Defence

To require the Secretary of Defense to provide to Congress copies and descriptions of contracts and task orders in excess of $1,000,000 for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide, on a monthly basis for new contracts and for existing contracts entered into since October 1, 2001, to the House Committees on Armed Services, Government Reform, Appropriations, and International Relations and the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Governmental Affairs, Appropriations, and Foreign Relations copies and descriptions of contracts and task orders in excess of $1 million entered into by the Department of Defense in relation to work in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ballast Water Management Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2004

Ballast Water Management Act of 2004 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, a person from uptaking or discharging ballast water and sediment from a U.S. vessel operating in U.S. or non-U.S. waters. Requires a vessel to conduct all its ballast water management operations in accordance with a ballast water management plan that meets the requirements prescribed and approved by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Requires a vessel before discharging ballast water into U.S. waters to conduct ballast water treatment so that the discharged ballast water will contain no more than a specified level of living organisms or microbes. Prohibits an operator of a vessel, until the vessel conducts such treatment, from uptaking or discharging ballast water unless the operator conducts a ballast water exchange in a manner that results in an efficiency of at least 95 percent volumetric exchange of the ballast water for each ballast water tank. Sets forth certain certification procedures with respect to vessel ballast water management plans and equipment used for ballast water and sediment management. Sets forth civil penalties for persons who violate the requirements of this Act. Urges the Secretary to negotiate with foreign countries to develop and implement an international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of nonindigenous species.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in honoring the service of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2004

Expresses the Senate's eternal appreciation for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought to protect the United States and to preserve freedom and the U.S. way of life during World War II. Honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives during that global conflict. Commends the 108 former members and six current members of the Senate who are veterans of World War II.

Patriotic Employer Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2004

Patriotic Employer Act of 2004 - Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) to require employers to post notice at the place of employment of rights, benefits, and obligations under the USERRA.

Peter Cyril Wyche Flory, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Jack Dyer Crouch, II.

United States · United States Senate · 1 June 2004

Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2003 - Sets forth new pay provisions for physicians and dentists employed by the Veterans Health Administration. Requires total pay to be benchmarked to representative salaries for non-Department positions and to include three components: (1) base pay that is uniform nationwide; (2) market pay that varies based on geographic area, specialty, assignment, personal qualifications, and individual experience; and (3) performance pay linked to the achievement of specific corporate goals and individual performance objectives. Caps total compensation at the amount of annual compensation (excluding expenses) received by the President. Prohibits certain management and executive level physicians and dentists from receiving compensation from affiliated institutions. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to suspend or waive this limitation in certain circumstances. Sets forth transition provisions for the new pay system. Makes the Under Secretary for Health eligible for market pay (in addition to base pay). Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations implementing the new pay system for physicians and dentists; and (2) report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives on implementation 18 months after issuing regulations and annually thereafter for ten years. Authorizes alternate work schedules for registered nurses employed by Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities and prescribes the pay applicable to such schedules. Requires the Secretary to pay special pay to nurse executives at each Department health care facility or at Central Office (in addition to other pay and allowances).

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2004, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 2004 - Increases the voluntary contribution amount that active duty members of the Armed Forces may make in order to receive increased monthly educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program that allows veterans to extend their eligibility period for using MGIB education benefits to obtain specified instruction or training. Excludes veterans' education benefits from the determination of eligibility for, or the amount of, Federal education grants and loans (except for campus-based student financial assistance that exceeds a veteran's cost of attendance when combined with such benefits). Requires the Secretary to collect required contributions from Reservists before they use MGIB educational assistance (currently, required at the beginning of active duty period). Increases the maximum housing loan guarantee amount for which veterans are eligible. Gives the Secretary permanent authority to guarantee adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and hybrid ARMs, and to modify interest rates applicable to hybrid ARMs. Terminates the collection of housing loan fees from veterans rated eligible for compensation at pre-discharge disability examinations. Extends administrative and judicial remedies for violations of veterans' preference requirements to all veterans (currently, limited to preference eligible veterans). Prohibits the collection of copayments from veterans receiving hospice care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Extends certain authorities relating to benefits for veterans that are set to expire. Modifies the definition of minority group member for purposes of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs Real Property and Facilities Management Improvement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Department of Veterans Affairs Real Property and Facilities Management Improvement Act of 2004 - Authorizes the use of certain construction and maintenance project funds available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the construction or relocation of surface parking lots incidental to such projects. Modifies business plan-based determinations relating to the Secretary's enhanced-use lease authority. Credits to applicable appropriations of the Veterans Benefits Administration or National Cemetery Association certain funds received under enhanced-use leases implementing business plans proposed by the Under Secretary for Benefits and the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. Requires funds received by the Department of Veterans Affairs from disposals of leased property to be deposited into the Capital Asset Fund established by this Act. Authorizes reimbursement from the proceeds of enhanced-used leases of the expenses incurred to develop additional enhanced-use leases. Authorizes the disposal of the Department's real property by specified means. Establishes the Capital Asset Fund to cover the costs of disposal, proposed disposal, or non-recurring capital projects (in order of priority). Limits the Secretary's disposal of real property that has an estimated value in excess of the major medical facility project threshold. Sets forth disposal procedures. Terminates the Nursing Home Revolving Fund. Removes limits on the use of Advanced Planning Fund amounts for major medical facility projects where funds for such projects have been authorized. Authorizes the lease of certain National Cemetery Administration property. Establishes the National Cemetery Administration Facilities Operation Fund to cover costs incurred by the Administration in operating and maintaining its property.

Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004

Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2004 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to redefine "endangered species" as any species in danger of extinction throughout all of its global range, subject to existing exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to identify from among endangered or threatened species the 109 species in greatest danger of extinction and to publish a list of such species (in lieu of listing all endangered or threatened species). Limits the Secretary of Commerce's requested listings to the 109 species. Prohibits the Secretary from listing species absent approval by majority vote of a panel comprised of the Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Defense. Limits the listing period to five years. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary identify endangered and threatened species "solely" on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available. Requires prior notification to landowners if a species to be listed occurs on private land. Limits prohibitions regarding endangered species to the 109 species identified under this Act. Requires the Secretary to complete review of habitat conservation plans seeking permission for otherwise prohibited takings within 180 days. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a species conservation reserve program under which eligible land is enrolled through the use of contracts to assist owners and operators in conserving endangered species; (2 bear the cost of conservation measures set forth in such contracts; and (3) pay rent to compensate for the loss in agricultural value of subject property.

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2004

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent penalty on early distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans withdrawals made by military reservists or national guardsmen called to active duty for a period in excess of 179 days or for an indefinite period. Permits reimbursement of such withdrawals within two years after the end of the active duty period. Applies the provisions of this Act to individuals ordered or called to active duty after September 11, 2001, and before September 12, 2005, for retirement plan distributions made after September 11, 2001.

Discharged Combat Veterans Medical Care Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Discharged Combat Veterans Medical Care Extension Act - Extends from two years to five years following discharge or release the eligibility period for veterans who served in combat after the Persian Gulf War to receive hospital care, medical services, or nursing home care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, notwithstanding a lack of evidence to conclude that their condition is attributable to such service.

Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2004 - Authorizes certain members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election during October of any year beginning in 2004 to become entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Requires a reduction in basic pay of those members electing such educational assistance or, if the member is discharged or released from active duty prior to such reduction, the collection of specified amounts from the member or an equivalent reduction in retired or retainer pay. States that members who are enrolled in the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program shall be disenrolled from that program upon electing the educational assistance described in this Act. Requires the Secretary concerned, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to provide notice of the opportunity created by this Act to elect educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Making appropriations for homeland security programs within the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Makes appropriations for homeland security programs within the Departments of Energy (DOE), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2005, including to: (1) DOE for atomic energy defense and defense nuclear nonproliferation activities; (2) HHS for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, the Strategic National Stockpile, and for activities to ensure a year-round influenza vaccine production capacity and the development and implementation of rapidly expandable influenza vaccine production technologies; and (3) DHS for border and transportation security and customs and border protection, Federal air marshals, air and marine interdiction operations and procurement, the Transportation Security Administration (for civil aviation security and maritime and land transportation security), the Office for Domestic Preparedness (including for State and local government grants for terrorism prevention activities and for firefighter assistance grants), countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, and emergency management performance grants.

