Defence

Troops Phone Home Free Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004

Troops Phone Home Free Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide, wherever practicable, prepaid phone cards, or an equivalent telecommunications benefit which includes access to telephone service, to members of the Armed Forces deployed outside the United States who are directly supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to enable such members to make telephone calls to family and friends in the United States without cost to the member. Limits the value of such benefit to not more than $40 per month per person. Terminates such benefit on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Secretary determines that both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have ended.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $75,000.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004

Increases to $75,000 the amount of death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces. Makes this increase applicable with respect to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $50,000.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.

A concurrent resolution directing the Architect of the Capitol to establish a temporary exhibit in the rotunda of the Capitol to honor the memory of members of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Requires the Architect of the Capitol to display in the rotunda of the Capitol an exhibit to honor the memory of members of the U.S. armed forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Military Families Leave Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Military Families Leave Act of 2004 - 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.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the explosion at the Port Chicago (California) Naval Magazine on July 17, 1944, and those who served and lost their lives in that tragedy.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Port Chicago (California) Naval Magazine tragedy. Calls upon all Americans to honor the memory of those who served and those who gave their lives at Port Chicago in defense of the United States.

Directing the Architect of the Capitol to establish a temporary exhibit in the rotunda of the Capitol to honor the memory of members of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Requires the Architect of the Capitol to display in the rotunda of the Capitol an exhibit to honor the memory of members of the U.S.armed forces who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Armed Forces Voluntary Immunization and Heath Justice Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Armed Forces Voluntary Immunization and Health Justice Act of 2004 - 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.

Boutique Fuels Reduction Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Boutique Fuels Reduction Act of 2004 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 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 it: (1) applies to the smallest necessary geographic area; (2) is effective for 20 days or the shortest practicable time period; (3) permits a transitional period after the termination of the temporary waiver to allow wholesalers and retailers to blend down their inventory; (4) applies to all persons in the motor fuel distribution system; and (5) is preceded by public notice to all parties in the distribution system, local and State regulators, public interest groups, and consumers in the State or region covered by the waiver. 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 and fully implemented 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 and the Secretary of Energy jointly to study and report to Congress on the effects on air quality, number of fuel blends, fuel availability, fuel fungibility, and fuel costs of SIPs adopted pursuant to CAA provisions regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives.

Recognizing, commending, and supporting the efforts of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Recognizes, commends, and supports the efforts of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of South Carolina that, among other things, educates the American public about the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in defense of freedom and democracy.

A bill to require a report on the methodologies utilized for National Intelligence Estimates.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Requires the National Intelligence Council to submit to Congress a report that includes the following: (1) the methodologies utilized for the initiation, drafting, publication, coordination, and dissemination of the results of National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs); and (2) such recommendations as the Council considers appropriate regarding improvements of the methodologies utilized for NIEs in order to ensure the timeliness of such Estimates and ensure that such Estimates address the national security and intelligence priorities and objectives of the President and the Director of Central Intelligence. States that the report under subsection shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

A bill to facilitate alternative analyses of intelligence by the intelligence community.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director of Central Intelligence should consider the advisability of establishing for each element of the intelligence community an element, office, or component whose purpose is the alternative analysis (commonly referred to as a red-team analysis) of the information and conclusions in the intelligence products of such element of the intelligence community. Requires, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of Central Intelligence to submit to Congress a report on the actions taken to establish for each element of the intelligence community such an element, office, or component. States that the report shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

Native American Veterans Home Loan Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Native American Veterans Home Loan Act of 2004 - Extends through December 31, 2010, a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may make direct housing loans to Native American veterans.

To require the Secretary of Defense to take such actions as are necessary to change the reimbursement rates and cost sharing requirements under the TRICARE program to be the same as, or as similar as possible to, the reimbursement rates and cost sharing requirements under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard Plan provided under the Federal Employee Health Benefit program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Directs the Secretary of Defense to change the reimbursement rules and cost sharing requirements under the TRICARE program to be the same as, or as similar as possible to, the reimbursement rules and cost sharing requirements under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard Plan provided under the Federal Employee Health Benefit program (FEHBP).

