax credit to certain low-wage workers for 25 percent of amounts paid for coverage under any subsidized health plan maintained by any employer of the taxpayer or of the taxpayer's spouse. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for payments to qualified nontaxpayer employers who provide qualified health care under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 65 years of age. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a refundable tax credit for employee costs of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage. Amends title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) rename the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) the FamilyCare Program; (2) provide for automatic enrollment of children born to title XXI parents; and (3) allow optional family care coverage of parents of targeted low income children and low-income pregnant women under Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Revises the transitional medical assistance (TMA) program, allowing States to extend eligibility for low-income individuals for up to 12 additional months, and eliminating the sunset for TMA. Increases the SCHIP allotment for each of FY 2002 through 2004. Directs the Secretry to award demonstration grants to up to seven States (or other qualified entities) to conduct innovative programs designed to improve outreach to homeless individuals and families under specified programs, including Medicaid. Limits cost-sharing under the FamilyCare program to 2.5 percent for families with income below 150 percent of poverty. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare Practices.
Bill· HRH.R. 5223 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program); (4) determine the annual budget for intelligence and intelligence-related activities; and (5) establish standards for information technology and communications across the IC. Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment on a voluntary basis of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes within the Authority, with specified functions: (1) the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director; (2) an Office of the National Intelligence Director; (3) a principal Deputy National Intelligence Director (second in command); (3) a National Intelligence Council (Council) (to provide national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC); (4) a General Counsel; (5) a Comptroller General; (6) an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; (7) a Privacy Officer; (8) a Chief Information Officer; (9) a Chief Human Capital Officer; (10) a Chief Financial Officer; (11) an Inspector General; and (12) an Ombudsman. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Establishes within the Center a Directorate of Planning with primary responsibility for developing interagency counterterrorism plans. Authorizes the Director to establish one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program for the award of scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers meeting critical IC needs. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorist information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private entities. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriation authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) U.S. policy toward dictatorships; (7) the promotion of U.S. values through broadcast media; (8) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (9) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility both domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Requires the use of watchlists in connection with passenger air transportation screening. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to an emergency or public service event. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 5202 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004
Declares that supplemental appropriations shall be included in the calculation of the rate for operations in FY 2004 appropriations Acts specified by Public Law 108-309 only in accordance with the attachments to Office of Management and Budget Bulletin No. 04-05 entitled "Apportionment of the Continuing Resolution(s) for Fiscal Year 2005."
Bill· SS. 2861 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Student Loan Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reduce certain special allowance payments to holders of student loans. Appropriates, for each fiscal year after enactment of this Act, an additional amount to increase the maximum Pell grant for that fiscal year. Makes such amount equal to the amount by which expenditures for such special allowances are reduced by this Act for that fiscal year, as determined by the Congressional Budget Office.
Bill· HRH.R. 5184 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V - Extends Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and transit programs for seven months, and authorizes appropriations, through May 31, 2005. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion funds made available for Federal-aid highway programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to each State according to the ratio of the State's FY 2004 obligation authority to the FY 2004 obligation authority for all States; and (2) ensure that each State is apportioned funds for the Interstate maintenance program, the National Highway System program, the bridge program, the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system program, and the minimum guarantee. Sets forth provisions: (1) for reducing future apportionments, and for recovering funds not apportioned, under a multi-year law reauthorizing the Federal-aid highway program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; (2) prohibiting after May 31, 2005, the obligation of any Federal-aid highway program funds until the date of enactment of a multi-year law reauthorizing such program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; and (3) prohibiting a State from transferring after May 31, 2005, unobligated Federal-aid highway funds from amounts apportioned to it for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and the surface transportation program. Authorizes appropriations through May 31, 2005, for specified Federal-aid highway programs, highway safety programs, the Motor Carrier Safety Administration program, Federal transit programs, and sport fishing and boating safety programs. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and TEA-21, respectively, to set related discretionary spending limits and obligation limitations for FY 2005. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend authorization for the use of the Highway Trust Fund (including the mass transit account) and the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund for obligations under TEA-21. Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 to extend highway programs through end of FY 2004. Amends TEA-21 to authorize appropriations for the high priority projects program through May 31, 2005 (including specified allocation percentages for such projects for FY 2004 through 2009).
