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Bill· SS. 2777 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems each of the following actions undertaken by a Federal agency to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a separate environmental impact statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: (1) the resumption of underground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site (Site); or (2) the use of any other location for such testing. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to certain kiloton categories of weapons. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance (seven days) public notice of each test; (2) prompt notice of each release of radiation resulting from a test at the Site; and (3) a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Site. Establishes a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board to address environmental, health, and safety issues related to nuclear testing at the Site. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate for ten years radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency, to monitor the nature and extent of any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.
Bill· SS. 2776 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out a program to provide outreach to veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict on the nature and availability of benefits for veterans, which shall include a nationwide public service campaign; and (2) establish outreach performance measures to permit its ongoing evaluation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5023 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or other scientific or technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. Requires that such payments be disregarded by an institution of higher learning when determining any financial assistance that may be available to such doctoral candidate.
Bill· HRH.R. 5011 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to make it unlawful, 30 days after the enactment of this Act, for: (1) any registered investment company to issue any periodic payment plan certificate; or (2) such company, or any depositor of or underwriter for such certificate, to sell such certificate. Applies any authority of a State insurance department with respect to insurers or insurance agents to activities of insurers or agents on a U.S. military installation or any Federal land or facility, except to the extent that the authority directly conflicts with any applicable authorized Federal regulation or directive. States that: (1) Congress intends for each State to implement standards to protect members of the Armed Forces, while on a military installation or any Federal land or facility, from dishonest and predatory insurance sales practices; and (2) until a State has implemented such standards, life insurance may not be sold to any member without prior disclosure that subsidized life insurance may be available from the Federal Government and the State may not license or renew the license of any entity that has violated such prohibition.
Bill· HRH.R. 5006 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY 2005. 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; (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; (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; (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) disabled voter services; (15) children and families services programs; (16) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (17) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (18) the Administration on Aging; (19) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (20) the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office for Civil Rights; (22) policy research; (23) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (24) 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. 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 (setting a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; (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) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (3) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses; (4) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (5) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (6) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (7) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (8) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (9) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (10) National Council on Disability; (11) National Labor Relations Board; (12) National Mediation Board; (13) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 486 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Declares that Congress: (1) recognizes and honors the military unit family support volunteers of each branch of the Armed Forces who selflessly devote their time, talent, and energy in service to the United States; and (2) commends such volunteers for their dedicated contributions to the Armed Forces and the quality of life of its members and their families.
Bill· SS. 2752 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Family Budget Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Requires: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA), Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and benefits payable under part A of title XVIII (relating to part A Medicare hospital insurance benefits) of SSA and part C of such title (relating to the Medicare Advantage program) from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account and the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program, and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of the: (1) Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement System; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.
Bill· SS. 2760 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Public Safety Officers' Defense Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny a court, justice, or judge jurisdiction to consider any claim relating to the judgment or sentence in an application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a State court for killing a public safety officer, unless the applicant shows constitutional error or that the claim qualifies for consideration based on a new rule of constitutional law or a factual predicate that could not have been previously discovered. Directs that any such application presented to a court, justice, or judge other than a district court be transferred to the appropriate district court for consideration or dismissal, with an exception. Sets forth requirements regarding time limits in: (1) district court (e.g., any motion by either party for an evidentiary hearing shall be filed and served not later than 90 days after the State files its answer); and (2) the court of appeals (e.g., the court shall decide the appeal from an order granting or denying a writ of habeas corpus not later than 120 days after the date on which the brief of the appellee is filed). Makes time limitations under this Act applicable to an initial application, a second or successive application, and any re-determination of an application or related appeal following a remand by the court of appeals or the Supreme Court for further proceedings.
Bill· SS. 2720 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act - Expresses the sense of Congress respecting the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan. Amends the Sudan Peace Act to authorize the President to assist Sudan to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement that applies to all regions of Sudan, including the Darfur region, and to address the humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Darfur region and its impact on eastern Chad, contingent upon a continuing certification to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Sudan is acting to: (1) ensure that the armed forces and militias are not committing atrocities or blocking assistance; (2) demobilize militias; (3) protect civilians, and (4) cooperate with aid workers and the African Union monitoring team.
