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Bill· HRH.R. 4241 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2005
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 - Provides for reconciliation of the budget for FY2006 pursuant to H.Con.Res. 95 (congressional budget resolution) by the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and the Workforce; (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (8) Ways and Means. Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Prescribes or revises requirements for: (1) reduction of covered commodities and peanuts program payments; (2) reduction in advance direct payments; (3) cotton competitiveness; (4) reduction in the use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for watershed rehabilitation programs; (5) reductions in funds for the conservation security program; (6) limitations on use of CCC funds for agricultural management assistance programs; and (7) termination of the use of CCC funds for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements programs. Terminates funding for enhanced access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas, valued-added agricultural product market development grants, rural business investment programs, rural business strategic investment grants, rural firefighters and emergency personnel grants, and for initiative for future food and agriculture systems. Revises requirements for the food stamp program, commodities for the emergency food assistance program, and food stamp residency requirements with respect to qualified aliens. Authorizes federal payments to states for 100% of administrative costs relating to disaster food stamp programs in effect during the presidentially declared emergency in response to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require universal engagement and family self-sufficiency plans with respect to block grants to states for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and (2) revise work participation requirements and work-related performance improvement. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to establish a fatherhood program. Amends the SSA to provide state option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Expresses the sense of Congress that a state welfare-to-work program should include a mentoring program. Places a prohibition on offshoring for states who receive block grants for TANF. Caring for Children Act of 2005 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to child care and a waiver of authority to expand the availability of services under such Act. Establishes program coordination demonstration projects. Higher Education Budget Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to: (1) student loans; (2) unsubsidized Stafford loans; (3) elimination on termination dates from Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act of 2004; (4) loan fees from lenders; and (5) higher education relief. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums. Medicaid Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) regarding: (1) prescription drugs under Medicaid; (2) revision of asset transfer rules; (3) expanded access to certain benefits; (4) managed care organization provider tax reform; (5) Medicaid transformation grants; (6) modified enforcement of documentation requirements; (7) emergency services furnished by noncontract providers for Medicaid managed care enrollees; (8) adjustment in computation of Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to disregard an extraordinary employer pension contribution; (9) Health Opportunity Accounts; (10) Hurricane Katrina health care relief; and (11) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Energy Relief. Digital Television Transition Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) additional deadlines for the analog spectrum recovery; (2) auction of recovered spectrum; (3) revision of the Digital Television Conversion Fund; (4) establishment of a digital-to-analog converter box program and a Public Safety Interoperable Communications Fund; (5) low-power television transition and digital-to-analog conversion; (6) consumer education regarding analog televisions; and (7) deployment of broadband wireless technologies. Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 - Requires merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). Revises requirements for deposit insurance coverage, reserve ratio and reserve range, and DIF restoration plans. Requires studies of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) structure, expenses, certain activities, and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system. FHA Asset Disposition Act of 2005 - Provides for Federal Housing Administration asset disposition. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require fees with respect to immigration services for intracompany transferees. Federal Judgeship Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) circuit judges for the circuit courts of appeals; (2) district judges for the district courts; (3) establishment of a judicial district in the Virgin Islands; and (4) revisions of the jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands court and its jurisdiction over income tax matters. Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) additional bankruptcy judgeships; (2) temporary bankruptcy judgeships; and (3) conversion of existing temporary bankruptcy judgeships. Judicial Administration and Improvements Act of 2005 - Modifies: (1) the number and composition of circuit courts; (2) the number of circuit judges; (3) places of circuit courts; and (4) requirements for judicial assignments. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2005 - Provides for: (1) a leasing program for lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) national mining and minerals policy. Northern Nevada Sustainable Development in Mining Act - Provides for disposal of certain public lands in Nevada. Central Idaho Sustainable Development in Mining Act - Provides for disposal of certain public lands in Idaho. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify requirements for commercial leasing of oil shale and tar sands. Ocean State Options Act of 2005 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act regarding: (1) determination of adjacent zones and planning areas; (2) administration of leasing, including natural gas leases; (3) reservation of lands and rights; (4) environmental studies; and (5) review of OCS development and production plans. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2005 - Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Terminates the effect of all existing federal law prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for OCS areas. Renames the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Energy and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2005 - Authorizes use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms and other facilities for mariculture, artificial reef, and scientific research, or other uses. Establishes the Federal Energy and Mineral Resources Professional Development (FEMRPD) Fund. Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act - Requires use of FEMRPD funds to maintain and restore historic and existing petroleum and mining engineering education programs. Establishes a Committee on Petroleum, Mining, and Mineral Engineering and Energy and Mineral Resource Education. Prohibits new OCS onshore and offshore mineral lease fees after January 1, 2005. Establishes the Atlantic OCS Region and the Pacific OCS Region headquarters. National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund Act of 2005 - Establishes the National Geological Data and Mapping Fund. Prescribes requirements for: (1) leases for areas located within 100 miles of California or Florida; (2) the sale and conveyance of certain federal lands; and (3) extension of vessel tonnage duties. Work, Marriage, and Family Promotion Reconciliation Act of 2005 - Amends the SSA to modify requirements relating to: (1) the TANF program; (2) child (foster) care; (3) child support; (4) child welfare; and (5) supplemental security income (SSI). Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 (sic) - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to establish a fatherhood program. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to repeal requirements for the annual distribution of the continued dumping and subsidy offset.