Law· HRH.R. 5183 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V - Extends Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and transit programs for seven months, and authorizes appropriations, through May 31, 2005. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion funds made available for Federal-aid highway programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to each State according to the ratio of the State's FY 2004 obligation authority to the FY 2004 obligation authority for all States; and (2) ensure that each State is apportioned funds for the Interstate maintenance program, the National Highway System program, the bridge program, the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system program, and the minimum guarantee. Sets forth provisions: (1) for reducing future apportionments, and for recovering funds not apportioned, under a multi-year law reauthorizing the Federal-aid highway program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; (2) prohibiting after May 31, 2005, the obligation of any Federal-aid highway program funds until the date of enactment of a multi-year law reauthorizing such program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; and (3) prohibiting a State from transferring unobligated Federal-aid highway funds from amounts apportioned to it for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and the surface transportation program. Authorizes appropriations through May 31, 2005, for specified Federal-aid highway programs, highway safety programs, the Motor Carrier Safety Administration program, Federal transit programs, and sport fishing and boating safety programs. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and TEA-21, respectively, to set related discretionary spending limits and obligation limitations for FY 2005. Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 to extend highway programs through the end of FY 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend authorization for the use of the Highway Trust Fund (including the mass transit account) and the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund for obligations under TEA-21.
Bill· HRH.R. 5161 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
The 9-11 Commission Combating Proliferation Implementation Act - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office for Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Requires the Director to: (1) develop and advise the President on policies, goals, objectives, and priorities for preventing the proliferation of WMDs; (2) implement a comprehensive Strategy for Combating the Proliferation of WMDs (Strategy); and (3) direct development of an annual budget for programs and activities under the Strategy. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to carry out a program to undertake an accelerated, comprehensive worldwide effort to mitigate the threats posed by high-risk, proliferation-attractive fissile materials, radiological materials, and related equipment located at sites potentially vulnerable to theft or diversion. Requires the Secretary to submit classified interim and final reports on the program to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should strive to expand and strengthen the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); and (2) the United States should engage the United Nations to develop a Security Council resolution authorizing the PSI under international law. Gives the President permanent waiver authority over legal provisions prohibiting the use of certain Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) funds for chemical weapons destruction facilities in Russia. Repeals a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 that limits CTR funds for activities outside the former Soviet Union. Requires the President to biannually report to Congress on liability concerns regarding, and impediments to, the renegotiation and implementation of specified nonproliferation agreements and programs.
Bill· SS. 2837 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Continuing Care for Recovering Families Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible individual to elect continuation coverage for group health benefits as provided for in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) during the 120-day period that begins on the later of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the individual experiences a terrorism-related loss of coverage. Provides that: (1) the maximum period required for such coverage shall not be less than the period during which the individual is an eligible individual; and (2) the period between the loss of coverage and the first day of the election period shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the waiting period for coverage of preexisting conditions. Defines an "eligible individual" as an individual who: (1) is a child or spouse of an individual who suffered physical harm or death as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; (2) that has experienced a terrorism-related loss of health benefits coverage associated with the death, injury, or loss of employment of such an individual; and (3) is not otherwise covered under a health benefits plan or entitled to Medicare benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 5123 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Major Regulation Cost Review Act of 2004 - Amends Federal civil service law to require each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register a plan, which may be amended at any time by publishing a revision, for the periodic review of all the major rules issued by the agency. Requires that the plan provide for review within five years after publication as a final rule, with a five year extension permitted. Directs the agency, in reviewing major rules, to consider: (1) the continued need for the rule; (2) the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rule; (3) the complexity of the rule; (4) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal rules, and with State and local governmental rules; and (5) the length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule. Requires that: (1) the review include a cost-benefit analysis of the rule, including an identification and consideration of a range of less costly regulatory alternatives; and (2) each year each agency publish a list of the major rules which are to be reviewed and which are to be included in the accounting statement and associated report submitted to Congress by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Makes conforming changes to the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 5113 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Emergency Loan Abuse Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reduce certain special allowance payments to holders of student loans. Appropriates, for each fiscal year after enactment of this Act, an additional amount to increase the maximum Pell grant for that fiscal year. Makes such amount equal to the amount by which expenditures for such special allowances are reduced by this Act for that fiscal year, as determined by the Congressional Budget Office.