Depleted Uranium Screening and Testing Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Depleted Uranium Screening and Testing Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish procedures for the predeployment notification to members of the Armed Forces of any known or likely use of depleted uranium in the theater of operation and any health risks associated with exposure to depleted uranium; (2) provide predeployment training on how to handle depleted uranium before deploying individuals to a theater in which it will be used; (3) carry out a program to identify individuals exposed to depleted uranium during active service in the Armed Forces; (4) provide such individuals with bioassay testing and notification of test results; and (5) identify specified depleted uranium exposure events. Requires the Secretary of each military department to establish procedures for collecting, tracking, and maintaining information on the health status of individuals tested under this Act to assess long-term health consequences of exposure to depleted uranium. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct an independent review of bioassay types and contamination thresholds for purposes of required testing. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide appropriate treatment for any illness of an individual resulting from depleted uranium contamination or exposure. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a survey of radioisotope identification equipment used by the Department of Defense (DOD) to assess the capability of DOD facilities to identify concentrations of different radioisotopes in naturally occurring levels of uranium and to report survey findings to Congress.

Making appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) the Veterans Health Administration for the maintenance and operation of hospitals, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities; (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund; (3) medical and prosthetic research; (4) medical administration and miscellaneous operating expenses; (5) general departmental operating expenses; (6) National Cemetery Administration operation and maintenance; (7) the Office of Inspector General; (8) construction, major projects; (9) construction, minor projects; (10) the parking revolving fund; (11) grants for the construction of State nursing home and domiciliary facilities; and (12) grants for establishing, expanding, or improving State veterans' cemeteries.

Making appropriations for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Appropriates funds for FY 2005 for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Force Reserve; and (2) family housing construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force. Reduces by 6.3 percent the amount of tax reduction for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $1 million for calendar year 2004 resulting from enactment of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.

Honor Our Fallen Prisoners of War Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Honor Our Fallen Prisoners of War Act - Requires the Secretary concerned to award the Purple Heart to members of the Armed Forces who die in captivity under circumstances not otherwise establishing eligibility for the Purple Heart. Makes this Act effective as to members of the Armed Forces who die on or after December 7, 1941, including those who die prior to enactment.

War Funding Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

War Funding Accountability Act - Requires the President, within 30 days of enactment of an appropriations Act that funds military operations or reconstruction in Iraq, to prepare and transmit to Congress a report (as well as subsequent progress reports) detailing U.S. goals with respect to such operations or reconstruction efforts, including: (1) a description of the purposes for which amounts will be made available; (2) a plan for the security of Iraq including a plan to secure approval for a United Nations-backed multinational force; (3) a plan for the reconstruction of Iraq; (4) a plan for the establishment of a sovereign Iraqi Government; and (5) a description of U.S. efforts to obtain financial support for Iraq from other countries and international financial institutions. States that if the requirements to transmit initial or subsequent reports are not met then unobligated or unexpended amounts for reconstruction with respect to the subject of such reports may not be obligated or expended until transmittal to Congress.

To waive the time limitation specified by law for the award of certain military decorations in order to allow the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for actions while a member of the Navy during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

Military Reserve Mobilization Income Security Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Military Reserve Mobilization Income Security Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the National Guard or the Ready Reserve who have been activated for military duty a refundable income tax credit for the lesser of: (1) the excess of such reservist's daily civilian compensation over the reservist's daily military pay while on active duty or full-time National Guard duty; or (2) $54.80 per day. Includes the amount of such credit in the reservist's gross income.

Commending the persons who were inducted for service in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Commends the millions of persons who were inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and served with great courage and valor to advance the frontiers of freedom.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States should request Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian to deploy Taiwanese Marines to Iraq to join international Coalition forces in the global war on terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should request Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian to deploy Taiwanese Marines to Iraq to join international Coalition forces in the global war on terrorism; and (2) if Taiwan decides to deploy its armed forces to Iraq, the United States should facilitate such deployment by all appropriate means.

Uniformed Services Differential Pay Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Uniformed Services Differential Pay Protection Act - Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 to state that differential pay (the difference between an employee's civilian wages and wages received while on active duty in the uniformed services for more than 30 days) shall be treated as payment of wages by the employer to the employee for Federal income tax purposes. Requires any contribution to an employee pension benefit plan on behalf of an employee who is receiving differential pay to be treated as a contribution with respect to a current employee of the employer.