Bill· HRH.R. 4231 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Makes an exception to certain eligibility requirements of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) under any law or regulation with respect to a grant or other financial assistance program for nonprofit organizations to carry out affordable housing or public infrastructure development activities. Makes inapplicable to such a nonprofit organization any law, regulation, or restriction making it ineligible for such grants or assistance, or limiting its eligibility, based on the organization's engaging in voter registration activities, to the extent that the organization is required under state law to engage in such activity.
Bill· HRH.R. 4214 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005
Reforming Amtrak's Inefficient Lines Act of 2005 - Directs Amtrak, in order to cut costs, to: (1) discontinue service on the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and Silver Star routes; (2) discontinue food and beverage service unless revenues from such service exceed service costs; and (3) eliminate sleeper cars, dining cars, lounge seating, checked baggage service, and onboard entertainment.
Bill· SS. 1948 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2005
Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations for all passenger motor vehicles to require: (1) automatic reversal of direction by power windows and panels when they detect an obstruction, to prevent children from being trapped, injured, or killed; (2) a rearward visibility performance standard to prevent backing incidents; and (3) engagement of the vehicle service brake in all key positions while the key is out of the ignition before the engine is started or the transmission is engaged, to prevent accidents resulting from vehicles accidentally rolling away. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a database of injuries and deaths in nontraffic, noncrash events involving passenger motor vehicles; and (2) supplement a consumer information program on child safety or create a new program with information about hazards to children in nontraffic, noncrash incident situations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4174 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005
Transport Aircraft Fuel Tank Safety Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a final rule to require: (1) manufacturers of transport category aircraft to install fuel tank inerting systems on existing category aircraft that have fuel tanks with high flammability exposure and new aircraft; and (2) operators of transport category aircraft to retrofit existing transport category aircraft with fuel tank inerting systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 4172 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005
Keep Americans Safe Act of 2005 - Affirms state and local authority to investigate, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States in the course of carrying out routine duties in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide the National Crime Information Center with information on aliens: (1) against whom a final order of removal has been issued; (2) who have signed a voluntary departure agreement; and (3) whose visas have been revoked. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to direct, upon state or appropriate local request, the Secretary of DHS to: (1) take an illegal alien into federal custody, or request that the relevant state or local law enforcement agency temporarily incarcerate or transport the alien for transfer to federal custody; and (2) designate at least one federal, state, or local prison, or a private contracted prison or detention facility within each state as the central facility for that state to transfer custody of aliens to DHS. Provides for DHS reimbursement of state and local costs incurred in the incarceration and transportation of illegal aliens. Amends federal criminal law to provide that: (1) an illegal alien who commits a felony shall be fined and sentenced to not less than five years in prison; (2) if the defendant was previously ordered removed under INA on the grounds of having committed a crime, he or she shall be sentenced to not less than 15 years in prison; and (3) a sentence of imprisonment imposed under this section shall run consecutively to any other sentence of imprisonment imposed for any other crime.
Bill· HRH.R. 4163 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Debris Removal Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to pay an eligible disaster relief applicant 50% of the federal share of assistance for which the applicant is eligible under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, within 60 days after the applicant files a claim for such assistance. Authorizes reimbursement for clearing and removing debris to include reimbursement for clearing, removing, and disposing of debris from any emergency access road. Authorizes federal assistance for removing debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster from owner-occupied private residential residential property, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) as necessary for a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition. Provides that, for at least 180 days after the declaration of an emergency or major disaster between August 25, 2005, and December 31, 2005, the federal share of assistance provided to eligible applicants for debris removal shall be 100%. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide clear, concise, and uniform guidelines for the reimbursement to any county or government entity affected by a hurricane of the cost of hurricane debris removal.
