Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· HRH.R. 5082 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004
Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention and Response Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Homeland Security to define the respective public transportation security roles and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the DOT to submit all public transportation security assessments conducted by it to the DHS for review by the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security. Requires such reviews to ensure that the assessment of each public transportation system identifies critical assets of the system, including threats and security weaknesses in the system and its assets. Requires the Secretary to use the assessment information to: (1) establish a processs for developing security guidelines for public transportation security; and (2) design a security improvement strategy that minimizes terrorist threats to public transportation systems and maximizes the efforts of such systems to mitigate damage from terrorist attacks. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants directly to public transportation agencies for specified capital transportation security improvements and operational transportation security improvements. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that the DOT receives timely notification of all credible terrorist threats against U.S. public transportation assets. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for making grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5073 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004
Restore Open Government Act of 2004 - Revokes: (1) the " Memorandum for Heads of all Federal Departments and Agencies" on "The Freedom of Information Act" issued by Attorney General John Ashcroft on October 12, 2001; and (2) the "Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Department and Agencies" on "Action to Safeguard Information Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction and Other Sensitive Documents Related to Homeland Security" issued by Andrew H. Card, Jr., Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff on March 19, 2002. Declares that the policy of the Federal Government is to release information to the public in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) if such release is: (1) required by law; or (2) allowed by law and the agency concerned does not reasonably foresee that disclosure would be harmful to an interest protected by an applicable exemption. Instructs that all guidance provided to Federal agencies shall be consistent with such policy. Prohibits a record pertaining to the vulnerability of and threats to critical infrastructure that is furnished voluntarily to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from being made available under the FOIA if: (1) the provider would not customarily make the record available to the public; and (2) the record is designated and certified by the provider as confidential and not customarily made available to the public. (Allows the provider of such a record at any time to to withdraw the confidential designation.) Requires a Federal agency in receipt of a record that was furnished voluntarily to DHS and subsequently shared with that agency, upon receipt of a FOIA request, to: (1) not make the record available; and (2) refer the request to DHS for processing and response in accordance with this Act. Revokes Executive Order 13233 (relating to further implementation of the Presidential Records Act), dated November 1, 2001 and makes effective Executive Order 12667 (relating to Presidential records), dated January 18, 1989. Directs the President to ensure that the names of Presidential interagency advisory committee members are published in the Federal Register. Mandates that such a committee must make public each substantive contact between the advisory committee, or individual committee members acting on the committee's behalf, and any person who is not a full-time or permanent part-time officer or employee of the Government. Directs the President to require Federal departments and agencies to promote a culture of information sharing by reducing disincentives to information sharing, including overclassification of information and unnecessary requirements for originator approval. Amends the FOIA to permit a U.S. district court to assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case seeking information from a Federal agency or official under any other Federal law in which the complainant has substantially prevailed.
Bill· HRH.R. 5068 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, who shall assist the Secretary in promoting cybersecurity for the Nation. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS for all cybersecurity-related critical infrastructure programs of DHS. Includes among the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish and manage a national cybersecurity response system, a national cybersecurity threat and vulnerability reduction program, a national cybersecurity awareness and training program, a government cybersecurity program, and a national security and international cybersecurity cooperation program; (2) coordinate specified activities with the private sector, with other directorates and offices within DHS (including with the Chief Information Officer), and with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (3) develop processes for information sharing with the private sector; (4) consult with the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Task Force on private sector outreach and information activities and with the Office for Domestic Preparedness to ensure that realistic cybersecurity scenarios are incorporated into tabletop and recovery exercises; and (5) consult and coordinate with other Federal agencies on cybersecurity-related programs, policies, and operations and with other relevant Federal agencies and within DHS on security of digital control systems. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS over the National Communications System.
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. 5054 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Hardened Containers for Air Cargo Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, to: (1) carry out a pilot program to evaluate the use of hardened containers for cargo and luggage on passenger aircraft to minimize the potential effects of an explosive device; (2) develop guidelines for use by air carriers in determining the types of cargo and luggage to be placed in a hardened container on a passenger aircraft; and (3) carry out an incentive program to provide assistance to air carriers to test the use of hardened containers for cargo and luggage on passenger aircraft. Requires an air carrier to apply to be eligible to participate. Includes among assistance provided by the Secretary both the use of hardened containers and financial assistance to cover increased costs to the carriers associated with use and maintenance of the containers, including increased fuel costs.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 762 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Elects a minority Member to the House Committees on Agriculture, and on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 5028 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Amends the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108 - 199, div. F) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to maintain in full force and effect certain restrictions imposed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notices to Airmen FDC 3/2122, FDC 3/2123, and FDC 2/0199 (relating to restricted airspace). Prohibits the Secretary from granting any waivers or exemptions from such restrictions, except, among other things, to allow the operation of an aircraft participating in an air show in restricted airspace if the Administrator of the FAA, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, determines that the safety of an event is not compromised.
