Defence

Wounded Heroes Gift Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2005

Wounded Heroes Gift Fairness Act - Allows a member of the Armed Forces who receives treatment at a military treatment facility for an injury or illness sustained while on active duty, and the family members of such member, to accept a gift received from a nonprofit organization, federal department or agency, or element of state or local government, as long as the gift is provided during the period the member receives such treatment or within 30 days thereafter.

End the War in Iraq Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005

End the War in Iraq Act of 2005 - Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available under any provision of law from being obligated or expended to deploy, or continue to deploy, U.S. Armed Forces to the Republic of Iraq. Excepts from such prohibition funds used to: (1) provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq; or (2) ensure the security of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule by carrying out consultations with the Government of Iraq and other foreign governments and international organizations or by providing financial assistance or equipment to Iraqi security forces and international forces in Iraq. Permits the use of funds to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq.

Honoring the service of American Indians in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005

Honors the service of American Indians in the Armed Forces and recommends the establishment of a National American Indian Veterans Day.

MOURNING THE HORRIFIC LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY FLOODS AND MUDSLIDES IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND MEXICO AND EXPRESSING THAT THE U.S. SHOULD DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ASSIST THE AFFECTED PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES; CONVEYING SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE YOUNG WOMEN MURDERED IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO, AND ENCOURAGING INCREASED U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN ENDING THESE CRIMES; AND REMEMBERING AND COMMEMORATING THE LIVES OF SISTERS MAURA CLARKE, ITA FORD AND DOROTHY KAZEL, AND TEAM MEMBER JEAN DONOVAN, WHO WERE EXECUTED BY MEMBERS OF EL SALVADOR'S ARMED FORCES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 November 2005

Recommending the integration of the Republic of Croatia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Republic of Croatia has made significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law; (2) Croatia should be commended for its progress in meeting the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Membership Action Plan, its contribution to the global war on terrorism, and for its constructive participation in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (3) the government of Croatia should be commended for the significant improvement in its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); and (4) with complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and criteria for membership, Croatia should be invited to be a full NATO member.

Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2005 - Cooperative Proliferation Detection and Interdiction Assistance Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to establish a program to provide proliferation detection and interdiction assistance to friendly foreign countries and requires that at least 25% of the amount made available for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs and activities for FY2006 shall be made available to establish such program. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, in order to promote cooperation regarding the interdiction of weapons of mass destruction and related materials and delivery systems, to conclude agreements (including reciprocal maritime agreements) with other countries to prevent the transportation of such items to states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. Establishes within the Department of State an Office of Proliferation Detection and Interdiction Assistance Coordination. Provides that activities authorized to be carried out under the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund in the independent states of the former Soviet Union may also be carried out in other countries and with respect to international organizations when such activities are in the U.S. national interest. States that the President should ensure that, when in the national security interest of the United States, at least 25% of military assistance furnished will enhance the capabilities of friendly foreign countries to detect or interdict the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, related materials, and means of delivery and dual-use items of proliferation concern. Conventional Arms Disarmament Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out an accelerated global program to secure or eliminate stocks of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), other conventional weapons, and tactical missile systems, as well as related equipment and facilities that pose a proliferation threat. Redesignates the (Department of State) Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement as the Office of Conventional Arms Threat Reduction.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

Specially Adapted Housing Grants Improvements Act of 2005 - Provides that if a veteran who is totally and permanently service-disabled (due to loss of, or loss of use of, one or more limbs or organs) resides, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of that veteran's family, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may assist such veteran in acquiring such residence adaptations as necessary due to such disability. Provides assistance limits. Prohibits any veteran from receiving more than three assistance grants.

