bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
108-hr-5419,108,hr,5419,"To amend the National Telecommunications and Information Adminstration Organization Act to facilitate the reallocation of spectrum from governmental to commercial users; to improve, enhance, and promote the Nation's homeland security, public safety, and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through the use of enhanced 911 services, to further upgrade Public Safety Answering Point capabilities and related functions in receiving E-911 calls, and to support in the construction and operation of a ubiquitous and reliable citizen activated system; and to provide that funds received as universal service contributions under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 and the universal service support programs established pursuant thereto are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act, for a period of time.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-20,2004-12-23,Became Public Law No: 108-494.,House,"Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]",MI,R,U000031,0,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced in the House on November 20, 2004. However, because action occurred on the measure, the summary has been expanded.) Title I: E-911 - Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 911 Act of 2004 or ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 - (Sec. 104) Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (NTIAO Act) to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information (Assistant Secretary) and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Administrator) to: (1) establish a joint program to facilitate coordination between Federal, State, and local emergency communications systems, emergency personnel, public safety organizations, and telecommunications carriers, equipment manufacturers, and vendors involved in the implementation of E-911 (enhanced 911 emergency phone) services; and (2) create an E-911 Implementation Coordination Office to facilitate such coordination and implementation. Requires the Assistant Secretary and Administrator to: (1) develop a management plan for the joint program; and (2) provide grants to eligible entities for the implementation and operation of phase II (enhanced) E-911 services. Requires grant recipients to certify that no E-911 charges imposed by the appropriate taxing jurisdiction (on phone bills) are being obligated or expended for any purpose other than E-911 services implementation and maintenance. Authorizes appropriations for the grant program. Terminates the joint program on October 1, 2009. (Sec. 105) Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the imposition of taxes or other charges imposed by States or political subdivisions to improve emergency communications services, including E-911 services; and (2) the use of revenues derived from such taxes or charges. (Sec. 106) Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to specified congressional committees on the deployment of E-911 phase II services by tier III service (mobile telecommunications) providers. (Sec. 107) Requires the FCC to act within 100 days on any petition filed by a tier III carrier requesting a waiver of compliance with phase II implementation requirements. Title II: Spectrum Relocation - Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act - Amends the NTIAO Act to rewrite provisions concerning the reallocation of spectrum from governmental to commercial users. (Sec. 202) Requires any Federal entity that operates a Government station assigned within eligible frequencies and that incurs relocation costs due to reallocation to non-Federal use to receive reimbursement from the Spectrum Relocation Fund established under this title. Includes within eligible frequencies: (1) the 216-220, 1432-1435, 1710-1755, and 2385-2390 megahertz bands; and (2) any other band reallocated from Federal to non-Federal use after January 1, 2003, by competitive bidding, except for bands previously identified by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the Spectrum Reallocation Final Report. Requires: (1) the FCC to notify the NTIA at least 18 months prior to the commencement of any auction of eligible frequencies; (2) the NTIA to notify the FCC at least six months prior to any auction of estimated relocation costs and timelines; and (3) the NTIA to submit to specified congressional committees and the CG a copy of the estimated relocation costs and timelines. Directs the NTIA to: (1) ensure the timely relocation of Federal entities' spectrum-related operations from the eligible frequencies to frequencies or facilities of comparable quality; (2) terminate such entity's authority to operate on the former frequency; and (3) notify the FCC that the entity's relocation has been completed. (Sec. 203) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the FCC: (1) in designing competitive bidding under such auctions, to have as an objective the recovery of 110 percent of the estimated relocation costs; (2) to prescribe methods to ensure that the total cash proceeds from any auction equals at least 110 percent of such costs; and (3) to prohibit the FCC from concluding any auction under which such objective is not reached. Authorizes the FCC to grant a license for the advance use of eligible frequencies pending an auction, on the condition that the licensee cannot cause harmful interference to the Federal entity until the entity's authorization has been terminated. (Sec. 204) Establishes the Spectrum Relocation Fund. Provides for: (1) the crediting of receipts from the spectrum auction to the Fund; and (2) the transfer of Fund amounts to pay Federal entity costs of relocating from reallocated frequencies, under specified conditions, including submission of a plan from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to specified congressional committees and the CG detailing how such sums will be used to pay relocation costs and the timeline for such relocation. Allows a Federal entity to receive more than one transfer, but requires an explanation and CG review when the sum of a subsequent transfer exceeds ten percent of the original transfer. (Sec. 205) Revises the basis for loans or other extensions of credit made to small businesses from the Telecommunications Development Fund. (Sec. 207) Requires an annual report from the NTIA to specified congressional committees and the CG on: (1) progress made in adhering to relocation timelines; and (2) estimated and actual relocation costs and amounts paid from the Spectrum Relocation Fund. (Sec. 208) Requires a report from the NTIA Administrator to specified congressional committees on various policy options to compensate Federal entities for relocation costs when their frequencies are reallocated by the FCC for unlicensed, public safety, shared, or non-commercial use. (Sec. 209) Directs the CG to: (1) examine national commercial spectrum license policy as implemented by the FCC; and (2) report findings to specified congressional committees. Title III: Universal Service - Universal Service Antideficiency Temporary Suspension Act - Makes certain Federal limitations on the obligation and expenditure of Federal funds (including sequestration requirements) and appropriations apportionment inapplicable to any amounts collected as Federal universal service contributions or to the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.",2023-01-14T22:48:31Z,
