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Bill· SS. 2409 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Provides for continuation of health benefits coverage for any Federal employee who: (1) is enrolled in a Federal employee health benefits plan; (2) is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces; (3) is called to active duty in support of a contingency operation; (4) is placed on leave without pay or separated from service to perform active duty; and (5) serves for more than 30 consecutive days. Authorizes such coverage, and authorizes agency payment of the employee and Government contributions and any additional administrative expenses chargeable to the employee for such coverage, for up to 24 months after the employee is placed on leave without pay or separated from service to perform active duty. Makes this Act effective as of March 1, 2003.
Bill· SS. 2403 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 2005 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation, naval reactors, and the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security; and (2) environmental restoration and waste management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental management, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. Makes certain environmental restoration and waste management funds available for the treatment of disposition waste from reprocessed low-level or transuranic waste. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a local stakeholder organization for each DOE Environmental Management 2006 closure site; (2) provide certain support for public education in the vicinity of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; and (3) conduct a review of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, New Mexico. Establishes the Pajarito Plateau Homesteaders Compensation Fund for payments with respect to lands acquired by the United States during World War II for the Manhattan Project. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the disposal of up to 50,000 tons of ferromanganese from the National Defense Stockpile during FY 2005.
Bill· SS. 2402 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2004 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2004 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2004 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2007, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2008, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Authorizes specified military land conveyances. Authorizes the: (1) Secretary to carry out a DOD follow-on laboratory revitalization demonstration program; and (2) Secretary of the Army to enter into an agreement for the design, construction, and operation of a heritage center for the National Museum of the United States Army.
Bill· SS. 2401 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2005. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects and ballistic missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration, defense working capital funds, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) environmental provisions, including cleanup costs at certain military installations; (2) active and reserve military personnel policy, including joint officer duties and management and DOD policy and procedures on prevention and response to sexual assaults involving members of the Armed Forces; (3) military health care, including establishment of a chiropractic health care benefits advisory committee; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs, establishment of the Commission on the Future of the National Technology and Industrial Base, and management of the defense acquisition and support workforce; (5) DOD organization and management, including establishment of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, and a United States Military Cancer Institute; (6) budget and financial matters, including defense business systems investment management, a space posture review, and a panel on the future of military space launch; (7) additional defenses against terrorism; (8) matters relating to other nations, including assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan military and security forces; (9) DOD civilian personnel policy, including intelligence personnel and personnel of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities; and (10) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union.
Bill· SS. 2400 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy for FY 2005. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects and ballistic missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration, defense working capital funds, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) Guard and Reserve forces facilities; and (7) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) environmental provisions, including cleanup costs at certain military installations; (2) active and reserve military personnel policy, including joint officer duties and management and DOD policy and procedures on prevention and response to sexual assaults involving members of the Armed Forces; (3) military health care, including establishment of a chiropractic health care benefits advisory committee; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs, establishment of the Commission on the Future of the National Technology and Industrial Base, and management of the defense acquisition and support workforce; (5) DOD organization and management, including establishment of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, and a United States Military Cancer Institute; (6) budget and financial matters, including defense business systems investment management, a space posture review, and a panel on the future of military space launch; (7) additional defenses against terrorism; (8) matters relating to other nations, including assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan military and security forces; (9) DOD civilian personnel policy, including intelligence personnel and personnel of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities; (10) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; and (11) the national defense stockpile. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes military construction, military family housing, and certain military land conveyances.
Law· HRH.R. 4322 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer the parcel of Department of the Navy real property in the District of Columbia known as the Nebraska Avenue Complex to the administrative jurisdiction of the Administrator of General Services to accommodate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorizes the Secretary of DHS (the Secretary) to establish the Complex as DHS headquarters. Makes the Secretary responsible for the payment of the costs to move furnishings and equipment related to the initial relocation of the Navy Department activities from the Complex and costs incident to the initial occupancy by such activities of interim leased space. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to retain administrative jurisdiction over that portion of the Complex that is currently being used to provide family housing to the Navy. Directs that Secretary to: (1) complete the transfer of administrative jurisdiction by January 1, 2005; (2) relocate Department of the Navy activities at the Complex to other locations; and (3) submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Congress an initial estimate of sums necessary to cover the costs to permanently relocate Department of the Navy activities from the Complex.
