Defence

Educators in Military Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Educators in Military Service Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to extend the deadlines by which state and local educational agencies are required to ensure that teachers or paraprofessional educators are highly qualified in order to account for their applicable periods of military service. Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Act to extend similar deadlines with respect to new special education teachers.

To identify certain roads in the vicinity of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as defense access roads for purposes of the Defense Access Road Program.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Certifies certain roads in the vicinity of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as defense access roads for purposes of the Defense Access Road Program.

Recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Commends Bosnia and Herzegovina for the significant progress it has made over the past decade in implementing the Dayton Peace Accords, in particular with respect to police and defense reforms. Supports the aspiration of Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace, and reaffirms the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's participation in the European integration process. Encourages the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue economic and constitutional reforms. Urges the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and authorities at all levels of government to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, as well as the newly established War Crimes Chamber in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recognizes the important role of those who fled Bosnia and Herzegovina during the conflict and subsequently became U.S. citizens in further improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) report on the One Face at the Border Initiative; (5) increase port of entry inspection personnel and canine detection teams; (6) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region; (7) reimburse private owners along the border for certain property damage; (8) establish at least one Border Patrol unit for the Virgin Islands; (9) report on Central American gang travel across the U.S.-Mexico border; and (10) deploy radiation portal monitors at U.S. ports of entry to screen inbound cargo for nuclear and radiological material. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with respect to alien smuggling and illegal entry and presence to: (1) revise the definition of aggravated felony; (2) provide mandatory minimum sentences on smuggling convictions, and expand seizure and forfeiture authority; (3) make illegal U.S. presence a crime; (4) increase penalties for improper U.S. entry and for marriage and immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud; (5) provide mandatory minimum sentences for aliens convicted of reentry after removal; (6) impose on smugglers the same sentences that the aliens they have smuggled would receive; (7) include among smuggling crimes the carrying or use of a firearm during such activity; and (8) revise voluntary departure provisions. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to increase the availability of Department of Defense (DOD) surveillance equipment along the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) to assess border security vulnerabilities on Department of Interior land directly adjacent to the U.S. border; (3) conduct a training exercise on border security information sharing; (4) establish a Border Security Advisory Committee; and (5) establish a university-based Center of Excellence for Border Security. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of DHS grants for border security activities. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to border security cooperation with sovereign Indian Nations. Requires the mandatory detention of illegal aliens apprehended at a U.S. port of entry or along the U.S. land or maritime borders. Permits release with notice to appear only if the alien: (1) is not a security risk; and (2) provides a specified bond. Denies admission to the nationals of a country that refuses or delays acceptance of its nationals ordered removed from the United States. Requires that the Secretary place an alien (other than from Mexico or Canada) who has not been admitted or paroled into expedited removal if apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of unauthorized entry. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to ensure coordination of DHS border security efforts. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in DHS an Office of Air and Marine Operations whose primary mission shall be to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States. Directs the Secretary to transfer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (the "Shadow Wolves" unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional Customs Patrol units to operate on Indian lands. Bars an alien: (1) deportable on terrorist grounds from receiving withholding of removal; (2) convicted of an aggravated felony, unlawful procurement of citizenship, or domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse from admissibility; (3) convicted of an aggravated felony from refugee or asylee status adjustment; (4) removable on terrorist grounds from becoming naturalized; and (5) from being naturalized while in removal proceedings. Revises and enhances detention provisions for certain dangerous aliens subject to removal, including establishment of a detention review process for cooperating aliens. Increases penalties and sets mandatory minimum sentences for aliens who fail to comply with removal provisions. Makes an alien deportable for: (1) three or more drunk driving convictions; and (2) social security number and identification fraud. Authorizes (and reimburses) local sheriffs or sheriff coalitions in specified counties along the southern border to enforce the immigration laws and to transfer illegal aliens to federal custody. Establishes in the Treasury the Designated County Law Enforcement Account. Makes an alien inadmissible for U.S. entry if: (1) such alien has been deported for criminal street gang participation; or (2) the consular officer or the Secretary knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that such alien is a member of a criminal street gang seeking U.S. entry in furtherance of gang-related crimes or activities, or is a member of a designated criminal street gang. Makes an alien deportable who: (1) is a street gang member convicted of committing or attempting to commit a gang crime; or (2) is determined by the Secretary to be a member of a designated criminal street gang. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate a group or association as a criminal street gang. Requires mandatory detention of alien gang members subject to removal. Makes such aliens ineligible for asylum and protection from removal to certain countries. Authorizes expedited removal for aliens inadmissible for security or criminal grounds. Makes sexual abuse of a minor an aggravated felony for immigration purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish, and sets forth the provisions for, an employment eligibility verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals; and (2) recruitment and referral. Sets forth civil and criminal penalty provisions for noncompliance. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals; (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites; and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Makes employer participation in the basic pilot program mandatory two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Board of Immigration Appeals to reverse an immigration judge's removal decision without remand. Eliminates judicial review of visa revocation. Authorizes reinstatement of a prior removal order against an alien illegally reentering the United States. Requires an alien applying for withholding of removal to establish that his or her life or freedom would be threatened in the country of return, and that race, religion, nationality, or political or social group would be a central factor in such threat. Subjects removal appeals to an initial certification of reviewability process by a single court of appeals judge. Requires all nonimmigrant applicants to waive any right to: (1) review or appeal a determination of inadmissibility at port of entry; or (2) contest, other than through asylum, any action for removal.