Bill· SS. 2746 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Los Alamos National Laboratory National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) terminate the contract of the University of California to operate Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; (2) appoint either a Federal or private sector entity as interim contractor to operate the Laboratory until appointment of a successor contractor; and (3) ensure retention of essential employees at such Laboratory both during the transition period and after commencement of Laboratory operations by the successor to the University of California. Prohibits any future contract award to University of California for operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Bill· HRH.R. 4954 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Military Families Bereavement Leave Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to authorize leave for immediate family members of a member of the uniformed services who dies in the line of duty, in order to facilitate their attendance at the burial ceremony. Makes eligible for such leave those immediate family members who are FMLA-eligible employees. Treats Federal officers and Federal employees as FMLA-eligible employees for purposes of such leave.
Bill· HRH.R. 4942 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization. Grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over such offense if specified conditions apply, such as if: (1) the offender is a U.S. national; (2) an offender is a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States; (3) the offense occurs within the United States; (4) the offense occurs in or affects interstate or foreign commerce; or (5) an offender aids or abets or conspires in such offense with any person over whom jurisdiction exists. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit granting visas to or admitting, and provides for the deportation of, aliens who have received such training. Expands the scope of the prohibition against: (1) providing material support to terrorists to include providing resources or concealing or disguising material support or resources, knowing or intending that they will be used for an act of terrorism, where the offense occurs in or affects interstate or foreign commerce); and (2) financing terrorism to cover proceeds of funds used to knowingly disguise any material support to terrorists and knowing that funds are to be provided or collected for such proscribed purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 5000 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Radioprotectant Procurement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Defense to utilize and expend funds necessary for rapidly developing, bringing to market, and procuring whole-body radioprotectants. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security: (1) to report to Congress on the threat of a nuclear or radiological attack against the United States and the availability of effective radioprotectant medical countermeasures; and (2) upon determining that an effective radioprotectant is available or may become available within a reasonable time, to enter into agreements with private companies for the procurement of enough effective, safe, stable, and low-cost radioprotectants to protect the people of the United States, including in a multi-location attack scenario.
Bill· HRH.R. 4950 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Extends to 2009 the requirement that the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War submit biennial reports to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the programs and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that pertain to former prisoners of war.
Bill· HRH.R. 4951 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Requires the President to take such actions as are necessary, in accordance with specified laws and treaties, to ensure the videotaping of interrogations and other intelligence-related interactions between detainees or prisoners under the effective control of the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. intelligence operatives, or contractors of the United States. Directs the President to provide for the appropriate classification of such videotapes. Requires such videotapes to be made available, under seal if appropriate, to both the prosecution and defense if material to any military or civilian criminal proceeding. Requires the President to take necessary actions to ensure immediate and unfettered access to detainees or prisoners in the custody or effective control of the U.S. Armed Forces by the following organizations: (1) International Federation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent; (2) United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and (3) United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. Directs the Judge Advocate General to develop guidelines to ensure that the videotaping required by this Act is sufficiently expansive to prevent any abuse of detainees and prisoners and violations of specified laws and treaties.
Bill· HRH.R. 4976 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Requires emergency contraception to be included on the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that no prior authorization may be required for such contraception.
Bill· HRH.R. 4965 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Nuclear Black-Market Elimination Act - Authorizes the President to prohibit, for at least three years, any transaction or dealing by a U.S. person or within the United States with any foreign person or entity that the President determines sells, transfers, brokers, finances, assists, delivers or otherwise provides or receives, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act: (1) nuclear enrichment or reprocessing equipment, materials, or technology to any country for which an additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards is not in force, or to any country that the President determines is developing, constructing, manufacturing, or acquiring a nuclear explosive device; or (2) designs, equipment, or specific information to assist in the development, construction, manufacture, or acquisition of a nuclear explosive device by a non-nuclear weapon state. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for up to three years under the Arms Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as well as a drawdown of defense equipment and services under the latter Act, to any country that cooperates with the United States and U.S. allies to prevent the transport and transshipment of items of proliferation concern in its national territory or airspace or in vessels under its control or registry. Prohibits the United States from transferring any excess defense article that is a vessel or aircraft to a country that has not provided written assurances that it will support and assist U.S. efforts to interdict items of proliferation concern. Prohibits the President from providing, in any fiscal year, more than 75 percent of U.S. assistance to Pakistan unless Pakistan meets certain requirements, including fully sharing with the United States all information relevant to the A.Q. Khan proliferation network, and providing full access to A.Q. Khan, his associates, and any material that bears upon their activities and contacts. Provides for a national security waiver of such requirements, but prohibits its exercise in two successive fiscal years. Requires the President to: (1) identify proliferation network host countries to appropriate congressional committees; and (2) suspend all arms sales licenses to such countries.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 485 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days specified by law on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified Federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) of the Department of Defense for seeking the fullest possible accounting of Americans unaccounted for as the result of the Nation's previous conflicts. Extends the thanks of Congress and the Nation to DPMO and JPAC personnel and to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for their efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting of Americans who remain unaccounted for as a result of the Vietnam War. Recognizes and honors eight Americans and nine Vietnamese who paid the ultimate price in supporting that full accountability mission. Thanks Vietnam for continued assistance and cooperation in the humane recovery, identification, and repatriation of the remains of American personnel remaining unaccounted for from the Vietnam era. Recognizes that the efforts and involvement of POW/MIA families contribute significantly to the success of the JPAC.
