Defence

Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any U.S. agent or attorney, in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, from demanding, requesting, or conditioning treatment on the disclosure by an organization (or affiliated person) of any communication protected by the attorney-client privilege or any attorney work product. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from conditioning a civil or criminal charging decision relating to an organization (or affiliated person) on one or more specified actions, or from using one or more such actions as a factor in determining whether an organization or affiliated person is cooperating with the government. Numbers among the actions a U.S. agent or attorney may not use as a charging decision condition or a cooperation-determining factor: (1) any valid assertion of the attorney-client privilege or privilege for attorney work product; (2) the provision of counsel to, or contribution to the legal defense fees or expenses of, an employee of the organization; (3) entry into a joint-defense, information-sharing, or common-interest agreement with an employee of the organization if the organization determines it has a common interest in defending against the investigation or enforcement matter; (4) the sharing of relevant information with an employee; or (5) a failure to terminate an employee's employment, or otherwise sanction an employee, because of the employee's decision to exercise his or her constitutional rights or other legal protections in response to a government request. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from demanding or requesting that an organization or an affiliated person not take any such action.

A resolution urging the Government of Sudan and the international community to implement the agreement for a peacekeeping force under the command and control of the United Nations in Darfur.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Supports the principles of the Addis Ababa Agreement and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006) concerning Darfur. Declares that the deployment of a United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force under U.N. command is the minimum acceptable international effort to protect the people of Darfur. Supports strengthening the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Calls upon the government of Sudan to: (1) allow implementation of the U.N. support packages as provided for in the Addis Ababa Agreement; and (B) work with the United Nations and the international community to deploy U.N. peacekeepers to Darfur. Calls upon all parties to the conflict to: (1) adhere to the 2004 N'Djamena ceasefire; and (2) respect the neutrality of humanitarian agencies so that relief workers can have access to their beneficiary populations. Urges the President to: (1) continue to work with the international community, including the permanent members of the Security Council, the AU, the European Union (EU), the Arab League, Sudan's trading partners, and the government of Sudan to facilitate deployment of the U.N. peacekeeping force; (2) ensure the ability of any Darfur peacekeeping force to carry out its mandate by providing adequate funding and working with our international partners to provide technical assistance, logistical support, intelligence gathering capabilities, and military assets; (3) work with Security Council members and the international community to develop and impose economic and diplomatic sanctions against the government of Sudan should such government continue to refuse to cooperate with implementation of Resolution 1706 and the Addis Ababa Agreement; and (4) work with Security Council members and the international community to address insecurity in Chad and the Central African Republic.

To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide for a sequestration on December 31, 2009, to eliminate the actual budget deficit for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require a sequestration on December 31, 2009, of an amount equivalent to the actual amount of the deficit (if any) for FY2009, as determined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prescribes a general formula for mandatory permanent reduction of each account of the United States, with specified exceptions, under such a sequestration. Exempts from such a sequestration specified accounts, including: (1) Social Security benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA); (2) tier I railroad retirement benefits; (3) Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII; (4) certain federal retirement and disability benefits; (5) certain federal administrative expenses; (6) certain veterans' life and disability insurance programs and the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Education Account; and (7) certain automatic spending increases under the National Wool Act and the special milk program. Prescribes formulae for partial reductions for: (1) foster care and adoption assistance programs under part E of SSA title IV; (2) veterans' medical care; (3) specified federal retirement programs; (4) specified veterans' programs, including pension and education benefits; (5) military health and retirement funds; (6) federal civilian and military pay; and (7) certain Commodity Credit Corporation cash payments. Requires reductions under any sequestration order in the federal matching rate for state administrative costs under the child support enforcement program of SSA title Authorizes a state, when a sequestration is in effect, to reduce each weekly benefit payment made under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970.

Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to recognition of the threat to the United States of nuclear terrorism, as well as appropriate steps to be taken to prevent such terrorism. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish a Senior Advisor to the President for the Prevention of Nuclear Terrorism. Requires an annual report from the President to Congress on the security of formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material. States as the policy of the United States that all possible steps be taken as rapidly as possible to ensure that all nuclear weapons and formula quantities of strategic special nuclear materials are secure and accounted for. Directs the President to seek an international agreement on a global standard that implements such policy.

Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to recognition of the threat to the United States of nuclear terrorism, as well as appropriate steps to be taken to prevent such terrorism. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish a Senior Advisor to the President for the Prevention of Nuclear Terrorism. Requires an annual report from the President to Congress on the security of formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material. States as the policy of the United States that all possible steps be taken as rapidly as possible to ensure that all nuclear weapons and formula quantities of strategic special nuclear materials are secure and accounted for. Directs the President to seek an international agreement on a global standard that implements such policy.

