Defence

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of military recruiting.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Recognizes: (1) the importance of military recruiting in ensuring national security; and (2) the essential role of U.S. Armed Forces in protecting the nation and providing valuable resources and life experiences for future leaders. Condemns: (1) municipal and university actions which defy federal statutes regarding military recruiters, including recruiter access provisions; and (2) those who denigrate military service as less significant or valuable than higher education.

Dorrance Smith, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Victoria Clarke, resigned, to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 10 February 2006

Gordon England, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense, vice Paul D. Wolfowitz, resigned, to which position he was appointed during the last recess of the Senate.

United States · United States Senate · 10 February 2006

USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2006

USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to allow a person receiving a production order (an order from the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or his designee (Director) to produce any tangible thing, such as a book, document, or record) to challenge its legality by filing a petition with a pool of three district court judges established by the Chief Justice of the United States for such purpose. Permits the filing of a petition, no sooner than one year after issuance of the production order, challenging any accompanying nondisclosure order (an order prohibiting the person receiving the production order from disclosing that the FBI sought information). Requires the presiding judge of the pool to immediately assign a judge to conduct an initial review of a petition. Requires such judge, within 72 hours of the assignment, to make a determination. Requires the judge to immediately deny such petition if it is frivolous and affirm the production or nondisclosure order. Permits any order setting aside a nondisclosure order to be stayed pending review upon request of the government. Permits setting aside a nondisclosure order if there is no reason to believe that national security would be endangered. Establishes as conclusive a certification by the Director or the Attorney General that the setting aside of a nondisclosure order may endanger national security, unless the certification was found to be made in bad faith. Requires upholding a production order unless it is found to be unlawful. Requires immediate compliance with the production order if the judge does not set aside such order. Grants the Supreme Court, upon writ of certiorari, jurisdiction to review a decision. Requires any judicial review to be as expeditious as possible and all petitions to be filed under seal. Requires any court proceedings, upon request from the government, to be ex parte and in camera. Amends federal criminal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, and the National Security Act of 1947 to require a person making a disclosure to identify to the Director or requesting official the person to whom such disclosure will be made or was made prior to the request, but permits withholding the identity of an attorney to whom a disclosure was or will be made to obtain legal advice or assistance with respect to the request. Considers a library not to be a wire or electronic service communication provider for purposes of granting national security letters, unless the library provides "electronic communication service."

HURRICANE KATRINA: THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT'S ROLE IN THE RESPONSE

United States · United States Senate · 9 February 2006

Congressional Pension Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2006

Congressional Pension Accountability Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress, or a survivor or beneficiary, from receiving an annuity or retired pay if such Member is: (1) convicted of bribery of public officials and witnesses, conspiracy either to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States, perjury, or subornation of perjury; or (2) indicted or has outstanding charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Defines "Member of Congress" as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

NDEA-21

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

21st Century National Defense Education Act or NDEA-21 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to promote science, technology, engineering, and math education (STEM fields) in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a loan forgiveness program for students who have obtained undergraduate degrees in a STEM field and are employed full-time as elementary or secondary school teachers in a STEM field or by the federal government in a position that requires training or education in a STEM field. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish (1) a program to promote professional development to ensure effective STEM instruction; (2) Centers of Excellence to develop STEM curricula; (3) a program to promote research experiences for undergraduates in a STEM field; (4) professional science Master's programs at institutions of higher education for national security and economic competitiveness; and (5) support programs for STEM students studying in foreign countries that have languages of critical strategic importance to the United States. Establishes: (1) a national STEM Teaching Fellowship program to encourage teaching careers in STEM fields; (2) a STEM Revitalization Task Force to evaluate and promote STEM programs; and (3) a National STEM Advisor. Establishes: (1) the Office of Teaching Another Language to Kids within the Department of Education to improve foreign language education from kindergarten through 12th grade; (2) the National Foreign Language Coordinating Council in the Executive Office of the President; and (3) the position of National Foreign Language Advisor to find solutions to achieving national foreign language and cultural competency.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to require the phased recovery of overpayments of pay and allowances made to members of the uniformed services, to delay the start of overpayment recovery from members who are wounded or injured, or who incur an illness, in a combat operation or combat zone, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Requires the phased recovery of overpayments of pay and allowances made to a member of the U.S. uniformed services to not exceed 20% of the member's pay per month, if the overpayment was made through no fault of the member. Delays recovery of pay and allowance overpayments to a member recovering from a wound, injury, or illness incurred in a combat operation or combat zone while in the line of duty until after the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the member is notified of the overpayment.

Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2006 - Establishes: (1) the Agent Orange Illness Compensation Program to be carried out by the Attorney General; and (2) the Agent Orange Illness Compensation Fund in the Treasury. Entitles an eligible exposed employee, or the eligible survivor of such employee, to $100,000 compensation. Defines an "exposed employee" as an individual who: (1) was a civilian employee of the federal government, an employee of a contractor, or subcontractor at any tier of the Department of Defense; (2) was an employee present in the Republic of Vietnam or in or near the Korean demilitarized zone during the period beginning September 1, 1976, and ending on August 31, 1971; and (3) suffered injury or death by reason of an Agent Orange illness. Defines "eligible survivors" as the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, all surviving children of the employee who had not yet attained the age of 18 when the employee died or was permanently disabled. Offsets a payment of any compensation made under this Act by any claim paid on the basis of the same illness or death due to exposure to Agent Orange herbicides.

Commending the persons who were inducted for service in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Commends the millions of persons who were inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and served with great courage and valor to advance the frontiers of freedom.

NATO: FROM COMMON DEFENSE TO COMMON SECURITY

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2006

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2006

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2006

A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to offer the 181 Area of the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2006

Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer the 181 Area of the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing. Prohibits the Secretary from offering for oil and gas leasing: (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line, unless the Secretary of Defense agrees in writing before the area is offered for lease that it can be developed in a manner that will not interfere with military activities; or (2) any area within 100 miles of the coastline of Florida.

Defense Against Regional Threats Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2006

Defense Against Regional Threats Act of 2005 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) provide for deployment as soon as technologically possible of missile defense systems capable of defending Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and all member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization against ballistic missile attack; and (2) seek continued negotiated burdensharing agreements with such countries to share the costs of development and deployment of ballistic missile defense systems.

A bill to amend Public Law 106-348 to extend the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Extends through October 24, 2015, the authority of the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation to establish in the District of Columbia or its environs a memorial to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces. Requires any unobligated balance of funds for such memorial to be used for the costs of its perpetual maintenance and preservation.

To ease the transition of National Guard and Reserve members adversely affected by the closure or realignment of reserve component facilities by authorizing their temporary detail to duty with other reserve component units.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to detail National Guard and Reserve members assigned to duty at reserve component facilities approved for closure or realignment, or with units relocated more than 100 miles from a member's residence pursuant to a base closure law, to duty for up to two years with another unit of the same or a different reserve component under that Secretary's jurisdiction, at their request.

Honoring the service of the National Guard and requesting consultation by the Department of Defense with Congress and the chief executive officers of the States prior offering proposals to change the National Guard force structure.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Expresses support for the federal and state missions of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Recommends that the Department of Defense (DOD) propose to fully fund the National Guard's equipment needs. Urges DOD to consult with the states' chief executive officers and Congress on any proposed changes to the National Guard force structure. Requests that: (1) any DOD plan regarding force structure take into account the National Guard role in homeland defense and other state missions; (2) DOD prepare budget projections that detail cost savings from any changes in force structure, as well as projected costs in the event large personnel increases are necessary to respond to a national emergency; and (3) DOD assure Congress and the chief executive officers that potential changes in force structure will not impact the safety and security of the U.S. people.

Servicemember Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Servicemember Safety Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of each military department to ensure that each Armed Forces member who is ordered, assigned, or deployed to a combat zone or a combat operation (covered member) is provided with interceptor body armor and such other appropriate protective gear so as to provide such covered member with complete personal armored protection. Sets forth an exception to such requirement if a unit commander of a covered member certifies that the provision of complete personal armored protection to the covered member would impose a greater risk of injury or death than if the member were provided with less than complete personal armored protection. Requires each relevant Secretary to provide an amount to a covered member for the purchase, or for the reimbursement of purchases made by others on behalf of the covered member, of such interceptor body armor and other appropriate protective gear. Limits the total payment to a covered member to no more than the lesser of $1,100 or the amount incurred by or on behalf of the covered member to purchase the body armor and other gear.