To provide certain authorities for the Department of State, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide for U.S. participation in the Regional Emerging Disease Intervention Center ("REDI Center") in Singapore. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to credit Department of State medical reimbursements to the currently available appropriation account, which shall be available for expenditure during the fiscal year received or longer as may be provided by law. Amends the Diplomatic Security Act to authorize the Secretary to not convene an Accountability Review Board to conduct an inquiry for incidents that involve serious injury, loss of life, or significant property destruction at a U.S. mission in Iraq or Afghanistan during the period of October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2009. Requires the Secretary, in the case of such an incident, to: (1) notify the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) investigate the incident and report to such committees. Increases the maximum post-differential and danger pay allowance for a Foreign Service employee to 35% of base pay. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 respecting grievance procedures. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 to make the International Broadcasting Bureau personal services contracting pilot program permanent, and increase personnel levels to 100. Authorizes the Department to provide in advance funds available for official residence expenses to those persons currently eligible to receive such reimbursement. Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to authorize the Broadcasting Board of Governors to pay the primary and secondary education costs of dependents of personnel stationed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including certain transportation costs, if the Board determines that the schools available in the Commonwealth are unable to provide an adequate education. Limits such payments to amounts similarly permitted to Department of Defense (DOD) dependents' educational expenses in the Commonwealth.

Border Security and Interior Enforcement Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Border Security and Interior Enforcement Improvement Act of 2005 - Provides for construction of fencing and security improvements in the border area from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Provides for increases in: (1) border patrol agents; (2) Department of Defense (DOD) surveillance equipment along the southern border; (3) Customs and Border Patrol officers; and (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration and worksite enforcement personnel and Department of Justice immigration attorneys and judges. Revises and extends implementation deadlines for the integrated entry and exit data system. Requires state and local law enforcement agencies to provide DHS with specified information about apprehended illegal aliens. Provides for: (1) increased federal detention space and utilization of DOD installations identified for closure; (2) transfer of illegal aliens from state or local custody to federal custody; (3) listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database; (4) federal reimbursement of state and local detention and transportation costs; (5) continuation of the institutional removal program (IRP), its expansion to all states, and a private right of action to remedy a violation of its enforcement by state or local authorities; and (6) immigration-related training for state and local personnel. States that state and local law enforcement personnel are fully authorized to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Increase and enhances penalties for alien smuggling, document fraud, and certain crimes committed by illegal aliens. Provides for asset forfeiture and additional criminal fines and/or imprisonment for an alien who is illegally in the United States. (Provides an affirmative defense for an overstay due to unusual hardship or illness.) Makes criminal street gang members inadmissible and deportable. Requires mandatory detention of aliens subject to removal based upon criminal street gang membership. Makes such aliens ineligible for asylum and protection from removal to certain countries. Revises specified voluntary departure, detention, and removal provisions. Provides for: (1) expedited removal of criminal aliens; and (2) detention alternative pilot programs. Provides: (1) for public listing of every alien who is subject to a final order of removal and with respect to whom there is no likelihood of foreseeable future removal due to the refusal, or unreasonable delay, of all countries designated by the alien to receive such alien; (2) that such listing shall indicate whether the alien has been released from federal custody and the city and state of such alien's residence; and (3) for discontinuance of visas for a country having 24 or more of its citizens or nationals per month on such list.