Bill· SS. 2710 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
National Health Information Technology Adoption Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Health Information Technology to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery through the use of health information technology; (2) provide national leadership relating to such technology; (3) direct all health information technology activities within the Department of Health and Human Services and coordinate such efforts across the Federal Government; and (4) facilitate the interaction between the Government and the private sector relating to the development and use of such technology. Requires the Director of the Office to provide for the adoption, dissemination, and updating of health information technology standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between varieties of provider health information technology systems. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from purchasing any health care information technology system that is not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Director to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on loans made to eligible entities and award competitive matching grants to: (1) implement local health information infrastructure to facilitate the development of interoperability across health care settings; or (2) facilitate the purchase and adoption of health information technology. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform health care quality measures and public reporting requirements across all federally supported health delivery programs. Sets forth time lines for the development of such measures. Requires the Secretary to provide for the collection of demographic data across Federal programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4879 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Military Housing Improvement Act of 2004 - Increases the private investment cap for the acquisition or construction of military family housing .
Bill· HRH.R. 4880 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Josie King Act of 2004 or Quality, Efficiency, Standards, and Technology for Health Care Transformation Act of 2004 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award grants and offer loans to health information infrastructure organizations and States to develop, implement, and maintain health information exchanges. Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veteran Affairs to: (1) adopt data standards for the interoperability of health information technology systems; and (2) incorporate measures of health care practitioner performance into their health care programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a methodology for adjusting Medicare payments for providers who participate in a health information exchange or use other such technology. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Resources and Quality to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to establish the Consortium for Health Outcomes Research Priorities to: (1) establish priorities for research relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of health care; and (2) identify priorities for developing standardized measures of health care provider performance. Allows the Director to award grants for scholarships to health care professionals to earn advanced degrees in the field of health care quality and patient safety. Requires the Secretary to establish a claims-based and a clinical-based practitioner performance database. Allows group health plans to submit data to the claims-based database in exchange for Medicare claims data. Requires such contributions to the database after 4 years. Allows health care practitioners to submit data to the clinical-based database. Allows the Secretary to provide for Medicare payment adjustments based on performance measurements of physicians and institutions.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 737 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Recognizes: (1) the year 2004 as the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam during World War II; (2) the extraordinary heroism and steadfast loyalty exhibited by the people of Guam who endured occupation by enemy forces from December 10, 1941, until liberation on July 21, 1944; and (3) the bravery and courage of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the battle to recapture and liberate Guam and all veterans who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Encourages the American people to commemorate the Liberation of Guam and to observe the anniversary of the significant battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Urges the Secretary of the Interior to establish commemorative programs honoring the liberators and the people of Guam at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 734 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3313) to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit Federal court jurisdiction over questions under the Defense of Marriage Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 735 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 4613 (FY 2005 Department of Defense appropriations).
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 408 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
States that the Senate recognizes Israel's right of self-defense against Palestinian terrorist attacks, and supports the construction of a security fence, the route of which, with the support of the Government of Israel, takes into account the need to minimize Palestinian land confiscation and the imposition of hardships on the Palestinian people. Condemns the decision of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the security fence. Urges the United States to vote against any further United Nations action that could delay or prevent the construction of the security fence and to engage in a diplomatic campaign to persuade other countries to do the same.
