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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· HRH.R. 5146 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the phaseouts of the tax credit for qualified electric vehicles and of the tax deduction for clean-fuel vehicles. Allows a tax credit for investment in certain alternative motor vehicles, including fuel cell vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, hybrid motor vehicles, and alternative fuel motor vehicles. Sets forth formulae for determining the amount of such credit based on various factors, including vehicle weight and fuel efficiency ratings. Allows a tax-exempt cooperative organization to elect to apportion amounts of the small ethanol producer tax credit among its patrons on a pro rata basis. Increases from 30 to 60 million gallons the maximum productive capacity allowed to eligible small ethanol producers for purposes of qualifying for the tax credit. Allows a tax credit for biodiesel used as fuel. Allows a tax credit against the gasoline excise tax for alcohol fuel and biodiesel mixtures. Excludes from the export exemption from certain excise taxes the delivery of a taxable fuel into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle which is shipped or driven outside of the United States.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 794 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 1308 (Tax Relief, Simplification, and Equity Act of 2003).
Bill· HRH.R. 5125 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to extend the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States (currently terminated as of August 21, 2004) until the earlier of: (1) the date on which the Commission chairman and vice chairman determine that the Commission has done all it can to assist Congress with respect to the recommendations contained in its final report; or (2) July 24, 2007. Adds as Commission functions: (1) serving as a resource to the President and Congress with respect to the findings and recommendations contained in its final report and monitoring the progress of the President and Congress in implementing such recommendations; and (2) investigating and issuing a supplemental improvements made, and still required, in Federal, State, and local emergency communication and coordination. Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 788 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4423) making appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 790 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4473) making appropriations for the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 789 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4424) making appropriations for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 787 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 785 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Waives a specified requirement of rule XIII to provide for the consideration of H.R. 1308 (Tax Relief, Simplification, and Equity Act of 2003).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 786 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4421) making appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Bill· SS. 2824 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the wages and self-employment income of spouses of members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone or hospitalized while serving in a combat zone.
Bill· SS. 2826 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations to the District of Columbia for FY 2005, including amounts for the Federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for emergency planning and security costs in the District; (3) to District of Columbia Courts; (4) for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (5) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (including transfer of funds); (6) to the DC Water and Sewer Authority; (7) to the Department of Transportation in the District for the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative; (8) to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; (9) to the Unified Communications Center; (10) to the Department of Transportation in the District for a downtown circulator transit system and to offset a portion of the District's allocated operating subsidy payment to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; (11) for foster care improvement in the District; (12) to the Chief Financial Officer of the District (CFO); (13) for a school improvement program in the District; and (14) for construction of a bioterrorism and forensics laboratory in the District. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund and/or other funds for the current fiscal year for: (1) operating expenses (with limitations); (2) governmental direction and support; (3) economic development and regulation; (4) public safety and justice; (5) the public education system (including transfer of funds); (6) human support services (including transfer of funds); (7) public works; (8) the Cash Reserve; (9) the Emergency and Contingency Reserve Fund; (10) repayment of certain loans and interest; (11) payment of interest on short-term borrowing; (12) principal and interest payments on the District's Certificates of Participation, issued to finance the ground lease underlying the building located at One Judiciary Square; (13) refunds and the payment of legal settlements or judgments that have been entered against the District government; (14) the John A. Wilson Building; (15) workforce investments; (16) certain non-departmental agency costs; (17) pay-as-you-go capital in lieu of capital financing; (18) emergency planning and security costs; (19) the Old Convention Center Demolition Reserve; (20) a Tax Increment Financing Program; (21) the Pay-As-You-Go Contingency Fund; (22) the Water and Sewer Authority; (23) the Washington Aqueduct; (24) the Stormwater Permit Compliance Enterprise Fund; (25) the Lottery and Charitable Games Enterprise Fund; (26) the Sports and Entertainment Commission; (27) the District of Columbia Retirement Board; (28) the Washington Convention Center Enterprise Fund; (29) the National Capital Revitalization Corporation; (30) the University of the District of Columbia; (31) the Unemployment Compensation Fund; (32) the District of Columbia Personnel Trust Fund; (33) the District of Columbia Public Library Trust Fund; and (34) capital outlay (including rescissions). Earmarks funds, under specified conditions, out of the CFO's revised revenue estimate to the: (1) Office of Property Management; (2) D.C. Public Library; (3) D.C. Police and Firefighters Retirement and Relief Board; and (4) Police and Fire Clinic.