A bill to amend titles 10 and 14, United States Code, to provide for the use of gold in the metal content of the Medal of Honor.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Requires the metal content of the Medal of Honor, awarded by the President to members of the armed forces and Coast Guard, to be 90 percent gold and ten percent alloy.

Reservist Opportunities and Protection of Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Reservist Opportunities and Protection of Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of their participation in the student aid program, to grant students who are called or ordered to active duty a military leave of absence while serving on active duty and for one year after conclusion of such service. Entitles students receiving such leave, upon release from active duty, to be restored to prior educational status attained without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition or fees paid, unless those have been refunded. Requires institutions to give such students certain refunds of tuition or fees paid prior to active duty, or to credit such amounts to the next enrollment period after the student returns, at the student's option.

A resolution remembering and commemorating the lives and work of Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and Cleveland Lay Mission Team Member Jean Donovan, who were executed by members of the Armed Forces of El Salvador on December 2, 1980.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Remembers and commemorates the lives and work of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Donovan, and extends sympathy and support for the families, friends, and religious communities of the four U.S. churchwomen. Calls upon the people of the United States and religious congregations to participate in local, national, and international events commemorating the 25th anniversary of their martyrdom. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the heads of other U.S. agencies to support the government of El Salvador and private sector, nongovernmental, and religious organizations to reduce poverty and to promote educational opportunity, health care, and social equity for the people of El Salvador.

Commending Armed Forces medical personnel for their outstanding care of combat casualties.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Commends all current and former Armed Forces medical personnel for their service, dedication, and outstanding care of members of the Armed Forces who are injured in combat. Reaffirms the commitment to supporting such personnel by providing the best training and equipment available.

Maritime Administration Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005

Maritime Administration Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Maritime Education and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to establish and maintain a voluntary organization for the training of U.S. citizens to perform functions to assist the U.S. merchant marine, as determined necessary by the Secretary. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 regarding: (1) investments as they relate to the war risk insurance fund; (2) satisfaction of certain requirements for admission to the U.S. merchant marine academy, including reserve training compliance and armed forces performance requirements for U.S. merchant marine academy graduates; (3) operation of the Global Maritime and Transportation School as a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration; (4) repeal of limitation on Secretary's authority to scrap obsolete National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels, including the transfer of such vessels to be disposed of as artificial reefs at no cost to the Government; (5) duty-free treatment for emergency war materials imported for use by the Maritime Administration, including the cost of repairs made in a foreign country to any National Defense Reserve Fleet vessel; and (6) availability of funds from deepwater port license fees and fees from administrative waivers of coastwise trade laws for eligible vessels for deposit into the Maritime Administration's operations and training account for administrative expenses and improvements to the programs' operations. Amends federal shipping law to revise the use of amounts contained in the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund. Credits certain amounts to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for annual payments to regional maritime academies, including to state maritime academies for school ship fuel. Establishes a program to provide assistance to small shipyards for capital improvements and for maritime training programs in maritime communities. Grants the Administrator of the Maritime Administration authority to make certain non-fishing loan guarantee decisions (currently, made by the the Secretary of Transportation).

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005

Revises basic educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents to: (1) eliminate the present 45 month cap on benefit payments and set an aggregate limit of $80,000; (2) extend from a dependent's 26th to 30th birthday the delimiting age for the use of such assistance; (3) increase the amount of such assistance for survivors and dependents pursuing certain types of education; and (4) authorize the provision of tutorial assistance to such individuals without charge to their educational assistance entitlement.

