Defence

A resolution condemning the unauthorized disclosure and publication of classified information about the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program, the National Security Agency's Terrorist Surveillance Program, and other vital counter-terrorism programs.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Condemns leaks and the publication of national security information about the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program and the National Security Agency's Terrorist Surveillance Program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Justice should investigate and prosecute persons responsible for unauthorized disclosures to news organizations about the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program, the National Security Agency's Terrorist Surveillance Program, and other vital counter-terrorist programs.

Children of Fallen Soldiers Pell Grant Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Children of Fallen Soldiers Pell Grant Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Educaton Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution used in determining Pell Grant eligibility in the case of a student applicant whose parent or guardian was killed while performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.

To require the implementation of the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Directs the Secretary of Defense, in implementing the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System, to require the submission and compilation of information on any occurrence of rape, assault with the intent to rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, kidnapping, murder, or arson involving a member of the Armed Forces. Requires the Secretary to certify in writing when such System is fully implemented.

Iraq Transition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Iraq Transition Act of 2006 - Establishes the Commission on Iraqi Transition, which shall report upon all issues relating to the transfer of power for Iraqi government operations from U.S. military forces to the newly-elected government of Iraq, particularly to the Prime Minister of Iraq, the President of Iraq, and the Iraqi Council of Representatives, including day-to-day operations of Iraqi ministries and departments.

Extending the appreciation of Congress and the Nation to the Department of Defense organizations, military departments, and personnel engaged in the mission to achieve the fullest possible accounting for all Americans unaccounted for as a result of the Nation's wars, to the POW/MIA families and veterans who support the mission, and to foreign nations that assist in the mission.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days specified by law on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) of the Department of Defense (DOD), the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, the Air Force Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for seeking the fullest possible accounting of Americans unaccounted for as a result of the nation's previous conflicts. Extends the thanks of Congress and the nation to the personnel of those offices, commands, and laboratories and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for their efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting of Americans who remain unaccounted for as a result of the Vietnam War. Encourages and recognizes the efforts of the U.S. government, POW/MIA families and veterans, and host nations in supporting such mission. Recognizes and honors eight Americans and nine Vietnamese who paid the ultimate sacrifice in supporting such mission. Thanks Vietnam for continued assistance and cooperation in the humane recovery, identification, and repatriation of the remains of American personnel remaining unaccounted for from the Vietnam era. Recognizes that the efforts and involvement of POW/MIA families contribute significantly to the success of the JPAC.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of Iraq should not grant blanket amnesty to persons known to have attacked, killed, or wounded members of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Iraq should not grant blanket amnesty to persons known to have attacked, wounded, or killed members of the U.S. Armed Forces; (2) the President should immediately notify the Iraq government that the United States strongly opposes such amnesty; and (3) the government of Iraq should be encouraged to inform and educate the Iraqi people about the civic-minded and selfless nature of American military personnel serving in Iraq who have risked their lives to secure a future of peace and freedom for the men, women, and children of Iraq.

A bill to appropriate $160,500,000 for the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve security for personal data of veterans and other persons held by the Department of Veterans Affairs and to provide remedial assistance to veterans and other persons who have had personal data stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2006 for general operating expenses, specifically to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the VA and to provide remedial assistance to veterans and other persons who have had personal data stolen from the VA.

Supporting intelligence and law enforcement programs to track terrorists and terrorist finances conducted consistent with Federal law and with appropriate Congressional consultation and specifically condemning the disclosure and publication of classified information that impairs the international fight against terrorism and needlessly exposes Americans to the threat of further terror attacks by revealing a crucial method by which terrorists are traced through their finances.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Expresses support for efforts to identify, track, and pursue suspected foreign terrorists and their financial supporters by tracking terrorist money flows and uncovering terrorist networks, including through the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program. Condemns the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and expresses concern that such disclosure may endanger the lives of Americans as well as individuals and organizations that support U.S. efforts. Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) finds that the Program has been conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, that appropriate safeguards and reviews have been instituted to protect civil liberties, and that Congress has been appropriately informed and consulted and will continue Program oversight; and (2) expects the cooperation of all news media organizations in protecting American lives and the government's capability to identify, disrupt, and capture terrorists by not disclosing classified intelligence programs, such as the Program.