Bill· SS. 2811 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Intelligence Reformation Act of 2004 or 9-11 Act - Establishes as an executive department the Department of Intelligence (Department), headed by a Director of Intelligence. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as head of the Intelligence Community (IC); (2) act as principal adviser to the President for intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government; and (3) determine the annual budget for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) analyze and integrate all U.S. intelligence pertaining to terrorism or counterterrorism; (2) conduct strategic planning for counterterrorism operations; and (3) ensure that all appropriate U.S. departments, agencies, and elements have access to and receive all-source intelligence support to execute their counterterrorism plans. Requires the Director to establish one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the National Security Council (established under this Act). Establishes various positions under the Director. Designates the following as elements of the Department, with specified intelligence-related duties: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the National Security Agency; (3) the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (4) the National Reconnaissance Office; and (5) the Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and Counterintelligence Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Establishes within the Department an Office of Civil Liberties and Privacy. Requires the FBI Director to continue efforts to develop and maintain an FBI national security workforce. Outlines national security authorities of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, including imagery intelligence and improving the means of navigating vessels of the Navy and merchant marine. Authorizes such Agency's Director to provide foreign countries with imagery intelligence and geospatial information support, and to exchange mapping, charting, and geodetic data with foreign countries and international organizations. Authorizes the Director to withhold from the public certain Department operational files. Provides for transfer to the Department of certain IC elements, authorities, and functions.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 776 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Requests the President and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish the House of Representatives all documents, including telephone and electronic mail records, logs and calendars, and records of internal discussions in the possession of the Secretary, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Director of the Office of the National Economic Council relating to: (1) estimates and analyses made by the Department of Health and Human Services or OMB relating to the cost of any version of the Medicare prescription drug legislation; or (2) communications (whether written or electronic) relating to such cost estimates or analyses or their release to Members of Congress between employees within the executive branch, between such employees and Members of Congress or their staff, or such employees and persons other than employees of the executive branch or legislative branch.
Bill· SS. 2802 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that: (1) delays implementation of a revenue measure for more than one year after its date of enactment; (2) phases in a revenue measure over a period of taxable years greater than one taxable year; or (3) provides for the repeal of, or a modification in the revenue effect of, a revenue measure if the elimination or modification does not fully take effect before the date which is one year after its enactment.
Bill· HRH.R. 5069 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and maintain special access programs associated with research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition of technology. Directs: (1) the Secretary to submit to Congress certain budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; and (2) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to transmit to Congress a summary of the solicitations and resulting contracts and grants awarded in the past fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of: (1) the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology; and (2) the methods used by the Directorate for the prioritization of science and technology projects among and within research portfolios. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) the establishment or expansion of professional development programs and associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (2) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with foreign governments that are U.S. allies in the war on terrorism and have extensive experience in counterterrorism. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Geospatial Management Office; and (2) a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5050 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Director of National Intelligence Act of 2004 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Director of National Intelligence to act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to national security, and to oversee budget, operations, and personnel of the national intelligence program and national intelligence agencies. Establishes in the National Security Council an executive committee for the resolution of differences in priorities among national intelligence agencies. Requires: (1) the Director to be a member of such committee; and (2) directors of national intelligence centers to report directly to the Director.
Bill· SS. 2778 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Requires the President, through the Secretary of Defense, to establish a unified combatant command for military intelligence (military intelligence command) to: (1) coordinate all military intelligence activities; (2) develop new military intelligence collection capabilities; and (3) represent the Department of Defense (DOD) in the intelligence community under the National Intelligence Director (NID). Requires the assignment of all active and reserve military intelligence forces of the Armed Forces within specified DOD elements, and civilian personnel of such elements, to the military intelligence command unless otherwise directed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and authority of the commander of the military intelligence command. Requires the staff of the commander to include an inspector general. Requires the Secretary and the NID to consult on the budget of the military intelligence command before submitting that budget to the President. Requires the budget proposal to include funding requests for development and acquisition of military intelligence collection systems and acquisition of other material, supplies, or services peculiar to military intelligence activities. Directs the Secretary to consult with the NID on recommendations made by the commander regarding heads of components of the military intelligence command before transmitting such recommendations to the President.
Law· HRH.R. 5005 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2004 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2004 for disaster relief, including a transfer of such funds to the Small Business Administration to carry out its disaster loan program. Designates such amounts as an emergency requirement under the FY 2005 concurrent budget resolution.