Bill· HRH.R. 5029 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Amends the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108 - 199, div. F) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to maintain in full force and effect certain restrictions imposed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notices to Airmen FDC 3/2122, FDC 3/2123, and FDC 2/0199 (relating to restricted airspace). Prohibits the Secretary from granting any waivers or exemptions from such restrictions, except, among other things, to allow the operations of an aircraft participating in an air show in restricted airspace if the Administrator of the FAA determines that the security of an event, stadium, or other venue is not reduced.
Bill· HRH.R. 5035 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide the same screening of all passengers and property that will be carried aboard a passenger aircraft operated in the United States by a non-air carrier as that provided for passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier. Requires the Secretary, on the date of enactment of this Act, to begin developing a plan, acquiring and training personnel, and acquiring equipment for providing such screening. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to take necessary action to ensure that: (1) no such aircraft flies within 1,500 feet of any structure or building, or over a city with a population of 1 million or more or any other location the Secretary determines appropriate, except on approach or departure to an airport; and (2) the pilot of a flight of any such aircraft remains in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration regardless of that aircraft's altitude. Makes an exception for aircraft carrying out police, medical, or other operations as the Secretary deems appropriate.
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· SS. 2737 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Science Park Administration Act of 2004 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for the development of plans for the construction of science parks; (2) make grants to six regional centers for the development of science park infrastructure through the operation of revolving loan funds by such centers; (3) guarantee loans for projects for the construction of such infrastructure; and (4) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall evaluate annually the development of such parks. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish a Science Park Venture Capital Fund Pilot Program. Permits banks to invest in any: (1) science park venture capital company; or (2) entity established to invest solely in such companies. Applies the provisions relating to New Market Venture Capital companies to science park venture capital companies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit the expensing of certain investments in science parks; and (2) allow certain credits with respect to such parks.
Bill· SS. 2756 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate Heartland Expressway from Denver, Colorado, through Wyoming and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Rapid City, South Dakota, as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System.
Bill· SS. 2736 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Interstate 3/3rd Infantry Division Highway Initiation Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a new interstate highway designated as "United States Interstate Route 3" should be constructed between Savannah, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee; and (2) such highway should be known and designated as the "3rd Infantry Division Highway", in honor of the professionalism, heroism, and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Army 3rd Division in defending the freedom of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the steps and estimated funding necessary to designate and construct a new interstate route for the 3rd Infantry Division Highway, from Savannah, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee (formerly the Savannah River Parkway in the State of Georgia).
Bill· SS. 2726 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Flight Attendant Security Training Act - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop detailed guidance for a scheduled passenger air carrier flight and cabin crew training program to prepare crew members for potential threat conditions. Sets forth certain guidance requirements, including training in the proper conduct of a cabin search and explosive recognition. Requires each air carrier to develop a flight and cabin crew training program in accordance with such guidance and submit it to the Administrator for approval. Requires each air carrier, within 180 days after the Administrator approves the air carrier's training program, to complete the training of all flight and cabin crews in accordance with such program.
Bill· SS. 2735 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
14th Amendment Interstate Highway Initiation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to complete a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the steps and estimated funding necessary to construct a new route to be designated as "Interstate Route I-14" and known as the 14th Amendment Highway, from Augusta, Georgia, to Natchez, Mississippi (formerly designated the Fall Line Freeway in the State of Georgia).
