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351 records in US in 2006
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel button as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to instruct the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Strategic Refinery Reserve (SRR) in order to provide petroleum products to: (1) the general public; and (2) the federal government, including the Department of Defense, and state and local governments which choose to purchase refined petroleum products from the SRR. Restricts availability of petroleum products from the SRR to: (1) periods of severe energy supply interruption; or (2) a regional petroleum product supply shortage of significant scope and duration, as determined by the President, if such action would assist directly and significantly in reducing the adverse impact of such shortage. Directs the Secretary to ensure that SRR refineries are designed to enable a rapid increase in production capacity during such periods. Requires the owner or operator of a domestic refinery to notify the Secretary at least six months in advance of permanently closing the refinery, and include in such notice an explanation of the reasons for the proposed closing.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire land near Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site for the purpose of expanding the Site. Prohibits any acquisition that would require the condemnation of property, the federal seizure of private property, or the exercise of eminent domain by a federal or state entity.
United States · United States Senate · 10 May 2006
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006
Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act - Prohibits a person from carrying out a demonstration: (1) at a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or at Arlington National Cemetery, unless the demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or director; or (2) within 500 feet of a cemetery at which a funeral or memorial service is to be held, for a period beginning 60 minutes before and ending 60 minutes after the funeral or service, if such demonstration includes any individual making noise or a diversion that disturbs the peace or good order of the funeral or service. Amends the federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state should enact legislation to restrict demonstrations near any military funeral.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006
Reform of National Security Reviews of Foreign Direct Investments Act - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to direct the President, upon receiving written notification by any party involved of a possible merger, acquisition, or takeover which could result in foreign control of any person engaged in interstate commerce in the United States (covered transaction), or upon a motion of a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to review the covered transaction to determine whether it threatens to impair U.S. national security and whether such threat can be mitigated. Requires CFIUS, if it determines that the covered transaction is a foreign government-controlled transaction, to conduct its own investigation. Requires the President, in his investigation, to take necessary action to protect national security with respect to the covered transaction. Makes any review final and complete only after its findings and report are approved and signed by both the Secretaries of the Treasury and Homeland Security. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to carry out an analysis of the threat to national security of any covered transaction. Makes CFIUS a statutory committee under the Defense Production Act of 1950, with a revised membership. Requires the consideration, as additional factors in determining whether it should be investigated, of whether a covered transaction: (1) has a security-related impact on critical infrastructure; and (2) is a foreign government-controlled transaction. Authorizes CFIUS to: (1) negotiate, impose, and enforce any agreement or condition with any party to a covered transaction in order to mitigate any threat to national security; (2) track withdrawn notifications; and (3) monitor the enforcement of any agreements. Requires reports to Congress by the President and CFIUS concerning investigations of covered transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006
Sets forth the rule for further consideration of H.R. 5122 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007).