Bill· HRH.R. 4323 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to rapidly acquire, as specified herein, equipment needed by a combatant commander to eliminate a combat capability deficiency that has resulted in combat fatalities. Requires the Secretary, not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, to develop a process for such rapid acquisition authority and submit to Congress a detailed explanation of the process, including procedures to be followed in carrying out the process. Requires the process to provide for the following: (1) a requirement that the process be used only to acquire the minimum amount of equipment needed until the needs of the combatant commander can be fulfilled under existing acquisition policies; (2) a goal of awarding a contract for the equipment within 15 days after receipt of a request from a commander; and (3) in a case in which the equipment cannot be acquired without an extensive delay, a requirement for an interim solution to minimize the combat capability deficiency and combat fatalities until the equipment can be acquired. Requires the process to provide for the waiver of the applicability of laws, policies, directives, and regulations related to: (1) the establishment of the requirement for the equipment; (2) the research, development, test, and evaluation of the equipment; and (3) the solicitation and selection of sources, and the award of the contract, for procurement of the equipment. Permits the use of such authority only: (1) after the Secretary of Defense, without delegation, determines in writing that there exists a combat capability deficiency that has resulted in combat fatalities; and (2) to acquire equipment in an amount aggregating not more than $100,000,000 during a fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4326 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take necessary steps to establish an outpatient clinic in Denton, Texas.
Bill· SS. 2396 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2004
Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2004 - Sets forth or amends various judicial, criminal, and bankruptcy code provisions to address the Federal judicial process, including: (1) bankruptcy administrator authority to appoint and serve as bankruptcy trustees; (2) places of holding court in, and changes in the composition of, specified districts; (3) jury matters; (4) conditions of probation and supervised release; (5) the scope of diversity citizenship for resident aliens and corporations with foreign contacts; (6) wiretap order reporting requirements; (7) emergency authority to conduct court proceedings outside a court's territorial jurisdiction; and (8) certain privacy concerns in bankruptcy cases. Amends various Federal judicial code, Higher Education Act, Organic Act of Guam, Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, civil service, and other provisions to address Federal judicial personnel matters, including: (1) annuities for territorial judges; (2) compensation for Federal Judicial Center employees; (3) annual leave limits for judicial branch executives; (4) supplemental benefits for judicial branch employees; (5) student loan forgiveness for Federal defenders and student loan deferment for law clerks; (6) inclusion of judicial branch personnel in the organ donor leave program; (7) transportation and subsistence expenses for Criminal Justice Act defendants; (8) compensation in excess of the statutory maximum for defense counsel and for services other than counsel; (9) judicial branch security requirements; (10) life insurance for bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges; and (11) health insurance for surviving family and spouses of judges. Prohibits knowingly recording fictitious liens against the property of Federal judges.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 356 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 Senate committees and the President should conduct a full investigation of the abuses alleged to have occurred at Abu Ghraib.