Bill· HRH.R. 5113 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Emergency Loan Abuse Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reduce certain special allowance payments to holders of student loans. Appropriates, for each fiscal year after enactment of this Act, an additional amount to increase the maximum Pell grant for that fiscal year. Makes such amount equal to the amount by which expenditures for such special allowances are reduced by this Act for that fiscal year, as determined by the Congressional Budget Office.
Bill· HRH.R. 5110 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Comprehensive Long-Term Care Support Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income (available for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions) for the cost of long-term care premiums for the taxpayer and certain family members, including the taxpayer's spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants. Phases in the deduction by allowing the deduction of 50 percent of the cost of premiums in 2005, 75 percent in 2006, and 100 percent in 2007 or thereafter. Allows long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-qualified cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. Allows a tax credit for caregivers of individuals with long-term health care needs. Phases in a $3,000 credit amount for 2009 or thereafter, beginning with $1,000 in 2005, $1,500 in 2006, $2,000 in 2007, and $2,500 in 2008. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns), adjusted for inflation after 2005. Increases funding for the the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5114 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Agricultural Bond Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt agricultural bonds from the volume cap applicable to private activity bonds; (2) permit a Federal guarantee of an agricultural bond under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act without loss of tax exemption; (3) increase the loan limit on agricultural bonds to $450,000 and index such limit amount for inflation after 2004; and (4) eliminate the dollar limitation in the definition of substantial farmland used for agricultural bonds.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 780 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Waives a specified requirement of rule XIII with respect to a reported resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 1308 (Tax Relief, Simplification, and Equity Act of 2003).
Bill· SS. 2807 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers boxes, containers, receptacles, bins, or similar articles used by a potato farmer for hauling potatoes.
Bill· SS. 2806 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Transportation, Treasury, and General Government Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (3) the Federal Highway Administration (FHA); (4) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (6) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), earmarking a specified amount for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (7) the Federal Transit Administration (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (9) the Maritime Administration; (10) the Research and Special Programs Administration; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Surface Transportation Board; (13) the Department of the Treasury; (14) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (15) the Financial Management Service; (16) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; (17) the United States Mint; (18) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (19) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (20) the Executive Office of the President; (21) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (22) Committee For Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (23) the Election Assistance Commission; (24) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (25) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (26) the Federal Maritime Commission; (27) the General Services Administration (GSA); (28) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (29) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (30) the National Archives and Records Administration; (31) the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); (32) the Office of Government Ethics; (33) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (34) the Office of Special Counsel; (35) the United States Postal Service; and (36) the United States Tax Court.
Bill· HRH.R. 5093 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the increased expensing allowance ($100,000) for depreciable business property. Increases to $500,000 the income threshold for reducing the expensing allowance and makes such threshold amount permanent. Provides for an inflation adjustment to the allowance and the threshold. Allows a credit against alternative minimum tax liability for the work opportunity tax credit, the welfare to work tax credit, and the tax credit for increasing research activities. Provides for a minimum standard tax deduction of $2,500 for expenses for the business use of a home. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to: (1) increase the minimum wage for tipped employees to $3.25 beginning on October 1, 2005; (2) exempt from minimum wage requirements employers with less than ten employees; (3) phase in an increase of the minimum wage to $6.50 beginning October 1, 2007; and (4) phase in an increase in the gross volume of sales amount applicable to the small business exemption from minimum wage requirements. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude from income determinations under the supplemental security income programs minimum wage income that exceeds certain earned income.
Bill· HRH.R. 5098 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Comptroller of the Currency Accountability Act -Amends Federal law to prohibit the Comptroller of the Currency from incurring any obligation for administrative expenses in carrying out authorized activities for any fiscal year in excess of the amount provided in advance in an appropriation Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5094 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit premature distributions from certain tax-exempt retirement plans without penalty to individuals residing or holding real property within an area declared by the President as a disaster area due to a natural disaster at least part of which occurred in 2004, if such distributions are made within six months after the disaster declaration.
