Housing

Hurricane Katrina Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Hurricane Katrina Response Act - Louisiana Recovery Corporation Act - Establishes the Louisiana Recovery Corporation as an independent establishment in the executive branch whose primary mission shall be the economic stabilization and redevelopment of areas within Louisiana that were devastated or significantly distressed by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Authorizes parishes and municipalities of over 25,000 people to designate local advisory councils to assist the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to establish the following divisions: (1) Environment and Land Use Management; (2) Economic Development; (3) Property Acquisition; (4) Property Management; (5) Property Disposition; and (6) Urban Homesteading and Community and Faith-Based Organizations. States that the Corporation shall not have eminent domain authority. Sets forth Corporation authority with respect to: (1) property acquisition and mortgage debt assumption; and (2) asset disposition. Terminates the Corporation ten years after enactment of this Act. Makes specified funds available to Hurricane Katrina-affected areas for: (1) emergencies and other natural disasters in FY2005; (2) grants to public housing agencies for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants; (3) the HOME investment partnership program; (4) community development block grant assistance; and (5) emergency rental assistance vouchers.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that lenders holding mortgages on homes in communities of the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should extend current voluntary mortgage payment forbearance periods and not foreclose on properties in those communities.

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should act early in the second session of the 109th Congress to consider legislation to provide relief to homeowners in the Gulf Coast; and (2) commercial banks, mortgage banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders should extend mortgage payment forbearance to March 31, 2006, in order to allow Congress the time to consider such legislation.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that lenders holding mortgages on homes in communities of Louisiana devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should extend current mortgage payment forbearance periods and not foreclose on properties in those communities until such time that Congress can consider legislation to provide relief to those homeowners.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should consider legislation to provide relief to Louisiana homeowners whose properties were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and (2) commercial banks, mortgage banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders should extend mortgage payment forbearance to March 31, 2006, in order to allow Congress the time to consider such legislation.

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to make technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) government deposits; (2) insurance of trust funds; (3) insurance logo for insured depository institutions and insured credit unions; and (4) the credit union share insurance fund. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) assessments and repeal of special rules relating to minimum assessments and free deposit insurance; (2) replacement of a fixed designated reserve ratio with a reserve range; and (3) merger of the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). Establishes the DIF. Prescribes guidelines for borrowing for the DIF from insured depository institutions and Federal Home Loan Banks. Requires reports to Congress on: (1) refunds, dividends, and credits from the DIF; (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) structure and expenses and certain activities and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system; and (3) a biannual FDIC survey of efforts by insured depository institutions to bring those individuals and families who have rarely, if ever, held a checking account, a savings account, or other type of transaction or check cashing account at an insured depository institution (the unbanked) into the conventional finance system. Amends the following Acts relating to the merger of the BIF and SAIF to reflect the changes made by this Act: (1) the Revised Statutes of the United States; (2) the Federal Reserve Act; (3) the Federal Home Loan Bank Act; (4) the Home Owners' Loan Act; (5) the National Housing Act; (6) the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989; (7) the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; and (8) the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.

Group Home Community Notification Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Group Home Community Notification Act of 2005 - Makes it unlawful for any federally assisted non-profit intending to place a group home in a locality to refuse or fail to comply with all state and local laws for such a group home's placement in that locality, including laws requiring public notification, reporting requirements, and hearings. States that any individual who participates in such a hearing shall be immune from suit based on a claim of discrimination against the disabled for any communication made in the course of such participation.

HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005

HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act - Requires the President to appoint an HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator to coordinate the provision of services under federal programs to individuals who: (1) are living with HIV; (2) are residents or were residents of a declared major disaster area at the time of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma; and (3) have been displaced by such hurricane or have been unable to access comprehensive medical care and treatment, including housing, case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and other supportive services. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator, to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that: (1) have experience in providing services to eligible individuals; and (2) have received or are eligible to receive funding from the federal government through the HIV health care services program or the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to waive matching requirements and any other appropriate conditions for grants under the HIV health care services program. Allows the Coordinator to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that provide covered services to eligible individuals in order to provide such entities with emergency infrastructure support. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to conduct a public awareness campaign directed toward eligible individuals who were receiving services through the federal HIV health care services program and for whom the hurricanes caused the disruption or termination of such services.

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a single family residential unit.

FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 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.

Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to appoint a Disability Coordinator to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are properly addressed in emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts in the event of a major disaster. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to: (1) temporary housing for use by individuals with disabilities; and (2) the right of individuals with disabilities to live independently. Provides for increased accessibility for such individuals of replacement housing built with federal funds following major disasters.

Continuing Care Seniors Housing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Continuing Care Seniors Housing Act of 2005 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions which allow a tax exemption for the interest imputed to below-market rate interest loans to certain continuing care facilities to: (1) decrease from 65 to 62 the qualifying age for lenders to continuing care facilities; (2) eliminate the $90,000 limitation on loans to such facilities; (3) modify continuing care contract requirements; and (4) revise the definition of continuing care facility to include an independent living unit, plus an assisted living or nursing facility, or both.

High-Performance Buildings Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

High Performance Buildings Act of 2005 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require that state and local housing strategies include a description of the jurisdiction's strategies to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to nonprofit organizations to use for specified purposes to improve or carry out energy efficiency, resource conservation and reuse, and effective use of existing infrastructure in affordable housing and economic development activities in low-income communities. Establishes within the National Science Foundation a Sustainable Building Institute to undertake or support through providing grants, loans, or other assistance: (1) research regarding the relationships among indoor environmental quality, human health, and human productivity; and (2) research, development, and commercial application of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for buildings.

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 December 2005

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 December 2005

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a one-family residential unit.

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transfer, without payment, federally owned (including property transferred to the Secretary from other agencies) or otherwise donated suitable residential property to state or local governments for use in an approved homestead program carried out by such governments in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in areas designated disaster areas due to Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes reimbursement to agencies transferring property. Sets forth approval criteria for a homestead program, including: (1) selection criteria that gives priority to displaced low-income families; (2) occupancy only pursuant to a written agreement which must be for a period of at least five years and which requires the occupant to make certain repairs. Requires the Secretary to audit authorized activities and permits monetary and other penalties penalties for noncompliance. Permits the waiver of certain environmental requirements. Prohibits the transfer, acceptance, or conveyance of property under this Act five years after enactment.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transfer, without payment, federally owned (including property transferred to the Secretary from other agencies) or otherwise donated suitable residential property to state or local governments for use in an approved homestead program carried out by such governments in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in areas designated disaster areas due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Authorizes reimbursement to agencies transferring property. Sets forth approval criteria for a homestead program, including: (1) selection criteria that gives priority to displaced low-income families; (2) occupancy only pursuant to a written agreement which must be for a period of at least five years and which requires the occupant to make certain repairs. Requires the Secretary to audit authorized activities and permits monetary and other penalties penalties for noncompliance. Permits the waiver of certain environmental requirements. Prohibits the transfer, acceptance, or conveyance of property under this Act five years after enactment.

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

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

Fair and Responsible Lending Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Fair and Responsible Lending Act - Uniform National Mortgage Lending Standards Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to define high-cost home loans. Revises guidelines regarding: (1) requirements for high-cost home loans; (2) dispute and error resolution; (3) damages, rescission, and liability; (4) state law coordination; (5) state enforcement authority; and (6) disclosure guidelines. Prescribes consumer counseling requirements. Expanding Housing Opportunities Through Education and Counseling Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, in the Office of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Office of Housing Counseling to carry out homeownership and rental counseling functions, including related research, grant administration, public outreach, and development of policy and performance measures. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish homeownership and rental counseling procedures, and a related a toll-free telephone number and World Wide Web site; (2) certify computer software programs for consumer evaluation of residential mortgage loans; (3) establish a housing counseling multimedia outreach program for vulnerable populations; (4) assist states, local government, and non-profit organizations with consumer education programs about mortgage, refinancing, home equity, or home repair loans; and (5) make grants for state, local government, and nonprofit organization housing counseling assistance. Requires organizations to use HUD-certified counselors in order to qualify for specified HUD assistance. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) direct the Secretary to prepare an updated booklet to help consumers applying for federally related mortgage loans to understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services; and (2) prescribe guidelines governing an option for notice of foreclosure prevention counseling availability.

To suspend temporarily the duty on certain integrated machines for manufacturing pneumatic tires.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2008, the duty on certain integrated machines for molding or forming pneumatic tires, and containing in a single housing components for processing rubber, as well as components for positioning and assembling other tire components (including but not limited to belts, cords and other reinforcing materials) and of curing materials, to produce finished pneumatic tires.