Bill· HRH.R. 4873 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Active Duty Naturalization Accommodation Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to establish procedures under which deadlines, interviews, and similar requirements otherwise applicable to the naturalization process are suspended with regard to an alien who has applied for naturalization and is stationed abroad on active duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces until the alien is provided additional time (at least 30 days) after returning to the United States in which to meet such requirements. Allows aliens to waive application of the suspension provision and to meet naturalization requirements while absent from the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish a form that an alien may (but shall not be required to) use to request such suspension. Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide information about the suspension provisions of this Act to aliens applying for naturalization; and (2) to the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense to inform aliens on active duty abroad of the procedures applicable to suspension and to make available the form for requesting suspension. Sets forth transition provisions for aliens who had applied for naturalization but missed applicable deadlines, interviews, or similar requirements while on active duty abroad during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on the effective date of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4870 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Revises the effective date for payment of lump sums to persons awarded the Medal of Honor who are in receipt of special pensions. Requires payment of such lump sums to specified family members, in order of preference, if the person eligible for the payment is deceased or was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 732 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4837) making appropriations for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Bill· SS. 2679 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2004
Tools to Fight Terrorism Act of 2004 - Anti-Terrorism Investigative Tools Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends: (1) the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to treat individuals who engage in international terrorism as foreign agents; (2) the Federal criminal code to prohibit hoaxes relating to terrorist offenses; (3) the USA PATRIOT Act to allow the disclosure of counterintelligence information obtained as part of a national security investigation; (4) the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize deporting aliens who have received military training from terrorist organizations; and (5) the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 regarding nuclear threats. Prevention of Terrorist Access to Special Weapons Act of 2004 - Prohibits producing, acquiring, transferring, possessing, or using: (1) a missile system designed to destroy aircraft; (2) any weapon designed to release radiation at dangerous levels; and (3) the variola virus. Railroad Carriers and Mass Transportation Protection Act of 2004 - Rewrites Federal criminal code provisions prohibiting acts of destruction and violence against trains and mass transportation to add as an aggravated offense the commission of the prohibited act under circumstances in which the railroad on-track equipment or mass transportation vehicle was carrying high-level radioactive waste. Reducing Crime and Terrorism at America's Seaports Act of 2004 - Prohibits: (1) willfully disabling a passenger vehicle; and (2) bribery affecting port security. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase penalties for noncompliance with manifest requirements. Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2004 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act to cover acts involving burglary, embezzlement, and fraud in the purchase of securities. Provides for civil forfeiture of the assets of those who plan or perpetrate terrorist acts against international organizations or foreign governments.
Bill· SS. 2674 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2005 - Appropriates funds for FY 2005 for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure functions administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), namely: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, DOD, the Army and Air National Guards, and the Army, Naval, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (4) family housing construction and operation and maintenance, defense-wide; (5) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction, defense; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act and in other military construction appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other member nations of NATO, Japan, Korea, and other U.S. allies in the Arabian Gulf to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. Prohibits this Act's funds from being obligated for Partnership for Peace programs in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, before issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the congressional defense committees of any guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments, and the extent and likelihood of Federal liability) proposed to be made by the Secretary to the private party under the contract involved in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which housing is provided under the contract; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure for missile defense studies of any funds appropriated for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program. Extends the due date for a findings report from the Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States to the President and Congress. Directs the Secretary of the Army, upon determining that any portion of certain real property at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, is excess to the needs of the Army, to first offer such property to the Secretary of Agriculture for inclusion in the National Forest System.
Law· HRH.R. 4837 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2005 - Appropriates funds for FY 2005 for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure functions administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), namely: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, DOD, the Army and Air National Guards, and the Army, Naval, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force; (4) family housing construction and operation and maintenance, defense-wide; (5) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (6) defense-wide chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act and in other military construction appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000. Provides for the transfer of lapsed unobligated military construction and family housing funds into the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense account. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other member nations of NATO, Japan, Korea, and other U.S. allies bordering the Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. Prohibits this Act's funds from being obligated for Partnership for Peace programs in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union. Prohibits NATO Security Investment funds from being used for conducting missile defense studies. Designates the fitness center at Homestead Air Base, Florida, as the Sam Johnson Fitness Center.
Bill· HRH.R. 4846 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Social Security Number Privacy and Protection Act of 2004 - Directs the Director of Selective Service to alter the form of the Selective Service reminder mailback card, or the method by which the card is submitted to the Selective Service System, to reduce the risk of theft of Social Security account numbers included as part of the identifying information required from persons presenting themselves for registration under the Military Selective Service Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the Social Security account number from Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and SCHIP (SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) identification cards. Amends Federal veterans' benefits law to eliminate the Social Security account number from veterans health care identification cards issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that health insurers should not use Social Security account numbers on insurance identification or claims cards issued to beneficiaries, but should substitute another identification code or number instead.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 721 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Encourages each State to establish a program, similar to Operation Recognition, to award high school diplomas to veterans who left high school in order to serve in the Armed Forces during a time of war but never received a diploma.