Bill· HRH.R. 4312 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004
Safe Passengers and Lading in Aviation for the National Enhancement of Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) study and report to Congress on the workforce size needed to conduct adequate passenger and baggage screening operations at airports; and (2) certify to Congress that security will be preserved at an airport that has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to opt out of federalized screening of passengers and property at the airport and contract with a qualified private screening company. Directs the Secretary, in entering into agreements with airports to install electronic detection equipment or to alter airport structures to facilitate explosive detection equipment, to give priority to those airports that have not met specified Federal requirements to screen all checked baggage with explosive detection system (EDS). Amends Federal transportation law to eliminate a bag-match program (ensuring that no checked baggage is placed aboard an aircraft unless the passenger who checked the baggage is aboard the aircraft) as an acceptable alternative to screening of checked baggage by an EDS. Directs the Secretary, as part of the DHS budget request for FY 2006, to report to Congress on: (1) the status and technical maturity of aviation security technologies; (2) the planned schedule for their deployment; (3) the expected costs for development, testing, evaluation, procurement, and installation, and projected annual costs for operation and maintenance; (4) potential deployment problems in an airport setting; and (5) the advisability of deploying such technologies to airports in a manner that maximizes the number of technologies that Federal and airport security personnel can effectively operate. Requires the Secretary, acting through the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, to: (1) issue updated technical specifications governing the use of EDS for baggage screening; (2) determine compliance with such specifications of currently deployed baggage screening equipment; (3) use such specifications for future certification of new technologies for use in baggage screening; and (4) issue technical specifications governing the use of technology for screening air cargo if the Secretary determines that explosive detection technologies for passenger and baggage screening do not meet the needs for screening air cargo in accordance with the following system. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish and begin to implement a system to screen or inspect all cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete a database containing the names and other relevant information of all known shipping companies; and (2) make it available as appropriate to TSA personnel, freight forwarders, airport authorities, air carriers, and other relevant entities. Directs the Secretary to establish training standards that all Federal law enforcement officers must meet in order to serve as Federal air marshals. Requires the head of the Federal Air Marshal Service, in determining on which flights to place one or more Federal air marshals, to: (1) have access to information on whether Federal law enforcement officials meeting such training standards are scheduled to travel on commercial flights; and (2) not substitute Federal law enforcement officials that have not met such training standards for Federal air marshal personnel. Directs the Secretary to collaborate with foreign governments to coordinate air marshal activities, including air marshal scheduling on international flights, weapons training, use and protocols for nonlethal weapons, threat recognition, communications, and other appropriate issues. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to: (1) require that overflying aircraft meet or exceed the level of flight deck security for passenger and cargo as required in specified Federal regulations; and (2) govern daily preflight searches of aircraft for foreign materials that might be used in a terrorist attack. Directs the Secretary to require, to the greatest extent technically feasible, air carriers to provide flight attendants with a discreet and wireless method of communicating with pilots that meets such standards as the Secretary may establish by regulation. Requires such a system to be accessible by any Federal air marshal on a flight of an air carrier, appropriate Government security officials, and air carrier personnel. Requires the head of TSA to report to Congress on TSA implementation of specified requirements of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act regarding: (1) improved airport perimeter access security; (2) short-term assessment and deployment of emerging security technologies and procedures; and (3) employment investigations and restrictions. Requires all personnel accessing airport sterile areas (any parts of an airport regularly accessible to passengers after having cleared a passenger security screening checkpoint) from unrestricted areas to undergo security screening. Requires TSA to ensure that all personnel accessing airport secure areas have successfully undergone a TSA-conducted background check consisting of all measures required of TSA passenger screener personnel. Requires the Secretary, acting through the head of TSA and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, to report to Congress on defending against the threat of attacks on commercial aircraft from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) (shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missile systems that can be carried and transported by a person).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 629 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004
Impeaches Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Requires specified articles of impeachment concerning Mr. Rumsfeld to be exhibited to the Senate.
