Housing

Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005

Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 - Appropriates an additional $1.4 billion to the Department of Defense-Military for ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' for emergency hurricane expenses, to support costs of evacuation, emergency repairs, deployment of personnel, and other costs resulting from immediate relief efforts, to remain available through FY2006. Allows the transfer of up to $6 million to the Armed Forces Retirement Home for emergency hurricane expenses. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer these funds to appropriations for military personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, family housing, Defense Health Program, and working capital funds. Requires transferred funds to be merged with and be available for the same purposes and for the same time period as the appropriation or fund to which transferred. Requires re-transfer back to this appropriation of any transferred funds determined to be not necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees in writing within five days after any such transfer. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Appropriates to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, an additional $200 million for "Operation and Maintenance," and an additional $200 million for "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies," to remain available until expended, for emergency expenses for repair of storm damage to authorized projects, as well as flood control and hurricane shore protection projects, in the Gulf States affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires weekly reports by the Chief of Engineers, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to the Committees on Appropriations on funds allocation and obligation. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Appropriates an additional $50 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for disaster relief (for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina), to remain available until expended, of which up to $100 million may be transferred to and merged with "Emergency Preparedness and Response--Public Health Programs" for the National Disaster Medical System to support medical care as authorized by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. Requires the transfer of $15 million to, and merger with, "Departmental Management and Operations--Office of Inspector General" for necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General for audits and investigations as authorized by law for Hurricane Katrina response and recovery activities. Requires weekly reports by the Secretary of Homeland Security to the Committees on Appropriations on funds allocation and obligation. Designates such amounts as emergency requirements which shall shall not count for budget enforcement purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the use of the emergency procurement authority of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act by executive agencies to make purchases without obtaining competitive quotations for procurements of property or services determined by the agency head to be used in support of Hurricane Katrina rescue and relief operations, if an agency employee determines that the purchase price is reasonable. Increases from $2,500 to $250,000 the maximum amount (micro-purchase threshold) of such a purchase that: (1) may be made without obtaining competitive quotations; and (2) need not be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers.

Orlando J. Cabrera, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Michael Minoru Fawn Liu, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 6 September 2005

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 September 2005

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 - Appropriates an additional: (1) $10 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for disaster relief (for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina), to remain available until expended; and (2) $500 million to the Department of Defense for ``Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide'' for emergency hurricane expenses, to support costs of evacuation, emergency repairs, deployment of personnel, and other costs resulting from immediate relief efforts, to remain available until September 30, 2006. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer these funds to appropriations for military personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, family housing, Defense Health Program, and working capital funds. Requires transferred funds to be merged with and be available for the same purposes and for the same time period as the appropriation or fund to which transferred. Requires re-transfer back to this appropriation of any transferred funds determined to be not necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees in writing within five days after any such transfer. Designates as emergency requirements, which shall shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the amounts appropriated by this Act.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Supports the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month. Encourages administrators and municipalities across the country to provide educational programs to all students during September and throughout the school year. Encourages administrators and municipalities to evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing and take the necessary steps to ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education, installation of fire supression and detection systems and the development and enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety.

Secure America's Homes and Businesses Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Secure America's Homes and Businesses Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the cost of purchasing and installing a qualifying electronic premise security system in a residence or business. Defines "qualifying electronic premise security system" to include: (1) electronic fire or life safety devices, intrusion detection alarms, and other buglar alarms; (2) video surveillance cameras; (3) access controls, including biometric controls and automated fingerprint identification systems; and (4) equipment incidental or necessary to the installation or operation of such security systems. Limits the amount of such deduction to $5,000 for residential and $50,000 for commercial security systems.

Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to: (1) revise capital stock ownership requirements for directors of national banks and national bank dividends; and (2) repeal the capital requirements for new intrastate branches, including capital stock and surplus requirements. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to prescribe guidelines for investments by a federal savings association to promote the public welfare of low- and moderate-income communities or families through housing, services, and jobs. Permits mergers of federal savings association with nondepository institution affiliates. Increases the limits placed on commercial real estate loans. Repeals the one limit on loans to one borrower. Cites circumstances that would permit interstate acquisitions by a savings and loan holding company. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to permit certain privately insured credit unions to become Federal Home Loan Bank members. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) to: (1) authorize a credit union to make investment securities for its own account; (2) increase the 12-year loan limitation to 15 years; (3) increase the investment limit in credit union service organizations; (4) exempt loans to nonprofit religious organizations from the restrictions relating to credit union net worth or capitalization standards; and (5) exempt multiple common-bond credit union mergers and conversions from numerical limitations. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to examine and enforce compliance relating to nonfederally insured credit unions. Amends the FDIA to permit interstate bank mergers between insured banks with different home states. Prohibits interstate branching by subsidiaries of commercial firms. Amends the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act to permit the merger of a national bank which is a trust company with any trust company with a different home state under the same terms and conditions as though they were located in the same state. Amends the National Bank Receivership Act and the FDIA to permit a bank placed in receivership to bring an action for a federal court order requiring removal of the receiver. Amends the FRA and the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to repeal specified insider lending reporting requirements. Amends the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act to quintuple the size of the assets of a small depository institution exempt from the prohibition against depository institution management interlocks in the same metropolitan statistical area. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exempt from the proscription against cross marketing of commercial activities those depository institutions that are controlled by a twenty-five percent (or less) holding-company-shareholder. Sets forth banking agency provisions which authorize: (1) waiver of examination schedules; (2) interagency data sharing; (3) destruction of old records of a depository institution by the FDIC after its appointment as receiver; and (4) short form reports of condition for certain community banks. Modifies guidelines governing the currency transaction reporting system.

Housing Affordability for Teachers and Public Officers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Housing Affordability for Teachers and Public Safety Officers Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments (and deferral and reduction of up-front payments) for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage loans for qualified elementary and secondary school teachers, teacher assistants, and administrators and public safety officers (as defined by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968) to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing agencies. Authorizes program suspension for fraud or program integrity issues. Limits aggregate mortgages insured under such program to 50,000. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a mortgage assistance pilot program to assist federal, state, and local public safety officers purchase primary residences in locally-designated at-risk areas. Authorizes program suspension for fraud or program integrity issues. Prohibits application approvals after the expiration of the three-year period beginning on the date that the Secretary first makes program assistance available.

Substance Abuse Group Homes Amendments of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Substance Abuse Group Homes Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require states receiving substance abuse grants for the establishment of group homes for recovering substance abusers to ensure that state or local officials: (1) provide the public with an opportunity to consult with officials on policies for the location of such housing; (2) notify community members that the community is under consideration as a proposed site for such a home and allow them to consult with officials on the proposal before a decision is made; (3) monitor the group home to determine residents' compliance with the conditions upon which the permission to establish the home was granted; and (4) provide community members and the home's residents with opportunities to consult with officials on the group home's effects on the community.

Leave No Abused or Neglected Child Behind Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Leave No Abused or Neglected Child Behind Act - Amends the Social Security Act to revise requirements for foster care and adoption assistance and for child welfare services. Provides for: (1) a state-optional child and family services component in the state plan for foster care and adoption assistance, and related federal payments; (2) expanded eligibility for foster care and adoption assistance by eliminating certain income eligibility requirements, revising maintenance payments match rates, and authorizing Indian tribes to receive federal funds for such assistance; (3) state-optional kinship guardianship assistance payments for children, and related federal payments; (4) a state-optional separate standard for relative foster family homes; (5) application of certain care standards to all children in state custody; (6) child welfare service quality improvement grants to states; and (7) an increased payment rate to states for short-term training of certain child welfare agency staff and court personnel.

Condemning the Government of Zimbabwe's "Operation Murambatsvina" under which homes, businesses, religious structures, and other buildings and facilities were demolished in an effort characterized by the Government of Zimbabwe as an operation to "restore order" to the country.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Zimbabwe: (1) has, through Operation Murambatsvina, created a humanitarian disaster that has compounded the country's humanitarian food and economic crises; (2) has a duty to protect its citizens' economic, social, and political rights; and (3) is subject to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights with respect to forced evictions. Condemns Operation Murambatsvina as a major humanitarian catastrophe caused by the government of Zimbabwe's callousness toward its own people, disregard for the rule of law, and lack of planning to move families and businesses to more desirable locations. Calls on the United Nations, the African Commission for Peoples' and Human Rights, and the African Union to investigate the impact of the demolitions of housing structures and premises from which informal businesses operated and to provide the international community with a strategy to address the problems. Calls on the government of Zimbabwe with respect to Operation Murambatsvina to: (1) allow access to international humanitarian organizations; (2) hold accountable those responsible; and (3) implement politics to promote the private sector and create jobs and build housing. Calls on the President to use U.S. influence to support the International Monetary Fund (IMF) review of Zimbabwe's membership, and to give serious consideration to further IMF action should the government of Zimbabwe continue to pursue destructive economic policies, fail to make payments on its arrears, or block emergency humanitarian assistance.