Bill· SS. 2758 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Legislative Branch Financial Accountability Act of 2004 - Requires the Senate, House of Representatives, Library of Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Government Accountability Office, Government Printing Office, U.S. Botanic Garden, Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police, and any congressional legislative branch entity not required by statute to have annual financial statements independently audited to each have a financial statement prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and have the statement independently audited, for the preceding calendar year covering all such entity's accounts and associated activities. Requires the entities to report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the implementation of this Act, including whether the establishment of an office is necessary; and (2) recommendations, including legislative actions and amendments to this Act, if necessary, to effectively carry it out. Sets forth requirements for the preparation and audit of the statements.
Bill· SS. 2752 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Family Budget Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Requires: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA), Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and benefits payable under part A of title XVIII (relating to part A Medicare hospital insurance benefits) of SSA and part C of such title (relating to the Medicare Advantage program) from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account and the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program, and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of the: (1) Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement System; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4969 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Requires the annual poverty estimate and the National Assessment of Educational Progress to be treated as if they were principal economic indicators and subject to the Statistical Policy Directive on Compilation, Release, and Evaluation of Principal Federal Economic Indicators of the Office of Management and Budget (including its guidance on the release of information to the public).
Bill· HRH.R. 4971 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Restoring Democracy to the U.S. Congress Act of 2004 - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to address: (1) the time limit on roll call votes; (2) actual voting required in conference committee meetings; (3) waiver of the germaneness requirement for conference reports; (4) removal of Members from committee meetings; (5) a limit on redistricting after an apportionment of Representatives; (6) availability of legislation on the Internet; (7) bribery on the House floor; (8) hacking into other Members' computer files; (9) capping committee mailing expenses; and (10) a requirement that at least one-third of committee budget be provided to the minority ranking member.
Bill· HRH.R. 4997 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Fiscally Responsible Family Tax Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2005: (1) the $1,000 (per child) child tax credit amount; (2) the increased standard deduction for married taxpayers; and (3) the increased ceilings for the 15 and ten percent tax brackets for married taxpayers. Eliminates the reduction in the refundability (15 to ten percent) of the child tax credit. Includes combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of calculating the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Sets forth a uniform definition of "child" for purposes of applying certain tax provisions, including the dependent care credit, the child tax credit, and the deduction for personal exemption for dependents. Sets forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine. Increases penalties for promoting abusive tax shelter transactions. Proposes new restrictions on tax shelter activities, including increased disclosure requirements, denial of a tax deduction for interest on underpayments attributable to undisclosed tax shelter transactions, and denial of privilege for communications relating to certain tax shelter transactions. Proposes restrictions on corporate tax shelters, including: (1) a limitation on the transfer or importation by a corporation of built-in losses; (2) the repeal of special rules for Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts (FASITS); and (3) expansion of the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to deny tax benefits related to tax shelter transactions. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend the authority for certain customs user fees through September 30, 2013.
Bill· SS. 2704 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for an extension of conveyance and passenger customs user fees.
Bill· SS. 2708 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
National Strategy for Homeland Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, under the direction of the President, to develop a National Strategy for Homeland Security for detection, prevention, protection, response, and recovery with regard to terrorist threats to the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit the Strategy to Congress by December 1st of each year in which a President is inaugurated and to submit an updated version two years thereafter; and (2) provide, in conjunction with the President's budget request, an annual assessment of progress on implementing the Strategy. Sets forth contents of the Strategy, including: (1) threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment and analysis; (2) a statement of desired end-states; (3) an assessment of necessary resources and investments; (4) a delineation of organizational roles and responsibilities across the many entities involved; and (5) an explanation of the relationship between the Strategy and other Federal strategies addressing terrorist threats. Directs the Secretary to establish a nonpartisan, independent Homeland Security Commission to conduct an alternative assessment of the optimal policies and programs to improve homeland security against terrorist threats, including an estimate of the funding required.
Bill· SS. 2688 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Executive Branch Financial Accountability Reporting Act of 2004 - Instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to list for certain congressional committees: (1) each Federal entity that receives an exemption or waiver from the statutory requirement for an annually audited financial statement; and (2) other Federal entities, including special purpose entities, that do not prepare independently audited annual financial statements. Requires the OMB report to include assessments of: (1) the capability of the listed entities to prepare annual financial statements and have them independently audited; (2) how to reduce the costs of preparing the financial statements and performing independent audits by grouping together smaller entities and other methods by which the preparation and independent audits of financial statements could be made cost-effective; and (3) the benefits of improved financial oversight encompassing the entire executive branch, including recommendations for a plan to implement a requirement that the entire executive branch prepare annual independently audited financial statements.
