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151 records in US in 2006
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 2006 - Allows spouses and dependent children of permanently disabled members of the Armed Forces to access benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program while such members are still on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006
Recognizes the bravery and courage of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the Battle of Attu and of all veterans who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Urges the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) recognize the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Attu and the end of Imperial Japanese control of the Alaskan Aleutian islands during World War II; (2) work to protect the historic sites associated with the battle and the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area; and (3) establish commemorative programs honoring the Americans who fought or served at these historic sites.
United States · United States Senate · 14 September 2006
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try alien unlawful enemy combatants engaged in hostilities against the United States for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try such combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006
Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act - Modifies the standard for awarding disability compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of compensation for impairment of vision (currently, blindness) involving both eyes due to a service-connected and non service-connected disability. Defines such impairment as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information for comparison with the National Directory of New Hires to determine eligibility for certain veteran benefits and services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Clean Contracting Act - Requires the revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to restrict the contract period of noncompetitive federal contracts in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($100,000) to the minimum contract period necessary to: (1) meet the urgent and compelling requirements of the work to be performed; and (2) enter into another contract for the required goods and services through the use of competitive procedures. Requires: (1) FAR to be revised to require competition in the purchase of goods and services by executive agencies pursuant to multiple award contracts; and (2) Secretary of Defense to revise the Department of Defense Supplement to FAR to cover purchases of goods by the Department of Defense (DOD) pursuant to such contracts. Prohibits the award of monopoly contracts (as defined). Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report on interagency acquisitions; and (2) revision of Appendix B of OMB Circular A-123 for preventing abuse of government credit cards. Requires federal agencies and departments to submit quarterly reports to Congress on: (1) certain excessive government contractor costs; and (2) significant or substantial deficiencies in the performance of any contractor or any contractor's business system. Requires executive agencies to make specified contractor information publicly available. Requires the House Committee on Government Reform or its subcommittees to hold hearings to investigate credible evidence or allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in federal contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that Donald Rumsfeld should be replaced as Secretary of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of military commissions (commissions) to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses. Authorizes the: (1) President to establish commissions to try alien unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses; and (2) commissions to prescribe any punishment, including death when authorized. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006
States that specified chapters of the federal criminal code relating to electronic surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) shall provide the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted. Prohibits any modification or repeal of any provisions of title I (Electronic Surveillance) of FISA without an express legislative directive. Directs the President to brief each member of the congressional intelligence committees on the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA) and certain other surveillance programs. Amends FISA to extend the period allowed for emergency electronic surveillance without a court order. Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate the authority to approve an application for electronic surveillance and to appoint certain personnel in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the NSA to authorize emergency surveillance in the United States. Authorizes the appointment of additional judges to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a classified document management system to process electronic surveillance applications. Expands the authority of the President to authorize wartime electronic surveillance without a court order. Permits electronic surveillance without a court order of communications between individuals outside of the United States under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Terrorist Tracking, Identification, and Prosecution Act of 2006 - Military Commissions Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try individuals for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act. National Security Surveillance Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (the Act) to establish a new title relating to electronic surveillance. Gives the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) (established under the Act) jurisdiction to review U.S. electronic surveillance programs (programs) that seek to obtain foreign intelligence information or to protect against international terrorism. Allows the Court to issue an order that authorizes a program for up to 90 days. Provides for congressional oversight of approved programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, including the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur are genocide, and the need for U.S. and international involvement in Darfur. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to direct the President, with waiver authority upon congressional notification, to block the assets and deny visas and entry to any individual complicit in or responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Darfur, including certain family members or associates of such individual. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to reinforce an expanded African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). States that the President should take steps to deny the government of Sudan access to oil revenues, including prohibiting U.S. port entry to cargo ships or oil tankers engaged in trade activities in Sudan's oil sector or involved in the shipment of goods for the Armed Forces of Sudan until the government of Sudan has honored its commitments to cease attacks on civilians, demobilize and demilitarize the Janjaweed and associated militias, grant access for humanitarian assistance, and allow for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Exempts from such prohibition cargo ships or oil tankers involved in: (1) an internationally recognized demobilization program or the shipment of economic assistance; or (2) the shipment of certain military assistance. Prohibits, with national interest waiver authority, U.S. assistance to a country in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591 (embargo on military assistance to Sudan). States that certain restrictions against the government of Sudan shall remain in place until the President makes specified certifications to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the government of Sudan. Amends the Assistance for International Malaria Control Act to repeal provisions authorizing the President to provide additional assistance to, and exempting prohibitions on exports from, areas outside the control of the government of Sudan. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to repeal the provision authorizing the President to provide additional nonmilitary assistance to areas outside the control of the government of Sudan. Authorizes the President, subject to congressional notification by the Secretary of State, to provide economic assistance for Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei. Authorizes the President to provide specified military assistance to the government of Sudan. Waives prohibitions concerning Sudan in Executive Order No. 13067 regarding activities with respect to Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2006
Commemorates the life of each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Extends deepest condolences to the victims, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. Condemns the attacks, the terrorists who perpetrated them, and their sponsors. Commits to support the necessary steps to defeat terrorists who plot to harm the American people. Recommits the Senate and the Nation to bringing the perpetrators of the attacks and their sponsors to justice. Honors members of the Armed Forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders, members of the intelligence community, and others who have bravely participated in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. Declares September 11, 2006, to be a National Day of Remembrance, in commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns today (September 11, 2006), it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to each individual who died as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2006
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for providing material support or resources to a perpetrator of international terrorism, or to a family member of or other person associated with such perpetrator, with the intent to facilitate, reward, or encourage international terrorism. Increases criminal penalties for providing material support or resources to terrorists and foreign terrorist organizations and for receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization. Denies federal benefits to individuals convicted of a federal crime of terrorism. Classified Information Procedures Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) to: (1) allow interlocutory appeals from any order for access to classified information (currently, appeals lie only from orders entered under CIPA); (2) require courts to grant certain ex parte government requests for CIPA protective orders; and (3) restrict access to classified information obtained from nondocumentary sources. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit hoaxes relating to terrorist offenses; (2) increase penalties for hoaxes about the death, injury, or capture of a member of the Armed Forces (U.S.); (3) include threats against a corporation or governmental entity in the crime of mailing threatening communications; (4) modify provisions relating to terrorist murders, kidnappings, and assaults; (5) impose criminal penalties for terrorist offenses resulting in death; (6) authorize the death penalty for certain terrorist crimes; and (7) increase penalties for false statements or obstruction of justice involving international or domestic terrorism. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to make certain notification requirements under such Act inapplicable to individuals seeking immigration benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2006
Eliminates the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain payment or reimbursement of veterans' health care costs from health care plans, other than plans under the Social Security Act, state medical assistance plans (Medicaid), and certain workers' compensation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Real Security Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions concerning: (1) implementation of 9/11 Commission recommendations; (2) combating terrorism; (3) intelligence authorizations; (4) transportation security; and (5) U.S. policy on Iraq. Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act - Outlines provisions effecting the implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act or HERO Act - Provides for: (1) radio spectrum for first responders; and (2) private sector preparedness. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2006 - Provides for grants to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, or recover from, threatened or actual terrorist attacks. Sets forth requirements relating to transportation security, border security, the intelligence community, and the balance between security and civil liberties. Outlines provisions concerning the use of foreign policy and public diplomacy to combat terrorism. Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2006 - Provides international nonproliferation requirements. Targeting Terrorists More Effectively Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions concerning terrorism, terrorist financing, countries that support terrorism, and preventing the growth of radical Islamic fundamentalism. Establishes a National Commission To Review Policy Regarding the Treatment of Detainees. Outlines U.S. strategy with respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities. Establishes: (1) an Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; and (2) a National Space Intelligence Center. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2006 - Outlines vessel and port security requirements, including port security training programs, an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening system, and a container security initiative. Rail Security Act of 2006 - Provides freight and passenger rail transportation security requirements. Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Outlines provisions relating to public transportation security assessments, security assistance grants, and aviation security. United States Policy on Iraq Act of 2006 - Provides U.S. policy on Iraq. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting (with respect to Afghanistan and Iraq).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