Keith E. Gottfried, of California, to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice Richard A. Hauser, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 July 2005

HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend and authorize appropriations for the HOPE VI revitalization program. Includes educational and relocation aims among HOPE VI purposes. Requires each HOPE VI grant recipient to establish, in partnership with local schools, a comprehensive educational reform and achievement strategy for transforming the neighborhood schools into high-performing schools. Revises grant selection criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct funding-related site visits for HOPE VI applicants. Requires: (1) public housing agencies to establish performance benchmarks for each of their HOPE VI projects; and (2) the Secretary to establish specified sanctions for failure to meet such benchmarks.

Strengthening the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Strengthening the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Act - Amends the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (Program). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to distribute to states and localities information on access to federal programs (other than the Program) to help foster youth in transition to self-sufficiency. Requires states to certify that, before or when a child leaves foster care, they will inform the child of the full range of available financial, housing, counseling, employment, and education services, and other appropriate support and services for which the child is eligible. Directs the Secretary to develop a standard reporting format for states implementing the Program and a uniform process regional offices can use in assessing state progress in meeting needs of youth in foster care and those recently emancipated from such care. Requires case plans, where appropriate, to describe programs and services that will help the child's transition from foster care to independent living. Revises program evaluation requirements. Makes eligible for educational and training vouchers youths in or exiting from foster care after attaining 14 years of age. Directs the Secretary, after issuing a related notice and rule, to implement the plan for the national youth in transition database.

Domestic Consumer Safety Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Domestic Consumer Safety Act of 2005 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules to assure that businesses in commerce that send employees into people's homes perform adequate and appropriate background checks on those employees. Subjects violators of such rule to a maximum civil penalty of $1 million.

Darlene F. Williams, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Dennis C. Shea, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 July 2005

Small Public Housing Authority Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Small Public Housing Authority Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exempt a small public housing agency from the requirement to prepare an annual public agency plan if the agency: (1) administers not more than a total of 250 dwelling units and section 8 vouchers; (2) is not a troubled agency; and (3) provides assurances of public housing resident participation.

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations to the District of Columbia for FY2006, including amounts for the federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for emergency planning and security costs in the District; (3) to District of Columbia Courts; (4) for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (5) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (including transfer of funds); (6) to the DC Water and Sewer Authority; (7) to the Department of Transportation in the District for the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative; (8) to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; (9) to the Department of Transportation in the District to implement a downtown circulator transit system; (10) for foster care improvement in the District; (11) to the Chief Financial Officer of the District; (12) for a DC Public School improvement program; (13) for a bioterrorism and forensics laboratory; (14) for the National Guard Youth Challenge program; (15) for marriage development and improvement; (16) for a Latino Youth Initiative; and (17) for prisoner reentrant housing. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund and/or other funds for the current fiscal year for certain operating expenses (with specified limitations). Requires appropriated amounts to be allocated and expended as proposed under "Title II--District of Columbia Funds" of the Fiscal Year 2006 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan submitted to Congress by the District of Columbia on June 6, 2005.

Guardianship Assistance Promotion and Kinship Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005

Guardianship Assistance Promotion and Kinship Support Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow each state with an approved part E plan to enter into negotiated agreements to provide legal guardianship assistance payments (based on foster care maintenance payments) to individuals who have assumed legal guardianship of children for whom they have cared as foster parents and for whom they have committed to care on a permanent basis. Prohibits a legal guardianship assistance payment from being made with respect to a child who has attained 18 years of age, with certain exceptions such as for a child who is a full-time student in a secondary school. Authorizes the use of foster care independence program funds to provide independent living services, education and training vouchers, and room and board for children who exit foster care to guardianship or adoption after attaining age 14. Expands the definition of family support services to include assisting kinship caregivers or guardians in locating and accessing needed services. Allows state authorities to establish and maintain separate standards for foster family homes in which a foster parent is a relative of the foster child that, at a minimum, protect the safety of the child and provide for criminal records checks. Provides for: (1) notice to relatives when children enter foster care; and (2) expansion of eligibility for the foster care independence program. Allows the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out kinship navigator programs to help connect kinship caregivers with necessary services and assistance.