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2006 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2006 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2006 for National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2009, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2010, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Authorizes specified military land conveyances.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (7) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; and (8) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including promotion policy and joint officer management; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including defense industrial base matters; (7) DOD organization and management, including space activities; (8) financial, counterdrug, defense intelligence, and defense against terrorism and related security matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; and (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including science and technology projects and ballistic missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and environmental restoration; and (4) active and reserve personnel, including end strengths and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes certain: (1) travel and transportation allowances; and (2) military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) defense dependents' education; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management, including defense industrial base and defense contractor matters; (6) DOD organization and management, including space activities; (7) budget and financial matters; (8) counter-drug activities and matters related to homeland security; (9) DOD civilian personnel policy; (10) matters relating to other nations; and (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY2007 for additional costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, specifically for: (1) procurement; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the defense health program; (4) military personnel; (5) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (6) classified programs; and (7) the Iraq Freedom Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2007 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation, naval reactors, and the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security; and (2) environmental management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental cleanup, other defense activities, and defense nuclear waste disposal. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements for international contributions to the: (1) Global Threat Reduction Initiative; and (2) Second Line of Defense Core Program. Provides a limitation on the availability of funds authorized under this Act with respect to: (1) cleanup activities for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant; (2) implementation of the Russian Surplus Fissile Materials Disposition Program; and (3) a construction project at the Mixed-Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Servicemembers Credit Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to direct the Secretary of Defense, in case of the deployment of a servicemember away from their usual duty station to duty for which the servicemember is entitled to special pay, to notify each consumer reporting agency (agency): (1) of the deployment of such servicemember within 30 days after the deployment; and (2) within 30 days after the end of such deployment. Requires the Secretary, in providing such notice, to take measures to ensure agency compliance with provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the servicemember. Increases penalties for consumer credit reporting violations involving servicemembers deployed to an overseas combat zone. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require each agency that receives a combat zone duty alert from the Secretary with respect to a servicemember to: (1) include the alert in the file of that consumer and provide such alert along with any credit score, until notified by the Secretary that the consumer no longer qualifies for such alert; and (2) during the period of the alert, exclude the consumer from any list provided to a third party to offer credit or insurance to such consumer as part of a transaction not initiated by the consumer. Requires the combat zone duty alert included in any consumer's file to include a summary of the consumer's rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the duties of creditors and other persons to the consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Increases the amount of educational assistance available to members of the reserves called or ordered to active-duty service for at least nine continuous months or 18 non-continuous months during any 24-month period.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Shoulder-Fired Missile Threat Reduction Act of 2006 - Defines "MANPADS" as: (1) a surface-to-air missile system designed to be man-portable and carried and fired by a single individual; or (2) any other surface-to-air missile system designed to be operated and fired by more than one individual acting as a crew and portable by several individuals. States that it is U.S. policy to assist foreign governments to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out an accelerated global program to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. States that it should be U.S. policy to hold foreign governments accountable for knowingly transferring MANPADS to state-sponsors of terrorism or terrorist organizations. Directs the President, upon a determination that a foreign government which has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism knowingly transfers MANPADS to a foreign government or a terrorist organization, to: (1) report such information to the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) impose specified foreign assistance and military assistance sanctions on the transferring government. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such prohibition. Authorizes a national security waiver. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should pursue strengthened international diplomatic efforts to: (1) limit the availability and proliferation of MANPADS; and (2) exert diplomatic pressure to influence member country compliance with such efforts. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting MANPADS and conventional weapons threat reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 5122 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007).
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire land near Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site for the purpose of expanding the Site. Prohibits any acquisition that would require the condemnation of property, the federal seizure of private property, or the exercise of eminent domain by a federal or state entity.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
