Rule of law

A resolution affirming that the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States guarantees the freedom of the press and asserting that no purpose is served by sentencing journalists Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper, nor any similarly situated journalists, to prison for maintaining the anonymity of confidential sources.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2005

Affirms that the first amendment of the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press. Proclaims that no purpose is served by imprisoning journalists Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper (who face prison sentences for contempt for refusing to disclose confidential sources).

Central Asia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Central Asia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Authorizes additional appropriations beginning in FY2006 for Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated to expand radio broadcasting in languages spoken in Central Asia. Conditions certain assistance, including military assistance (but excluding refugee, disaster relief, food and medicine, and HIV/AIDS assistance) to a Central Asian government upon presidential certification to the appropriate congressional committees that such government meets specified requirements respecting: (1) democratization; (2) freedom of expression and the media; (3) freedom of religion, association, and the right of peaceful assembly; (4) prevention of torture; and (5) rule of law and nondiscrimination. Withholds assistance for failure to meet such requirements at 33% for the first fiscal year, 66% for the second fiscal year, and 100% (with a national security waiver for less than 100% withholding) for the third and subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes withheld amounts to be used for democracy assistance under this Act.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States protecting religious freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that people retain the right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, and traditions on public property, including schools. Prohibits the United States or the states from establishing any official religion or requiring any person to join in prayer or religious activity.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings does not violate the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings does not violate the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Expressing the grave disapproval of the House of Representatives regarding the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in the case of Kelo et al. v. City of New London et al. that nullifies the protections afforded private property owners in the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2005

Expresses disagreement with the majority opinion in Kelo et al. v. City of New London et al. ( Kelo) and its holdings that effectively negate the public use requirement of the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that state and local governments: (1) should only execute the power of eminent domain for the public good; (2) must always justly compensate affected individuals in accordance with the Fifth Amendment; (3) should never use eminent domain to advantage one private party over another; and (4) should not construe Kelo as justification to abuse the power of eminent domain. Reserves to Congress the right to address through legislation any abuses of eminent domain by state and local government in light of Kelo .

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Russian Federation should fully protect the freedoms of all religious communities without distinction, whether registered and unregistered, as stipulated by the Russian Constitution and international standards.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) urge the Russian Federation to ensure full protection of freedoms for all religious communities and end the harassment of unregistered religious groups; (2) continue to raise concerns with the government of the Russian Federation over violations of religious freedom; and (3) urge the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to raise with Russian Federation officials issues relating to freedom of religion.

THE EU CONSTITUTION AND U.S.-EU RELATIONS: THE RECENT REFERENDA IN FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS AND THE U.S.-EU SUMMIT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 June 2005

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 10) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 10) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

Liberty Bill Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2005

Liberty Bill Act - Amends federal law to require that the design of the reverse side of all federal reserve notes incorporate: (1) the preamble to the Constitution; (2) a list describing the Articles of the Constitution; and (3) a list describing the Articles of Amendment. Prescribes the design format. States that such requirements do not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) include other inscriptions or material on the reverse side of such notes; or (2) adopt other design features to deter counterfeiting of currency.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the number of persons in each State who are citizens of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Requires Representatives to be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by counting the number of persons in each State who are U.S. citizens.

Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2005

Public Expression of Religion Act of 2005 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the remedy to injunctive relief and deny attorneys' fees in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of rights where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion.

TRANSPARENCY AND RULE OF LAW IN LATIN AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 May 2005

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2005

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2005 - Prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct such a subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution; or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Requires such redistricting to be conducted through a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state, or if such plan is not enacted into law, the redistricting plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a U.S. district court. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) establishment of a state independent redistricting commission; (2) development of a redistricting plan; (3) its submission to the state legislature; (4) selection of a plan, under specified conditions, by the state's highest court or the U.S. district court for the district in which the capital of the state is located; (5) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (6) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to allow debate to be closed on any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate only by unanimous consent or the concurrence of three-fifths of the Senators.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the debate upon any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate from being brought to a close except by unanimous consent or the concurrence of three-fifths (60) of the Senators duly chosen and sworn, except on a measure or motion to amend the Senate rules, in which case the necessary affirmative vote shall be two-thirds (66) of the Senators present and voting.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2005

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency; (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (8) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (9) National Reconnaissance Office; (10) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (11) Coast Guard; and (12) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2006, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2006 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY 2006, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