Bill· SS. 2685 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant States the option of covering certain categories of eligible women and child resident aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for the extension of conveyance and passenger customs user fees.
Bill· HRH.R. 4852 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2005. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for homeland security information. Establishes within the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) submit annual budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; (2) conduct an assessment of the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology to address basic scientific research needs; and (3) establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for professional development programs in cybersecurity. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with U.S. allies in the war on terrorism that have extensive experience in counterterrorism activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program. Establishes the Liberty Shield Award for Innovation and Excellence in Critical Infrastructure Protection. Urges the DHS Homeland Security Operations Center to increase on-site participation of representatives from private sector critical infrastructure sectors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and distribute critical infrastructure protection awareness and education materials for emergency response providers; (2) ensure that DHS terrorism preparedness exercises and related information and training meet specified requirements; (3) establish a program supporting the development of mutual aid systems for terrorism and emergency preparedness and response; (4) develop a domestic emergency national preparedness goal, a comprehensive national biodefense strategy, a comprehensive national strategy to mitigate the radiological and nuclear threat, and a plan to ensure enhanced cooperation and interoperability of maritime and airborne homeland security assets; (5) initiate a pilot program of expedited inspection at designated ports of entry away from U.S. ports; (6) submit budget request information for DHS's information technology-related spending organized by directorate and critical mission area; and (7) keep each appropriate congressional committee informed of DHS activities. Establishes the Director of the U.S. Secret Service as an officer of DHS.
Bill· SS. 2680 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2004
Financial Accountability Expansion Act of 2004 - Amends Federal law governing financial statements of Federal agencies to: (1) repeal the authority of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to exempt certain executive small-sized executive agencies from submitting annual financial statements; and (2) instruct OMB to notify the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) which executive agencies have size or budgetary limitations that do not support the internal preparation of a mandated financial statement. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare such financial statements or contract for their preparation; and (2) contract with independent auditors to audit them. Amends the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002 to make technical and conforming amendments to reflect this Act. Directs OMB to require each Federal entity that is not currently required to prepare an independently audited annual financial statement to submit one prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles.
Bill· SS. 2666 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 appropriations for the Senate for: (1) expense allowances; (2) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders; (3) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees (including the Committee on Appropriations); (4) agency contributions for employee benefits; (5) inquiries and investigations; (6) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (7) the Offices of the Secretary and of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (8) miscellaneous items; (9) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; and (10) official mail costs. Makes FY 2005 appropriations for salaries and/or expenses of: (1) the Joint Economic and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; (3) the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office; (4) the preparation of statements of appropriations; (5) the Capitol Police; (6) the Office of Compliance; (7) the Congressional Budget Office; (8) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), including for the care and operation of Capitol buildings and grounds, the Senate office building, the Capitol power plant, the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, the Capitol Police buildings and grounds, the Botanic Garden; and (9) the Capitol Visitor Center. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, Congressional Research Service, and Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (2) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding (including transfer of funds); (3) GPO for the Office of Superintendent of Documents (including transfer of funds); (4) a payment to the Government Printing Office Revolving Fund; (5) the Government Accountability Office for salaries and expenses; and (6) a payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4793 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Justice and Understanding By International Loan Elimination and Equity (JUBILEE) Act of 2004 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions (multilateral development institutions (MDI's)) to accomplish: (1) the cancellation of all debts owed to each institution by specified eligible poor countries, and the financing of such debt cancellation from the institution's ongoing operations, procedures, and accounts; (2) the limitation of any waiting period before receipt of debt cancellation to one month from the date of an eligible poor country's application for it; and (3) encouragement of the government of each eligible poor country to allocate at least 20 percent of its national budget, including the savings from such debt cancellation, for the provision of basic health care services, education services, and clean water services to individuals in the country. Sets forth requirements for: (1) establishment of a framework to ensure transparency regarding each international financial institution's activities; and (2) availability on the Treasury Department's website of U.S. Executive Directors' remarks at meetings of international financial institutions' Boards of Directors. Requires the Secretary to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club, the IMF, and other appropriate MDI's, to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to such countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to implement or comply with specified policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment.