Bill· HRH.R. 4155 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) as part of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area to provide tax benefits to businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing and additional advance refunding of existing bond obligations in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi; (2) increased depreciation and expensing allowances for GO Zone property; (3) expensing of GO Zone demolition and cleanup costs and environmental remediation costs; (4) increased expensing for GO Zone reforestation expenditures; and (5) carrybacks of net operating losses for certain GO Zone businesses and public utilities. Provides for federal guarantees of bonds issued in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi for revenue and infrastructure purposes related to Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Rita GO Zone as part of the Hurricane Rita disaster area and extends to businesses and individuals in such Zone tax benefits currently available in Hurricane Katrina disaster areas, including: (1) tax-free distributions and loans from retirement plans for disaster relief; (2) suspension of limitations on personal casualty losses; and (3) adjustments to earned income of Hurricane Rita victims in 2005 to preserve eligibility for certain tax benefits. Allows certain small employers a business tax credit for up to 40 percent of the wages paid to employees in a GO Zone between August 29 and December 31, 2005. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should designate Gulf Coast Recovery Bonds in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 280 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
States that Congress: (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the October 2005 floods and mudslides in Central America and Mexico, and expresses its deep condolences to the the victims' families; (2) commits to provide the necessary resources for the relief and rebuilding of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico; (3) recognizes the growing international relief effort; and (4) encourages the Administration and other international donors to provide immediate and long-term assistance for the reconstruction of affected infrastructure. Expresses the sense of Congress that it should be U.S. policy: (1) to promote economic growth and improved living standards, reduce poverty, and promote democracy and the rule of law in the countries of Central America; (2) in concert with multilateral humanitarian organizations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank to support the reconstruction of affected communities; and (3) to encourage the governments of these countries to improve disaster mitigation techniques and compliance among key societal sectors.
Bill· HRH.R. 4123 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Air Cargo Fire and Rescue Enhancement Act - Amends federal transportation law to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue an airport operating certificate to a person desiring to operate an airport that serves an air carrier operating aircraft that provide all cargo air transportation and have a maximum certificated gross take-off weight of 100,000 pounds or greater.
Bill· HRH.R. 4110 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
American Parity Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to states and local governments for assistance in making priority expenditures. Defines priority expenditures as ordinary and necessary maintenance and operating expenses for: (1) primary, secondary, or higher education; (2) public safety; (3) public health; (4) social services for the disadvantaged or aged; (5) roads, transportation, and water infrastructure; and (6) housing, as well as ordinary and necessary capital expenditures authorized by state law. Requires at least one third of grant amounts to be made available to local governments.
Bill· HRH.R. 4116 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Amends federal transportation law to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from requiring the sounding of a locomotive horn in suburban areas in nonpeak traffic hours.
Bill· HRH.R. 4106 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Railroad Security and Public Awareness Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and issue detailed guidance for a rail worker security training program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions. Requires railroad carriers to develop a rail worker security training program that meets the Secretary's approval. Directs the Secretary to develop a national plan for public outreach and awareness of measures that the general public, railroad passengers, and railroad employees can take to increase railroad security. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to railroads (including intercity, heavy, and light rail), hazardous materials shippers, owners of hazardous materials rail cars, universities, colleges, and research centers, and state and local governments (for railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or partial reimbursement of: (1) rail worker security training program costs; and (2) security upgrade costs incurred by a railroad to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other railroad security threats. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop timelines for completing the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) framework for analyzing risks to the U.S. rail system and other transportation sectors; (2) evaluate whether the risk assessment used by the Office for Domestic Preparedness should be leveraged to facilitate the completion of such risk assessments; (3) set timelines for completing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) modal agreements for rail, mass transit, and research and development (R&D), which DHS and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have agreed to pursue; (4) develop and issue rail security standards, including a plan for how Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rail inspectors will be used to enforce such standards; and (5) study select foreign rail security practices, including the cost of implementing selected best practices not currently used in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4079 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005
Secure Our Nation's Interior Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise expedited removal provisions to: (1) apply such provisions to an alien who has not been physically present in the United States continuously for the one-year (currently, two-year) period immediately prior to the date of determination of inadmissibility; and (2) exempt from such authority an alien who has been charged with a crime, is in criminal proceedings, or is serving a criminal sentence. States that state or local law enforcement personnel have the inherent authority of a sovereign entity to apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across state lines to detention centers) in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Directs, upon state or appropriate local request, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) take an illegal alien into federal custody, or request that the relevant state or local law enforcement agency temporarily incarcerate or transport the alien for transfer to federal custody; and (2) designate at least one federal, state, or local prison, or a private contracted prison or detention facility within each state as the central facility for that state to transfer custody of aliens to DHS. Provides for DHS reimbursement of state and local costs incurred in the incarceration and transportation of illegal aliens. Provides that: (1) aliens (including alien crewmen) seeking admission or readmission to or transit through the United States must be inspected by immigration officers; (2) no alien may be admitted to the United States without having been processed through the automated entry-exit control system; and (3) such system shall verify the identity of every arriving and departing alien by comparing in real time the biometric identifier on such alien's travel or entry document or passport with the arriving or departing alien.
