Defence

East Asia Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005

East Asia Security Act of 2005 - Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) identifying, with specified exceptions, every person of a European Union (EU) country, and any other foreign person the President may consider appropriate, with respect to whom there is credible information indicating that the person exported to the People's Republic of China (PRC) or its military, intelligence, or security services specified military and dual use items intended for military use; and (2) identifying foreign governments participating in U.S. defense cooperative projects whose policies permit the export of such military or dual use items to the PRC. Requires: (1) specified licenses for exporters of defense and dual use articles or services to the PRC; and (2) congressional notification of the issuance of any such license. Specifies discretionary and mandatory measures to be applied to persons and governments identified in the required reports, including: (1) denial of research and development participation; (2) prohibition of ownership and control of a U.S. defense exporter; (3) prohibition of foreign military sales participation; or (4) prohibition of munitions or dual use approvals.

Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2005 for veterans medical services.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005

Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY2005 for veterans' medical services.

Phillip Jackson Bell, of Georgia, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, vice Diane K. Morales, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 28 June 2005

Veterans Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005

Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2005 - Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to award not less than nine percent of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Requires at least one-third of those awards to go to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Requires a business, in order to be so eligible, to be listed in a database of veteran-owned small businesses maintained by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Provides enforcement penalties for misrepresentation as a veteran-owned small business. Treats a veteran's surviving spouse as a veteran for purposes of eligibility of a business after the death of the veteran-owner. Provides the highest priority in the award of such contracts and subcontracts to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Directs the Secretary, in procuring goods and services pursuant to a contracting preference, to give priority to a small business owned and controlled by a veteran if such small business also meets the requirements of the contracting preference.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide relief with respect to rent and mortgage payments for members of the reserve components who are called to active duty and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit to lessors for payments foregone by reason of such relief.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow a military reservist who is ordered to active duty for a period of more than 90 days: (1) an exemption during the period of active duty from payment of rent on a primary residence occupied by such member or dependents; and (2) a deferral of mortgage payments on a principal residence. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow lessors of military reservists granted an exemption from rent payments under this Act a refundable tax credit for the exempted lease amounts.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations for FY2006 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.

Savings Account for Every American Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Savings Account for Every American Act of 2005 - Allows employees and self-employed individuals with a social security number to elect participation, on or after January 1, 2006, in a retirement savings program, to be known as S.A.F.E. accounts. Requires employers of electing employees to establish a payroll deduction program to make employee contributions (6.2 percent of wages) to such accounts. Requires employer matching contributions after a participating employee has maintained an account for 15 years. Imposes penalties on employers who fail to make required payroll deductions or pay deducted wages to S.A.F.E. accounts. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to study and report to the President and Congress on extending S.A.F.E. accounts to federal civilian and military employees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt S.A.F.E. accounts from income taxation. Allows a tax deduction from gross income for cash contributions to such an account. Includes distributions from such an account in employee gross income, with specified exceptions for distributions after age 59 1/2 or death, purchase of certain insurance contracts, and rollovers. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to exempt S.A.F.E. account participants from social security taxes and exclude such participants from old age, survivors and disability insurance coverage.

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the War in the Pacific and honoring veterans of both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of the Second World War.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Honors all veterans, living and deceased, of the Second World War in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters on the 60th anniversary year of the war's conclusion. Expresses the deep appreciation and gratitude of the United States for their valor and selfless service to their country. Calls upon the people of the United States to commemorate September 2, 2005, the 60th anniversary of the final surrender of the Second World War aboard the USS Missouri, as a day of remembrance and appreciation for the members of the generation who preserved liberty for future generations and rescued the world from the scourge of fascist militarism. Reaffirms the judgment in Tokyo rendered by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East of 1946-1948 and the conviction of certain individuals as war criminals for their crimes against humanity. Recognizes that the alliances formed in the Asia-Pacific region following the Second World War, including those with Australia, Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand, have contributed immeasurably to the continued peace and prosperity enjoyed throughout the region.