You Were There, You Get Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

You Were There, You Get Care Act of 2005 - Presumes specified diseases, and any other disease found by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to result from exposure to depleted uranium or the byproducts of the burn-off that occurs when a depleted uranium munition penetrates a target, among those diseases that will be presumed to be service-connected (and therefore compensable) when appearing in radiation-exposed veterans. Includes, for purposes of such coverage, service during the Persian Gulf War or any subsequent conflict in which depleted uranium munitions are used. Directs the Secretary to provide for the conduct of an independent in-depth medical study to determine other diseases that may result from exposure to depleted uranium. Requires study results to be submitted to the congressional veterans' committees.

Recognition of Forgotten Atomic Veterans and their Surviving Spouses Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

Recognition of Forgotten Atomic Veterans and their Surviving Spouses Act of 2005 - Directs the Attorney General (AG) to: (1) obtain from files of the Operations Office of the Department of Energy in Nevada records showing the identity of all atomic veterans (those exposed to ionizing radiation or fallout from the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device); (2) locate such veterans; and (3) advise them of the provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, including the right to file a claim thereunder. Requires the AG, with respect to each identified veteran who is deceased, to locate and advise his or her surviving spouse of such Act and their right to file a claim. Directs the AG to assist each such veteran or surviving spouse in filing such a claim. Expands the number of diseases considered service-connected when appearing in radiation-exposed veterans.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located in Fredericksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the U.S. Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located on ten acres in Fredericksted, St.Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.

Rocky Flats Minerals Acquisition Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005

Rocky Flats Minerals Acquisition Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to purchase, at fair market value from willing sellers, rights to minerals located within the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Withdraws such rights from disposal under federal mining and mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds appropriated for the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site during FY 2006 to purchase such rights. Cites purchase and payment conditions for satisfaction of any natural resource damage liability claim. Declares that administrative jurisdiction over lands in Rocky Flats where active development of mineral rights is occurring remains with the Secretary and shall not be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior until mining has been terminated and the lands have been reclaimed by the mineral rights holders in accordance with Colorado state requirements. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2002 to prescribe procedures under which the Secretary of the Interior may acquire mineral interests, including interests in sand and gravel and any other non-federal interests in lands or waters within Rocky Flats.

Honoring the memory of the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have given their lives in service to the United States in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005

Honors the memory of, and identifies, 2,249 members of the Armed Forces who died in service to the United States in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as of October 25, 2005.

A bill to state the policy of the United States on the intercontinental ballistic missile force.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

States that it is the policy of the United States to continue to transition to an intercontinental ballistic missile force with 500 missiles each equipped with a single nuclear warhead.

SMART Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Spending Money Accountably to Rebuild After Tragedy Act or SMART Act - Provides a 5% rescission in the: (1) budget authority provided (or obligation limitation imposed) for FY2006 for each discretionary account in each FY2006 appropriations Act (except any FY2005 supplemental appropriation Act, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006, and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act); (2) budget authority provided in any advance appropriation for FY2006 for such account in any prior fiscal year appropriations Act; and (3) contract authority provided in FY2006 for any program subject to a limitation contained in this joint resolution. Permits the President to except certain programs, projects and accounts, in whole or in part, from such rescission; provided however, that such exceptions do not, in the aggregate, exceed 1% of the overall amount rescinded. Prohibits the FY2006 cost of living adjustments in the statutory pay system of federal employees. Allows such adjustment for federal law enforcement officers. Provides for a two-year: (1) delay of implementation of the Medicare part D prescription drug benefit under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) extension of the Medicare prescription drug discount card and the transitional assistance program. Increases the transitional assistance for such period. Amends SSA to accelerate the income-related reduction in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) premium subsidy. Repeals the authorization for funding for high priority projects programs provided in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Rescinds any such unobligated balances as well as other unobligated balances of funds authorized by SAFETEA-LU for specified programs. Reduces the obligation ceiling for: (1) federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, with specified exceptions; and (2) contract authority for certain transportation research programs. Rescinds any unused obligation limitation for certain high priority projects. Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act - Establishes the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies to: (1) evaluate executive agencies and their programs; and (2) submit to Congress a plan recommending any realignments or eliminations.