Economic Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Economic Development Act of 2005 - Authorizes any State to provide to any person for economic development purposes tax incentives that otherwise would be the cause of discrimination against interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Makes exceptions for any incentive that: (1) is dependent upon State or country of incorporation, commercial domicile, or residence of an individual; (2) requires the recipient to acquire, lease, license, use, or provide services to property created in the State; (3) is reduced or eliminated as a result of an increase in out-of-State activity by the recipient or other person or as a result of such other person not having a taxable presence in the State; (4) results in loss of a compensating tax system, because the tax on interstate commerce exceeds the tax on intrastate commerce; (5) requires that other taxing jurisdictions offer reciprocal tax benefits; or (6) requires that a tax incentive earned with respect to one tax can only be used to reduce a tax burden for, or provide a tax benefit against any other tax that is not imposed on, apportioned interstate activities.

Economic Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Economic Development Act of 2005 - Authorizes any State to provide to any person for economic development purposes tax incentives that otherwise would be the cause of discrimination against interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Makes exceptions for any incentive that: (1) is dependent upon State or country of incorporation, commercial domicile, or residence of an individual; (2) requires the recipient to acquire, lease, license, use, or provide services to property created in the State; (3) is reduced or eliminated as a result of an increase in out-of-State activity by the recipient or other person or as a result of such other person not having a taxable presence in the State; (4) results in loss of a compensating tax system, because the tax on interstate commerce exceeds the tax on intrastate commerce; (5) requires that other taxing jurisdictions offer reciprocal tax benefits; or (6) requires that a tax incentive earned with respect to one tax can only be used to reduce a tax burden for, or provide a tax benefit against any other tax that is not imposed on, apportioned interstate activities.

Calling for the adoption of a Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism (SMART) security platform for the 21st century.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2005

Calls for the adoption of a Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism (SMART) security platform for the 21st century that: (1) prevents future acts of terrorism by strengthening international institutions and respect for the rule of law; (2) reduces the threat and stops the spread of weapons of mass destruction and reduces the proliferation of conventional weapons; (3) addresses root causes of terrorism and violent conflict; (4) shifts U.S. budget priorities to more effectively meet U.S. security needs; and (5) pursues to the fullest extent alternatives to war.

Pledge Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Pledge Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any Federal court, and appellate jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance or its validity under the Constitution. Makes this limitation inapplicable to: (1) any court established by Congress under its power to make needful rules and regulations respecting the territory of the United States; or (2) the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

Pledge Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2005

Pledge Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any Federal court, and appellate jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance or its validity under the Constitution. Makes this limitation inapplicable to: (1) any court established by Congress under its power to make needful rules and regulations respecting the territory of the United States; or (2) the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the Electoral College and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the appointment of individuals to serve as Members of the House of Representatives when, in a national emergency, a significant number of Members are unable to serve due to death, resignation, or incapacity.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes Congress by law to provide for the appointment of temporary members of the House of Representatives to serve during any period in which 30 percent or more of the seats of the House are vacant due to death, resignation, or incapacity. Requires the temporary member to serve until a member is elected to fill the vacancy in accordance with the applicable laws regarding special elections in the State involved, or until the expiration of the six-month period beginning on the first day of the temporary member's service, whichever occurs earlier.

Urging the withdrawal of all Syrian forces from Lebanon, support for free and fair democratic elections in Lebanon, and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Syria should complete its withdrawal of all remaining intelligence and security forces from Lebanon in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1559; (2) Lebanon should hold free elections in May 2005; and (3) the United States should aid the Lebanese people to restore the rule of law. States that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support free elections in Lebanon by encouraging international election assistance; (2) urge the development of democratic institutions to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon; and (3) call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and detainees held in Lebanese and Syrian prisons.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the continued participation of the Russian Federation in the Group of 8 nations should be conditioned on the Russian Government voluntarily accepting and adhering to the norms and standards of democracy.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the Russian Federation's compliance with the minimum standards of democratic governance and rule of law characteristic of Group of 8 (G8) member countries; (2) conditioning participation by the Russian Federation in the G8 on acceptance of, and adherence to, the democratic standards and principles adhered to by the other G8 nations; and (3) steps to suspend Russian Federation participation until the President determines and reports to Congress that the Russian Government is committed to respecting and upholding these democratic principles.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to deny United States citizenship to individuals born in the United States to parents who are neither United States citizens nor persons who owe permanent allegiance to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - States that a person born to a mother and father, neither of whom is a citizen of the United States nor a person who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, shall not be a citizen of the United States or of any State solely by reason of U.S. birth.

