The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
2,151 records in US
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution, including amendments, shall be construed to prohibit voluntary prayer or require prayer in a public school or at a public school extracurricular activity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 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 December 31, 2006, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 April 2006
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution, including amendments, shall be construed to prohibit voluntary prayer or require prayer in a public school or at a public school extracurricular activity.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that, as the leaders of the United States and the Republic of India have expressed commitment to the values of human freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, it is in U.S. interests to address the treatment of the Dalits and Tribals in India by: (1) raising the issue of caste discrimination and untouchability; (2) inviting Dalit organizations to participate in the planning and implementation of U.S. development projects; (3) prioritizing funding for projects that positively impact Dalit and Tribal communities; (4) encouraging international financial institutions to consider caste discrimination when funding development projects; (5) ensuring that U.S. government employees and contractors in India are aware that it is U.S. policy that caste discrimination is unacceptable; (6) ensuring that qualified Dalits are not discouraged from applying for U.S. government and private employment in India; and (7) monitoring the activities and funds of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the United States that are used to support groups that have perpetrated acts of violence against Dalits, Tribals, and religious minorities in India.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
States that Congress: (1) believes initiating military action without congressional approval in response to Iran's nuclear program does not fall within the President's "Commander-in-Chief" powers under the Constitution; (2) rejects any suggestion that P.L.107-40, the authorization of force resolution approved in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, extends to authorizing military action against Iran over its nuclear program; (3) rejects any suggestion that P.L.107-243, the authorization of force resolution approved by Congress to go to war with Iraq, extends to authorizing military action against Iran over its nuclear program; and (4) believes that seeking congressional authority prior to taking military action against Iran is not discretionary, but is a legal and constitutional requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Iraqi political, religious, and tribal leaders should be told by the Administration that: (1) the continued U.S. military presence in Iraq is not unconditional; (2) whether the Iraqis avoid all-out civil war and have a future as a nation is in their hands; and (3) forming a government of national unity and subsequent agreement to modifications to the Iraq Constitution to make it more inclusive, within the deadlines the Iraqis have set for themselves in the Iraq Constitution, is essential to defeating the insurgency and avoiding all-out civil war, and a condition of the continued U.S. military presence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 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 support 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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2006
National Liberty Memorial Act - Authorizes the National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish the National Liberty Memorial on federal land that is part of Constitution Gardens in the District of Columbia to honor: (1) persons of African descent who volunteered as free persons or who were compelled as slaves to serve as soldiers or provide civilian assistance during the American Revolution; (2) the people who fled bondage or filed petitions seeking liberty; and (3) other people who advocated for liberty, justice, and citizenship for persons of African descent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 February 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
States that: (1) since the Republic of Croatia became an independent country, the government and people of Croatia have made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Croatia; and (2) Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would contribute to stability in Southeast Europe; Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government and people of Croatia should be commended for their progress on protecting minority rights in Croatia, progress toward achieving the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the NATO's Membership Action Plan, contribution to the International Security Assistance Force and the war against terrorism, and for their constructive participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative and in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (2) the government of Croatia should be commended for its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia which led to the apprehension and transfer of several individuals indicted for war crimes to the Tribunal; (3) the government of Croatia should continue its cooperation with the Tribunal; (4) the government of Croatia should continue and strengthen its role as a partner on nonproliferation and its support in the war against terrorism and in Iraq; (5) the government of Croatia should continue its efforts to implement defense reforms; (6) the United States should continue and increase its defense and security cooperation with the Croatia; and (7) upon complete satisfaction of NATO membership criteria, Croatia should be invited to be a full member of NATO at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
