Rule of law

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

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

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

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

Borrower's Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

American Justice for Americans Citizens Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

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

United States-Libya Relations Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

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

For the relief of the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

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

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

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

OBSCENITY PROSECUTION AND THE CONSTITUTION

United States · United States Senate · 16 March 2005

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

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

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

Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2005

Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize an incapacitated person (person), or the person's next friend, to remove to the U.S. district court, for the district in which it arose or was heard, within 30 days after available State remedies have been exhausted, any claim or cause of action in which the State court authorizes or directs the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment necessary to sustain the person's life. Defines: (1) incapacitated person as a born individual presently incapable of making relevant decisions concerning the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of food, fluids or medical treatment under applicable law; and (2) next friend as an individual who has some significant relationship with the real party in interest, including a parent. Exempts from such removal authority any claim or cause of action in which no party disputes, and the court finds, that the incapacitated person, while having capacity, had executed a written advance directive valid under applicable law that clearly authorized the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment in the applicable circumstances. Requires the U.S. district court, in hearing and determining such a claim or cause of action removed under this Act, to consider only whether authorizing or directing the withholding or withdrawal of food or fluids or medical treatment necessary to sustain the person's life constitutes a deprivation of any right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Declares that: (1) the court shall determine any such claim or cause of action de novo; and (2) no bar or limitation based on abstention, res judicata, collateral estoppel, procedural default, or any other doctrine of issue or claim preclusion shall apply.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights for men and women.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - States that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights for men and women.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - States that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Requiring the House of Representatives to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment as part of the Constitution when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2005

Requires the House of Representatives, when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of such Amendment.

To extend trade benefits to certain tents imported into the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Directs the President to provide duty-free treatment for certain tents imported from Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen (beneficiary countries). Prohibits a country from being designated, and if designated, requires it to be withdrawn if it is: (1) listed by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism; or (2) engaged in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. Requires the President, after one year and annually thereafter, to review and determine if a basis exists for withdrawal of such duty-free treatment, taking into consideration: (1) whether or not each beneficiary country has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, the rule of law and the right to due process, political pluralism, and other specified economic and political goals; (2) the country's record on activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, and support of a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; (3) whether it is a signatory of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and is making continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of internationally recognized human rights; (4) the country's participation in the primary, secondary, or tertiary economic boycott of Israel; and (5) whether it otherwise meets specified ineligibility criteria of the Trade Act of 1974. Requires the President to terminate the designation of any beneficiary country determined no longer to meet the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the President to designate the Palestinian Authority or its successor political entity as a beneficiary political entity, which, if so designated, shall be eligible for the duty-free treatment under this Act as if it were a beneficiary country, if the Authority: (1) does not participate in acts of terrorism, takes active measures to combat terrorism, and cooperates fully in international efforts to combat terrorism; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests; (3) does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and is making continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of internationally recognized human rights; and (4) accepts Israel's right to exist in peace within secure borders. Requires the President to terminate the designation of the Authority if it is determined that the Authority no longer meets such requirements. Requires the President to notify Congress concerning the withdrawal of a country's or the Authority's designation. Prescribes the rule of origin for tents imported directly from beneficiary countries. Requires that the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in one or more beneficiary countries, plus the direct cost of processing operations performed in such beneficiary country or countries, be at least 35 percent of the appraised value of such article at the time it is entered into the U.S. customs territory.

Constitution Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Constitution Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an entity of Federal, State, or local government or an officer or agent of such government concerning that entity's, officer's, or agent's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than English constitutional and common law up to the time of adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution.

Constitution Restoration Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Constitution Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an entity of Federal, State, or local government or an officer or agent of such government concerning that entity's, officer's, or agent's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than English constitutional and common law up to the time of adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution.

Labor-Management Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Labor-Management Accountability Act - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to authorize the Secretary of Labor, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements (regarding constitution and bylaws, financial reports, securities, reports of the employer, and trusteeships), to require the person, labor organization, or employer responsible to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule that takes into account the nature of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations, and the responsible entity's revenues. Prohibits the Secretary from making any determination adverse to a person, labor organization, or employer until such person or entity has been given written notice and an opportunity to be heard. Specifies review procedures.

Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the arrest of Ayman Nour, the leader of the al-Ghad party, by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the support of Congress for continued progress toward democracy in Egypt.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Condemns the arrest of Ayman Nour, the leader of the Al Ghad party, by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Calls on the Government of Egypt to release Ayman Nour, and to ensure that if tried, he and his deputy, Mousa Mustafa, be charged and tried in a regular criminal court and not a State Security or State Security Emergency Court. Expresses support for: (1) the people of Egypt as they struggle for democracy; and (2) President George W. Bush's call for greater democracy in Egypt. Encourages: (1) the President and the Secretary of State to assist human rights activists and the nonviolent democratic opposition in Egypt; and (2) the People's Assembly of Egypt to follow through on President Mubarak's call for changes to the Egyptian Constitution that would permit direct, contested presidential elections.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to taxing the people of the United States progressively.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to tax all persons progressively in proportion to their income.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to equality of rights and reproductive rights.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Proposes that: (1) equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex; and (2) reproductive rights for women under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to full employment and balanced growth.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that every person has the right to: (1) work; (2) free choice of employment; (3) just and favorable conditions of work; (4) protection against unemployment; and (5) equal pay for equal work, without any discrimination. Provides that all persons who work have the right to: (1) just and favorable remuneration ensuring for themselves and their family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection; and (2) form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - States that all U.S. citizens shall have a right to decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Grants all persons the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President by the popular vote of all citizens of the United States regardless of place of residence.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 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 right to vote.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens who are eighteen years of age or older shall have the right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides. Requires each State to: (1) administer public elections in the State in accordance with election performance standards established by the Congress; and (2) provide any eligible voter the opportunity to register and vote on the day of any public election.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of citizens of the United States to health care of equal high quality.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that all persons shall enjoy the right to health care of equal high quality.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of all citizens of the United States to a public education of equal high quality.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all persons shall enjoy the right to a public education of equal high quality.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Condemns the arrest of more than 75 journalists, labor union organizers, civic leaders, librarians, and human rights activists as political prisoners in March 2003, and the Cuban regime's continuing crackdown against the internal opposition and the independent press. Demands that the Cuban regime release all political prisoners, legalize all political parties, labor unions, and the press, and hold free elections. Declares that the acts of the Cuban regime, including its widespread and systematic violation of human rights, violate the United Nations (UN) Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and that the rule of law should replace the rule of force in Cuba. Calls for: (1) the European Union (EU), as well as other countries and international organizations, to pressure the Cuban regime to improve its human rights record; and (2) UN member countries to vote against the Cuban regime's membership in the UN Commission on Human Rights, and for passage of a Commission resolution that holds the Cuban regime accountable for its gross violations of human rights and civil liberties.

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

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 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.

A bill to designate the annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 333 Constitution Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia as the "William B. Bryant Annex".

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005

Designates the annex to E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse located at Constitution Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia as the "William B. Bryant Annex." Makes this Act effective on the date on which Senior Judge William B. Bryant ceases to hold a position as an Article III judge.

English Language Unity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005

English Language Unity Act of 2005 - Declares English to be the official language of the United States. Establishes the affirmative obligation of the representatives of the Federal Government to preserve and enhance the role of the English language as the Government's official language. Requires the official functions of the Government to be conducted in English. Requires: (1) a uniform English language testing standard for U.S. naturalization; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English. Sets forth exceptions to, and rules of construction for, such requirements. Authorizes persons injured by violations of this Act to obtain appropriate relief in civil actions. Declares, as a general rule of construction, that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of the English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.