A bill to appropriate $1,975,183,000 for medical care for veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Authorizes appropriations for FY2005 for the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical services.

Military Commissions Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Military Commissions Act of 2005 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to permit a military commission to try any person, not a citizen of the United States, for one or more offenses against the law of war or in furtherance of international terrorism. Permits only the President, or a person designated by the President, to appoint such a commission. Requires a commission to consist of not less than three members and not more than seven members. States that trial and defense counsel shall be detailed for a military commission on the same basis as such counsel are detailed for a general court-martial. Requires members of a military commission to deliberate and vote in closed conference. Prohibits: (1) a military commission from finding a person guilty of an offense, and determining a sentence, except by the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present at the time the vote is taken; and (2) from sentencing a person to suffer death except by the concurrence of all the members as to the findings and as to the sentence. Sets forth other requirements relating to a commission, including requiring the accused in a military commission to be given specified minimum rights and protections. Outlines procedures for, and courts of, appeal.

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (the counties of Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May) for full-service medical care shall be met through a project for: (1) a public-private venture to provide inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans at an existing facility in southern New Jersey; or (2) construction of a new full-service, 100-bed Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in southern New Jersey. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the public-private venture option is chosen, to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of such care and services; or (2) if the new construction option is chosen, to carry out an appropriate major medical facility construction project for such purpose.

Honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Recognizes, on the ninth anniversary of that attack, the service and sacrifice of the 19 members of the U.S. Air Force who died in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers U.S. military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to those brave airmen. Extends the continued sympathies of Congress to the families of those who died. Assures the members of the Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world that their well-being and interests will at all times be given the highest priority.

Guantanamo Detainees Procedures Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2005

Guantanamo Detainees Procedures Act of 2005 - Requires that, whenever the United States detains a person on the basis that such person can be detained as an unlawful combatant or other similar basis, the person is entitled to a hearing as expeditiously as possible, but no later than six months after the determination. Requires hearing disposition within two years of such determination, with an authorized extension if the person is determined to be a continuing threat to U.S. national security. Authorizes the President to establish tribunals for the trial of persons covered under this Act. Outlines procedural requirements. Requires an annual report from the Secretary of Defense to Congress on persons covered by this Act who are detained as unlawful combatants. Includes as covered by this Act a person who: (1) is accused of knowingly planning, authorizing, committing, aiding, or abetting one or more terrorist acts against the United States or being part of, or supporting, forces engaged in armed conflict against the United States; (2) is not a U.S. person or lawful permanent resident; and (3) is not a prisoner of war.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding additional steps to expedite the success of the United States in Iraq, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2005

Expresses the the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should accelerate Iraqi security force training, and urge the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other international organizations to take a more prominent training role; (2) the President and the Secretary of Defense should develop a comprehensive plan to deal with the problems that the U.S. military is experiencing because of high operational tempo in Iraq; and (3) the President should develop and explain to the people of the United States a strategy for success in Iraq which includes plans for quicker and more effective training of Iraqi army and police forces, and U.S. military withdrawal once Iraqi security forces are able to provide security on a self-sustaining basis.