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of contracting with fire alarm companies to install professionally fire alarm detection systems or other fire detection and prevention technologies in student housing, dormitories, and other buildings controlled by such entities.

Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina to provide tax benefits (e.g., tax-exempt bond financing, low-income housing credits, accelerated depreciation and increased expenses of business assets, extended carrybacks of net operating losses for businesses and timber producers, and tax credits for investment in a GO Zone and for the retention of employees working in a GO Zone) for individual and businesses in those areas; (2) provide federal guarantees for certain bonds issued by the states of Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi; (3) establish opportunity zones in areas affected by Hurricanes Rita (Rita GO Zone) and Wilma (Wilma GO Zone) and extend tax benefits currently available in the Gulf Opportunity Zone to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma; and (4) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to allow the tax deduction for traveling expenses for certain taxpayers away from home for more than a year due to a major disaster. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should designate a series of bonds or certificates as Gulf Coast Recovery Bonds in response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the trial, sentencing and imprisonment of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the criminal justice system in Russia has not accorded Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev fair treatment under the laws of the Russian Federation; (2) the Russian Federation's status among the democratic nations of the world would be greatly enhanced if Russian authorities were to take the necessary actions to dispel concerns that the criminal cases against Mr. Khodorkovsky, Mr. Lebedev, and their associates are politically motivated, the transfer of Mr. Khodorkovsky and Mr. Lebedev to prison camps thousands of kilometers from their homes represents a violation of the norms and practices of Russia law, and in cases dealing with perceived political threats to the authorities the judiciary of Russia is a dependent instrument of the Kremlin; and (3) Mr. Khodorkovsky and Mr. Lebedev should be transferred to penal facilities with locations that are consonant with the norms and general practices of Russia law.

Concerning the Government of Romania's ban on intercountry adoptions and the welfare of orphaned or abandoned children in Romania.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Expresses support for the government of Romania's desire to improve the standard of care and well-being of children in Romania. Urges the government of Romania to: (1) complete the processing of certain intercountry adoption cases; and (2) amend its child welfare and adoption laws to decrease adoption barriers. Urges the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to work with the government of Romania to achieve these ends. Requests that the European Union (EU) and its member states not impede the government of Romania's efforts to place orphaned or abandoned children in permanent homes in a manner that is consistent with Romania's obligations under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a technical correction in the enrollment of H.R. 3058.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a technical correction in the enrollment of H.R. 3058 (Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006).

Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005

Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. Authorizes the Secretary to make homeowners protection coverage available through contracts for reinsurance coverage. Restricts purchase of such coverage to eligible state programs. Prescribes criteria for state eligibility. Requires each contract for reinsurance coverage to provide insurance coverage against residential property losses to homes, including condominium and cooperative ownership, and the contents of apartment buildings. Cites covered perils. Prescribes a minimum level of retained losses and maximum federal liability. Establishes the Consumer Hurricane, Earthquake, Loss Protection (HELP) Fund to: (1) make payments to covered purchasers under contracts for reinsurance coverage for eligible losses; and (2) pay for Commission operating costs and reinsurance program administrative expenses. Directs the Comptroller General to study the national flood insurance program and hurricane-related flooding.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany 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 · 17 November 2005

Waives points of order against the conference report to accompany 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.

Tax Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Tax Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide tax incentives in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma; (2) extend various expiring tax provisions; (3) revise provisions relating to charitable contributions and charitable organizations; (4) restrict tax shelter activity and increase penalties for underpayment of tax; and (5) revise provisions relating to taxation of foreign income, tax reporting, and accounting methods. Establishes a Gulf Opportunity Zone to provide tax benefits for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, including bonus depreciation and increased expensing for small business property, additional private activity bond authority, increased funding for low income housing, and a tax credit for the retention of employees in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area. Extends existing tax relief provisions to areas affected by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma, including expanded eligibility for mortgage loans, tax-free use of retirement funds for disaster relief purposes, increased tax deduction for corporate charitable contributions, and tax adjustments for low-income taxpayers. Extends various tax provisions, including: (1) increased expensing for depreciable business property; (2) the tax credit for retirement savings contributions; (3) the tax deduction for higher education expenses; (4) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of income taxes; (5) increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax; (6) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (7) the work opportunity and welfare-to-work tax credit; (8) tax deductions for school teacher expenses and for corporate donations of computer equipment for educational purposes; (9) expensing of environmental remediation costs; and (10) the Indian employment tax credit and accelerated depreciation for business property on Indian Reservations. Revises various provisions relating to charitable donations and charitable organizations, including: (1) allowing nonitemizing taxpayers a limited tax deduction for charitable contributions; (2) allowing tax-free distributions from retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) restricting participation of tax-exempt organizations in tax shelter activities; (4) modifying recordkeeping requirements for certain charitable organizations; and (5) setting standards for credit counseling organizations. Defines "economic substance" for purposes of evaluating tax shelter transactions. Imposes increased civil and criminal penalties for tax evasion. Revises tax rules for individuals who expatriate to avoid U.S. taxation.