Veterans Long-Term Care Security Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional veterans' committees a detailed justification of any proposal to implement a reduction in per diem payments to state nursing homes for care provided to veterans. Directs the Secretary to pay for nursing home care furnished in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home where such care is provided to any veteran: (1) in need of such care for a service-connected disability; or (2) with a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more and in need of such care. Directs the Secretary to furnish such drugs and medicines as ordered by a duly licensed physician for any veteran: (1) in need of such drugs and medicines for a service-connected disability; or (2) with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more in need of such drugs and medicines while being provided nursing home care payable through the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to treat certain health facilities as state homes for purposes of eligibility for payments for care provided to veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2006
States that: (1) U.S. forces shall be withdrawn from Iraq at the earliest practicable date if Iraqis fail to form a national unity government by May 22, 2006; (2) if Iraqis form a national unity government by May 22, 2006, the United States shall reach an agreement with such government on a schedule for U.S. combat troop withdrawal by December 31, 2006, leaving only forces to complete the mission of standing up Iraqi security forces; (3) the President shall consult with Congress on this schedule; (4) the President should convene a summit that includes leaders of such government, leaders of the governments of each country bordering Iraq, representatives of the Arab League, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), representatives of the European Union (EU), and leaders of the governments of each permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to reach a political agreement for Iraq that addresses fundamental issues including federalism, oil revenues, militias, security guarantees, reconstruction, economic assistance, and border security; and (5) the United States should maintain an over-the-horizon military presence to prosecute the war on terror and protect regional security interests.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2006
Energy Production, Refining, Infrastructure, Conservation and Efficiency Act, or the Energy PRICE Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR). Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create an enhanced tax credit for oil recovery projects using qualified carbon dioxide in a method involving flooding or injection. Amends Armed Forces procurement law to extend to cap at 25 years the multiyear contract authority of the Department of Defense to procure fuel derived from coal, oil shale, and tar sands. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of a state or Indian tribe, to enter into an refinery permitting agreement to streamline the permit process for the construction and operation of a refinery. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) hold a state harmless and not require it to revise its implementation plan to account for the emissions from a waiver granted by the Administrator; and (2) revise boutique fuel requirements. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel; and (2) evaluate the use of such fuel to reduce engine exhaust emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for full expensing of qualified refinery property; (2) treat certain oil and gas pipelines as five-year property for depreciation purposes; and (3) except tax-exempt financing of energy transportation infrastructure from the private business use test. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to repeal the prohibition against demolition of the Brightman Street Bridge (Massachusetts) and the requirement of its maintenance as an emergency service route. Amends federal transportation law to revise the considerations the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) must take into account when deciding maximum feasible average fuel economy standards. Directs the Secretary to issue new regulations setting forth increased average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to solicit applications for grants under the EPA Natural Gas STAR Program to pay the federal share of project costs for reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas industries.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Website for American Taxpayers to Check and Help Deter Out-of-control Government Spending Act or WATCHDOGS Act - Defines: (1) a "contractor entity" as any entity that receives federal funds as a general contractor or subcontractor at any tier in connection with a federal contract; and (2) "covered entity" as any entity that receives federal funds through a grant or loan, with exceptions. Requires each contractor entity and covered entity to: (1) apply to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a federal funds application number; and (2) annually provide OMB with specified information. Directs OMB to: (1) issue a federal funds application number to each covered entity or contractor entity that applies for such number; (2) develop and establish a publicly accessible searchable database website of information on each covered entity and contractor entity; (3) promulgate regulations to designate, as specified, loan programs not covered by this Act; and (4) provide for information disclosure exemptions in the interest of national defense or national security. Requires each federal agency to: (1) use the federal funds application number with respect to any document relating to a covered entity or contractor entity receiving federal funds; and (2) make such information relating to covered entities or contractor entities available to OMB as OMB may require.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to expand and improve services that assist caregivers of veterans, including veterans of the Global War on Terrorism. Includes under such caregiver assistance services: (1) adult-day health care; (2) readjustment and rehabilitation; (3) transportation; (4) caregiver support; (5) home care; (6) respite care; (7) hospice; and (8) any modalities of non-institutional home care.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish not less than five centers to provide rehabilitation services to veterans with amputations or prosthetic devices; and (2) ensure that the centers' services do not duplicate the services provided by polytrauma centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires each center to be designated as an Amputation and Prosthetic Rehabilitation Center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Stop Fraud in Iraq Act - Amends federal law regarding false claims against the U.S. government to include any false request, demand, or submission for Iraqi property or money in U.S. government control made between March 19, 2003, and the date all military action concludes. Waives the statute of limitations for civil actions against false claims for such assets, and any related hearing, if the action or hearing is commenced no later than one year after enactment of this Act. Requires the court to order that the proceeds of an action under this Act, or of a claim settlement, be returned to the owners of those assets, except for the portion awarded to any private person who brought the action. Prohibits the court from granting more than one extension of time during which the complaint may remain under seal (not to exceed six months).
