Defence

Servicemembers Interest Rate Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Servicemembers Interest Rate Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act to revise the six percent maximum annual interest rate to be charged on debts incurred by a servicemember, and his or her spouse jointly, before the servicemember enters into military service and continuing for the duration of such military service, to the lesser of: (1) six percent per year; or (2) the annual rate of interest that would otherwise apply, reduced by one percentage point (but not below zero).

BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 June 2005

To authorize the disinterment from the American Ardennes Cemetery at Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium of the remains of Sergeant Roaul R. Prieto, who died in combat in April 1945, and to authorize the transfer of his remains to his next of kin.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Directs the Secretary of the Army and the American Battle Monuments Commission to authorize the next of kin of Sergeant Roaul R. Prieto, U.S. Army, to disinter his remains from the American Ardennes Cemetery, Belgium, and to take custody of such remains. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for such disinterment and transfer of custody.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide TRICARE Standard coverage for members of reserve components of the Armed Forces who serve at least one year on active duty oversea.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Makes members of the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve of the Armed Forces eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense managed health care program) after such member completes service on active duty: (1) under a call or order for service of more than 30 days; (2) for one year or more while continuously on active duty; and (3) while assigned to a duty station outside the United States. Terminates such coverage upon termination of the member's service in the Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve. Makes immediate family members of such members eligible for such coverage during such period.

Patent Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Patent Reform Act of 2005 - Revises conditions under which a patent may be obtained for an invention, including by: (1) providing for joint research agreements; (2) giving patent priority to the first filed patent application (currently, priority is given to the first invention); and (3) amending provisions related to patents internationally. Gives an inventor a right to apply for and obtain a patent, subject to conditions and regulations. (Current law allows inventors to obtain a patent.) Requires the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to: (1) impose a duty of candor and good faith on individuals associated with the filing and prosecution of an application and on individuals who are parties adverse to a patent or application for patent in contested cases before USPTO; and (2) establish a special office to investigation violations of such duty. Revises provisions regarding treble damages for willful infringement of a patent. Allows the Director to limit the ability of patent applicants to get the benefit of the filing date of a prior-filed application. Expands the publication of patent applications. Revises provisions regarding the infringement defense based on prior use of the subject matter of a patent before the effective filing dates. Sets forth procedures and requirements for opposing a patent grant. Allows third parties to submit relevant information for inclusion in the record of a patent application.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW OF THE BOEING KC-767A TANKER PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 7 June 2005

SAVE Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Sheltering All Veterans Everywhere Act or SAVE Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Extends through FY2011: (1) the authorization of appropriations for Department of Veterans Affairs comprehensive services for homeless veterans; (2) the homeless veterans reintegration program; (3) a Department program to provide additional services to homeless veterans at certain locations; (4) a Department grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (5) the authorization of appropriations for the homeless veteran service provider technical assistance program; and (6) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Makes the rate for per diem payments under the Department's comprehensive services for homeless veterans programs the same as that authorized for State homes for veterans' domiciliary care. Includes veterans at imminent risk of homelessness under the veterans reintegration program. Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of 2008) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer properties obtained through foreclosures of Department home mortgages to certain organizations to assist homeless veterans and their families in acquiring shelter. Requires: (1) additional information in an annual report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on assistance provided to homeless veterans; and (2) a new report from the Secretary to the defense and veterans' committees on the intersection of military sexual trauma and homelessness in veterans.

A bill to waive the passport fees for a relative of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such member.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Waives passport fees for the widow, widower, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the armed forces traveling abroad to visit such member's grave or to attend such member's funeral or memorial service. (Current law does not provide such benefit for a widower or grandparent, and limits such benefit to visits to the grave.)