Bill· SS. 2383 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Central Contractor Registry Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to maintain a centralized, electronic database, to be known as the Central Contractor Registry, for the registration of sources of property and services (contractors) who seek to participate in contracts and other procurements entered into by various Federal procurement officials. Requires the Registry to include certain tax-related information for each contractor, including their taxpayer identification numbers and authorization for the Secretary of Defense to obtain verification of such numbers from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Makes contractors who do not register such information, or who register invalid information, ineligible for contracts entered into under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
Bill· SS. 2386 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 2005 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy, and Justice; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2004 2005, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2004 2005 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 2004 2005 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 2005 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Permits the use of authorized funds for counterdrug and counterterrorism activities for Colombia. Requires the DCI to carry out pilot programs of the feasibility of: (1) permitting intelligence community (IC) analysts to access and analyze intelligence from other IC elements, including NSA signals intelligence; and (2) training students for employment as intelligence analysts. Directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to jointly sponsor not less than two workshops on the coordination of Federal research on the use of behavioral, psychological, and physiological assessments of individuals in the conduct of security evaluations. Protects CIA personnel authorized to carry firearms and NSA employees performing special police functions from tort liability when reasonably acting within the scope of their employment. Provides for the protection of NSA operational files. Authorizes DOD funds to be used by DOD IC personnel to award personal service contracts in carrying out authorized missions. Makes permanent (currently expires after September 30, 2003) the CIA voluntary separation incentive program. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the DCI to take certain actions to: (1) protect from unauthorized disclosure intelligence operations, the identities of undercover intelligence officers, intelligence sources and methods, or intelligence cover mechanisms; or (2) meet special requirements of work related to the collection of foreign intelligence or other authorized activities. Permits the use of funds currently authorized for counterdrug activities in Colombia for counterterroism and emergency human health activities.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 628 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the resolution H.Res. 627 (deploring the abuse of persons in U.S. custody in Iraq).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 627 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Deplores and condemns the abuse of persons in U.S. custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention. Declares that the alleged crimes of a handful of individuals should not detract from the commendable sacrifices of over 300,000 members of the U.S. armed forces who have served, or are serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reaffirms the American principle that any and all individuals under U.S. custody and care shall be afforded proper and humane treatment. Urges the Secretary of the Army: (1) to conduct a full and thorough investigation into any and all allegations of mistreatment or abuse of detainees in Iraq; (2) and appropriate military authorities to undertake corrective action to address command and systemic deficiencies identified in the incidents in question; and (3) to bring swift justice to any member of the Armed Forces who violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Reaffirms the need for Congress to be frequently updated on the status of efforts by the Department of Defense to address and resolve such issues. Expresses: (1) deep appreciation to the members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or are so serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom; (2) the support and thanks of the Nation to the families and friends of such members; and (3) the continuing solidarity and support of the House of Representatives and the American people for the partnership of the United States with the Iraqi people in building a viable Iraqi government and a secure nation.
Bill· SS. 2380 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Authorizes the President to issue, posthumously, a commission as major general, United States Army, in the name of William "Billy" Mitchell, a former colonel who resigned his commission on February 1, 1926.
Law· HRH.R. 4259 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Department of Homeland Security Financial Accountability Act - Amends the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the President to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who is to report directly to the Secretary of DHS and to the Under Secretary for Management. Removes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the list of agencies required to have a CFO. Amends the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000 to instruct the Secretary of DHS to: (1) submit a specified performance and accountability report, including an audit opinion of DHS internal controls over its financial reporting; and (3) design and implement DHS-wide management controls that reflect the national homeland security strategy of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and that permit assessment by Congress and DHS managers of DHS performance in executing such strategy. Requires performance and accountability reports after FY 2005 to include an assertion of the internal controls that apply to financial reporting by the DHS. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Future Years Homeland Security Program to: (1) include the same type of information, organizational structure, and level of detail as a certain future years defense program; (2) set forth the homeland security strategy that was used to develop program planning guidance for the Program; and (3) include an explanation of how the resource allocations included in the Program correlate to homeland security strategy. Instructs the Secretary to establish an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Creates the position of Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Requires the CFO of DHS to notify simultaneously specified congressional committees whenever appropriations earmarked for DHS are either transferred or reprogrammed.