Expressing the sense of Congress concerning Uzbekistan.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Uzbekistan should take immediate steps to comply with calls for an independent international inquiry into the violence in Andijon and the prosecution of those individuals responsible for civilian deaths; (2) the government of Uzbekistan should accelerate democratic reforms and fulfill its human rights obligations; and (3) the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense should condition diplomatic engagement with and security assistance to the government of Uzbekistan based on Uzbekistan's compliance with such steps, ensure that assistance does not benefit the security forces of Uzbekistan implicated in human rights violations, and, and support those individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and media outlets in Uzbekistan working to establish a democratic government.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2006 and FY2007 for the Coast Guard (CG). Sets forth authorized FY2006 levels of CG active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. Sets forth civil penalties for continuing violations of the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Establishes a pilot program for dockside safety and survivability examinations for uninspected U.S. commercial fishing vessels. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the CG is operating (Secretary) to conduct a pilot program for the long-range tracking of vessels by satellite to aid maritime security and response to maritime emergencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) work with foreign officials to enhance flag state oversight and enforcement of security, environmental, and other agreements adopted within the International Maritime Organization; (2) undertake outreach programs to reduce pollution from boats using two-stroke engines; (3) integrate vessel monitoring system data into CG maritime operations databases to improve enforcement of federal fisheries laws; and (4) report to Congress on CG efforts to improve its detection and interdiction of illegal foreign fishing vessel incursions into the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Revises criteria for determining grade distribution of CG Reserve officers. Authorizes the Secretary during an act of terrorism or transportation security incident to order CG Ready Reserve members to active duty to no more than 60 days (currently, 30 days) in any four-month period and no more than 120 days (currently, 60 days) in any two-year period. Directs the Secretary to provide to Congress a proposal and cost analysis for construction of an enclosed hangar at Air Station Barbers Point. Makes conforming amendments to reflect the Department of Homeland Security.

To establish an independent Commission to investigate detainee abuses.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005

Establishes in the legislative branch the Independent Commission on the Investigation of Detainee Abuses to conduct a full, complete, independent, and impartial investigation of the abuses of detainees in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or any operation within the Global War on Terrorism, including, but not limited to: (1) the extent of the abuses; (2) why the abuses occurred; and (3) who is responsible. Directs the Commission, in connection with the investigation, to assess, analyze, and evaluate relevant persons, policies, procedures, reports, and events. Authorizes the Commission to report interim findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Congress and the President. Requires a final report containing recommendations for corrective measures. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.

Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005

Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2005 - Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to increase penalties for violating a license, order, or regulation under the Act. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to expand its scope to include offenses relating to the financing of terrorism and violations of the Social Security Act relating to obtaining funds through the misuse of a social security number. Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to investigate violations of money laundering and related offenses. Directs that a transaction or transfer of funds be considered to involve the proceeds of specified unlawful activity if it is part of a set of parallel or dependent transactions involving such proceeds. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) provide for civil forfeiture to the United States of the assets of any individual or organization engaged in planning or perpetrating an act of international terrorism against any international organization or against any foreign government; and (2) establish procedures for contesting the confiscation of assets of suspected international terrorists. Amends RICO to make receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization a predicate offense to violation of money laundering provisions.

Guaranteed Home For Our Veterans Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005

A Guaranteed Home for Our Veterans Act of 2005 - Prohibits the making of any payment or grant generally made by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a state for the care of veterans in a state nursing home with respect to a State that does not allow a veteran who is a resident of a state home in a different state to transfer to a state home in that state, on a space-available basis, without a requirement for a waiting period with respect to establishment of state residency.

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2005 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POW) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds the following diseases to the above listed diseases heart disease, stroke, diabetes (type 2), and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption because of a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts benefits paid under this Act from taxation. Provides for benefits for World War II Merchant Mariners under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act.

Veterans Medical Care Revenue Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005

Veterans Medical Care Revenue Enhancement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a demonstration project for the improvement of business practices of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); and (2) enter into a performance-based contract for a contractor to carry out functions specified in this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct the project at two VHA medical centers within the same service area, selected from among medical centers located in those areas that the Secretary determines have relatively low rates of recovery or collection of indebtedness from third-party payors. Sets forth provisions regarding the selection and functions of the contractor, including requiring the contractor to establish a plan to standardize and coordinate all activities related to billing for health care furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and a database containing third-party payor information for veterans receiving health care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that a VHA employee is designated to be the full-time project manager for the project and that such employee's duty station is at one of the medical centers at which the project is conducted; and (2) administer the project so that during the period of the conduct of the project (two years) there is no reduction in full-time equivalent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the medical centers at which the project is conducted that is attributable to the conduct of the project.

Survivor Benefit Plan Insurable Interest Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005

Survivor Benefit Plan Insurable Interest Fairness Act - Amends Federal provisions concerning the Survivor Benefit Plan for military personnel and their dependents to provide that, if the reason for discontinuance in the Plan is the death of the beneficiary, the Plan participant may designate a new beneficiary, who must be a natural person with an insurable interest in the participant. Requires such designation within 180 days after the death of the previous beneficiary.