Law· SS. 1886 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2005 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Greece, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship PELICAN; (2) Egypt, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CARDINAL and RAVEN; (3) Pakistan, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship FLETCHER; and (4) Turkey, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship CUSHING. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) India, the AUSTIN class amphibious transport dock ship TRENTON; (2) Greece, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship HERON; and (3) Turkey, the SPRUANCE class destroyer ship O'BANNON. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.
Bill· SS. 1882 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Amends federal transportation law with respect to certain standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation establishing a uniform quality grading system for motor vehicle tires to help consumers make an informed choice when purchasing them. Requires such grading system to include standards for rating the fuel efficiency of passenger car and light truck tires. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a national tire fuel efficiency program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4071 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Accountability and Flexibility Associated With Spending on Transportation Act of 2005 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to allow a state to use its specified transportation improvement program (TIP) project allocation for any other eligible transportation project the state may designate. Expresses the sense of Congress that state departments of transportation should take project descriptions in certain set-aside bridge program projects and specified TIP projects under SAFETEA-LU into consideration if such projects involve improving transportation safety. Rescinds for FY2006 a specified amount of state unobligated balances of funds for the Interstate maintenance, national highway system, bridge, congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, surface transportation (other than the STP set-aside programs), metropolitan planning, minimum guarantee, Appalachian development highway system, recreational trails, safe routes to school, freight intermodal connectors, coordinated border infrastructure, high risk rural road, high priority projects, and TIPs and each of the STP set-aside programs. Rescinds 10% of amounts appropriated for FY2007-FY2009 by SAFETEA-LU (including the equity bonus program), but excluding amounts appropriated for the highway safety improvement program.
Bill· SS. 1862 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, in implementing the Agreement between the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of Israel Concerning Energy Cooperation, to establish a grant program to support research, development, and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. Authorizes grants to promote the following: (1) solar energy; (2) biomass energy; (3) energy efficiency; (4) wind energy; and (5) fossil energy. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to: (1) monitor how such grants are awarded; and (2) provide periodic performance reviews of actions taken to carry out the grant program.
Bill· SS. 1865 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
SouthEast Crescent Authority Act of 2005 - Establishes a SouthEast Crescent Authority for all parts of the following southeastern states not eligible for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Directs the Authority to perform various functions, including: (1) formulating plans and programs to spur economic development, and approving grants to States and public and nonprofit entities toward that end; (2) establishing priorities in a development plan for the region; (3) supporting local development districts, and creating them where they do not exist; and (4) encouraging private investment in the region. Permits the Authority to request and receive Federal, State and local government personnel as employees. Stipulates that Authority grants for infrastructure development may be made only to State or local governments. Permits other Authority grants for job training, employment-related education, business development, assisting severely distressed and poor areas, or for other purposes in accordance with the Act. Allows the Authority to designate annually: (1) distressed counties; and (2) isolated areas of distress in nondistressed counties. Directs the Authority to garner public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of its plans and programs.
Bill· SS. 1863 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Act of 2005 - Establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Agency for the efficient and effective use of federal resources relating to the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Prohibits the Agency Director and other executive agency heads, except for professional services or in other specified circumstances, from entering into a contract, or awarding a grant, to procure disaster recovery services in connection with reconstruction efforts, unless the contract or grant requires that workers affected by the two hurricanes compose at least 30% of the workforce involved, including those employed by any indirect recipient of such contract or grant fiunds. Establishes within the Agency the Gulf Coast Revitalization Authority, which shall develop a comprehensive plan for rebuilding and improving the public infrastructure of the hurricane-affected Gulf Coast region.
