Defence

Child PACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Profiting from Access to Computer Technology (PACT) Act or the Child PACT Act - Directs each Federal agency to: (1) safeguard and identify potential educationally useful Federal equipment that it no longer needs or that has been declared surplus; and (2) transfer such equipment, either directly or through the General Services Administration (GSA), to educational recipients, military recipients, or nonprofit refurbishers.

HERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act - Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act or the HERO Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete assignment of the electromagnetic spectrum for public safety services to permit operation by January 1, 2007. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant program to assist state and local governments in achieving essential capabilities for terrorism preparedness. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of the Comptroller within the Office for Domestic Preparedness, a First Responder Grants Board, and a Task Force on Terrorism Preparedness for First Responders; and (2) promulgate national voluntary standards for first responder equipment. Requires reports by: (1) DHS on a unified incident command system, a national critical infrastructure risk and vulnerabilities assessment, the comprehensive screening system, a biometric entry and exit data system, international collaboration on border and document security, and standardization of secure identification; (2) the Comptroller General on private sector preparedness, federal first responder training programs, and terrorist watch list consolidation; (3) the Secretary of Transportation on a national strategy for transportation security and on airline passenger screening; (4) the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on collection and analysis of intelligence on terrorist travel; and (5) the Commissioner of Social Security on social security card security enhancements. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require fingerprints in passports. Requires specified reports on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the policy goals of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Requires certification by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as to whether the federal government has implemented the policy goals and the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States regarding homeland and airspace defense. Requires semiannual reports by the Secretary of Defense describing the plans and strategies of the U.S. Northern Command. 9/11 Commission Civil Liberties Board Act - Revises provisions concerning the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Provides for the designation of privacy and civil liberties officers. Revises provisions concerning the House and Senate intelligence committees. Requires public disclosure by the President of certain intelligence funding. Expresses the sense of Congress respecting: (1) Afghanistan; (2) Pakistan; (3) Saudi Arabia; (4) coalition strategy against Islamic terrorism; (5) the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI); (6) the Proliferation Security Initiative; and (7) nuclear weapons and materials security standards. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) terrorist sanctuary elimination; (2) standards for detention and humane treatment of captured terrorists; (3) economic policies to combat terrorism; (4) terrorist financing; and (5) public diplomacy, scholarship, exchange, and library programs in the Islamic world, and international broadcasting; Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2006 - Establishes the Office of Nonproliferation Programs in the Executive Office of the President. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) removal of certain restrictions on cooperative threat reduction and energy nonproliferation programs, and modification of such programs' fund use outside the former Soviet Union; (2) the Global Threat Reduction Initiative; (3) Russia's nuclear weapons; (4) research and development of alternative use of weapons of mass destruction expertise; and (5) strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

A joint resolution to spur a political solution in Iraq and encourage the people of Iraq to provide for their own security through the redeployment of the United States military forces.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

States that: (1) U.S. military forces in Iraq are to be redeployed from Iraq by December 31, 2006, or earlier if practicable; (2) nothing in this resolution prohibits the use of U.S. military forces from training Iraqi security forces in the region outside of Iraq; and (3) nothing in this resolution prohibits the use of non-Iraq based U.S. military forces from conducting counter-terrorism missions and protecting U.S. military and civilian personnel in Iraq.

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct an outreach program to identify and provide information to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom and who reside in rural communities in order to enroll those veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system; (2) expand access to Vet Centers in rural areas; (3) develop and implement a plan for improving veterans access to health care in rural areas; (4) establish a health information technology pilot program to ensure quality care for rural veterans through VA facilities; (5) establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans; (6) designate at least four VA health care facilities as centers of rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (7) include rural veterans in a current VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (8) enhance the education, training, retention, and recruitment of health professionals in rural areas; and (9) expand VA health care presence in Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Native Alaskan rural communities.