Bill· HRH.R. 4928 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of 2004 - Makes it unlawful to: (1) take any covered coral reef species within U.S. waters; (2) import into or export from the United States any covered coral reef species; (3) possess, sell, purchase, deliver, carry, transport, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any covered coral reef species taken or imported illegally; or (4) attempt a prohibited act involving a covered coral reef species. Defines "covered coral reef species" to include any species of coral or ornamental reef fish listed in or added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Exempts from the prohibitions of this Act covered coral reef species taken incidentally or for: (1) a qualified scientifically-based management plan; (2) a cooperative breeding program; (3) an aquaculture and mariculture facility; (4) scientific, museum, or zoological purposes; or (5) personal consumption. Denies an exemption for species taken using any destructive collection practice (e.g., reef-dredging, explosions, or poisons). Authorizes the Secretary of State to consult with foreign governments to encourage the protection of coral reef species and to take steps to eliminate destructive collection practices. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Commerce to coordinate with the Coral Reef Task Force for the conservation and management of coral reef ecosystems. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4949 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Tribal Parity Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase from $39.3 million to $186,822,140 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River. Amends the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act of 1996 to increase from $27.5 million to $105,917,853 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary to provide compensation to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for such damage.
Bill· HRH.R. 4930 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Homeland Security Information Sharing and Analysis Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for the establishment of an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for all terrorism-related and other homeland security information collected within the United States. Includes among the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection to: (1) ensure the simultaneous dissemination of data and information regarding communications and information technology infrastructure to appropriate personnel with maximum flexibility and speed; (2) coordinate the issuance of homeland security advisories and advice from other Federal agencies to State and local government, the private sector, other entities, and the public; and (3) administer a homeland security information network. Authorizes the Secretary to provide DHS personnel access to threat and vulnerability information required to discharge their duties. Directs the Secretary, where credible information indicates a potential terrorist threat that cannot be limited to one or more States, regions, critical infrastructure sectors, activities, or events, to use the Homeland Security Advisory System to inform the public of the threat, convey risk information, and provide specific unclassified warning information and advice about protective measures. Limits the dissemination of threat information without the Secretary's prior approval. Authorizes assignment of DHS personnel to the Terrorist Threat Integration Center.
Law· HRH.R. 4916 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part IV - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 to extend through September 24, 2004, and in certain circumstances through FY 2004, authorizations for Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and Federal transit programs. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to extend through FY 2004, funding for national outreach and communications programs related to sport fishing and boating safety. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize until October 1, 2004, expenditures for obligations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) from the following Accounts: (1) the Highway Trust Fund; (2) the Mass Transit Account; and (3) the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4914 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Aviation Biometric Technology Utilization Act - Amends Federal transportation law to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue guidance for the use of biometrics or other technology that positively verifies the identity of each airport employee and law enforcement officer who enters a secure area of an airport. Prescribes minimum requirements for such guidance. Directs the Under Secretary to establish: (1) a law enforcement officer travel credential that incorporates biometrics and is uniform across all Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies; (2) a process by which the travel credential will be used to verify the identity of a Federal, State, or local government law enforcement officer seeking to carry a weapon on board an aircraft, without unnecessarily disclosing to the public that the individual is a law enforcement officer; and (3) related procedures. Requires the Under Secretary to begin issuance of the travel credential to each Federal, State, and local government law enforcement officer authorized to carry a weapon on board an aircraft.
Bill· HRH.R. 4970 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Passenger Security Act of 2004 - Amends Federal transportation law to repeal the security screening opt-out program (under which an airport operator may apply to the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to have the screening of passengers and property at the airport be carried out by the screening personnel of a qualified private screening company).
Bill· HRH.R. 4975 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Pay Back America Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a per passenger tax on covered international voyages of commercial passenger vessels. Establishes the Caribbean Ports and Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund (Caribbean Fund) and the Water and Marine Wildlife Protection Trust Fund (Wildlife Fund) in the Treasury. Appropriates to those funds a percentage of the above-referenced taxes. Authorizes the Secretary of of the Treasury to make specified payments from the Caribbean Fund to the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Bermuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Requires amounts in the Wildlife Fund to be used for ocean waste cleanup or enforcement of restrictions on ocean dumping. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations requiring cruise vessels entering U.S. ports or places to have: (1) posted notice that passengers may report illegal dumping from the vessel by calling a toll-free number; and (2) included such notice on each ticket sold. Prohibits: (1) vessels from entering U.S. ports or places absent properly functioning pollution prevention equipment or compliance with notice requirements; (2) false entries in a vessel's oil record book or record of shore-side disposal; (3) operation of cruise vessels in U.S. foreign or domestic commerce that fail to comply with notice requirements. Requires biannual inspections of vessels.
Bill· HRH.R. 4926 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Interstate 3/3rd Infantry Division Highway Initiation Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the steps and estimated funding necessary to designate and construct a new interstate (Interstate Route I-3) for the 3rd Infantry Division 6 Highway, from Savannah, Georgia, to Knoxville, Tennessee 7 (formerly the Savannah River Parkway).