Bill· HRH.R. 4258 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Defense to submit a report setting forth a strategy to reduce the time frame from the identification of a pathogen to the development and emergency approval of a safe and effective countermeasure, which should include: (1) technical impediments to reducing this time frame; (2) research, development, and technology needs to address these impediments; (3) existing efforts to address such needs; (4) a proposal to establish a coordinated and integrated Federal program to address such needs; and (5) potential liability concerns stemming from distribution of rapidly developed priority countermeasures. Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to contract with any firm or institution to conduct research and analysis needed for this report. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system to rapidly: (1) establish clinical research programs to examine the safety and efficacy of treatments for novel, unknown, or bioengineered pathogens; and (2) disseminate results and recommendations to clinicians. Authorizes establishment of a fund to support such clinical research. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add the Secretary of Homeland Security to the working group on bioterrorism and to require the working group to assist in developing such a strategy. Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Homeland Security to conduct programs to develop the capability to rapidly identify, develop, produce, and approve countermeasures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4272 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to modify the terms of an authorized land exchange involving Fort Lewis, Washington, between the Secretary of the Army and the Nisqually Tribe to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Army to make such transfer to the Secretary of the Interior to hold in trust for the Tribe; (2) correct the acreage involved in the exchange; (3) consider such exchange a transfer (currently, a conveyance); (4) provide for the treatment of existing permit rights; and (5) direct the Secretary of the Interior to grant to the Bonneville Power Administration easements across the transferred property as necessary to relocate or reconnect power transmission facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4273 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
United States Military Cancer Institute Act of 2004 - Establishes in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences the United States Military Cancer Institute to carry out research studies on: (1) the epidemiological features of cancer among populations of various ethnic origins, as well as complementary research on oncologic nursing; (2) the prevention and early detection of cancer; and (3) basic, translational, and clinical investigation matters relating to such studies. Directs the Institute to conduct the study in collaboration with other cancer research organizations and entities selected by the Institute.
Bill· SS. 2375 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 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.
Bill· SS. 2368 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2004
Military Family Morale and Welfare Protection Act of 2004 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from closing any commissary store, MWR retail facility (a morale, welfare, and recreation retail facility), or Department of Defense (DOD) dependent elementary or secondary school without the specific authorization of Congress by law. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the congressional defense committees on DOD policy and criteria with respect to the closure of such stores, facilities, and schools, including whether such policy and criteria are consistent with DOD policies and procedures on the preservation of the quality of life of members of the Armed Forces.
Bill· HRH.R. 4248 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2004
Homeless Veterans Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Extends through FY 2008 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to furnish the following assistance to homeless veterans: (1) outreach; (2) rehabilitative services; (3) vocational counseling and training; and (4) transitional housing. Increases and extends through FY 2008 the authorization of appropriations for homeless assistance to veterans furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Bill· SS. 2355 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Fair Pay for Military Firefighters Act of 2004 - Amends Federal military pay provisions to include as hazardous duty, for purposes of eligibility for hazardous duty incentive pay, regular participation as a firefighting crew member, as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned.
Bill· HRH.R. 4239 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Parents' Empowerment Act - Authorizes a minor, through a person acting on the minor's behalf, to obtain relief in a civil action in U.S. district court against anyone who knowingly sells or distributes in interstate or foreign commerce an entertainment product containing material that is harmful to minors if: (1) a reasonable person would expect a substantial number of minors to be exposed to the material; and (2) the minor, as a result of exposure to that material, is likely to suffer personal or emotional injury or injury to mental or moral welfare. Provides for recovery of compensatory and punitive damages. Declares it to be an affirmative defense to such action that an act of a parent or guardian who owned the entertainment product was the proximate cause of the minor's exposure to the harmful material. Defines "material that is harmful to minors" as any pornographic communication, picture, image, graphic image file, article, recording, writing, or other pornographic matter of any kind that: (1) is obscene; or (2) violates specified community standards with respect to suitability for minors and lacks sufficient literary, artistic, political, or scientific value to overcome its pernicious effects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4229 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Fair Insurance Premiums for Disabled Veterans Act - Amends Federal provisions concerning service-disabled veterans' life insurance to state that the premium rates for such insurance: (1) for months beginning before the date of enactment of this Act shall be based upon the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 2 and one-fourth percent per year; and (2) for months beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be based upon the 2001 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality at a four and one-half percent interest rate. Makes the same changes with respect to all policy cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values. Increases from $90,000 to $200,000 the maximum amount of veterans' mortgage life insurance coverage.