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish English as the official language of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Establishes English as the official language of the United States.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should play a leading role in the drafting and adoption of a thematic United Nations convention that affirms the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should play a leading role in the drafting and adoption of a thematic United Nations (UN) convention that affirms the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities that is consistent with the spirit of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the U.S. Constitution, and other rights enjoyed by U.S. citizens with disabilities, promotes inclusion of persons with disabilities as foundational requirements for any free society, and provides protections that are at least as strong as the rights recognized under international human rights law for other vulnerable populations; and (2) the U.S. delegation to the UN Ad Hoc Committee meetings should include individuals with disabilities who are recognized leaders in the U.S. disability rights movement.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Grants Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to marriage.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman.

Borrower's Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Borrower's Bill of Rights Act - Amends Federal law to create the position of Assistant Secretary for Financial Education in the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act to direct such Secretary to establish a two-year financial literacy pilot program for middle and high school students. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require that mandatory disclosures governing a consumer credit transaction be simple, easy to understand, and in a language understood by the consumer. Amends the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 to repeal the preemption of state mortgage usury laws. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to provide that the constitution or the laws of any state expressly limiting the rate or amount of interest, discount points, finance charges, or other charges shall apply to all depository institutions and credit unions, respectively, that are located in, have any branch in, or do business in such state with respect to customers which reside in or are located in such state. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) prohibit "flipping" practices and mandatory arbitration; (2) lower the interest rate threshold for high-cost mortgages; and (3) require creditors to receive certification that a consumer has successfully completed pre-loan counseling before extending the consumer credit under a high-cost mortgage. Sets limits governing rollovers or refinancing of payday loans with the same creditor. Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to: (1) include within the fourth order of priority of claims against the estate the rights or interests in debtor's equity securities that are held in a pension plan; (2) increase the employee earnings and benefits included within such fourth order of priority; and (3) exempt such employee pension benefits from subordination agreement constraints.

American Justice for Americans Citizens Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

American Justice for Americans [sic] Citizens Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and other Federal courts, in the purported exercise of judicial power to interpret and apply the Constitution, from employing the constitution, laws, administrative rules, executive orders, directives, policies, or judicial decisions of any international organization or foreign state, except for English constitutional and common law or other sources of law relied upon by the framers of the Constitution.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit persons who are not natural-born citizens of the United States, but who have been citizens of the United States for at least 35 years, to be eligible to hold the offices of President and Vice President.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Makes a person who has been a citizen of the United States for at least 35 years and who has been a resident within the United States for at least 14 years eligible to hold the office of President or Vice President.

Directing the Speaker of the House of Representatives to provide for the display of the Ten Commandments in the chamber of the House of Representatives if the Supreme Court of the United States rules against religious freedom by holding that the display of the Ten Commandments in public places by State and local governments constitutes a violation of the establishment clause of the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives to provide for the display of the Ten Commandments in the House chamber if the Supreme Court holds in specified pending cases that the display of the Ten Commandments in public places by State and local governments violates the First Amendment.

Supporting the rights of individuals to make medical decisions as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and encouraging all Americans to set forth their wishes in living wills that designate health care surrogates and in other advance directives.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Reaffirms the rights of individuals to make medical decisions as guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Urges all Americans to: (1) set forth their health care wishes in living wills that designate health care surrogates or in other advance directives; and (2) talk to their families about preferences for medical treatment in the event they are incapable of making informed health care decisions.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that no person born in the United States will be a United States citizen unless a parent is a United States citizen, or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, at the time of the birth.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - States that no person born in the United States shall be a citizen of the United States, or of any State, on account of birth in the United States unless the mother or father of the person is a citizen of the United States, or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, at the time of the birth.

Urging the Government of Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt, and fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the former Communist government in Romania.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Notes with concern the unwillingness of past Romanian governments to provide fair restitution of religious property that was confiscated by the former Communist government of Romania. Calls on the Government of Romania to: (1) respect the constitutional rights of existence and practice of all religious communities to celebrate and practice their own religion in respectable locations; (2) provide fair restitution to all religious communities under Romanian law and in accordance with the Constitution of Rumania and all international agreements to which Romania is a party; and (3) amend Decree-Law 126/1990 to require that claims involving Romanian Greek Catholic properties be heard by an independent nonreligious commission, and to prevent the demolition of Greek Catholic churches.

Recognizing the anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment and encouraging the American people to educate and instill pride and purpose into their communities and to observe the anniversary annually with appropriate programs and activities.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Recognizes the 140th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution (prohibits slavery or involuntary servitude) on December 6, 1865. Encourages the American people to educate and instill pride and purpose into their communities about the history of liberation and the civil rights movement in the United States and to observe such anniversary each year.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to a home.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that all U.S. citizens have a right to a home, which right shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State.