Bill· HRH.R. 4033 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
ALS Registry Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop a system to collect data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); and (2) establish a national registry for the collection and storage of ALS data. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish the Advisory Committee on the National ALS Registry to study and make recommendations to the Secretary concerning: (1) the development and maintenance of the registry; (2) the type of information to be included; (3) the manner in which data is to be collected; (4) the use and availability of such data; and (5) the collection of information about diseases and disorders that primarily affect motor neurons that are considered essential to furthering the study and cure of ALS. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Director, to award grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on ALS. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) identify, build upon, expand, and coordinate among existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure wherever possible; and (2) provide for public access to an electronic national database that accepts data from state registries, health care professionals, and others as recommended by the Advisory Committee in a manner that protects personal privacy. Requires the Secretary to ensure that epidemiological and other types of information is made available to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Bill· SS. 1851 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Amends federal transportation law to require replacement tires to meet standards required for tires on new vehicles, including standards affecting fuel economy. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rulemaking regarding policies and procedures for testing and labeling such tires for fuel economy.
Bill· SS. 1836 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Gulf Coast Infrastructure Redevelopment and Recovery Act of 2005 - Federal Infrastructure Preparedness Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a Federal Infrastructure Task Force to improve preparedness for the effects of extreme weather events on U.S infrastructure. Requires the Task Force to serve as the coordinating entity to distribute federal funding for infrastructure redevelopment required by Hurricane Katrina (Katrina). Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate more than $100 million in a state for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to Katrina. Emergency Water Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2005 - Authorizes Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi to provide additional subsidization to projects that receive funds through a revolving loan under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to repair, replace or rebuild publicly-owned treatment works in Katrina-affected areas or water quality projects directly related to relief efforts. Amends: (1) the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for post-disaster economic recovery; and (2) the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Delta Regional Authority to designate as a disaster area a county or parish that is affected by the declaration of a major disaster in response to Katrina. Directs the Authority to establish the Delta Regional Authority Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Directs: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use specified funds for activities, including cleanup, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment plants, and to report on hazardous materials releases; and (2) the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to conduct an assessment of Corps infrastructure in the region to determine whether opportunities exist for project modifications that may reduce future hurricane impacts. National Levee Safety Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program under which the Secretary inspects U.S. levees every 10 years; (2) establish the Interagency Committee on Levee Safety; (3) establish the National Levee Safety Review Board; and (4) establish and maintain a national levee safety program. Emergency Water Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to enter into an emergency lease, for up to five years, during a major disaster declared by the President or the head of a federal agency. Habitability of Residential Homes, Schools, and Commercial Buildings Affected by Hurricane Katrina Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator to establish a grant program to pay the federal share of the cost of abatement and inspection activities for residential homes, commercial buildings, and schools affected by Katrina. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide reimbursement for the establishment of commuter assistance programs to improve worker access to assist in the rapid recovery of communities in response to a major disaster.
Bill· HRH.R. 4009 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Department of Homeland Security Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Policy (established by this Act), to conduct Quadrennial Homeland Security Reviews of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Establishes in DHS an Office of Intelligence and Analysis headed by a presidentially appointed Chief Intelligence Officer. Transfers to the Chief Intelligence Officer the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, hereby abolished. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the Intelligence Through Employees Generating Resources for Analytical Leadership (INTEGRAL) Program; and (2) an intra-agency task force to study unclassified but security-relevant information. Redesignates the Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response as the Directorate of Preparedness and Response (DPR). Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a presidentially appointed Assistant Secretary for Preparedness, who shall perform the functions of the current Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, with primary responsibility for the preparedness of the United States for acts of terrorism. Gives the Under Secretary of Preparedness and Response primary responsibility for oversight and coordination with state, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region. Establishes in the DPR a presidentially appointed Military Liaison to coordinate DPR activities with the efforts of the Secretary of Defense. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to eliminate the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the Office of National Capital Region Coordination (transferring its functions to the DPR). Establishes the Director (who shall be an Assistant Secretary in the DPR) and Deputy Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Establishes in the DPR a Chief Medical Officer, who shall also be an Assistant Secretary. Declares the sense of Congress urging merger in DHS of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Grants the DHS privacy officer authority to conduct investigations. Eliminates the Under Secretary for Management and tranfers its functions to the Secretary. Requires the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and the Chief Human Capital Officer to exercise joint authority, with the component agency heads, over their respective counterparts in the DHS component agencies and entities. Establishes a Business Transformation Officer, who shall develop an overarching management integration strategy for DHS. Outlines whistleblower protections for DHS employees and other covered individuals. Tribal Homeland Security Act - Establishes within DHS the Office of Tribal Security. Establishes in the DPR a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Telecommunications, as well as an Assistant Secretary for Physical Infrastructure Security, both appointed by the President. Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary to regulate the handling and purchase of ammonium nitrate to prevent its misappropriation or use in an act of terrorism.