Calling on the President to order the flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of any member of the Armed Forces dying from an injury or illness incurred in the line of duty.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should order the flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of any member of the Armed Forces dying from an injury or illness incurred in the line of duty.

Robert L. Wilkie, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Daniel R. Stanley.

United States · United States Senate · 26 June 2006

A concurrent resolution commending the Government of Canada for its renewed commitment to the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006

Commends the government of Canada for: (1) its renewed and long-term commitment to the Global War on Terror; (2) working to secure a democratic and equal Afghanistan; (3) its commitment to reducing poverty, aiding counternarcotics efforts, and ensuring a peaceful and terror-free Afghanistan; and (4) its three-pronged commitment to Afghanistan of diplomacy, development, and defense. Commends the leadership of former Canadian Prime Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and Paul Martin and current Prime Minister Stephen Harper for their commitment to democracy, human rights, and freedom. Expresses U.S. gratitude and appreciation for Canada's enduring friendship and leadership in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the Coast Guard (CG). Sets forth authorized FY2007 levels of CG active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the CG is operating (Secretary) to appoint Department civilian employees as appellate military judges to the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals. Authorizes the CG Commandant to temporarily increase the maximum total number of CG commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list by up to two percent for up to 60 days following the commissioning of a CG Academy class. Makes rebuilt vessels or replacement vessels of certain length, tonnage, and horsepower eligible for a fishery endorsement. Increases the civil penalty for an owner of a vessel that violates regulations establishing anchorage grounds for safe navigation in U.S. waters. Subjects to a civil penalty any person who knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance at a maritime facility or on a vessel that is under the jurisdiction of the United States. Bars the attachment of maritime liens on fishing permits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of documentation for employment in coastwise trade to the vessel GALLANT LADY (Feadship hull number 672). Authorizes the CG to buy or operate a patrol boat replacement (fast response cutter) only if the contract to build the cutter is awarded on a competitive bid basis among U.S. shipyards.

Alpena, Michigan, Community Based Outpatient Clinic Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2006

Alpena, Michigan, Community Based Outpatient Clinic Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and operate a community-based outpatient clinic for veterans at a location selected by the Secretary in Alpena, Michigan. Requires clinic operation within one year after the enactment of this Act.

Veterans Long Term Care Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Veterans Long Term Care Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay for nursing home care furnished in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home to any veteran in need of such care: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) who has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more. Directs the Secretary to furnish such drugs and medicines as ordered by a duly licensed physician for any veteran in need of such drugs and medicines: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more. Authorizes the Secretary, for three years after the enactment of this Act, to treat certain health facilities as state homes for purposes of eligibility for payments for care provided to veterans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase to $2,000 the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension under that title and to provide for payment of that pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Increases from $1,000 to $2,000 the monthly special pension paid to Medal of Honor recipients. Provides for payment of such pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased recipient as long as the surviving spouse was married to the recipient: (1) for one year or more; or (2) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage.

Disapproving the granting of amnesty by the Government of Iraq to persons known to have attacked, kidnapped, wounded, or killed members of the Armed Forces of the United States or citizens of the United States in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Declares that it is U.S. policy to oppose any effort by the Iraqi government to grant amnesty to anyone known to have attacked, kidnapped, wounded, or killed members of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. citizens. Calls for the President to notify the Iraqi government of such opposition.

A bill to allow members of the Selected Reserve enrolled in the TRICARE program to pay premiums with pre-tax dollars.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Directs the Secretary of Defense to institute a health premium conversion plan under which members of the Selected Reserve who are participating in the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed care program) may choose between cash and health benefits under such program. Requires the premium conversion plan to be designed to meet Internal Revenue Code requirements allowing premium payments with pretax dollars.

VIP Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act or VIP Act - Establishes as an independent office in the executive branch the Office of Veterans Identity Protection Claims, headed by a Director, to receive, process, and pay claims for injuries suffered as a result of the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of identifying information stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes judicial review of claim determinations.

Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2006 - Amends the Defense Production Act to revise provisions concerning presidential authority to review any mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers (transactions) that could result in foreign control of persons engaged in interstate commerce in the United States. Codifies the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) as a multi-agency committee, with the Secretary of the Treasury as the chairperson and the Secretary of Defense as the vice chairperson. Directs CFIUS to review any such transaction to determine its effect on national security, and to investigate whether the transaction could result in foreign control of any critical U.S. infrastructure with possible impairment to national security. Requires CFIUS to provide assessments and classifications of foreign countries for use with its reviews and investigations. Authorizes the President, after a CFIUS review or investigation, to take appropriate action, including suspending or prohibiting a transaction. Requires: (1) notification of certain members of Congress of a proposed or pending transaction that has come under review or investigation; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary of the Treasury to the congressional finance committees with respect to the preservation of the nation's defense production and critical infrastructure.

[H.A.S.C. No. 109-111] SIGNIFICANT FORCE REALIGNMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, INCLUDING BEDDOWN, SUPPORT, AND OTHER COSTS AND REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THOSE REALIGNMENTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 June 2006

Comprehensive Homeless Veterans Assistance and Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Comprehensive Homeless Veterans Assistance and Prevention Act of 2006 - Reaffirms: (1) the national goal to end chronic homelessness among veterans within a decade of the enactment of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001; and (2) encouraging all federal and local departments and agencies and public and private sector entities and organizations to work cooperatively to achieve such goal. Expresses the sense of Congress that federal agencies should cooperate more fully to address the veteran homelessness problem. Extends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and activities to assist homeless veterans, including: (1) grants for comprehensive homelessness services; (2) treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) the transfer to VA homeless assistance programs of properties obtained through mortgage foreclosures; (4) a grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; and (5) the homeless veteran service provider technical assistance program. Extends funding for rental assistance vouchers for a VA-supported housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing.

Iran Intelligence Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2006

Iran Intelligence Oversight Act - Requires the Director of National Intelligence, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress an updated National Intelligence Estimate on Iran. Directs, within the same time frame: (1) the President to report on the objectives of U.S. policy on Iran, as well as the strategy for achieving such objectives; and (2) the Director to report on the process for vetting and clearing statements of Administration officials that are drawn from or rely upon intelligence.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the continued presence of United States troops in Iraq until at least 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the members of the Armed Forces deserve the enormous respect and support of the Senate and the American people for their sacrifices on behalf of our country; and (2) the President's intention, as stated on March 21, 2006, that "future Presidents'' will determine whether to keep the Armed Forces in Iraq undermines U.S. military preparedness to respond to other crises and should not be supported.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5631) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2006

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5631) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.

A bill to appropriate $430,000,000 for medical care for veterans and $70,000,000 to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY2006 for: (1) medical services, specifically to address servicemember needs for mental health care, including post-traumatic stress disorder; and (2) general operating expenses, specifically to improve the security for personal data of veterans held by the Department.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007 - Appropriates funds for FY2007 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance, including for the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid, and former Soviet Union threat reduction; (3) procurement, including for shipbuilding and conversion, and purchases under the Defense Production Act of 1950; (4) research, development, test and evaluation; (5) defense working capital funds, the National Defense Sealift Fund, and the Pentagon Reservation Maintenance Revolving Fund; (6) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (8) the Office of the Inspector General; (9) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; and (10) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Reduces by specified amounts the total amount appropriated by this Act to: (1) reflect savings attributable to efficiencies and management improvements in the funding of miscellaneous or other contracts in military departments; (2) limit excessive growth in the procurement of advisory and assistance services; (3) limit excessive growth in personnel travel and transportation costs; and (4) reflect savings from revised economic assumptions and favorable foreign currency fluctuations. Appropriates additional funds, to be designated for contingency operations directly related to the global war on terrorism, for DOD for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) procurement; and (5) defense working capital funds. Authorizes the use of DOD funds for specified activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, including supporting military and security forces, combating terrorism, and providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.