Korea Defense Service Combat Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Korea Defense Service Combat Recognition Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to provide that, with respect to service in the Republic of Korea after July 28, 1953, eligibility of a member of the Army for the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge shall be met under criteria and eligibility requirements that, as nearly as practicable, are identical to those applicable to service elsewhere without regard to specific location or special circumstances such as: (1) serving in a hostile fire area; (2) a minimum number of instances in which the member was engaged with the enemy in active ground combat; or (3) a personal recommendation or approval by a commander in the member's chain of command.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River, California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, military, and other uses for the Fallbrook Public Utility District, San Diego County (District), from the Santa Margarita River, California. Authorizes Project construction only after determining that: (1) the District has entered into a contract to repay to the United States specified costs, with interest; (2) the authorized California officer or agency has granted water use permits to the Bureau of Reclamation for the benefit of the Department of the Navy and the District; (3) the District has agreed that it will not assert against the United States any prior right it may have to water in excess of the quantity deliverable under this Act and will share water based on equal priority and a specified ratio; and (4) the Secretary has determined that the Project has economic and engineering feasibility. Limits Navy Department responsibility for Project costs. Authorizes: (1) temporary contracts for the delivery of excess water by the Navy Department; and (2) modification of rights and obligations by agreement between the parties. Directs that the District's general repayment obligation be spread in annual installments over a period of not more than 56 years, exclusive of the development period. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer the Project's care, operation, and maintenance to the District or a mutually agreed upon third party under specified conditions.

SAVE US VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Securing Access to Vital Entitlements for U.S. Veterans (SAVE US VETS) Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from implementing any recommendation contained in a February 2004 report issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services Commission (CARES Commission) that would eliminate or severely reduce medical services for veterans until the health funding allocation system for the Veterans Health Administration is replaced with a more equitable formula.

MEJA Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

MEJA Clarification Act - Amends the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2000 (MEJA) to require the Secretary of Defense to ensure that persons covered by the MEJA are arrested and delivered to proper authorities for prosecution if there is probable cause to believe that they have engaged in conduct that violates the MEJA while outside the United States. Expands the jurisdiction of the MEJA to cover the civilian employees, contractors, and employees of contractors of any Federal agency or provisional authority, and their dependents, to the extent that the employment relates to the mission of the Department of Defense overseas or to operations within territory that the United States occupies solely or jointly. Clarifies that the MEJA covers offenses that would constitute war crimes. Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act containing regulations implementing the MEJA.

To temporarily exempt scrapping of naval vessels and Maritime Administration vessels from certain environmental statutes governing handling of hazardous materials.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation, for a specified period, to scrap naval vessels and Maritime Administration vessels, respectively, without regard to certain environmental statutes governing the handling of hazardous materials.

Urging the Government of Vietnam to provide to the United States all information in the possession of Vietnam regarding Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

States that Congress: (1) urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately provide to the United States all information relating to Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, including documents relating to Americans unaccounted for in areas of Laos and Cambodia that were under wartime Vietnamese control; (2) welcomes the improvement in military ties between the United States and Vietnam, including the port call of the U.S.S. Vandergrift in November 2003, and urges the Government of Vietnam to respond positively by the end of 2004 to requests to permit a United States Navy vessel to conduct humanitarian underwater recovery missions along the coastline of Vietnam; and (3) will consider statements by President George W. Bush and the response of the Government of Vietnam to the U.S. request to use a United States Navy vessel to conduct humanitarian underwater recovery missions along the coast of Vietnam before taking further steps beneficial to the economic and political objectives of the Government of Vietnam.

Medical Readiness and Tracking Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Medical Readiness and Tracking Act of 2004 - Directs the Comptroller General to carry out a health study of Armed Forces reservists called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Requires Selected Reserve members not on active duty to undergo physical fitness examinations every 30 months. Dispenses with physical fitness certification requirements. Requires reassignment or separation of reservists who are not medically qualified for performance of their duties. Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish a policy on deferral of medical treatment for reservists pending deployment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a health assessment program for Armed Forces recruits; (2) convene a working group to improve the medical tracking system for deployed members of the Armed Forces; and (3) prescribe a Department of Defense (DOD) policy on the collection and dissemination of in-theater individual personnel location data. Requires military installation commanders to conduct an anticipated health care needs assessment of members being redeployed. Requires audits of DOD blood sample records and the health assessment database. Directs the Secretary to facilitate declassification of certain data relevant to environmental hazards exposure. Requires the Chief Information Officer of the Department of the Army to ensure that the Army Knowledge Online website includes specified information. Directs the Secretary to take action to ensure full implementation of the Force Health Protection and Readiness Program. Requires the preparation of various health-related reports.