Interagency Council on Homelessness Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005

Interagency Council on Homelessness Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to extend statutory authority and authorization of appropriations for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

A bill to redesignate the Crowne Plaza in Kingston, Jamaica, as the Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2005

Designates the federal building in Kingston, Jamaica (formerly known as the Crowne Plaza and now a staff housing facility for the U.S. mission in Jamaica) as the "Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza."

To amend title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to withhold community development block grant funds from States and communities that do not prohibit the use of the power of eminent domain that involves the taking of the property from private persons for commercial or economic development purposes and transfer of the property to other private persons.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to withhold community development block grant funds from a state, local government, Indian tribe, or insular area that does not prohibit the use of the power of eminent domain that involves the taking of private property for commercial or economic development purposes and transfer of the property to other private persons.

To condition the receipt of Federal housing funds by a State or political subdivision of a State, or any agency or office thereof, on the preparation of an economic housing impact analysis regarding any new rule proposed by the State, political subdivision, agency, or office that has a significant adverse economic impact on housing construction costs or housing affordability of $50,000,000 or more, and for other other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005

Conditions the receipt of federal housing funds by a state, political subdivision, or any agency or office thereof on the preparation of a state economic housing impact analysis regarding any new rule proposed by the state, political subdivision, agency or office that has a significant adverse economic impact on housing construction costs or housing affordability in excess of $50 million annually. Sets forth analysis requirements. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop a model analysis.

Project to Protect America Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005

Project to Protect America Act - Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide for a demonstration project under which eligible federal employees who are holding positions that: (1) are in or under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (2) are classified under a GS 1811 position (criminal investigative series regarding criminal investigators); and (3) are within high-cost areas will be be paid a basic housing allowance.

Energy Efficiency Cornerstone Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005

Energy Efficiency Cornerstone Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to expand the scope of products encompassed within the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, including testing requirements and energy conservation standards for additional consumer and commercial products. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to set forth additional funding incentives for state building energy efficiency codes. Amends the National Manufacturing Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to subject its energy conservation standards to the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to subject energy efficiency standards and a model energy code to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. Amends EPCA to establish within the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency a voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings through voluntary labeling of, or other forms of communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Amends the ECPA to: (1) subject federal building performance standards to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code; and (2) require all housing constructed under the military housing privatization initiative of the Department of Defense to be Energy Star qualified and equipped with Energy Star appliances and FEMP designated appliances, including Energy Star lighting. Amends EPCA and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify compliance requirements governing alternative fuel use by light duty federal vehicles. Amends federal transportation law to modify standards for executive agency automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to enter into voluntary agreements with entities in industrial sectors that consume significant quantities of primary energy for each unit of physical output to reduce the energy intensity of their production activities. Instructs the Secretary to establish a financial assistance pilot program for state implementation of pilot projects for energy efficiency programs and reduction of consumption of electricity or natural gas. Amends the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 to require a state regulatory authority or non-regulated utility to implement an energy efficiency resource program to reduce consumer electricity or gas consumption. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth business related credits for: (1) construction of new energy efficient homes; (2) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; and (3) energy efficient appliances. Allows as a deduction from gross income: (1) an amount equal to the cost of energy efficient commercial building property placed in service during the taxable year; and (2) certain energy efficient property used in business and residential rental property. Establishes a tax credit for: (1) energy efficient building property expenditures; (2) installation of qualified fuel cells; and (3) qualified fuel cell motor vehicles and hybrid motor vehicle. Revises requirements for the energy credit for combined heat and power system property.

Keith A. Nelson, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Vickers B. Meadows.

United States · United States Senate · 12 July 2005

Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Veterans' Enhanced Transition Services Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary concerned to: (1) require preseparation counseling for members of reserve components who have been serving on active duty continuously for at least 180 days; and (2) ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Requires preseparation counseling on: (1) certification and licensure requirements for civilian occupations; and (2) civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties. Requires such counseling to include additional information for veterans, including job training programs, small business ownership, veterans' preference, housing counseling, health care benefits, and disability compensation. Extends preseparation counseling to members of the National Guard being separated from long-term duty. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to require participation in the Department of Labor transitional services program unless members previously participated in the program or are returning to previously held employment or educational pursuits. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that commanders authorize such members to obtain counseling during duty time. Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs to jointly submit to Congress a plan to maximize access to benefits delivery at discharge programs for members of the Armed Forces. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe minimum content and standards for required medical examinations, including screening for mental health disorders, and to provide follow-up services. Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to facilitate veteran-to-veteran preseparation counseling.