International Fund for Ireland Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

International Fund for Ireland Enhancement Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. assistance for the International Fund for Ireland has contributed greatly to the economic development of Northern Ireland and that both objectives of the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986, economic development and reconciliation, remain critical to achieving peace in the region, especially in the economically-depressed areas; and (2) the Fund is encouraged to support programs that enhance relations between communities and enhance relations between the police and the communities they serve, promote human rights training for police, and enhance peaceful mediation in neighborhoods of continued conflict. Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 to encourage the Fund to support programs that: (1) enhance relations between communities, and between the police and the communities they serve; (2) promote human rights training for police; (3) enhance peaceful mediation in neighborhoods of continued conflict; (4) promote training programs to enhance the new district partnership police boards recommended by the Patten Commission; and (5) assist in the transition of former British military installations and prisons into sites for peaceful, community-supported activities, such as housing, retail, and commercial development. Authorizes FY2006-FY2007 appropriations for U.S. contributions to the Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that at least 35% of such amount for each such fiscal year should be used to carry out programs to improve local community relations and relations between the police and the people they serve.

A bill to provide for the inclusion of Department of Defense property on Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Island, Florida, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore if the property is ever excess to the needs of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Amends federal law establishing the Gulf Islands National Seashore to provide that, if any of the federal land on Santa Rosa or Okaloosa Island, Florida, that is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense is ever excess to the needs of the Armed Forces, then the Secretary of Defense shall transfer such land to the Secretary of the Interior for inclusion in the Seashore.

Department of Veterans Affairs Prosthetics Employees Standards Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Department of Veterans Affairs Prosthetics Employees Standards Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to require that an individual may perform orthotics, pedorthics, or prosthetics services for patients of the Department as an employee of the Department, or as an employee of a contractor of the Department, at a work site in which there is a state licensure requirement applicable to the performance of such services in private practice only if the individual is licensed in accordance with such state requirements.

Honoring the 600th anniversary of the birth of Gjergj Castrioti (Scanderbeg), statesman, diplomat, and military genius, for his role in saving Western Europe from Ottoman occupation.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Commemorates the achievements of Gjergj Castrioti Scanderbeg and the 600th anniversary of his birth. Commends Albanians everywhere for honoring their valiant leader, Gjergj Castrioti. Urges the U.S. government to work with its European partners to accelerate the integration of Albania and a free Kosova into the European Union (EU), in recognition of the great contribution and sacrifice made by Gjergj Castrioti and the Albanian people in saving Western Europe from Ottoman domination.

Military Installation and Community Lease-Purchase Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2005

Military Installation and Community Lease-Purchase Expansion Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into agreements for the lease-purchase of various facilities owned by the military departments with any eligible entity, including a private person, corporation, firm, partnership, company, or state or local government. (Currently, only private contractors are eligible to enter into such agreements.)

Requiring the President to submit to Congress a plan for the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005

Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for withdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq, including: (1) a date for an initial withdrawal and the expected time period for completing the withdrawal; and (2) the remaining mission of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq during the withdrawal.

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and their dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

Commending the people of the Republic of Iraq for holding a successful referendum on a new constitution for Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005

Commends: (1) the people of the Republic of Iraq for holding a successful referendum on a new constitution; and (2) Iraqi military and police forces for their excellent work to ensure that the referendum was held in a relatively peaceful manner. Recognizes Iraq's democratic progress.

Military Family Support Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Military Family Support Act of 2005 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a program to authorize a caregiver (a federal employee at least 21 years of age capable of providing care to a child or other dependent family member of a member of the Armed Forces) to: (1) use any available sick leave for the provision of such care in the same manner as annual leave is used; and (2) use any federal leave available to that caregiver as though that period of caregiving is a medical emergency. Requires the service member: (1) for whom the caregiving is provided to be performing service in support of a contingency operation or in situations for which hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized; and (2) to designate the caregiver for his or her family. Terminates the program on December 31, 2007. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish a program to authorize employees of private businesses to use sick or any other leave for caregiving in the same manner as above; and (2) solicit businesses to voluntarily participate in the program. Requires caregiver designation. Terminates the program on December 31, 2007.