9-11 Commission Combating Proliferation Implementation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

The 9-11 Commission Combating Proliferation Implementation Act - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office for Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Requires the Director to: (1) develop and advise the President on policies, goals, objectives, and priorities for preventing the proliferation of WMDs; (2) implement a comprehensive Strategy for Combating the Proliferation of WMDs (Strategy); and (3) direct development of an annual budget for programs and activities under the Strategy. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to carry out a program to undertake an accelerated, comprehensive worldwide effort to mitigate the threats posed by high-risk, proliferation-attractive fissile materials, radiological materials, and related equipment located at sites potentially vulnerable to theft or diversion. Requires the Secretary to submit classified interim and final reports on the program to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should strive to expand and strengthen the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); and (2) the United States should engage the United Nations to develop a Security Council resolution authorizing the PSI under international law. Gives the President permanent waiver authority over legal provisions prohibiting the use of certain Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) funds for chemical weapons destruction facilities in Russia. Repeals a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 that limits CTR funds for activities outside the former Soviet Union. Requires the President to biannually report to Congress on liability concerns regarding, and impediments to, the renegotiation and implementation of specified nonproliferation agreements and programs.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 2005. Appropriates amounts for continuing, at the current rate of operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY 2004 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (2) Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (3) District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2004; (4) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2004; (5) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2004; (6) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004; (7) Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (8) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (9) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2004; (10) Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004; (11) Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; and (12) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004. Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 20, 2004. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

A bill to provide certain enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2004

Exempts from the mandatory payroll deductions ($100 for the first 12 months of active duty pay) under the veterans' basic educational assistance program, members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve on active duty between November 16, 2001, and the termination date of Executive Order 13235, who elect to receive basic educational assistance. 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.

National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004

National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes in the Treasury the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director. Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Authorizes the Director to establish within the Authority one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program to award scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers in the IC. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Establishes a Joint Intelligence Community Council to assist the Director in developing and implementing a joint, unified national intelligence effort to protect national security. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Federal Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Career Service Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Intelligence Career Service for FBI intelligence analysts. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities. Establishes an Executive Council on Information Sharing. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Requires the congressional intelligence committees to be provided all intelligence estimates and assessments other than those prepared exclusively for the President.

9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004

9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act - National Security Intelligence Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director (Director) to, among other things: (1) serve as the head of the intelligence community (IC); (2) act as principal adviser for intelligence matters related to national security; and (3) manage, oversee, and direct the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to: (1) analyze and integrate all U.S. intelligence pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism; (2) conduct strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities; and (3) ensure that intelligence agencies have access to and receive all intelligence needed to accomplish their missions. Establishes a: (1) Civil Liberties Protection Officer; and (2) Joint Intelligence Community Council. Authorizes the: (1) Secretary of Defense and the Director to jointly establish a program to advance foreign languages skills in languages critical to the capability of the IC to carry out U.S. national security objectives; and (2) assignment of IC personnel as language students. Requires the Director to conduct a pilot project to establish a Civilian Linguist Reserve Corps. Establishes the National Security Agency Emerging Technologies Panel to advise the Director on the research, development, and application of existing and emerging science and technology advances, advances in encryption, and other topics. Stop Terrorist and Military Hoaxes Act of 2004 - Provides criminal and civil penalties for false information concerning terrorist activities and military hoaxes. Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Enhancement Act of 2004 - Provides criminal penalties for: (1) receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization; and (2) providing material support to terrorism. Weapons of Mass Destruction Prohibition Improvement Act of 2004 - Expands the jurisdictional bases and scope of the prohibition against weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Includes chemical weapons within the definition of WMDs. Provides criminal liability for participation in nuclear and WMD threats against the United States. Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Antiterrorism Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Provides additional funding to combat crimes involving terrorist financing. Criminal History Access Means Protection of Infrastructures and Our Nation - Requires the Attorney General to establish and maintain criminal history information checks for use by employers. Provides for the use of biometric technology in airport access control systems. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare and update a transportation security strategic plan for defending aviation assets. Provides for: (1) next-generation airline passenger screening systems; (2) the deployment and use of explosive detection equipment at airport screening checkpoints; and (3) a pilot program to evaluate the use of blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to establish a: (1) comprehensive intelligence program for FBI intelligence analysts and intelligence production, sources, and operations; and (2) national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Increases the number of full-time border patrol agents and immigration and customs enforcement investigators. Provides: (1) for expedited deportation of alien terrorists and supporters of terrorism; (2) minimum documentation requirements and issuance standards, for Federal recognition purposes, for driver's licenses, identification cards, and birth certificates; and (3) measures to enhance the privacy and integrity of social security numbers. Establishes within the State Department an Office of Visa and Passport Security. Requires specified reports concerning terrorist sanctuaries, including a priority list of countries providing such sanctuaries. Afghanistan Freedom Support Act Amendments of 2004 - Provides for the coordination of assistance to Afghanistan for various freedom support activities, and requires a long-term U.S. strategy with respect to such country. Authorizes assistance for counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan. Outlines provisions concerning appropriate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Requires the President to pursue international diplomatic and cooperative efforts to limit the availability, proliferation, and transfer of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) (individual-fired surface-to-air missiles). Commends the use of multilateral organizations for fighting terrorist financing. Establishes an International Terrorist Finance Coordinating Council. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2004 - Authorizes grants to improve first responder capabilities and to establish essential capabilities for emergency preparedness. Provides for congressional oversight over the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes an Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement. Requires public financial disclosure with respect to certain IC employees. Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Reserve Service for the temporary reemployment of former FBI employees during periods of emergencies. Revises security clearance requirements and procedures. Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act of 2004 - Requires Federal agency rulemakings to take into consideration rule impacts on individual privacy. Requires the establishment of chief privacy officers for agencies with law enforcement or antiterrorism functions. Mutual Aid and Litigation Management Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes: (1) mutual aid agreements for utilities and services support during an emergency or public service event; and (2) litigation management agreements for limiting legal action against emergency response providers. Calls for adoption of the National Incident Management System. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States.

Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes in the Treasury the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director. Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Authorizes the Director to establish within the Authority one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program to award scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers in the IC. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Establishes a Joint Intelligence Community Council to assist the Director in developing and implementing a joint, unified national intelligence effort to protect national security. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Federal Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Career Service Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Intelligence Career Service for FBI intelligence analysts. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities. Establishes an Executive Council on Information Sharing. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Requires the congressional intelligence committees to be provided all intelligence estimates and assessments other than those prepared exclusively for the President.

National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes in the Treasury the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director. Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Authorizes the Director to establish within the Authority one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program to award scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers in the IC. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Establishes a Joint Intelligence Community Council to assist the Director in developing and implementing a joint, unified national intelligence effort to protect national security. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Federal Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Career Service Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Intelligence Career Service for FBI intelligence analysts. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities. Establishes an Executive Council on Information Sharing. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Requires the congressional intelligence committees to be provided all intelligence estimates and assessments other than those prepared exclusively for the President.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the eligibility criteria for presumption of service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Includes within the definition of a "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of eligibility criteria for veterans' disability compensation the exposure to ionizing radiation due to residual contamination resulting from participation in a nuclear detonation, without regard to whether any particular level of radiation exposure was measured for that individual.

To further protect the United States aviation system from terrorist attacks.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration (TSA)) to issue guidance for the use of biometrics or other technology that positively verifies the identity of each airport employee and law enforcement officer who enters a secure area of an airport. (Currently, the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is authorized to provide for such use). Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a program to enter into multi-year contracts with airport operators or other non-Federal entities to provide electronic explosive detection system images of checked baggage for screening purposes. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a transportation sector specific plan and transportation modal security plans that at a minimum: (1) set risk-based priorities for defending aviation assets; (2) assign roles and missions to Federal, State, regional, and local authorities and to stakeholders; (3) establish a damage mitigation and recovery plan for the aviation system in the event of a terrorist attack; and (4) include a threat matrix document that outlines each threat to the U.S. aviation system and corresponding layers of security in place to address such threat. Directs the Assistant Secretary to commence testing of a next generation passenger prescreening system that will allow the DHS to assume the performance of comparing passenger name records (including airport employees) to the automatic selectee and no fly lists, utilizing the Federal Government's terrorist watchlist. Sets forth requirements for: (1) the deployment and use of explosive and nonmetallic weapon detection equipment at airport screening checkpoints; (2) a pilot program to evaluate the use of blast-resistant containers for cargo and baggage on passenger aircraft; (3) the establishment in the DHS of a Checkpoint Screening Security Fund; (4) a pilot program to test and deploy next generation security checkpoint screening technology at a certain number of U.S. airports; (5) civil penalties for failure to secure a cockpit door; (6) appropriate in-flight counterterrorism procedures and tactic training to Federal law enforcement officers; (7) a pilot program to allow pilots participating in the Federal flight deck officer program to transport their firearms on their persons; (8) implementation of the registered traveler program; (9) the establishment of an Under Secretary for Local Government and Tourism; (10) the Federal Air Marshal Service to provide air marshal training to foreign law enforcement personnel; and (11) international efforts to limit the availability, transfer, and proliferation of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4424) making appropriations for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4424) making appropriations for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.