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Depleted Uranium Munitions Suspension and Study Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct that all elements of the Department of Defense (DOD) suspend use of depleted uranium munitions until the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies to certain congressional committees that use of such munitions in future conflicts: (1) will not pose a likely long-term or residual threat to the health of U.S. or NATO military personnel; and (2) will not jeopardize the health of civilian populations in the area of such use. Suspends federal approval of the foreign sale or export of munitions containing depleted uranium until the Secretary of HHS has made such certification. Limits future exports to stocks certified free of transuranic matter by the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Comptroller General to investigate and report to Congress on the contamination of stocks of depleted uranium munitions with transuranic elements. Requires the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly to conduct a comprehensive study of the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions on veterans and on their children born after their respective exposures to uranium. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) a list and maps of all sites in the United States where depleted uranium munitions have been used or produced. Requires the Administrator to study and report to Congress and the Secretary of Defense on the possible depleted uranium contamination of the soil, air, water, and vegetation of each listed site. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for mitigation and cleanup at each site.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Amends the District of Columbia Code to make the Mayor of the District of Columbia (currently, the President of the United States) the Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the District. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Home Rule Act and federal law regarding the Armed Forces and the National Guard.
United States · United States Senate · 3 May 2006
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Provides an enrollment priority, for the provision of hospital care and medical services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs, for veterans who were awarded: (1) the Medal of Honor; (2) the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross; (3) the Silver Star; or (4) any other medal for valor or heroism accorded a position in the order of precedence of military awards that is equal to or higher than that accorded to the Silver Star.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Military Family Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program awarding grants to non-federal entities to provide assistance to families of members of the Armed Forces who live more than 180 miles from a military installation where members on active duty are stationed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people, and extends warm congratulations to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of Israel's independence. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all U.S. administrations and Congresses since 1948 that stood by Israel and worked for its security and well-being. Congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should not maintain a permanent military presence or military bases in Iraq; (2) the United States should not attempt to control the flow of Iraqi oil; and (3) U.S. Armed Forces should be redeployed from Iraq as soon as practicable after the completion of Iraq's constitution-making process or December 31, 2006, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Veterans' Choice of Representation Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe: (1) qualifications and standards of conduct for agents and attorneys acting on behalf of veterans in claim proceedings before the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) restrictions on fees collected for such services. Provides additional bases for suspensions of agents or attorneys, including: (1) failure to conduct themselves with due regard for the non-adversarial nature of any proceeding; and (2) presenting frivolous claims, issues, or arguments. Repeals the current time period limitation for the hiring or paying of an agent or attorney. Revises the time period during which attorney fee agreements may be filed with the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Allows the Secretary to review such an agreement, and order a fee reduction if the Secretary finds the fee excessive or unreasonable.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon the request of a state governor, to provide financial assistance to hire additional personnel to assist the state with expertise in fields relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal agency responsible for refinery authorization to provide, upon the request of a state governor, technical, legal, or other nonfinancial assistance to facilitate state consideration of such authorizations. Directs the President to appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations. Requires the coordinator, upon the request of an applicant seeking a federal refinery authorization, to establish a memorandum of agreement, executed by relevant federal and state agencies, setting forth the most expeditious coordinated schedule possible for completion of all such authorizations. Instructs the President to designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery. Requires that at least one such site be designated as potentially suitable for construction of a refinery to refine biomass in order to produce biofuel. Requires the redevelopment authority, in preparing or revising the redevelopment plan for each such designated installation, to consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from implementing a reduction in the hours of operation at any Department of Veterans Affairs emergency room until 180 days after notifying Congress of the proposed change, together with an explanation of the reasons therefor. Requires that, if access to emergency care at a Department medical center is curtailed, the Secretary shall ensure than an alternative is available to veterans served by that center.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006
Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reduce the cost of calling home for U.S. military personnel stationed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other approved purposes. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to allocate a portion of the funds available under such Act for: (1) making interoperable communications system equipment grants for equipment that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum; and (2) establishing and implementing a strategic technology reserves initiative. Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Requires each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas). Outlines requirements for distribution of universal service support to eligible communications carriers. Establishes a Broadband for Unserved Areas Account. Video Competition and Savings for Consumers Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide regulatory and franchising requirements for video services and video service providers similar to those currently applicable to cable communications operators. Requires the provision of channels for public, educational, and governmental use. Prohibits the denial of video service access because of income, race, or religion. Video Content Act - Sports Freedom Act of 2006 - Prohibits multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices to hinder or prevent other MVPDs from providing such programming or satellite broadcast programming to consumers. Digital Content Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the FCC to implement its Report and Order in the matters of: (1) Digital Broadcast Content Protection; and (2) Digital Output Protection Technology and Recording Method Certifications. Authorizes the FCC to promulgate regulations governing the indiscriminate redistribution of audio content with respect to digital and satellite radio broadcasts. Requires the FCC to establish the Digital Audio Review Board. Community Broadband Act - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prohibit any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from prohibiting any public provider from providing, to any person or any public or private entity, advanced communications capability or any service that utilizes the advanced communications capability provided by such provider. Provides safeguards, including that a public provider may not provide advanced communications capability to the public unless the provision of such capability by that public provider is subject to the same laws and regulations that would apply if the advanced communications capability were being provided by a nongovernmental entity. Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 or WIN Act of 2006 - Makes eligible television spectrum available for wireless use. Outlines consumer education requirements for analog television receivers, as well as requirements to reduce the government cost of the converter box program. Outlines requirements for: (1) the protection of children with respect to the video transmission of child pornography; and (2) the free flow of information over the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
National Guard Equipment Accountability Act - Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, within 90 days after withdrawing or diverting equipment from a unit of the Reserve to a unit of the Reserve being ordered to active duty, or to a unit of a regular component of the Armed Forces, for purposes of the discharge of the mission of such unit or units, to report to the Secretary of Defense on the withdrawal or diversion of such equipment, including a plan to replace the equipment within the unit from which it was withdrawn or diverted.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Vet Center Enhancement Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to employ up to 250 veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom to provide outreach to veterans on the availability of readjustment counseling and related mental health services at vet centers operated through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Revises provisions concerning the provision of bereavement counseling to the family of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active military duty to: (1) include the parents of such members within such authority; and (2) allow such counseling to be provided through vet centers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Deep Water Royalty Jurisdiction Act - Provides that, in any case brought by any person other than a federal department, agency, or instrumentality, no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to: (1) the application of a price threshold in determining the volume for which suspension of royalties applies with respect to offshore oil and natural gas leases awarded in the five-year period beginning on November 28, 1995; or (2) the interpretation, or the constitutional validity, of this Act. Provides that, in any case brought by a federal department, agency, or instrumentality against any person to recover royalties under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, no legal or equitable defense shall be available to the defendant regarding the matters covered by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Veterans Certification and Licensure Act of 2006 - Establishes within the Department of Labor the Veterans Advisory Committee on Certification, Credentialing, and Licensure to carry out a national program to: (1) facilitate the transition of members of the Armed Forces from active-duty service to employment in the private sector through credentialing; (2) collect and disseminate data on certification, licensing, and credentialing programs of the states and of the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs; and (3) advise the Secretary of Labor on certification, licensing, and credentialing issues related to converting the skills acquired by veterans while serving in the Armed Forces to skills relevant to civilian occupations.