Veterans Health Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Veterans Health Care Act of 2005 - Provides a copayment exemption for: (1) veterans' hospice care; and (2) former prisoners of war for veterans' extended care services. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans for expenses for which such veterans remain personally liable resulting from emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility. Requires eligible veterans to: (1) be enrolled in a Department health care system; (2) have received veterans' health care during the 24 months preceding the furnishing of the emergency treatment; (3) be entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract that partially reimburses the cost of the emergency treatment; (4) be financially liable to the emergency care provider for costs not covered by the health-plan contract; and (5) be ineligible for reimbursement for medical care or services under other Department health-care provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving Department maternity care for up to 14 days after the birth of the child if the veteran delivered the child in a Department facility or facility under contract with the Department. Expands payer requirements for health care furnished to children of Vietnam veterans afflicted with spina bifida and associated birth disabilities. Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of FY2005) the authority of the Secretary to make grants for certain assistance to homeless veterans. Outlines qualification requirements for Department marriage and family therapists. Requires a report on marriage and family therapy workloads. Directs the Secretary to expand and improve certain mental health services (including post-traumatic stress disorder) provided to veterans. Authorizes the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to exchange certain patient protected health information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand Department personnel employed under the Readjustment Counseling Service's Global War on Terrorism Outreach Program; (2) increase the number of Counseling Service facilities capable of providing health services and counseling through tele-health linkages with facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; and (3) report to the veterans' committees on mental health data maintained by the Department.

VetsRide Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

VetsRide Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas in order to assist: (1) such veterans to travel to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and (2) in providing medical care to such veterans. Limits grant amounts to $50,000.

Blinded Veterans Continuum of Care Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Blinded Veterans Continuum of Care Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers with: (1) visual impairment services teams with a full-time coordinator; or (2) more than 150 currently enrolled legally blind veterans. Provides a specialist assignment priority.

Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Veterans Mental Health Care Capacity Enhancement Act of 2005 - Requires the Under Secretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include as goals in performance contracts for prioritizing mental health services to veterans: (1) establishing appropriate staff-patient ratio levels; (2) fostering collaborative environments for providers; and (3) encouraging clinicians to conduct mental health consultations during primary care visits. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that not less than 90 percent of Department community-based outpatient clinics have the capacity to provide on-site, contract-referral, or tele-mental health services for at least: (1) ten percent of all clinic visits by no later than September 30, 2006; and (2) 15 percent of all clinic visits by no later than September 30, 2007. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure interdepartmental cooperation on mental health awareness and mental illness prevention. Requires the Under Secretary to establish system-wide guidelines for screening primary care patients for mental health disorders and illnesses.

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a strategic plan for long-term care, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a strategic plan for veterans' long-term care which includes policies and strategies for the delivery of care in domiciliaries, residential treatment facilities, and nursing homes, and for seriously mentally ill veterans.

Neighbor Islands Veterans Health Care Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Neighbor Islands Veterans Health Care Improvements Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign an additional counselor to the vet center: (1) on the island of Maui, Hawaii; and (2) in Hilo, Hawaii. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a: (1) new vet center on the island of Oahu, Hawaii; and (2) satellite health care clinic on each of the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and operate a medical care clinic on the west side of Kauai Island. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate on Oahu a medical care foster program; (2) assign appropriate additional clinical staff to specified community based outpatient clinics in Hawaii; and (3) establish and operate in Hilo a new center for the provision of veterans' mental health care and services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the congressional veterans' committees on the demand for and access to specialized care and fee-basis care from the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans on the neighbor islands of Hawaii. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a major medical facility project for the construction of a mental health center at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

Commercial Airline Missile Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Commercial Airline Missile DefenseAct - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration to: (1) issue regulations that require all turbojet aircraft used by an air carrier for scheduled air services to be equipped with a missile defense system; and (2) purchase and make available to an air carrier such missile defense systems as may be necessary for it to comply with such regulations. Makes an air carrier responsible for installing and operating a missile defense system purchased and made available by the Assistant Secretary.

Commercial Airline Missile Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Commercial Airline Missile DefenseAct - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration to: (1) issue regulations that require all turbojet aircraft used by an air carrier for scheduled air services to be equipped with a missile defense system; and (2) purchase and make available to an air carrier such missile defense systems as may be necessary for it to comply with such regulations. Makes an air carrier responsible for installing and operating a missile defense system purchased and made available by the Assistant Secretary.

Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2005

Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends Federal provisions concerning service-disabled veterans' life insurance to make the amount of such insurance $50,000, or such lesser amount evenly divisible by $10,000. States that the premium rates for such insurance for months beginning: (1) before the date of enactment of this Act shall be based upon the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of two and one-fourth percent per year; and (2) on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be based upon such Table at a four and one-half percent interest rate. Makes the same changes with respect to all policy cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values. Increases from $90,000 to $200,000 the maximum amount of veterans' mortgage life insurance coverage. Includes still-born children within dependent coverage under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program.

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2005

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2005 - Repeals the ten-year limits on the use of veterans' and Selected Reserve educational assistance benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.

THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE: THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN DETECTING FINANCIAL CRIMES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 May 2005

A bill to authorize the placement of a monument in Arlington National Cemetery honoring the veterans who fought in World War II as members of Army Ranger Battalions.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place a monument in Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans who fought in World War II as members of U.S. Army Ranger battalions.

A bill to provide military retirement credit for certain service by National Guard members performed while in a State duty status immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Counts as federal active duty for military retirement credit purposes full-time State active duty service performed by a member of the Army or Air National Guard on or after September 11, 2001, and before October 1, 2001, in specified counties of New York and Arlington County, Virginia, to support a federal declaration of emergency following the terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001.

A bill to express the sense of Congress on women in combat.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) women play a critical role in accomplishing the mission of the Armed Forces; and (2) there should be no change to existing statutes, regulations, or policy that would have the effect of decreasing the roles or positions available to women in the Armed Forces.

HOPE at HOME Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Helping Our Patriotic Employers at Helping Our Military Employees Act of 2005 or the HOPE at HOME Act of 2005 - Entitles federal employees who are absent from their jobs for a period of more than 90 days for the purpose of performing active duty service in the uniformed services to receive the full amount of basic pay that they would have received if there had been no such interruption in their federal employment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow employers a business tax credit for 50 percent of the actual compensation paid to Ready Reserve-National Guard employees while on active duty or hospitalized incident to such duty; (2) allow employers a tax credit for wages paid to temporary employees hired to replace Ready Reserve-National Guard employees while on active duty; (3) provide for withholding of tax on differential wage payments to active duty members of the uniformed services; and (4) treat such differential wage payments as employee compensation for retirement plan purposes, including for the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement accounts.

A bill to facilitate the provision by members of the Armed Forces of testimony on the military value of military installations in connection with the 2005 round of defense base closure and realignment.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Directs the Secretary of Defense to permit any member of the Armed Forces to provide to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission testimony on the military value of a military installation inside the United States, for purposes of the consideration by such Commission of the Secretary's recommendations for the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Prohibits any retaliation or discrimination against a member providing or about to provide such testimony.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover from third parties costs of medical care furnished to veterans and other persons by the Department.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Includes third-party insurance providers participating in the Medicare program and any department or agency of the United States other than the Department of Veterans Affairs among the entities from which the Department shall be authorized to recover payments for the costs of providing certain non-service-connected medical care to veterans.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the amounts reimbursed to institutional providers of health care services under the TRICARE program to be the same as amounts reimbursed under Medicare, and to require the Secretary of Defense to contract for health care services with at least one teaching hospital in urban areas.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to require the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program): (1) reimbursement of institutional providers of health care services to be identical (currently, the same to the extent practicable) to reimbursement provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act); and (2) in contracting for the delivery of health care, to contract with at least one teaching hospital in each large urban area.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to make a grant to the National D-Day Museum Foundation for facilities and programs of America's National World War II Museum.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Directs the Secretary of Defense to make a grant to the National D-Day Museum Foundation for facilities and programs of America's National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.

