Defence

To require employers at critical infrastructure sites to participate in the pilot program for employment eligibility verification, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require employers at critical infrastructure sites to participate in the basic pilot (employment eligibility verification) program. Defines such employers as those employing individuals in a location that: (1) is a Federal, State, or local government building, a military base, a nuclear energy site, a weapon site, or an airport; or (2) contains critical infrastructure as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Makes it unlawful for such employers to: (1) authorize an alien employee's access to critical infrastructure after receiving a notification of nonconfirmation from the commissioner of Social Security; or (2) fail to notify any other person or entity that has or may issue documentation authorizing the alien's access of such notification. Authorizes the use of information obtained pursuant to the basic pilot program for enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Social Security Act. Allows the Secretary to authorize or require any person or entity responsible for granting access to, protecting, securing, operating, administering, or regulating critical infrastructure to use the basic pilot program for individuals seeking access if doing so will assist in protecting such infrastructure. Establishes enforcement procedures for noncompliance.

Native American Veteran Home Loan Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Native American Veteran Home Loan Act - Amends Federal veterans law to: (1) convert into a permanent program the pilot program (set to expire after December 31, 2008) under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may make direct housing loans to Native American veterans; (2) limit the amount of any increase in the principal amount of any direct housing loan made to a Native American; and (3) extend the eligibility for such direct loans to a non-Native American veteran who is the spouse of a Native American.

GI Bill Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

GI Bill Flexibility Act - Authorizes the use of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to pay Federal student loans.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2005

Port Security Grants Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Port Security Grants Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, to establish a grant program to fairly and equitably allocate Federal financial assistance: (1) to help implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans; (2) to correct port security vulnerabilities; and (3) for non-Federal projects contributing to the overall security of an individual port or system of ports. Directs the Secretary, in awarding grants under this Act, to: (1) take into account national economic and strategic defense considerations of individual ports; and (2) strongly encourage efforts to promote integration of port-wide security, information and intelligence sharing, and joint efforts. Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of grant funds. Limits the Federal share of funding for eligible projects to 75 percent of the total cost, subject to specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish grant application procedures and requirements, subject to specified minimum standards; and (2) submit reports on security funding and compliance to specified congressional committees. States that amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act (for FY 2007 through 2012) shall originate from duties collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

North American Cooperative Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

North American Cooperative Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to provide a framework for enhanced security management, communication, and coordination among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Directs the Secretary to: (1) negotiate border-related information sharing agreements with Mexico; (2) establish a program to improve Mexico's southern border security, including U.S., Canadian, and Mexican financial and technical assistance to Belize and Guatemala to help secure their borders; (3) establish a database to track Central American gangs; (4) examine the feasibility of an agreement with Panama and other Central American countries regarding the aerial interdiction program (Airbridge Denial); and (5) negotiate with other countries to accept the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 9 one-time travel document in lieu of official travel documents if an inadmissible immigrant has not presented official travel documents or has presented fraudulent ones, and facilitate the removal and repatriation of inadmissible aliens from the United States, with a focus on criminal aliens who are dangerous or potential terrorists. Directs the Secretary of Defense to examine the feasibility of strengthening institutions for consultations on intelligence sharing and defense and border issues among the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months regarding: (1) security, cargo security, and the movement of goods; (2) border infrastructure and wait times; (3) security clearances and document integrity; (4) immigration and visa management; (5) visa policy coordination and immigration security; (6) North American visitor overstay program; (7) terrorist watch lists; (8) money laundering, income tax evasion, currency smuggling, and alien smuggling; (9) counterterrorism programs; (10) law enforcement cooperation; (11) biosecurity cooperation; (12) protection against nuclear and radiological threats; (13) emergency management cooperation; (14) cooperative energy policy; and (15) feasibility of a common external tariff and development assistance with Mexico.

A joint resolution authorizing special awards to World War I and World War II veterans of the United States Navy Armed Guard.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Authorizes and urges the President to make appropriate awards to recognize the service of members of the United States Navy Armed Guard during World War I or II as service in a special force or military organization of the United States Navy.