Private Property Rights Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Private Property Rights Protection Act - Makes ineligible for federal funds any condemning authority or acquiring party that engages or participates in a taking or condemnation of any real property interest not for a public use or public purpose using the power of eminent domain, without the owner's consent. Requires any entity applying for federal funds to certify eligibility. Allows the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to audit any condemning authority or acquiring party that has made such a certification. Allows a property owner who is notified that his or her property will be taken to file for and attach a Fifth Amendment property protection statement (PPS) indicating that the condemning entity is exceeding its authority, which shall prohibit any acquiring party from claiming any benefit, deduction, or tax credit related to any activities conducted within the geographical boundaries comprising the jurisdiction of the condemning authority. Allows the condemning entity to seek a judicial determination of the statement's validity and an order releasing the PPS if not valid. Prohibits any government from engaging or participating in a taking or condemnation of any private real property interest under the power of eminent domain for any purpose that is not for a public purpose or a public use. Applies such prohibition to an exercise of eminent domain: (1) by the federal government; (2) related to a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance; or (3) that would affect commerce with foreign nations, among the states, or with Indian tribes. Allows a person to assert a violation of this act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Allows the United States to bring an action for injunctive or declaratory relief to enforce compliance with this Act.

Preventing Sexual Assaults in the Military Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Preventing Sexual Assaults in the Military Act of 2005 - Authorizes necessary appropriations to: (1) eliminate the backlog in processing DNA evidence at military DNA laboratories, including the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; (2) ensure that DNA testing and analysis of samples from crimes, including sexual assault and other serious violent crimes, are carried out in a timely manner; (3) distribute a sufficient amount of DNA evidence kits to each military academy, domestic military base, overseas military base, and theater of operations; and (4) ensure that at least one military medical personnel member trained as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) is on duty at all times in the health care facility of each military academy, domestic military military base, overseas military base, and theater of operations, except where a memorandum of understanding ensures that a nonmilitary SANE or SAFE is on duty at all times.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the senseless and unwarranted criminal prosecution of 2nd Lt. Erick J. Anderson, United States Army.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should dismiss all charges against 2nd Lt. Erick J. Anderson for his actions on August 18 and 28, 2004, in connection with the deaths of Iraqi civilians.

Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005

Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Greece, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship PELICAN; (2) Egypt, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CARDINAL and RAVEN; (3) Pakistan, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship FLETCHER; and (4) Turkey, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship CUSHING. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) India, the AUSTIN class amphibious transport dock ship TRENTON; (2) Greece, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship HERON; and (3) Turkey, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship O'BANNON. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.

Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and oversee activities that support and accelerate qualified countermeasure or qualified pandemic or epidemic product advanced research and development. Requires the Director of BARDA to establish and convene a Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Establishes the National Biodefense Advisory Board and the Biodefense Medical Countermeasure Development Fund. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the period of market exclusivity for designated countermeasure products from seven to ten years. Prohibits any cause of action for liability for damages related to a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic and epidemic product, with an exception for willful misconduct. Requires the Secretary of HHS to establish a process to provide compensation to individuals involved in an emergency response plan who are injured as a result of a countermeasure. Allows the Secretary to award rebates or grants related to manufacturing of, or research on, vaccine, qualified countermeasures, or qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Requires the Secretary to establish the Animal Model/Research Tool Scientific Advisory Committee. Amends the Clayton Act to allow antitrust exemptions for certain meetings and agreements among parties involved in the development of security or qualified countermeasures or qualified pandemic or epidemic products if deemed necessary to ensure the availability of such countermeasures or products. Prohibits any payment on a security countermeasure procurement contract until delivery of a acceptable portion of such product to the Secretary unless advance payment is necessary to ensure the success of the project. Establishes the National Pathology Center and a Board of Regents of the Center. Transfers to the Center certain functions of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