Commending the outstanding efforts by members of the United States Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development in response to the earthquake in South Asia that occurred on October 8, 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005

Commends U.S., international, Indian, and Pakistani efforts to assist the victims of the October 2005 earthquake in South Asia. Encourages further cooperation between Pakistan and India on relief operations and efforts to expand peace in the region. Urges: (1) the United States and the world community to reaffirm their commitment to additional support for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the earthquake; and (2) continued attention by international donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken countries, particularly children who have been left parentless and homeless by the disaster.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2528) making appropriations for military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005

Waives points of order against consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2528 (Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2006).

Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to promote, establish, and carry out programs for the participation of disabled veterans in approved sporting and other events.

Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2005 - Includes within the functions and duties of the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Office of Advocacy ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to small businesses for the resolution of disputes with the federal government. Directs the Office to advise, cooperate with, and consult with the President and Attorney General regarding provisions concerning the awarding of federal contracts to small businesses and minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses. Requires the Attorney General to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effectiveness of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in achieving its purpose of easing the burden upon small businesses of engaging in dispute resolution with the federal government; (2) variations in the frequency and amounts of fee awards paid by specified federal entities; and (3) recommendations for congressional oversight or legislative changes. Eliminates the EAJA's: (1) substantial justification standard whereby the government can deny attorney's fees to prevailing parties if the agency's position was substantially justified; and (2) rate cap on expert witness and attorney's fees. Sets forth provisions regarding settlement offers, declarations of intent to seek a fee award, payments from agency appropriations, and taxpayer eligibility for fee awards. Defines "prevailing party" in EAJA cases to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought.

Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Benefits Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Benefits Act of 2005 - Provides that: (1) qualifying service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans' benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency.

To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to modify the circumstances under which a person who has committed a capital offense is denied certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Prohibits the interment or memorialization in a national or military cemetery of, or the performance of military funeral honors for, any person convicted of a federal or state capital crime for which a life sentence or the death penalty may be imposed. (Currently, such prohibition extends only to those so convicted who have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole.) Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense to prescribe regulations to ensure that a person is not interred in a national or military cemetery or provided funeral honors unless a good faith effort has been made to determine whether such person is ineligible for such interment or honors. Directs the Secretary of the Army to remove the remains of Russell Wayne Wagner from Arlington National Cemetery.

Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to make competitive grants to provide financial assistance to state departments of veterans affairs for the training of rural county veteran service officers in order to improve outreach and assistance to veterans, as well as their spouses, children, and parents, who may be eligible to receive veterans' or veterans-related benefits and who are residing in rural counties. Limits each grant to $50,000.

Iraq Contracting Fraud Review Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Iraq Contracting Fraud Review Act of 2005 - Directs The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency, to review of each covered contract to determine if the contract has been the subject of fraud or any other contracting impropriety. Defines a covered contract as a contract or subcontract entered into on or after March 1, 2003, by the Department of Defense (DOD), if the contract or subcontract: (1) relates to reconstruction or troop support in Iraq; and (2) involves any contractor, subcontractor, or federal employee that has been indicted or convicted for fraud with respect to another DOD contract relating to such reconstruction or troop support in Iraq.

Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, headed by a Director, to promote, establish, and carry out programs for the participation of disabled veterans in approved sporting and other events.

IN DEFENSE OF HUMAN DIGNITY: THE NTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 November 2005

DEFENSE ACQUISITION ISSUES RELATED TO TACTICAL AVIATION AND ARMY PROGRAMS

United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2005

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and enhance educational assistance for survivors and dependents of veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005

Revises basic educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents to: (1) eliminate the present 45 month cap on benefit payments and set an aggregate limit of $80,000; (2) extend from a dependent's 26th to 30th birthday the delimiting age for the use of such assistance; (3) increase the amount of such assistance for survivors and dependents pursuing certain types of education; and (4) authorize the provision of tutorial assistance to such individuals without charge to their educational assistance entitlement.

To authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the nuclear refueling and complex overhaul of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the nuclear refueling and complex overhaul of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. Places a limit of $89 million on FY2006 funds that may be so used. Allows additional amounts to be obligated for such work for FY2006 only to the extent authority is expressly provided by law, and funds are appropriated by law, for such obligations. Provides conditions on subsequent contract payments. Allows such contract without regard to new spending prohibitions contained in P.L. 109-77 (making continuing appropriations for FY2006).

Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2005

Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) report on the One Face at the Border Initiative; (5) increase Border Patrol agents, port of entry inspection personnel, and canine detection teams; and (6) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop a plan to increase the availability of DOD surveillance equipment along the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) to assess border security vulnerabilities on Department of Interior land directly adjacent to the U.S. border; and (3) conduct a border security threat assessment and information sharing exercise. Requires the mandatory detention of illegal aliens apprehended at a U.S. port of entry or along the U.S. land or maritime borders. Permits release with notice to appear only if the alien: (1) is not a security risk; and (2) provides a bond of at least $5,000. Directs the Secretary to: (1) utilize all available Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detention facilities; (2) enhance private transport capacity with respect to illegal alien detention; and (3) report annually on repatriation costs. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny admission to the nationals of a country that refuses or delays acceptance of its nationals ordered removed from the United States. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in DHS an Office of Air and Marine Operations whose primary mission shall be to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States. Directs the Secretary to transfer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (the "Shadow Wolves" unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional Customs Patrol units to operate on Indian lands.

TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2005

TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2005 - Sets forth border security-related provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) construction of fencing and security improvements in the the Pacific Ocean-Gulf of Mexico border area; (2) increased availability of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment on the southern border; and (3) construction of additional ports of entry. Provides for increases in funding, personnel, and technology at the federal, state, and local level for immigration and border enforcement and visa security, worksite enforcement, document integrity, immigration fraud, and detention and removal of illegal aliens. Establishes in the Department of Justice a position of Assistant Attorney General for Immigration Enforcement. Revises provisions respecting: (1) the integrated entry and exit data system; (2) registration of aliens in the United States; (3) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; and (4) National Crime Information Center listing of immigration violators. Provides for: (1) construction or acquisition of additional alien detention facilities; (2) federal custody of, and state or local compensation for, state or locally apprehended illegal aliens; (3) immigration-related training for state and local personnel; (4) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties; and (5) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Authorizes grants to border-adjacent Indian tribes adversely affected by illegal immigration for law enforcement, health care, environmental restoration, and cultural preservation. Revises visa and alien status provisions, including: (1) visa waiver program suspension; (2) diversity immigrant program elimination; (3) family sponsored immigrant allocations; and (4) visa compliance bonds. Continues, and expands to all states, the institutional removal program (IRP). Restricts citizenship-by-birth provisions. Denies immigration benefits to alien terrorists or criminals. Revises temporary protected status provisions. Employment Security Act of 2005 - Revises the work eligibility verification program. Directs the Commissioner for Social Security to establish an alien work eligibility database. Revises social security card anti-fraud and related provisions. Sets forth Internal Revenue Service (IRS) work eligibility verification provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make an illegal alien ineligible for nonresident alien tax status; and (2) prohibit a deduction for compensation paid to an unauthorized worker. Increases alien smuggling penalties. Establishes criminal penalties and forfeiture for aliens unlawfully present in the United States. Increases criminal penalties for marriage fraud and immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud. Revises criminal and civil penalties for improper entry and related actions by an alien. Increases criminal penalties for illegal entry and failure to depart violations. Increases criminal and civil penalties for document fraud, benefit fraud, and false citizenship claims. Makes aliens participating in criminal street gangs inadmissible and deportable. Revises specified voluntary departure, detention, and removal provisions. Provides for: (1) expedited removal of criminal aliens; and (2) detention alternative pilot programs.

Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Veterans Affairs has the authority and control necessary for the development, approval, implementation, integration, and oversight of policies, procedures, processes, activities, and systems relating to the management of Department information technology. Requires the: (1) Secretary to develop, implement, and maintain a process for the selection and oversight of information technology for the Department, including a strategic plan that includes performance measurements and an integrated enterprise architecture; and (2) CIO to review and update on an ongoing basis the plan and architecture. Directs the CIO to select the CIOs for each of the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration, who will implement the plan and architecture within their departments.