Bill· HRH.R. 4925 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
14th/14 Amendment Interstate Highway Initiation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the steps and estimated funding necessary to designate and construct a new interstate route (Interstate Route I-14) for the 14th Amendment Highway, from Augusta, Georgia, to Natchez, Mississippi, (formerly designated the Fall Line Freeway within the State of Georgia).
Bill· HRH.R. 4896 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Protecting Railroad Operators, Travelers, Employees, and Communities with Transportation Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to complete a vulnerability assessment of railroad transportation that includes identification of vulnerabilities specific to the transportation of hazardous materials by railroads and of security weaknesses in passenger and cargo security. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the rail passenger transportation security programs carried out for rail transportation systems in Japan, member nations of the European Union, and other foreign countries. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to railroad carriers, nonprofit employee organizations that represent railroad workers or emergency responders, hazardous materials shippers, owners of rail cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, universities, colleges, and research centers, and State and local governments for reimbursement of costs incurred to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other railroad security threats. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for: (1) fire and life-safety improvements to the tunnels on the Northeast Corridor in New York, New York, Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.; and (2) certain systemwide Amtrak security upgrades. Establishes a research and development (R&D) program to improve railroad security. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and issue detailed guidance for a rail worker security training program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions. Sets forth certain railroad employee whistleblower protection requirements. Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to develop and update a curriculum necessary to train public sector emergency response and preparedness teams, including standards for the training of persons responsible for responding to emergency situations during the removal and transportation of hazardous materials and high hazard materials. Prohibits a rail tank car containing hazardous materials from being transported or stored on rail tracks unless information identifying the tank car, the hazardous materials within such tank car, and response guidance is immediately available through Operation Respond Institute's technology or similar technology to local first responders in each location where the tank car may be located.
Bill· HRH.R. 4965 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Nuclear Black-Market Elimination Act - Authorizes the President to prohibit, for at least three years, any transaction or dealing by a U.S. person or within the United States with any foreign person or entity that the President determines sells, transfers, brokers, finances, assists, delivers or otherwise provides or receives, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act: (1) nuclear enrichment or reprocessing equipment, materials, or technology to any country for which an additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards is not in force, or to any country that the President determines is developing, constructing, manufacturing, or acquiring a nuclear explosive device; or (2) designs, equipment, or specific information to assist in the development, construction, manufacture, or acquisition of a nuclear explosive device by a non-nuclear weapon state. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for up to three years under the Arms Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as well as a drawdown of defense equipment and services under the latter Act, to any country that cooperates with the United States and U.S. allies to prevent the transport and transshipment of items of proliferation concern in its national territory or airspace or in vessels under its control or registry. Prohibits the United States from transferring any excess defense article that is a vessel or aircraft to a country that has not provided written assurances that it will support and assist U.S. efforts to interdict items of proliferation concern. Prohibits the President from providing, in any fiscal year, more than 75 percent of U.S. assistance to Pakistan unless Pakistan meets certain requirements, including fully sharing with the United States all information relevant to the A.Q. Khan proliferation network, and providing full access to A.Q. Khan, his associates, and any material that bears upon their activities and contacts. Provides for a national security waiver of such requirements, but prohibits its exercise in two successive fiscal years. Requires the President to: (1) identify proliferation network host countries to appropriate congressional committees; and (2) suspend all arms sales licenses to such countries.