National Biodefense and Pandemic Preparedness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

National Biodefense and Pandemic Preparedness Act of 2005 - Establishes the National BioVenture Trust as a federal government corporation to administer the BioShield Act and support the development of countermeasures. Requires the Trust to establish a Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for adequate countermeasure domestic manufacturing capacity and construction of additional facilities. Expands the definition of "security countermeasure" to include vaccines or microbicides used to treat or prevent certain diseases or viruses that may contribute to a pandemic. Provides incentives for development and production of countermeasures. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to support the cost of screening, research, development, testing, and initial manufacture of potential candidates for countermeasures. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commission of Food and Drugs, to facilitate the prompt development, review, and approval of security countermeasures. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require postmarket studies for countermeasures after an exigency requiring the use of the drug arises. Establishes the Biodefense Injury Compensation Program to provide compensation for damages that are likely caused by the administration of a covered countermeasure. Extends liability protection for health professionals administering small pox countermeasures to include other countermeasures. Sets forth provisions regarding pandemic influenza preparedness plans, a buyback program for influenza vaccines, price gouging, an influenza vaccine electronic tracking system, and critical antimicrobial drugs. Establishes the National Institute of Pathology and a Board of Regents of the Institute. Transfers to the Institute certain functions of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Requires the Secretary to establish the National Advisory Committee on Vulnerable Populations and Terrorism. Requires the Secretary to establish a Select Agent Advisory Committee to advise on matters related to security checks for individuals handling biological agents or toxins.

A resolution expressing sympathy and pledging the support of the Senate and the American people to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck South Asia and caused the severe loss of life and destruction on October 8, 2005, and pledging immediate United States assistance to save lives and help the region recover from this monumental tragedy.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Expresses: (1) sympathy and support for the people of South Asia following the devastating October 2005 earthquake that struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and conveys condolences to the affected families, communities, and governments; and (2) admiration and support for the rescue and relief workers. Supports the initial pledge by President George Bush of humanitarian assistance, the deployment of U.S. military assets to the region, and the provision of additional U.S. assistance to save lives and help the region recover. Commends: (1) the ongoing international relief effort; and (2) the governments of Pakistan and India for their cooperation in saving lives and providing humanitarian relief to people on both sides of the Line of Control. Encourages further cooperation between India and Pakistan on relief operations and efforts to expand peace and stability in the region.

To provide for the inclusion of Department of Defense property on Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Island, Florida, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore if the property is ever excess to the needs of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Amends federal law establishing the Gulf Islands National Seashore to provide that if any of the federal land on Santa Rosa or Okaloosa Island, Florida, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense is ever excess to the needs of the Armed Forces, then the Secretary of Defense shall transfer such land to the Secretary of the Interior for inclusion in the Seashore.

Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 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.

Mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and India, expressing the condolences of the American people to the families of the victims, and urging assistance to those affected.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) mourns the tragic loss of life and horrendous suffering caused by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and India; (2) expresses the deepest condolences of the American people to the families, communities, and governments of the tens of thousands of individuals who lost their lives, and gratitude and respect for the work of all individuals providing aid, relief and assistance, including U.S. civilian and military personnel; (3) welcomes and commends the prompt international humanitarian response to the earthquake by the governments of many countries, the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; and (4) supports the actions to assist the victims taken by the President and the federal government to provide all appropriate assistance to the governments and people of the affected region.

Displaced Citizens Voter Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Displaced Citizens Voter Protection Act of 2005 - Extends to individuals evacuated from their residences as a result of Hurricane Katrina the right to use the absentee balloting and registration procedures available to military and overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Requires each motor vehicle authority and each designated voter registration agency in a state to take necessary steps to notify individuals to whom services are provided of the protections provided by this Act and of the requirements for obtaining them, including the requirement to submit an affidavit stating that the individual intends to return to the place of residence where he or she is otherwise qualified to vote.