Housing America's Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants in FY2006-FY2008, on a competitive basis, to nonprofit housing organizations or local governments for certain costs, including operating costs and technical assistance costs, of employer-assisted housing programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse, including a website, to provide information about employer-assisted housing programs to federal, state, and local governments and other interested entities. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a national evaluation of employer-assisted housing programs and provide to the Secretary an interim report by January 1, 2008, and final report by December 31, 2009.

Build HOMES Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Build Houses for Our Military's Enlisted Servicemembers Act or the Build HOMES Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to exclude basic housing assistance amounts received by a member of the Armed Forces from consideration as income for any federal housing assistance program.

VAWA 2005 Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Violence Against Women Act of 2005 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, VAWA of 2000 (VAWA-2000), the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (OCCSSA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Social Security Act (SSA), the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994, the United states Housing Act of 1937, the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000, and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to reauthorize, revise, and establish various programs for prevention and treatment of violence against women, including domestic violence, child abuse, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (violence). Establishes VAWA grant programs: (1) by the Department of Justice (Justice) for assisting children and youth exposed to violence, and for engaging men, women, and youth in preventing violence; and (2) by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for services, education, protection, and justice for young victims of violence, and for research on effective interventions in the healthcare setting. Revises and reauthorizes: (1) grants under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 to reduce violence against women on campus; (2) safe havens for children under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Reauthorizes PHSA rape prevention and education programs, including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Establishes related PHSA grants. Establishes VAWA grant programs to address the housing needs of victims of violence. Supporting Teens through Education and Protection Act of 2005 - STEP Act - Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (Justice), to make grants to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in middle and high schools. Security and Financial Empowerment Act - Sets forth entitlement standards and implementation guidelines for employee use of emergency leave to address domestic or sexual violence. Authorizes state use of funds under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits for emergency leave precipitated by domestic or sexual violence . Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to approval of state unemployment compensation laws to prohibit denial of compensation where an individual is separated from employment due to circumstances resulting from the individual's experience of domestic or sexual violence. Victims' Employment Sustainability Act - Prohibits certain discriminatory employer practices relating to terms or conditions of employment in connection with victims of domestic or sexual violence. Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse-related claims. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant for a clearinghouse and resource center to provide information and assistance to employers, labor organizations, and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic or sexual violence. Immigrant Victims of Violence Protection Act of 2005 - Revises the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 (under VAWA-2000) with respect to victims of violence, including victims of crimes of human trafficking, VAWA petitioners, and children. Prescribes requirements regarding the safety of Indian women. Best Help for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 to require the Attorney General to include within the national protocol on sexual assault forensic examinations a recommendation that a victim of sexual assault who is at risk of pregnancy from rape should be: (1) offered information about emergency contraception; and (2) provided with such contraception on site at the victim's request. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide various protections for victims of trafficking. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a special unit to investigate trafficking in persons.

Kim Kendrick, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Carolyn Y. Peoples.

United States · United States Senate · 29 June 2005

Housing America's Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005

Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants in FY2006-FY2008, on a competitive basis, to nonprofit housing organizations or local governments for certain costs, including operating costs and technical assistance costs, of employer-assisted housing programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse, including a website, to provide information about employer-assisted housing programs to federal, state, and local governments and other interested entities. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a national evaluation of employer-assisted housing programs and provide to the Secretary an interim report by January 1, 2008, and final report by December 31, 2009.

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005 - Declares that the power of eminent domain shall be available only for public use, which shall not be construed to include economic development. Applies such limitation to all exercises of eminent domain by the federal government or by state and local governments through the use of federal funds.

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005 - Declares that the power of eminent domain shall be available only for public use, which shall not be construed to include economic development. Applies such limitation to all exercises of eminent domain by the federal government or by state and local governments through the use of federal funds.

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2005

Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005 - Declares that the power of eminent domain shall be available only for public use, which shall not be construed to include economic development. Applies such limitation to all exercises of eminent domain by the federal government or by state and local governments through the use of federal funds.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3058) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3058) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006.

Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006- Makes appropriations for FY2006 for: (1) the Department of Transportation (DOT); (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); (4) the Judiciary; (5) the District of Columbia; (6) the Executive Office of the President; (7) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (9) the Election Assistance Commission; (10) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); (11) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (12) the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); (13) the Federal Maritime Commission; (14) the General Services Administration (GSA); (15) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (16) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (17) the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); (18) the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); (19) the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); (20) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; (21) the Office of Government Ethics; (22) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (23) the Office of Inspector General; (24) the Office of Special Counsel; (25) the Selective Service System; (26) the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; (27) the United States Postal Service; and (28) the United States Tax Court. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Zero Downpayment Pilot Program Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Zero Downpayment Pilot Program Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure first-time homeowner zero-downpayment mortgages for one-family residences, including one- to three-unit dwellings, condominiums, cooperatives, and manufactured housing. Limits the principal obligation on an insured mortgage to not more than 100 percent of the property's appraised value plus any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and other related fees. Requires: (1) independent mortgagor counseling prior to applying for a loan, including specific counseling regarding real estate property management for mortgagors purchasing dwellings with two to three units; and (2) the mortgagee to provide the mortgagor with an option for notice of foreclosure prevention counseling, which shall become effective 60 days after delinquency. Requires: (1) the Secretary to monitor and make adjustments (mortgage premiums and availability and underwriting standards) to such program; (2) mortgagor credit evaluation by the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) TOTAL Mortgage Scorecard or other standardized credit scoring system; (3) additional underwriting standards for borrowers purchasing two- to three-unit dwellings; and (4) written mortgagee disclosure to the mortgagor of incremental costs. Limits: (1) the program to not more than ten percent of the aggregate number of FHA mortgages and loans insured in the preceding fiscal year; and (2) aggregate insured program mortgages to 50,000. Suspends the program if claim rates exceed a certain FHA single-family claim rate. Sunsets the program after September 30, 2010.

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

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

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

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY 2006. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations for FY 2006 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) workers compensation programs; (8) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (9) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (10) the Employment Standards Administration; (11) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (12) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (13) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (14) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (16) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (17) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (18) departmental management; (19) veterans employment and training; (20) the Office of Inspector General; and (21) a working capital fund for a new core accounting system. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations for FY 2006 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to states for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and program management; (9) the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (10) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to states for child support enforcement and family support programs; (11) low-income home energy assistance; (12) refugee and entrant assistance; (13) payments to states for the child care and development block grant; (14) the social services block grant; (15) disabled voter services; (16) children and families services programs; (17) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (18) payments to states for foster care and adoption assistance; (19) the Administration on Aging; (20) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (21) administrative law judges for Medicare appeals; (22) the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; (23) the Office of Inspector General; (24) the Office for Civil Rights; (25) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (26) the public health and social services emergency fund, for activities related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, and to developing and implementing rapidly expandable influenza vaccine production technologies and purchasing influenza vaccine as necessary. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2006 - Makes appropriations for FY 2006 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as federal administrative expenses for such programs (setting a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2006 to the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (14) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.

MEETING THE HOUSING AND SERVICE NEEDS OF SENIORS

United States · United States Senate · 16 June 2005

Rural Renaissance Act II of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Rural Renaissance Act II of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow holders of rural renaissance bonds a nonrefundable tax credit of 25 percent of the annual credit amount as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Defines "rural renaissance bond" as any bond issued by a nonprofit cooperative lender that is used for capital expenditures for qualified projects in rural areas, including projects for water or waste treatment, affordable housing, community facilities (e.g., hospitals, fire and police stations, nursing facilities, etc.), rural utility infrastructure, broadband technology, and rural teleworks. Sets forth rules for maturity limitations, arbitrage, and expenditures, including a requirement that 95 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a bond issue be spent on qualified projects within five yeas from the date of a bond issuance.

To reauthorize provisions in the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 relating to Native Hawaiian low-income housing and Federal loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2005

Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to authorize appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for FY2006-2009 for grants for housing assistance to Native Hawaiian families eligible to reside on the Hawaiian Home Lands, including rental assistance for low-income housing.

Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

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

Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the aggregate and insurance benefit limitations on the number of home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages for elderly homeowners that may be insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Violence Against Women Act of 2005 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, VAWA of 2000 (VAWA-2000), the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (OCCSSA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Social Security Act (SSA), the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994, the United States Housing Act of 1937, the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000, and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to reauthorize, revise, and establish various programs for prevention and treatment of violence against women, including domestic violence, child abuse, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (violence). Provides for specified VAWA judicial and law enforcement programs, including STOP grants, a stalker database, cyberstalking prevention, and dating violence prohibitions. Establishes VAWA grant programs: (1) by the Department of Justice (Justice) for assisting children and youth exposed to violence, and for engaging men, women, and youth in preventing violence; and (2) by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for services, education, protection, and justice for young victims of violence, and for research on effective interventions in the healthcare setting. Revises OCCSSA requirements for Justice grants for violence against women programs, and establishes programs for sexual assault services and for assistance for victims of abuse. Requires grants for public information campaigns relating to violence prevention. Requires a National Domestic Violence Hotline study. Revises and reauthorizes: (1) grants under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 to reduce violence against women on campus; (2) safe havens for children under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Reauthorizes PHSA rape prevention and education programs, including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Establishes PHSA grants by HHS for: (1) training and education of health professionals in domestic and sexual violence; (2) fostering public health responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (3) identification and treatment services at community health centers. Revises SSA requirements for Federal health programs' response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Establishes VAWA grant programs to address the housing needs of victims of violence. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require: (1) public and Indian housing authority plans to report on programs offered to victims of violence; and (2) certification and confidentiality with respect to victims of violence in the low-income housing assistance voucher and public housing programs. Requires emergency leave, under VAWA, for employees experiencing domestic or sexual violence. Sets forth provisions relating to the safety of Indian women. Supporting Teens through Education and Protection Act of 2005 - STEP Act - Authorizes the Attorney General through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (Justice) to make grants to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in middle and high schools. Immigrant Victims of Violence Protection Act of 2005 - Revises the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 (under VAWA-2000) with respect to victims of violence, including victims of crimes of human trafficking, VAWA petitioners, and children.

Energy Policy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Sets forth a program to spur diverse energy research and development, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) oil and gas; (4) coal; (5) Indian energy; (6) nuclear matters; (7) vehicles and motor fuels; (8) hydrogen; (9) electricity infrastucture; and (10) federal loan guarantees for commercial projects that target energy pollutant reduction. Establishes federal programs that target energy savings in public facilities. Establishes energy assistance programs that include: (1) weatherization assistance; (2) state energy programs; (3) energy efficient appliance rebates; and (4) low income community energy efficiency. Establishes programs for energy efficient products including energy conservation initiatives and energy efficiency in housing. Sets forth renewable energy initiatives that address: (1) renewable energy resources and production; (2) renewable content of motor vehicle fuel; (3) federal agency purchasing requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel fuel; (4) a sugar cane ethanol program; (5) an advanced biofuels technology program; (6) a biomass commercial utilization program; (7) geothermal energy enterprises; and (8) hydroelectric power projects. Sets forth an oil and gas program that includes: (1) the Petroleum Reserve and home heating oil; (2) oil and gas production incentives; (3) oil and gas activities on federal land; (4) a coastal impact assistance program; (5) natural gas enterprises; and (6) federal coalbed methane regulation. Sets forth a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Modifies statutory constraints governing federal coal leases, including acreage limitations, mining plans, and advance royalty payments. Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote Indian tribal energy resource development through a program of grants and loans. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees and Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Addresses general nuclear matters, including: (1) extension of indemnification authority; (2) treatment of modular reactors; (3) medical isotope production; (4) safe disposal of greater-than-class-C radioactive waste; (5) a prohibition on nuclear exports to countries that sponsor terrorism; and (5) a DOE decommissioning pilot program. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish the Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project, a prototype plant that includes a nuclear reactor, to generate electricity and to produce hydrogen. Revises requirements governing: (1) federal agency use of alternative fuels by dual-fueled vehicles; and (2) alternative compliance. Directs the Secretary to establish a cost-shared, public-private research partnership involving the federal government, railroad carriers, locomotive manufacturers and equipment suppliers, and the Association of American Railroads, to develop and demonstrate railroad locomotive technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and lower costs of operation. Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Conserve by Bicycling Program. Prescribes guidelines for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review reduction of engine idling of heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Secretary to initiate a project, in partnership with diesel engine, diesel fuel injection system, and diesel vehicle manufacturers and diesel and biodiesel fuel providers, to provide biodiesel testing in advanced diesel engine and fuel system technology. Sets forth a program of federal and state procurement of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen energy systems. Revamps the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to create a statutory framework to: (1) promote development and commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in partnership with industry; (2) establish the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Task Force; (3) direct the Secretary to provide for the transfer of critical hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to the private sector; and (4) create a hydrogen supply and fuel cell demonstration program. Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005 - Prohibits appropriations authorized in this Act for energy efficiency research and development from being used for: (1) issuance or implementation of energy efficiency regulations; (2) the weatherization program established under the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA); (3) a state energy conservation plan established under ECPA; or (4) a federal energy management measure implemented under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Directs the Secretary to implement initiatives that target research, development, and commercial application in: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fossil energy; (6) science; and (8) international cooperation within the Western Hemisphere and with Israel. Sets forth guidelines governing DOE management, including creation of: (1) a national energy research and development advisory boards; (2) a Technology Transfer Working Group; and (3) a Technology Infrastructure Program. Prescribes guidelines for recruitment and training of skilled technical personnel in energy technology industries and educational programs in science and mathematics. Electricity Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to grant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulatory jurisdiction over an Electric Reliability Organization. Prescribes guidelines for electric reliability standards, including electric transmission infrastructure, operation and transmission rates. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require electric utilities to make net metering and smart metering available upon consumer request; and (2) terminate mandatory purchase and sale requirements pertaining to cogeneration and small power production utilities. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing sales of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, and transmission services in interstate commerce; and (2) prohibit energy market manipulation. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