National Security Surveillance Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (the Act) to establish a new title relating to electronic surveillance. Gives the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) (established under the Act) jurisdiction to review U.S. electronic surveillance programs (programs) that seek to obtain foreign intelligence information or to protect against international terrorism. Allows the Court to issue an order that authorizes a program for up to 90 days. Provides for congressional oversight of approved programs. Prohibits any provision of the Act from being construed to limit the constitutional authority of the President to collect intelligence with respect to foreign powers and agents thereof. Revises generally provisions of the Act concerning electronic surveillance authorizations obtained without a court order, including certification by the Attorney General, reports to congressional committees, duties and compensation of common carriers required to perform, or make equipment available for, such surveillance, and application requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
States that specified chapters of the federal criminal code relating to electronic surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) shall provide the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted. Prohibits any modification or repeal of any provisions of title I (Electronic Surveillance) of FISA without an express legislative directive. Directs the President to brief each member of the congressional intelligence committees on the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA) and certain other surveillance programs. Amends FISA to extend the period allowed for emergency electronic surveillance without a court order. Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate the authority to approve an application for electronic surveillance and to appoint certain personnel in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the NSA to authorize emergency surveillance in the United States. Authorizes the appointment of additional judges to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a classified document management system to process electronic surveillance applications. Expands the authority of the President to authorize wartime electronic surveillance without a court order. Permits electronic surveillance without a court order of communications between individuals outside of the United States under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110(EGS) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action seeking compensation for such injuries or damages associated with such hostage taking against a foreign state or its agencies or instrumentalities. Funds compensation under this Act from the Hostage Victims Fund, into which the President shall direct deposits from: (1) blocked assets of terrorist parties; (2) amounts received against any person in connection with the U.N. Oil for Food Program; or (3) amounts received as a result of any fine or forfeiture in connection with a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, or the Export Administration Act. Provides additional compensation for victims of the 1979 Iranian hostage taking in Tehran, including spouses and children of persons taken captive.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Condemns the government of Sudan's: (1) military offensive in Darfur in violation of the terms of the Darfur Peace Agreement (2006) and the N'Djamena cease-fire accord (2004); and (2) rejection of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006). Commends the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for its monitoring of the N'djamena cease-fire agreement and encourages the African Union (AU) to leave the AMIS force in place until a U.N. peacekeeping mission is deployed to Darfur. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) cease its military offensive in Darfur; and (2) comply with the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon the United Nations to: (1) deploy as quickly as practicable well trained and equipped peacekeeping troops as authorized by Security Council Resolution 1706; and (2) begin considerations of sanctions as called for by Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) and Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004). Urges the President to help improve the security situation in Darfur by: (1) pursuing the imposition of a "no-fly zone" in Darfur in cooperation with the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or NATO allies; (2) garnering support for NATO assistance with the AU handover of AMIS to the United Nations; (3) obtaining the support of China, Russia, and U.S. allies in the Arab League to secure Sudan's compliance with U.N. peacekeeper deployment; (4) supporting full funding for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Sudan; (5) securing U.N. member state support for a special session on Sudan in the U.N. Human Rights Council; and (6) appointing a Special Envoy to Sudan to head the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy. Urges the international community to: (1) support the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur financially, with logistical and equipment support, or through troop contributions; (2) fulfill financial obligations to U.N. and international humanitarian aid agencies for responding to the crisis in Darfur or addressing humanitarian needs throughout Sudan; (3) impose targeted sanctions against members of the National Congress Party responsible for human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; and (4) impose sanctions consistent with Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1564.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Uniting America's Military Families Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive inadmissibility grounds based on visa, document, or immigration benefit misrepresentation in the case of an immediate family member of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces. Amends V-visa (permits nonimmigrant spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents who are beneficiaries of an immigrant petition to reside and work in the United States while waiting to obtain immigrant status) provisions to eliminate specified restrictions on a petition's filing date and length of pendency for a petition filed by an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to award the Army Combat Action Badge to any member of the Army who participated in combat during which the person actually engaged, or was personally engaged by, the enemy at any time between December 7, 1941, and September 18, 2001, as long as such person has not been previously recognized for such participation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Bringing Terrorists to Justice Act of 2006 - Authorizes the: (1) President to establish military commissions (commissions) to try individuals for violations of the law of war and other triable offenses; (2) commissions to impose upon any person found guilty any sentence appropriate to the offense, including death or imprisonment for life; and (3) Secretary of Defense to carry out such sentences. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to codify and establish procedures governing the use of commissions to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of triable offenses. Makes eligible to serve on a commission any U.S. commissioned officer on active duty. Requires to be detailed to each commission a military judge, trial and military defense counsel, and reporters and interpreters. Requires at least five members in each commission. Prescribes, with respect to each established commission, pre-trial and trial procedures, including charges, rules of evidence, pleas, opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence, and defenses. Requires: (1) a two-thirds commission member vote for conviction; (2) a three-fourths member vote for a sentence of life imprisonment or confinement of more than ten years; and (3) a unanimous vote by at least 12 members in a case in which the death penalty is sought. Prescribes post-trial procedures and reviews of commission actions, including appeal by the United States, rehearings, and review by the Court of Military Commission Review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Outlines offenses triable by commissions. Amends the federal criminal code to add certain actions to be considered violations of the War Crimes Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for providing material support or resources to a perpetrator of international terrorism, or to a family member of or other person associated with such perpetrator, with the intent to facilitate, reward, or encourage international terrorism. Increases criminal penalties for providing material support or resources to terrorists and foreign terrorist organizations and for receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization. Denies federal benefits to individuals convicted of a federal crime of terrorism. Classified Information Procedures Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) to: (1) allow interlocutory appeals from any order for access to classified information (currently, appeals lie only from orders entered under CIPA); (2) require courts to grant certain ex parte government requests for CIPA protective orders; and (3) restrict access to classified information obtained from nondocumentary sources. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit hoaxes relating to terrorist offenses; (2) increase penalties for hoaxes about the death, injury, or capture of a member of the Armed Forces (U.S.); (3) include threats against a corporation or governmental entity in the crime of mailing threatening communications; (4) modify provisions relating to terrorist murders, kidnappings, and assaults; (5) impose criminal penalties for terrorist offenses resulting in death; (6) authorize the death penalty for certain terrorist crimes; and (7) increase penalties for false statements or obstruction of justice involving international or domestic terrorism. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to make certain notification requirements under such Act inapplicable to individuals seeking immigration benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Maritime Administration Improvement Act of 2006 - Authorizes, without reimbursement, the transfer of vessels from: (1) one military department to another military department, including to the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (2) DOT to any other military department or DHS; and (3) DHS to DOT. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, regarding: (1) investments as they relate to the war risk insurance fund; (2) requirements for admission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and reserve training compliance and armed forces performance requirements for Academy graduates; (3) requirements for incentive payments to state maritime academy students; (4) operation of the Global Maritime and Transportation School as a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration; and (5) use funds from deepwater port licenses and from administrative waivers of coastwise trade laws by the Maritime Administration. Amends federal shipping law to revise provisions concerning the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund. Specifies fund uses and amounts credited to the Fund. Revises criteria concerning the treatment of a tank vessel to be replaced in the Maritime Security Fleet. Earmarks certain capital project funds for an intermodal or marine facility comprising a component of the Hawaii Port Infrastructure Expansion Program. Requires unlicensed seamen on certain coastwise endorsed passenger vessels to be: (1) a U.S. citizen; (2) an alien lawfully employed or admitted for permanent residence; or (3) a foreign national who is enrolled in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
September 11 Survivors Student Loan Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to discharge or cancel the federal student loan indebtedness of spouses and parents of individuals who died (or die) or who became (or become) permanently and totally disabled from injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. States that, in the case of a consolidation loan used jointly by a victim of such attacks and his or her spouse, the discharge or cancellation shall apply only to that portion of debt incurred on behalf of the victim; except that, where the victim served as a police officer, firefighter, other safety or rescue personnel, or member of the Armed Forces, all of the debt on such loan shall be discharged or canceled.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified lands formerly part of the Fort Bayard Military Reservation, Grant County, New Mexico, to the Village of Santa Clara, the City of Bayard, and Grant County, New Mexico, in tracts of not less than 40 acres, for business and community development. Requires approval of all parties for any such conveyance. Provides that the Secretary shall be responsible for the costs and recovery of any historic or prehistoric cultural properties located on such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Rural Veterans Transportation Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to make grants to state veterans' service officers and veterans service organizations for providing innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas. Requires the subsistence allowance paid by the Secretary to veterans required to travel significant distances to receive treatment at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be at the rate provided to federal employees for authorized travel. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary investigate periodically the actual cost of such travel (including lodging and subsistence).
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Vets (HEALTHY Vets) Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a veteran for whom Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities are geographically inaccessible, to use current authority for contracting out veterans' medical care to non-Department facilities in order to provide the following care to such veterans: (1) primary care; (2) acute or chronic symptom management; (3) nontherapeutic medical services; and (4) other medical services determined appropriate by the director of that geographic service region, after consultation with the Department physician responsible for the veteran's primary care. Outlines conditions under which Department facilities shall be deemed geographically inaccessible. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement of geographic inaccessibility, on a case-by-case basis, if the costs to the Department of providing such care significantly outweigh the benefits of localized health care for the veteran.