Bill· SS. 2620 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
High-Performance Green Buildings Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services to create, within the General Services Administration (GSA), and appoint an individual to, a position to establish and oversee the Office of High-Performance Green Buildings within GSA. Directs the Office to establish an interagency steering committee. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to State and local educational agencies for use in: (1) providing technical assistance for and assisting implementation of the EPA's Tools for Schools Program; and (2) the development of State-level school environmental quality plans. Requires the EPA Administrator to develop school site acquisition guidelines that: (1) take into account the special vulnerability of children to chemical exposure where the potential for site contamination is assessed; (2) include an analysis of means for maximizing transportation choices. Requires the EPA Administrator, in partnership with the Secretary of Education, to carry out an education research program in support of the education-related provisions of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to review the budget process and develop and submit to Congress an implementation plan for life-cycle costing that identifies and incorporates cost savings that accrue from high-performance green buildings. Requires the Office to establish guidelines for, and carry out, specified demonstration projects at Federal buildings and universities to contribute to the research goals of the Office.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 709 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Modifies the conference report on S.Con.Res. 95 (congressional budget) and the accompanying joint explanatory statement, as made applicable to the House of Representatives by H.Res. 649 (providing for the consideration of the conference report), with respect to major functional categories relating to: (1) Veterans Benefits and Services; and (2) International Affairs. Provides that such modifications shall have force and effect in the House as though they were included in the conference report and accompanying statement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4755 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2004
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for the House of Representatives for FY 2005 for: (1) salaries and/or expenses of the House leadership offices, committees (including the Committee on Appropriations), officers and employees, and the Child Care Center; (2) Members' representational allowances; and (3) the preparation of statements of appropriations. Declares the sense of the House that its Members who use vehicles in traveling and for official and representational purposes, including Members who lease vehicles for which the lease payments are made using funds provided under the Members' Representational Allowance, are encouraged to use hybrid electric and alternatively fueled vehicles whenever possible in order to move our Nation toward the use of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and reduce our dependence on oil. Makes appropriations for salaries and/or expenses of: (1) the Joint Economic and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; (3) the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office; (4) the Capitol Police; (5) the Office of Compliance; (6) the Congressional Budget Office; and (7) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), including for the care and operation of Capitol buildings and grounds, House office buildings, the Capitol power plant, the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, the Capitol Police buildings and grounds, and the Botanic Garden. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, Congressional Research Service, and Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (2) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding (including transfer of funds); (3) GPO for the Office of Superintendent of Documents (including transfer of funds); (4) the General Accounting Office for salaries and expenses; (5) a payment to the Government Printing Office Revolving Fund; and (6) a payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.
Bill· SS. 2598 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Public Land Protection and Conservation Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to: (1) States to carry out assessment projects consistent with relevant State invasive species management plans to identify invasive species that occur in the State, including methods to control or detect incipient infestations, or control or assess established populations, of invasive species in the State; and (2) appropriate public or private entities and Indian tribes to carry out, in partnership with a Federal agency, control projects for the management or eradication of invasive species on public land. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to States, local governments, nongovernmental entities, and Indian tribes to rapidly respond to outbreaks of invasive species that are at a stage at which rapid eradication or control is possible. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to Congress a budget analysis of Federal programs relating to invasive species, including a list of general priorities of Federal efforts and programs in prevention, detection, eradication, and control of such species. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4663 (108th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Spending Control Act of 2004 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to: (1) revise for FY 2004 discretionary spending limits (spending caps) for the highway and mass transit categories; (2) set forth for FY 2005 and 2006 new budget authority and outlays for the general purpose discretionary category, outlays for the highway category and new budget authority and outlays for the mass transit category; and (3) set forth for FY 2007 through 2009 outlays for the highway category and new budget authority and outlays for the mass transit category. Revises the requirement that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) make adjustments to the highway category to conform to estimated levels of highway receipts. Sets forth the level of obligation limitations (sum of budget authority and obligation limitations) for the highway and mass transit categories for FY 2004 through 2009. Provides that, in any of FY 2005 through 2006, discretionary advance appropriations provided in appropriation Acts in excess of $23,558 billion shall be counted against the discretionary spending limits for the fiscal year for which the appropriation Act containing the advance appropriation is enacted. Extends PAY-AS-YOU-GO requirements through FY 2009 to provide for an offsetting sequestration for direct spending (currently, direct spending and receipts) legislation that is enacted before October 1, 2009, that causes a net increase in direct spending (currently, net deficit increase). Provides, under specified conditions, for additional new budget authority in FY 2005 or 2006 for fire suppression and for an adjustment in the discretionary spending limit for FY 2005 for appropriations for the global war on terrorism. Excludes from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and OMB estimates certain extending provisions in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Requires the estimates set forth in the discretionary sequestration preview and final reports issued by OMB and CBO to include the current year and each subsequent year through FY 2006 (or FY 2009 solely to enforce the discretionary spending limits for the highway and mass transit categories). Extends: (1) certain budget enforcement requirements through FY 2006 (or 2009 for enforcement of spending caps for highway and mass transit categories); and (2) PAY-AS-YOU-GO requirements through FY 2013.