Bill· SS. 2710 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
National Health Information Technology Adoption Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Health Information Technology to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery through the use of health information technology; (2) provide national leadership relating to such technology; (3) direct all health information technology activities within the Department of Health and Human Services and coordinate such efforts across the Federal Government; and (4) facilitate the interaction between the Government and the private sector relating to the development and use of such technology. Requires the Director of the Office to provide for the adoption, dissemination, and updating of health information technology standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between varieties of provider health information technology systems. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from purchasing any health care information technology system that is not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Director to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on loans made to eligible entities and award competitive matching grants to: (1) implement local health information infrastructure to facilitate the development of interoperability across health care settings; or (2) facilitate the purchase and adoption of health information technology. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish uniform health care quality measures and public reporting requirements across all federally supported health delivery programs. Sets forth time lines for the development of such measures. Requires the Secretary to provide for the collection of demographic data across Federal programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4880 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Josie King Act of 2004 or Quality, Efficiency, Standards, and Technology for Health Care Transformation Act of 2004 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award grants and offer loans to health information infrastructure organizations and States to develop, implement, and maintain health information exchanges. Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veteran Affairs to: (1) adopt data standards for the interoperability of health information technology systems; and (2) incorporate measures of health care practitioner performance into their health care programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a methodology for adjusting Medicare payments for providers who participate in a health information exchange or use other such technology. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Resources and Quality to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to establish the Consortium for Health Outcomes Research Priorities to: (1) establish priorities for research relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of health care; and (2) identify priorities for developing standardized measures of health care provider performance. Allows the Director to award grants for scholarships to health care professionals to earn advanced degrees in the field of health care quality and patient safety. Requires the Secretary to establish a claims-based and a clinical-based practitioner performance database. Allows group health plans to submit data to the claims-based database in exchange for Medicare claims data. Requires such contributions to the database after 4 years. Allows health care practitioners to submit data to the clinical-based database. Allows the Secretary to provide for Medicare payment adjustments based on performance measurements of physicians and institutions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4864 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part IV - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 to extend, through FY 2004, Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and transit programs. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to extend through FY 2004, funding for national outreach and communication programs related to sport fishing and boating safety. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize until October 1, 2004, expenditures for obligations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) from the following Accounts: (1) the Highway Trust Fund; (2) the Mass Transit Account; and (3) the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4868 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a six-month test to determine the costs and benefits of requiring jet-propelled aircraft to conduct ascents over the ocean after taking off from Newark International Airport, New Jersey, in order to examine an option for reducing aircraft noise over communities in New Jersey.
Bill· HRH.R. 4852 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2005. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for homeland security information. Establishes within the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) submit annual budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; (2) conduct an assessment of the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology to address basic scientific research needs; and (3) establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for professional development programs in cybersecurity. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with U.S. allies in the war on terrorism that have extensive experience in counterterrorism activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program. Establishes the Liberty Shield Award for Innovation and Excellence in Critical Infrastructure Protection. Urges the DHS Homeland Security Operations Center to increase on-site participation of representatives from private sector critical infrastructure sectors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and distribute critical infrastructure protection awareness and education materials for emergency response providers; (2) ensure that DHS terrorism preparedness exercises and related information and training meet specified requirements; (3) establish a program supporting the development of mutual aid systems for terrorism and emergency preparedness and response; (4) develop a domestic emergency national preparedness goal, a comprehensive national biodefense strategy, a comprehensive national strategy to mitigate the radiological and nuclear threat, and a plan to ensure enhanced cooperation and interoperability of maritime and airborne homeland security assets; (5) initiate a pilot program of expedited inspection at designated ports of entry away from U.S. ports; (6) submit budget request information for DHS's information technology-related spending organized by directorate and critical mission area; and (7) keep each appropriate congressional committee informed of DHS activities. Establishes the Director of the U.S. Secret Service as an officer of DHS.
Bill· HRH.R. 4858 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Farmers Markets Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to eligible public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the construction of new farmers markets, or the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers markets.
Bill· HRH.R. 4860 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Amends Federal transportation law to allow States or local governments to regulate tow truck operations performed without the prior consent of the owner or operator of a motor vehicle. (Currently States and local government are allowed to regulate only the price of for-hire motor vehicle transportation by a tow truck performed without the prior consent or authorization of the motor vehicle's owner or operator.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4839 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
Haiti Economic and Infrastructure Reconstruction Act - Authorizes the President to establish the Haiti Economic and Infrastructure Reconstruction Program under which recruited U.S. citizens will be deployed to Haiti to provide economic and infrastructure reconstruction and development assistance to the Government of Haiti. Requires: (1) the President to appoint an officer or employee of the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to serve as the Director of the Reconstruction Program; and (2) the Director to have expertise with Haiti, or with economic, educational, judicial, law enforcement, healthcare, or infrastructure reconstruction efforts in developing countries. Sets forth program provisions, including: (1) maximum recruitment of Haitian-Americans; and (2) maximum one-year deployment, with a maximum two-year additional stay. Authorizes the President to establish the Haiti Healthcare Assistance Program under which grants may be made to qualified nongovernmental organizations to establish infectious disease prevention programs in Haiti.