Bill· HRH.R. 5079 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Reservists' Employment Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for employing a military reservist as a full time employee for a three-year period. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 and allows the credit to be taken in the taxable year in which the military reservist's three-year employment period ends. Allows an inflation adjustment to the credit amount after 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5090 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Natural Gas Production Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify an onshore well from a formation more than 15,000 feet deep for the tax credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source.
Bill· HRH.R. 5080 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Veterans' Employment Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for employing a veteran as a full-time employee for a three-year period. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 and allows the credit to be taken in the taxable year in which the veteran's three-year employment period ends. Allows an inflation adjustment to the credit amount beginning after 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5095 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Medicare Equity Act of 2004 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that the monthly part B premium rates for any period after December 31, 2004, shall be the monthly premium rate in effect for a month in 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 35 to 36 percent the top rate of individual income tax.
Bill· SS. 2797 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Textbook Affordability Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include the cost of books required for enrollment or attendance at an institution of higher education in the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses. Limits the amount of such deduction to $1,000 with a prorated reduction for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $65,000 (adjusted for inflation). Makes the tax deduction for such books permanent.
Bill· HRH.R. 5078 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the phaseouts of the tax credit for qualified electric vehicles and of the tax deduction for clean-fuel vehicles. Allows a tax credit for investment in certain alternative motor vehicles, including fuel cell vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, hybrid motor vehicles, and alternative fuel motor vehicles. Sets forth formulae for determining the amount of such credit based on various factors, including vehicle weight and fuel efficiency ratings. Allows a tax-exempt cooperative organization to elect to apportion amounts of the small ethanol producer tax credit among its patrons on a pro rata basis. Increases from 30 to 60 million gallons the maximum productive capacity allowed to eligible small ethanol producers for purposes of qualifying for the tax credit. Allows a tax credit for biodiesel used as fuel. Allows a tax credit against the gasoline excise tax for alcohol fuel and biodiesel mixtures. Excludes from the export exemption from certain excise taxes the delivery of a taxable fuel into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle which is shipped or driven outside of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 5074 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Health Insurance Affordability Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction from gross income for the health insurance costs of an individual taxpayer.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 770 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5025) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Treasury, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5069 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and maintain special access programs associated with research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition of technology. Directs: (1) the Secretary to submit to Congress certain budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; and (2) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to transmit to Congress a summary of the solicitations and resulting contracts and grants awarded in the past fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of: (1) the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology; and (2) the methods used by the Directorate for the prioritization of science and technology projects among and within research portfolios. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) the establishment or expansion of professional development programs and associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (2) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with foreign governments that are U.S. allies in the war on terrorism and have extensive experience in counterterrorism. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Geospatial Management Office; and (2) a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5067 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2004 - Restricts a State from imposing its income tax on the salary of a nonresident individual employed in such State to the period when such individual is physically present and working in such State. Prohibits a State from deeming such an individual to be present or working in such State on the grounds that such individual is present or working at home (in another State) for the individual's convenience.
Bill· HRH.R. 5065 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Amends Federal law to repeal specified provisions pertaining to real property taxation in the Virgin Islands.
Bill· SS. 2787 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2004
Amends the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 to authorize: (1) appropriations for concessional loan debt reduction for developing countries with tropical forests; (2) specified amounts for program audits and evaluations; and (3) principal and interest payments in local currency (under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954).
Bill· SS. 2782 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of a voluntary, personal Social Security investment program under a new part B (Personal Social Security Savings Program) where a participating individual is able to invest in tax free personal accounts in a way that is similar to the way Federal employees invest in the Thrift Savings Program. Establishes in the Treasury the Social Security Personal Savings Fund, with personal Social Security savings accounts for deposit of the redirected Social Security contributions of participating individuals as mechanisms for crediting to such individuals amounts held in the Tier I Investment Fund, the Tier II Investment Fund, and Tier III Investment Options, also hereby established. Prescribes rules for personal Social Security savings annuity and other distributions. Establishes in the executive branch of the Government a Personal Social Security Savings Account Board to administer the new part B program. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for adjustment of primary insurance amounts in relation to deposits made to personal Social Security accounts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the recapture of corporate tax on account yields and of Government savings over baseline. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt the Social Security Personal Savings Fund and each Tier III Investment Option from income taxation. Subjects a personal Social Security savings account to taxes imposed on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Excludes from a distributee's gross income any qualified distribution from amounts credited to a personal Social Security savings account from the Social Security Personal Savings Fund or held in a Tier III Investment Option. Creates in the Treasury the Self-Liquidating Social Security Transition Fund for the deposit of OASDI trust fund surplus for the preceding year. Amends SSA to provide for accounting for the OASDI program and the individual Social Security investment program. Amends SSA title VII to prescribe the budgetary treatment of the Social Security trust funds, the Social Security Personal Savings Fund, and taxes on self-employment income and FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions) taxes.