Bill· HRH.R. 4228 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Acquisition System Improvement Act - Authorizes the assignment from a Federal agency to a private sector organization, or from a private sector to a Federal agency, of employees who work in Federal acquisition or acquisition management, who are considered exceptional performers, and who are expected to assume increased acquisition management responsibilities. Modifies share-in-savings contract authority with respect to defense contracts and under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to remove provisions limiting the use of such contracts to information technology. Requires inflation adjustments to acquisition-related dollar thresholds. Extends through FY 2009 the use of special simplified procedures for purchases of commercial items in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. Mandates that the Federal Acquisition Regulation be revised to require, in the procurement of telecommunications services, that such services include redundant and separate points of entry and diverse local network facilities. Establishes in: (1) the Department of Defense the Department of Defense Board of Contract Appeals; and (2) the General Services Administration the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals to resolve Federal contract disputes. Requires procedures for expediting the disposition of appeals in cases of small business concerns where the disputed amount is $150,000 or less. Makes the authority of the Defense and Civilian Boards applicable to: (1) contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold; and (2) contracts for the procurement of commercial items. Transfers personnel, funds, and property of the: (1) Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals to the Defense Board of Contract Appeals; and (2) other Boards of Contract Appeals (with exceptions) to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. Specifies the jurisdiction of the Defense and Civilian Boards. Establishes the Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals (having jurisdiction respecting the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission).
Bill· HRH.R. 4242 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the Secretary of Defense jurisdiction over all public lands: (1) under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management; (2) withdrawn from appropriation under the public land laws; and (3) reserved for use by the armed forces for military activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4231 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate a health care service region, or section within such a region, in which health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs are adversely affected by a shortage of qualified nurses, and to conduct a pilot program in such region or section on the use of innovative human-capital tools and techniques in the recruitment of qualified nurses for such positions. Requires the Secretary, as part of the pilot program, to: (1) identify private-sector nurse recruitment practices that have proven effective; and (2) revise procedures and systems to reduce the length of the hiring process. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to appointed nurses, to provide: (1) a three 12-hour day work schedule, with authorized overtime after a 36-hour workweek; (2) a seven day, 10-hour work schedule for each two-week period, with authorized overtime after working 80 hours within such period; and (3) a nine-month work period with three months off, with such nurses paid at 75 percent of the full-time rate. Mandates that, for otherwise qualifying individuals, the lack of a baccalaureate degree in nursing shall not be a bar to appointment. Includes certain additional health specialist positions within those positions which the Secretary is authorized to make appointments.
Bill· HRH.R. 4246 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
2005 BRAC Selection Criteria Act - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to add the following to the final criteria to be used by the Secretary of Defense in making recommendations in 2005 for the closure or realignment of military installations inside the United States: (1) the current and future mission requirements and the impact on operational readiness of the total force of the Department of Defense; (2) the availability and condition of land, facilities, infrastructure, and associated air and water space at both existing and potential receiving locations; (3) the ability to accommodate contingency, mobilization, and future total force requirements at both existing and potential receiving locations to support operations, training, maintenance, and repair; and (4) preservation of land, air, and water space, facilities, and infrastructure necessary to support training and operations of military forces determined by the Secretary to be surge (manpower) requirements. Requires the added criteria to be given priority in recommending installations for closure or realignment.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 608 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives (House) that: (1) it is in the interests of the United States to immediately resolve long-standing military mail delivery problems so that our troops can receive mail from home and are not disenfranchised in the 2004 election; (2) the Secretary of Defense should establish a system that expedites the delivery of election ballots to members and accurately tracks military postal transit times; and (3) the House stands ready to assist in resolving these issues.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 409 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Recognizes with humble gratitude the more than 16 million veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and the Americans who supported the war effort on the home front. Celebrates the completion of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in the District of Columbia.