Small State HOME Program Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Small State HOME Program Equity Act of 2005 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to increase the minimum state allocation.

To enhance the effectiveness of rural business financing programs.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural business loan guarantees and grants to entities in urbanized areas if rural businesses would benefit from use of the financing. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary to provide renewable energy systems and energy improvement loan guarantees and grants to businesses in urbanized areas if rural businesses would benefit from use of the financing.

Bringing America Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005

Bringing America Home Act - Declares that it is a national goal to fulfill the basic human need of shelter by ending homelessness in the United States. Establishes in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) incremental rental assistance; (2) housing program funding; (3) rural housing and economic development; and (4) veterans homeless comprehensive services programs. Federal Homelessness to Housing Mutual Mortgage Association Act - Establishes the Federal Hopelessness to Housing Mutual Mortgage Association (Hollie Mae) which may develop mutual housing (generally, a nonprofit cooperative ownership housing association) that is affordable for low-income individuals and families. Provides for: (1) use of federal property to assist the homeless; (2) preservation of HOPE VI public housing units; and (3) establishment of an Emergency Rent Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a temporary ex-offender low-income housing credit. Revises assistance provisions under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including establishing a continuum of care program. Expresses the sense of Congress respecting the need to expand Medicaid and keep it affordable to beneficiaries. Authorizes appropriations, and sets forth program provisions, for mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness programs.

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services.

YouthBuild Transfer Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005

YouthBuild Transfer Act of 2005 - Transfers the YouthBuild program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Department of Labor. Repeals authority for the HUD YouthBuild program under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish a revised YouthBuild program under the authority of the Secretary of Labor.

Rural Teacher Housing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Rural Teacher Housing Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide funds to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to make grants or loans to a school district located within a qualified community for: (1) construction of new housing units within the community, and the purchase and rehabilitation of existing structures to be used as such; (2) rehabilitation or leasing of housing units within a qualified community and the purchase or lease of real property on which such housing units will be constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated; and (3) repayment of a loan used for such purposes or any other activities normally associated with them. Defines qualified community as a home rule or general law city incorporated under the laws of Alaska, or an unincorporated community situated outside the city limits, which: (1) has a population of 6,500 or fewer individuals; (2) is situated within or near a Native Village that includes the Metlakatla Indian Community of the Annette Islands Reserve; and (3) is not connected by road (except the Alaska Marine Highway System or a road through Canada) or railroad to the municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. Requires occupants of such housing units, with certain exceptions, to be teachers, administrators, other school staff, and members of their households.

Community Partners Next Door Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Community Partners Next Door Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide: (1) a 50% discount for teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and public safety officers purchasing certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence; (2) a $100 downpayment on any related insured mortgage; and (3) a higher Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limit for such purchases in high-cost areas. Authorizes such sales directly to a qualifying individual or to a unit of local government or a nonprofit organization for resale to such individual. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program to inform teachers and public safety officers about such program.

Community Partners Next Door Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Community Partners Next Door Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide: (1) a 50% discount for teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and public safety officers purchasing (FY2006-FY2010) certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence; and (2) a $100 downpayment on any related insured mortgage. Authorizes such sales directly to a qualifying individual or to a unit of local government or a nonprofit organization for resale to such individual.

Housing Opportunities and Mitigating Emergencies Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005

Housing Opportunities and Mitigating Emergencies Act of 2005 - Amernds the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide temporary emergency assistance for primary residences damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Increases from 75% to 90% the amount the President may contribute toward the cost of cost-effective hazard mitigation measures which substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a major disaster. Doubles from 7.5% to 15% of the estimated aggregate federal disaster relief grants to an area the limit on the total amount of such presidential contributions.

