Defence

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals, as of the later of October 1, 2005, or the date of enactment of this Act, certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Provides for the recoupment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund.

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in Social Security benefits.

Expressing support for the designation and goals of "Hire a Veteran Week".

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005

Expresses support for designation of "Hire a Veteran Week." Encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon employers, labor organizations, veterans service organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental agencies to lend their support to increase employment of men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Recognizing the historic commitment of the United States to the recovery of and full accounting for Americans who are prisoners of war or in a missing status.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2005

Recognizes the: (1) rescue missions carried out by units of the U.S. Army, including the 111th Airborne Division, 60 years ago in the Philippines during World War II; and (2) bravery and courage of the U.S. soldiers and Filipino guerillas who participated in those missions.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 10 February 2005

Ballast Water Management Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Ballast Water Management Act of 2005 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Prohibits an operator of a vessel from uptaking or discharging ballast water and sediment, except in specified circumstances, from a U.S. vessel operating in U.S. or non-U.S. waters. Requires a vessel to conduct all its ballast water management operations in accordance with a ballast water management plan that meets the requirements prescribed and approved by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Requires a vessel, before discharging ballast water into U.S. waters, to conduct ballast water treatment so that the discharged ballast water will contain no more than a specified level of living organisms or microbes. Prohibits an operator of a vessel, until the vessel conducts such treatment, from uptaking or discharging ballast water unless the operator conducts a ballast water exchange in a manner that results in an efficiency of at least 95 percent volumetric exchange of the ballast water for each ballast water tank. Sets forth certain certification procedures with respect to vessel ballast water management plans and equipment used for ballast water and sediment management. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Urges the Secretary to negotiate with foreign countries to develop and implement an international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of nonindigenous species.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate commending civilian employers of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces for their support of members who are called to active duty and for their support of the members' families.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the: (1) members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and the businesses that employ them are a cornerstone of the United States' successful prosecution of the war on terror, and the Federal Government should take steps to assist such businesses; (2) business community deserves the Nation's gratitude its supporting role; and (3) Federal Government should carefully review the adverse effects on the business community of mobilizations and demobilizations of the reserve components.

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Protects from prosecution or civil liability the minor or the minor’s parents for violations of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation of this Act to seek relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on an physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor without complying with parental notification requirements. Allows certain exceptions, including abortions necessary to save the life of the minor.

Crosby-Puller Combat Wounds Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Crosby-Puller Combat Wounds Compensation Act - Requires a member of the Armed Forces who is wounded or otherwise injured while serving in a combat zone for which special pay is authorized to be paid monthly military pay, during the period in which the member recovers from such wound or injury, that is at least equal to the monthly pay received by the member immediately before receiving the wound or injury. Makes such requirement effective for pay periods beginning on or after September 11, 2001. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to continue during such recovery period the combat zone special pay income tax exclusion. Makes such requirement effective for months beginning on or after the above date.

Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of the use of educational assistance under certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for training costs associated with the purchase of a franchise enterprise. Prohibits the use of such assistance unless: (1) training is required and provided in connection with the purchase and operation of a franchise; and (2) such training, and the training entity, are approved by the Secretary. Provides training and entity approval requirements.

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2005 - Makes eligible for basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Selected Reserve who (among other qualifications), during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2006, serves on active duty in the Armed Forces for one or more periods aggregating not less than two years. Entitles such individuals to one month of educational assistance for each month served on active duty. Makes the amount of such assistance equivalent to that provided for active-duty personnel who have served a minimum of two years of active duty. Requires the basic pay of qualifying members to be reduced by $100 for each of first 12 months of such active duty service. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments concerned to inform eligible Selected Reserve personnel of such entitlement.

GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

G.I. Bill Enhancement Act of 2005 - Exempts members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve on active duty between November 16, 2001, and the termination date of Executive Order 13235 from the mandatory payroll deductions ($100 for the first 12 months of active duty pay) under the veterans' basic educational assistance program. Provides for reimbursement of payroll deductions taken prior to the enactment of this Act. Allows such members to withdraw an election not to receive basic educational assistance.