Reservists Pay Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Reservists Pay Security Act of 2006 - Entitles Federal employees who are absent from their positions while on active duty in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive the amount of their basic pay which, when taken together with their military pay and allowances, is no less than the amount of pay that they would have earned if there had been no interruption in their civilian employment. Expands the reemployment rights of Federal employees on active duty in the uniformed services.

David H. Laufman, of Texas, to be Inspector General, Department of Defense, vice Joseph E. Schmitz, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 5 June 2006

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for accelerated payment of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance for certain programs of education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006

Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in program with tuition in excess of 200% of the monthly rate of educational assistance otherwise payable when the program is an approved program of education that either: (1) leads to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry; or (2) lasts less than two years and leads to employment in a sector of the economy that is projected to experience a substantial increase in the number of jobs, positively affect the growth of another sector of the economy, or consists of existing or emerging businesses that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills for workers. Includes as an authorized program for purposes of such assistance a program of education pursued at a tribally controlled college or university as defined under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978.

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); (3) the Trade and Development Agency; (4) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (5) United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (6) various bilateral economic assistance programs for foreign developing countries; (7) expenses for the Millenium Challenge Corporation; (8) the Inter-American Foundation, the African Development Foundation, and the Peace Corps; (9) global HIV/AIDS initiative; (10) international narcotics control and law enforcement and the Andean Counterdrug Initiative; (11) migration and refugee assistance; (12) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs; (13) Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance and debt restructuring; (14) certain U.S. military assistance programs for foreign countries; (15) U.S. contributions to certain international financial institutions; and (16) international programs and organizations. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006

Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2006 - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the development, as a core mission of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), of an expert civilian response capability to carry out stabilization and reconstruction activities in a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance and permit the export of goods and services to assist in stabilizing and reconstructing a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, conflict or civil strife. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department an Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to establish a Response Readiness Corps to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife (up to 250 personnel to serve in the Corps, and such other personnel as the Secretary may designate from the Department of State and USAID); and (2) the Secretary to establish a Response Readiness Reserve of federal and non-federal personnel to augment the Corps. Amend the Foreign Service Act to authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a stabilization and reconstruction curriculum for use in programs of the Foreign Service Institute, the National Defense University, and the United States Army War College. Sets forth related personnel provisions.

Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006

Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to add among the projects eligible for Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities that use domestic coal resources to produce at least 10,000 barrels a day of liquid transportation fuel. Sets forth: (1) loan guarantee limitations; and (2) a loan guarantee program for coal-to-liquid facilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations to support the development of coal-to-liquid manufacturing facilities and associated infrastructure on DOE and other federal lands, military bases, and military installations closed or realigned under the defense base closure and realignment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide an investment tax credit for coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) permit taxpayer election to treat the cost of any qualified coal-to-liquid fuels process property as a deductible expense; and (3) extend the alternative fuel credit for fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to instruct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to certain congressional committees on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary Energy to construct storage facilities: (1) in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base; but (2) outside the boundaries of any state on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Authorizes appropriations for the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test, qualify, and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Amends federal law governing Armed Forces fuel procurement to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations.

Emergency Energy Assistance for Disabled Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006

Emergency Energy Assistance for Disabled Veterans Fairness Act - Eliminates a $3 per round trip deductible charged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in connection with the veterans beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for beneficiaries providing transportation for veterans to obtain medical care). Directs the Secretary, in determining the amount of such allowance or reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business.

[H.A.S.C. No. 109-128]APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED FROM HURRICANE KATRINA: HOW THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IS PREPARING FOR THE UPCOMING HURRICANE SEASON

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 May 2006

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense; (4) Defense Intelligence Agency; (5) National Security Agency; (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (8) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (9) National Reconnaissance Office; (10) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (11) Coast Guard; (12) Department of Homeland Security; and (13) Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2007, for those activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the DNI, 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 FY2007 (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 DNI for FY2007 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 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. Revises various DNI authorities and duties concerning access to, and sharing of, intelligence information. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish an Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. Repeals superseded authority to establish such position under the Inspector General Act of 1978. Establishes within the Office of the DNI a National Space Intelligence Center. Protects from public disclosure certain operational files within the Office of the DNI. Establishes a Deputy Director of the CIA.

