Rule of law

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 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 (DIA); (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; (12) Department of Homeland Security; and (13) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2007, 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 FY2007 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 FY2007, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 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 of laws of the United States.

Urging the Government of China to reinstate all licenses of Gao Zhisheng and his law firm, remove all legal and political obstacles for lawyers attempting to defend criminal cases in China, including politically sensitive cases, and revise law and practice in China so that it conforms to international standards.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006

Commends "rights defense" lawyers and activists of the People's Republic China (PRC) for their courage and integrity, and expresses moral support for this grass-roots rights defense movement in the PRC. Urges the government of the PRC to: (1) reinstate all licenses of Gao Zhisheng and his law firm; (2) remove all legal and political obstacles for lawyers attempting to defend criminal and politically sensitive cases in the PRC; (3) revise law and practice in the PRC to conform to international standards; and (4) allow religious believers in China to practice their religion without interference, and release Pastor Cai Zhuohua, his wife, and others imprisoned with him, and allow Pastor Cai to resume religious activities. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should support democracy and human rights programs in the PRC that strengthen protection of basic rights and freedoms, and should initiate programs to train lawyers, judges, academics, and students about international human rights law; (2) the U.S. government should seek grant proposals and fund programs to promote legal protections and cultural awareness of the right to freedom of religion or belief; and (3) the President should raise the issue of the PRC's harassment, arrest, and persecution of rights defense lawyers and activists and the need to respect the basic human rights of its citizens and the rule of law during his planned April 2006 meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act - Amends federal law which authorized construction of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center (Center) in Washington, D.C. to require: (1) the Center to be located underground in the triangular land area between Henry Bacon Drive, 23rd Street, Constitution Avenue, and the Lincoln Memorial; and (2) final approval for the Center no later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the constitutional reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it is time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to work toward creation of a state with more self-sustaining institutions; (2) any agreement on constitutional reform should advance the principles of democracy and tolerance, and bring the country closer to European Union (EU) membership; (3) the United States supports the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a unified, democratic state on the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration; (4) all parties to negotiations on the reforms of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina should work together so that a first set of revisions to the Constitution can take effect before national elections in October 2006; (5) all groups responsible for past violence and atrocities in Bosnia and Herzegovina must accept responsibility for their actions and promote reconciliation; and (6) all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina must comply with the directives of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), arrest persons indicted for war crimes, and turn over fugitives to face justice at the International Criminal Tribunal.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act - Amends federal law which authorized construction of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center (Center) in Washington, D.C. to require: (1) the Center to be located in the triangular land area between Henry Bacon Drive, 23rd Street, Constitution Avenue, and the Lincoln Memorial; and (2) final approval for the Center no later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act.

AMERICA Act of 2006: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

AMERICA Act of 2006: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again - Expresses the sense of Congress that since Members of Congress swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, write laws regarding the powers granted to the government, and propose constitutional amendments, they should be required to read this important document including its amendments. Directs every Senator and Representative to obtain copies of the Constitution, distribute them to their staff, and require the staff to read it at least once during each session of Congress.

Promote Responsibility by Improving Development Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Promote Responsibility by Improving Development Education Act of 2006 - Character Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated in FY2007 for the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Reserves a specified amount of such Fund's appropriations in FY2007 and FY2008 for the Partnerships in Character Education program. Directs the Comptroller General to develop a model state character education curriculum. Childhood Adoption Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for adoption expenses and make it refundable. Increases the tax exclusion for employer-paid adoption expenses. Amends title IV, part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of the Social Security Act to increase the levels of adoption incentive payments to states and the FY2006-FY2008 authorization of appropriations for such payments. Borrower's Bill of Rights Act - Creates 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 financial literacy pilot program for middle and high school students. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) require that mandatory disclosures governing loan transactions be easy for consumers to comprehend; (2) prohibit loan flipping and mandatory arbitration; (3) lower the interest rate threshold for high-cost mortgages; (4) require creditors to ensure that consumers receive counseling before extending credit to them under high-cost mortgages; and (5) limit the rollover or refinancing of payday loans with the same creditor. 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 a state's laws or constitution which expressly limit loan interest, rates, or other charges apply to all depository institutions and credit unions doing business in the state with customers who reside in or are located in the state. Amends the federal bankruptcy code to set an employee's claim to a debtor's equity securities held in a pension fund within the fourth order of priority and exempts such benefits from subordination agreement constraints. Increases the amount of an employee's earnings and benefits within such priority order.

Proposing an amendment the Constitution of the United States limiting the number of consecutive terms that a Senator or Representative may serve and providing for 4-year terms for Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any person who has been: (1) a Senator for four full consecutive terms from again serving as a Senator; or (2) a Representative for 24 full consecutive years from again serving as a Representative. (Excludes terms that began before this Amendment becomes valid.) Requires Members of the House of Representatives to be elected every 4th year.