To establish the policy of the United States on the size of the land-based intercontinental ballistic missile force.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

States that it is the policy of the United States to maintain a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile force of 500 Minuteman III missiles.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide authority, in certain cases, for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide care for the newborn children of veterans who have been provided maternity care by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Permits, for a veteran enrolled in the system of patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is receiving maternity care from the Department and gives birth to a child in a Department facility, or in a non-Department facility in a case in which the expenses of the care of the veteran are covered under a Department contract, furnishing care without charge to the newborn child. Prohibits the maximum amount payable for such care and services from exceeding the amount payable for such care and services under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

Disabled Veterans Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Disabled Veterans Fairness Act - Eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for beneficiaries providing transportation for veterans to obtain medical care). Directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business.

Recognizing veterans who served in the Armed Forces during World War II and supporting the goals and ideals of National World War II Veterans Recognition Week.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Recognizes, remembers, and honors the U.S. veterans of World War II. Supports the goals and ideals of National World War II Veterans Recognition Week.

Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act of 2005 - Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to convey U.S. Reservation 13, subject to specified conditions, and the Old Naval Hospital to the District of Columbia, on the day on which the District conveys to GSA certain real property on the West Campus of Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Terminates any pending District claim against the United States for failure to perform or to reimburse the District for the cost of performing specified services concerning Saint Elizabeths Hospital and the District of Columbia Mental Health Services. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain conveyed properties from the District to the Secretary of the Interior for administration by the Director of the National Park Service (NPS). Transfers administrative jurisdiction over other specified properties from the United States to the District. Requires the properties transferred to the Secretary to be used as the site for establishment of a memorial to honor disabled veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Conveys specified properties: (1) by the District to the Secretary, to be administered by NPS for the closure of a one-block long roadway adjacent to Montrose Park and for the closing of the rights-of-way now occupied by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal; and (2) by the Secretary to the District upon such conveyance. Requires the Secretary to convey U.S. Reservation 174 to the District upon the District's enactment of a final plan that meets specified requirements for the development of the former Convention Center Site. Amends the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 to direct the Secretary to convey 15 contiguous acres of specified land (RFK Stadium) to the District for a public educational institution, with first preference given to a pre-collegiate public boarding school. Requires NPS, upon certification by the Secretary (acting through NPS), to convey Poplar Point to the District after the District adopts a land-use plan for it meeting specified requirements. Provides for conveyance: (1) from the District to NPS of certain facilities and properties to which NPS is to be relocated; and (2) from NPS to the District of certain other properties withheld from the conveyance of Poplar Point.

Reduce Government Fuel Consumption Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Reduce Government Fuel Consumption Act of 2005 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require each federal agency to take necessary action to reduce by at least 10% vehicle fuel consumption by agency employees (other than fuel used for military purposes).

Louisiana Katrina Recovery Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Louisiana Katrina Recovery Act of 2005 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Louisiana Katrina Recovery Administrator. Specifies the authorities and functions of the Louisiana Katrina Recovery Administrator, including to: (1) provide leadership in developing a plan for the recovery of areas in Louisiana adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina and ensuring accountability and transparency of recovery efforts; (2) have management and oversight authority of all agencies in all federal activities and the use of federal resources relating to the recovery from Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana; (3) ensure such activities and resources are performed and used efficiently and effectively; and (4) coordinate the efforts of the federal government and the state and local governments of Louisiana in the recovery. Establishes the Louisiana Katrina Interagency Working Group. Designates the Administrator as the Chairperson of the Group. Establishes the Louisiana Katrina Advisory Board to provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 to re-designate the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction as the "Office of the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction" and includes as duties auditing and investigating Hurricane Katrina recovery activities and expenses. Requires reports.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" should be established.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" should be established to honor those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam.