Michael J. Burns, of New Mexico, to be Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, vice Dale Klein, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 6 December 2006

A bill to extend the period in which States may spend funds from the additional allotments provided to States under the Social Services Block Grant program for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Extends through September 30, 2008, the period in which states may spend funds from the additional allotments provided to them under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act under the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the terms and conditions of the Stipulation of Settlement dated September 13, 2006, in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. Kirk Rodgers, et al. , in cooperation with the state of California, including measures to: (1) design and construct channel and structural improvements; (2) modify Friant Dam operations to provide Restoration Flows and Interim Flows; (3) acquire water, water rights, or options to acquire water from willing sellers; (4) implement terms and conditions related to recirculation, recapture, reuse, exchange, or transfer of water released for such flows; and (5) develop and implement the Recovered Water Account. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with California to facilitate or expedite Settlement implementation; and (2) identify impacts associated with such actions and measures to mitigate impacts on adjacent and downstream water users and landowners. Provides that Settlement implementation and the reintroduction of Chinook salmon shall not result in the involuntary reduction in contract water allocations to Central Valley Project long-term contractors apart from Friant Division contractors. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire through purchase from willing sellers property needed to implement the Settlement; and (2) dispose of such property. Requires proceeds from the disposal of such property to be deposited into the San Joaquin River Restoration Fund (established by this Act). Declares that the Settlement satisfies and discharges the Secretary's obligations under the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. Provides for the reintroduction of Chinook salmon into the San Joaquin River.

A bill to extend the period in which the State of Louisiana may spend funds from the additional allotment provided to the State under the Social Services Block Grant program for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Extends through September 30, 2008, the period in which Louisiana may spend funds from the additional allotment provided to it under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act under the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the terms and conditions of the Stipulation of Settlement dated September 13, 2006, in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. Kirk Rodgers, et al. , in cooperation with the state of California, including measures to: (1) design and construct channel and structural improvements; (2) modify Friant Dam operations to provide Restoration Flows and Interim Flows; (3) acquire water, water rights, or options to acquire water from willing sellers; (4) implement terms and conditions related to recirculation, recapture, reuse, exchange, or transfer of water released for such flows; and (5) develop and implement the Recovered Water Account. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with California to facilitate or expedite Settlement implementation; and (2) identify impacts associated with such actions and measures to mitigate impacts on adjacent and downstream water users and landowners. Provides that Settlement implementation and the reintroduction of Chinook salmon shall not result in the involuntary reduction in contract water allocations to Central Valley Project long-term contractors apart from Friant Division contractors. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire through purchase from willing sellers property needed to implement the Settlement; and (2) dispose of such property. Requires proceeds from the disposal of such property to be deposited into the San Joaquin River Restoration Fund (established by this Act). Declares that the Settlement satisfies and discharges the Secretary's obligations under the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. Provides for the reintroduction of Chinook salmon into the San Joaquin River.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the feasibility of using military identification numbers instead of social security numbers to identify members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of using a distinct military identification number, instead of a Social Security number, to identify each member of the armed forces.

To repeal Public Law No: 109-366, the Military Commissions Act of 2006, signed into law October 17, 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Repeals the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

Parents' Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Parents' Empowerment Act - Authorizes a minor, through a person acting on his or her behalf under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to bring a civil action in U.S. district court for compensatory and punitive damages for the knowing sale or distribution in interstate or foreign commerce of an entertainment product containing material harmful to minors, if: (1) a reasonable person would expect a substantial number of minors to be exposed to the material; and (2) the minor as a result of such exposure is likely to suffer personal or emotional injury or injury to mental or moral welfare. Makes it an affirmative defense to such an action that: (1) a parent or guardian of the minor owned or possessed the entertainment product containing the material to which the minor was exposed; and (2) an act of that parent or guardian was the proximate cause of the minor’s exposure.

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

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

Recognizing the efforts and contributions of the members of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the United States Armed Forces during and following World War II who were responsible for the preservation, protection, and restitution of artistic and cultural treasures in countries occupied by the Allied armies.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Recognizes the men and women who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the U.S. Armed Forces for their heroic role in the preservation, protection, and restitution of monuments, works of art, and other artifacts of inestimable cultural importance in Europe and Asia during and following World War II.

Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2006 - Repeals provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that eliminated the jurisdiction of any court to hear or consider applications for a writ of habeas corpus filed by aliens who have been determined by the United States to have been properly detained as enemy combatants (or who are awaiting such determination) and actions against the United States relating to the detention of such aliens and to military commissions (thus restoring habeas corpus rights existing prior to the enactment of such Act). Allows courts to hear or consider legal challenges to military commissions only as provided by the Code of Military Justice or by a habeas corpus proceeding.