Bill· HRH.R. 4834 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004
Waives visa processing fees for nonimmigrant visitors who are nationals of countries providing combat troops for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 472 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the conditions and techniques of training of U.S. military personnel are not inhumane; (2) persons detained in the Global War on Terrorism are not entitled to privileges or treatment superior to those afforded U.S. military personnel during training; (3) terrorists are a mortal enemy of the United States and all civilized nations; (4) the United States must continue to pursue individuals who violate the laws, orders, and policies requiring humane treatment of persons detained in the Global War on Terrorism and ensure that such violations do not occur in the future; (5) all world governments should seek to eliminate terrorism; (6) the U.S. Government should continue to develop and apply processes to determine whether persons it detains are lawful or unlawful combatants and whether they continue to constitute a terrorist threat; (7) the apprehension, detention, and interrogation of terrorists are fundamental elements in the successful prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism and the protection of U.S. citizens' lives; and (8) the overriding national priority in the Global War on Terrorism must be to win the war with the least loss of innocent life.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 124 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
States that Congress: (1) declares that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide; (2) reminds the President and the international community of their international legal obligations, as affirmed in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; (3) commends the President's leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur and in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by that conflict, including the provision of assistance in Darfur and Eastern Chad; (4) urges the President to seek a United Nations Security Council resolution that directs the member states of the United Nations to impose sanctions against those responsible for the atrocities committed in Darfur, authorizes a multinational force to guarantee humanitarian access and security for foreign aid workers and internally displaced persons, urges a halt to violence committed by militias and by the armed forces of Sudan, creates a Commission of Inquiry, and calls for the establishment of a formal peace process between Darfurians and the Government of Sudan; (5) calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to establish a Darfur Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Fund; and (6) urges the President to provide political and financial support to the African Union to promote its effective intervention in Darfur.
Law· HRH.R. 4818 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4825 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
Excess War Profits Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional tax of 15 percent of taxable income attributable to contracts with the United States specifically for goods or services for the war in Iraq. Exempts amounts received by members of the U.S. Armed Forces or Federal employees for their services from such tax.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 713 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns the Palestinian leadership for failing to carry out its responsibilities under the Roadmap and under other obligations it has assumed, and to bring an end to terrorist attacks directed at Israel; (2) deplores the misuse of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the political purpose of advancing the Palestinian position on matters Palestinian authorities have said should be the subject of negotiations, the ICJ's willingness to acquiesce in efforts that are likely to undermine its reputation and interfere with a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the attempt to infringe upon Israel's right to self defense; (3) commends the President and the Secretary of State for their leadership in marshaling opposition to the misuse of the ICJ; (4) calls on members of the international community to reflect on the steps taken by the Government of Israel to mitigate the impact of the security barrier on Palestinians, including steps it has taken by order of its High Court of Justice; and (5) cautions members of the international community that they risk a strongly negative impact on their relationship with the people and Government of the United States should they use the ICJ's advisory judgment as an excuse to interfere in the Roadmap process and impede efforts to achieve progress toward a negotiated settlement.
Bill· SS. 2638 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2004
Veterans Benefits Outreach Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prepare an annual plan for outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that addresses plans for: (1) identifying veterans who are not enrolled or registered for benefits or services with the Department; and (2) informing veterans and their dependents of modifications to benefits and services, including eligibility for medical and nursing care and services. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures by which veterans may appeal denied claims that could be substantiated by records destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center.
Bill· HRH.R. 4798 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Enhancement of Veterans Mental Health Services Act - Authorizes appropriations for the employment of additional psychiatrists and other mental health services specialists at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and outpatient facilities specializing in the diagnoses and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a nationwide outreach program at the community level for veterans who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom who are or may be suffering from PTSD. Directs the Secretary of each military department to conduct a comprehensive review of the mental health care programs of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary to determine ways to improve the efficacy of such care. Requires the Secretary of each military department to take special care in providing for as seamless a transition as possible from Department of Defense health care services to Department of Veterans Affairs health care services with regard to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to combat or are otherwise at risk for PTSD. Requires the Secretary of each military department and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) assess the adequacy of privacy and patient confidentiality standards and practices of their respective departments, particularly with regard to patients seeking treatment for PTSD; and (2) identify other factors that may deter members of the Armed Forces from seeking treatment for PTSD.