Dr. James Allen Disabled Veterans Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2005

Dr. James Allen Disabled Veterans Equity Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay special disability compensation due to a veteran's loss of paired organs when the veteran has suffered impairment of vision compensable to a degree of ten percent or more (currently, blindness) in one eye as a result of a service-connected disability and impairment of vision (currently, blindness) in the other eye as a result of a non-service-connected disability not the result of the veteran's own willful misconduct.

Atomic Veterans Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2005

Atomic Veterans Relief Act - Includes within the definition of a "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of eligibility criteria for veterans' disability compensation the exposure to ionizing radiation due to residual contamination resulting from participation in a nuclear detonation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in regulations pertaining to the service-connection of veterans' disabilities additional provisions to ensure, in the case of a claim by a radiation-exposed veteran for service-connection of a nonpresumptive disability, that the procedures for establishment of whether the disability is service-connected do not require imputation to the veteran, through a process known as dose reconstruction, of any particular level of exposure to ionizing radiation.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the availability of emergency medical care for veterans in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2005

Requires the determination of whether a veteran can be transferred to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility after receiving emergency medical treatment in a non-Department facility to be based both on the condition of the veteran and on the availability of a bed in a Department facility that is not geographically inaccessible to the veteran.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2005

Directs the Secretary of Veterans to designate, establish, and operate at selected Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities six centers for Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical activities. Requires the Under Secretary for Health to establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted by a facility for the operation of such a center.

John G. Grimes, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice John P. Stenbit.

United States · United States Senate · 16 June 2005

Veterans Employment and Transition Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005

Veterans Employment and Transition Services Act - Extends through 2009 (currently, 2004) a requirement for annual reports from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Congress on equitable relief provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans and their dependents following a loss of benefits because of Department administrative error. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to carry out a program to facilitate access of representatives of military and veterans' service organizations and agencies to provide preseparation counseling and services to members of the Armed Forces who are scheduled for discharge, release from active duty, or retirement. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a similar program for facilitating the access of such representatives to provide information and counseling to veterans on the care, benefits, and services offered through the Department. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to ensure that preseparation counseling is provided by personnel and offices that are not responsible for encouraging service members to reenlist.

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income student loan repayments by the federal government on behalf of federal employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Exempts such repayments from social security taxes.

A resolution recognizing Burmese democracy activist and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of the struggle for freedom in Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005

Recognizes Burmese democracy activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of the spirit and dedication of the people of Burma who are struggling for freedom, human rights, and justice. Calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all prisoners of conscience who are held by the State Peace and Development Council, the illegitimate military junta in power in Burma. Urges Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to initiate a discussion of the Council's repressive practices during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional forum and post-ministerial meeting scheduled to take place in July 2005 in Vientiane, Laos.

Withdrawal of United States Armed Forces From Iraq Resolution of 2005--Homeward Bound

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2005

Withdrawal of United States Armed Forces From Iraq Resolution of 2005--Homeward Bound - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) announce, not later than December 31, 2005, a plan for the withdrawal of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq; (2) turn over, at the earliest possible date, all military operations in Iraq to the elected government of Iraq and provide for the prompt and orderly withdrawal of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq; and (3) initiate such a withdrawal as soon as possible but not later than October 1, 2006. Requires the President to implement that policy by: (1) taking steps to ensure the completion of Iraq's political transition to a constitutionally elected government by December 31, 2005; (2) establishing a plan for the withdrawal of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq limited only by steps to ensure the safety of such forces; (3) establishing a plan for a transition of responsibility for internal security activities to the military forces of the Iraqi government and a transition of U.S. military personnel to an advisory and support role; (4) accelerating the training and equipping of the military and security forces of the Iraqi government; and (5) accounting for any missing members of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. citizens in Iraq prior to completion of the withdrawal.