108-hr-5420,108,hr,5420,Universal Service Antideficiency Suspension Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-20,2004-12-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,0,"Universal Service Antideficiency Suspension Act - Makes Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.",2023-01-14T22:48:31Z,
108-s-3022,108,s,3022,Innovation Competitiveness Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-20,2004-11-20,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"Innovation Competitiveness Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a Technology Transfer Director within the Technology Administration to perform oversight and policy and development for technology transfer activities at the Department of Commerce. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate activities of the Interagency Working Group on Technolgy Transfer; (2) coordinate with certain technology partnership ombudsmans; and (3) establish procedures for coordinating the Commerce Department's technology transfer outreach activities between appropriate Federal agencies, including the National Technical Information Service and the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Directs the Secretary to establish a research program within the Technology Administration that: (1) involves consultation with the various units of the Commerce Department; (2) builds upon ongoing private sector efforts; and (3) involves consortia. Instructs the Director to work with industry, trade associations, professional societies, and others to: (1) develop improved technology transfer research tools and practices; and (2) conduct a specified study. Requires the Director to oversee a dissemination and technical assistance program for the immediate dissemination and implementation of the practices, standards, and codes developed by the Technology Administration. Directs the Secretary to designate a small business advocate within the Commerce Department to: (1) increase the participation of small business concerns; and (2) establish guidelines for a small business program under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a State and Industry Task Force to highlight areas where the Federal Government can help States to provide a complementary research and development environment.",2023-01-14T22:48:29Z,
108-hr-5382,108,hr,5382,Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-18,2004-12-23,Became Public Law No: 108-492.,House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,2,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) States that Congress finds that: (1) the goal of safely opening space to the American people and to their private commercial enterprises should guide Federal space investments, policies, and regulations; (2) private industry has begun to develop commercial launch vehicles capable of carrying human beings into space; (3) greater private investment in these efforts will stimulate the commercial space transportation industry; (4) space transportation is inherently risky, and the future of the commercial human space flight industry will depend on its ability to continually improve its safety performance; and (5) the regulatory standards governing human space flight must evolve as the industry matures so that regulations neither stifle technology development nor expose crew or space flight participants to avoidable risks as the public comes to expect greater safety for crew and space flight participants from the industry. Includes the following as purposes relating to space launch activities under the Commercial Space Launch Act: (1) the promoting of the continuous improvement of the safety of launch vehicles designed to carry humans, including through the issuance of regulations; and (2) providing of the issuance of permits and commercial licenses and transferring of commercial licenses authorizing the conduct of commercial launch and reentry operations. Amends the Act to define the following terms: (1) crew; (2) permit; (3) space flight participant; (4) suborbital rocket; and (5) suborbital trajectory. Amends the definitions of: (1) launch; (2) launch services; (3) reentry services; (4) launch vehicle; (5) reenter and reentry; and (6) third party.  Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in carrying out the responsibilities for facilitating commercial launches and reentries, to encourage, facilitate, and promote the continuous improvement of the safety of launch vehicles designed to carry humans. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations for the safety of such launch vehicles. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) only one license or permit is required from the Department of Transportation to conduct activities involving crew or space flight participants, including launch and reentry, for which a license or permit is required; and (2) all of the Department's regulations relevant to the licensed or permitted activity are satisfied. Provides that all requirements of U.S. laws applicable to the launch of a launch vehicle or the operation of a launch site or a reentry site, or the reentry of a reentry vehicle, are requirements for a license (currently) or permit. Allows the Secretary to prescribe additional license requirements, for a launch vehicle carrying a human being for compensation or hire, necessary to protect the health and safety of crew or flight participants, only if such requirements are imposed pursuant to final safety regulations issued in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from granting waivers that would permit launches without a license or permit if humans will be aboard.  Allows the holder of a license or a permit to launch and reenter a crew and/or a space flight participant, but only as specified, including that the holder of the license or permit has informed any individual serving as crew and any flight participant that the U.S. Government has not certified the launch vehicle as safe for carrying crew or space flight participants. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations requiring space flight participants to undergo physical examination prior to launch or reentry. Terminates such authority three years after the enactment of this Act.  