Deficit Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2005

Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 - Provides for reconciliation of the budget for FY2006 pursuant to H.Con.Res. 95 (congressional budget resolution) by the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and the Workforce; (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (8) Ways and Means. Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Prescribes or revises requirements for: (1) reduction of covered commodities and peanuts program payments; (2) reduction in advance direct payments; (3) cotton competitiveness; (4) reduction in the use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for watershed rehabilitation programs; (5) reductions in funds for the conservation security program; (6) limitations on use of CCC funds for agricultural management assistance programs; and (7) termination of the use of CCC funds for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements programs. Terminates funding for enhanced access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas, valued-added agricultural product market development grants, rural business investment programs, rural business strategic investment grants, rural firefighters and emergency personnel grants, and for initiative for future food and agriculture systems. Revises requirements for the food stamp program, commodities for the emergency food assistance program, and food stamp residency requirements with respect to qualified aliens. Authorizes federal payments to states for 100% of administrative costs relating to disaster food stamp programs in effect during the presidentially declared emergency in response to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require universal engagement and family self-sufficiency plans with respect to block grants to states for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and (2) revise work participation requirements and work-related performance improvement. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to establish a fatherhood program. Amends the SSA to provide state option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Expresses the sense of Congress that a state welfare-to-work program should include a mentoring program. Places a prohibition on offshoring for states who receive block grants for TANF. Caring for Children Act of 2005 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to child care and a waiver of authority to expand the availability of services under such Act. Establishes program coordination demonstration projects. Higher Education Budget Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to: (1) student loans; (2) unsubsidized Stafford loans; (3) elimination on termination dates from Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act of 2004; (4) loan fees from lenders; and (5) higher education relief. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums. Medicaid Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) regarding: (1) prescription drugs under Medicaid; (2) revision of asset transfer rules; (3) expanded access to certain benefits; (4) managed care organization provider tax reform; (5) Medicaid transformation grants; (6) modified enforcement of documentation requirements; (7) emergency services furnished by noncontract providers for Medicaid managed care enrollees; (8) adjustment in computation of Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to disregard an extraordinary employer pension contribution; (9) Health Opportunity Accounts; (10) Hurricane Katrina health care relief; and (11) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Energy Relief. Digital Television Transition Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) additional deadlines for the analog spectrum recovery; (2) auction of recovered spectrum; (3) revision of the Digital Television Conversion Fund; (4) establishment of a digital-to-analog converter box program and a Public Safety Interoperable Communications Fund; (5) low-power television transition and digital-to-analog conversion; (6) consumer education regarding analog televisions; and (7) deployment of broadband wireless technologies. Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 - Requires merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). Revises requirements for deposit insurance coverage, reserve ratio and reserve range, and DIF restoration plans. Requires studies of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) structure, expenses, certain activities, and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system. FHA Asset Disposition Act of 2005 - Provides for Federal Housing Administration asset disposition. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require fees with respect to immigration services for intracompany transferees. Federal Judgeship Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) circuit judges for the circuit courts of appeals; (2) district judges for the district courts; (3) establishment of a judicial district in the Virgin Islands; and (4) revisions of the jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands court and its jurisdiction over income tax matters. Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) additional bankruptcy judgeships; (2) temporary bankruptcy judgeships; and (3) conversion of existing temporary bankruptcy judgeships. Judicial Administration and Improvements Act of 2005 - Modifies: (1) the number and composition of circuit courts; (2) the number of circuit judges; (3) places of circuit courts; and (4) requirements for judicial assignments. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) a leasing program for lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) national mining and minerals policy. Northern Nevada Sustainable Development in Mining Act - Provides for disposal of certain public lands in Nevada. Central Idaho Sustainable Development in Mining Act - Provides for disposal of certain public lands in Idaho. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify requirements for commercial leasing of oil shale and tar sands. Ocean State Options Act of 2005 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act regarding: (1) determination of adjacent zones and planning areas; (2) administration of leasing, including natural gas leases; (3) reservation of lands and rights; (4) environmental studies; and (5) review of OCS development and production plans. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2005 - Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Terminates the effect of all existing federal law prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for OCS areas. Renames the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Energy and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2005 - Authorizes use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms and other facilities for mariculture, artificial reef, and scientific research, or other uses. Establishes the Federal Energy and Mineral Resources Professional Development (FEMRPD) Fund. Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act - Requires use of FEMRPD funds to maintain and restore historic and existing petroleum and mining engineering education programs. Establishes a Committee on Petroleum, Mining, and Mineral Engineering and Energy and Mineral Resource Education. Prohibits new OCS onshore and offshore mineral lease fees after January 1, 2005. Establishes the Atlantic OCS Region and the Pacific OCS Region headquarters. National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund Act of 2005 - Establishes the National Geological Data and Mapping Fund. Prescribes requirements for: (1) leases for areas located within 100 miles of California or Florida; (2) the sale and conveyance of certain federal lands; and (3) extension of vessel tonnage duties. Work, Marriage, and Family Promotion Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends the SSA to modify requirements relating to: (1) the TANF program; (2) child (foster) care; (3) child support; (4) child welfare; and (5) supplemental security income (SSI). Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 (sic) - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to establish a fatherhood program. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to repeal requirements for the annual distribution of the continued dumping and subsidy offset.