Bill· HRH.R. 4212 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) removing potential nuclear weapons materials from vulnerable sites around the world would reduce the threat that such materials would fall into the hands of al Qaeda and other groups and states hostile to the United States; and (2) such removal should be a top priority. Directs the President to establish the Task Force on Nuclear Material Removal to ensure that such materials are entirely removed from the most vulnerable sites around the world as soon as practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide specified assistance to the Task Force, including funding for the cost of: (1) removing such materials, as well as arranging for their shipment to the United States or other countries willing to accept and secure them; and (2) upgrading security and accounting at sites where such materials will remain for an extended period.
Law· HRH.R. 4200 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2005. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense capabilities; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Defense Health Program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Provides bonus repayment requirements with respect to unserved periods. Expands certain travel and transportation allowances. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy, including revised promotion and duty requirements for joint officers, the extension of age limits for active-duty general and flag officers, and revised retirement rules for officers; (2) ROTC and the military service academies, including the establishment of a Board of Visitors at each academy; (3) acquisition policy and management, including defense acquisition workforce changes and the privatization of military utilities located on non-Federal lands; (4) DOD organization and management; (5) budget and financial matters; (6) the establishment of auxiliaries for military departments and a National Defense Heritage Foundation; (7) DOD civilian personnel policy, including a priority placement program for displaced civilian employees and pay parity with respect to certain DOD civilian personnel; and (8) matters relating to other nations, allies, and friendly foreign nations. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to acquire real property and carry out specified military construction projects. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) chemical demilitarization construction; and (4) National Guard and reserve forces facilities. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish the Museum Center of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Bill· HRH.R. 4217 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Amends Federal provisions concerning the National Guard Challenge Program (a civilian youth opportunities program conducted by the Secretary of Defense) to: (1) provide a maximum Federal matching funds level of 65 percent of the costs of operating the State program during FY 2005, 70 percent during FY 2006, and 75 percent for FY 2007 and beyond; (2) authorize appropriations for the Program for FY 2005; and (3) rename it the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4196 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey, without consideration, to the State of Illinois, a political subdivision thereof, or a nonprofit land conservation organization (grantee) all Federal interest in certain environmentally sensitive land at the former Fort Sheridan, Illinois, to ensure the permanent protection of such land, subject to reversion and reconveyance if specified conditions are not met. Directs the Secretary to require the grantee to cover costs to be incurred, or to reimburse the Secretary for costs incurred, by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance, including survey costs, costs related to environmental documentation, and other administrative costs related to the conveyance. Makes the conveyance exempt from the requirement to screen the property for other Federal use.
Bill· SS. 2327 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to state that per diem payments by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be considered a liability of a third party, or otherwise utilized to offset or reduce any other payment made to assist veterans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4188 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Revises the rates of basic educational assistance to be paid by the Secretary of the military department concerned to members of the Selected Reserve to make such rate: (1) for a program of education pursued on a full-time basis, specified percentages, increasing for each of FY 2005 through 2009 and beyond, of the monthly rate of veterans' basic educational assistance; (2) for a program pursued on less than a full-time basis, an appropriately reduced rate as determined by the Secretary concerned; and (3) for a program pursued on less than a half-time basis, no such payment if tuition assistance is otherwise available to the person from the military department concerned. Makes members of the Selected Reserve meeting certain other requirements eligible for basic educational assistance if they served a cumulative 24 months of active duty during any five-year period as a member of such Reserve. (Currently, in order to be so eligible, such members must have served two years of continuous active duty.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4183 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Military Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2004 (including the transfer of funds in some cases) for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Designates such amounts as an emergency requirement under the FY 2004 concurrent budget resolution.