Bill· HRH.R. 4819 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
Essential Waterways Operations and Maintenance Act of 2004 - Makes available for each fiscal year to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for operations and maintenance of essential waterways (in addition to amounts otherwise made available for operations and maintenance), five percent of the amount of duties collected during the preceding fiscal year on articles transported by vessel unladen for purposes of entering the customs territory of the United States. Defines an "essential waterway" as a waterway that: (1) the Secretary of the Army determines provides service to one of the 25 highest ranked U.S. ports in terms of total tonnage of cargo transported through the port; (2) the Secretary of Energy determines is a critical component of the U.S. energy infrastructure; (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security determines provides service to at least one militarily and economically strategic port; or (4) the Secretary of Transportation determines provides service to at least one commercially strategic port.
Bill· HRH.R. 4824 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
Extremely Hazardous Materials Transportation Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue regulations concerning the shipping of extremely hazardous materials that require: (1) physical security measures; (2) Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities to be informed before such material is transported within, through, or near an area of concern; (3) coordination among such authorities to create response plans for a terrorist attack; (4) the use of currently available technologies and systems to ensure effective communication between material transporters, law enforcement authorities, and first responders; (5) comprehensive training for all individuals involved in the shipping of such materials; and (6) the Secretary to determine whether transportation through or near an area could be made by alternate routes at a lower security risk. Subjects a person (other than an individual) who violates such a regulation to injunctive relief or a civil penalty of up to $100,000. Authorizes the Secretary to impose administrative penalties. Sets forth provisions regarding whistleblower protection involving the security of shipments of such materials.
Bill· HRH.R. 4802 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Responsible Railroads Act of 2004 - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit a rail tank car containing hazardous materials from being transported or stored on rail tracks unless information identifying the tank car, the hazardous materials within such tank car, and response guidance is immediately available through Operation Respond Institute's technology or similar technology to local first responders in each location where the tank car may be located. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide an exception to such prohibition if no data base exists through which the requirement can be met.
Bill· HRH.R. 4801 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue an order requiring: (1) the installation of secondary cockpit barriers preventing access to the flight deck of commercial aircraft; and (2) that such secondary barriers remain locked while the aircraft is in flight and the cockpit door separating the flight deck and the passenger area is open.
Bill· SS. 2628 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
Bill· HRH.R. 4779 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Clinical Research Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to award clinical research support grants to eligible academic health centers to: (1) defray the costs of unfunded Federal requirements for the protection of human research costs; and (2) support activities leading to innovative ways to meets such requirements in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Requires that health centers receive a proportionate share of the total grant money awarded based on the amount invested by the grantee in clinical research compared to the total clinical research investment of all grantees. Allows the Director to award clinical research infrastructure grants to eligible academic health centers for: (1) necessary infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of new understandings of disease mechanisms gained in the laboratory into the development of new methodologies for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention; (2) the initial testing of human subjects; and (3) addressing obstacles impeding the expeditious application of new science, including a lack of up-to-date information technology systems and a shortage of willing participants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make up to five grants to eligible academic health centers to form partnerships between the centers involved and health care providers for carrying out clinical human subject research to demonstrate how academic research centers may collaborate with the practicing health care community in such research.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 711 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2828) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to implement water supply technology and infrastructure programs aimed at increasing and diversifying domestic water resources.
Bill· HRH.R. 4754 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2004
Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Departments of Commerce, of Justice and of State, the judiciary and related agencies. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for FY 2005 for: (1) general administration; (2) the U.S. Parole Commission; (3) legal activities; (4) payment to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund; (5) interagency crime and drug enforcement; (6) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (7) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (8) the Federal prison system; and (9) Office of Justice programs. Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) the International Trade Administration; (4) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Bureau of the Census; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities planning and construction grants; (11) information infrastructure grants; (12) the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (13) the Under Secretary for Technology/Office of Technology Policy; (14) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (15) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (16) restoration of Pacific salmon populations; (17) the fisheries finance program account; and (18) departmental management, including for the Office of Inspector General. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations to the Judiciary for FY 2005 for: (1) the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) judiciary retirement funds; and (8) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 2005 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; (3) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West in the State of Hawaii; and (3) the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Antitrust Modernization Commission; (2) the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) the Commission on Civil Rights; (4) the Commission on International Religious Freedom; (5) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (7) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (8) the Federal Communications Commission; (9) the Federal Trade Commission; (10) the Helping Enhance the Livelihood of People (HELP) Around the Globe Commission; (11) the Legal Services Corporation; (12) the Marine Mammal Commission; (13) the National Veterans Business Development Corporation; (14) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (15) the Small Business Administration; (16) the Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund; (17) the State Justice Institute; (18) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and (19) the United States Institute of Peace. Rescinds certain unobligated balances available to the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice for: (1) State and local law enforcement assistance; and (2) community oriented policing services.