To ensure that any affordable housing assistance program of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac allows participation by nonprofit organizations that engage in voter registration activities required under State law.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005

Makes an exception to certain eligibility requirements of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) under any law or regulation with respect to a grant or other financial assistance program for nonprofit organizations to carry out affordable housing or public infrastructure development activities. Makes inapplicable to such a nonprofit organization any law, regulation, or restriction making it ineligible for such grants or assistance, or limiting its eligibility, based on the organization's engaging in voter registration activities, to the extent that the organization is required under state law to engage in such activity.

Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005

Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation. Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion Act of 2005 - Hurricane Katrina Victim Restoration Fund of 2005 - Provides for the determination of eligibility for compensation for any individual (or relatives of a deceased individual) who sustained economic or noneconomic losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina so that the individual (or relatives) are restored as nearly as possible to their condition before Hurricane Katrina. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a Comprehensive Environmental Sampling and Toxicity Assessment Plan. Provides for federal and state government to notify hurricane survivors of health risks they may face upon returning to their domiciles. Provides for the offer of alternative land and/or housing as compensation to residents whose homes or businesses have been destroyed or terminally compromised. Revises the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 to provide for reimbursement of states for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits provided under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Sets forth requirements relating to emergency extended unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of emergency health coverage continuation relief. Sets forth housing and education requirements. Displaced Citizens Voter Protection Provisions of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for the protection of voting rights of Katrina evacuees. Prescribes requirements for: (1) regulatory relief for financial services; and (2) disaster loans and small business relief. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a tax credit for an eligible homebuyer who purchases a principal residence in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area; (2) an increase in the housing credit dollar amount; and (3) tax-exempt bonds for qualified Gulf Coast recovery projects. Hurricane Katrina Bankruptcy Relief and Community Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal bankruptcy code to exempt victims of natural disasters, including small businesses, from certain requirements for debtors seeking relief. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a temporary flood insurance buy-in program. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should present, within six months, a plan to eradicate poverty in the United States by 2015.

Elimination of Barriers for Katrina Victims Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005

Elimination of Barriers for Katrina Victims Act - Suspends temporarily the denial of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamp, housing, and higher education benefits to victims of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita because of convictions for certain drug offenses.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005

Specially Adapted Housing Grants Improvements Act of 2005 - Provides that if a veteran who is totally and permanently service-disabled (due to loss of, or loss of use of, one or more limbs or organs) resides, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of that veteran's family, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may assist such veteran in acquiring such residence adaptations as necessary due to such disability. Provides assistance limits. Prohibits any veteran from receiving more than three assistance grants.

To insert certain counties as part of the Appalachian Region.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005

Amends federal law concerning Appalachian regional development to revise the definition of "Appalachian region" to include Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, and Lincoln Counties in Tennessee.

