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Resolution· HRESH.Res. 867 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) expresses its firm support for the efforts of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) to promote democracy around the world; (2) commends all Venezuelans who have peacefully exercised the political rights which are accorded to them under Venezuela's Constitution to resolve their differences by democratic means, and abhors all acts of political violence; (3) views charges filed against members of the Venezuelan civic organization known as Sumate of conspiring with NED to overthrow Venezuela's government as politically motivated; and (4) would welcome a decision by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela not to prosecute Venezuelan citizens, including citizens associated with Sumate, for activities that were protected under the laws and Constitution of Venezuela when those activities were carried out.
Bill· SS. 3016 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004
Asia Freedom Act of 2004 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to North and South East Asia (as defined by this Act) for: (1) humanitarian needs; (2) democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; (3) independent media; (4) free market systems; (5) security; (6) social programs; (7) environment; (8) political opposition; (9) parliamentary exchanges; and (10) migration. Sets forth specified funding authorities, including funding for: (1) security assistance; (2) an institute for reform in Asia; (3) law enforcement; (4) promotion of competitive elections; (5) political transitions; and (6) Taiwan and the Republic of Korea. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny entry visas to public or private individuals who have impeded human rights, the rule of law, and economic freedom in North and South East Asia. Directs the Secretary of State to maintain a database of individuals who may be denied entry. Expresses the sense of Congress that any democracy fund established by the United Nations (UN) in response to the September 21, 2004, speech by President George W. Bush to the UN General Assembly should be known as the ``Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Democracy Fund."
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 472 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Congratulates the people of Georgia on the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution, the peaceful and bloodless protests that followed parliamentary elections deemed to be fraudulent, and for their commitment to democracy, peace, stability, and economic opportunity. Commends President Mikheil Saakashvili for his vision of, and commitment to, a peaceful and democratic Georgia, the rule of law, an open market economy, regional cooperation, and closer integration into western institutions.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 113 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that whenever the right to choose the President devolves upon the House of Representatives, the Members of the House shall cast votes on an individual basis, and the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes cast by the Members shall be the President so long as such number is a majority of the votes cast.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 112 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the popular election of the President and Vice President under a new electoral system. (Abolishes the electoral college.)
Bill· SS. 2957 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 109 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President.
Bill· HRH.R. 5263 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to require, in order to determine that a democratically elected government exists in Cuba, the Cuban Government to prove its respect for the democratic rule of law by ceasing to provide a safe harbor to individuals who have been legally indicted or convicted of serious criminal offenses, including convicted felon William Morales and all other individuals who have fled from the United States to Cuba for the sole purpose of avoiding U.S. prosecution or confinement.
Bill· HRH.R. 5247 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Constantine Menges Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 838 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States deplores the past and continuing violation of the human rights and religious freedoms of minority populations in Arab countries; (2) with respect to Jews and Christians displaced from Arab countries, for any comprehensive Middle East peace agreement to be enduring, constitute an end to Middle East conflict, and provide for finality of all claims, the agreement must resolve all outstanding issues, including the rights of all peoples displaced from Arab countries; and (3) the United States will work to ensure that both the Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period and the permanent constitution are universally applied to all groups forced to leave Iraq. Urges the President to: (1) instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations and all U.S. representatives in bilateral and multilateral fora that, when the United States considers resolutions that allude to the issue of Middle East refugees, the U.S. delegation should ensure that the relevant text refers to multiple refugee populations that have been caused by the Arab-Israeli conflict and any explicit reference to the resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue is matched by a similar reference to the resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries; and (2) make clear that the United States supports the position that the issue of refugees and the mass violations of human rights of minorities in Arab countries must be resolved in a manner that includes redress for the rights of all refugees displaced from Arab countries and recognition that Jewish and Christian property, schools, and community property were lost as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Bill· SS. 2875 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
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 eligibility 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 801 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J.Res. 106) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.
Bill· HRH.R. 5141 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the alternative minimum tax treatment of incentive stock options. Makes this repeal applicable to options exercised in 2000 or thereafter regardless of when such options were granted. Allows a waiver of any rule of law preventing the payment of a refund or credit resulting from the enactment of this Act if a claim for a refund or credit is made within one year after enactment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 106 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
Bill· SS. 2808 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Celebrate the United States Constitution Day Act - Establishes as an annual legal public holiday Constitution Day, September 17, the date of the signing of the United States Constitution.