Port Security Grants Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Port Security Grants Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, to establish a grant program to fairly and equitably allocate Federal financial assistance: (1) to help implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans; (2) to correct port security vulnerabilities; and (3) for non-Federal projects contributing to the overall security of an individual port or system of ports. Directs the Secretary, in awarding grants under this Act, to: (1) take into account national economic and strategic defense considerations of individual ports; and (2) strongly encourage efforts to promote integration of port-wide security, information and intelligence sharing, and joint efforts. Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of grant funds. Limits the Federal share of funding for eligible projects to 75 percent of the total cost, subject to specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish grant application procedures and requirements, subject to specified minimum standards; and (2) submit reports on security funding and compliance to specified congressional committees. States that amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act (for FY 2007 through 2012) shall originate from duties collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Rural Veterans Access to Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Rural Veterans Access to Care Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a FY 2006 through 2008 pilot program to improve health care access for rural veterans. States that: (1) the program shall be conducted in three geographic service regions (Veterans Integrated Service Networks) of the Veterans Health Administration; and (2) medical services shall be provided by non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers for acute or chronic symptom management, non-therapeutic medical services, and other medical services as determined by the director of the appropriate geographic service region. Obligates program funds.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide that an officer of the Army or Air Force on the active-duty list may not be promoted to brigadier general unless the officer has had a duty assignment of at least one year involving the administration of the National Guard or Reserves.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Requires officers on the active-duty list of the Army or Air Force to complete a tour of duty of at least one year in a Guard or Reserve duty assignment (other than a Reserve Officers Training Corps unit) in order to be eligible for promotion to brigadier general. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to waive this requirement: (1) when necessary for the good of the service; (2) in cases where the proposed promotion is based primarily upon scientific and technical qualifications for which Guard or Reserve requirements do not exist; (3) in the case of specified medical, chaplaincy, or judge advocate positions; or (4) if the officer selected for appointment to brigadier general by a promotion board had completed at least 180 days of a Guard or Reserve duty assignment on the date such board was convened. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act that specifically identify those categories of officers for whom the waiver applicable to scientific and technical qualifications is available.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit retired servicemembers who have a service-connected disability to receive disability compensation and either retired pay or Combat-Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase-in period with respect to such concurrent receipt.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability. 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). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013. 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.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to require a minimum basic pay level of $2,000 per month for members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Requires that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who serves on active duty for more than 10 days during any month in an area for which special combat zone pay is authorized, the rate of basic pay for the member for that month shall not be less than $2,000.

Internet Police Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Internet Police Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly making restricted personal information about a covered official publicly available through the Internet. Defines "covered official" to mean a Federal officer or employee, a public safety officer for a public agency that receives Federal financial assistance, or a U.S. court officer, juror, or magistrate judge. Makes it a defense to a prosecution that: (1) the defendant is an Internet service provider and did not knowingly participate in the offense; or (2) the covered official gave permission to make such information publicly available.

A bill to provide that the conveyance of the former radar bomb scoring site to the city of Conrad, Montana, is not subject to reversion.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal the provision that the conveyance of the former radar bomb scoring site to the city of Conrad, Montana, is subject to reversion to the United States.