Bill· SS. 2579 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Technology Extension Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small- and medium-sized businesses. Allows a regional center to use grant proceeds to: (1) assist such businesses in addressing their most critical needs for the application of the latest technology, improvement of infrastructure, and use of best business practices; and (2) transfer technologies to such businesses in the region in order to create jobs and increase production.
Law· HRH.R. 4635 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part III - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 to extend through July 31, 2004, authorizations for Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and Federal transit programs. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to extend through July 31, 2004, funding for national outreach and communications programs related to sport fishing and boating safety. Amends the Federal Transit Act of 1998 and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to authorize increased appropriations for programs through July 31, 2004, from the Highway Trust Fund Mass Transit Account. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize until August 1, 2004, expenditures for obligations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) from the following Accounts: (1) the Highway Trust Fund; (2) the Mass Transit Account; and (3) the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4645 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
PRIDE Plus Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish a program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in specified counties in northern and northeastern Kentucky. Permits such assistance to be in the form of design and construction assistance for publicly owned water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects, including projects for wastewater treatment, water supply, environmental restoration, and surface water resource protection and development. Requires the Secretary to enter into a local cooperation agreement with a non-Federal interest to provide for design and construction of a project, which provides for: (1) development by the Secretary of a facilities or resource protection and development plan; and (2) establishment of legal and institutional structures to ensure the effective long-term operation of the project by the non-Federal interest. Sets the Federal share of the project costs under each local cooperation agreement at 75 percent. Directs that the non-Federal interest receive specified credit for design work, interest, land, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations. Sets the non-Federal share of project operation and maintenance costs at 100 percent.
Bill· SS. 2550 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Water Infrastructure Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a grant program for qualified nonprofit technical assistance providers that assist treatment works serving small rural communities. Expands the list of projects eligible for State water pollution control revolving loan fund assistance. Authorizes States to provide additional assistance to disadvantaged communities. Sets forth a system for prioritizing eligible projects. Authorizes the transfer of a percentage of Federal capitalization grants between State water pollution control revolving loan funds and State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. Establishes a formula for the allocation of Federal funds to State water pollution control revolving loan funds. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize appropriations for environmental finance centers. Specifies permissible uses for amounts deposited in State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. Redefines "disadvantaged community" for purposes of fund assistance to include portions of public water system service areas. Sets forth a system for prioritizing projects eligible for funds. Authorizes States to provide grants to qualified private, nonprofit entities to capitalize small water system revolving loan funds. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) establish a nationwide demonstration grant program for water quality enhancement and management; (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a cost-of-service study regarding public water systems and treatment works; and (3) identify ways to expedite and improve the review process for the provision of assistance from State water pollution control and drinking water treatment revolving loan funds.
Bill· SS. 2552 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Water Infrastructure Revitalization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to establish a program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in North Dakota, which may be provided in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. Requires projects to be publicly owned as a prerequisite for assistance. Directs the Secretary to enter into local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests for project design and construction. Sets the Federal share of project costs under local cooperation agreements at 75 percent. Requires a reduction in the non-Federal share of the cost of constructing projects under this Act, using a Federal formula for water rate affordability, where the rate for affordability relating to the project area exceeds the average State-wide rate by a specified percentage. Sets the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs for projects constructed with assistance under this Act at 100 percent.
Bill· HRH.R. 4631 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Rebuilding America's Infrastructure - Establishes the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to any State, local government, Indian tribe, and regional or multistate organization for the development of certain transportation- and educational- and water and hazardous treatment-related capital infrastructure facility projects. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) loan and borrower eligibility; and (2) compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Buy American Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act (wages) as they relate to the development of such projects.