United States · United States Senate · 5 September 2006
United States · United States Senate · 5 September 2006
United States · United States Senate · 5 September 2006
United States · United States Senate · 3 August 2006
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a specified amount of compensation to those members of the Armed Forces and U.S. civilian employees, or to the surviving spouses of such members and employees, who were captured by Japan and who were used as slave labor during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Peace in Darfur Act of 2006 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan. Blocks the transfer of all assets of the government of Sudan in, or that enters into, the United States, or that comes under control of a U.S. national. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to take appropriate enforcement actions. Prohibits: (1) any transaction within the United States or by a U.S. national respecting any vessel in which a controlling interest is held by a Sudanese person or entity; (2) the exportation to Sudan of goods, technology, or services either from the United States, requiring a federal license, or involving U.S. registered vessels or aircraft; (3) any dealing by a U.S. national in property originating in or exported from Sudan, or property intended for exportation from Sudan to any country or exportation to Sudan from any country; (4) the performance by a U.S. national of any contract in support of an industrial, commercial, public utility, or governmental project in Sudan; (5) U.S. government loans, credit, or similar financial assistance to the government of Sudan; (6) Trade and Development Agency assistance for Sudan; (7) private U.S. credit to the government of Sudan or to any entity controlled by the government of Sudan; and (8) defense articles or services to the Armed Forces of Sudan. Specifies exceptions to such sanctions, including: (1) humanitarian assistance; (2) assets, transactions, or persons under the control of the government of Southern Sudan; and (3) U.S. national security or Sudanese conflict resolutions reasons. Sets forth certification and reporting provisions respecting: (1) the situation in Darfur and any imposed sanctions on Sudan; and (2) U.S. investments in Sudan and Sudanese investments in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Patent Reform Act of 2006 - Modifies conditions under which a patent may be obtained for an invention or discovery, including by: (1) defining "inventor" to include a joint inventor and coinventor; (2) making the effective filing date of a claimed invention the filing date of the patent or the patent application; and (3) revising procedures for patent interference disputes. Renames the Board of Patent Appeals as the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Revises provisions relating to the Board's composition, duties, and authorities. Revises requirements for an inventor's oath or declaration to allow substitute statements in specified circumstances (e.g., death, disability) and supplemental and corrected statements. Allows a third party assignee (other than the inventor) or a person with a proprietary interest to file a patent application. Modifies provisions relating to patent infringement litigation to: (1) allow increased damages for willful infringement; (2) grant attorney fees to a prevailing party in patent infringement litigation (unless the position of nonprevailing party is substantially justified); (3) specify permitted grounds for unenforceability of a patent; and (4) expand the prior user defense. Allows a person who is not the patent owner to file a petition with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to cancel a patent as invalid (post-grant review). Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such petitions. Allows third parties to submit documents relevant to the examination of a patent application. Revises venue requirements for civil patent actions to allow actions to be brought in the judicial district where either party resides (currently, where the defendant resides).
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) a national mental health campaign to increase mental health awareness in the veteran community; (2) mandatory training on suicide and suicide prevention for appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and contractor personnel; (3) family education and peer support counseling; (4) veterans' health assessments, counseling, and access to mental health services; (5) suicide prevention counselors; (6) research on suicide prevention and on mental health of veterans who experienced sexual trauma; (7) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (8) a toll-free hotline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary should take into consideration the special needs of veterans suffering from PTSD in developing and implementing the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Citizen Soldier Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income military pay received by a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 180 days or for an indefinite period.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006
Armed Forces Employment Support Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to make grants to the Armed Forces Support Foundation to support Foundation activities in assisting members of the National Guard and reserves and former members of the Armed Forces in securing employment in the private sector. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Foundation should enter into agreements with entities involved in energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals with past military experience would be of particular utility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to assist members of the Armed Forces, particularly those with serious wounds, injuries, or mental disorders, women members, and members of the National Guard and reserves, in applying for and receiving health care benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and otherwise after completion of military service, in order to ensure that such members receive a continuity of care and assistance in and after the transition from military service to civilian life. Requires at least one location of the pilot program to be in the vicinity of: (1) a military medical facility that treats members who are seriously wounded or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq; (2) a VA medical center located in a rural area; and (3) a VA medical center located in an urban area.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006
Victim-Activated Landmine Abolition Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the government should continue to set an example for other countries by banning procurement of victim-activated landmines and other weapons designed to be victim-activated. Prohibits the federal government from procuring such landmines or weapons in any circumstance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Veterans Community Health Enhancement Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2007 for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts to the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans' medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2006 - Extends through: (1) FY2011 the homeless veterans comprehensive services program; (2) 2011 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) 2011 the authority of the Secretary to transfer to homeless veterans' housing programs real property obtained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through foreclosure of home mortgages; (4) FY2011 a VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (5) FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the VA technical assistance grant program; and (6) FY2011 the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency grants to entities providing care to homeless veterans for repairing or replacing facilities damaged or destroyed by a disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to provide supportive services for very low income veteran families residing in permanent housing. Requires the equitable distribution of such assistance across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal lands. Requires the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program on preventing homelessness of veterans who are at risk of homelessness after they are discharged or released from active military service. Makes permanent and extends to at least 12 (currently, six) locations a VA demonstration program of referral and counseling services for veterans transitioning from certain institutions (including penal and mental illness institutions) who are at-risk for homelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