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services.

Stolen Valor Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Stolen Valor Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the prohibition against wearing, manufacturing, or selling military decorations or medals without legal authorization to prohibit purchasing, soliciting, mailing, shipping, importing, exporting, producing blank certificates of receipt for, advertising, trading, bartering, or exchanging such decorations or medals without authorization. Prohibits falsely representing oneself as having been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces or any of the service medals or badges. Increases penalties for violations if the offense involves a distinguished service cross, an Air Force Cross, a Navy Cross, a silver star, or a Purple Heart.

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to ensure that state and local outreach assistance is provided in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to state veterans agencies for state and local outreach services.

Strategy for Success in Iraq Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Strategy for Success in Iraq Act - Directs the the President to implement a comprehensive new strategy for success in Iraq that simultaneously pursues a political solution and the redeployment of U.S. forces tied to specific political and military benchmarks, including actions to achieve the following: (1) reducing the sense of U.S. occupation of Iraq; (2) giving Sunnis a real stake in Iraq's future; (3) appointing a high-level presidential envoy to strengthen U.S. diplomatic efforts with respect to Iraq; (4) developing a new regional security structure with U.S. participation to enlist the support of the Sunni neighbors of Iraq; (5) accelerating reconstruction efforts in Iraq by providing the necessary civilian personnel, establishing civil-military reconstruction teams, streamlining fund disbursement to the provinces, expanding job creation programs, and strengthening the capacity of Iraqi government ministries; and (6) creating the military conditions for the redeployment of U.S. forces.

Stop Heating Oil Exports Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Stop Heating Oil Exports Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to prohibit temporarily the exportation from the United States of a finished petroleum product or liquefied petroleum gas if its supply in any of the five Petroleum Allocation Defense Districts has fallen or will fall below expected demand.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Veterans Day 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that Veterans Day 2005 shall be commemorated with appropriate tributes to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A resolution to recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the outcome of World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Reaffirms, recognizes, and honors the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of American democracy and important contribution to the victorious outcome of World War II.

To clarify the effective date of the modification of treatment for retirement annuity purposes of part-time service before April 7, 1986, of certain Department of Veterans Affairs health-care professionals.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Makes January 23, 2002, the effective date of the modification of treatment for retirement annuity purposes of part-time service performed before April 7, 1986, by certain health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Administration pursuant to the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.

BRAC Data Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

BRAC Data Disclosure Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in the event of any future round of military base realignments and closures, to make available to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission appointed in that round, and to the public in unclassified form, all of the military value data used by the Secretary to prepare recommendations for such realignments and closures.

Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to make competitive grants to provide financial assistance to state departments of veterans affairs for the training of rural county veteran service officers in order to improve outreach and assistance to veterans, as well as their spouses, children, and parents, who may be eligible to receive veterans' or veterans-related benefits and who are residing in rural counties. Limits each grant to $1 million. Requires grants to be made on an annual basis.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY

United States · United States Senate · 9 November 2005

A bill to authorize the transfer of items in the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies, Korea.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Authorizes the President to transfer to the Republic of Korea U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) obsolete or surplus munitions, equipment, and materiel (such as tanks, trucks, artillery, mortars, general purpose bombs, repair parts, barrier material, and ancillary equipment) that are intended for use as reserve stocks for the Republic of Korea and that are stockpiled in the Republic of Korea or Japan. States that: (1) the value of such concessions shall be at least equal to the transferred items' fair market value, less any DOD savings (which may not exceed the fair market value of the items transferred) from the avoidance of removal or disposition costs; and (2) such concessions may include cash compensation, services, waiver of charges otherwise payable by the United States (such as charges for demolition of U.S.-owned or U.S.-intended munitions), and other items of value. Terminates such transfer authority three years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of DOD to certify to the appropriate congressional committees whether or not the items in the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies, Korea available for transfer to the Republic of Korea are of any utility to the United States for: (1) counterterrorism operations; (2) contingency operations; (3) training; or (4) stockpile, pre-positioning, or war reserve requirements. Terminates the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies, Korea program at the conclusion of such transfer. Directs DOD to remove or dispose of any remaining items in the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies, Korea.