Encouraging States to establish programs to award high school diplomas to veterans who left high school before receiving diplomas in order to serve in the Armed Forces during a time of war.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Encourages each state to establish a program, similar to Operation Recognition, to award high school diplomas to veterans who left high school in order to serve in the Armed Forces during a time of war but never received a diploma.

Thomas P. D'Agostino, of Maryland, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, vice Everet Beckner, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 January 2006

PACE-Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006

Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Education and Research Act of 2006 - PACE-Education Act - Establishes programs to provide additional mathematics and science teachers in K-12 elementary and secondary education (teachers), including: (1) Department of Education (ED) grants to institutions of higher education (IHE's) for baccalaureate degree programs in mathematics, science, and engineering, with teacher certification, and for master's degree programs in mathematics and science education for teachers; (2) National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarships for recruiting and training new teachers, and fellowships for teachers; (3) ED grants to nonprofit entities to train additional teachers for Advanced Placement (AP), pre-AP, International Baccalaureate (IB), and pre-IB programs; (4) a National Clearinghouse on Mathematics and Science Teaching Materials; (5) Future American-Scientist Scholarships (ED); (6) Department of Energy graduate research fellowships in scientific areas of national need; and (7) NSF early-career research grants for scientists and engineers. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy Matters to: (1) coordinate science, mathematics, and engineering education programs; (2) establish a National Coordination Office for Advanced Research Instrumentation and Facilities; (3) establish guidelines for federal agencies to allocate funds for high-risk, high-payoff research; and (4) award a President's Innovation Award. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to award early-career research grants. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Department of Commerce to award grants for feasibility studies and plans for science parks, and for revolving loan funds to develop science park infrastructure. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) create a new visa category for doctorate students in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences; and (2) exempt from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants certain aliens who have received such advanced degrees and are working in a related field. Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to award early-career research grants. Expresses the sense of Senate on: (1) policies to accelerate deployment of access to broadband Internet; (2) the visa process for foreign students at U.S. IHE's and foreign researchers engaging in scientific research in the United States; (3) patent reform; and (4) exemption of certain uses of technology from treatment as exports.

A resolution honoring the service of the National Guard and requesting consultation by the Department of Defense with Congress and the chief executive officers of the States prior to offering proposals to change the National Guard force structure.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006

Expresses support for the federal and state missions of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Recommends that the Department of Defense (DOD) propose to fully fund the National Guard's equipment needs. Urges DOD to consult with the states' chief executive officers and Congress on any proposed changes to the National Guard force structure. Requests that: (1) any DOD plan regarding force structure take into account the National Guard role in homeland defense and other state missions; (2) DOD prepare budget projections that detail cost savings from any changes in force structure, as well as projected costs in the event large personnel increases are necessary to respond to a national emergency; and (3) DOD assure Congress and the chief executive officers that potential changes in force structure will not impact the safety and security of the U.S. people.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Senate Joint Resolution 23 (107th Congress), as adopted by the Senate on September 14, 2001, and subsequently enacted as the Authorization for Use of Military Force does not authorize warrantless domestic surveillance of United States citizens.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40, enacted September 18, 2001) does not authorize warrantless domestic surveillance of United States citizens.

National Innovation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2006

National Innovation Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Make permanent the research credit for qualified research expenses and provides for an alternative simplified credit for such expenses. Requires studies: (1) to explore methods for managing costs associated with catastrophic healthcare events and with chronic disease; and (2) for establishing lifelong learning accounts for educational or training purposes; and (3) of methods to mitigate new forms of risk for businesses that affect innovation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue regulations relating to private foundation support of innovations in economic development; and (2) establish an advisory group to examine best practices for valuation of intangibles. Makes it the goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate: (1) at least 3% of the total DOD budget to science and technology; and (2) of such amount, at least 20% to basic research. Extends and expands the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Scholarship Pilot Program. Expands the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship program. Requires DOD to: (1) award institution-based traineeships in areas of importance to DOD in mathematics, science, or engineering; and (2) undertake specified actions with respect to defense manufacturing research and development.