Energy Policy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Sets forth an energy research and development program, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) oil and gas; (4) coal; (5) Indian energy; (6) nuclear matters and security; (7) vehicles and motor fuels, including ethanol; (8) hydrogen; (9) electricity; and (10) energy tax incentives. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) institute grant programs for low-income community energy efficiency and energy efficient public buildings; and (2) revise energy conservation standards for additional consumer products. Amends the National Housing Act and related Federal law regarding affordable housing, assisted housing, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing proposals for alternative conditions and requirements governing project works within a Federal reservation. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to make incentive payments to promote hydroelectric production. Amends the Natural Gas Act to prescribe authorization procedures governing: (1) construction, expansion, or operation of liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals; and (2) natural gas market transparency. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding oil and gas leasing on Federal lands. United States Refinery Revitalization Act of 2005 - Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) designation of refinery revitalization zones; and (2) coordination and expeditious review of permitting process for such zones. Sets forth a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees for designated coal gasification projects. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe implementation guidelines for a clean air coal program. Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote Indian tribal energy resource development through a program of grants and loans. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees and Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Prohibits assumption by the U.S. Government of liability for certain foreign incidents. Directs the NRC to establish a training and fellowship program for individuals with critical nuclear safety regulatory skills. Revises requirements for: (1) uranium sales; (2) special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry; (3) whistleblower protection prescriptions; (4) medical isotope production; (5) uranium enrichment facilities; and (6) the national uranium stockpile. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project. Provides for disposal of: (1) Fernald uranium processing facility byproduct material; and (2) greater-than-class C radioactive waste. Sets forth programs to promote: (1) hybrid vehicles; (2) hybrid retrofit and electric conversion technologies for combustion engine vehicles; and (3) alternative fuels for dual-fueled vehicles. Sets forth implementation guidelines for pilot programs that target: (1) alternative fueled vehicles; (2) fuel cell buses and alternative fuel and altra-low sulfur diesel fuel (clean) school buses; (3) advanced vehicles; and (4) hybrid vehicles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs that address: (1) production of hydrogen from diverse energy sources; and (2) solar and wind technologies. Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct research and development programs in specified sciences; and (2) maintain within the Department of Energy the Office of Scientific and Technical Information. Directs the Secretary to conduct: (1) a secondary electric vehicle battery use program; and (2) a Next Generation Lighting Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement initiatives regarding: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) nuclear energy research programs; (6) Next Generation Nuclear Plant Program; (7) fossil energy; (8) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas, and other petroleum resource exploration and production; (9) coordination of civilian science and technology programs; and (10) Department of Energy management. Electric Reliability Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to grant FERC regulatory jurisdiction over an Electric Reliability Organization. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require electric utilities to make net metering and smart metering available upon consumer request; and (2) terminate mandatory purchase and sale requirements pertaining to cogeneration and small power production utilities. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing wholesale electric energy and transmission services; and (2) prohibit round trip trading. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Requires a study of Federal agency review authorities over mergers to determine if duplicative authorities exist. Revises Federal Power Act requirements for electric utility mergers. Directs FERC to convene a joint board to study the issue of security constrained economic dispatch for a market region. Enhanced Energy Infrastructure and Technology Tax Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish energy infrastructure tax incentives, including: (1) new property depreciation; (2) tax credits for certain residential and business property and equipment; and (3) alternative minimum tax relief. Retains the effect of Department of Energy Order No. 202-03-2 (August 28, 2003) regarding transmission security. Extends the attainment date for certain downwind ozone nonattainment areas. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to promulgate regulations ensuring that domestic motor vehicle fuel consumption includes renewable fuel containing ethanol. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to provide assistance to merchant producers of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in making the transition from producing MTBE to producing iso-octane, iso-octene, alkylates, or renewable fuels. Prohibits the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel by December 31, 2014, in any State that does not specifically authorize it. Authorizes the President to determine by June 30, 2014, that this prohibition against the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel shall not take place and that the legal authority to prohibit its use in motor vehicle fuel shall become null and void. Eliminates the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Conditions the Administrator's approval of State fuel restrictions upon a finding that they will neither cause fuel supply or distribution interruptions nor have a significant adverse impact on fuel producibility. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make loan guarantees for private sector construction of facilities for the processing and conversion of municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts; and (2) provide grants for construction of ethanol production facilities. Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator to distribute specified fund percentages from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to States to pay costs for regulation of underground storage tanks (USTs). Amends the Clean Air Act to cite conditions under which the Administrator may waive the prohibition against the use of extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supplies ("boutique fuels"). Establishes a grant program to improve the commercial value of forest biomass for electric energy, useful heat, transportation fuels, petroleum-based product substitutes, and other commercial purposes. John Rishel Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revamp guidelines governing leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands, including those withdrawn for military purposes. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to make adjustments in Bureau of Reclamation water pumping facilities to minimize the amount of electric power consumed for such pumping during periods of peak electric power consumption. Sets forth a program of production incentives, including: (1) oil and gas royalties in kind; (2) marginal property production; (3) natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico; and (4) oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Directs the President to establish the Office of Federal Energy Project Coordination. National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. Transfers from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction and control over certain public domain lands within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 2 (Kern County, California), in order to implement production of hydrocarbon resources. Conveys a portion of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 2 to the City of Taft, California. Sets forth royalty relief provisions affecting certain leases for offshore oil or gas production under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Establishes the Secure Energy Reinvestment Fund to fund a domestic offshore energy reinvestment program. Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2005 -Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to modify statutory requirements governing Federal coal leases affecting acreage limitations, mining plans, and advance royalty payments. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2005 - Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- ANWR). Set America Free Act of 2005 or the SAFE Act - Establishes the United States Commission on North American Energy Freedom to make recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive North American energy policy that will achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2025 within the three contiguous North American nation area of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Grand Canyon Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Demonstration Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretaries of Energy and of the Interior to jointly: (1) establish a research and development program, in partnership with the private sector, relating to hydrogen-based transportation technologies suitable for operations in national parks; and (2) conduct a demonstration of hydrogen-based public transportation technology at Grand Canyon. Shields from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 such actions by the Secretary of the Interior that involve activities on the public lands conducted for exploration or development of a domestic Federal energy source (including oil and gas pipelines and drilling).

IMPLEMENTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM

United States · United States Senate · 14 April 2005

Military Families Leave Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Military Families Leave Act of 2005 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and Federal law relating to the Armed Forces, to entitle eligible employees to certain leave because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that their spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation or has been notified of an impending call or order to such active duty.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the position of Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management (Deputy Secretary) to: (1) serve as the Chief Management Officer of DOD; and (2) act as principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense on matters relating to the management of DOD, including defense business activities. Makes the Deputy Secretary responsible to the Secretary for development, approval, implementation, integration, and oversight for the management of DOD that relate to performance of the the following functions: (1) planning and budgeting, including performance measurement; (2) acquisition; (3) logistics; (4) facilities, installations, and environment; (5) financial management; (6) human resources and personnel; and (7) management of information resources. Requires the Deputy Secretary, among other things, to: (1) develop and maintain a department-wide strategic plan for defense business reform; and (2) establish performance goals and measures for improving and evaluating overall DOD economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Directs the Deputy Secretary to enter into an annual performance agreement with the Secretary measuring individual and organizational goals.

A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation for family members of members of the Armed Forces hospitalized in the United States in connection with non-serious illnesses or injuries incurred or aggravated in a contingency operation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Amends Federal military pay and allowances provisions to provide reimbursement for travel for the family of members of the Armed Forces hospitalized in the United States in connection with certain non-serious illnesses or injuries incurred or aggravated in a contingency operation. Allows such reimbursement for only one round trip. Provides reimbursement funding from specified military accounts. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense committees if such expenses exceed $20 million in a fiscal year.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a traumatic injury protection rider to servicemembers insured under section 1967(a)(1) of such title.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to require that a member insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program be automatically issued a traumatic injury protection rider that will provide a payment of up to $100,000 per event if the member, while so insured, sustains a traumatic injury that results in: (1) a loss of sight, limbs, movement, speech, or hearing; (2) certain burns; or (3) a coma or the inability to carry out certain daily living activities. Provides coverage exceptions, including attempted suicide or self-inflicted injury, committing or attempting to commit a felony, being legally intoxicated, or willful misconduct. Provides specific payment amounts with respect to each type of injury or loss. Requires the payment, while a member is serving on active or reserve duty, of premiums for such additional coverage. Terminates such coverage upon separation from the Armed Forces.

Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Improvements Act of 2005 - Repeals a sunset provision in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 concerning material support of terrorism. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to expand the definition of alien terrorists deemed inadmissible to include persons who: (1) engage in specified terrorist-related activities regardless of whether they are affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization; or (2) have received military-type training from an organization that was a terrorist organization at the time of training. Makes persons who receive such military-type training subject to removal to the same degree that they would be inadmissible. States that this Act's amendments to the INA shall apply to: (1) all aliens subject to removal, deportation, or exclusion at any time; and (2) acts and conditions constituting grounds for inadmissibility, exclusion, deportation, or removal occurring or existing before, on, or after the date of enactment. Amends the Federal criminal code to increase penalties and establish mandatory minimum sentences for providing material support to terrorists or designated foreign terrorist organizations and for receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization.

