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301 records in US in 2005
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005
Authorizes the superintendent of a military service academy to have in effect a policy of offering a voluntary, nondenominational prayer at an authorized academy activity, subject to such limitations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005
Veterans Health Administration Employee Protection Act - Requires that, whenever an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs incurs in an occupational setting a possible exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall test for HIV the person who is the source of the exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005
Health Education Loan Payment (HELP) for Citizen Soldiers Act of 2005 - Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum amount of education loans that may be repaid by the Department of Defense on behalf of officers in the Selected Reserve who possess professional qualifications, or are enrolled in programs of education leading to such qualifications, in health professions that are critically needed to meet wartime combat medical skill shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2005
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a posthumous commission in the regular Army to Milton Holland, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Civil War.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 July 2005
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2005 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, including the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur are genocide. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to direct the President, with waiver authority including congressional notification, to block the assets and deny visas and entry to any individual (and family member) responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to reinforce the deployment and operations of an expanded African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to advocate NATO reinforcement of AMIS, upon request of the African Union. Directs the President to deny the government of Sudan access to oil revenues, including by prohibiting U.S. entry to cargo ships or oil tankers engaged in the oil sector of Sudan or involved in the shipment of goods for use by the armed forces of Sudan in order to ensure that the government of Sudan does not utilize any oil revenues to acquire offensive military equipment or to finance offensive military activities. (Exempts from such restriction ships or tankers involved in an internationally-recognized demobilization program or the shipment of non-lethal assistance necessary to carry the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan.) Prohibits, with waiver authority, U.S. assistance to a country in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591(embargo on military assistance to Sudan). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to urge the adoption of a Security Council resolution supporting AMIS' expansion.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinical team at every medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) provide a certified family therapist for each Vet Center of the Department; and (3) appoint a PTSD coordinator within each Veterans Integrated Service Network and each Readjustment Counseling Service Region. Outlines duties of PTSD coordinators. Allows the Secretary to waive any requirement of this Act after congressional notification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
United States Trademark Defense Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition against U.S. courts recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by a designated Cuban national of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations as necessary to repeal such provisions, including removing any applicable prohibition on transactions or payments. Authorizes U.S. courts to recognize, enforce, or otherwise validate an assertion of rights in any mark or trade name based on common law rights or registration or under any applicable provision of law or any applicable treaty to which the United States is a party. Requires the United States Trade Representative to examine policies and practices of Cuba with respect to protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
State Defense Force Improvement Act of 2005 - Recognizes state defense forces as integral military components of the Nation's homeland security effort, while reaffirming that such forces remain entirely state regulated, organized, and equipped, and recognizing that they will be used for homeland security purposes exclusively at the local level under state law. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to coordinate homeland security efforts with, and provide assistance (including the use of Department of Defense (DOD) property, arms, equipment, and facilities) to, a state defense force, upon request. Leaves participation by a state defense force in a DOD or Department of Homeland Security training program to state discretion. Requires a state to reimburse DOD for training assistance costs. Provides that funds available to DOD may not be made available to a state defense force. Makes the state liable for any injuries or damages incurred by a defense force member while engaged in training activities or state active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005
States that: (1) it is U.S. policy to seek justice for American victims of terrorism and to hold terrorists and their state-sponsors accountable for their actions; and (2) any provision of the Algiers Accords, entered into with Iran on January 19, 1981, that purports to bar a U.S. citizen from prosecuting any claim in any U.S. court or to limit the jurisdiction of any U.S. court is hereby abrogated and deemed nonapplicable. Directs the the Secretary of the Treasury to begin payments to a common fund to be: (1) established and administered by the certified class representatives for the former American hostages in Iran and their survivors (case number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia); and (2) funded from the liquidation of blocked Iranian assets and from amounts in the Iran Foreign Military Sales Fund account (Foreign Military Sales Fund). Sets forth fund payment amounts for each former hostage and spouse and child identified as a class member.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005
Requests the President to inform Congress and the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding U.S. efforts and measures taken with respect to implementation and observance of Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and certain U.N. resolutions calling for U.S. and world nuclear disarmament. Calls on the President to implement and observe all NPT obligations and commitments and to revise national policies on nuclear weapons accordingly. Urges the President, in the interests of protecting and advancing human, national, and global security, to: (1) declare that the United States will not use nuclear weapons first, and that pending their elimination, such weapons serve only to deter a nuclear attack by a hostile state or other entity; (2) initiate and conclude multilateral negotiations on verifiable steps nuclear states, including the United States, shall take to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons; (3) cooperate with the Russian Federation to remove from deployment nuclear weapons that are operational; (4) reaffirm the moratorium on nuclear testing and work for ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; and (5) terminate all efforts to enhance U.S. military capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and to develop ballistic missile defenses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Stolen Valor Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the prohibition against wearing, manufacturing, or selling military decorations or medals without legal authorization to prohibit purchasing, soliciting, mailing, shipping, importing, exporting, producing blank certificates of receipt for, advertising, or exchanging such decorations or medals without authorization. Prohibits falsely representing oneself as having been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces or any of the service medals or badges. Increases penalties for violations if the offense involves a Distinguished Service Cross, an Air Force Cross, a Navy Cross, a silver star, or a Purple Heart.