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to purchase essential mineral rights at the Department of Energy facility, Colorado, known as the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site. Includes among conditions for such purchase that certain federal and state officials designated as trustees enter into a natural resources damage settlement providing that the purchase of essential mineral rights satisfies any existing or potential natural resource damage liability claim arising from releases of certain hazardous substances. Requires the settlement to include a covenant not to sue.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2005 - Increases from $20,000 to $40,000 the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide the same type of vocational rehabilitation benefits and services under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for certain children with spina bifida as are currently available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida the same vocational training and rehabilitation services currently authorized for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Expressing support for the European Court of Human Rights for its decisions in the Loizidou v. Turkey and Xenides-Arestis v. Turkey cases and for admitting similar cases before the European Court of Human Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Commends the European Court of Human Rights for its judgments in favor of Titina Loizidou in the Loizidou v. Turkey case and on the admissibility of the Xenides-Arestis v. Turkey case. Urges: (1) the Court to consider current and future cases brought by Greek Cypriots against Turkey for violation of their property rights; and (2) Turkey to respect Court decisions with respect to Cyprus, and end the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the areas under Turkish military occupation.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2005, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends federal provisions concerning the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program to direct the Secretary of Defense to make a good-faith effort to notify the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces insured under such program if such member elects at any time to either reduce coverage amounts or name a beneficiary other than the spouse. Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum coverage that may be elected by an insured member, to be evenly divisible by $50,000. Increases from one to two years after separation from active duty (for an active-duty member) or release from active-duty assignment (for a member of the Ready Reserve) the duration of such coverage, if the member is totally disabled after such duty. Increases from $250,000 to $400,000 the maximum amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) that may be elected by an insured veteran. States that interest rate adjustments, under a veterans' adjustable rate mortgage demonstration program offered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall be limited to such percentage as such Secretary may prescribe. (Currently, that adjustment is limited to a one percentage point increase or decrease.)

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should submit to Congress a report on the time frame for the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Supports the men and women of the Armed Forces in Iraq and deeply appreciates their admirable service. Recognizes that stability and democracy in Iraq are in the U.S. national interest. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should remain committed to providing long-term diplomatic and political support to Iraq; (2) the United States should continue to pursue a robust and multi-faceted campaign against international terrorist networks in Iraq and around the world; and (3) not later than 30 days after the Senate agrees to this resolution, the President should report to Congress describing the Armed Forces' remaining mission in Iraq, and a time frame for the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005 - Directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Secretary of Defense to provide a program under which postal benefits are made available for personal correspondence and other mail matter sent from within the United States by designated representatives (next-of-kin) to members of the Armed Forces who are: (1) serving on active duty abroad in support of military operations or against an enemy of the United States or other hostile force; or (2) hospitalized in a U.S. military facility as a result of disease or injury incurred during service overseas. Limits postal benefits to $150 per calendar quarter, and limits the size and weight of allowable parcels. Allows charitable organizations to apply for such benefits.

Detainee Treatment Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Detainee Treatment Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to transmit a copy of any confidential or exclusive report provided to the Department of Defense (DOD) by an entity outside the U.S. government concerning treatment of DOD detainees held at any location in connection with an armed conflict, including the war on terror, within 15 days of receipt to: (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2863) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2863) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006.

Honoring Lao and Hmong veterans and their refugee families and the 30th year of the end of the Indochina conflict in Laos.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Honors refugee Lao and Hmong veterans and their families who suffered, sacrificed, and died, along with the armed forces and clandestine forces of the United States, during the Indochina conflict in Laos. Recognizes and deeply appreciates the important and invaluable contributions of Lao- and Hmong-Americans to the people of the United States.

Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2005

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006 - Appropriates funds for FY 2006 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance (including for the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Account, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid, and former Soviet Union threat reduction); (3) procurement (including for shipbuilding and conversion, and purchases under the Defense Production Act of 1950); (4) research, development, test and evaluation; (5) Defense Working Capital Funds and the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (8) the Office of the Inspector General; (9) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; and (10) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Reduces by specified amounts the total amount appropriated in this Act to: (1) reflect savings attributable to efficiencies and management improvements in the funding of miscellaneous or other contracts in military departments; (2) limit excessive growth in the procurement of advisory and assistance services; (3) reflect cash balance and rate stabilization adjustments in DOD Working Capital Funds; (4) limit excessive growth in personnel travel and transportation costs; and (5) limit Army missile procurement and other procurement, and Marine Corps procurement. Appropriates additional funds, to be designated for overseas contingency operations, for DOD for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) procurement; (5) research, development, test and evaluation; and (6) Defense Working Capital Funds. Authorizes the use of DOD funds for specified activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, including supporting U.S. military and security forces, combating terrorism, and providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Reaffirms U.S. policy against the torture of prisoners of war and detainees.

National Oceans Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

National Oceans Protection Act of 2005 - Declares the purpose of this Act is to secure for future U.S. generations a full range of benefits of healthy marine ecosystems. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings National Ocean Policy and Leadership Act - Specifies a national ocean policy. Establishes in federal law (as it already exists under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Establishes: (1) a Council on Ocean Stewardship; and (2) a Presidential Panel of Advisers on Oceans and Climate. Requires the head of each federal agency that undertakes, authorizes, or funds an activity that affects U.S. ocean or coastal waters or resources to make a certification that such action will not harm the marine ecosystem. Directs the Administrator to develop and maintain a coordinated offshore permit program for certain non-extractive activities in federal waters. Establishes: (1) the Marine Resources Trust Fund; (2) a Committee on Ocean Science, Education, and Operations; and (3) a National Ocean Science and Technology Scholarship Program. Deep Sea Coral Protection Act - Requires the Administrator to: (1) research and map deep sea corals and sponges; and (2) compare areas open to bottom-tending mobile fishing gear with areas designated as a Coral Management Area (CMA). Authorizes the President to permit the Administrator to identify, with foreign entities, areas in international waters that would benefit from additional protection for deep sea corals and deep sea sponges. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to establish a habitat protection program to protect seafloor habitats from the adverse impacts of bottom-tending mobile fishing gear and any other gear or practice that damages seafloor habitat. Requires the Secretary to prepare and provide guidance for the development of Fisheries Ecosystem Plans. Requires fishery management plans to: (1) establish and implement a bycatch monitoring and minimization plan; and (2) account for all direct and indirect sources of fishing mortality (including bycatch mortality) in stock assessments, in determining the maximum sustainable yield for the fishery, in establishing total allowable catch and other catch limits necessary to achieve the optimum yield, and in counting the catch. Cetacean and Sea Turtle Conservation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with countries that engage in commercial fishing operations that adversely impact cetaceans or sea turtles that result in agreements requiring such countries to reduce bycatch of such animals to at least sustainable levels. Provides grants to persons to carry out research and development (R&D) of appropriate fishing gear and methods for use in oceans inhabited by cetaceans or sea turtles. Revises individual fishing quota provisions to provide for establishment of a fishing quota system through a fishery management plan or amendment. Requires that such a plan: (1) include conservation management measures; (2) establish procedures for a Regional Fishery Management Council (or the Secretary) to review the quota system; (3) allocate, review, and limit or terminate quota shares in accordance with this Act; and (4) not require shares to be held by a person engaged in personal-use fishing, provided the plan designates a separate portion of the allowable catch for such purposes. Requires a Council to make a fair allocation of the total allowable catch limit as quota shares among existing categories of vessels, fishing gear types, or other appropriate qualifiers. Sets forth certain requirements for the allocation, transfer, or termination of a share issued under such a system. Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005 - Requires each science and statistical committee established by a Council to include a fishery and marine science subcommittee to determine biological catch limits that will prevent overfishing in a fishery and any protections required for threatened or endangered species. Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary to establish a gear research mini-grant program for developing new types of fishing gear designed to eliminate or reduce the incidental taking of marine mammals. Establishes a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program. Establishes a Community-Based Restoration Program. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop criteria designed to help prevent development and substantial redevelopment in coastal areas. Establishes the NOAA National Office of Education. Ballast Water Management Act of 2005 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Sets forth protocols for the early detection and monitoring of recently established aquatic invasive species in U.S. waters. Requires certain administering agencies to conduct a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates of, patterns of, and conditions surrounding introductions of nonidigenous aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to ensure that international efforts to prevent and control aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator to: (1) conduct a program to monitor aquatic sediment quality; and (2) promulgate sediment quality criteria and standards protective of the most sensitive aquatic species at their most sensitive life stages. Requires a state whenever it has reviewed or adopted new water standards to adopt certain advanced wastewater treatment standards for the removal of nutrients from discharges into marine and estuarine water and freshwater. Authorizes a person to file a civil suit against any person (including the government) in U.S. district court for violations of this Act.

Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Health Information Technology to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery through the use of health information technology; (2) provide national leadership relating to such technology; (3) direct all federal health information technology activities; (4) facilitate the interaction between the federal government and the private sector relating to the development and use of such technology; and (5) develop a national strategy for improving the quality and enhancing the efficiency of health care through the use of such technology and the creation of a National Health Information Infrastructure. Requires the Director of the Office to approve or disapprove the policies of federal departments or agencies that would significantly affect the use of such technology, and provide for the adoption and dissemination of government standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between health information technology systems. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from purchasing any health care information technology system that is not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Director to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on loans made to eligible entities, and award competitive matching grants, to: (1) implement local health information infrastructure to facilitate the development of interoperability across health care settings; or (2) facilitate the purchase and adoption of health information technology. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform health care quality measures and public reporting requirements across all federally supported health delivery programs.

Concurrent resolution recognizing the sacrifices being made by the families of members of the Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a week as National Military Families Week.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Recognizes the sacrifices of military families and the support they provide for their loved ones serving as members of the Armed Forces. Supports the designation of a week as National Military Families Week.

SAVE US VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

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

To require the immediate release, in unclassified form, of all documentation and other information used by the Secretary of Defense to prepare the recommendations submitted to Congress on May 13, 2005, regarding the closure and realignment of military installations in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Requires the Secretary of Defense, within ten days after the enactment of this Act, to certify to Congress that the Secretary has: (1) made all information used in making the 2005 round of base closure and realignment decisions, as required under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, available to Congress, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, and the Comptroller General of the United States; and (2) released, in unclassified form, all documents and other information used to prepare the recommendations submitted to Congress on May 13, 2005. States that, if the Secretary fails to take such action within the allotted time, the recommended 2005 base closures and realignments shall be suspended and have no further force and effect. Allows the resumption of the 2005 process upon such certification, with appropriate delays in the subsequent steps.

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 to reauthorize the Office through FY 2010. Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) coordinate with the private sector to promote private research and development of medications to treat addiction; (2) seek the support of state and local officials in National Drug Control Strategy formulation and implementation; (3) submit an annual report to the President on major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries and whether each has cooperated fully with the United States; (4) submit to Congress comprehensive strategies that address increased threats from South American and Afghan heroin, a general counter-drug intelligence plan, and a Southwest Border Counter-narcotics Strategy (modifies provisions regarding the Strategy); and (5) submit to Congress annually a description of a national drug control performance measurement system. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, Homeland Security, and Defense to submit, annually, specified information regarding illegal drug cultivation and manufacturing on federal lands. Dawson Family Community Protection Act - Requires the Director to ensure that at least $5 million of amounts appropriated for a fiscal year for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program is used for specified purposes in areas with severe neighborhood safety and illegal drug distribution problems. Requires the Director to: (1) act through the Chief Scientist (currently, through the Director of Technology) in undertaking specified activities; and (2) conduct a national youth anti-drug media campaign. Requires the Office's Deputy Director for Supply Reduction to serve as the U.S. Interdiction Coordinator and establishes an Interdiction Committee.