A concurrent resolution honoring military children during "National Month of the Military Child".

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they share in the burden of protecting the Nation. Urges Americans to join the military community in observing April as "National Month of the Military Child." Recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of private sector organizations in providing resources and assistance to military families and their communities.

Military Families Leave Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Military Families Leave Act of 2005 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and Federal law relating to the Armed Forces, to entitle eligible employees to certain leave because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that their spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation or has been notified of an impending call or order to such active duty.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide a temporary five-year increase in the minimum end-strength levels for active-duty personnel for the Armed Forces, to increase the number of Special Operations Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Increases during FY 2006 through 2010 the minimum active-duty end strength levels for the Armed Forces. Directs the Secretary of Defense to manage the selection, training, and retention of Special Operations Forces so that the total number of such personnel is increased by 2,000 at the end of each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, thus equaling a total increase of 10,000.

Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act - Prohibits military assistance to Egypt beginning in FY 2006 unless the President determines and certifies to Congress that it is in the national security interests to provide assistance for a given fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds that would have been provided for military assistance should be given in the form of economic support fund assistance and not used by the armed forces of Egypt; (2) the President should certify the establishment of procedures to ensure access by the Comptroller General to appropriate financial information in order to review the use of these funds; and (3) the agreement among the United States, Egypt, and Israel to decrease the overall amount of U.S. foreign assistance for both countries should continue.

Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a requirement that members of the Armed Forces: (1) deploying to a combat theater receive a pre-deployment mental health evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional; and (2) returning from service of more than 30 days in a combat theater, or injured in a combat theater, receive a post-deployment combat stress evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional. Directs the Secretary to implement a program designed to: (1) raise awareness about mental health issues that members may encounter during and after deployment; and (2) reduce the stigma associated with mental health care. Directs the Secretary to develop a program to improve awareness of the availability of mental health services for, and warning signs about mental health problems in, dependents of members who served or will serve in a combat theater during the previous or next 60 days. Requires such program to include a toll-free number and informational website. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding to improve the transition of mental health-related cases from the Department of Defense (DOD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) to create an information clearinghouse to improve the availability of information about mental health professionals who treat combat stress; and (3) to provide for the availability (for a two-year period) of mental health services under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) for reserve personnel who performed certain active duty (and their family members).

LESS FAITH IN JUDICIAL CREDIT: ARE FEDERAL AND STATE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE INITIATIVES VULNERABLE TO JUDICIAL ACTIVISM?

United States · United States Senate · 13 April 2005

Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2005 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans. Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health-related data collection; (2) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols; and (3) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces. Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD. Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans. Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop model programs to address mental health disorders prevalent among veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations. Requires counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action. Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education. Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD. Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions. Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.

Wounded Warrior Servicemembers Group Disability Insurance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Wounded Warrior Servicemembers Group Disability Insurance Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to purchase from one or more insurance companies a policy (or policies) of group disability insurance to automatically insure, in the amount of $50,000 each, any servicemember who: (1) assumes an obligation to perform (for less than 31 days) active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; and (2) is rendered uninsurable from a disability, or aggravation of a preexisting disability, incurred while proceeding directly to or returning directly from such duty or training. Outlines qualifying disabilities for purposes of such coverage, including: (1) complete and permanent loss of movement of an extremity; (2) burns of third degree or higher covering more than one square foot; (3) the loss of sight of one or both eyes; (4) the permanent loss of one hand or foot; and (5) the irretrievable loss of speech or hearing. Provides for the payment of premiums and other payments with respect to such insurance.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of hazardous duty pay and diving pay in the computation of military retired pay for members of the Armed Forces with extensive hazardous duty experience, to require a Comptroller General study on the need for a tax credit for businesses that employ members of the National Guard and Reserve, and to require a report by the Secretary of Defense on the expansion of the Junior ROTC and similar military programs for young people.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Includes hazardous duty pay and diving duty special pay received for at least 60 months as qualifying pay in the computation of military retired pay. Directs the Comptroller General to study the possibility of tax credits or small business loan incentives for businesses that employ National Guard and reserve personnel. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on an assessment of the feasibility and desirability of expanding the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program of each of the military departments, the Civil Air Patrol, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League.