A bill to exclude from income certain wages of spouses of members of the Armed Forces serving in combat zones.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the wages and self-employment income of spouses of members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone or hospitalized while serving in a combat zone.

Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to increase the debenture size for SBA loans to development companies and modify job creation requirements for such loans. Requires the SBA Administrator to report to Congress on the feasibility of creating a national database of small manufacturers. Amends the Small Business Act to modify international trade loan program provisions. Amends the SBIA to make changes in the Small Business Investment Company program. Establishes authorization levels for specified SBA programs. Extends program authority for SBA or SBIA programs scheduled to expire on or after September 30, 2004. Reauthorizes: (1) the Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program (makes specified program changes); and (2) appropriations for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Revises provisions concerning SBA document retention and disclosure. Amends the SBA Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend the SBA's cosponsorship authority. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the disclosure of personal information concerning individuals or small businesses receiving SBDC assistance. Amends the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to extend the authority of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. Amends the Small Business Act to make non-disabled veterans and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces eligible for SBA outreach program assistance. Requires the Administrator to complete a study of industries in which small business concerns owned and controlled by women are underrepresented with respect to Federal procurement contracting. Directs the SBA to assign at least one procurement center representative to each major procurement center in addition to at least one such representative for each State.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (3) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (4) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (5) the Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account; (6) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (7) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (8) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (9) the Department of Defense-Civil; (10) the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health; (11) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (12) the Environmental Protection Agency; (13) the Hazardous Substance Superfund, including transfers of funds; (14) the Executive Office of the President; (15) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (16) the General Services Administration; (17) the Interagency Council on the Homeless; (18) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (19) the National Credit Union Administration; (20) the National Science Foundation; (21) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (22) the Selective Service System. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act

Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act (SBA) to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to increase the debenture size for SBA loans to development companies and modify job creation requirements for such loans. Requires the SBA Administrator to report to Congress on the feasibility of creating a national database of small manufacturers. Amends the Small Business Act to modify international trade loan program provisions. Establishes authorization levels for specified SBA programs. Reauthorizes: (1) the Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program (makes specified program changes); and (2) appropriations for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Revises provisions concerning SBA document retention and disclosure. Amends the SBA Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend the SBA's cosponsorship authority. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the disclosure of personal information concerning individuals or small businesses receiving SBDC assistance. Amends the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to extend the authority of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. Amends the Small Business Act to make non-disabled veterans and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces eligible for SBA outreach program assistance. Requires the Administrator to complete a study of industries in which small business concerns owned and controlled by women are underrepresented with respect to Federal procurement contracting. Directs the SBA to assign at least one procurement center representative to each major procurement center in addition to at least one such representative for each State. Amends the SBIA to make changes in the Small Business Investment Company program.

To provide for a certificate recognizing employees of defense companies for contributions to the national defense during the Cold War.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Directs the Secretary of Defense to prepare a certificate recognizing the contributions to the national defense during the Cold War by an eligible individual employed by a defense company and to provide the certificate to such individual. Requires an eligible individual to apply for such certificate.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2004

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (3) the Trade and Development Agency; (4) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (5) U.S. Agency for International Development; (6) various bilateral economic assistance programs for foreign developing countries; (7) expenses for the Millenium Challenge Corporation; (8) the Inter-American Foundation, the African Development Foundation, and the Peace Corps; (9) global HIV/AIDS initiative; (10) international narcotics control and law enforcement and the Andean Counterdrug Initiative; (11) migration and refugee assistance; (12) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs; (13) Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance and debt restructuring; (14) certain U.S. military assistance programs for foreign countries; (15) U.S. contributions to certain international financial institutions; and (16) international programs and organizations. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; (19) the Office of Inspector General; and (20) a working capital fund for a new core accounting system. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration, for specified health resources and services activities; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for substance abuse and mental health services; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to States for child support enforcement and family support programs; (10) low-income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to States for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs; (15) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (16) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Inspector General; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; (21) policy research; (22) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (23) the public health and social services emergency fund, for expenses related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, for the Strategic National Stockpile, and for activities to ensure a year-round influenza vaccine production capacity and the development and implementation of rapidly expandable influenza vaccine production technologies, as well as any purchase of such vaccine the Secretary determines necessary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as Federal administrative expenses for such programs (and sets a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program account; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; and (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (14) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, and administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (15) U.S. Institute of Peace.