Bill· SS. 2541 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004
NASA Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) the International Space Station (ISS); (2) space shuttle; (3) space flight support; (4) transportation systems; and (5) human and robotic technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the following programs: (1) space science; (2) earth science; (3) biological and physical research; (4) aeronautics technology; and (5) education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the: (1) Office of Inspector General; and (2) Technical Engineering Authority. Directs the Administrator of NASA to: (1) establish an agency-wide lessons-learned and best practices program to ensure availability of lessons learned and best practices to NASA's employees; (2) establish within NASA a Technical Engineering Authority; (3) provide the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance direct line authority over Space shuttle safety organization and independent funding; (4) reorganize the Space Shuttle Integration Office to ensure integration of all Space Shuttle program elements; (5) recertify Space shuttle orbiters for operation prior to any operations beyond 2010; (6) establish a program to upgrade Space shuttle and ISS engineering drawing systems; and (7) submit plans for launching assembly elements, crew, and supplies to the ISS from 2010 through 2014. Prohibits the return of the Space shuttle program to launch until all safety recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report identified as "Return to Flight" tasks have been completely satisfied. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to implement an initiative to explore the solar system and beyond. Instructs the Administrator to: (1) report on all activities and funding that support human missions to the Moon and the planet Mars; (2) submit a system requirements document for the conduct of such a mission to the Moon by 2014 and eventually to Mars; (3) submit a life cycle cost estimate for a manned mission to the Moon and annual revised estimates; (4) develop a commercialization plan to support the human missions to the Moon and Mars; and (5) develop an assessment of private sector capability to support the manned missions to the Moon and Mars. Requires program managers for major systems of the solar system exploration initiative specified above to submit quarterly reports on the total life cycle costs for such systems. Sets forth stop-loss provisions for 15 and 25 percent cost overruns. Directs NASA to report on opportunities for international cooperation from all space faring nations on a human mission to the Moon and Mars. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a Technology Transfer and Licensing Office within the solar system exploration initiative program and develop a technology transfer plan; (2) submit a plan for robotic lunar missions to the Moon within three years; (3) submit a legal review and interpretation of the laws and treaties governing space exploration and the possible ownership of resources on the Moon and Mars; and (4) establish a NASA Engineering School for NASA employees and contractors. Directs the NASA Chief Financial Officer to report on NASA's ability to improve its financial management. Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit a plan for future space vehicle launches; and (2) establish an Industry Advisory Board to review opportunities for the private sector to invest in and take advantage of activities at NASA. Sets forth provisions for implementation of a pilot program for reduction in the waiting period between publication of notice of a proposed contract action and release of the solicitation for procurements conducted by NASA for certain non-commercial acquisitions with a total value in excess of $100,000, but not more than $5 million, including options. Allows the Administrator to relinquish to a State all or part of U.S. jurisdiction over lands or interests under the Administrator's control in that State. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the Centennial Challenge Program to award prizes to stimulate innovation in research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to the performance of NASA activities. Directs the Administrator to conduct a NASA-wide assessment to identify and define areas of cultural and organizational changes and to develop a plan to: (1) create a culture that promotes effective communication and encourages expression of dissenting views; (2) increase NASA's focus on human elements management and organizational development; (3) develop procedures for leadership, management, and employee training and skill development; and (4) create a system of checks and balances to ensure NASA's technical and safety standards. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to NASA civilian and military personnel stationed outside the United States allowances and benefits comparable to those provided to officers and employees of the Foreign Service. Requires the Administrator, within 60 days after the National Academy of Sciences issues its study on the future of the Hubble Space Telescope, to submit a plan on the future of the telescope. Creates the position of Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs in NASA. Instructs the Administrator to report on the advisability of establishing a charitable and non-profit corporation to encourage private gifts for, or in connection with, NASA and to further the public's knowledge of the Earth and space. Directs the Administrator to: (1) implement a near-Earth object survey program to detect, track, and catalog the characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets of 100 meters or more in diameter in order to assess the threat of such objects striking Earth; (2) submit a plan for the development and demonstration of technologies that result in specified commercial aircraft performance characteristics; (3) submit a feasibility study for the development and demonstration of technologies to enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft; and (4) establish a scholarship program for full-time graduate students in Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering to have the opportunity for paid employment at one of the NASA Centers engaged in aeronautics research and development.
Bill· SS. 2539 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004
Revises the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 and related Federal education law to include: (1) reauthorization of programs for grants to tribally controlled colleges or universities and for renovation; (2) a definition of Indian student; (3) an accreditation requirement; (4) various specified colleges and universities, such as the Bay Mills Community College and the Blackfeet Community College, as a tribal college or university; (5) distance learning as an authorized activity; and (6) loan repayment or cancellation for individuals who teach in tribal colleges or universities. Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2004 - States that Congress authorizes Dine College to receive all Federal funding and resources under this Act and other laws for the operation, improvement, and growth of the College. Authorizes the College to expend money received under this Act to undertake all renovations and repairs to its infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on all capital projects and facility needs. Repeals the Navajo Community College Act.