Law· HRH.R. 4657 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
District of Columbia Retirement Protection Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to establish in the Treasury the District of Columbia Teachers, Police Officers, and Firefighters Federal Pension Fund (D.C. Federal Pension Fund) consisting of transfers of all: (1) District of Columbia Federal Pension Liability Trust Fund obligations to make Federal benefit payments; and (2) assets of such Trust Fund and the Federal Supplemental District of Columbia Pension Fund. Specifies the use of the Pension Fund, including but not limited to: (1) making Federal benefit payments; and (2) financing Federal obligations for future benefits. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make annual Federal payments into the Pension Fund from the general fund of the Treasury. Provides for the administration of the Pension Fund by a Pension Fund Trustee selected by the Secretary. Applies the same specified Federal law to the Pension Fund that applied to the Trust Fund before October 1, 2004. Terminates the Trust Fund and the Federal Supplemental Fund upon transfer of all their assets and obligations to the D.C. Federal Pension Fund. Sets forth procedures for resolving denied benefit claims with respect to the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund. Treats misappropriation of the D.C. Federal Pension Fund as a Federal crime.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 692 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4663) to amend part C of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend the discretionary spending limits and pay-as-you-go through fiscal year 2009.
Bill· HRH.R. 4648 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Mandatory Spending Control Act of 2004 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend PAY-AS-YOU-GO requirements through FY 2009 to provide for an offsetting sequestration for direct spending (currently, direct spending and receipts) legislation that is enacted before October 1, 2009, that causes a net increase in direct spending (currently, net deficit increase). Excludes from Congressional Budget Office and Office of Management and Budget estimates certain extending provisions in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Extends PAY-AS-YOU-GO requirements through FY 2013.
Bill· HRH.R. 4649 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Discretionary Spending Control Act of 2004 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to: (1) revise for FY 2004 discretionary spending limits (spending caps) for the highway and mass transit categories; (2) set forth for FY 2005 and 2006 new budget authority and outlays for the general purpose discretionary category, outlays for the highway category and new budget authority and outlays for the mass transit category; and (3) set forth for FY 2007 through 2009 outlays for the highway category and new budget authority and outlays for the mass transit category. Revises the requirement that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) make adjustments to the highway category to conform to estimated levels of highway receipts. Sets forth the level of obligation limitations (sum of budget authority and obligation limitations) for the highway and mass transit categories for FY 2004 through 2009. Provides that, in any of FY 2005 through 2006, discretionary advance appropriations provided in appropriation Acts in excess of $23,558 billion shall be counted against the discretionary spending limits for the fiscal year for which the appropriation Act containing the advance appropriation is enacted. Provides, under specified conditions, for additional new budget authority in FY 2005 or 2005 for fire suppression and for an adjustment in the discretionary spending limit for FY 2005 for supplemental appropriations for the global war on terrorism. Requires the estimates set forth in the discretionary sequestration preview and final reports issued by OMB and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to include the current year and each subsequent year through FY 2006 (or FY 2009 solely to enforce the discretionary spending limits for the highway and mass transit categories). Extends certain budget enforcement requirements through FY 2006 (or 2009 for enforcing the spending caps for the highway and mass transit categories).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 685 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Modifies the conference report on S.Con.Res. 95 (congressional budget) and the accompanying joint explanatory statement, as made applicable to the House of Representatives by H.Res. 649 (providing for the consideration of the conference report), with respect to: (1) recommended levels and amounts; (2) major functional categories; (3) allocations made to the House Committee on Appropriations; and (4) additional reconciliation instructions to the House Committee on Ways and Means to change tax laws to increase revenues by a specified amount through reduction or offsetting of tax reductions received during tax year 2005 by taxpayers filing joint returns with adjusted gross income above $1 million and comparable amounts for taxpayers with other filing statuses. Provides that such modifications shall have force and effect in the House as though they were included in the conference report and accompanying statement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4584 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004