Interrogation Procedures Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Interrogation Procedures Act of 2005 - Prohibits any individual in the custody or control of the U.S. government, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Prohibits any person in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD), or under detention in a DOD facility, from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

New Mexico Rivers Feasibility Studies Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Makes a member of the Armed Forces who is performing duty in response to a disaster or emergency declaration after August 28, 2005, in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability is attributable to such duty. Prohibits such care or services with respect to a disability found to have resulted from a cause other than such duty. Terminates eligibility two years after the member's discharge or release from such duty. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for the health surveillance of members who may be exposed to environmental hazards as the result of duty in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain a database of members provided health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to such duty.

Department of Homeland Security Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Department of Homeland Security Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Policy (established by this Act), to conduct Quadrennial Homeland Security Reviews of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Establishes in DHS an Office of Intelligence and Analysis headed by a presidentially appointed Chief Intelligence Officer. Transfers to the Chief Intelligence Officer the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, hereby abolished. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the Intelligence Through Employees Generating Resources for Analytical Leadership (INTEGRAL) Program; and (2) an intra-agency task force to study unclassified but security-relevant information. Redesignates the Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response as the Directorate of Preparedness and Response (DPR). Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a presidentially appointed Assistant Secretary for Preparedness, who shall perform the functions of the current Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, with primary responsibility for the preparedness of the United States for acts of terrorism. Gives the Under Secretary of Preparedness and Response primary responsibility for oversight and coordination with state, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region. Establishes in the DPR a presidentially appointed Military Liaison to coordinate DPR activities with the efforts of the Secretary of Defense. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to eliminate the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the Office of National Capital Region Coordination (transferring its functions to the DPR). Establishes the Director (who shall be an Assistant Secretary in the DPR) and Deputy Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Establishes in the DPR a Chief Medical Officer, who shall also be an Assistant Secretary. Declares the sense of Congress urging merger in DHS of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Grants the DHS privacy officer authority to conduct investigations. Eliminates the Under Secretary for Management and tranfers its functions to the Secretary. Requires the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and the Chief Human Capital Officer to exercise joint authority, with the component agency heads, over their respective counterparts in the DHS component agencies and entities. Establishes a Business Transformation Officer, who shall develop an overarching management integration strategy for DHS. Outlines whistleblower protections for DHS employees and other covered individuals. Tribal Homeland Security Act - Establishes within DHS the Office of Tribal Security. Establishes in the DPR a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Telecommunications, as well as an Assistant Secretary for Physical Infrastructure Security, both appointed by the President. Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary to regulate the handling and purchase of ammonium nitrate to prevent its misappropriation or use in an act of terrorism.

Servicemembers Home Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2005

Servicemembers Home Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (affording certain financial rights and protections to servicemembers and their families while the servicemembers are serving in the Armed Forces) to make any person or entity who fails to comply with any requirement of such Act liable to such servicemember or dependent for actual, punitive, consequential, and other damages caused by such noncompliance. Provides for administrative enforcement of such Act through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other regulatory agencies, and allows a private cause of action by the aggrieved servicemember or dependent. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide to each member under their jurisdiction pertinent information on the rights and protections available to servicemembers and their dependents under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide such information to affected adult dependents. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide a servicemember homeowner with an explanation of servicemember and dependent mortgage and foreclosure rights under such Act.

A bill to amend titles 10 and 38 of the 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.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2005

Prohibits the interment or memorialization in a national 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 Defense and Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations to ensure that a person is not interred in a national 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.

A resolution commending the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs in responding to Hurricane Katrina.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2005

Commends the employees and volunteers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, who risked life and limb to assist veterans, staff, and their respective families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

A bill to repeal the increase in micropurchase authority for property and services for support of Hurricane Katrina relief and rescue operations.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2005

Amends the Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From The Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 with respect to the authority of federal agencies (including the U.S. armed forces) to make purchases below the micropurchase threshold without securing competitive quotations. Repeals the increase from $2,500 to $250,000 in the micropurchase threshold for property and services for support of Hurricane Katrina relief and rescue operations.

THE DEFENSE TRAVEL SYSTEM: BOON OR BOONDOGGLE?

United States · United States Senate · 29 September 2005