New Apollo Energy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

New Apollo Energy Act of 2005 - Establishes the New Apollo Energy Act Performance Goals, which the President shall consider when formulating and enforcing national energy policy. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate the participation of National Laboratories, universities, commercial industry, and other organizations in implementing this Act. Sets forth technology research programs concerning: (1) clean energy; (2) energy efficiency; (3) fusion energy; and (4) ultra-deepwater and extended reach drilling and carbon sequestration technologies. Creates tax incentives, in the form of tax credits and deductions from grosss income, for new technologies. Sets forth a federal framework for support of diverse energy technology initiatives. Directs the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to full capacity and ensure that the fill rate minimizes impacts on petroleum markets. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jurisdiction over energy trading markets and metals trading markets. Sets forth federal assistance programs covering weatherization and energy efficient housing. Sets forth a national net metering requirement for utilities and interconnection standards for distributive energy generation. Sets forth initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases including: (1) federal climate change research; (2) national greenhouse gas database; (3) market-driven greenhouse gas reductions; and (4) emission reduction requirements and allocation and use of tradeable allowances. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation to use the tradeable allowances, and proceeds derived from its trading activities in tradeable allowances, to reduce costs borne by consumers as a result of the greenhouse gas reduction requirements. Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth a renewable fuel program. Sets forth a program of loan guarantees for biorefineries and renewable electricity generation facilities. Balanced Energy Supply Tax Policy Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to: (1) limit tax reductions to revenue raised by tax offsets; and (2) deny treaty benefits for certain deductible payments. Prescribes guidelines governing the: (1) doctrine of economic substance; (2) penalty for understatements attributable to transactions lacking economic substance; and (3) understatement of taxpayer's liability by income tax return preparer.

Violence Against Women Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

Violence Against Women Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes and increases funding under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 for grants to combat violence against women. Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, to award grants to improve court responses. Reauthorizes provisions of the Violence Against Women Acts of 2000 and 1994 concerning training and services for the elderly and the disabled and provisions of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act regarding funding for the national domestic violence hotline. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent cyber-stalking. Provides increased penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses and protection order violations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) fund programs serving domestic violence victims ages 12 to 24; (2) develop collaborative responses and services to families where there is both child maltreatment and domestic violence; (3) strengthen home visitation and health care system responses; and (4) develop long-term housing options for domestic violence victims who are homeless. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to reduce violence against women on college campuses. Authorizes limited emergency leave for a public employee who is a victim of domestic violence. Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Attorney General) authority to determine whether an alien is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking. Makes inapplicable a provision finding an alien inadmissible upon demonstrating a connection between the alien being a victim of a severe form of trafficking and that alien's unlawful presence in the United States. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) permit Indian law enforcement agencies to enter into, and obtain information from, federal criminal information databases, in cases of domestic violence; and (2) develop a national tribal sex offender registry and a tribal protection order registry. Establishes in the Office a Deputy Director for Tribal Affairs.

FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2005

FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes) to: (1) exempt such loans from certain financial institution portfolio limits; (2) establish loan-to-value ratio and downpayment requirements; (3) provide that any such contract shall be conclusive evidence of an institution's insurance eligibility; (4) increase loan limits; (5) set forth borrower premium charges; and (6) direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish underwriting criteria that will ensure the manufactured housing program's financial soundness.

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.