Directing Community Integration Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to serve as head of the U.S. intelligence community (IC) "acting through the Central Intelligence Agency" (CIA), while continuing to head the CIA and serve as principal adviser to the President for national security-related intelligence matters. (Currently, requires the DCI to serve as head of the IC, head of the CIA, and serve as principal adviser to the President for national security-related intelligence matters.) Eliminates the position of Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Community Management. Creates eight associate directorships and five assistant directorships to assist the DCI with IC responsibilities and lists their duties. Gives certain directors overlapping CIA or cross-agency duties. Establishes the positions of General Counsel of the IC, Inspector General of the IC, and Executive Director of the CIA. Strikes a statutory provision that allows the National Security Council and the President to circumscribe the DCI's access to national security-related intelligence. Requires the DCI to prepare budgets of IC elements within the National Foreign Intelligence Program and to guide budget development for other IC elements. Removes time limits applicable to personnel transfers among IC elements. Makes the DCI responsible to the President for ensuring positive IC relationships with the intelligence or security services of foreign governments. Authorizes the DCI to exercise his or her CIA authority with respect to any IC element upon written request of the element head. Requires: (1) greater coordination between the Secretary of Defense and the DCI; and (2) the DCI's concurrence in additional agency appointments. Repeals the sunset provision applicable to limits on the establishment or operation of diplomatic intelligence support centers.
Law· HRH.R. 4548 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2005, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2005 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY 2005, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise permitted by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4500 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Energy Science Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations through FY 2008 for the following:(1) energy efficiency and conservation; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fossil energy; and (6) the Office of Science. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs of energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application (R&D) focused upon specified energy technologies, including: (1) a Next Generation Lighting Initiative; (2) a National Building Performance Initiative; (3) a secondary electric vehicle battery use program: (4) an Energy Efficiency Science Initiative; (5) electric motor control technology; and (6) Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers. Instructs the Secretary to develop research programs in the following energy technologies: (1) hybrid distributed power systems; (2) high power density industry program; (3) micro-cogeneration energy technology; (4) distributed energy technologies; and (5) after-treatment technologies for industrial reciprocating engines. Directs the Secretary to conduct R&D in the following areas: (1) diversified bioenergy programs; (2) concentrated solar power; and (3) renewable energy in public buildings. Directs the Secretary to implement specified nuclear energy R&D, including: (1) advanced fuel recycling technology; (2) university nuclear science and engineering support; and (3) reactor design security. Requires the Secretary to conduct R&D in: (1) specified aspects of oil and gas research; (2) coal mining technologies; and (3) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production. Directs the Secretary to establish the Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund. Prescribes guidelines for United States participation in ITER (the international burning plasma fusion research project). Directs the Secretary to: (1) present an R&D plan to Congress for a fusion energy sciences program; and (2) report on the Spallation Neutron Source as part of the annual budget submission of the Department of Energy. Requires the Secretary to support and establish: (1) science and energy facilities and infrastructure; (2) catalysis research and development; (3) nanoscale science and engineering research; (4) advanced scientific computing for energy missions; (5) genomes to life program; and (6) fission and fusion energy materials research program. Prescribes implementation guidelines to establish: (1) the Energy-Water Supply Program; (2) the United States-Mexico Energy Technology Cooperation Program; (3) the Western Hemisphere Energy Cooperation Program; and (4) a biological nitrogen fixation program. Directs the Secretary to establish the Arctic Engineering Research Center to improve the overall performance of roads, bridges, residential, commercial, and industrial structures, and other infrastructure in the Arctic region. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish National Energy Research and Development Advisory Boards to perform external technical review of departmental programs; (2) designate a Technology Transfer Coordinator to perform oversight of and policy development for technology transfer activities at the Department; and (3) establish a Technology Infrastructure Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Secretary to establish a Department of Energy Science and Technology Scholarship Program. Directs the Secretary to require the Director of each National Laboratory to designate a small business advocate.