Fairness in Labor Litigation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Fairness in Labor Litigation Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer or a labor organization, respectively, to bring or cause to be brought any civil or adversarial adjudicatory action against a labor organization or an employer, respectively, if, irrespective of the outcome, such action is determined by a competent fact finder to be frivolous, vexatious, or objectively baseless and not brought in good faith. Makes the party found to have violated this prohibition liable to the party or parties against whom such action is brought for all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses incurred in the defense of such action.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from income taxation all compensation received for active service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income all compensation received for active service as a member of the Armed Forces, not including pensions and retirement pay. (Terminates the current limited exclusion from gross income for combat pay.)

Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2007 130 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2005. Adjusts the amount provided for fiscal years after FY 2007 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of other persons eligible but not enrolled who are provided care, multiplied by the per capital baseline amount for FY 2005, as increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Prohibits the availability of such funds for: (1) construction, acquisition, or alteration of veterans' medical facilities (other than for repairs provided for before the date of enactment of this Act); or (2) grants for the construction of State home facilities for the furnishing of veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care.

Free Flow of Information Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 - Prohibits Federal entities from compelling covered persons (specified media outlets or their employees) to testify or produce any document unless a court determines by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the entity has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain such testimony or document from all non-covered persons; and (2) in a criminal matter, based on information from a non-covered person, there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has occurred and the testimony or document is essential to the investigation, prosecution, or defense; or (3) in a non-criminal matter, based on information from a non-covered person, the testimony or document is essential to a dispositive issue of substantial importance. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be: (1) limited to the purpose of verifying published information; and (2) narrowly tailored in subject matter and time period covered. Excludes certain commercial or financial information from coverage under this Act. Prohibits compelled disclosure, notwithstanding this Act's conditions for such disclosure, of: (1) the identity of a confidential source; or (2) information reasonably expected to lead to the discovery of such identity. Makes this Act applicable to testimony or documents sought from third parties that are related to business transactions with covered persons. Authorizes compelled disclosure in such cases only where the covered person has received notice and an opportunity to be heard. States that publication or dissemination of testimony or documents does not waive the requirements for compelled disclosure set forth in this Act.

A bill to prohibit the retirement of F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft during fiscal year 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Prohibits the retirement during FY 2006 of F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft in use by the Air Force during FY 2005.

Guard and Reserve Readiness and Retention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Guard and Reserve Readiness and Retention Act of 2005 - Makes an individual eligible for retired pay for non-regular (reserve) military service if such individual: (1) satisfies one of specified combinations of minimum age (between 53 and 60) and years of service (between 20 and 34); (2) performed the last six years of qualifying service in currently authorized categories of military service, but not while a member of a regular component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; and (3) is not entitled to any other retirement pay from an armed force or as a member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve. Authorizes a member of the Selected Reserve to enroll for self or self and family coverage under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program).

To waive the time limitation specified by law for the award of certain military decorations in order to allow the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for actions while a member of the Navy during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that leads to employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle. Excludes benefits payable under under the Montgomery GI Bill from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for education grants or loans under any other provision of Federal law.