To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a report on the homeland security consequences of the base closure and realignment recommendations made by the Secretary of Defense and to require the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission to consider the report during their review of such recommendations.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to report to Congress describing the likely consequences and implications on homeland security of the closure or realignment of each military installation included on the list recommended for closure or realignment submitted to Congress by the Secretary of Defense on May 13, 2005, pursuant to requirements of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (the Act). Requires the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, when conducting its review and analysis of such list, to consider the report submitted by the Secretary. Provides that, if the Commission has completed its review and analysis before the date of enactment of this Act, all other closures or realignments carried out shall have have no further force and effect. Extends by one year certain recommendation review and report dates required under the Act.

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act - Requires each participating manufacturer of a covered outpatient drug to make such drugs available for purchase by any qualified Federal health care provider, by each pharmacy, and by each provider of services, physician, practitioner, and supplier under the Medicare program at a price that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, negotiates with the manufacturer. Provides that the amount of such a drug made available for purchase is equal to the sum of the aggregate amounts of the drug dispensed by pharmacies to Medicare beneficiaries plus the aggregate amounts dispensed through qualified Federal health care providers. Requires the Secretary, in conducting negotiations with participating manufacturers, to take into account the goal of promoting the development of breakthrough drugs. Requires the United States to exclude from Government contracting and subcontracting, for a period of time, a manufacturer of drugs or biologicals that does not comply with this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a mechanism (such as an ombudsman) for the resolution of disputes between Medicare beneficiaries and prescription drug resellers and drug manufacturers in order to protect such beneficiaries and to ensure that: (1) prescription drug resellers are not artifically increasing prices charged to Medicare beneficiaries (above those negotiated under this Act) in places (such as rural areas) where there is less competition; and (2) such resellers are not colluding on prices in areas with more potential significant competition.

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act - Requires each fiscal year budget submitted to Congress by the President to include requests for amounts for veterans health care programs. Requires amounts appropriated for such programs to be available for two consecutive fiscal years. Establishes the Veterans Health Care Funding Review Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Board, beginning with FY2008, to determine the level of funding needed for such programs for that fiscal year and the next and to publish such determination in the Federal Register. Outlines veterans' health care needs factors to be considered by the Board in arriving at such determination. Repeals requirements for certain congressional notifications in connection with a funding request for a Department major medical facility project or lease. Provides a 30-day standard for access to medical care for veterans seeking primary or specialized care, as measured from: (1) the time the veteran contacts the Department seeking an appointment until the date a visit is completed (primary care); and (2) the date on which the veteran is referred to a specialist until the date a visit is completed (specialty care). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a standard of waiting time during a visit and to periodically review the performance of Department facilities compared to that standard.

North American Cooperative Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

North American Cooperative Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to provide a framework for enhanced security management, communication, and coordination among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months regarding: (1) security, cargo security, and the movement of goods; (2) border infrastructure and wait times; (3) security clearances and document integrity; (4) immigration and visa management; (5) visa policy coordination and immigration security; (6) North American visitor overstay program; (7) terrorist watch lists; (8) money laundering, income tax evasion, currency smuggling, and alien smuggling; (9) counterterrorism programs; (10) law enforcement cooperation; (11) biosecurity cooperation; (12) protection against nuclear and radiological threats; (13) emergency management cooperation; (14) cooperative energy policy; and (15) feasibility of a common external tariff and development assistance with Mexico. Authorizes the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to negotiate border-related information sharing agreements with Mexico. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish a program to: (1) improve Mexico's southern border security, including U.S., Canadian, and Mexican financial and technical assistance to Belize and Guatemala to help secure their borders; (2) establish a database to track Central American gangs; (3) examine the feasibility of an agreement with Panama and other Central American countries regarding the aerial interdiction program that in similar contexts is commonly referred to as Airbridge Denial; and (4) negotiate with other countries to accept the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 9 one-time travel document in lieu of official travel documents if an inadmissible alien has not presented official travel documents or has presented fraudulent ones, and facilitate the removal and repatriation of inadmissible aliens from the United States, with a focus on criminal aliens who are dangerous or potential terrorists. Directs the Secretary of Defense to examine the feasibility of strengthening institutions for consultations on intelligence sharing and defense and border issues among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

