Defence

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the placement in a national cemetery of memorial markers for the purpose of commemorating servicemembers or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish for placement a memorial headstone or marker in a national cemetery to commemorate veterans and their spouses whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery.

School Readiness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

School Readiness Act of 2005 - Amends the Head Start Act to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance to Head Start agencies for five-year periods. Revises authorized uses of quality improvement funds to include outreach to homeless families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and families with children with a limited English proficiency. Directs the Secretary (who is currently authorized) to award collaboration grants for Head Start and other related-agencies within states. Includes community-based or faith-based organizations among the entities that may be designated as Head Start agencies. Requires Head Start grantees to establish and demonstrate they have met measurable goals for: (1) educational instruction in pre-reading, pre-mathematical, and language skills; (2) provision of health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services; and (3) school readiness standards aligned with state-developed K-12 academic standards. Revises the additional educational performance standards included as program quality standards, and performance measures for program monitoring. Revises requirements for local Head Start agencies, including designation qualifications, coordination and collaboration, and assessment. Requires each agency to enroll 100% of its funded enrollment, and to maintain an active waiting list and outreach to the community and underserved populations. Requires local and state integration of early childhood education, through: (1) Head Start agency partnerships with local educational agencies and state-funded preschool and other early childhood programs; (2) early learning collaboration grants for State Early Learning Councils; and (3) a State Director for Head Start Collaboration. Requires Head Start alignment with K-12 education. Requires Head Start agencies to undergo independent annual audits. Limits to ten percent of total enrollment the permissible participation of children in the area served who would benefit from Head Start programs, including children referred by child welfare agencies, but whose families do not meet prescribed low-income criteria. Exempts military housing from being counted as family income in determining a child's eligibility to enroll in a Head Start program. Revises Early Head Start programs, including requiring center-based staff to have specified qualifications. Requires Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administration of any nonemergency intrusive physical examination of a child in connection with participation in a Head Start program. Revises training and technical assistance provisions. Revises staff qualification requirements for current and new Head Start teachers.

To extend the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

Amends the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-76) to extend through September 30, 2007, the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century Act - Revises, expands, or provides new rights and benefits for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents and survivors, including, among others: (1) an FY 2006 increase in funding for veterans' medical care; (2) a prohibition until the end of FY2006 on medication copayments and on the imposition of a health care system enrollment fee; (3) an extension until 2010 of Vietnam veterans' eligibility for readjustment counseling services; (4) the collection of data from pre- and post-deployment health assessments, and preventive maintenance post-deployment intervention; (5) the prevention, early detection, and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for returning troops; (6) a Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (7) survivors' and dependents' eligibility for family and bereavement counseling; (8) certain educational initiatives; (9) a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education and a PTSD public awareness program; (10) certain benefits and outreach services for disabled veterans; (11) an increase in survivors' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC); (12) certain pay increases and bonuses for active-duty members; (13) an expansion of benefits under under both the active-duty and reserve Montgomery GI Bill programs; (14) employment assistance for homeless veterans; (15) expanded reserve member eligibility under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program); (16) certain recruitment and retention incentives for Selected Reserve members; and (17) certain pay matters with respect to Federal employees performing active-duty reserve service. Repeals the: (1) DIC offset from Survivor Benefit Plan surviving spouse annuities; (2) pay reduction and high school graduation requirement for participation in the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program; (3) delimiting date for entitlement to basic educational assistance under such program; (4) time limitation on the exclusion of combat zone compensation by reason of hospitalization; (5) tax cut (implemented in 2001) for high-income taxpayers; (6) scheduled termination of the phaseout of personal exemptions; and (6) scheduled phaseout of the overall limitation on itemized deductions.

Continued Benefits for Injured Military Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

Continued Benefits for Injured Military Spouses Act - Entitles to military health care and commissary and exchange benefits the former spouse of a member of the armed forces who performed at least 20 years of service creditable for retired pay if such spouse: (1) has not remarried; (2) had been married to such member for at least 20 years on the date of divorce or annulment, of which at least 10 years were during the period when the member was performing such service; and (3) sought a divorce or annulment due in whole or part to domestic violence involving that person or a child of that person that is substantiated by counseling or medical records, or to other circumstances that constitute unbearable conditions.

Student Bill of Rights

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so through: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final federal or state court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires withholding of specified portions of its federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts. Directs the Commissioner of Education Statistics to study the effects of educational disparities on economic growth and on national defense.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to extend the veterans' preference provisions of such title to individuals who served on active duty in the armed forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days any part of which occurred after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2006, and separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

Extends veterans' preference provisions to individuals who served on active duty in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days any part of which occurred after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2006, and separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions.