Bill· HRH.R. 4180 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Provides reimbursement for members of the Armed Forces who are retired for a combat-related disability for travel, during the two-year period beginning on the date of such retirement, to a military treatment facility for medical care. Requires such reimbursement to be under the same terms and conditions, and at the same rate, that applies to beneficiary travel reimbursement provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4185 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
International Security Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary to establish within the Department of State an Office of Overseas Contingencies and Stabilization, which shall: (1) be headed by the Undersecretary for Overseas Contingencies and Stabilization; and (2) have primary responsibility for planning and administering non-military aspects of overseas contingency operations, including pre-conflict stabilization operations and post-conflict reconstruction operations, in countries of impending or immediate risk. Organizes the Office into: (1) the Bureau of Contingency Planning; (2) the Bureau of Contingency Training, which shall contain an International Contingency Training Center, and a Civilian Overseas Contingency Force; and (3) the Bureau of Contingency Coordination. Directs the Undersecretary to identify weak or failing countries and categorize such countries according to risk levels (country of risk, country of impending risk, and country of immediate risk). Sets forth: (1) identification and categorization criteria; and (2) planning and monitoring requirements for countries so categorized. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Treasury the Department of State Emergency Stabilization Operations Support Fund. Authorizes the President to provide Fund amounts to the Office for a country of impending or immediate risk. Amends Federal law to provide that whenever the commander of a regional combatant command begins planning for a contingency operation, the commander shall establish within the combatant command a joint interagency task force to prepare for any post-conflict reconstruction operations that may result from such operation. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Joint Task Force for Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Contingency Operations Coordination, which shall ensure Federal coordination before, during, and after instances in which the United States participates in foreign pre-conflict stabilization operations, contingency operations, and post-conflict reconstruction operations. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds appropriated to carry out the amendments made by this Act should be offset by reductions in redundant or duplicative functions and foreign assistance programs of the Department of State; and (2) increased staff levels required by the amendments made by this Act should be offset by the transfer of staff within the Department of State, and the elimination of resultant redundant Department of State functions.
Bill· SS. 2321 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Amends Federal provisions concerning the National Guard Challenge Program (a civilian youth opportunities program conducted by the Secretary of Defense) to: (1) rename it the National Guard Youth Challenge Program; (2) provide a maximum Federal matching funds level of 60 percent of the costs of operating the State program during FY 2004, 65 percent during FY 2005, 70 percent for FY 2006, and 75 percent for FY 2007 and beyond; and (3) authorize appropriations for the Program for FY 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 4173 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with a qualified entity to study and report on the employment histories of recently separated servicemembers, including whether: (1) the employment obtained is commensurate with their training and education; and (2) such servicemembers received educational assistance or training and rehabilitation under programs administered by the Secretary. Requires the report to contain specific recommendations to improve such employment opportunities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4172 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Includes in the list of diseases presumed to be service-connected, in the case of radiation-exposed veterans, and therefore compensable for purposes of veterans' disability compensation and medical care, the following cancers: bone, brain, colon, lung, and ovarian. Includes as a covered radiation-risk activity service which, if performed as an employee of the Department of Energy, would qualify the individual for inclusion as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. Provides that a radiation-exposed veteran who receives payment under provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 (such Act) shall not be deprived, because of such payment, of receipt of either veterans' disability compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation for service-connected radiation exposure, but there shall be deducted from the latter payment the amount of the payment under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4179 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Veterans Carbon Tetrachloride Benefits Act - Provides that any of certain listed diseases or disabilities becoming manifest in any veteran who served 90 days or more of active military duty during which such veteran was exposed to carbon tetrachloride shall be considered to be service-connected, and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during such service.
Law· HRH.R. 4175 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 598 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Recognizes the contributions of the teachers, administration, and staff of military impacted schools and Department of Defense education activity schools worldwide. Commends the teachers in military impacted communities who educate students during times of peace and conflict.
Bill· SS. 2318 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
National Defense Energy Savings Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to: (1) enter into an energy savings performance contract in order to achieve energy savings and ancillary benefits; (2) incur obligations under the contract to finance energy conservation measures so long as guaranteed savings exceed the debt service requirements; and (3) implement a pilot program to enter into up to ten energy savings performance contracts for the purpose of achieving energy savings, secondary savings, and incidental benefits, in nonbuilding applications. Sets forth implementation guidelines, including contract terms and conditions.
Bill· SS. 2309 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 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.