A bill to limit the reduction in the number of personnel of the Air Force Space Command, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing the number of personnel (including contractors) assigned to the Air Force Space Command (or any component of that Command), from the number assigned to the Command as of January 1, 2006, until the Secretary submits to specified congressional committees a report that includes: (1) a description of, and justification for, the proposed reduction; (2) assessments of the reduction's effects, including whether they could be mitigated by allowing greater flexibility in resource decisions; and (3) a certification that the proposed reduction will not diminish or interfere with U.S. national security space acquisition programs, operations, or technology development.

Patriot Loan Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Patriot Loan Act of 2006 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $1.5 million to $2 million the loan limit that may be made to a small businesses that has suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as a result of an essential employee being ordered to active military duty during a period of military conflict. Limits to $25,000 any such loan that is made without collateral. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop a joint website and printed material providing information on such loan program; and (2) conduct a joint study on the feasibility of creating a business mobilization and interruption insurance program and a debt insurance program for mobilized Guard and reserve personnel who own or operate small businesses.

Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as 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.

A bill to amend section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, to modify the furnishing of government markers for graves of veterans at private ceremonies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Makes permanent (currently terminates on December 31, 2006) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish government headstones or markers for the burial of veterans at private cemeteries. Repeals an obsolete reporting requirement with respect to the use of such authority.

VIP Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

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

Veterans Identification Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Veterans Identification Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) establish a national database of each veteran who receives or applies for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; (2) assign to each veteran a four-digit personal identification number; and (3) take such steps as necessary to provide that any entity entering into a commercial transaction with a veteran that includes the extension of credit or any other thing of value to verify the veteran's identity through the use of that number. Makes such an entity liable for attorney's fees and injuries incurred as a result of failure to verify a veteran's identity pursuant to this Act.

Veterans' ID Theft Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Veterans' ID Theft Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take specified actions in response to the May 2006 breach of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data security, including: (1) repairing the breach, restoring the security and confidentiality of the sensitive financial personal information involved and the integrity of data security safeguards, and improving data security policies and procedures; and (2) notifying affected persons, each nationwide consumer reporting agency, and any other third parties who will be required to act to protect such persons from fraud or identity theft. Makes the Secretary responsible for providing any notices and file monitoring required under this Act at no cost to the persons affected by the breach. Requires the Secretary to make available to a person affected, upon request, a service that monitors nationwide credit activity from a consumer reporting agency for six months for free.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and make permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for Government markers for marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) make permanent (currently, terminates on December 31, 2006) the authority for the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of government markers or memorial headstones for the marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries; and (2) terminate a reporting requirement on the use of such authority. Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make eligible for such markers or headstones certain veterans dying on or after November 1, 1990 (currently, September 11, 2001).

To limit the reduction in the number of personnel of the Air Force Space Command, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing the number of personnel (including contractors) assigned to the Air Force Space Command (or any component of that Command), from the number assigned to the Command as of January 1, 2006, until the Secretary submits to specified congressional committees a report that includes: (1) a description of, and justification for, the proposed reduction; (2) assessments of the reduction's effects, including whether they could be mitigated by allowing greater flexibility in resource decisions; and (3) a certification that the proposed reduction will not diminish or interfere with U.S. national security space acquisition programs, operations, or technology development.

Requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, documents relating to the termination of the Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation of the involvement of Department of Justice personnel in the creation and administration of the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program, including documents relating to Office of Professional Responsibility's request for and denial of security clearances.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Requests the President, and directs the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General, to transmit to the House of Representatives documents relating to the termination of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation of the involvement of DOJ personnel in the creation and administration of the National Security Agency's (NSA) warrantless surveillance program, including documents relating to that Office's request for and denial of security clearances.