National Security Letter Judicial and Congressional Oversight Act - Prohibits a national security letter from issuing unless a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court or a designated U.S. Magistrate Judge finds that: (1) the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities; (2) such an investigation of a U.S. person is not conducted soley upon the basis of activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution; and (3) there are specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. Requires the court established under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to establish an electronic system for the submission of documents and other information relating to such proceedings, and for the issuance of orders relating to national security letters. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in the case of a challenge to a nondisclosure requirement of a national security letter, a certification by the Attorney General or other appropriate head or deputy head of a federal department, agency, or instrumentality that disclosure of such a letter may endanger U.S. national security or interfere with diplomatic relations should not be considered conclusive evidence but only a rebuttable presumption that such disclosure would do so. Directs the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures to ensure that information obtained pursuant to a national security letter regarding persons no longer of interest in an authorized investigation is destroyed.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties Act - Amends the federal judicial code to divest federal courts of jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution of, the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Motto.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Condemns: (1) the arbitrary detention of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release; and (2) the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam. Urges the government of Vietnam to: (1) consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship, including trade relations; and (2) allow access to the Central Highlands and to the Northwest Highlands by foreign diplomats, the international press, and nongovernmental organizations. Applauds the European Parliament for its December 2005 resolution regarding human rights in Vietnam. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Dr. Pham Hong Son and others a top concern; (2) continue to urge the government of Vietnam to comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; (3) make clear to the government of Vietnam that it must adhere to the rule of law and respect the freedom of the press in order for it to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (4) make clear to the government of Vietnam that the detention of Dr. Pham and others is not in the interest of Vietnam because such detentions create obstacles to improved U.S. relations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits federal expenditures (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding revenues (except those derived from borrowing) for any fiscal year unless three-fifths of the whole number of each chamber provides for a specific excess of expenditures over revenues by a rollcall vote. Authorizes Congress to waive such prohibition when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 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 design format.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Ethiopia Consolidation Act of 2005 - Directs the President: (1) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to revise the USAID country plan for Ethiopia to provide support for independent human rights monitoring and related training for government officials, and to provide support for training political parties on organization building, message development, and election monitoring; (2) through the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program of the Department of Justice, to provide training for Ethiopian police, security, and prison personnel in maintaining international standards for arrest and interrogation; (3) through USAID, to support programs to increase the independence and competence of the Ethiopian judicial system, and to provide assistance for development of Ethiopia's Nile and Awash River resources, including assistance to help Ethiopia with technology for the construction of dams, irrigation systems, and hydroelectric power that might prevent future famine; (4) provide financing for U.S.-Ethiopian commercial ventures; and (5) suspend joint security activities until a certification is made that Ethiopia is observing international human rights standards and enforcing the principle of the rule of law. Declares that the current stalemate in the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea has the potential to lead to conflict and must be addressed. Prohibits assistance to the governments of Ethiopia or Eritrea (with exceptions for assistance for democracy, peacekeeping, child survival and health, education, and agriculture) until the Secretary of State certifies that Ethiopia or Eritrea is taking steps to comply with the Algiers Agreements. Prohibits nonessential U.S. assistance to Ethiopia if the government of Ethiopia obstructs U.S. technical assistance to Ethiopian opposition parties.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on judicial decisions involving: (1) state or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws. Allows the Supreme Court and the federal courts to determine the constitutionality of federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states. Authorizes any party or intervener in matters before any federal court, including the Supreme Court, to challenge the jurisdiction of the court under this Act. Provides that the violation of this Act by any justice or judge is an impeachable offense and a material breach of good behavior subject to removal. Negates as binding precedent on the state courts any federal court decision that relates to an issue removed from federal jurisdiction by this Act.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 November 2005
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the law enforcement and judicial authorities of Uzbekistan should ensure that Sanjar Umarov is accorded his full rights under the Uzbekistan Constitution to defend himself against charges that may be brought against him; (2) the government of Uzbekistan should observe its various treaty obligations, especially those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obligate governments to provide for due process in criminal cases; and (3) the government of Uzbekistan should clarify the charges against Sanjar Umarov, his current condition, and his whereabouts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2005
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the fundamental right of parents to direct the education of their children is firmly grounded in the Nation's Constitution and traditions; (2) the Ninth Circuit's ruling in Fields v. Palmdale School District undermines the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children; and (3) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit should agree to rehear the case en banc in order to reverse this constitutionally infirm ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to reduce or disapprove appropriations in any bill, order, resolution, or vote, which is presented to him or her. Declares that any legislation that the President approves and signs after such amendment shall become law as so modified. Requires the President to return those portions of the legislation that contain reduced or disapproved appropriations with objections to the chamber where such legislation originated. Allows Congress to consider separately any reduced or disapproved appropriations in the manner prescribed under the U.S. Constitution for bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the law enforcement and judicial authorities of Uzbekistan should ensure that Sanjar Umarov is accorded his full rights under the Uzbekistan Constitution to defend himself against charges that may be brought against him; (2) the government of Uzbekistan should observe its various treaty obligations, especially those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obligate governments to provide for due process in criminal cases; and (3) the government of Uzbekistan should clarify the charges against Sanjar Umarov, his current condition, and his whereabouts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Republic of Croatia has made significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law; (2) Croatia should be commended for its progress in meeting the political, economic, military, and other requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Membership Action Plan, its contribution to the global war on terrorism, and for its constructive participation in the United States-Adriatic Charter; (3) the government of Croatia should be commended for the significant improvement in its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); and (4) with complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and criteria for membership, Croatia should be invited to be a full NATO member.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2005
Eliminates the restriction that amendments of, or modifications to, the constitution of American Samoa (as approved by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to Executive Order 10264 as in effect January 1, 1983) may be made only by an Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Russian Federation failed to provide Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev the full measure of their rights under the Russian Constitution to defend themselves against the alleged crimes; and (2) Russian authorities should act to prove that the cases against Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev are not politically motivated, and that the state is not engaged in a campaign to reclaim or renationalize private enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Calls on the government of Kazakhstan to: (1) hold a free presidential election in December 2005, in accordance with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) guidelines; (2) guarantee the full participation of opposition figures and parties in the upcoming election and permit the return of political exiles; (3) guarantee foreign and domestic election monitors access to all aspects of the election process; (4) guarantee freedom of speech and assembly; and (5) meet all of its freely accepted OSCE commitments on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
States that Congress: (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the October 2005 floods and mudslides in Central America and Mexico, and expresses its deep condolences to the the victims' families; (2) commits to provide the necessary resources for the relief and rebuilding of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico; (3) recognizes the growing international relief effort; and (4) encourages the Administration and other international donors to provide immediate and long-term assistance for the reconstruction of affected infrastructure. Expresses the sense of Congress that it should be U.S. policy: (1) to promote economic growth and improved living standards, reduce poverty, and promote democracy and the rule of law in the countries of Central America; (2) in concert with multilateral humanitarian organizations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank to support the reconstruction of affected communities; and (3) to encourage the governments of these countries to improve disaster mitigation techniques and compliance among key societal sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Reaffirms the continued importance and applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act (that prohibits the use of the Army or Air Force as a posse comitatus to execute the laws except under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress).
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Redistricting Reform 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 according to: (1) a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state; or (2) 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. Provides for: (1) establishment of a state independent bi-partisan 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; (5) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; (6) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting; (7) civil enforcement to carry out this Act; and (8) the right of action for a person who is aggrieved by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Commends: (1) the people of the Republic of Iraq for holding a successful referendum on a new constitution; and (2) Iraqi military and police forces for their excellent work to ensure that the referendum was held in a relatively peaceful manner. Recognizes Iraq's democratic progress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2006 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense; (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; (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. Allows the DNI, 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 FY2006 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DNI for FY2006 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY2006 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. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish an Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. Repeals superseded authority to establish such position under the Inspector General Act of 1978. Protects from public disclosure certain operational files: (1) within the Office of the DNI; and (2) of the DIA. Establishes: (1) a Deputy Director of the CIA; (2) an Assistant Attorney General for the NSA; and (3) a National Security Division of the Department of Justice.