To modify the calculation of back pay for persons who were approved for promotion as members of the Navy and Marine Corps while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to take into account changes in the Consumer Price Index.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to increase the amount of back pay received by members of the Navy and Marine Corps selected for promotion while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to reflect increases in the cost of living since basic pay was paid to or for that person.

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2005 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POW) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds the following diseases to the above listed diseases heart disease, stroke, diabetes (type 2), and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors. Grants the Secretary authority similar to that of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies and departments that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Eliminates the initial coverage limit on the maximum costs that may be recognized for payment purposes (including the annual deductible) with respect to prescription drug benefits. Pharmaceutical Market Access Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to: (1) repeal certain sections of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 relating to importation of prescription drugs from Canada. and (2) restore previous law. Amends such restored law to direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations allowing qualifying individuals (in addition to pharmacists and wholesalers) to import covered products. Repeals the mandate that the Secretary require that a foreign seller specify the original source of the product and the amount of each lot of the product originally received. Amends provisions regarding the testing of imported covered products. Declares that specified tests shall not be required unless the importer is a wholesaler. Requires such tests to be conducted by the importer-wholesaler unless a product is a prescription drug subject to the provisions of this Act pertaining to counterfeit-resistant packaging. Classifies prescription drugs as misbranded if they do not incorporate specified counterfeit-resistant technologies in packaging. Directs the Secretary to require that the packaging of any subject drug incorporate specified overt optically variable counterfeit-resistant technologies.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than July 31, 2005, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by December 31, 2005.

Honoring military children during "National Month of the Military Child".

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they share in the burden of protecting the Nation. Urges Americans to join the military community in observing April as "National Month of the Military Child." Recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of private sector organizations in providing resources and assistance to military families and their communities.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2005

NSPS: THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL SYSTEM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 April 2005

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to limit the length of assignment of reservists during U.S. Central Command deployments of not less than one year. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on Department of Defense (DOD) policies and communications regarding the length of deployments for reservists in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Directs the Secretary of the Army to designate a senior level official of the Department of the Army to implement recommendations for executive action to address military pay problems. Removes conditions on Ready Reserve members' eligibility for TRICARE enrollment. Makes such eligibility permanent. Requires the Secretary concerned to pay applicable premiums to continue qualified health benefit plan coverage for family members of eligible reservists serving on active duty for the benefits coverage continuation period. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to fund child care for members of the Armed Forces on active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Expands eligibility for monthly educational assistance benefits to include reservists who have served on active duty for a cumulative period of 24 months during any five-year period. Reduces from 60 to 55 the age at which members of Reserve components may receive military retirement pay. Establishes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (Reserve Affairs). Eliminates the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Reduces the number of Assistant Secretaries of Defense. Makes National Guard appropriations available to establish and operate offices to assist in readjusting to civilian life Guard personnel being released from active or full-time duty of more than 30 days.

Veterans Prescription Access Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Veterans Prescription Access Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish to a veteran such drugs and medicines as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician in the treatment of any illness or injury of such veteran. (Currently, other requirements must be met before such veterans will be furnished drugs and medicines on private practitioner prescriptions.)

Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2005 - Provides for benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserves who serve extended periods on active duty, including special assistance to them and their families through: (1) family leave, under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (2) child care, under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (3) educational assistance, under Federal law relating to Montgomery GI Bill benefits; (4) student loan deferments, under the Higher Education Act of 1965; (5) preservation of educational status and tuition, under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act; (6) non-reduction in pay in the case of those who are Federal employees, under Federal civil service law; (7) a tax credit to their employers for the income differential between their wages and their military pay, or a self-employment credit, under the Internal Revenue Code; (8) reduced minimum age for non-regular service retired pay, under Federal law relating to the Armed Services; and (9) health benefits, through expanded eligibility for the TRICARE program and continuation of non-TRICARE plan coverage for dependents, under Federal law relating to the Armed Services.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that the increase of $250 per month in the rate of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payable to a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who dies on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability shall be paid for so long as there are minor children, rather than only for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Increases by $250 the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payable to a surviving spouse: (1) of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability; and (2) who, at the time of the member's death, has one or more children under 18 years of age. Repeals a provision that limits the duration of such increase to two years (thereby continuing the payment until all such dependents attain age 18). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, effective on December 1, 2005, to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to such additional compensation.