Contractor Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Contractor Accountability Act - Amends the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2000 to extend jurisdiction to civilian employees, contractors, and employees of contractors of any Federal agency or provisional authority who commit criminal offenses while supporting the mission of the Department of Defense overseas.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide that members of the National Guards who served in the counties declared disasters in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and who served under State duty so that they could immediately assist in the response to the terrorist attacks should have that service counted as Federal active duty for purposes of military retirement credit.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Authorizes members of the National Guard who, immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, served in counties declared Federal disaster areas as the result of those attacks to count such service as Federal active duty for purposes of military retirement credit. Makes this Act retroactively effective to benefit those members of the National Guard who became entitled to retired pay between September 11, 2001, and the date of enactment.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4200) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2005 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4200) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2005 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2005.

Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2004

Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary concerned to transmit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the service medical records of each member of the Armed Forces who is entitled to preseparation counseling and other services. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) require preseparation counseling for members of reserve components being separated from service on active duty for more than 30 days; and (2) ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Requires preseparation counseling on: (1) certification and licensure requirements for civilian occupations; and (2) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties. Extends preseparation counseling to members of the National Guard being separated from long-term duty. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to require participation in the Department of Labor transitional services program unless members previously participated in the program or are returning to previously held employment or educational pursuits. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Labor jointly to carry out a study on coordinating Armed Services and State job training and certification standards. Specifies locations for benefits delivery at discharge programs. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe minimum content and standards for required medical examinations, including screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, and to provide follow-up services. Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs to: (1) facilitate veteran-to-veteran preseparation counseling; and (2) assist discharged, released, or retired members of the Armed Forces in obtaining college credit for training received in the Armed Forces.

Recommending that Congress not provide funds for fiscal year 2005 for the deployment of ground-based, strategic, mid-course, ballistic missile defense system components that have not met operational testing requirements and, instead, provide needed funding for programs designed to keep America's ports secure from terrorist attacks.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2004

Recommends that: (1) the amount of funds appropriated for ballistic missile defense programs for FY 2005 should be capped at FY 2004 levels; (2) any funds appropriated for such programs for FY 2005 should not be used to deploy a ground-based, strategic, midcourse, ballistic missile defense system that has not met operational testing requirements demonstrating the maturity of all critical technologies; and (3) funds appropriated for port security programs within the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2005 should be increased by $500 million over FY 2004 levels.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish care for newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide up to 14 days of care following birth for the newborn child of a woman veteran receiving maternity care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs if the child was delivered in a Department facility or a Department-contracted facility.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on May 29, 2004, in recognition of the duty, sacrifices, and valor of the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Expresses the grateful thanks of the Nation to the more than 16 million individuals who served in the Army, Army Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine in World War II and to the millions of Americans on the home front who contributed to the war effort. Recognizes the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2004, as an occasion to acknowledge and pay tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II, who are known collectively as the Greatest Generation.

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Resuming Education After Defense Service Act of 2004 - Makes eligible for basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Selected Reserve who (among other qualifications), during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2006, serves on active duty in the Armed Forces for one or more periods aggregating not less than two years. Entitles such individuals to one month of educational assistance for each month served on active duty. Makes the amount of such assistance equivalent to that provided for active-duty personnel who have served a minimum of two years of active duty. Requires the Secretaries of the military departments concerned to inform eligible Selected Reserve personnel of such entitlement.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to accept a parcel of Federal land in the State of Washington in trust for the Nisqually Tribe, to ensure that the acceptance of such land does not adversely affect the Bonneville Power Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept, in trust for the Nisqually Tribe, all right, title, and interest of the United States in two specified parcels of real property at Fort Lewis, Washington, in lieu of the conveyance of the parcels directly to the tribe under the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002. Directs the tribe to continue to comply with provisions of that Act specifying consideration for the transfer in the form of a land exchange. Requires such consideration to be free from all liens, encumbrances, or other interests except those acceptable to the recipient. Requires the acceptance of real property in trust for the Nisqually Tribe pursuant to this Act to recognize and preserve to the Bonneville Power Administration specified rights in existence at the time of conveyance with regard to portions of such property upon which the Administration retains transmission facilities. Directs the Secretary to grant to the Administration such additional easements as the Administration deems necessary to accommodate relocation or reconnection of transmission facilities from property owned by the tribe and held in trust by the Secretary.

Child Credit Preservation and Expansion Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Child Credit Preservation and Expansion Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the scheduled reductions in the amount of the child tax credit for taxable years beginning in 2005 through 2009 (from $1,000 to $700 in 2005 through 2008 and $800 in 2009). Makes the $1,000 credit amount permanent. Increases the income threshold amount for calculating reductions in the credit amount to $125,000 ($250,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return). Eliminates the reduction in the percentage of earned income for calculating the refundable portion of the credit (15 to 10 percent) for taxable years beginning before 2005. Includes in earned income for purposes of calculating the refundable portion of the credit otherwise tax excludable combat zone compensation of members of the armed forces. Exempts from the general termination date in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (December 31, 2010) provisions of that Act disregarding as income any refunds from the child tax credit for purposes of determining eligibility for federally funded assistance programs.