To prohibit the closure or adverse realignment of facilities of the reserve components that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines have a significant role in homeland defense.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) review the list of military installations recommended for closure or realignment by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in the report transmitted to Congress by the President; and (2) prepare a report to Congress specifying each armory, readiness center, and other facility used for the development, training, operation, or maintenance of the reserve components of the Armed Forces that, while identified for closure or adverse realignment on such list, has a significant role in homeland defense. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from closing or realigning any armory, readiness center, or other facility of the reserve components identified in such report as an armory, readiness center, or other facility of the reserve components that has a significant role in homeland defense.

Universal National Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Universal National Service Act of 2005 - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 26 to perform a 15-month period of national service, unless exempted, either as a member of an active or reserve component of the armed forces or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense. Requires induction into national service by the President. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from military service that includes combatant training; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.

Recognizing and commending the continuing dedication and commitment of employers of the members of the National Guard and the other reserve components who have been mobilized during the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Recognizes and commends employers of members of the National Guard and other reserve components who have been mobilized during the Global War on Terrorism. Urges the Department of Defense to continue to develop long-term strategies to maintain a high level of support between such employers through: (1) the Civilian Employment Information Program database; (2) a more predictable system for the mobilization and demobilization of such members; and (3) opportunities to address employer groups on future mobilization plans and future roles of the reserve components.

Commending individuals that have participated in volunteer programs that repair the homes of families of deployed members of the Armed Forces, and in particular those of the National Guard and Reserves.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Commends individuals that have participated in volunteer programs that repair the homes of families of deployed members of the Armed Forces, and in particular those of the National Guard and reserves.

Recognizing the families of the members of the Armed Forces for their contributions and sacrifices to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Honors the families of members of the Armed Forces. Urges the people of the United States to honor, support, and thank military families. Recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by military families and their communities.

Expressing support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today's Students (VETS) Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Recognizes the importance of veterans to the United States. Expresses support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today's Students Day (programs that educate children about the service of veterans and the sacrifices made by them and their families).

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress all documentation related to the Secretary's recommendations for the 2005 round of defense base closure and realignment.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Requires the Secretary of Defense, within seven days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress all Department of Defense (DOD) documentation related to the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments. Terminates the 2005 round if such documentation is not provided. Extends certain recommendation submission and related report dates under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 relating to the 2005 round of closures and realignments by the number of days after May 16, 2005, that the above documentation is submitted.

To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from three to 12 months the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.

To require the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission to take into consideration the homeland security contributions and value of military installations when the Commission conducts its review and analysis of the list of military installations recommended for closure or realignment by the Secretary of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Directs the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, in conducting its review and analysis of the list of military installations recommended for closure or realignment that the Secretary of Defense submitted to Congress on May 13, 2005, to consider the homeland security contributions and value of each installation included. Provides that if the Commission completes its review and analysis before the date of enactment of this Act, any closures or realignments already undertaken shall have no further force and effect, and such actions may resume only after the Commission complies with the above requirement.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require emergency contraception to be available at all military health care treatment facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Requires emergency contraception to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that no prior authorization may be required for such contraception.

Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund for the deposit of income, gift, and estate taxes paid by or on behalf of taxpayers: (1) who are designated conscientious objectors opposed to participation in war in any form based upon the taxpayer's deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or training (within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act); and (2) who have certified these beliefs in writing. Requires that funds in the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund be allocated annually to any appropriation not for a military purpose. Expresses the sense of Congress that any revenue increase resulting from the creation of the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the purposes of the Fund.

Department of Defense Historical Radiation Records Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Department of Defense Historical Radiation Records Preservation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from destroying any document in the custody or control of the Department of Defense (DOD) that is a historical record relating to radioactive fallout from the testing of any nuclear device. Directs the Secretary to identify, preserve, and publish information contained in such documents. Expresses the sense of Congress that all government agencies should institute a moratorium on the destruction of historical fallout-related records and that DOD should declassify those records for the benefit of scientific research and public health.