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Civilian Prisoner-of-War Medal Act of 2005 - Provides for the issuance by the President of a prisoner-of-war medal to civilian employees of the federal government who are forcibly taken and held captive by armed forces or agents of a foreign government hostile to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Rewarding Employers that Abide by the Law and Guaranteeing Uniform Enforcement to Stop Terrorism Act of 2005 or the REAL GUEST Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to establish a new guest worker program that replaces the current H nonimmigrant visa category with a single H-visa covering all aliens coming to the United States temporarily to perform skilled or unskilled work, where U.S. workers are not available or could not be trained in less than one year. Increases: (1) border inspectors; (2) benefits fraud inspectors; and (3) immigration and customs enforcement attorneys. Amends the Posse Comitatus Act to authorize U.S. military use for border enforcement. Suspends the visa waiver program until the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies full implementation of an automated entry-exit system and the use of biometric machine readers and passports. Amends INA to establish criminal and forfeiture penalties for unlawful presence. Enhances civil and criminal penalties for document fraud and false statements of citizenship. Revises provisions respecting: (1) valid identification documents for federal benefits purposes; (2) U.S. passports; (3) Social Security cards and accounts; (4) state licenses and identification documents; (5) adjustment of status; and (6) asylum termination. Provides for federal custody of illegal aliens upon state or local request. Establishes a visa term compliance bond. Directs the Secretary to establish a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Investigations in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Renames the employment authorization verification pilot program as the EASI Check system, and makes such program mandatory and permanent. Sets forth program provisions. Increases employer penalties for hiring, recruiting, or referral violations, including permanent ineligibility to petition for H-visa workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for individual taxpayer identification number (TIN) sharing between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (2) restrict tax credit eligibility for persons using a TIN rather than a social security number; and (3) provide maximum penalties for certain noncomplying employers. Declares that states and localities have the inherent authority to arrest, detain, or transfer aliens in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Requires Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma, to establish an immigration training demonstration project for state, local and tribal law enforcement officers. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to: (1) revise funding provisions for federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens; (2) require an eligible health care provider in order to be paid for services to obtain and forward to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) an alien's citizenship information; and (3) eliminate coverage for Mexicans with border crossing cards.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2005 - Repeals the ten-year limits on the use of veterans' and Selected Reserve educational assistance benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a "covered person" (i.e., a newspaper, television broadcast station, wire service, or other media outlet, and specified employees and contractors) to testify or produce any document unless a court determines that: (1) the party seeking to compel has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain such testimony or document from all other non-covered persons; (2) in a criminal matter, there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has occurred and the testimony or document sought is essential to the investigation, prosecution, or defense of the crime; (3) in a non-criminal matter, the testimony or document is essential to a dispositive issue of substantial importance; and (4) in any matter in which testimony or a document could reveal the source's identity, disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent and actual harm to national security and such harm outweighs the public interest in protecting the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Exempts certain commercial or financial information. Makes this Act applicable to testimony or documents that a third party or federal entity seeks from a communications service provider relating to business transactions with a covered person. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a "covered person" (i.e., a newspaper, television broadcast station, wire service, or other media outlet, and specified employees and contractors) to testify or produce any document unless a court determines that: (1) the party seeking to compel has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain such testimony or document from all other non-covered persons; (2) in a criminal matter, there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has occurred and the testimony or document sought is essential to the investigation, prosecution, or defense of the crime; (3) in a non-criminal matter, the testimony or document is essential to a dispositive issue of substantial importance; and (4) in any matter in which testimony or a document could reveal the source's identity, disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent and actual harm to national security and such harm outweighs the public interest in protecting the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Exempts certain commercial or financial information. Makes this Act applicable to testimony or documents that a third party or federal entity seeks from a communications service provider relating to business transactions with a covered person. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to provide an eligible TRICARE for Life (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) beneficiary reimbursement for travel expenses to a military medical facility if: (1) the travel purpose is a follow-up appointment for medical treatment of a condition of such beneficiary; and (2) the initial appointment for treatment of the condition was at the same facility. Allows such reimbursement only: (1) for up to three follow-up appointments; and (2) if adequate treatment cannot be obtained within 100 miles of the residence of the beneficiary. Defines a TRICARE for Life beneficiary as a person who: (1) is eligible for medical care through DOD as a military spouse or dependent; (2) attained age 65 after an initial appointment for treatment at a military medical facility; and (3) resides more than 100 miles from the facility and was referred there by a specialty care provider.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
United States Army Relief Act of 2005 - Sets forth the following minimum end-strength levels for active-duty Army personnel (502,400 for FY2005): (1) 522,400 for FY2006; (2) 542,400 for FY2007; (3) 562,400 for FY2008; and (4) 582,400 for FY2009 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer the health care enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to enroll any eligible veteran who applies. (This directive in effect terminates an administrative freeze on the enrollment of veterans in the lowest priority enrollment category.)