A bill to provide for the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo for the alleged violation of any right of hers under the U.S. Constitution or laws relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the Constitution of the United States should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original meaning of the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the U.S. Constitution should not be based on foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original meaning of the Constitution.

United States-Libya Relations Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

United States-Libya Relations Act of 2005 - Amends the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) eliminate mandatory sanction provisions respecting Libya; (2) eliminate other provisions respecting Libya; and (3) rename the Act as the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. Directs the Secretary of State to develop a plan for the establishment of a U.S. Embassy in Libya in order to establish full diplomatic relations with Libya. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct the following scholarship and exchange programs with Libya: (1) Fulbright Exchange Program; (2) International Visitors Program; and (3) people-to-people cultural, arts, entertainment, sports, and other exchanges. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to the Government of Libya to: (1) combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases; (2) support the development of civil society, including nongovernmental organizations; (3) promote the development of independent media; and (4) promote the rule of law, good governance, and liberal institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to include Libya and Libyan nationals in programs under the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Authorizes trade and investment activities for Libya through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the Trade and Development Agency. Authorizes the U.S.Trade Representative and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security to provide technical assistance to Libya in order to facilitate Libya's eligibility for duty-free treatment. Authorizes the Secretary to establish programs to redirect Libyan weapons of mass destruction expertise.

For the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo (Ms. Schiavo) for the alleged violation of any right of hers under the U.S. Constitution or laws relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life. Grants standing to any parent of Ms. Schiavo to bring a suit under this Act. Allows suit to be brought against any other person who: (1) was a party to State court proceedings relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain Ms. Schiavo's life; or (2) may act pursuant to a State court order authorizing or directing the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life. Declares that in such a suit the District Court shall determine de novo any claim of a violation of any right of Ms. Schiavo's within the scope of this Act, notwithstanding any prior State court determination and regardless of whether such a claim has previously been raised, considered, or decided in State court proceedings. Directs the District Court to entertain and determine the suit without any delay or abstention in favor of State court proceedings, and regardless of whether remedies available in the State courts have been exhausted. Declares that, notwithstanding any other time limitation, any suit or claim under this Act shall be timely if filed within 30 days after its date of enactment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) create substantive rights not otherwise secured by the Constitution and laws of the United States or of the several States; (2) confer additional jurisdiction on any court to consider any claim related to assisting suicide, or a State law regarding assisting suicide; or (3) constitute a precedent with respect to future legislation. States that nothing in this Act shall affect the rights of any person under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990. Declares the sense of Congress that the 109th Congress should consider policies regarding the status and legal rights of incapacitated individuals who are incapable of making decisions concerning the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of foods, fluid, or medical care.

A bill for the relief of the family of Theresa Marie Schiavo.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo for the alleged violation of any right of hers under the U.S. Constitution or laws relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2005 - Sets forth the policy of the United States to: (1) promote market-based principles, economic integration, social development, and trade in the Americas; and (2) establish an investment fund for the Western Hemisphere to advance U.S. national interests, improve the lives of the poor, encourage economic growth while protecting the environment, build human capital and knowledge, support democratic institutions and processes, and promote peace and justice in the Americas. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to reduce poverty and foster increased economic opportunity in the Western Hemisphere by: (1) nurturing public-private partnerships and microenterprise development; (2) improving the quality of life and investing in human capital; (3) strengthening the rule of law through improved efficiency and transparency in government services; and (4) reducing poverty and eliminating the exclusion of marginalized populations. Establishes a project review committee. Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to urge the Bank to establish an account to be operated consistent with the above guidelines. Establishes a technical review committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Western Hemisphere countries should collectively provide assistance equal to the amount of U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance.

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of a legal union of a man and a woman. Prohibits any Federal or State court from having jurisdiction to determine whether the Constitution or any State constitution requires the legal incidents of marriage to be conferred upon any union other than a legal union between one man and one woman. Provides that no State shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State concerning a union between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage, or as having the legal incidents of marriage, under the laws of such other State.

OBSCENITY PROSECUTION AND THE CONSTITUTION

United States · United States Senate · 16 March 2005

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which requires (except during time of war and subject to suspension by Congress) that the total amount of money expended by the United States during any fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year and not exceed 20 per centum of the gross national product of the United States during the previous calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of a congressionally declared war, Federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) Federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20 percent of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each House of Congress.