Bill· SS. 2628 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
Bill· SS. 2632 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
First Responders Homeland Defense Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a toll-free hotline through which local governments and nonprofit organizations may obtain information regarding all Federal grant programs that make funds available for the assistance of first responders and for terrorism preparedness. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations for training and equipping first responders; and (2) States, local governments, local law enforcement agencies, and local fire departments to assist in improving or purchasing communication systems to permit real-time, interoperable communication between State and local first responders.
Bill· SS. 2627 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Security and Fair Enforcement in Arms Trafficking Act of 2004 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to adherence by the United States to certain standards in the transfer of small arms and light weapons. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should enter into international agreements to regulate the trade in small arms and light weapons. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) enter into negotiations with foreign parties beginning with the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states for an international agreement not to export to commercial end-users semiautomatic assault weapons or related equipment, the manufacture, transfer, or possession of which is unlawful under U.S. law; (2) enter into agreements for the marking of small arms and light weapons; (3) enter into negotiations at the United Nations (UN) level to improve UN arms embargoes as they relate to such arms and weapons; (4) enter into negotiations for a comprehensive international agreement with foreign parties beginning with the EU that calls for marking and tracing small arms and light weapons, regulating arms brokers activities, prohibiting transferring such weapons to recipients engaged in gross violations of human rights, and destroying surplus weaponry; (5) make best efforts to advance international negotiations to implement the Program of Action of the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects; and (6) propose the establishment among NATO members of a program on stockpile management, security, and destruction of small arms and light weapons, and the establishment of cooperative programs on stockpile management, security, and destruction of small arms and light weapons with non-NATO states of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should encourage countries to sign and ratify the Inter-American Convention Against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunitions, Explosives, and Other Related Materials. Directs the Secretary to report annually on countries that have not cooperated in small arms programs. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require the President to notify Congress before issuing a license for the export of a defense article that is a firearm controlled under category I of the U.S. Munitions List and valued at $1 million or more (including any lethal defense article or defense service of $1 million or less that is exported to country where there is a risk such items may be used in an act of international aggression).
Bill· HRH.R. 4768 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Veterans Medical Facilities Management Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts for major medical facility leases at specified locations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer real property to another department or agency of the United States, to a State, or to any public or private entity including Indian Tribes. Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund which may be used for costs associated with: (1) current or future real property transfers under this Act; (2) the improvement of patient care facilities for veterans; and (3) the transfer, lease, or adaptive use of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Terminates the nursing home revolving fund. Sets forth procedures for the transfer of real property. Requires the Secretary to submit reports on historic properties to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives. Authorizes the use of certain construction and maintenance project funds for the construction or relocation of surface parking lots incidental to such projects. Removes the congressional review requirement otherwise applicable to the obligation of funds for major medical facilities where funds have been authorized by law. Specifies that the construction, alteration, repair, remodeling, or improvement of property under an enhanced-use lease is not subject to State or local land use laws unless otherwise provided by the Secretary. Amends the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act to extend authority for the long-term care pilot programs established by that Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4763 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Amends the definition of "period of war" to extend eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to those veterans who served during specified time periods in the Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Granada, or Panama.
Bill· HRH.R. 4764 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Redefines the term "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to include any period of active military, naval, or air service not specifically referenced for which a veteran received an expeditionary medal.
Bill· HRH.R. 4756 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum, located at 1315 Chestnut, St. Louis, Missouri, as a unit of the National Park System.
Bill· HRH.R. 4728 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004
Promoting Responsible Interrogation Standards Enforcement Act of 2004 or PRISE Act of 2004 - Prohibits subjecting any person in U.S. custody to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, laws, or treaties. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) prescribe and submit to specified congressional committees the rules, regulations, or guidelines necessary to ensure compliance by members of the Armed Forces and by Department of Defense contractors; and (2) report to Congress at least twice each year on the circumstances surrounding any investigation of possible violations of such prohibition. Prohibits an officer or employee of the United States from: (1) providing assistance to the government of a foreign country for the purpose of obtaining information from an individual held in custody by that government if there is reason to believe that torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment will be utilized to obtain the information; and (2) encouraging or otherwise assisting such a government to transfer, render, expel, return, or extradite an individual to another country if there is reason to believe that the individual would be in danger of being subjected to torture. Modifies the definition of "United States" for purposes of the prohibition against torture to mean the several States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4733 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004
Requires the Secretary concerned to pay a monthly bonus for each month of active duty to members of the Individual Ready Reserve who are ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days without their consent. Preserves veterans disability compensation benefits for members of the Individual Ready Reserve who are ordered to active duty.