A bill to provide for the establishment of a strategic refinery reserve, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Strategic Refinery Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for: (1) the construction or operation of new refineries; or (2) the acquisition or reopening of closed refineries. Instructs the Secretary to operate the Reserve to provide petroleum products to: (1) the federal government (including the Department of Defense); (2) any state governments and their political subdivisions that opt to purchase refined petroleum products from the Reserve; and (3) the general public during certain emergency periods. Directs the Secretary to ensure that refineries in the Reserve are designed to provide a rapid increase in production capacity during such emergency periods. Requires a refinery owner or operator to notify the Secretary, with an explanation, not later than 180 days before permanently closing a refinery in the United States. Requires the Secretary to report the notification and explanation to Congress, together with an analysis of the effects of the proposed closing.

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs between and among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to ensure that state and local outreach assistance is provided in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to state veterans agencies for state and local outreach services.

To provide eligibility for veterans benefits for individuals who served in the United States merchant marine in the Southeast Asia theater of operations during the Vietnam Era.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Considers as active duty service, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, service of an individual in the U.S. merchant marine who: (1) served as a crewmember of a vessel that was in oceangoing service during the Vietnam Era in the Southeast Asia theater of operations; and (2) received a certificate of honorable discharge. Makes such eligibility retroactive as of the last date of such service.

Veterans Cold Weather Injury Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Veterans Cold Weather Injury Compensation Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a registry of veterans who, while in active military service, were exposed for a significant period of time to sustained periods of extremely cold weather (seven days or more of average temperatures of 32 degrees or lower). Requires such registry to be used to determine the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and the exposure to such weather. Presumes cold-weather injuries in such veterans to be service-connected and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days, to prescribe initial regulations on injuries determined to have a positive association with sustained exposure to cold weather.

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

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Extends through October 24, 2015, the authority of the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation to establish in the District of Columbia or its environs a memorial to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces.

Steve McWilliams Truth in Trials Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Steve McWilliams Truth in Trials Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish as an affirmative defense for any person facing prosecution or a proceeding for any marijuana-related offense that the marijuana-related activities in question were in compliance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana. Allows a finder of fact to find a defendant guilty of a lesser offense if the defendant's marijuana-related activity was found to be primarily, but not exclusively, for medical purposes. Provides for the return of any property with respect to which an individual successfully makes a defense under this Act. Amends provisions concerning the seizure and custody of marijuana to limit seizure authority of marijuana authorized for medical use and provide for the retention of seized plants pending resolution of a case involving an affirmative defense for the medical use of marijuana.

Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act - Allows a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs annual patient enrollment system to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department facility. (Currently, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may contract for such services when Department facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required.) Directs the Secretary to authorize such services pursuant to a contract with such facility.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 55) requiring the President to develop and implement a plan for the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 55) requiring the President to develop and implement a plan for the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.

Veterans' Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2005

Veterans' Right to Know Act - Establishes the Veterans' Right to Know Commission to: (1) investigate chemical or biological warfare tests or projects, especially those carried out between 1954 and 1973, placing particular emphasis on actions or conditions that could have contributed to health risks to any civilian or military personnel who participated in such a test or project or were otherwise potentially exposed to a biological or chemical agent as a result; and (2) report to Congress on its findings and recommendations.

Secure America Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2005

Secure America Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct that the Secretary of Homeland Security place an alien (other than from Mexico or Canada) who has not been admitted or paroled into expedited removal if apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of unauthorized entry. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate increased alien smuggling sentencing guidelines. Amends the INA to increases criminal penalties for alien smuggling. Amends federal criminal law to provide additional penalties for carrying or using a firearm during alien smuggling activities. Authorizes the use of the Armed Forces to secure the U.S. border. Amends the INA to: (1) provide mandatory minimum sentences for aliens convicted of reentry after removal; and (2) impose on smugglers the same sentences that the aliens they have smuggled would receive. Authorizes the Secretary to deny admission to any citizen, national, or resident of a country that has denied or delayed accepting an alien from such country who has been ordered removed from the United States. Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Bureau of Immigration Enforcement.