SAFER Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Securing America's Future through Enforcement Reform Act of 2005 (SAFER Act) - Increases the number of personnel assigned to combat alien smuggling. Requires enhanced penalties for certain smuggling-related offenses. Authorizes the use of military personnel for border enforcement. Increases the number of full-time inspectors within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participants to have machine-readable passports by October 1, 2005. Requires consular officers to conduct in-person interviews of visa applicants. Recodifies and amends grounds of inadmissibility and removability. Applies attestation requirements concerning nondisplacement of U.S. workers to all employers of H-1B (specialty occupation) nonimmigrants. Requires implementation of an integrated entry-exit system at all land border ports of entry by October 26, 2005. Directs institutions of higher education to provide information on courses taken by foreign students. Requires lawful permanent residents to register with the Secretary annually and other aliens to register every three months. Authorizes visa term compliance bonds for nonimmigrants. Addresses the removal of alien terrorists, criminals, and serious human rights violators. Requires aliens to use secure travel and identification documents. Makes the employment eligibility verification system applicable to all employers. Requires the expedited removal of undocumented aliens who have not been continuously physically present in the United States for five years (except criminal aliens and asylum seekers). Establishes criminal and civil penalties for aliens who are knowingly unlawfully present. Makes government agencies that prohibit employees from sharing immigration status information with DHS ineligible for Federal law enforcement grants. Authorizes the Secretary to grant asylum to alien refugees. Places the burden of proof on asylum applicants. Requires corroborating evidence where reasonable. Eliminates review of determinations regarding the withholding of removal under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Limits review of asylum decisions and orders of removal against criminal aliens. Temporarily suspends the VWP, adjustment of status applications, and renewals of temporary protected status. Discontinues nonimmigrant visas for aliens from countries that deny or delay repatriation. Prohibits the issuance of most visas to aliens from countries determined to be state sponsors of terrorism. Limits visa preference allocations for family-sponsored immigrants. Removes unskilled workers from the allocation for employment-based immigrants. Eliminates diversity visas. Requires congressional approval of refugee quotas that exceed the combined total of refugees accepted by other countries. Increases sponsorship levels for immigration applications. Repeals certain adjustment of status provisions of INA. Requires congressional approval for temporary protected status for undocumented aliens.

Veterans Medication Accessibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Veterans Medication Accessibility 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.)

Family Building Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Family Building Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan, and defense health care plan law to require health plans to provide benefits for treatment of infertility in accord with specified standards.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide a temporary increase in the minimum end strength level for active duty personnel for the Army, the Marine Corps, and the Air Force, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Increases, during FY 2005 through 2009, the minimum end strength levels for active-duty personnel of the : (1) Army from 502,400 to 522,400; (2) Marine Corps from 178,000 to 190,000; and (3) Air Force from 359,700 to 388,000.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide that military reservists who are retained in active status after qualifying for reserve retired pay shall be given credit toward computation of such retired pay for service performed after so qualifying.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Provides that for purposes of computing retired pay for non-regular military service, a person's days of active service shall include days served in active status after qualifying for retired pay, which shall be credited when the person leaves active status. Makes such provision effective with respect to any person qualifying for retired pay after January 1, 1988.

SAFETEA-LU

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users - Reauthorizes the Federal-aid surface transportation program through FY 2009. Reauthorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) specified highway (including highway safety) programs; (2) research and technology; (3) motor carrier transportation and safety; and (4) transportation research and education. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a National Commission on Future Revenue Sources to Support the HTF. Establishes a National Commission on the Future of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate Defense Highways. Requires States with an urbanized area population of over 200,000 to obligate specified funds for congestion relief. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States that have enacted laws that prohibit the use of racial profiling in the enforcement of State laws regulating the use of Federal-aid highways. Federal Public Transportation Act of 2005 - Revises requirements for public transportation funding and the Secretary's authority to make specified grants, including grants for capital projects, planning, and transit and for commercial driver's license program improvements. Directs the Secretary to establish programs involving: (1) long-term bridge performance; (2) innovative highway safety technologies; (3) freight planning capacity building; (4) freight transportation research; (5) future strategic highway research; (6) surface transportation congestion solutions research; and (7) commercial remote sensing products and spatial information technologies. Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing intelligent system transportation research and development program. Requires: (1) metropolitan planning organizations to develop long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs for metropolitan planning areas; and (2) States to develop statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs. Revises hazardous materials transportation requirements to provide uniformity in Federal standards regulating the transportation of hazardous materials in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. States that this Act continues the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century provisions which guarantee that specified levels of authorized funding will be available for obligation each year by continuing the highway category and the mass transit category budgetary firewalls.

Child Support Distribution Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Child Support Distribution Act of 2005 - Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for: (1) denial of assistance to families that do not assign certain support rights to the State; and (2) the distribution of child support collected by States on behalf of children receiving certain welfare benefits. Reduces from $5,000 to $2,500 the amount of child support arrearage which shall trigger denial of a passport. Revises requirements for the use of the tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of non-minor children. Prohibits garnishment of certain compensation for a service-connected disability paid to a former member of the Armed Forces for: (1) alimony; or (2) child support less than 60 days in arrears. Permits no more than 50 percent of such compensation to be garnished to pay for such child support. Provides for mandatory review and adjustment of child support orders for families receiving TANF. Requires the Secretary to disclose new hire information to a State to assist in the administration of unemployment compensation programs. Provides for a payment rate increase to States for short term training of staff of State-licensed or State-approved child welfare agencies providing services.