Bill· HRH.R. 5102 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Constantine Menges Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 104 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Makes eligible for the Office of the President non-native born persons who have held U.S. citizenship for at least 20 years and who are otherwise eligible to hold such Office.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 105 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a person from being a Senator or Representative in Congress who has not attained the age of twenty-one years (thus lowering the age qualification for Senators from 30 years and the age of Members of the House of Representatives from 25 years).
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 131 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Calls on the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to: (1) to stop funding religious activities that promote hatred, violence, and human rights violations; (2) stop providing diplomatic status to Islamic clerics and educators teaching outside of Saudi Arabia who are not legally entitled to such status; (3) close any Islamic affairs section of a Saudi embassy that has been responsible for propagating intolerance; (4) uphold the international commitments made by Saudi Arabia by respecting and protecting the human rights of citizens and foreigners of both sexes in Saudi Arabia; (5) ratify and comply with international human rights instruments and cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms; (6) implement promised judicial, political, economic, and educational reforms; (7) cease messages of hatred, intolerance, or incitement to violence against non-Wahhabi Muslims and non-Muslim religious groups in the educational curricula and textbooks, mosques, and media controlled by the Government of Saudi Arabia; (8) permit the establishment of independent organizations to advance human rights and to promote tolerance in Saudi Arabia; (9) safeguard the freedom of private worship for non-Muslims and for Muslims who do not follow the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam; (10) permit non-Wahhabi places of worship, such as churches, to function openly in special compounds or zones for foreigners or in unadorned buildings; and (11) permit the broadcasting of Radio Sawa throughout Saudi Arabia. Urges the President to: (1) raise public and private concerns with the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing violations of human rights, including the right to freedom of religion; (2) designate Saudi Arabia a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for the ongoing violations of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia; (3) encourage the Government of Saudi Arabia to implement judicial, political, economic, and educational reforms; (4) encourage the Government of Saudi Arabia to cease funding to propagate outside of Saudi Arabia any religious ideology that explicitly promotes hate, intolerance, and other human rights violations, including violence; (5) request that the Government of Saudi Arabia identify and provide an accounting of what kinds of support go to religious schools, mosques, centers of learning, and other religious organizations globally, including in the United States; (6) develop initiatives and programs in Saudi Arabia to advance human rights, including religious freedom, the rights of women, and the rule of law; and (7) report to Congress on U.S. efforts to raise concerns regarding human rights, including religious freedom, with the Government of Saudi Arabia, and the results of such efforts.
Bill· HRH.R. 4962 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
50 State Capitols Commemorative Currency Program - Amends Federal law governing coinage to declare that during the ten-year period beginning on January 1, 2005, the center panel of the reverse side of the $1 Federal reserve notes shall incorporate designs emblematic of the capitols or statehouses of the 50 States, with five States selected each year in the order in which they ratified the Constitution of the United States or were admitted into the Union. Proscribes representation of any head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, or any portrait of a living person in the design of a State capitol or statehouse on any such $1 Federal reserve note.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 101 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Constitutional Amendment - States that the right of a citizen to vote in a presidential election shall not be denied or abridged on account of residency in a territory or commonwealth of the United States.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 747 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Recognizes the 140th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution on December 6, 1865, and 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 726 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) commends the people and Government of Serbia for conducting a democratic presidential election; (2) supports continued democratic reforms in Serbia and urges President Tadic and Prime Minister Kostunica to continue the reform processes; and (3) recognizes the importance of strengthening regional stability and democracy in the Balkans and encourages and supports the integration of Serbia and Montenegro into Euro-Atlantic institutions.
Bill· SS. 2619 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Designates the annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., as the Judge William B. Bryant Annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 40 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Federal Marriage Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
Bill· HRH.R. 4728 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004
Promoting Responsible Interrogation Standards Enforcement Act of 2004 or PRISE Act of 2004 - 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 the government of a foreign country for the purpose of obtaining information from an individual held in custody 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. Modifies the definition of "United States" for purposes of the prohibition against torture to mean the several States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions.
Law· HRH.R. 4548 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2005, 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 2005 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 2005, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 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 permitted by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4559 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
Post-Conflict Trade Recovery Act - Authorizes the President to designate any country emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed conflict as a beneficiary country if the country: (1) 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) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests; (3) 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) is not listed by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism, and cooperates fully in international efforts to combat terrorism; and (5) otherwise meets specified eligibility criteria of the Trade Act of 1974. Provides that if a country fails to meet the requirements of clause (1), but otherwise meets the rest of the requirements, the President may designate the country as a beneficiary country if determined that such designation will be in the national economic or security interest of the United States and reports the determination to Congress and the reason therefor. Authorizes the President to designate articles as eligible for duty-free treatment from all beneficiary countries for purposes of this Act by Executive order or presidential proclamation after receiving the advice of the International Trade Commission. Prescribes the rule of origin for eligible articles imported directly from beneficiary countries. Terminates on December 31, 2011, the duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment extended to beneficiary countries under this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 657 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the joint resolution (H. J. Res. 83) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the appointment of individuals to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 4428 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
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 eligibility 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 652 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) looks forward to the development of cordial relations between the United States and the Republic of Belarus; (2) emphasizes that a precondition for the integration of Belarus into the Western community of nations is its establishment of a democratic political system; (3) expresses its support for the efforts of the Belarusian people to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Belarus; and (4) urges the Government of Belarus to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for its 2004 parliamentary elections.