September 11th Assistance Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2005

September 11th Assistance Clarification Act - Exempts from Federal taxation specified funds made available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response To Terrorist Attacks on the United States, the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, the 2001 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, and the Department of Defense and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States Act, 2002, that are paid to any person as assistance on account of any property or business damaged by, and for economic revitalization directly related to, the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Service Members' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Service Members' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary concerned to transmit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the service medical records of each Armed Forces member who is entitled to preseparation counseling and other services. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) require preseparation counseling for members (including officers) of reserve components being separated from service on active duty for more than 30 days; and (2) ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Requires preseparation counseling on: (1) certification and licensure requirements for civilian occupations; (2) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties; and (3) Government employment. Enlarges the scope of counseling topics. Extends preseparation counseling to members of the National Guard being separated from long-term duty. States that counseling locations shall include: (1) military installations; (2) armories and military family support centers of the National Guard; (3) Armed Forces inpatient medical care facilities; and (4) locations reasonably convenient for members on the temporary disability retired list. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to require participation in the Department of Labor transitional services program unless members previously participated in the program or are returning to previously held employment or educational pursuits. Enlarges the scope of the Department of Labor transitional services program. Makes members of the reserve components being separated from service on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and members of the National Guard being separated from full-time National Guard duty eligible for such program.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require a member of the Armed Forces to designate a person to be authorized to direct the disposition of the member's remains if the member should die in service.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Requires a member of the Armed Forces to designate a person to be authorized to direct the disposition of the member's remains if the member should die in service.

Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2005 - Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the armed forces stationed outside the continental United States. Grants such an individual limited immunity under the Federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration. Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) transfer each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it; and (2) publish information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum. Prohibits the Attorney General from destroying any such firearm which has been forfeited until five years after the forfeiture. Requires that any firearm transferred to a qualified museum be registered to the transferee. Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to a transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable State law.

Safeguarding Schoolchildren of Deployed Soldiers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Safeguarding Schoolchildren of Deployed Soldiers Act of 2005 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require a State or local educational agency, for the duration of the military service on which a child's change of residence is based and at the request of a parent, to treat a child who changes residence based on the qualifying service of one or both of the child's parents as if the child has the residence held before the change of residence, for purposes of enrollment in elementary or secondary school. Defines "qualifying military service" to mean military service to which a member of a reserve component of the uniformed services is ordered that includes a period of deployment to a location outside the United States.

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005 - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent or more). Makes the 2004 through 2013 phase-in limitations for the concurrent receipt of such pay for qualified retirees with service-connected disabilities rated as total applicable: (1) only during 2004 for retirees with a 100 percent disability; and (2) only during 2004 and 2005 for retirees with a total disability by reason of unemployability. Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

Acquisition System Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Acquisition System Improvement Act - Authorizes the assignment from a Federal agency to a private sector organization, or from a private sector to a Federal agency, of employees who work in Federal acquisition or acquisition management, who are considered exceptional performers, and who are expected to assume increased acquisition management responsibilities. Makes permanent agency authority for entering into share-in-savings contracts for information technology with respect to defense contracts and under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Requires that the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) be revised to include provisions requiring agencies to use commercially available online procurement services to purchase commercial items, including those services that allow agencies to conduct reverse auctions. Extends the deadline for submission of the report from the statutory and regulatory advisory panel. Raises the threshold required before the cost accounting standards of the Cost Accounting Board must be used by executive agencies and contractors and subcontractors in estimating, accumulating, and reporting costs in connection with all negotiated prime contract and subcontract procurements. Authorizes use by State and local governments of Federal supply schedules for goods and services for defense against or recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. Mandates that the FAR be revised to establish payment terms for contract financing payments that are not otherwise subject to other laws governing payment terms. Establishes in: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) the Department of Defense Board of Contract Appeals; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals to resolve Federal contract disputes. Requires procedures for expediting the disposition of appeals in cases of small business concerns where the disputed amount is $150,000 or less. Makes the authority of the Defense and Civilian Boards applicable to: (1) contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold; and (2) contracts for the procurement of commercial items. Transfers personnel, funds, and property of the: (1) Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals to the Defense Board of Contract Appeals; and (2) other Boards of Contract Appeals (with exceptions) to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. Specifies the jurisdiction of the Defense and Civilian Boards. Establishes the Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals (having jurisdiction respecting the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission).