Fort Carson Conservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Fort Carson Conservation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out a pilot project at Fort Carson, Colorado, to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing conservation easements and leases granted by one or more willing sources to limit development and preserve habitat on real property in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, military installations in the United States.

Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2005 - Amends the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, respectively, to repeal specified restrictions on the use of Cooperative Threat Reduction program (program) funds and activities. Amends the the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 to modify authority to use program funds outside the former Soviet Union, including transferring such authority from the President to the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary of State to report on each country in which a program is being carried out, including its adherence to arms control and nonproliferation agreements.

Riayan Tejeda Memorial Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Riayan Tejeda Memorial Act of 2005 - Authorizes naturalization without regard to specified Immigration and Nationality Act requirements for an alien or noncitizen national of the United States who: (1) served honorably in a combat zone designated in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom; and (2) if separated from such service, was not separated except under honorable conditions. Prohibits imposition of any Federal or State naturalization fee. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings. Retains immediate relative status for the alien wife, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen who died from injury or disease incurred while serving honorably in such combat zone. States that an application for status adjustment by the alien wife, child, or parent of an alien member of the Armed Forces who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship based upon service in such zone may be adjudicated as if the death had not occurred. Treats the spouse, child, or parent of a lawful permanent resident who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship based upon service in such zone as a valid petitioner for immediate relative status. Permits such aliens to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status. Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility for surviving spouses, children, and parents granted posthumous benefits under this Act. Authorizes the naturalization of surviving spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens who die in Operation Iraqi Freedom and states that no prior residence or specified physical presence in the United States shall be required. Gives priority to the naturalization applications referenced in this Act.

Military Sexual Assault Crimes Revision Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Military Sexual Assault Crimes Revision Act of 2005 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to define as the crime of aggravated sexual abuse engaging in a sexual act: (1) through the use of force; (2) by threatening or placing a person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping; (3) by rendering another person unconscious; (4) by administering to another person an impairing drug or intoxicant; or (5) with a person under 12 years of age whether or not the accused knew the person's age. Defines as the crime of sexual abuse engaging in a sexual act: (1) by threatening or placing a person in fear (other than in a manner that would constitute aggravated sexual abuse); (2) with a person who is incapable of either appraising the nature of the conduct or physically incapable of declining; or (3) with a person who is at least 12 but under 16 who is not the spouse of the accused whether or not the accused knew the person's age. Establishes as an affirmative defense the accused's reasonable belief that the person was at least 16. Defines sexual abuse of a prisoner as knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a person who is: (1) in official detention or confinement; (2) under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority of the accused; and (3) is not the accused's spouse. Makes the above crimes punishable by court-martial and sets forth interim maximum punishments for each.

Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) identify the current backlog of veterans' claims for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs and to categorize those claims; and (2) identify claims that need further development and refer them to a geographically appropriate County Veterans Service Office. Allows veterans' claims to be submitted to County Veterans Service Officers (in lieu of the Department) and authorizes the Officers to fully develop such claims. Requires appropriate information sharing between the Department's Benefits Delivery Network and the Offices. Requires funding provided by this Act to be allocated to States based on their respective populations of veterans and allocates such funds to the appropriate Office. Prohibits Federal funding from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of Office operations. Allows funding to be used to establish Officer programs in States that do not have one.

Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Nonproliferation Programs whose primary function shall be to coordinate and lead: (1) U.S. efforts to curb terrorist access to nuclear technology, materials, or expertise; and (2) U.S. nonproliferation activities, including nuclear nonproliferation activities and activities to counter other weapons of mass destruction. Amends specified Acts to remove or modify restrictions with respect to: (1) cooperative threat reduction programs, including destruction of chemical weapons and former Soviet weapons; (2) Department of Energy nonproliferation programs; and (3) cooperative threat reduction program and international nuclear materials protection and cooperation program fund use outside the former Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) liability protections for U.S. nonproliferation efforts in Russia; (2) expansion of the proliferation security initiative; and (3) international security standards for nuclear weapons and materials. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for Nuclear Security for a comprehensive inventory of Russia's stockpile of strategic and non-strategic nuclear weapons. Authorizes Federal fund use for non-defense research and development in Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union on environmental, proliferation detection, health and medicine, or energy technologies utilizing scientists in Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union who have expertise in nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. Sets forth congressional findings concerning the need to strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

Fort Carson Conservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Fort Carson Conservation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out a pilot project at Fort Carson, Colorado, to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing conservation easements and leases granted by one or more willing sources to limit development and preserve habitat on real property in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, military installations in the United States.

Servicemembers' Family Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Servicemembers' Family Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who has obtained Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage and who serves in Iraq or Afghanistan at any time during a month, to pay to such member an allowance equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the pay deduction actually made for that month for SGLI coverage; or (2) the deduction made for members who select the $250,000 (highest) level of SGLI coverage. Requires the Secretary of Defense to pay, on behalf of any member who died after September 11, 2001, as a result of a wound, injury, or illness sustained while serving or traveling to or from a mission in Iraq or Afghanistan, and who was not insured under SGLI at the $250,000 level, the difference between $250,000 and the amount of any SGLI already paid.

To amend title 32, United States Code, to increase the maximum Federal share of the costs of State programs under the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Amends Federal provisions concerning the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (a civilian youth opportunities program conducted by the Secretary of Defense) to provide a maximum Federal matching funds level of 60 percent of the costs of operating the State program during FY 2005, 65 percent during FY 2006, 70 percent during FY 2007, and 75 percent during FY 2008 and beyond.

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent penalty on early distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans, withdrawals made by military reservists or national guardsmen called to active duty for a period in excess of 179 days or for an indefinite period. Permits reimbursement of such withdrawals within two years after the end of the active duty period. Applies the provisions of this Act to individuals ordered or called to active duty after September 11, 2001, and before September 12, 2007, for retirement plan distributions made after September 11, 2001.

Honoring the life and accomplishments of the late Ossie Davis.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Recognizes the extraordinary contributions of the late Ossie Davis for his service to the Nation in the military, as a civil rights leader, and as an actor. Honors him as a great American and pioneer in the annals of American history. Expresses its deepest condolences upon his death to his wife Ruby Dee Davis, his other family members, and his friends.

Calling for the removal of all restrictions from the public, the press, and military families in mourning that would prohibit their presence at the arrival at military installations in the United States or overseas of the remains of the Nation's fallen heroes, the members of the Armed Forces who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan, with the assurance that family requests for privacy will be respected.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Resolves that all restrictions should be removed from the public, the press, and military families in mourning that would prohibit their presence at the arrival at military installations in the United States or overseas of the remains of members of the U.S. armed forces who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan, with the assurance that family requests for privacy will be respected.

A resolution commending the people of Iraq on the January 30, 2005, national elections.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2005

Commends the people of Iraq on the January 2005 elections, and congratulates the new members of the Transitional National Assembly and the leaders of the provincial and regional governments. Urges the new leadership of Iraq to move forward with drafting the constitution, upholding the law, and holding a referendum on the new constitution. Honors the sacrifices made for freedom by the people of Iraq. Commends the Iraqi security forces and the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces who ensured the elections could be conducted in a relatively safe and credible manner. Condemns all acts of violence and intimidation by members of the former Iraqi regime, insurgents, and other extremists and terrorists. Declares that it is in the interest of the people of Iraq, the Middle East, the United States, and the international community that Iraq transitions to a democratic state and serves as a catalyst for regional peace and stability. Calls on the international community, particularly Arab states, countries with predominantly Muslim populations, and all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, to provide military and police personnel to train Iraqi security forces and to otherwise assist in Iraq's political and economic development. Encourages the newly-elected transitional government of Iraq to ensure that all Iraqis, including members of the Sunni community, are represented in the Constitution-writing process and in the new Iraqi cabinet.

Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to any tribal organization for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries on trust lands owned by, or held in trust for, the organization.

Free Flow of Information Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 - Prohibits Federal entities from compelling covered persons (specified media outlets or their employees) to testify or produce any document unless a court determines by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the entity has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain such testimony or document from all non-covered persons; and (2) in a criminal matter, based on information from a non-covered person, there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has occurred and the testimony or document is essential to the investigation, prosecution, or defense; or (3) in a non-criminal matter, based on information from a non-covered person, the testimony or document is essential to a dispositive issue of substantial importance. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be: (1) limited to the purpose of verifying published information; and (2) narrowly tailored in subject matter and time period covered. Excludes certain commercial or financial information from coverage under this Act. Prohibits compelled disclosure, notwithstanding this Act's conditions for such disclosure, of: (1) the identity of a confidential source; or (2) information reasonably expected to lead to the discovery of such identity. Makes this Act applicable to testimony or documents sought from third parties that are related to business transactions with covered persons. Authorizes compelled disclosure in such cases only where the covered person has received notice and an opportunity to be heard. States that publication or dissemination of testimony or documents does not waive the requirements for compelled disclosure set forth in this Act.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the sworn affidavit of a veteran who served in combat during the Korean War or an earlier conflict to be accepted as proof of service-connection of a disease or injury alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by such service.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation and benefits, to accept the sworn affidavit of a veteran who served on or before July 27, 1953, as proof of a service connection of a disease or injury alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, if there is no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

State Veterans Cemetery Fairness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

State Veterans Cemetery Fairness Act of 2005 - Makes the burial plot allowance for a veteran who dies in a Department of Veterans Affairs facility or a facility providing Department-contracted care $300 (current law) or the lesser of the actual costs or $750 in the case of a State in which ground burial in a national cemetery is not available.

Armed Forces Voluntary Immunization and Health Justice Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Armed Forces Voluntary Immunization and Health Justice Act of 2005 - Prohibits requiring a member of the Armed Forces to participate in either of the smallpox or anthrax vaccine immunization programs of the Department of Defense. Permits administering either vaccine to any such member without the informed consent of the member. Requires the correction of the records of servicemembers previously punished for refusing to take either vaccine. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess the current threat of an anthrax or smallpox attack on members of the Armed Forces and report the results. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out an ongoing assessment of the adverse health effects being reported by members and former members of the Armed Forces with respect to the smallpox and anthrax vaccines administered by the Department of Defense; and (2) prepare an estimate of the future cost to the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat those adverse health effects, if determined to be service-connected. Requires the President to establish a National Center for Military Deployment Health Research to coordinate and synthesize research efforts by Federal departments and agencies relating to the health effects of military deployments on members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components.

To provide for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting for the use of private memory care facilities for veterans with Alzheimer's Disease.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct during fiscal years 2005 and 2006 a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting with private memory care facilities to provide services for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease as an alternative to the provision by the Secretary of inpatient or home health care for such veterans. Requires the pilot program to be conducted through five medical centers of the Veterans Health Administration selected by the Secretary.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the effective date for payment of lump sums to persons awarded the Medal of Honor who are in receipt of special pension pursuant to section 1562 of such title, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Revises the effective date for payment of lump sums to persons awarded the Medal of Honor who are in receipt of special pensions. Requires payment of such lump sums to specified family members, in order of preference, if the person eligible for the payment is deceased or was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions for military recruiter access to secondary school student information. Requires ESEA-assisted local educational agencies (LEAs) to notify each secondary school student's parent of the option to consent to a release of the student's name, address, and telephone listing to military recruiters, and to give the parent the opportunity to provide such consent in writing. Requires such LEAs to provide military recruiters, upon their request, with access to such information on a student only if the student's parent has given such written consent.

To amend the Impact Aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve the distribution of school construction payments to better meet the needs of military and Indian land school districts.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise impact aid program requirements for distribution of school construction payments, and of school facility emergency and modernization grants, to local educational agencies impacted by military dependent children or by children residing on Indian lands.