Bill· SS. 2386 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 2005 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy, and Justice; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2004 2005, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), 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 2004 2005 (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 DCI for FY 2004 2005 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 FY 2004 2005 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. Permits the use of authorized funds for counterdrug and counterterrorism activities for Colombia. Requires the DCI to carry out pilot programs of the feasibility of: (1) permitting intelligence community (IC) analysts to access and analyze intelligence from other IC elements, including NSA signals intelligence; and (2) training students for employment as intelligence analysts. Directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to jointly sponsor not less than two workshops on the coordination of Federal research on the use of behavioral, psychological, and physiological assessments of individuals in the conduct of security evaluations. Protects CIA personnel authorized to carry firearms and NSA employees performing special police functions from tort liability when reasonably acting within the scope of their employment. Provides for the protection of NSA operational files. Authorizes DOD funds to be used by DOD IC personnel to award personal service contracts in carrying out authorized missions. Makes permanent (currently expires after September 30, 2003) the CIA voluntary separation incentive program. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the DCI to take certain actions to: (1) protect from unauthorized disclosure intelligence operations, the identities of undercover intelligence officers, intelligence sources and methods, or intelligence cover mechanisms; or (2) meet special requirements of work related to the collection of foreign intelligence or other authorized activities. Permits the use of funds currently authorized for counterdrug activities in Colombia for counterterroism and emergency human health activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4294 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Designates the annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., as the Judge William B. Bryant Annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 96 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes Congress, by law and with the approval of two thirds of each House, 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 members appointed pursuant to a law enacted to carry out this article 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 which begins on the first day of the temporary member's service, whichever occurs earlier.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 410 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2004
States that Congress recognizes: (1) the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a staunch ally of the United States, committed to principles of democracy and freedom for the Pacific region and throughout the world.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 94 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes English as the official language of the United States.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 35 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution (election of Senators). Requires a State legislature to make appointments to the Senate (currently, the people of such State elect the Senators). Provides that if vacancies happen by resignation or otherwise, during the recess of any State legislature, the State executive may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.
Bill· SS. 2323 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - 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 by reason of 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 the constitutional law and English common law. 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.
Bill· SS. 2305 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
Greater Middle East and Central Asia Development Act of 2004 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to countries (excluding those countries supporting international terrorism) in the Greater Middle East and Central Asia to promote economic and political freedoms, free trade, and private sector development, including working with other donors and the countries of the Greater Middle East and Central Asia to establish: (1) a Greater Middle East and Central Asia Development Bank to promote private sector development, trade, including intra-regional trade, and investment in the Greater Middle East and Central Asia; (2) a multilateral Greater Middle East and Central Asia Development Foundation to assist in the administration and implementation of assistance programs, including public-private programs, with emphasis on programs at the grass-roots level; and (3) a multilateral, public-private Trust for Democracy to support grass-roots development of civil society, democratic reform, good governance practices, and rule of law reform in the Greater Middle East and Central Asia. Defines "Greater Middle East and Central Asia'' as the 22 nations of the Arab world (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine/West Bank/Gaza, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen), Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State and the heads of other Government agencies should consider new approaches for the coordination of political and economic support for the countries of the Greater Middle East and Central Asia; and (2) the Secretary should consider appointing a Coordinator for Assistance to the Greater Middle East and Central Asia. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require congressional notification of fund obligations under this Act.