War on Terror Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely wounded or injured while serving on active duty in combat operations of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (each such individual to be known as a War on Terror Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury and subsequent medical treatment, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to ensure the provision of sufficient services to meet the needs of all War on Terror Wounded Heroes without regard to residential geographic location with respect to the following medical services: (1) adult day health care; (2) home health care; (3) respite care; (4) home-based primary care; (5) hospice; and (6) such other noninstitutional extended care services as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to operate and maintain a voluntary program in caregiver education, training, and certification for family members of War on Terror Wounded Heroes. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to furnish care to War on Terror Wounded Heroes, under certain conditions. Requires review by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee of the emergency cash assistance, medical services, and caregiver support programs established under this Act. Provides a business tax credit for employers hiring War on Terror Wounded Heroes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay compensation as prescribed under this Act to those living members of the Armed Forces and U.S. civilian employees who were captured by Japan, who were used as slave labor during World War II, and whose application for compensation is approved. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to accept any monetary contribution (with exceptions) made by any person upon on the condition that the contribution be used to provide such compensation to a selected veteran or civilian internee. Requires amounts received as contributions to be deposited in the Department of Defense General Gift Fund. States that, any amount paid to a selected veteran or civilian internee as compensation under this Act is in addition to any other amount paid to such veteran or civilian internee under any other provision of law as compensation for the performance of slave labor during World War II. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding contributions by certain Japanese corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Psychological Kevlar Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to incorporate preventive and early-intervention measures, practices, or procedures that reduce the likelihood that personnel in combat will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other stress-related psychopathologies, including substance use conditions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) update the plan periodically; (2) develop and implement a training program to educate and promote awareness among commissioned and noncommissioned officers, front-line medical professionals and primary care providers, and military personnel and their families about the signs and risks of combat stress and stress-related psychopathology; (3) establish a working group to research and develop measures that reduce the likelihood of PTSD or other pathologies in combat veterans; and (4) establish a new Peer-Reviewed Research program for such research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Alternative Liquid Transportation Fuel Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to declare eligible for a federal loan guarantee commitment large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities that use coal resources of the United States to produce at least 5,000 barrels a day of liquid transportation fuel. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a federal loan program to pay the federal share of the cost of obtaining any services necessary for the planning, permitting, and construction of a coal-to-liquid facility. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or lease storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base, but outside the boundaries of any state on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
America's Commitment to Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2007 for the Legal Services Corporation and for family planning programs under the Public Health Service Act to the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans' medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Border Patrol Agent Recruitment Act of 2006 - Amends federal employee provisions to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to fix at 45 the maximum age limit for an original appointment to a border patrol position (position) for any individual who is a retired member of the Armed Forces at the time of appointment. Makes eligible for retirement under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) any such individual who serves in the position for 15 years after such appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Amends the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002 to repeal the prohibition on military assistance to a country that is a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 and the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 to repeal limitations on Economic Support Fund assistance to a country that is a party to the ICC and has not entered into an agreement with the United States preventing ICC proceedings against U.S. personnel present in such country.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006
Prohibits specified certifications transmitted by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on June 28, 2006, relating to the proposed sales of defense articles and defense services to Pakistan from being effective for purposes of complying with the congressional notification requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. Declares that: (1) any letter of offer with respect to such proposed sales of defense articles and defense services to Pakistan issued before the date of the enactment of this Act null and void; and (2) any subsequent letter of offer with respect to such proposed sales of defense articles and defense services to Pakistan issued on or after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be issued only in accordance with the congressional notification requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, if the President desires to proceed with such proposed sales of defense articles and defense services to Pakistan, the President should only proceed with such sales in accordance with long-standing practice and procedures relating to congressional review of proposed sales of defense articles and defense services, including by providing specified advance notification to and consultation with Congress.