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1268) making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 1268 (making emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2005). Authorizes the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, on behalf of the Committee, to file a supplemental report to accompany H.R. 748 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Lawson of Denver, Colorado, an African American woman who valiantly served her country in the Army Air Corps during World War II and serving as a hospital neuropsychiatric team member, was unfairly passed over for promotion and should have held the grade of technical sergeant, rather than private first class, upon her discharge from the service on January 2, 1946.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Lawson, while in the Army Air Corps during World War II and serving as a hospital neuropsychiatric team member, was unfairly passed over for promotion and should have held the grade of technical sergeant, rather than private first class, upon her discharge on January 2, 1946.

Anti-Hypocrisy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Anti-Hypocrisy Act of 2005 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide that uncompensated consensual sexual activity between adults and cohabitation by adults shall not be UCMJ violations.

To amend the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to exempt from the means test in bankruptcy cases, for a limited period, qualifying reserve-component members who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 60 days.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Amends the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to declare that, if the following conditions exist, the presumption of abuse guidelines do not apply and the bankruptcy court is prohibited from dismissing or converting a Chapter 7 petition based on any form of means testing: (1) while the debtor is on, and during the 180-day period after release from active duty in the U.S. military service; or (2) while the debtor is performing, and during the 180-day period after the debtor is no longer performing, a homeland defense activity performed for at least 60 days; and (3) if after September 11, 2001, the debtor was called to active duty or performed homeland defense activity, while a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or a member of the National Guard.

Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to entitle a servicemember ordered to active duty, upon release from active duty, to reinstatement of health insurance in effect on the day before service commenced without any premium increase for the balance of the period for which there would have been coverage had it not been terminated. Permits a health care insurance carrier to increase a servicemember's premium if there was general premium increase for similarly covered individuals during the period between the termination and the reinstatement. Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to preserve employer-sponsored health plan reinstatement rights for certain Reserve-component members who prior to entering active duty acquire TRICARE (a Department of Defense managed health care program) eligibility.

United States Military Cancer Institute Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

United States Military Cancer Institute Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences the United States Military Cancer Institute to carry out research studies on: (1) the epidemiological features of cancer among populations of various ethnic origins, as well as complementary research on oncologic nursing; (2) the prevention and early detection of cancer; and (3) basic, translational, and clinical investigation matters relating to such studies. Directs the Institute to conduct the study in collaboration with other cancer research organizations and entities as selected by the Director of the Institute.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in remembrance of the members of the Armed Forces who perished in the April 24, 1980, rescue attempt of the American hostages being held in Iran and commending all special operations forces personnel currently in service.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Recognizes the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines who participated in Operation Eagle Claw (the April 24, 1980, rescue attempt of the American hostages in Iran). Commends all of the Special Operation Forces currently in service.

Gold Star Parents Annuity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2005

Gold Star Parents Annuity Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel pin as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.

National Guard and Reserves Housing Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

National Guard and Reserves Housing Equity Act of 2005 - Requires that National Guard and Reserve members called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days receive a basic housing allowance at the same rate as similarly situated members of the regular components of the uniformed services.

Veterans' Health Care and Equitable Access Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Veterans' Health Care and Equitable Access Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make specified funds available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) for Veterans Health Administration FY 2007 programs. Prohibits fund use for: (1) construction, acquisition, or alteration of veterans' medical facilities (other than for certain repairs); or (2) grants for the construction of State home facilities for veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to improve health care access for rural veterans. Provides: (1) for travel reimbursement for veterans receiving treatment in VA facilities at the same as for Federal employees on official business; (2) that the disability rating for a veteran who loses a limb as a result of a service-connected injury shall be at least 50 percent; and (3) that if a member of the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve dies while on active service or active status such individual's child enrolled in any Federal child care program shall continue receiving such services for 24 months after such death. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Medicare subvention project under which HHS shall reimburse the VA for Medicare health care services furnished to Medicare-eligible veterans in VA facilities.

Transparency and Accountability in Security Contracting Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Transparency and Accountability in Security Contracting Act - Directs that each "covered contract" (i.e., a contract entered into by the government with a private security contractor, or a task order issued under the contract) require contractors to provide the contracting officer with information at the time the contract is awarded and to update the information during contract performance regarding: (1) the number of persons being used to perform contract functions; (2) training of personnel; and (3) categories of activity required by the contract. Directs the contractor to provide: (1) pre-contract cost estimates of salary, insurance, materials, logistics, travel, administrative costs, and other contract costs; (2) before contract closeout, a report on the actual costs; and (3) casualty information. Sets forth oversight and emergency waiver authority provisions. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Secretary of State, and the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with respect to such contracts to: (1) prescribe minimum hiring standards, including criminal activity or security clearance information requirements, and (2) issue equipment guidance.