9-11 Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Intelligence Reformation Act of 2004 or 9-11 Act - Establishes as an executive department the Department of Intelligence (Department), headed by a Director of Intelligence. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as head of the Intelligence Community (IC); (2) act as principal adviser to the President for intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government; and (3) determine the annual budget for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to, among other things: (1) analyze and integrate all U.S. intelligence pertaining to terrorism or counterterrorism; (2) conduct strategic planning for counterterrorism operations; and (3) ensure that all appropriate U.S. departments, agencies, and elements have access to and receive all-source intelligence support to execute their counterterrorism plans. Requires the Director to establish one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the National Security Council (established under this Act). Establishes various positions under the Director. Designates the following as elements of the Department, with specified intelligence-related duties: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the National Security Agency; (3) the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (4) the National Reconnaissance Office; and (5) the Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and Counterintelligence Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Establishes within the Department an Office of Civil Liberties and Privacy. Requires the FBI Director to continue efforts to develop and maintain an FBI national security workforce. Outlines national security authorities of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, including imagery intelligence and improving the means of navigating vessels of the Navy and merchant marine. Authorizes such Agency's Director to provide foreign countries with imagery intelligence and geospatial information support, and to exchange mapping, charting, and geodetic data with foreign countries and international organizations. Authorizes the Director to withhold from the public certain Department operational files. Provides for transfer to the Department of certain IC elements, authorities, and functions.

A resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting in the Senate to: (1) investigate the awarding and performance of contracts for military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq; and (2) support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires the Committee to examine such contracting actions and report on them regarding: (1) bidding, contracting, accounting, and auditing standards for Federal Government contracts; (2) methods of contracting, including sole-source contracts and limited competition or noncompetitive ones; (3) subcontracting under large, comprehensive contracts; (4) oversight procedures; (5) consequences of cost-plus and fixed price contracting; (6) allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices; (7) accountability of contractors and Government officials involved in procurement and contracting; (8) penalties for violations of law and abuses in the awarding and performance of Government contracts; and (9) lessons learned from the contracting process used in Iraq and Afghanistan and in connection with the war on terrorism with respect to the structure, coordination, management policies, and Federal procedures.

Reservists' Employment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Reservists' Employment Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for employing a military reservist as a full time employee for a three-year period. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 and allows the credit to be taken in the taxable year in which the military reservist's three-year employment period ends. Allows an inflation adjustment to the credit amount after 2005.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for a new program of educational assistance for certain reserve component members of the Armed Forces who perform active service.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Requires the Secretary of each military department, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, to establish a program as prescribed in this Act to provide educational assistance to members of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned. Makes eligible for such benefits on or after September 11, 2001, members of Reserve components who: (1) served on active duty in support of contingency operations for at least 90 consecutive days; or (2) in the case of an Army or Air National Guard member, performed full time duty for at least 90 consecutive days for the purpose of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds. Creates an exception to the 90-day requirement for members released from duty because of injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. States that members remain entitled to such educational assistance if ordered to active duty while serving in the Selected Reserve or the Ready Reserve. Terminates educational assistance for disabled members 10 years from the date of entitlement. Requires educational assistance under this Act to be provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disaster Assistance Act, 2004

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disaster Assistance Act, 2004 - Makes FY 2004 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional hurricane disaster assistance to: (1) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; (2) the Department of Defense for "Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide;" (3) the Corps of Engineers - Civil Works for "Operation and Maintenance" and "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies;" (4) the Department of Homeland Security for the U.S. Coast Guard for operating expenses and Emergency Preparedness and Response for "Disaster Relief;" (5) the Department of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service for construction; (6) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (7) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs; (8) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, administration, and facilities; (9) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; and (10) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities.

Expressing the thanks of the House of Representatives and the Nation for the contributions to freedom made by American POW/MIAs on National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law as a day on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified Federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Extends the gratitude of the House of Representatives and the Nation to those who have served their nation in captivity to hostile forces as prisoners of war. Recognizes and honors the more than 88,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for and their families. Recognizes the untiring efforts of national POW/MIA organizations to ensuring that America never forgets the contribution of the Nation's prisoners of war and unaccounted for military personnel.

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - 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 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. Expands reenlistment bonus eligibility and the amount of such bonuses for members of the Selected Reserve. 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. Requires employers to provide notice of rights and benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Office of Special Counsel to carry out a demonstration project under which certain USERRA claims against Federal agencies are referred to the Office of Special Counsel. Increases monthly educational assistance benefits for members of the Selected Reserve. Expands eligibility for such 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.