Bill· SS. 1806 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2005
West Valley Remediation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to remediate the Western New York Nuclear Service Center in West Valley, New York. Requires the Secretary to decontaminate and decommission: (1) Center facilities in which certain solidified high level radioactive waste was stored; (2) facilities used in waste solidification; and (3) material and hardware used in connection with the West Valley Demonstration Project. Makes the Secretary responsible for all remediation costs. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) transport high level radioactive waste at the Center to a federal repository for permanent disposal; (2) safeguard and ensure safe storage of such waste; and (3) dispose of low level radioactive waste and transuranic waste located at the Center, including future radioactive waste generated as a result of remediation. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to regulate the remediation of radioactive waste and nuclear materials at the Center. Requires the Secretary to develop and submit a specified decommissioning plan for NRC approval. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter into a consultation agreement with New York State regarding remediation of the Center; (2) prepare an environmental impact statement for decommissioning or long-term stewardship of the Center; and (3) assume exclusive use and possession of the Center after execution of a Cooperative Agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Requires the Secretary to take title to any land or facilities at the Center that have not been approved by the NRC for release for unrestricted use, and title to all radioactive and nonradioactive wastes and materials located at the Center. Repeals the West Valley Demonstration Project Act upon assumption of exclusive use and possession of the Center by the Secretary.
Bill· SS. 1793 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Amends federal aviation law to extend through FY2006 the current authority of the Secretary of Transportation to apportion to the sponsor of a primary airport an amount equal to the amount apportioned to that sponsor in FY2002 or FY2003, whichever amount is greater, if the Secretary finds that: (1) the passenger boardings at the airport were below 10,000 in calendar year 2002 or 2003; (2) the airport had at least 10,000 passenger boardings and scheduled passenger aircraft service in either calendar year 2000 or 2001; and (3) the reason that passenger boardings were below 10,000 was the decrease in passengers following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 3958 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Authorizes the use of certain Department of Defense (DOD) and Louisiana National Guard funds for the payment of: (1) departure allowances in connection with the relocation of dependents of members of the uniformed services serving on active duty or of members of reserve components deployed in state service; and (2) claims for personal property damage and losses incurred by such members. Declares that the departure of civilian DOD employees and their dependents from Louisiana parishes designated as major disaster areas on or after August 28, 2005, shall be considered an evacuation for the purpose of federal government payment for transportation to a location of the employee's choice. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Bill· HRH.R. 3943 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Declares that new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations with respect to property-carrying commercial motor vehicles equipped with sleeper berths shall become enforceable on January 1, 2006. Continues the effectiveness and enforceability until such date of the hours of service regulations in effect as of January 4, 2004, and any compatible state law.
Law· SS. 1786 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make airport development project grants from unobligated apportioned airport improvement funds for FY2005 and FY2006 for emergency capital and operating costs of repairing or replacing public use facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita which are incurred by a public use airport in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Texas listed in the Federal Aviation Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any applicable grant limitation or requirement if the Secretary determines that it is necessary to respond to the urgent needs of the region damaged by the hurricanes. Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 463 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to furnish the House of Representatives all documents and records in his possession relating to the review of the screener allocation model of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the subsequent reapportionment of airport screeners employed by TSA which was announced on or around July 26, 2005.
Bill· SS. 1765 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Bill· SS. 1766 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Bill· HRH.R. 3869 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Freedom and Flexibility to Rebuild Act of 2005 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to revise the allocation of specified surface transportation projects for the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to allow such states to designate other eligible transportation projects for such projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 3851 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005
Systemic Passenger Infrastructure and Network Overhaul through Financial Freedom Act - Transfers from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to the Secretary of Transportation title to all Amtrak property necessary for the operation of the main line of the Northeast Corridor between the District of Columbia and Boston, Massachusetts. Directs the Secretary to complete a competitive selection of an entity to maintain and dispatch service on the main line of the Northeast Corridor until the disposition and orderly transition of such operations. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Secretary on the capital requirements needed to ensure that the Northeast Corridor can be operated in a financially viable manner. Requires the Secretary to choose the following option most appropriate for the disposition of Amtrak operations along the Northeast Corridor: (1) transfer of such operations to an interstate compact of Northeast Corridor states; (2) transfer of the operations to a new quasi-governmental corporation or to a private sector corporation; or (3) retention of ownership by the Secretary, with competitive franchising, by one or more entities, of the management and dispatching of service. Requires the Secretary to retain, and Amtrak to transfer to the Secretary, all amounts appropriated by the federal government for Amtrak for FY2006.