TRICARE Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

TRICARE Equity Act - Prohibits any member or former member (or dependent of such member) of the armed forces who is eligible for benefits under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program) and who has another insurance plan or program that provides primary coverage for health benefits from being required to pay any copayment or annual deductible under the TRICARE program.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2528) making appropriations for military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2528) making appropriations for military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006.

Oil Shale and Tar Sand Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Oil Shale and Tar Sand Development Act of 2005 - Establishes the Strategic Fuels Task Force to develop a five-year commercial development plan for strategic fuels (domestic and military fuels derived from strategic hydrocarbon resources, to be managed and developed under the guidance and authorities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve). Requires the Task Force to direct the Office of Strategic Fuels (created by this Act) to formulate a five-year plan and coordinate with representatives of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of the Interior to promote the development of strategic fuels by industry. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and manage comprehensive leasing programs for strategic fuels on federal land that address all stages of the leasing process from research and development to full commercial leasing. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to increase from 50 cents per acre to $2.00 per acre the royalty owed to the United States for the privilege of mining, extracting, and disposing of oil or other minerals covered by a lease. Grants a preference right to lessees to lease a specified maximum of additional lands for commercial production facilities. Requires the reduction of royalties owed to the United States by specified percentages pegged to certain increases in the price of a barrel on the date on which the strategic fuel is sold until the project for extraction of strategic fuel reaches payback . Establishes the Office of Strategic Fuels to coordinate the creation and implementation of a commercial strategic fuel development program for the United States. Prescribes guidelines for DOD procurement of unconventional fuels derived from coal, oil shale, and tar sand. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income of qualified oil shale and oil sands technology expenditures.

Reservist Health Care Continuity Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Reservist Health Care Continuity Act - Requires employers to continue health care coverage for National Guard and reserve personnel called to active duty (and their dependents) for the lesser of: (1) an 18-month period or the day after the person fails to return to such employment, in the case of an employer with 20 or fewer employees; or (2) the period of such absence or the day after the person fails to return to such employment, in the case of an employer with more than 20 employees. Requires the Secretary of Defense to reimburse employers for the employer share of any premiums for such health care coverage for each month during such military service.

Cold War Victory Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Cold War Victory Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War Victory service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1815) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2006 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1815) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2006 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2006.

Head Start Improvements for School Readiness Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Head Start Improvements for School Readiness Act - Amends the Head Start Act to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide financial assistance to Head Start agencies for five-year periods. Extends the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs through FY 2010. Revises authorized uses of quality improvement funds to include outreach to homeless families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and families with children with a limited English proficiency. Directs the Secretary (who is currently authorized) to award collaboration grants for Head Start and other related-agencies within states. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to require Head Start agencies to ensure that eligible homeless children are identified and prioritized for enrollment. Revises requirements for designation as a Head Start agency. Requires each agency to establish a governing body. Revises the additional educational performance standards included as program quality standards, and performance measures for program monitoring. Requires Head Start agencies to report to the Secretary monthly on enrollment in their Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to develop plans to reduce or eliminate under-enrollment in program with an enrollment less than 95% of its funded enrollment. Requires each agency to enroll 100% of its funded enrollment, and to maintain an active waiting list and outreach to the community and underserved populations. Establishes a Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood program. Requires Head Start alignment with K-12 education. Changes the Head Start family income eligibility requirement from below the poverty line to below 130 percent of the poverty line. Exempts military housing from being counted as family income in determining a child's eligibility to enroll in a Head Start program. Revises Early Head Start programs, including requiring center-based staff to have specified qualifications. Requires each Head Start agency to ensure that all of its teachers receive ongoing training in language and emergent literacy. Establishes a Tribal Colleges and Universities Head Start Partnership program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an independent panel of experts to study research on early childhood; and (2) study the status of children with limited English proficiency and their families in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Requires Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administering to a child, or referring a child for, a non-emergency intrusive physical examination.