Requesting the President and directing the Secretary of State to provide to the House of Representatives certain documents in their possession relating to strategies and plans either designed to cause regime change in or for the use of military force against Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Requests the President, and directs the Secretary of State, to provide to the House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after adoption of this resolution, all documents, including planning documents, electronic mail records, minutes, memoranda, and advisory legal opinions, in the possession of the President or the Secretary, respectively, relating to strategies and plans designed to cause regime change in, or for the use of military force against Iran.

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of a broad-based political settlement in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administration should tell Iraqi political, religious, and tribal leaders that: (1) the U.S. military presence in Iraq is neither unending nor unconditional; (2) whether the Iraqis avoid all-out civil war and have a future as a nation is in their hands; and (3) forming a government of national unity and subsequent agreement to modifications to the Iraq Constitution to make it more inclusive, within the deadlines the Iraqis have set for themselves in the Iraq Constitution, is essential to quelling the sectarian and insurgent-led violence and avoiding all-out civil war, and will enable the Iraqi government to assume security responsibilities now borne by the U.S. military.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 24 May 2006

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Improvement and Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Improvement and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Prescribes the federal law provisions governing domestic electronic surveillance. Amends title I (Electronic Surveillance) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to prohibit any provision of law from being construed to repeal or modify any provision of such title in any manner unless such provision of law, if enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act, expressly amends or otherwise specifically cites such title. Directs the President to brief each member of the congressional intelligence committees on: (1) the Terrorist Surveillance Program of the National Security Agency (NSA); and (2) any program which involves the electronic surveillance of U.S. persons in the United States for foreign intelligence purposes which is conducted by any federal department or entity without fully complying with the prescribed federal law provisions. Revises FISA provisions concerning electronic surveillance to: (1) extend the period for the application for orders for emergency electronic surveillance; (2) permit the Attorney General (AG) to delegate authority to approve electronic surveillance applications; and (3) authorize the AG to appoint personnel within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and NSA to authorize emergency surveillance. Provides for the implementation of a document management system for, and authorizes additional personnel for the preparation and consideration of, electronic surveillance applications. Requires the AG to report to the intelligence committees on procedures for applications for orders approving electronic surveillance. Authorizes the training of FBI and NSA personnel in foreign intelligence surveillance matters.

A resolution calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to establish immediately a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Pat Finucane, as recommended by international Judge Peter Cory as part of the Western Park agreement and a way forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Calls on the government of the United Kingdom to reconsider its position on the Patrick Finucane case and establish an independent public judicial inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane. Commends Finucane family members for their courageous campaign to seek the truth in this case of collusion. Welcomes the passage of a resolution by the Dail Eireann on March 8, 2006, calling for the establishment of an independent public judicial inquiry into the Finucane murder as the Irish government's most recent expression of support for the Finucane family. Acknowledges the U.S. Helsinki Commission for their work in highlighting this case. Supports the efforts of The Honorable Mitchell Reiss, President Bush's special envoy for the Northern Ireland Peace Process, in pushing for the full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement and the establishment of an independent judicial inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane.

Veterans Identity Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide notice to each veteran whose name or other personal identifying information was part of the VA data that was stolen from the home of a VA employee around May 22, 2006, informing the veteran of: (1) the theft; (2) the nature of the breach of confidentiality; and (3) the veteran's right to request a free credit report once every three months and free monitoring of the veteran's credit report for the next year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) include with each notification a form (with a postage-paid return envelope) by which the veteran may make such requests; (2) enter into discussions with the three principal credit reporting agencies and conclude agreements necessary to implement such elections; and (3) fully implement, as rapidly as possible, each of the 16 information security improvements recommended in the VA Inspector General's report on the March 2005 audit of the VA's Information Security Program. Sets penalties for failure to implement this Act.

Veterans Identity Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Veterans Identity Security Act of 2006 - Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of records containing personal information about veterans by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officer or employee, contractor (or employee of a contractor), or volunteer.