Social Security Number Privacy and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Social Security Number Privacy and Protection Act - Directs the Director of Selective Service to alter the form of the Selective Service reminder mailback card, or the method by which the card is submitted to the Selective Service System, to reduce the risk of theft of Social Security account numbers included as part of the identifying information required from persons presenting themselves for registration under the Military Selective Service Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the Social Security account number from Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and SCHIP (SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) identification cards. Amends federal veterans' benefits law to eliminate the Social Security account number from veterans health care identification cards issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that health insurers should not use Social Security account numbers on insurance identification or claims cards issued to beneficiaries, but should substitute another identification code or number instead.

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S.commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell or transport or distribute in commerce any sweatshop good. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition as if it were an unfair or deceptive act or practice proscribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Allows specified persons with standing to bring a civil action in U.S. district courts against sellers of goods, wares, articles, or merchandise on grounds of a violation of such prohibition. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and federal law regarding the Armed Forces to prohibit executive agencies from entering into procurement contracts for sweatshop goods.

Impact Aid Update Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Impact Aid Update Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the formula for the limitation on Impact Aid program special payments made to local educational agencies which serve school districts in which at least 60% of the real property is federally owned and there is a U.S. military academy. Changes from 1996 to 2002 and from 1997 to 2003 certain fiscal year components of such formula.

Heroes at Home Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Heroes at Home Act of 2006 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to require the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, in addition to current duties, to report to the Secretary of Defense an assessment of, and recommendations for, improving assistance to members of the National Guard and reserve returning from deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, and their families, in transitioning to civilian employment. Directs the Secretary to establish the Assistance Center for Employers and Employment Assistance Organizations to assist employers, employment assistance organizations, and associations of employers in facilitating such transition. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to carry out demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing community-based settings for the provision of assistance to such returning members and their families, including: (1) reuniting services; and (2) education to increase awareness of the physical and mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, that members can and may experience. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a 15-year study on the effects of traumatic brain injury incurred by such members; and (2) establish within the Department of Defense the Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel to develop curricula for training family members in the provision of care and assistance to returning members for traumatic brain injuries incurred during such service.

To amend title 14, United States Code, to vest in the Coast Guard primary responsibility in the Federal Government for the naval defense of nuclear power facilities located on navigable waters of the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Amends federal naval law to grant the U.S. Coast Guard primary responsibility in the federal government for the naval defense of nuclear power facilities located on U.S. navigable waters, including to provide vessels capable of intercepting and destroying waterborne threats to such facilities.

Informing the American people of our Nation's progress in the world War on Terror, defining the situation and the stakes in the battle against the terrorist enemy in the sovereign, democratic, and united nation of Iraq, and declaring the unwavering dedication of the United States to defend humanity, expand liberty, defeat the terrorist enemy, and win the world War on Terror.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Condemns the terrorist enemy for commencing the world's unsought world War on Terror by murdering thousands of Americans and fellow human beings across the globe. Affirms our Nation's devotion to our liberty and equality, and our defense of humanity from the terrorist enemy. Recognizes: (1) the progress made in the world War on Terror in other nations; and (2) that the battle for a sovereign, democratic, and united Iraq is presently the central theater in the world War on Terror. Reaffirms: (1) that the United States will never abandon a democracy under terrorist attack; and (2) the commitment of the United States and our allies to finish our mission in Iraq. Recognizes and honors the sacrifices and courage of American, allied, and Iraqi citizen-soldiers and civilians. Declares the United States will win the world War on Terror.

[H.A.S.C. No. 109-110]ISSUES RELATED TO H.R. 5200, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE ENHANCEMENT AND NATIONAL GUARD EMPOWERMENT ACT OF 2006