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs from $250,000 to $500,000.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Increases the maximum coverage for members under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs from $250,000 to $500,000.

Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to provide a support system for members of the Armed Forces who incur severe disabilities on or after September 11, 2001, including a system of advocacy and follow-up to assist those members to transition from military service to the civilian community. Requires the Secretary to designate an executive agent to carry out the program throughout the Department of Defense and, in cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, for members of the Coast Guard with severe disabilities.

Director of National Intelligence Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Director of National Intelligence Act of 2004 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Director of National Intelligence to act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to national security, and to oversee budget, operations, and personnel of the national intelligence program and national intelligence agencies. Establishes in the National Security Council an executive committee for the resolution of differences in priorities among national intelligence agencies. Requires: (1) the Director to be a member of such committee; and (2) directors of national intelligence centers to report directly to the Director.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (3) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (4) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (5) the Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account; (6) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (7) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (8) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (9) the Department of Defense-Civil; (10) the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health; (11) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (12) the Environmental Protection Agency; (13) the Hazardous Substance Superfund, including transfers of funds; (14) the Executive Office of the President; (15) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (16) the General Services Administration; (17) the Interagency Council on the Homeless; (18) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (19) the National Credit Union Administration; (20) the National Science Foundation; (21) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (22) the Selective Service System. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $50,000.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu and the end of Imperial Japanese control of Palau during World War II and urging the Secretary of the Interior to work to protect the historic sites of the Peleliu Battlefield National Historic Landmark and to establish commemorative programs honoring the Americans who fought there.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Recognizes the courage of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the Battle of Peleliu and of all veterans who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Urges the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the year 2004 as the 60th anniversary of that battle, work to protect historic sites of the Peleliu Battlefield National Historic Landmark, and establish commemorative programs honoring the Americans who fought at those sites.

Raymond F. DuBois, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, vice Diane K. Morales, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2004

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of a unified combatant command for military intelligence, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

Requires the President, through the Secretary of Defense, to establish a unified combatant command for military intelligence (military intelligence command) to: (1) coordinate all military intelligence activities; (2) develop new military intelligence collection capabilities; and (3) represent the Department of Defense (DOD) in the intelligence community under the National Intelligence Director (NID). Requires the assignment of all active and reserve military intelligence forces of the Armed Forces within specified DOD elements, and civilian personnel of such elements, to the military intelligence command unless otherwise directed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and authority of the commander of the military intelligence command. Requires the staff of the commander to include an inspector general. Requires the Secretary and the NID to consult on the budget of the military intelligence command before submitting that budget to the President. Requires the budget proposal to include funding requests for development and acquisition of military intelligence collection systems and acquisition of other material, supplies, or services peculiar to military intelligence activities. Directs the Secretary to consult with the NID on recommendations made by the commander regarding heads of components of the military intelligence command before transmitting such recommendations to the President.

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director to manage the National Intelligence Program. Empowers the Secretary of Defense with lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center for strategic analysis concerning transnational terrorist organizations with global reach. Requires the President to direct the head of each appropriate Federal department or agency to identify and prioritize actual or potential terrorist sanctuaries throughout the world. Requires a national strategy to destabilize identified sanctuaries. Authorizes the President to support the Government of: (1) Pakistan in its efforts against extremists; and (2) Afghanistan to extend its authority over such country. Directs the Secretary of State to establish programs to promote greater familiarity with American society and values among the general public and select audiences in Muslim countries. Directs the President to: (1) strengthen counterproliferation efforts against weapons of mass destruction; and (2) track the financing of terrorist organizations and prevent money laundering for their benefit. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) integrate U.S. border screening systems with Federal security sites within the U.S. transportation system and sites containing vital national facilities; (2) complete a biometric entry and exit screening system for persons entering and departing the United States; (3) develop a plan for the allocation of limited transportation security resources; and (4) improve aviation screening. Requires: (1) the sharing of information for purposes of protecting the national security; (2) the establishment of a board to oversee Federal adherence to civil liberties; (3) that all U.S. emergency response agencies adopt the Incident Command System and unified command procedures; (4) the promotion of private sector emergency preparedness; (5) both Houses of Congress to pass separate intelligence appropriations bills; (6) a specialized and integrated national security workforce at the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (7) regular adequacy assessments of the strategies and planning of the United States Northern Command to defend the United States against military threats.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the sacrifices of U.S. military and civilian personnel and their families on the anniversary of those attacks.

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004

9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.