Honoring the members of the Armed Forces serving as health care professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2006

Honors the members of the Armed Forces serving as health care professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizes the research and advancements achieved by military health care professionals in the area of battlefield medical care and the direct applications and benefits such research and advancement will have to civilian medical care.

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) certify in writing to Congress that any individual whose personal information is compromised due to lax data security at the VA has been appropriately notified in writing of such compromise; and (2) provide free of charge to each such individual credit monitoring services during the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment and a copy of the affected individual's credit report (in addition to any other credit report provided under otherwise applicable law) once annually during the two-year period beginning on the date on which the credit monitoring services terminate.

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2006

Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) certify in writing to Congress that any individual whose personal information is compromised due to lax data security at the VA has been appropriately notified in writing of such compromise; and (2) provide free of charge to each such individual credit monitoring services during the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment and a copy of the affected individual's credit report (in addition to any other credit report provided under otherwise applicable law) once annually during the two-year period beginning on the date on which the credit monitoring services terminate.

Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2006

Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as 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.

DMZ War Veterans Recognition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

DMZ War Veterans Recognition Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to place on or near the grounds of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a plaque to commemorate the sacrifices of those who served, were wounded, or were killed from 1953 until the present in the defense of the Republic of Korea.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve screening for colorectal cancer for TRICARE beneficiaries over the age of 50.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to make members and former members of the Armed Forces who are age 50 or older eligible for the colorectal cancer screening tests described under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, without regard to whether such members are at high risk for such cancer or have previously exhibited any symptom of such cancer.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for energy and water development for FY2007 for the Departments of: (1) the Army, including the Corps of Engineers (for civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood control, shore protection, storm damage reduction and aquatic ecosystem restoration); (2) the Interior, including management and restoration of water and related natural resources, and the Bureau of Reclamation; and (3) Energy (DOE), including fossil energy research and nuclear waste disposal, including the acquisition of real property or facility construction or expansion (i.e., the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant at Hanford, Washington). Limits the use of funds appropriated for contracts awarded without competition for the management and operation of various laboratories, unless specified conditions are met. Requires future contracts to be made using competitive procedures, subject to specified requirements. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to develop or implement a workforce restructuring plan that covers DOE employees. Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act to implement a certain DOE order modifying contractor employee pension and medical benefits. Makes FY2007 appropriations for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (6) the Office of Inspector General; and (7) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the military junta in Burma for its recent campaign of terror against ethnic minorities and calling on the United Nations Security Council to adopt immediately a binding non-punitive resolution on Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate to: (1) condemn the military junta in Burma for its campaign of terror against ethnic minorities; (2) call on the United States and other democracies to continue to work with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote democracy, human rights and justice in Burma; and (3) call on the United States to lead a U.N. Security Council effort to pass a binding, non-punitive resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other prisoners of conscience in Burma, condemning these atrocities, and supporting democracy, human rights and justice in Burma.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5385) making appropriations for the military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5385) making appropriations for the military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 17 May 2006

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a demonstration program to facilitate landscape restoration programs within certain units of the National Park System established by law to preserve and interpret resources associated with American history, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to carry out a demonstration program that provides that receipts from timber sales shall be retained for expenditure within units of the National Park System from which the timber is removed as part of an approved plan for the restoration or protection of park resources or values. Instructs the Secretary to permit each of the existing 24 National Battlefields, National Battlefield Parks, National Military Parks, and National Battlefield Sites to participate in the demonstration program if the unit has in place a general management plan, cultural landscape plan, or other resources management plan approved pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 that identifies specific timber for removal for purposes of cultural or historic landscape restoration or fuel load reduction. Requires each unit selected to participate in the demonstration program to retain receipts from the sale or disposal of timber removed. Provides for such receipts to be available for expenditure for within a unit for the following purposes only: (1) landscape restoration; (2) interpretive services; (3) eradication of disease, insects, or invasive species; or (4) fuel load reduction. Requires the Secretary to submit a report containing a specific timeline for timber removal in each of the units authorized to participate in such demonstration program.