United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2006
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Call Home Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to to reduce the cost of calling home for military personnel stationed or deployed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other purposes approved by the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits the FCC from regulating rates in order to carry out this Act. Amends the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992 to repeal current FCC cost reduction authority with respect to personnel stationed or deployed in specified countries.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to any tribal organization for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries on trust lands owned by, or held in trust for, the organization.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President, no later than 15 days after the declassification of any intelligence by the President or Vice-President, to notify the congressional intelligence committees. Expresses the sense of Congress that any such notification should also be submitted to the: (1) Director of National Intelligence; (2) Archivist of the United States; and (3) heads of applicable elements of the intelligence community. Directs the President to: (1) submit to such committees a current list of each official of the Executive Office of the President (other than the President) who is authorized to declassify information other than information originally classified by such official; and (2) update such list upon any addition or removal of an official.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and activities to address such gaps. Requires annual Department of Defense (DOD) budget justification documents to include separate amounts for Guard training and equipment for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Establishes within the JCS an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for consideration of eligible reserve officers for promotion to the grades of lieutenant general or vice admiral on the active duty list. Requires the position of Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command to be filled by a qualified Guard officer eligible for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and activities to address such gaps. Requires annual Department of Defense (DOD) budget justification documents to include separate amounts for Guard training and equipment for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Establishes within the JCS an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for consideration of eligible reserve officers for promotion to the grades of lieutenant general or vice admiral on the active duty list. Requires the position of Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command to be filled by a qualified Guard officer eligible for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide within each military department a victims' advocates program. Requires the Secretary to establish an interdisciplinary council to coordinate and oversee such programs and related DOD efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training to DOD on prevention of such violence. Requires the Secretary to convene a national biannual conference to review policies for prevention of and response to such violence. Prohibits any person from restricting a member of the Armed Forces in communicating with the Office or from taking or withholding a personnel action in retaliation for making such a communication. Establishes as privileged, in cases arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, confidential communications between a client and a victim service organization or a health care professional. Provides for: (1) employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, a psychiatrist, and a complimentary clinical team at each DOD military treatment facility; and (2) DOD community level programs and shelter services for active duty members and their families who are victims of such violence shelter . Specifies: (1) the rights of victims of such violence reported to a military law enforcement agency, including regarding notification; and (2) restitution requirements. Directs a military commanding officer who receives a qualifying complaint alleging such violence to investigate the matter, require a judge advocate's report, and report on the investigation's results. Specifies: (1) circumstances under which military law enforcement officers shall arrest a person for committing domestic violence; (2) policies regarding arrest procedures and prosecution of such offenses; and (3) domestic violence incident report requirements. Establishes a Director of Special Investigations in DOD to review investigations of allegations of such violence and refer cases for prosecution. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to: (1) include as "aggravated assault" and specify penalty limits for an assault involving domestic or family violence; and (2) provide for court-martial punishment of violations of no contact or protective orders. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for treatment services for members of the Armed Forces who have committed such violence. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care providers receive training in the screening and referral for services of veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma; and (2) conduct pilot programs on such screening and referral and on providing confidential treatment for such trauma. Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from approving a financial award or a promotion for an officer or employee who has been convicted of or disciplined for committing such violence. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) the prevalence and nature of such violence, of intimate partner violence, and of child maltreatment, abuse, suicide, and homicide in the Armed Forces; and (2) military procedures after an incident is reported.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics to be carried out at: (1) no fewer than 75 medical centers by December 31, 2008; and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Honors and recognizes the contributions of African Americans who have served the United States in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people, and extends warm congratulations to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of Israel's independence. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all U.S. administrations and Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being. Congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of defense, trade, and homeland security and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
States that Congress: (1) believes initiating military action without congressional approval in response to Iran's nuclear program does not fall within the President's "Commander-in-Chief" powers under the Constitution; (2) rejects any suggestion that P.L.107-40, the authorization of force resolution approved in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, extends to authorizing military action against Iran over its nuclear program; (3) rejects any suggestion that P.L.107-243, the authorization of force resolution approved by Congress to go to war with Iraq, extends to authorizing military action against Iran over its nuclear program; and (4) believes that seeking congressional authority prior to taking military action against Iran is not discretionary, but is a legal and constitutional requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Iraqi political, religious, and tribal leaders should be told by the Administration that: (1) the continued U.S. military presence in Iraq is not 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 defeating the insurgency and avoiding all-out civil war, and a condition of the continued U.S. military presence.