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2006 - 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.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to accomplishing the mission in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should not maintain a permanent military presence or military bases in Iraq; (2) the United States should not attempt to control the flow of Iraqi oil; and (3) U.S. Armed Forces should be redeployed from Iraq as soon as practicable after the completion of Iraq's constitution-making process or September 30, 2006, whichever occurs first.

Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respect to certain Constitutional property rights claims. Requires a federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.

To amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the content of speech occurring during sessions of State legislative bodies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation or the validity, under the Constitution, of the content of speech of any member of a state legislative body or any individual invited to speak before that body, when such speech occurs during the legislative session. Declares that any person who is a member of a state legislative body, or who is invited to speak before that body, other than as a witness, shall be immune from suit in any federal court, and shall not be held liable under any federal law, on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, unless such speech constitutes treason, breach of peace, or an admission of guilt of a crime. Prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce any court order relating to the content of speech occurring during the legislative session of a state legislative body, with the same exceptions. Prohibits a federal court from imposing a fine on any state, state legislative body, member of a state legislative body, or individual invited to speak before that body (other than as a witness), on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, with the same exceptions.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to require a balancing of the budget.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the U.S. budget deficit to be reduced to the following percentages of the amount of the deficit in the year this article is ratified: (1) 80% in the first fiscal year after ratification; (2) 60% in the second fiscal year after ratification; (3) 40% in the third fiscal year after ratification; and (4) 20% in the fourth fiscal year after ratification. Prohibits U.S. expenditures from exceeding receipts for any fiscal year after the fourth fiscal year after ratification unless authorized by a law approved by three-fifths of each House of Congress. Authorizes Congress to waive the provisions of this Act for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Requires any deficit that occurs as a result of such war to be reduced within five fiscal years following the war.

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS TO ESTABLISH A FULL DEMOCRACY, THE RULE OF LAW, AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF BELARUS TO CONDUCT FREE AND FAIR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN 2006; AND CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT OF ROMANIA'S BAN ON INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS AND THE WELFARE OF ORPHANED OR ABANDONED CHILDREN IN ROMANIA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 February 2006

Expressing support for the efforts of the people of the Republic of Belarus to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and urging the Government of Belarus to conduct a free and fair presidential election on March 19, 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

States that a precondition for the integration of Belarus into the Western community of nations is its establishment of a genuinely democratic political system. Expresses support for the efforts of the Belarusian people to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Belarus. Urges the government of Belarus to: (1) guarantee freedom of association and assembly, and (2) meet its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) standards and commitments on democratic elections. Urges the Belarusian authorities to ensure: (1) transparency procedures for the 2006 presidential election; (2) election monitor access; (3) multiparty representation on all election commissions; (4) media access by all parties and candidates; (5) freedom of candidates, members of opposition parties, and independent media organizations from government harassment; and (6) prosecution of election law violators. Encourages the international community to continue efforts to support democracy in Belarus and urges countries such as Lithuania and other Baltic countries and Nordic countries to continue to provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations and other Belarusian organizations involved in promoting democracy and fair elections. Pledges support to the Belarusian people, their commitment to a democratic system and creation of a free market economy, and their country's assumption of its place as a full and equal member of the Western community of democracies.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to authorize the President to reduce or disapprove any appropriation or authorization of new direct spending in any bill presented by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to reduce or disapprove any appropriation or authorization of new direct spending in any bill, order, resolution, or vote presented to him or her. Declares that any such legislation shall become law as so modified after the President signs it. Directs the President to return those portions of the legislation that contain reduced or disapproved appropriations or disapproved authorization of new direct spending with objections to the chamber where such legislation originated. Allows Congress to consider such portions separately in the manner prescribed under the Constitution for bills disapproved by the President.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to limitations on the amounts of contributions and expenditures that may be made in connection with campaigns for election to public office.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress shall have power to set limits on the amount of contributions that may be accepted by, and the amount of expenditures that may be made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to federal office. Declares that a state shall have the power to set limits on the amount of contributions that may be accepted by, and the amount of expenditures that may be made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to state or local office.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in its decision in the 1976 case of Buckley v. Valeo because such decision failed to recognize: (1) that the unlimited spending of large amounts of money on elections corrupts the electoral process on a more fundamental level than direct transactions between big contributors and candidates and elected officials; and (2) other legitimate state interests justify limiting money in campaigns, including the need to preserve the integrity of our republican form of government, restore public confidence in government, and ensure all citizens a more equal opportunity to participate in the political process.

A resolution expressing concern with the deliberate undermining of democratic freedoms and justice in Cambodia by Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Government of Cambodia.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2006

Affirms U.S. support and respect for the welfare, human rights, and dignity of the people of Cambodia. Calls on the King of Cambodia to play a more active and constructive role in protecting the constitutional rights of all Cambodian citizens. Calls on Prime Minister Hun Sen and the government of Cambodia to: (1) end its systematic campaign to undermine democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Cambodia; and (2) release all political prisoners and drop all politically motivated charges against government opponents. Urges international donors and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations, to hold Prime Minister Hun Sen and the government of Cambodia fully accountable for actions that undermine the investment of international donors in Cambodia's democratic and economic development.