Deficit Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Provides for reconciliation of the budget for FY2006 pursuant to H.Con.Res. 95 (congressional budget resolution) by the Senate Committees on: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (3) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (4) Energy and Natural Resources; (5) Environment and Public Works; (6) Finance; (7) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and (8) the Judiciary. Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) reduction of commodity program payments; (2) a forfeiture penalty for nonrecourse sugar loans; (3) cotton competitiveness; (4) national dairy market loss payments; (5) advance direct payments; (6) a conservation reserve program; (7) a conservation security program; (8) environmental quality incentives program; and (9) an initiative for future agriculture and food systems. Safe and Fair Deposit Insurance Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) establishment of the Deposit Insurance Fund; and (2) a merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into it. Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 - Revises requirements for deposit insurance. FHA Asset Disposition Act of 2005 - Provides for Federal Housing Administration asset disposition. Digital Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) an extension of a television broadcast license that authorizes analog television service; (2) additional deadlines for the recovered analog spectrum; (3) supplemental license fees; (4) establishment of the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund; and (5) additional funds for the essential air service program. Authorizes leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 1002 Coastal Plain Area (ANWR). Makes technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Amends the Social Security Act regarding: (1) payment for prescription drugs under Medicaid; (2) long-term care under Medicaid; (3) eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid; (3) state financing under Medicaid; (4) revising the Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance (SCHIP) programs; and (5) an option for Hurricane Katrina disaster states to delay application. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) with respect to student loans. Hurricane Katrina Higher Education Recovery Act - Requires waiver authority and modifications to certain HEA provisions with respect to certain students and institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Education to audit and investigate each program carried out by the Department that includes response and recovery activities related to Hurricane Katrina. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums. Higher Education Amendments of 2005 - Amends HEA with respect to specified higher education programs. Amends: (1) the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986; (2) the United States Institute of Peace Act; (3) the Higher Education Amendments of 1998; and (4) the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes the Navajo Community College Act. Changes the name of the Navajo Community College to Dine College. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to recapture unused employment-based immigrant visas and to impose fees for immigration services for intracompany transferees.

Second Chance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Second Chance Act of 2005: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention or the Second Chance Act of 2005 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize, rewrite, and expand provisions regarding adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, including by authorizing funds for grants to: (1) provide structured post-release housing and transitional housing; and (2) establish or expand the use of reentry courts. Sets forth grant priorities and requirements, including that each applicant establish or empower a Reentry Task Force or other authority. Authorizes the Attorney General to make a grant to provide for the establishment of a National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Directs the Attorney General to establish an interagency task force on federal offender reentry programs. Authorizes research on offender reentry. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the role of state child protective services at the time of arrest; and (2) the Secretary of Labor to implement a program to educate employers and one-stop center workforce development providers about existing incentives and tax credits for hiring former prisoners. Amends the federal criminal code to direct a court to revoke a term of supervised release or a sentence of probation for a defendant who commits a crime of violence against, or an offense of unlawful sexual contact with, a person under age 16. Requires: (1) the Department of Justice to modify existing procedures and policies to enhance case planning and improve the transition of persons from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons to the community, including placement of such individuals in community corrections facilities; and (2) the Bureau to establish reentry planning procedures.

International Fund for Ireland Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

International Fund for Ireland Enhancement Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. assistance for the International Fund for Ireland has contributed greatly to the economic development of Northern Ireland and that both objectives of the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986, economic development and reconciliation, remain critical to achieving peace in the region, especially in the economically-depressed areas; and (2) the Fund is encouraged to support programs that enhance relations between communities and enhance relations between the police and the communities they serve, promote human rights training for police, and enhance peaceful mediation in neighborhoods of continued conflict. Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 to encourage the Fund to support programs that: (1) enhance relations between communities, and between the police and the communities they serve; (2) promote human rights training for police; (3) enhance peaceful mediation in neighborhoods of continued conflict; (4) promote training programs to enhance the new district partnership police boards recommended by the Patten Commission; and (5) assist in the transition of former British military installations and prisons into sites for peaceful, community-supported activities, such as housing, retail, and commercial development. Authorizes FY2006-FY2007 appropriations for U.S. contributions to the Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that at least 35% of such amount for each such fiscal year should be used to carry out programs to improve local community relations and relations between the police and the people they serve.

To suspend temporarily the application of laws which would deny certain federal benefits, entitlements, grants, and licenses to victims of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita due to convictions for certain drug crimes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Suspends temporarily the application of specified provisions of the following laws which would deny federal benefits to victims of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita due to certain drug-related criminal activity that occurred before the disaster declarations for those hurricanes: (1) the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (regarding eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and food stamps); (2) the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (regarding eligibility for assisted housing); and (4) the Higher Education Act of 1965 (regarding eligibility for student assistance).

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should adopt comprehensive, modern, and uniform statewide building codes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) following the tragedies of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should adopt comprehensive, modern, and uniform statewide building codes establishing minimum standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings and other structures to mitigate against future disasters, increase public safety, and enhance such states' rebuilding; and (2) such standards should be at least as comprehensive as the International Code Council's model building standards and codes.