Bill· SS. 2785 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2004 - Restricts a State from imposing its income tax on the salary of a nonresident individual employed in such State to the period when such individual is physically present and working in such State. Prohibits a State from deeming such an individual to be present or working in such State on the grounds that such individual is present or working at home (in another State) for the individual's convenience.
Bill· HRH.R. 5040 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 5030 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Invest in American Workers Act of 2004 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision. Defines service sector firm as an entity engaged in the business of providing information technology or other high technology services. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to include: (1) a shift, by such worker's firm or its subdivision to a foreign country, in provision of services, like or directly competitive with services provided by the service sector's firm or its subdivision; and (2) the situation where a worker's firm or its subdivision obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Requires the Secretary of Labor to certify as eligible to apply for TAA any adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the establishment of industrywide programs for new service development. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Trade Adjustment Assistance for Communities Program at the Department of Commerce. Authorizes: (1) an eligible community to develop a strategic plan for community economic adjustment and diversification; (2) the Secretary of Commerce, upon receipt of an application from the community, to award a grant for such development and, upon approval of the plan, a grant to carry out any certified project or program to be included in the plan; and (3) additional grants, under specified conditions, to provide the non-Federal share of a project. Waives the time limitation on the use of eligibility and entitlement to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for certain veterans who file claims for unemployment compensation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for health insurance costs of eligible individuals. Repeals the limitation on penalty-free distributions from individual retirement plans to unemployed individuals for health insurance premiums.
Bill· HRH.R. 5025 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (3) the Federal Highway Administration (FHA); (4) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (6) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), earmarking a specified amount for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (7) the Federal Transit Administration (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (9) the Maritime Administration; (10) the Research and Special Programs Administration; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Surface Transportation Board; (13) the Department of the Treasury; (14) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (15) the Financial Management Service; (16) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; (17) the United States Mint; (18) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (19) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (20) the Executive Office of the President; (21) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (22) the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); (23) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (24) the Election Assistance Commission; (25) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (26) the Federal Maritime Commission; (27) the General Services Administration (GSA); (28) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (29) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (30) the National Archives and Records Administration; (31) the Office of Government Ethics; (32) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (33) the Office of Special Counsel; (34) the United States Postal Service; and (35) the United States Tax Court.
Bill· SS. 2774 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 5023 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or other scientific or technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months. Requires that such payments be disregarded by an institution of higher learning when determining any financial assistance that may be available to such doctoral candidate.
Bill· HRH.R. 5013 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise disclosure requirements for tax-exempt political organizations. Requires such an organization to make monthly reports in any election year in which it accepts contributions or makes expenditures of $25,000 or more. Requires quarterly reports for organizations with less than $25,000 in contributions or expenditures, but requires a change to monthly reporting upon receipt of contributions in excess of $25,000 or the making of expenditures greater than $25,000. Requires: (1) pre-election and post-election reports; and (2) semiannual reports in years in which a regularly scheduled election is not held. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to take actions to increase disclosure to the public of tax-exempt political organization reporting; and (2) the Secretary and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to take actions to improve the linkage between the databases for public disclosure of election related information maintained by the Department of the Treasury and the FEC.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 754 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5006) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
Bill· SS. 2762 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 with respect to duty-free treatment for ethyl alcohol and mixtures of it for fuel use if they are indigenous products of a U.S. insular possession or Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary country. Revises the formula for the local feedstock requirement and the definition of base quantity.