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 - Extends for specified periods certain expiring programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including: (1) health care for veteran participants in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological warfare testing; (2) certain assistance for homeless veterans and seriously mentally ill veterans; and (3) the educational assistance allowance for work-study. Expands eligibility under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program to include the spouse or child of a member who: (1) is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care; (2) has a total permanent disability incurred in the line of duty; and (3) is likely to be discharged or released due to such disability. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate specified VA health care facilities as: (1) centers of Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical activities; and (2) multiple sclerosis centers of excellence. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases in FY2006 and FY2007. Codifies recently enacted VA cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress an annual report and to provide notice to the public on congressional initiatives in funds authorized or made available to the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Directs the Secretary of Defense to report annually to Congress on congressional initiatives applicable to funds authorized or made available for the Department of Defense (DOD) for that fiscal year. Requires each report to be posted on a public DOD Internet website.

Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act of 2006 - Amends the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to change the date for termination of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (Office). Provides that the Office shall terminate 10 months after 80% of the funds appropriated or made available for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund have been expended. Requires the Special Inspector General, prior to the termination date of the Office, to prepare a final forensic audit report on all funds appropriated or made available to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund.

To provide for the establishment of a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Clallam County, Washington.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish in Clallam County, Washington, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic for the provision of outpatient services to veterans.

To require the establishment of a Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic at the Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with Clallam County, Washington, for the establishment of a veterans' outpatient clinic at the Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington.

Robert M. Gates, of Texas, to be Secretary of Defense, vice Donald Henry Rumsfeld, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 December 2006

THE DEFENSE TRAVEL SYSTEM: BOON OR BOONDOGGLE? (PART 2)

United States · United States Senate · 16 November 2006

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY EFFORTS

United States · United States Senate · 16 November 2006

Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act of 2006 - Amends federal armed forces provisions enacted by the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to, among other things: (1) exclude from military commission (commission) trials statements obtained by coercion; (2) allow a commission military judge to exclude hearsay evidence determined to be unreliable or lacking in probative value; (3) provide for review of commission decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rather than the Court of Military Commission Review; (4) revise generally provisions concerning the implementation of treaty obligations with respect to the U.S. prosecution of enemy combatants; (5) restore habeas corpus rights for individuals detained by the United States; and (6) provide for expedited judicial review of provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

Gulf Coast Back to Business and Homes Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Gulf Coast Back to Business and Homes Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce to make grants to appropriate state government agencies in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas for assistance to small businesses located in a disaster area that was negatively affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita in 2005. Amends the Small Business Act to require the deferment of payments of principal and interest on loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) before December 31, 2006, to a small business located in a disaster area negatively affected by such hurricanes. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 to authorize the SBA Administrator to waive the duplication of certain benefits with respect to hurricane recovery loans made to affected small businesses in Louisiana.

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or resolution (or related amendment, motion, or conference report) that would cause spending for non-defense, non-trust-fund, discretionary spending for the budget year to exceed the amount of spending for such activities in FY2007. Permits waiver or suspension of such provisions only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate. Requires an affirmative vote of three-fifths also for appeals in the Senate of rulings of the Chair.

Scott Wallace Stucky, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for the term of fifteen years to expire on the date prescribed by law, vice Susan J. Crawford, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2006

Margaret A. Ryan, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for the term of fifteen years to expire on the date prescribed by law, vice Herman F. Gierke, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2006

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Amends the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 to remove the requirement that, in order to qualify for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending on November 30, 2005, the Secretary of the military department concerned must determine that the loss was a direct result of a traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (thus including traumatic injury incurred while performing other types of military service during such period under such coverage).

Troops to Teachers Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Troops to Teachers Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to the Troops-to-Teachers program (which provides armed forces veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency (LEA) or public charter school). Allows a program participant, if a high-need LEA or public charter school is not located within 50 miles of his or her residence, to teach within an LEA or at a public charter school: (1) experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers, especially in science, mathematics, special education, or vocational or technical education; or (2) receiving grant funds because of concentrations of children from low-income families.

To amend title 4, United States Code, with respect to the flying of the National flag at half-staff pursuant to the order of a Governor of a State, territory, or possession.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Amends federal law with regard to the flying of the national flag at half-staff to: (1) allow a governor of a state, territory, or possession of the United States (governor) to proclaim that the national flag be flown at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces from the governor's state, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty; and (2) require, when a governor issues such a proclamation, the national flag flown at any federal installation or facility in that state, territory, or possession to be flown at half-staff consistent with that proclamation.

Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2006 - Requires executive agencies to furnish a U.S. flag to drape the casket of a civilian federal employee who dies in a combat zone, upon request of the deceased's next of kin or a close associate of the deceased. Requires notification of federal civilian employees who are located or stationed in a combat zone to perform one or more functions in support of military operations of the flag ceremony benefit provided for under this Act.

Honoring the service and accomplishments of Major General Joseph G. Webb, Jr., United States Army.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Honors Major General Joseph Webb, Jr., for more than 39 years of military service on the occasion of his retirement from the Army on December 31, 2006. Commends him for his dedication and commitment to excellence in the field of medicine and medical research. Recognizes him, as a soldier, clinician, and commander, for displaying throughout his career the highest levels of leadership, competence, integrity, and moral courage.

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Oversight and Resource Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2006

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Oversight and Resource Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to: (1) authorize the appointment of additional judges to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court); and (2) require FISA judges to act on applications for emergency electronic surveillance within 24 hours. Authorizes the hiring of additional personnel in the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and the Court to process surveillance applications. Requires the Directors of the FBI and NSA to develop regulations for conducting and seeking approval for emergency electronic surveillance, preparing and submitting applications for such surveillance, and training personnel. Extends from 72 to 168 hours the period during which the Attorney General may authorize emergency electronic surveillance pending judicial authorization of such surveillance. Permits electronic surveillance without a court order of communications between individuals outside the United States for the purpose of collecting foreign intelligence information even if such communications pass through, or the surveillance device is located within, the United States. Requires a court order for the contents of any wire or radio communication sent by a person inside the United States to a person outside the United States. Authorizes enhanced congressional oversight of electronic surveillance activities under FISA. Requires Supreme Court review of any final decision of a U.S. court of appeals concerning the legality of the Terrorist Surveillance Program.

A bill to provide for the redeployment of United States forces from Iraq by July 1, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2006

States that it is U.S. policy to redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq by July 1, 2007, while maintaining in Iraq the minimal level of U.S. forces sufficient to engage directly in targeted counterterrorism activities, train Iraq security forces, and protect U.S. infrastructure and personnel in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to Congress a report setting forth the strategy for such redeployment.

Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act of 2006 - Amends the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to change the date for termination of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (Office). Provides that the Office shall terminate 10 months after 80% of the funds appropriated or made available for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund have been expended. Requires the Special Inspector General, prior to the termination date of the Office, to prepare a final forensic audit report on all funds appropriated or made available to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law and to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend through 2007: (1) the authority for health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to prior participation in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological warfare testing; (2) certain grants and per diem assistance for homeless veterans; (3) VA treatment and rehabilitation and additional services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (4) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; and (5) VA authority to reimburse the next of kin of a deceased veteran for the placement of a government marker at a burial site in a private cemetery. Extends through June 30, 2007, VA authority for an additional educational assistance allowance for work-study performed by veterans. Expands eligibility for educational assistance under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program to include the spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces who has a total permanent disability incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

Iraq Weapons Accountability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Iraq Weapons Accountability Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct the Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq to implement the recommendations of the report prepared by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction entitled "Iraqi Security Forces: Weapons Provided by U.S. Department of Defense Using the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund."

Veterans Amputee and Rehabilitation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Veterans Amputee and Rehabilitation Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish not less than five centers to provide enhanced rehabilitation services to veterans with amputations or prosthetic devices. Requires each center to be designated as an Amputation and Prosthetic Rehabilitation Center.

To expand the oversight and accounting authority of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction over funds appropriated for the Iraq Security Forces Fund and to restore a termination date for the Office based on the percentage of expenditures from the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund and the Iraq Security Forces Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Provides that, for purposes of carrying out the duties of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (Inspector General), any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for FY2007 for the Iraq Security Forces Fund shall be treated as amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 to terminate the Office of the Inspector General ten months after the date on which 80 percent of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to both the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund and the Iraq Security Forces Fund have been expended.

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to engage in an activity within 60 minutes before and after, and within a specified distance of, a funeral of a member or former member of the Armed Forces at a cemetery other than a national cemetery that intentionally disburbs or tends to disturb the peace or good order of such funeral or impedes access to such funeral. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year for violations.

Servicemembers' Cellular Phone Contract Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Servicemembers' Cellular Phone Contract Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow members of the Armed Forces who are called to active duty for a period of not less than 90 days to cancel or suspend their cell phone contracts without incurring early termination or reactivation fees.