Bill· SS. 1735 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005
Energy Emergency Consumer Protection Act of 2005 - States that during any presidentially-declared energy emergency it is unlawful to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates in, or for use in, the area involved at a price that: (1) is unconscionably excessive; or (2) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances to increase prices unreasonably. Makes it unlawful to: (1) report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) false or misleading data and information regarding the wholesale price of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates; or (2) use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at wholesale, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance, in contravention of FTC-prescribed rules and regulations. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the health, safety, welfare, or economic well-being of American citizens is at risk because there exists either: (1) an actual or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates due to a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in national energy markets for such products. Empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Prescribes maximum civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Instructs the FTC to: (1) facilitate price transparency in wholesale crude oil and petroleum product markets; and (2) conclude a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other appropriate agencies relating to information sharing. Instructs the Comptroller General to investigate periodically the extent to which major oil companies and automobile manufacturers have invested in alternative fuels production, infrastructure, and technology development. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to review expenditures and activities by major U.S. companies to protect the energy supply system from terrorist attacks, international supply disruptions, and natural disasters, and ensure a stable and reasonably priced supply of such products to consumers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3835 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2005
National Ocean Exploration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a coordinated national ocean exploration program that promotes collaboration with existing NOAA programs, including those authorized under this Act. Directs the NOAA Administrator to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other scientific activities to survey, inventory, observe, and assess little-known areas of the marine environment; (2) give priority to deep ocean regions, focusing on marine systems holding potential for important scientific discoveries; and (3) promote development of improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, and data collection systems. Requires NOAA to convene an ocean exploration technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a strategy to: (1) facilitate the transfer of new exploration technology to the program; (2) improve the availability of communications infrastructure (including satellite) to the program; (3) develop a data management information processing system for information obtained under the program; and (4) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, and processes. Authorizes NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and other federal agencies to participate in interagency financing in carrying out program activities. NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of NOAA to establish and maintain an undersea research program conducted through a national headquarters, a network of regional undersea research centers, and a national technology institute.
Bill· SS. 1725 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2005
Assure Emergency and Interoperable Communications for First Responders Act of 2005 - Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to establish an Office for Emergency Communications, Interoperability, and Compatibility (OECIC) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replacing the current Office for Interoperability and Compatibility. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the OECIC Director, to: (1) conduct a nationwide assessment of the achievement and needs of communications interoperability; (2) assess of the ability of communities to provide and maintain emergency communications among emergency response providers and government officials in a large-scale emergency; (3) list best practices among communities for doing so; and (4) study the feasibility and desirability of developing a mobile DHS communications capability, modeled on the Army Signal Corps, that could be deployed to support emergency communications at the site of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other large-scale emergency. Directs the Secretary to establish a comprehensive research and development program to promote emergency communications capabilities and communications interoperability among first responders. Requires the Secretary to establish at least two pilot projects to develop and evaluate strategies and technologies for emergency communications capabilities among emergency response providers and government officials in the event of a large-scale emergency in which there is significant damage to, or destruction of, critical infrastructure. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Domestic Preparedness of the DHS Office of State and Local Government Preparedness and Coordination, to make grants to States and eligible regions for initiatives necessary to: (1) improve emergency communications capabilities; and (2) achieve solutions to statewide, regional, national and, where appropriate, international interoperability. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Emergency Communications and Interoperability.
Bill· SS. 1714 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate more than $100 million in a state for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. (Effectively, modifies the $100 million limit that may be obligated from such program in any fiscal year for such projects). Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $2.9 billion for the emergency relief program.
Bill· SS. 1709 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Gulf Coast Emergency Water Infrastructure Assistance Act - Permits a state, for two years after the enactment of this Act, to provide certain subsidies and loan extensions for water treatment and water quality projects related to Hurricane Katrina that are funded by revolving loans under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Permits Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, for two years after the enactment of this Act, to provide assistance to a public water system that is not included on the intended use plan of such states under the Safe Drinking Water Act if the project involves damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition and complies with use of funds requirements under such Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test a drinking water well owned or operated by a homeowner that is, or may be, contaminated as a result of Hurricane Katrina or a related condition.
Bill· HRH.R. 3814 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Directs the Secretary of Transportation using federal highway funds to provide that all highway safety signs within five miles of a Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Department of Homeland Security) inspection station located at the U.S. border with: (1) Canada, are in French and English; and (2) Mexico, are in Spanish and English.