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes appropriations for the homeless veterans reintegration program (to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force) for FY2007-FY2009.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives (House), within 14 days of the adoption of this resolution, all documents in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the period beginning on May 6, 2003, and ending on July 31, 2003. Directs: (1) the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, CIA Director, and Attorney General to each transmit to the House, within such 14 days, all documents in possession of such officials relating to such disclosure during such period; and (2) the CIA Director to transmit to the House, within such 14 days, the results of any internal investigation by the CIA into such disclosure, whether such results (or reports) are in draft or final form.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005
Higher Education Loan Program for Our Troops Act - HELP Our Troops Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide an interest-free deferment of student loan repayment for federal student loan borrowers during active military service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005
United States Army Relief Act of 2005 - Sets forth the following minimum end-strength levels for active-duty Army personnel (502,400 for FY2005): (1) 522,400 for FY2006; (2) 542,400 for FY2007; (3) 562,400 for FY2008; and (4) 582,400 for FY2009 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005
Energy Efficiency Cornerstone Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to expand the scope of products encompassed within the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, including testing requirements and energy conservation standards for additional consumer and commercial products. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to set forth additional funding incentives for state building energy efficiency codes. Amends the National Manufacturing Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to subject its energy conservation standards to the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to subject energy efficiency standards and a model energy code to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. Amends EPCA to establish within the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency a voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings through voluntary labeling of, or other forms of communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Amends the ECPA to: (1) subject federal building performance standards to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code; and (2) require all housing constructed under the military housing privatization initiative of the Department of Defense to be Energy Star qualified and equipped with Energy Star appliances and FEMP designated appliances, including Energy Star lighting. Amends EPCA and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify compliance requirements governing alternative fuel use by light duty federal vehicles. Amends federal transportation law to modify standards for executive agency automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to enter into voluntary agreements with entities in industrial sectors that consume significant quantities of primary energy for each unit of physical output to reduce the energy intensity of their production activities. Instructs the Secretary to establish a financial assistance pilot program for state implementation of pilot projects for energy efficiency programs and reduction of consumption of electricity or natural gas. Amends the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 to require a state regulatory authority or non-regulated utility to implement an energy efficiency resource program to reduce consumer electricity or gas consumption. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth business related credits for: (1) construction of new energy efficient homes; (2) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; and (3) energy efficient appliances. Allows as a deduction from gross income: (1) an amount equal to the cost of energy efficient commercial building property placed in service during the taxable year; and (2) certain energy efficient property used in business and residential rental property. Establishes a tax credit for: (1) energy efficient building property expenditures; (2) installation of qualified fuel cells; and (3) qualified fuel cell motor vehicles and hybrid motor vehicle. Revises requirements for the energy credit for combined heat and power system property.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each House by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2005
Includes nasopharyngeal cancer associated with exposure to certain ionizing radiation during military service in the Republic of Vietnam among those diseases which shall be presumed to be service-connected, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2005
Health Care Relief for Military Families Act - Makes federal executive agencies responsible for paying, for any employee who is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces who is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days, for the employee's share of the premium for health care coverage provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2005
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005 - Repeals, as of August 31, 2005, section 1012 of Division A of P.L. 109-13 which increased the maximum amount of coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program to $400,000 and, for members serving in certain areas or operations, allowed $150,000 of such amount to be paid for by the Secretary concerned. Reinstates Federal provisions concerning such coverage as in effect prior to the enactment of the above Act. Reinstates the P.L. 109-13 SGLI $400,000 maximum member coverage amount. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, whenever a member who is eligible for SGLI executes a life insurance option, to notify that member's spouse, or, if not married, next of kin, of such execution. Includes as life insurance options an election not to be covered, to be covered in an amount less than the maximum, or for a change in the amount of coverage. Requires the same notification whenever an unmarried member who is eligible for SGLI marries. Requires amounts of SGLI elected by members to be evenly divisible by $50,000 (currently $10,000). Allows a member to elect not to be insured under SGLI for traumatic injury protection. Allows a member who has made an election not to be so insured to thereafter elect to be insured upon written application, proof of good health, and compliance with applicable terms and conditions. Makes the effective date of the latter election the date the application is received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2005