A resolution calling for the strengthening of the efforts of the United States to defeat the Taliban and terrorist networks in Afghanistan and to help Afghanistan develop long-term political stability and economic prosperity.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States must strengthen its commitment to establishing stability and peace in Afghanistan; (2) the United States, in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the government of Afghanistan, must increase its efforts to eradicate the Taliban, terrorist organizations, and criminal networks currently operating in Afghanistan; (3) the United States, in consultation with ISAF and the government of Afghanistan, should consider all options necessary to implement a comprehensive new program to eliminate opium production in Afghanistan; (4) the United States should work to hold the international community accountable for delivering on financial pledges made to support development and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan; (5) the United States and the international community, in concert with the government of Afghanistan, should increase efforts to strengthen the legitimacy of the government of Afghanistan; (6) the United States should increase economic assistance for reconstruction, social and economic development, counternarcotics efforts, and democracy promotion in Afghanistan; (7) the President, through the Secretary of State, should develop a comprehensive interagency stabilization and reconstruction strategy in coordination with the international community and the government of Afghanistan; (8) the President, through the Secretary of Defense, should evaluate the impact that U.S. military operations in Iraq are having on U.S. government reconstruction and counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan; and (9) the President should present to Congress a status report on Afghanistan.

Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to revise the definition of disability and to define: (1) physical impairment; (2) mental impairment; (3) record of physical or mental impairment; and (4) perceived physical or mental impairment. States a rule of construction that the existence of such an impairment, record, or perception shall be determined without taking into account an individual's use of mitigating measures or whether the impairment is episodic, short term, or long term. Provides that it may be a defense to a charge of discrimination that the individual with a disability alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual as defined in such Act. Declares that this Act shall be broadly construed to advance its remedial purpose of providing a comprehensive prohibition against discrimination on the basis of disability.

Erroneous Deployment Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Erroneous Deployment Compensation Act - Increases nonregular service retirement credits for members or former members of reserve components of the Armed Forces who were ordered to active duty after September 11, 2001, and deployed to a combat area only by reason of an administrative error by the Department of Defense.

To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110(EGS) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action seeking compensation for such injuries or damages associated with such hostage taking against a foreign state or its agencies or instrumentalities. Funds compensation under this Act from the Hostage Victims Fund, into which the President shall direct deposits from: (1) blocked assets of terrorist parties; (2) amounts received against any person in connection with the U.N. Oil for Food Program; or (3) amounts received as a result of any fine or forfeiture in connection with a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, or the Export Administration Act. Provides additional compensation for victims of the 1979 Iranian hostage taking in Tehran, including spouses and children of persons taken captive.

Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish certain prescribed drugs and medicines (i.e., only drugs and medicines included on the National Prescription Drug Formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs) as specific therapy in the treatment of any illness or injury suffered by each veteran who is receiving additional compensation or allowance due to a service-connected disability, or an increased pension as a veteran of a period of war, by reason of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Allows any Medicare-eligible veteran to elect to be furnished by the Secretary, on an outpatient basis, such drugs and medicines as specific therapy for any illness or injury suffered by the veteran. Requires such election to last for a calendar year and be irrevocable. Allows for election renewal. Requires appropriate information to be furnished to each veteran prior to making an election. Authorizes the Secretary to administer immunizations to veterans who voluntarily request such immunizations in connection with care for a disability in a Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Provides for appropriate copayments for the drugs and medicines received by veterans under this Act.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for the basic educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Expands the eligibility of certain commissioned officers of the Armed Forces for the basic educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

International Women's Freedom Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

International Women's Freedom Act of 2006 - Establishes within the Department of State an Office of International Women's Rights to be headed by an Ambassador at Large for International Women's Rights. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) establish a women's rights Internet site; and (2) maintain prisoner lists and issue briefs on women's rights concerns. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to include instruction on the internationally recognized rights of women and the various aspects and manifestations of violations of women's rights in Foreign Service officer training. Establishes the United States Commission on International Women's Rights. (Terminates the Commission four years after the date of the initial appointment of its members.) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to express the sense of Congress that there should be within the National Security Council (NSC) staff a Special Adviser to the President on International Women's Rights. Directs the President to take specified actions in response to women's rights violations, including actions in response to particularly severe rights violations. Provides for prohibition of economic, multilateral, military, and export assistance in instances of particularly severe women's rights violations. Provides for the promotion of women's rights. Provides for women's rights-related training with respect to refugee, asylum, and consular matters. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the inadmissibility of foreign government officials who have engaged in particularly severe women's rights violations. Expresses the sense of Congress that transnational corporations operating overseas should adopt codes of conduct upholding the rights of their female employees.