Army Combat Recognition Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Army Combat Recognition Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) establish a combat recognition ribbon to recognize combat participation by members of the Army; and (2) award the ribbon to each member of the Army who meets criteria established by the Secretary (to be based upon the criteria for award of the Navy Combat Action Ribbon) for service performed after August 1, 1990. Prohibits award of the ribbon to members of the Army who were awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medic Badge for the same period of service. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures to implement this Act.

Honoring past and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States and encouraging Americans to wear red poppies on Memorial Day.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004

Declares that Congress honors past and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their families by encouraging every American to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day as a sign of admiration and thanks to those individuals who died to preserve freedom and democracy in the United States.

Education Begins at Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Education Begins at Home Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, to: (1) allot grants to States for Parents as Teachers programs, or other programs of early childhood home visitation; and (2) make competitive grants to local educational agencies and other eligible applicants for early home visitation for families with English language learners and for military families. Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to establish standards for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs with respect to their training, qualifications, and conduct of home visits. Revises Early Head Start programs to include provisions for: (1) training in parenting skills and child development; (2) certain home-based and family support services; (3) procedures for transition into Head Start or other local early childhood education programs; (4) staff communication and program coordination; and (5) professional development and personnel enhancement.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum amount of home loan guaranty available under the home loan guaranty program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Amends Federal veterans' benefits law to revise the maximum amount of home loan guaranty available under the home loan guaranty program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the guaranty of any loan of more than $144,000. Replaces the current formula of the lesser of $60,000 or 25 percent of the loan with the lesser of a certain maximum guaranty amount or 25 percent of the loan. Defines maximum guaranty amount as the dollar amount equal to 25 percent of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming loan limit limitation determined under the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved.

Healthy Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Healthy Troops Act - Requires predeployment and postdeployment medical examinations of certain members of the armed forces to include self-administered surveys followed by clinical examinations. Specifies that predeployment surveys and examinations shall include: (1) the collection of clinical data; (2) the collection of information on current and past physical or mental health conditions that might affect performance; (3) an assessment of mental health; (4) screening for diseases prevalent among the armed forces; and (5) referrals for any conditions needing further treatment. Specifies that postdeployment surveys and examinations shall include self-reported information about relevant exposures during the period of deployment including combat experience and screening for post-traumatic stress disorder. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study of the effectiveness of self-administered surveys.

Of inquiry requesting that the Secretary of Defense transmit to the House of Representatives before the expiration of the 14-day period beginning on the date of the adoption of this resolution any picture, photograph, video, communication, or report produced in conjunction with any completed Department of Defense investigation conducted by Major General Antonio M. Taguba relating to allegations of torture or allegations of violations of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq or any completed Department of Defense investigation relating to the abuse or alleged abuse of a prisoner of war or detainee by any civilian contractor working in Iraq who is employed on behalf of the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Requests that the Secretary of Defense transmit to the House of Representatives any picture, photograph, video, communication, or report produced in conjunction with any completed Department of Defense (DOD) investigation: (1) conducted by Major General Antonio M. Taguba and relating to allegations of torture or allegations of violations of the Geneva Convention at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq; or (2) relating to the abuse or alleged abuse of prisoners of war or detainees by civilian contractors employed in Iraq on behalf of the DOD.

Condemning the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison, urging a full and complete investigation to ensure justice is served, and expressing support for all Americans serving nobly in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Commends all Americans serving nobly abroad. Condemns the despicable acts at Abu Ghraib prison and joins with the President in expressing apology for the humiliation suffered by the prisoners in Iraq and their families. Urges: (1) the Government of the United States to take appropriate measures to ensure that such acts do not occur in the future; and (2) that all individuals responsible for such acts be held accountable. Expresses the belief that the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and the President should conduct a full investigation of the abuses alleged to have occurred at Abu Ghraib.

Recognizing the Liberty Memorial Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as "America's National World War I Museum", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2004

Recognizes the Liberty Memorial Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as America's National World War I Museum. Commends the development of Lessons of Liberty educational outreach programs for teachers and students throughout the Nation.

Joseph F. Bader, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2007, vice Jessie M. Roberson, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2004