Ongoing Oversight of Iraq Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004, as amended by the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, to: (1) change the termination date for the Office of the Inspector General of the Coalition Provisional Authority from ten months after certain Iraq relief funds have been obligated to ten months after such funds have been expended; and (2) authorize additional FY2006 appropriations for such Office. Rescinds specified Iraqi relief and reconstruction fund amounts under the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans. Requires the Commission to review: (1) civil liberties violations resulting from enforcement of the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment, exchange, or deportation of European Americans and European Latin Americans; (2) U.S. government actions against European Americans under the Alien Enemies Acts and Executive Order 9066, including registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including future protection of civil liberties during wartime. Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution in Europe. Directs the Commission to include reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Cold War Medal Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary concerned to: (1) require preseparation counseling for members of reserve components who have been serving on active duty continuously for at least 180 days; and (2) ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Requires preseparation counseling on: (1) certification and licensure requirements for civilian occupations; and (2) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties. Requires such counseling to include additional information for veterans, including job training programs, small business ownership, veterans' preference, housing counseling, health care benefits, and disability compensation. Extends preseparation counseling to members of the National Guard being separated from long-term duty. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to require participation in the Department of Labor transitional services program unless members previously participated in the program or are returning to previously held employment or educational pursuits. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs to jointly submit to Congress a plan to maximize access to benefits delivery at discharge programs for members of the Armed Forces. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe minimum content and standards for required medical examinations, including screening for mental health disorders, and to provide follow-up services. Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to facilitate veteran-to-veteran preseparation counseling.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Homeland Security Enhancement Act of 2005 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel are fully authorized in the normal course of their duties to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; (2) a statute or practice that prohibits state or local law enforcement personnel in the normal course of their duties from enforcing or assisting in enforcing federal immigration laws is in violation of Department of Homeland Security communication provisions under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996; and (3) states and localities should provide the Department with specified information regarding apprehended aliens believed to be in violation of immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens to: (1) establish criminal penalties and forfeiture for aliens unlawfully present in the United States; and (2) increase specified criminal penalties for illegal entry and failure to depart violations. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) request the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local enforcement entity request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. States with respect to an alien subject to removal that the Secretary shall ensure such alien's detention in an adequate (as defined by this Act) state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. States that the Department shall continue to operate the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes permanent appropriations for IRP. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of Department outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs; and (2) ensure that outreach is provided in locations proximate to populations of veterans and other individuals in States that offer a high probability of improving veterans' outreach and assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to appropriate State veterans agencies for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Directs the President to use all available political, economic, and diplomatic tools to ensure that each U.S. ally or recipient of certain U.S. assistance that has signed a Small Quantities Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also signs and implements the Additional Protocol and provides immediate access for IAEA inspectors to its nuclear-related facilities. Prohibits certain defense and dual use assistance to a country that has signed a Small Quantities Protocol but does not satisfy such implementation and inspection requirements. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for up to one fiscal year for reasons of national security. Directs the President to require the U.S. Permanent Representative to the IAEA to use U.S. influence to change IAEA policy regarding the Small Quantities Protocol in order to: (1) eliminate the Small Quantities Protocol; (2) require that any IAEA member state that has signed a Small Quantities Protocol sign and implement the Additional Protocol, and provide IAEA inspectors with access to its nuclear-related facilities; and (3) require that any IAEA member state that does not comply with such implementation and inspection requirements be ineligible to receive nuclear material, technology, equipment, or assistance from any IAEA member state, and be subject to penalties as provided for by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out without delay a thorough review of the cases of all 28 individuals convicted in the court-martial arising from a disturbance at Fort Lawton, Seattle, Washington, on August 14, 1944, in order to determine the validity of the original findings and sentences and the extent, if any, to which racial prejudice or other improper factors may have tainted the original investigation and trials. Requires the Secretary: (1) to report to Congress on the review's results; and (2) if it is determined that there was error or an injustice, to correct the individual's military records as necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2005 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, including the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur are genocide. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to direct the President, with waiver authority upon congressional notification, to block the assets and deny visas and entry to any individual (and family member) responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to reinforce the deployment and operations of an expanded African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to advocate NATO reinforcement of AMIS, upon request of the African Union. Amends the Sudan Peace Act to include entry denial at U.S. ports to certain cargo ships or oil tankers among the measures available to the President if the government of Sudan fails to take specified peace measures in Darfur. Prohibits, with waiver authority, U.S. assistance to a country in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591(embargo on military assistance to Sudan). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to urge the adoption of a Security Council resolution supporting AMIS' expansion.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Central Asia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Authorizes additional appropriations beginning in FY2006 for Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated to expand radio broadcasting in languages spoken in Central Asia. Conditions certain assistance, including military assistance (but excluding refugee, disaster relief, food and medicine, and HIV/AIDS assistance) to a Central Asian government upon presidential certification to the appropriate congressional committees that such government meets specified requirements respecting: (1) democratization; (2) freedom of expression and the media; (3) freedom of religion, association, and the right of peaceful assembly; (4) prevention of torture; and (5) rule of law and nondiscrimination. Withholds assistance for failure to meet such requirements at 33% for the first fiscal year, 66% for the second fiscal year, and 100% (with a national security waiver for less than 100% withholding) for the third and subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes withheld amounts to be used for democracy assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Build Houses for Our Military's Enlisted Servicemembers Act or the Build HOMES Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to exclude basic housing assistance amounts received by a member of the Armed Forces from consideration as income for any federal housing assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2005 or CLEAR Act of 2005 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel are fully authorized to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; and (2) a state that does not have a statute permitting enforcement of federal immigration laws within two years of enactment of this Act shall not receive certain federal incarceration assistance. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens to: (1) establish criminal penalties for aliens unlawfully present in the United States; (2) increase specified criminal penalties for illegal entry and failure to depart violations; and (3) expand the scope of, and increase, civil penalties for improper entry or failure to depart. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Encourages states and localities to provide the Department of Homeland Security with specified information about apprehended illegal aliens. Provides federal reimbursement for related State and local costs. (States that such provision shall not require state or local enforcement officials to provide the Department with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense.) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to states and political subdivisions that enforce immigration laws in the course of their routine law enforcement duties for special equipment and facilities related to arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. States with respect to an alien subject to removal that the Attorney General or Secretary shall ensure such alien's detention in an adequate (as defined by this Act) state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties under this Act; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. States that the Department shall continue to operate the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permanently authorize appropriations for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans. Requires the Commission to review: (1) civil liberties violations resulting from enforcement of the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment, exchange, or deportation of European Americans and European Latin Americans; (2) U.S. government actions against European Americans under the Alien Enemies Acts and Executive Order 9066, including registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including future protection of civil liberties during wartime. Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution in Europe. Directs the Commission to include reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2005 - Authorizes certain members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election during October of any year beginning in 2005 to become entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Requires a reduction in basic pay of those members electing such educational assistance or, if the member is discharged or released from active duty prior to such reduction, the collection of specified amounts from the member or an equivalent reduction in retired or retainer pay. States that members who are enrolled in the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program shall be disenrolled from that program upon electing the educational assistance described in this Act. Requires the Secretary concerned, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to provide notice of the opportunity created by this Act to elect educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Veterans Road to Health Care Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay the travel expenses of a veteran whose travel is in connection with treatment or care for a non-service-connected disability at a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility if the treatment or care: (1) is provided upon the recommendation of Department medical personnel; and (2) is not available at the Department medical center or clinic at which the recommendation is made. Requires the Secretary, in calculating travel expenses under the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program, to utilize the current Federal mileage reimbursement rates for the use on official business of privately owned vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY2005 for veterans' medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Iraq Sovereignty Promotion Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States supports: (1) the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, the people of Iraq, and the leaders of Iraq's elected government; and (2) the Iraqi people's desire to rebuild Iraq as a fully sovereign, stable, and peaceful democratic country. States as U.S. policy not to maintain a long-term or permanent military presence in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY2005 for veterans' medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Declares that it is U.S. policy not to enter into any base agreement with the government of Iraq that would lead to a permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq.
United States · United States Senate · 29 June 2005
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005
Religious Freedom and Respect in the Armed Forces Commission Act - Establishes the Commission on Religious Freedom and Respect in the Armed Forces to: (1) assess religious freedom, and respect and tolerance for the diversity of spiritual values, in the Armed Forces; and (2) report findings to the President and Congress.