Pakistan Proliferation Accountability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

Pakistan Proliferation Accountability Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government has an interest in knowing the full extent of the illegal international nuclear proliferation network established and operated by the Pakistani nuclear scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan; and (2) Dr. Khan should give the U.S. Government a full accounting of such network. Prohibits U.S. military assistance to Pakistan until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) the Government of Pakistan has provided the United States with unrestricted opportunities to interview Dr. Khan, and has complied with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requests regarding such network; and (2) the U.S. Government has determined such network's full scope of activities and participants, determined the nature of its connection to al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, and, in conjunction with the IAEA, has confirmed its dismantling.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Gibbons of Denver, Colorado, an African American woman who valiantly served her country in the Army Air Corps during World War II, 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 · 12 April 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Gibbons, while in the Army Air Corps during World War II, 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.

Gordon England, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense, vice Paul D. Wolfowitz.

United States · United States Senate · 7 April 2005

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 6 April 2005

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 6 April 2005

Vet Center Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Vet Center Enhancement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to employ up to 50 veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom to provide outreach to veterans on the availability of readjustment counseling and related mental health services at vet centers operated through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Revises provisions concerning the provision of bereavement counseling to the family of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active military duty to: (1) include the parents of such members within such authority; and (2) allow such counseling to be provided through vet centers.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the National Defense University to award the degree of Master of Science in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Authorizes the President of the National Defense University to award the degree of Master of Science in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy.

Chinese Currency Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Chinese Currency Act of 2005 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 regarding countervailing duty investigations to revise the definition of countervailable subsidy to include exchange-rate manipulation. Defines "exchange-rate manipulation" as protracted large-scale intervention by an authority to undervalue its currency in the exchange market that prevents effective balance-of-payments adjustment or that gains an unfair competitive advantage over any other country. Specifies factors for determining whether exchange-rate manipulation is occurring and a benefit thereby conferred. Applies the definition of "exchange-rate manipulation" to the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) or any other public entity within its territory. Specifies: (1) factors for determining whether exchange-rate manipulation is occurring in the PRC; (2) actions to be taken, if a petition for an investigation alleges and reasonably documents that it is occurring; and (3) the standard for presidential action to prevent or remedy the market disruption at issue (including import relief and its modification and extension). Directs the Secretary of Defense, upon proper request or resolution, to report to the U.S. International Trade Commission any determination as to whether or not the articles of the PRC that are the subject of the investigation are like or directly competitive with domestically produced articles critical to the U.S. defense industrial base. Prohibits the Secretary from procuring, directly or indirectly, such products if the Commission or the President or the U.S. Trade Representative makes an affirmative determination that the Secretary's determination is accurate. Provides for presidential waiver of the prohibition in the national security interests of the United States.

Boutique Fuels Elimination Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Boutique Fuels Elimination Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to temporarily waive controls or prohibitions on the use of a fuel or fuel additive regulated under specified provisions of that Act or prescribed in an applicable State Implementation Plan (SIP) if the Administrator determines that: (1) extreme and unusual circumstances exist in a State or region that prevent distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or fuel additive to consumers; (2) such circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or another unforeseeable event; and (3) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver. Permits such a waiver only if specified requirements are met. States that the Administrator shall have no authority, when considering a SIP or SIP revision regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives, to approve any fuel: (1) if doing so would increase the total number of approved fuels as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; and (2) unless that fuel was approved and fully implemented in at least one SIP in the applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense District (with the exception of fuels with a specified summertime Reid Vapor Pressure). Requires the Administrator to: (1) determine the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; (2) publish a list of such fuels for public review and comment; and (3) remove fuels from such list in specified circumstances (but the total number of authorized fuels shall not be reduced). Expresses the sense of Congress that States should seek to maximize the environmental benefits available from approved fuels. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy jointly to study and report to Congress on the effects of SIPs adopted pursuant to CAA provisions regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives.