Rule of law

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to authorize the President to reduce or disapprove any appropriation in any bill presented by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to reduce or disapprove appropriations in any bill, order, resolution, or vote, which is presented to the President. 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.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Empowers Congress to enact a line-item veto.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should support democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in the Republic of Nicaragua and work cooperatively with regional and international organizations to bolster Nicaraguan efforts to establish the requisite conditions for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive presidential and legislative elections in 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Condemns: (1) the Aleman-Ortega Pact as detrimental to democracy in the Republic of Nicaragua and to regional stability; and (2) the Pact-controlled National Assembly's anti-democratic actions, including efforts to remove democratically-elected President Enrique Bolanos on dubious legal grounds. Supports the efforts of Nicaraguan democratic civil society to create conditions for free and fair elections. Empresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to support democratic political forces in Nicaragua for a full restoration of democracy; and (2) the President of the United States, through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), should provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations in support of President Bolanos' call for the international community to assist in and monitor the 2006 election.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that reciting the pledge of allegiance by students attending public schools contributes to the moral foundation of our Nation and urging the Supreme Court to uphold the pledge's constitutionality.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the national pledge of allegiance recited by public school students is constitutional under the First Amendment to the Constitution; and (2) the Supreme Court, accordingly, should uphold the constitutionality of such practices.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to authorize the line item veto.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President, in the case of any bill, order, resolution, or vote presented to the President by the House of Representatives and the Senate, to decline to approve in whole any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, any item of new direct spending, or any tax benefit.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to a court decision relating to the Pledge of Allegiance.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the phrase "one Nation, under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance; and (2) voluntary recitation of the Pledge in public school classrooms should be encouraged. Recognizes and commends the Elk Grove Unified School District in California for its continued support of the Pledge. Urges the Attorney General to appeal the ruling in Newdow, et al. v. U.S. Congress, et al. (holding that the policy of daily teacher-led recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school students violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution) to the Supreme Court.

A resolution expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Expresses the Senate's disapproval of the decision by the U.S. District Court in Newdow, et al. v. U.S. Congress, et al. (holding that the policy of daily teacher-led recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school students violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution). Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to continue to cooperate fully with the Attorney General in such case to vigorously defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.

A resolution expressing Support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Expresses the Senate's disapproval of the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Newdow, et al. v. U.S. Congress, et al. (holding that the policy of daily teacher-led recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school students violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution). Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to continue to cooperate fully with the Attorney General in such case to vigorously defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States Supreme Court should speedily find the use of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools to be consistent with the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Supreme Court should speedily find the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools to be consistent with the Constitution.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance and on United States currency.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance or on U.S. currency shall not be construed as affecting the establishment of religion under the first article of amendment of the Constitution.

PROTECTING STREET CHILDREN: VIGILANTES OR THE RULE OF LAW?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 September 2005

National Constitution Center Operations Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2005

National Constitution Center Operations Act - Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center (NCC) for the operation of the NCC, including a requirement that revenues from the operation of the NCC be made available to the NCC (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses, and requirements that the NCC: (1) maintain appropriate risk insurance; (2) maintain its tax-exempt status; and (3) report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest. Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the federal government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System.

Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options Act - Establishes a Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options. Directs the Commission to: (1) study all matters relating to increasing beneficiary-selected or beneficiary-directed options for social service delivery (delivery options) in federal social service programs, including certificate, scholarship, voucher, or other forms of indirect delivery; (2) review all relevant existing programs, including initiatives of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and (3) determine and recommend program areas for which it is appropriate and feasible to implement such delivery options fully or partially. Requires the Commission to promote goals of: (1) expanding consumer and beneficiary choice in such programs; (2) maximizing use of governmental resources in them; and (3) minimizing concerns relating to any precedent under the Constitution regarding participation in them of faith-based providers.

A resolution encouraging the Transitional National Assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and to work to protect such rights.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Commends the Iraqi people's progress toward establishment of a representative democratic government. Recognizes: (1) the importance of ensuring women in Iraq have equal rights under the law and in society; and (2) the importance of ensuring women's rights in all legislation, with special attention to preserving women's equal rights under family, property, and inheritance laws. Encourages Iraq's Transitional National Assembly to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and to work to protect such rights. Expresses support for: (1) the continued participation of women in the Iraqi National Assembly and in all levels of the government; and (2) the efforts of Iraqi women to fully participate in a democratic Iraq.

To confer standing on State legislators and Governors to bring suit in Federal district court to preserve the residual core sovereignty of States under the Constitution as expressed in the Tenth Amendment, and to enforce the Guarantee Clause of the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Confers standing on any member of a state legislative body (upon the adoption of a resolution by the body authorizing suit on the state's behalf) and on the governor of a state to bring an action on the ground that a federal statute, rule, regulation, or program: (1) violates the residual core sovereign authority of the state under the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution; or (2) diminishes the republican form of government in the state.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to allow an item veto of appropriation bills.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to disapprove any item of appropriation in any bill. Declares that if any bill is approved by the President, any item of appropriation contained therein which is not disapproved shall become law. Requires the President to return with his objections any item of appropriation disapproved to the chamber in which the bill containing such item originated. Authorizes Congress, in the manner prescribed under the U.S. Constitution for bills disapproved by the President, to reconsider any item disapproved under this article.

PRISE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Promoting Responsible Interrogation Standards Enforcement Act of 2005 or PRISE Act of 2005 - Prohibits subjecting any person in U.S. custody to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, laws, or treaties. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) prescribe and submit to specified congressional committees the rules, regulations, or guidelines necessary to ensure compliance by members of the armed forces and by Department of Defense contractors; and (2) report to Congress at least twice each year on the circumstances surrounding any investigation of possible violations of such prohibition. Prohibits an officer or employee of the United States from: (1) providing assistance to a foreign government for the purpose of obtaining information from an individual held by that government if there is reason to believe that torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment will be utilized to obtain the information; and (2) encouraging or otherwise assisting such a government to transfer, render, expel, return, or extradite an individual to another country if there is reason to believe that the individual would be in danger of being subjected to torture.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that Federal district court judges be reconfirmed every ten years by the executive and legislative authorities of the State in which they serve.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Terminates the appointment of a judge of a court of general original jurisdiction established under Article III of this Constitution who sits in a state unless the legislative and executive authorities of that state approve that judge's continuation in office at least once every ten years after the judge's appointment.

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

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

Expressing the concern of House of Representatives regarding the amount of United States foreign assistance provided to Egypt over the past 25 years without meaningful political reforms by the Government of Egypt, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Calls on the government of Egypt to: (1) meet its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (2) repeal the state of emergency and allow full access to the constitutional and international guarantees of the rule of law and due process; (3) repeal a presidential decree banning members of the Baha'i community from practicing their faith; (4) take appropriate steps to prevent and punish acts of anti-Semitism, including anti-Semitic rhetoric in the government-controlled media; (5) investigate and prosecute acts of religious violence, and provide all places of worship with equal treatment and protection; and (6) reform the national educational curriculum to exclude promotion of religious, ethnic, or gender intolerance or violence. Calls on the government of the United States to: (1) negotiate an agreement with the government of Egypt to establish a timetable for political and human rights reforms, such that the dimensions and direction of economic assistance to Egypt will depend upon meeting certain agreed upon benchmarks; and (2) offer direct assistance without prior government approval to Egyptian human rights and other civil society groups which seek to strengthen democratic principles and promote the rule of law.

Calling on the Government of Venezuela to uphold the human rights and civil liberties of the people of Venezuela.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Expresses support for the people of Venezuela in their daily struggle for freedom, democratic self-governance, and the establishment of the rule of law. Calls on the government of Venezuela to: (1) abide by its obligations under international human rights treaties and international humanitarian law to ensure the rights of all individuals, irrespective of their political views; and (2) end killings, torture, and ill treatment by the police and military. Encourages: (1) the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) to monitor the human rights situation in Venezuela; and (2) the President and the Secretary of State to assist democracy and human rights activists and the nonviolent democratic opposition in Venezuela.

Encouraging the Transitional National Assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and to work to protect such rights.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Commends U.S. and coalition forces for liberating the Iraqi people from the repressive regime of Saddam Hussein and for their ongoing efforts in support of Iraq's freedom and stability. Recognizes: (1) the Iraqi people's progress toward establishment of a representative democratic government; (2) the importance of ensuring women in Iraq have equal rights under the law and in society; and (3) the Administration's commitment to ensuring that the Iraqi constitution grant full rights to women. Encourages Iraq's Transitional National Assembly to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and to work to protect such rights. Expresses support for the efforts of Iraqi women to fully participate in a democratic Iraq.

A concurrent resolution 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 · 22 July 2005

Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) urge the government of 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 United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to raise with Russian Federation officials issues relating to freedom of religion.

Somalia Comprehensive Peace and Economic Recovery Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005

Somalia Comprehensive Peace and Economic Recovery Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should assist the people of Somalia to establish a democratic government that is committed and able to fight terrorism and extremism; (2) the United States should provide training and support to the Transitional National Government of Somalia to fight terrorism and extremism; (3) strengthening civil society and grassroots efforts in Somalia will deny terrorist and extremists groups a fertile recruitment ground; and (4) Somaliland's political future should be resolved through negotiations between the government of Somaliland and the Transitional National Government of Somalia. Declares that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed against innocent civilians by warlords in many parts of Somalia, and that the responsible individuals should be held accountable for their actions. Authorizes the President to seek the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Somalia. Authorizes the President to: (1) support efforts to peacefully resolve the Somalia conflict, as well as to establish a representative form of government in Somalia; and (2) encourage Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) mediators to insist on broader participation in the new government of Somalia. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress in support of multilateral efforts to support peace and democracy in Somalia. Directs the President to impose sanctions (visa denial, freezing of assets, withholding of non-humanitarian assistance) if the Transitional National Government of Somalia or any regional authority in Somalia: (1) is not honoring or implementing the peace agreement; (2) is not cooperating in counterterrorism efforts; (3) is not respecting basic human rights and the rule of law; or (4) is engaged in unnecessary conflicts inside Somalia or with its neighbors. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for national security purposes. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for local efforts to promote human rights, the rule of law, and democracy in Somalia. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes.

HOUSE RESOLUTION ON THE APPROPRIATE ROLE OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 July 2005

Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005

Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2005 - Extends Federal recognition to: (1) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe. Sets forth the service areas of the various Tribes and requirements for the Tribes with respect to submission of a membership roll, adoption of a constitution, and election of officials. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain land transfers, to take specified lands into trust for the various Tribes' benefit.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the permissible uses for which private property may be taken.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any state or the United States from taking private property for the purpose of transferring possession of, or control over, that property to another private person, except for a public conveyance or transportation project.

Proposing a balanced budget amendment the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each House by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

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.