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) provide early identification of the potential for avalanches that could endanger the safety of recreational users of public land and visitors to units of the National Park System (NPS); and (2) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches on visitors, recreational users, neighboring communities, and transportation corridors. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use the resources of the National Avalanche Center of the Forest Service to carry out this Act; and (2) establish an advisory committee to assist in the development and implementation of the program. Directs such Secretaries and the Secretary of the Army to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes, including an inventory that can be made available to Federal and non-Federal entities. Authorizes the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to make grants to carry out projects and activities under the program to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and other explosives required for avalanche control in or affecting NPS units, other Federal land used for recreation, and adjacent communities, and essential transportation corridors; and (4) assist research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control.

Welcome Home G.I. Bill Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Welcome Home G.I. Bill Act of 2005 - Increases and extends the duration of basic educational assistance for individuals who serve at least six consecutive months (with exceptions from the six consecutive months requirement due to medical, hardship, or involuntary separation ) on active duty outside the United States as part of a combat or contingency operation (including a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation) beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending five years after enactment of this Act. Permits assistance use for student loan repayment. Provides for refund of educational contributions made under the Montgomery G.I. Bill program. Increases and extends the duration of educational assistance for reserve component members called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency who perform active duty service for 180 consecutive days before the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Permits assistance use for student loan repayment. Provides $5,000 for a residential purchase downpayment for a veteran who: (1) performs active duty service outside the United States as part of a combat or contingency operation (including a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation) for at least six consecutive months (or a lesser time period for an individual with a service-connected disability) after September 11, 2001; and (2) has not previously obtained a veterans' guaranteed or insured housing loan. Makes such benefit available for five years from the date eligible service is completed. Amends the the Internal Revenue Code to exclude such housing benefit from gross income. Provides transitional health care benefits during the five-year period after separation from active duty for an individual who is not covered under an employer-provided or a spouse's employer-provided group health plan who: (1) serves in the active military, naval, or air service; (2) after September 11, 2001, is deployed outside the United States as part of a combat or contingency operation (including a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation) for at least six consecutive months (or a lesser time period for an individual with a service-connected disability); and (3) is discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Revises predeployment and postdeployment medical exam provisions.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to assist the Department of Homeland Security in the performance of border protection functions.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Secretary of Homeland Security, to assign members of the Armed Forces to assist: (1) the Bureau of Border Security of the Department of Homeland Security in preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens into the United States; and (2) the U.S. Customs Service in the inspection of cargo, vehicles, and aircraft at U.S. points of entry to prevent the entry of weapons of mass destruction and their components, prohibited narcotics or drugs, or other terrorist or drug trafficking items. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to certify that such request is necessary to respond to a threat to national security. Requires the Secretaries to establish a training program that must be completed by military personnel serving in such capacity. Requires any member so serving to be accompanied by a civilian law enforcement officer from the agency concerned. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish ongoing joint task forces to respond to threats to national security posed by the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, or illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the governor and local governments of the State involved of the deployment of such members and the types of tasks to be performed. Prohibits any such assignment after September 30, 2007.

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2005 - Provides that, if there is a deficit in a fiscal year, then: (1) any pay adjustment (including a cost of living adjustment) for Members of Congress scheduled to take effect in the succeeding calendar year shall be null and void; and (2) rates of pay for Members shall be reduced by a specified percentage, but not below zero. Specifies the mandatory pay rate reduction at: (1) five percent, for the first year; or (2) ten percent, for any consecutive subsequent year that expenditures exceed revenues. Specifies conditions for restoration of the original pay rate, together with otherwise scheduled adjustments. Vests authority in the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to make determinations of whether or not a deficit exists in any fiscal year. States that, in making any such determination, the Director shall exclude any budget outlays which directly relate to a military conflict that lasts over 30 days or that is in direct response to a terrorist attack on the United States.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2005

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the pilot program for direct housing loans for Native American veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Amends Federal veterans law to make permanent the pilot program for direct housing loans for Native American veterans.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to standardize the grade specified by law for the senior dental officer of the Air Force with that of the senior dental officer of the Army.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Standardizes the grade specified by law (major general) for the senior dental officer of the Air Force with that of the senior dental officer of the Army.

To allow the entry of certain United States-origin defense articles into bonded warehouses and foreign-trade zones.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Prohibits any U.S. department, agency, or instrumentality from denying a request by an eligible applicant for entry of U.S.-origin defense articles into a bonded warehouse or foreign-trade zone if such articles are: (1) being imported from a country or area that is not a proscribed country or area; (2) subject to Department of State retransfer approval and a request for such retransfer has been submitted; and (3) being imported for official Federal, State, or local end use, or subsequent Department-approved export.