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 92 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that upon the death of a person elected as Representative, the duties and powers of that office shall be discharged by his or her designated successor as Acting Representative until a new Representative is elected. Declares that whenever a: (1) person elected as Representative transmits to the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he or she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his or her office, and until a written declaration to the contrary is transmitted, such powers and duties shall be discharged by his or her designated successor as Acting Representative; and (2) whenever a majority of the potential successors of a person elected as Representative transmit to the Speaker their written declaration that such person is unable to discharge the powers and duties of such office, that person's designated successor shall immediately assume the powers and duties of that office as Acting Representative and thereafter, when the person elected as Representative transmits to the Speaker his or her written declaration that no such inability exists, he or she shall assume or resume such powers and duties. Allows each person elected as Representative to appoint, in ranked order, between three and five potential successors, provided that such appointments are transmitted to the Speaker in a publicly available written declaration no earlier than one year and no later than 60 days before the date such person is elected as Representative. Makes the designated successor the highest ranked potential successor appointed in conformance with this article who meets the qualifications for office, or if no such person exists, a person meeting such qualifications appointed by the executive authority of the same State. Makes such appointments effective during the term of office for which the person elected as Representative has been elected. Provides for the same procedures in the Senate, upon the death of a person elected as Senator or whenever a person elected as Senator transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate a written declaration that he or she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his or her office, and until he or she transmits a written declaration to the contrary. Authorizes a Senator to make or revise his or her written appointment of potential successors no earlier than one year and no later than 60 days before a date established by Congress for the regular election of Senators and Representatives. Makes such midterm appointment or revision effective on the next date established by the U.S. Constitution for the beginning and ending of the terms of Senators and Representatives. Amends the 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal the authority of a State legislature to empower the State executive to make temporary appointments in the Senate until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
Bill· HRH.R. 4118 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
American Justice for American 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.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 325 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States deplores the past and continuing violation of the human rights and religious freedoms of minority populations in Arab countries; (2) with respect to Jews and Christians displaced from Arab countries, for any comprehensive Middle East peace agreement to be enduring, constitute an end to Middle East conflict, and provide for finality of all claims, the agreement must resolve all outstanding issues, including the rights of all peoples displaced from Arab countries; and (3) the United States will work to ensure that both the Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period and the permanent constitution are universally applied to all groups forced to leave Iraq. Urges the President to: (1) instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations and all U.S. representatives in bilateral and multilateral fora that, when the United States considers resolutions that allude to the issue of Middle East refugees, the U.S. delegation should ensure that the relevant text refers to multiple refugee populations that have been caused by the Arab-Israeli conflict and any explicit reference to the resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue is matched by a similar reference to the resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries; and (2) make clear that the United States supports the position that the issue of refugees and the mass violations of human rights of minorities in Arab countries must be resolved in a manner that includes redress for the rights of all refugees displaced from Arab countries and recognition that Jewish and Christian property, schools, and community property were lost as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Law· HRH.R. 4011 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the human rights of North Koreans should remain a key concern in future negotiations between the United States, North Korea, and other parties in Northeast Asia; (2) the United States should increase its support for radio broadcasting to North Korea; (3) the United Nations has a significant role to play in promoting and improving human rights in North Korea; (4) the United States should pursue an international agreement to adopt a `first asylum' policy, modeled on the first asylum policy for Vietnamese refugees, that guarantees safe haven to North Korean refugees; (5) the Government of China has obligated itself to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with unimpeded access to North Koreans inside its borders to enable UNHCR to determine whether they are refugees and whether they require assistance; and (6) the United States should promote measures similar to humanitarian parole or temporary protected status granted in countries that neighbor North Korea. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to promote human rights, democracy, rule of law, and the development of a market economy in North Korea; (2) increase the availability of information inside North Korea by increasing the availability of information sources not controlled by the Government of North Korea; (3) provide assistance to the World Food Program and to U.S. nongovernmental organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to North Koreans inside North Korea; and (4) provide assistance to organizations or persons that provide humanitarian assistance or legal assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the permission of the Government of North Korea. Prohibits U.S. agency humanitarian or nonhumanitarian assistance to the Government of North Korea without certification that North Korea has taken steps to ensure the humanitarian, nonpolitical use of such assistance. States that for refugee or asylum status under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a national of the Democratic Republic of Korea shall not be considered a national of the Republic of Korea. Directs the Secretary of State to designate natives or citizens of North Korea who were subjected to disproportionately harsh or discriminatory treatment for their political or religious beliefs as a priority refugee group. Provides, with respect to qualifying citizens and nationals of North Korea, for: (1) parole entry; (2) status adjustment to permanent resident; and (3) temporary protected status.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 572 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.J. Res. 83 (Constitutional Amendment to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives).