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 June 2006

New National Defense Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

New National Defense Education Act of 2006 - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act to require a biennial national assessment of student achievement and grade 12 student preparedness in reading, mathematics, and science. Requires that national academic content and student achievement standards be competitive with rigorous international standards and set at a level that prepares students for non-remedial higher education, participation in the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces. Authorizes prekindergarten through grade 16 student preparedness council grants to states to ensure that a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet the national benchmarks. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the student loan forgiveness available to elementary and secondary school teachers of science, engineering and technology education, critical-need foreign languages, or special education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income compensation provided to teachers of such subjects in high-need schools and principals of such schools. Increases funding for National Science Foundation (NSF) education and human resources programs, and mathematics and science education partnerships. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to provide for summer professional development institutes for elementary and secondary school teachers. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1963 to require competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to improve the recruitment of teachers from students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, a critical-need foreign language, special education, or teaching English to students with limited English proficiency. Requires an eligible state to provide contract for educational opportunity (CEO) grants to low-income students who complete CEO requirements and enroll in a two-or four-year degree-granting institution of higher education. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to: (1) improve mathematics, science, and engineering and technology education infrastructure in public elementary schools and secondary schools; and (2) provide scholarships to make higher education tuition free for low-income and middle-income undergraduate and graduate students to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical-need foreign languages. Directs the Secretary to award grants to: (1) IHEs to develop summer institute programs to improve teachers' knowledge of foreign cultures and expose public elementary and secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students to foreign languages and cultures; and (2) eligible partnerships to provide literacy, technology, and technical skills training for workers.

To name the national cemetery being constructed in Dixon, California, as the "Solano National Cemetery".

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Designates the national cemetery being constructed in Dixon, California, as the "Solano National Cemetery."

Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the earned income tax credit phaseout amounts for married taxpayers and make such increases permanent; (2) increase the rate of such credit for families with three or more children; (3) reduce the phaseout of such credit for individuals with no children; (4) make permanent the inclusion of military combat pay in earned income for purposes of computing such credit; and (5) impose an additional income tax on individual taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $1 million.

Comprehensive Veterans' Data Protection and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006

Comprehensive Veterans' Data Protection and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2006 - Places upon the Secretary of Veterans Affairs an affirmative obligation to protect from any data breach the sensitive personal information of veterans and any other individuals that the Department of Veterans Affairs possesses, creates, or maintains, as well as information or tools (including passwords and encryption keys) used to protect the integrity of such data. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement and maintain reasonable security policies and procedures to protect such information; and (2) prescribe policies and procedures regarding employee and third party access to, and use of, such information which the Department receives, maintains, or transmits. Directs the Secretary, upon discovery of a data breach, to: (1) notify the United States Secret Service, the Department's Inspector General, the congressional veterans' committees, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (2) notify each individual whose information was acquired or accessed by an unauthorized person; and (3) place a conspicuous notice on the Department's Internet website. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an affected individual, to: (1) include a fraud alert in the file of the individual with each nationwide consumer reporting agency; (2) apply a security freeze to the file of such individual; and (3) provide free damage mitigation services, including credit monitoring and annual copies of consumer credit reports. Establishes within the Department an Ombudsman for Data Security.

Special Operations Forces Retention Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006

Special Operations Forces Retention Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends federal Armed Forces provisions to require the retired military pay of a qualified special operations forces member to be increased by the amount of specified special and incentive pays received by such member prior to retirement. Requires the member, in order to qualify for such retired pay increase, to have been: (1) paid special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger for no fewer than 18 months; and (2) assigned in a special operations forces duty assignment for not less than 60 months.

Declaring that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006

Honors: (1) all Americans who have taken an active part in the Global War on Terror; and (2) the sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Coalition partners, the Iraqis and Afghans who fight alongside them, their families, and others who risk their lives to help defend freedom. Declares that: (1) it is not in the U.S. national interest to set an arbitrary withdrawal or redeployment date for U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq; and (2) the United States is committed to completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, and united Iraq. Congratulates Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki and the Iraqi people on the courage they have shown by participating, in increasing millions, in the 2005 elections and on the formation of the first government under Iraq's new constitution. Calls upon the nations of the world to promote global peace and security by standing with the United States and other Coalition partners to support the efforts of the Iraqi and Afghan people to live in freedom. Declares that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror.

Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2006 - Directs each executive agency (with separate Department of Defense (DOD) requirements) and amends the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 to require specified credit card and convenience card controls and safeguards, including risk assessment analyses, audits, and the reporting of such analyses and audits.

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress that it is the responsibility of the Department of Veterans Afffairs: (1) to safeguard Department records that contain personal identifying information about present and former members of the Armed Forces and their family members; and (2) when such information is lost or compromised due to the carelessness of the Department or one of its employees, to assist the affected individuals in mitigating the effects of such loss or compromise. Establishes within the Department an Office of Identity Protection to prevent such loss or compromise of information and to assist affected individuals. Directs the Department's Inspector General to conduct a study of Department data security practices. Provides criminal penalties for Department officers or employees who remove from Department custody any protected personnel file, record, report, or document.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 4939) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Waives points of order against consideration of the conference report on H.R. 4939 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006).

Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2006 - Directs each executive agency (with separate Department of Defense (DOD) requirements) and amends the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 to require specified credit card and convenience card controls and safeguards, including risk assessment analyses, audits, and the reporting of such analyses and audits.

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S.commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell or transport or distribute in commerce any sweatshop good. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition as if it were an unfair or deceptive act or practice proscribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Allows specified persons with standing to bring a civil action in U.S. district courts against sellers of goods, wares, articles, or merchandise on grounds of a violation of such prohibition. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and federal law regarding the Armed Forces to prohibit executive agencies from entering into procurement contracts for sweatshop goods.

Veterans and Military Privacy Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Veterans and Military Privacy Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop and implement a program of financial counseling and support to any veteran, spouse of a veteran, and other person who may be a victim of identity theft as a result of the security breach at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on May 3, 2006. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to direct each consumer reporting agency (CRA), upon the request of such a veteran, spouse, or other person, to provide automatic extended fraud alerts to such individuals. Authorizes the placement in the files of such an individual of a security freeze by a CRA, after which the CRA may not release information from their file for consumer credit purposes to a third party without prior express written authorization from the individual. Requires notification to such individual by a CRA before the removal of a security freeze. Provides security freeze exceptions. Amends the federal criminal code to double the penalties for identity theft when the victim is one of the above individuals. Requires Comptroller General studies on: (1) VA data protection; (2) VA security breach investigation; (3) an FTC program for veterans and others at risk of identity theft; and (4) federal agency compliance with personal data protection requirements.

Small Business Disaster Loan Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Small Business Disaster Loan Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2006 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007 through FY2009 for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan and mitigation programs. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to make loans to small businesses economically adversely impacted by a catastrophic national disaster. Provides for increased public awareness (outreach) of disaster declarations and disaster loan application periods. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into agreements with private contractors to process loans in the event of a major disaster or catastrophic national disaster, and to make bridge grants and loans to persons negatively impacted by declared disasters. Directs the Administrator to make supplemental emergency loans after disasters. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide a preference for the use of local firms and individuals in the expenditure of federal funds for debris clearance, supplies distribution, reconstruction, and other major disaster or emergency assistance activities. Waives: (1) certain major disaster loan limits; and (2) geographic restrictions on small business development center counseling following a major disaster. Requires a monthly report from the Administrator to the congressional small business committees on the SBA disaster loan program. Provides SBA grant assistance for military reservists' small businesses. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to small businesses that: (1) have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after August 24, 2005, as the result of significant increases in the price of heating oil, natural gas, gasoline, propane, or kerosene; and (2) if engaged in the heating oil business, sell not more than 10 million gallons of heating oil per year.

Homes for Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Homes for Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income (not exceeding 50 percent of area median income) veteran families. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees on HUD activities relating to veterans. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in HUD a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with officials of organizations concerned with veterans.

Homes for Heroes Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Homes for Heroes Act of 2006 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income (not exceeding 50 percent of area median income) veteran families. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on HUD activities relating to veterans.

Veterans' Choice of Representation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Veterans' Choice of Representation Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe: (1) qualifications and standards of conduct for agents and attorneys acting on behalf of veterans in claim proceedings before the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) restrictions on fees collected for such services. Adds to the list of reasons for which agents and attorneys may be suspended, including: (1) failure to conduct themselves with due regard for the non-adversarial nature of any proceeding; and (2) presenting frivolous claims, issues, or arguments. Repeals the current time period limitation for the hiring or paying of an agent or attorney. Revises the time period during which attorney fee agreements may be filed with the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Allows the Secretary to review such an agreement, and order a fee reduction if the Secretary finds the fee excessive or unreasonable.

Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects in FY2006. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts before September 30, 2009, to carry out certain major medical facility projects previously authorized under the Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases in each of FY2006 and FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for: (1) major medical facility projects; (2) major medical facility projects under the Capital Asset Realignment Initiative; and (3) major medical facility leases.