Strategic Communication Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Strategic Communication Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of State to solicit from tax-exempt national security and foreign policy research organizations offers to establish a Center for Strategic Communication, and select one organization to establish such Center. Includes among Center duties: (1) provision of information and analysis to the Department of State, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence on U.S. security and foreign policy issues; (2) development of U.S. communications strategies and monitoring techniques; (3) support of government-wide strategic communication through services provided on a cost-recovery basis; (4) contracting with private sector and academic entities; and (5) mobilization of nongovernment initiatives.

Authorizing special awards to World War I and World War II veterans of the United States Navy Armed Guard.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Authorizes and urges the President to award the John Eopolucci United States Navy Armed Guard Service Medal to recognize service of members of the United States Navy Armed Guard during World War I or II as service in a special force or in a military organization of the Navy.

A bill to expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make veterans buried in private cemeteries who died on or after November 1, 1990, (currently on or after September 11, 2001) eligible for governmental markers for marked graves. States that such amendment shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 502 of such Act.

To amend the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to exempt from the means test in bankruptcy cases, for a limited period, qualifying reserve-component members who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 60 days.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Amends the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to declare that, if the following conditions exist, the presumption of abuse guidelines do not apply and the bankruptcy court is prohibited from dismissing or converting a Chapter 7 petition based on any form of means testing: (1) while the debtor is on, and during the 180-day period after release from active duty in the U.S. military service; or (2) while the debtor is performing, and during the 180-day period after the debtor is no longer performing, a homeland defense activity performed for at least 60 days; and (3) and if after September 11, 2001, the debtor was called to active duty or performed homeland defense activity, while a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or a member of the National Guard.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2006. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Defense Health Program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Provides bonus repayment requirements with respect to unserved periods. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including a special pay incentive for Selected Reserve personnel qualified in a critical military skill or unit, and bonuses for certain military medical officers; (2) military justice, including establishing an unlimited period for prosecution of murder or rape, extending the period for prosecution of child abuse cases, and establishing the offense of stalking; (3) acquisition policy and management, including the revitalization of DOD laboratories; (4) DOD organization and management, including exempting operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency from public disclosure laws; (5) budget and financial matters; (6) transportation-related matters, including authority to transport family members incident to the repatriation of military personnel or civilians held captive, and a reserve civilian mariners pilot program; (7) DOD civilian personnel, including a science, mathematics, and research for transformation (SMART) defense education program, and a priority placement program for displaced civilian employees; and (8) matters relating to other nations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism. Authorizes U.S. military personnel and DOD civilian employees to provide assistance relating to the detection and clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to acquire real property and carry out specified military construction projects. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (3) National Guard and reserve forces facilities.

Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., United States Navy, Retired, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

Philip Coyle, of California, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

James H. Bilbray, of Nevada, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

General James T. Hill, United States Army, Retired, of Florida, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

James V. Hansen, of Utah, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

Brigadier General Sue Ellen Turner, United States Air Force, Retired, of Texas, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position she was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

Samuel Knox Skinner, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

Anthony Joseph Principi, of California, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

General Lloyd W. Newton, United States Air Force, Retired, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (New Position), to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2005

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE COSTS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HEALTH CARE, AND NATIONAL HEALTH CARE TRENDS IN THE CIVILIAN SECTOR

United States · United States Senate · 21 April 2005

Standing With Our Troops Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Standing With Our Troops Act of 2005 - Increases authorized end strengths for the Army and Marine Corps. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) publish a monthly accounting of military casualties incurred in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and any other operation undertaken under the Global War on Terrorism; and (2) establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) an Advisory Panel on Military Awards and Decorations. Establishes within the National Security Council a Director of Mobilization Planning and Preparedness to identify and develop plans for the performance of necessary governmental and private sector functions on a sustained basis during a national emergency. Requires reports on: (1) necessary reconstitution of military equipment due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; and (2) DOD policies concerning the length of reserve mobilization and deployment periods in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Requires the correction of military pay problems experienced by activated reserve personnel. Establishes a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (Reserve Affairs). Provides various programs and authorities to afford financial relief to National Guard and reserve personnel activated for overseas warfighting or domestic homeland security missions, including penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement plans, differential wage payments, and the Ready Reserve-National Guard employee tax credit. National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2005 - Makes members of the Selected Reserve eligible for TRICARE (a DOD-managed health care program). Allows the continuation of non-TRICARE health benefits coverage for reserves called or ordered to active duty (and their dependents). Increases from $12,000 to $100,000 the death gratuity for survivors of members killed during active duty or inactive duty training. Requires a report on additional needs for funding U.S. military and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.