Bill· HRH.R. 3786 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate more than $100 million in a state for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. (Effectively, modifies the $100 million limit that may be obligated from such program in any fiscal year for such projects). Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $2.9 billion for the emergency relief program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 445 (109th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Designates majority membership on the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Government Reform; (3) Homeland Security (including its Chairman); and (4) Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 1702 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate more than $100 million in a state for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. (Effectively, modifies the $100 million limit that may be obligated from such program in any fiscal year for such projects). Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $2.9 billion for the emergency relief program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3743 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue regulations to ensure that no secondary airport screening is conducted of a member of the Armed Forces who: (1) is on active duty; (2) is carrying orders that require travel; (3) is in uniform; and (4) has valid military identification.
Bill· HRH.R. 3725 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2005
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from issuing or enforcing requirements that directly or indirectly: (1) prohibit a commercial motor vehicle driver from participating in a driving school in the disposition of a traffic violation; (2) prohibit a state from issuing a provisional driver's license to a commercial motor vehicle driver in the disposition of a traffic violation; or (3) require a traffic violation by a commercial motor vehicle driver in a state (other than the driver's licensing state) to be automatically considered a violation for purposes of commercial driver's license disqualification in the driver's licensing state.
Bill· SS. 1648 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2005
Automobile Fuel Efficiency Improvements Act of 2005 - Amends federal transportation law to phase in an increase in average fuel economy standards: (1) from 25 miles per gallon for passenger automobiles manufactured between model years 1984 and 2008 to 40 miles per gallon for those manufactured after model year 2016; and (2) from 17 miles per gallon for non-passenger automobiles manufactured between model years 1984 and 2008 to 27.5 miles per gallon for those manufactured after model year 2016. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe such standards for non-passenger automobiles at least 18 months before the beginning of each model year after model year 2017. Revises the definitions of automobile and passenger automobile, increasing the weight standards and seating capacity. Increases the civil penalties for violations of fuel economy standards. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) report biennially to Congress on the quality of the automobile fuel economy testing for all currently available automobile technologies; and (2) provide for the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to study what practicable automobile fuel economy testing process provides the most accurate measures of actual automobile fuel economy in highway use, in urban use, and in combined highway and in urban use. Directs the Secretary to prescribe: (1) a revised testing procedure for accurately measuring the actual automobile fuel economy of each automobile model, based on the latter study; and (2) amended average fuel economy standards taking into account improved accuracy in their calculation resulting from use of such procedure. Revises requirements for the fleet average fuel economy standards for U.S. executive agency automobiles, both passenger and non-passenger. Directs the President to prescribe regulations that require a specified minimum number of exceptionally fuel-efficient vehicles leased or bought by U.S. executive agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 3706 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005
Establishes the bipartisan National Independent Inquiry Commission on Disaster Preparedness and Response to examine and report on the readiness of federal, state, and local governments and agencies to respond to the dramatic effects of Hurricane Katrina, meet power and utility infrastructure and telecommunications needs immediately following Katrina's landfall and all future disasters, and prepare for, and respond to disasters of all kinds, sizes, and scopes, including natural or man-made. Requires the Commission also to: (1) report on the availability of adequate resources to meet the needs of displaced individuals and families, and the effectiveness of rescue and other life-saving techniques and operations and coordination between the Armed Forces and federal, state, and local governments; (2) determine if the federal response to Hurricane Katrina was and remains coordinated, adequate, and appropriate in size and scope; and (3) investigate and report to the President and Congress on the Federal Government's failure to prepare adequately for and respond to Hurricane Katrina.
Bill· HRH.R. 3674 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Railway Safety Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to the operators of rail fixed guideway mass transportation systems subject to regulation by the Federal Transit Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration for projects to construct fences or other barriers to prevent public access to tracks and other facilities of the system that may present a hazard in a residential area. Limits the federal share to 50% of the project cost.
Bill· HRH.R. 3686 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Growing Smarter Through Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2005 - Amends federal highway and transportation law to instruct the pertinent metropolitan planning organizations to coordinate development of long-range highway and transit plans with affected units of general purpose local government in order to ensure consistency with local land use plans.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 235 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that each state should require any candidate for a driver's license to demonstrate, as a condition of obtaining one, an ability to: (1) associate the use of the white cane and guide dog with visually impaired individuals; and (2) exercise greatly increased caution when driving in proximity to a potentially visually impaired individual.