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 30 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Federal Marriage Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 392 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2004
Calls for the adoption of a Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism (SMART) security platform for the 21st century. Sets forth various ways in which such platform will: (1) prevent future acts of terrorism by strengthening international institutions and respect for the rule of law; (2) reduce the threat and stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction and reduce proliferation of conventional weapons; (3) address root causes of terrorism and violent conflict in the Middle East and other regions; (4) shift U.S. budget priorities to fulfill unmet security needs; and (5) pursue to the fullest extent alternatives to war.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 564 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) acknowledges the belief that the United States and the world have been made safer with the removal of Saddam Hussein and his regime from power in Iraq, and the belief that a final judgment on the value of activities in Iraq cannot be made until Iraq is stable and secure; (2) commends the Iraqi people for their courage in the face of unspeakable oppression and brutality inflicted on them by Saddam Hussein's regime; (3) commends the Iraqi people on the adoption of Iraq's interim constitution; (4) commends the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service; (5) expresses deep sorrow and regret for the deaths of more than 550 and the wounding of more than 3,500 U.S. armed forces members in Iraq and extends support to their families; and (6) expresses sorrow and regret for the deaths in Iraq of U.S. civilians, U.N. personnel, unknown numbers of Iraqi civilians, and other noncombatants. States that the House of Representatives urges the President to: (1) take all steps necessary to ensure that U.S. armed forces members in Iraq receive the best force protection equipment available, including protective body armor and extra-armored wheeled vehicle; (2) ensure that U.S. armed forces members who suffer wounds or other injuries, or who incur illness while serving in Iraq receive high-quality health care to treat the short-term and long-term consequences of such wounds, injuries, and illnesses; (3) recognize the key contributions made by members of the reserve components of the armed forces, and their families, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and, in consultation with Congress, to address the civilian-military pay disparity that exists for many Reserve and Guard personnel when ordered to active duty; (4) acknowledge that there were serious deficiencies in U.S. pre-war intelligence on Iraq, particularly in light of the failure to find any evidence of significant weapons of mass destruction stockpiles, and to take steps to improve intelligence so that United States troops are better protected and future United States national security strategies are better informed; (5) request sufficient funding to fully support U.S. military operations in Iraq and the surrounding region in order to ensure the safety and well-being of U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and the surrounding region; (6) obtain international participation in the securing, reconstruction, and political development of Iraq, including the protection of women's and children's rights; and (7) take steps to correct the failure of the United States Government to plan adequately for the post-war occupation of Iraq, including the failure to integrate internal United States Government studies and outside expert opinions that predicted the onset of guerrilla activity and described how to promote effective reconstruction, democratization, and civil society development activities, and the failure to apply those studies and opinions today in order to improve current U.S. reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 563 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns the repressive crackdown by the Government of Cuba against the internal opposition and the independent press, and expresses its admiration and solidarity with these groups; (2) demands that the Government of Cuba release all political prisoners, legalize all political parties, labor unions, and the press, and hold free and fair elections; (3) declares the acts of the Castro regime, including its widespread and systematic violation of human rights, to be in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; (4) declares that the rule of law for the Cuban people should guarantee each and every fundamental and inalienable right; and (5) calls for the passage of a resolution at the 60th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that holds the Government of Cuba accountable for its gross violations of human rights and civil liberties.
Bill· SS. 2205 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Authorizes the President to extend unconditional and permanent nondiscriminatory (permanent normal trade relations) treatment to the products of the Ukraine. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States remain fully committed to a multifaceted engagement with Ukraine, including by: (1) urging Ukraine to fulfill its commitments as a participating member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and to continue its current policy with regard to human rights, rule of law, and media freedoms; (2) working with Ukraine to improve in the areas of its legal regime and enforcement of internationally recognized labor rights; (3) supporting Ukraine's efforts to make substantial and meaningful progress in enacting and enforcing the protection of intellectual property rights; (4) working with Ukraine to ensure quick resolution of trade disputes that may arise, particularly in the poultry and other agricultural sectors; and (5) continued monitoring by the United States of human rights, rule of law, and media freedoms in Ukraine, including the issues described in this Act, providing assistance to nongovernmental organizations and human rights groups involved in human rights, democracy, and rule of law activities in Ukraine, and attempting to establish annual discussions with Ukraine regarding those issues, including the participation of United States and Ukrainian nongovernmental organizations in such discussions. Applies to Ukraine to the same extent as to the People's Republic of China, so long as the 1992 trade agreement between the United States and Ukraine remains in force, the requirement of the Trade Act of 1974 that the President proclaim increased duties or other import restrictions with respect to any product of Ukraine being imported into the United States in such increased quantities or under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause market disruption to U.S. producers of a like or directly competitive product. Sets forth procedures with respect to: (1) notification by the President to Congress regarding U.S. entry into a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on the terms of accession by Ukraine to the World Trade Organization; (2) a resolution of disapproval of such agreement; and (3) procedures for consideration of the resolution.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 29 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of 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.