Opposing any agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Nigeria to deploy United States Armed Forces to Nigeria.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Opposes any U.S.-Nigeria agreement to deploy U.S. Armed Forces to Nigeria to protect Nigerian oil reserves and facilities, or for any other purpose.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for support of funeral ceremonies for veterans provided by details that consist solely of members of veterans organizations and other organizations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of funeral honors for a veteran that are provided by a detail consisting solely of members of veterans organizations or other related organizations, to support the provision of such funeral honors through a daily stipend to each detail participant.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Chemical Weapons Convention.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States is committed to safely disposing of its chemical weapons stockpiles by the Chemical Weapons Convention deadline of April 29, 2012, or as soon thereafter as possible, and will carry out all of its other obligations under the Convention; and (2) the Secretary of Defense should prepare a comprehensive schedule for safely destroying such stockpiles to prevent further delays and submit it to the congressional defense committees annually.

District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2006 - Considers the District of Columbia a congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. Applies to the District in the same manner as it applies to a state the federal law providing for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and for apportionment of Representatives in Congress. Limits the District to one Member under any reapportionment of Members. Modifies the formula regarding the number of presidential electors to subject it to the Twenty-Third amendment to the Constitution in the case of the District. Makes conforming amendments to federal law regarding the Armed Forces (appointments to service academies). Increases membership of the House from 435 to 437 Members. Provides for a reapportionment of Members resulting from such increase. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Elections Code of 1955. Repeals provisions of: (1) the District of Columbia Delegate Act establishing the office of District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives; and (2) the District of Columbia Statehood Constitution Convention Initiative of 1979 providing for electing a Senator and Representative for the District.

Benjamin Moore Surviving Military Spouses' and Children's Equitable Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Benjamin Moore Surviving Military Spouses' and Children's Equitable Relief Act - Provides for the payment of a Survivor Benefit Plan annuity to the dependent children, instead of the surviving spouse, of a member of the Armed Forces who dies after October 7, 2001 (currently, November 23, 2003).

Veterans Mental Health Care Access Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2006

Veterans Mental Health Care Access Improvement Act of 2006 - Modifies requirements for appointment to positions in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by establishing eligibility requirements for licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2006

Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2007 - Appropriates funds for FY2007 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005; (6) basic allowance for housing for the military departments (active-duty and reserve) and the Army and Air National Guard; (7) facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization for the military departments (active-duty and reserve), DOD, and the Army and Air National Guard; (8) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, Air Force, DOD, and at formerly used defense sites; and (9) the Defense Health Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of the Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Appropriates funds for contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism for military construction for the military departments (active-duty and reserve), DOD, and the Army National Guard. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

A resolution supporting democracy, development, and stabilization in Haiti.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2006

Urges reconciliation among the people of Haiti, including a government led by President-elect Rene Preval that respects the rights of all political parties. Supports President-elect Preval's efforts to coordinate municipal and local elections in 2006. Thanks the countries that are contributing personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), particularly Brazil, whose President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that Brazilian peacekeepers will stay in Haiti for as long as the new government in Haiti needs them. Supports U.S. efforts to encourage Canada, Chile, and Argentina to maintain their commitments to MINUSTAH. Encourages U.N. Security Council members to support current MINUSTAH troop levels and to raise significantly the numbers of U.N. civilian police forces. Urges the international community to support MINUSTAH, fulfill pledges made at the July 2004 International Donors Conference, and plan for a new multi-year commitment of support at a new donor's conference to be held no later than July 2006. Recommends: (1) the creation of an effective demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program to encompass former military members and gangs; and (2) that the new government cooperate fully with MINUSTAH in assuring police and judiciary reform. Supports U.S. government assistance for Haiti's reconstruction.

William H. Tobey, of Connecticut, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, vice Paul Morgan Longsworth, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 11 May 2006