Bill· SS. 2733 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
National Enterprise Zone Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize: (1) the governor of a State or U.S. territory or the Mayor of the District of Columbia to nominate by written application one or more enterprise zones for consideration by the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) any resident of an enterprise zone, including estates, trusts, and corporations (other than S corporations), to elect an alternative income tax based upon National Enterprise Zone taxable income. Sets forth: (1) procedures for applications and eligibility criteria for designating an enterprise zone, including population, poverty, and unemployment rate requirements; and (2) rules for determining National Enterprise Zone taxable income for individuals and corporations residing in such a Zone. Requires all jurisdictions seeking enterprise zone designations to be in substantial compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and certain tax laws.
Bill· SS. 2767 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Small Business Economic Stimulus Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) permanently, the research and development tax credit; (2) a bonus depreciation; and (3) an increased limitation for expensing depreciable business assets. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for the Office of Export Trading Company Affairs to carry out the Export Trading Company Act of 1982. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the amount of the annual authorization of appropriations for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency requirements. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises requirements relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements.
Bill· SS. 2761 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Heartland Investment and Rural Employment (HIRE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to agricultural cooperatives (Subchapter T), including concerning marketing rules, declaratory judgment relief, treatment of dividends on cooperative stock, and apportionment of credits among patrons of such cooperatives. Establishes a Subchapter T Commission to study the provisions of such Subchapter and make recommendations for change. Revises provisions relating to the self-employment income of farmers and other small business owners, including provisions relating to agricultural bonds, income averaging, involuntary conversions of livestock, and rules relating to Subchapter S corporations and subsidiaries. Allows individuals (currently limited to C corporations) a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food. Allows taxpayers engaged in a farming or commercial fishing business a tax deduction for contributions to a Farm, Fishing and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account). Repeals occupational taxes on producers and marketers of alcoholic beverages. Enacts or amends provisions relating to investment in rural areas, allowing for a rural investment tax credit and a rural small business investment credit. Allows for the expansion of renewal community areas based on 2000 census data. Enacts or amends provisions relating to Indian tribal governments and reservations, including a new markets tax credit for Native American reservations, modifications of the authority of Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt bonds, and a tax credit for investment in tribal school modernization bonds. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of a residence in rural areas, Indian reservations, or areas of chronic economic distress.
Bill· SS. 2751 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2004, or the ASPIRE Act of 2004 - Establishes a KIDS Account Fund (KIDS) in the Treasury. Establishes within the KIDS Account Fund a Kids Investment and Development Savings Account (KIDS Account). Provides that a U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2005, and under 18 years of age, whose modified adjusted gross income is below the applicable national median adjusted gross income amount, is eligible to contribute to such account and to receive a matching Federal contribution. Establishes the KIDS Account Fund Board to establish a default investment program under which, in a manner similar to a lifecycle investment program, sums in each KIDS Account are allocated to investment funds in the KIDS Account Fund based on the amount of time before the account holder attains the age of 18. Subjects the Board to the same statutory composition requirements, duties, and responsibilities as the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, to develop programs to promote the financial literacy of account holders of KIDS Accounts.
Bill· SS. 2746 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Los Alamos National Laboratory National Security Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) terminate the contract of the University of California to operate Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; (2) appoint either a Federal or private sector entity as interim contractor to operate the Laboratory until appointment of a successor contractor; and (3) ensure retention of essential employees at such Laboratory both during the transition period and after commencement of Laboratory operations by the successor to the University of California. Prohibits any future contract award to University of California for operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Bill· HRH.R. 4964 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
American Health Benefits Program Act of 2004 - Amends the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to establish an American Health Benefits Program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all Americans (and permanent resident aliens) who are not covered under certain Federal health insurance programs. States that the coverage is provided in a manner similar to the manner in which coverage has been provided to Members of Congress and Federal Government. Allows for premium and cost-sharing subsidies for lower income individuals. Allows for certain tax credits with respect to the amount of premiums paid, and imposes an excise tax on employers to finance this new benefit. Directs the Comptroller General to provide for certain studies concerned with the integration of this new program with other public health insurance coverage and with the growth of prescription drug costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4983 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit of $1,000 for each of their employees who teaches a course at an accredited community college for which the employee receives no compensation.