Authorizes the Secretary to issue additional regulations setting reasonable requirements for space flight participants, including medical and training requirements. Provides that such regulations shall not be effective until at least three years following enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations governing launch vehicle design or operation to protect the health and safety of crew and space flight participants which shall: (1) describe how such regulations would be applied when the Secretary is determining whether to issue a license; (2) apply only to launches in which a vehicle will be carrying a human being for compensation or hire; (3) be limited to restricting or prohibiting design features or operating practices that have resulted in a serious or fatal injury to crew or space flight participants during a licensed or permitted commercial human space flight, or that contributed to an unplanned event or series of events a during a licensed or permitted commercial human space flight that posed a high risk of causing a serious or fatal injury to crew or space flight participants; and (4) be issued with a description of the instance or instances when the design feature or operating practice being restricted or prohibited contributed to such a result or event. Authorizes the Secretary, eight years after this Act's enactment, to propose regulations without regard to clauses three and four above. Requires any such regulations to take into consideration the evolving standards of safety in the commercial space flight industry. Prohibits anything in such regulations from being construed to limit the Secretary's authority to issue requirements or regulations to protect the public health and safety, safety of property, national security interests, and foreign policy interests of the United States.  Provides for the issuance of experimental permits (including permits for reusable suborbital rockets) allowing for an unlimited number of launches.  Allows the Secretary when issuing permits, in order to encourage the development of a commercial space flight industry to use the authority to waive, by regulation, any Federal law requirement as a requirement for a license or permit if such requirement is not necessary to protect the public health and safety, safety of property, and U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Limits the Secretary's authority to issue permits for reusable suborbital rockets to those rockets that will be launched or reentered solely for: (1) research and development to test new design concepts, new equipment, or new operating techniques; (2) showing compliance with requirements as part of the process for obtaining a license; or (3) crew training before obtaining a license for a launch or reentry using the design of the rocket for which the permit would be issued. Prohibits operating a reusable suborbital rocket under a permit for carrying any property or human being for compensation or hire. Requires the Secretary to modify an issued or transferred license whenever a modification is needed for the license to be in conformity with a safety regulation that was issued pursuant to this Act after the issuance of the license.  Permits suspension of licenses under which a previous launch or reentry resulted in serious or fatal injuries. Requires any suspension imposed under this Act to be for as brief a period as possible, and in any event, to cease when the Secretary: (1) has determined that the licensee has taken sufficient steps to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the serious or fatal injury; or (2) has modified the license to sufficiently reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the serious or fatal injury. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government.  Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Requires the Secretary to publish proposed regulations to carry out this Act, including regulations relating to crew, space flight participants, and permits for launch or reentry of reusable suborbital rockets, and to issue final regulations.  Authorizes the Secretary to issue final regulations changing the definition of suborbital rocket under this Act. Prohibits any such regulation from taking effect until after it has been submitted to Congress. Allows the Secretary to issue such (changed) regulations only if the Secretary has determined that the definition does not describe, or will not continue to describe, all appropriate vehicles and only those vehicles. Requires the Secretary, in making that determination, to take into account the evolving nature of the commercial space launch industry. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary to arrange with a nonprofit entity for the conduct of an independent study of the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation which assesses: (1) methods by which the current system could be eliminated, including an estimate of the time required to implement each of the methods assessed; and (2) whether any alternative steps would be needed to maintain a viable and competitive U.S. space transportation industry if the current regime were eliminated. Requires input from commercial space transportation insurance experts to be sought in conducting such assessment. Instructs such study to also examine liability risk sharing in other nations with commercial launch capability and evaluate the impact that ending this regime would have on the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space launch industry in relation to foreign launch providers and on U.S. assured access to space. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to enter into an arrangement with a nonprofit entity for a specified report analyzing safety issues related to launching humans into space. Urges the Secretary, in designing such study, to take into account any recommendations from the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee and NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.",2023-01-14T22:48:32Z,
108-hr-5385,108,hr,5385,To authorize the establishment of a Centennial Challenge Prize Program at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-18,2004-11-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-24]",NY,R,B000586,0,Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to provide for a Centennial Challenge Program to award competitive prizes for innovations with the potential for application to the space and aeronautical goals and activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Sets forth program requirements.,2023-01-14T22:48:32Z,
108-s-2998,108,s,2998,Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-18,2004-11-18,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]",OK,R,I000024,0,"Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 - Amends Federal law concerning commercial space transportation to make such law applicable to space flight crews and space flight participants. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that only one license or permit is required from the Department of Transportation to conduct activities involving crew or space flight participants.  Prohibits the Secretary from granting waivers that would permit launches without a license or permit if humans will be aboard. Allows the holder of a license or a permit to launch and reenter crews and space flight participants, but only as specified. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations requiring space flight participants to undergo physical examination prior to launch or reentry. Authorizes the Secretary to issue safety regulations governing launch vehicle design or operation.  Provides for the issuance of experimental permits (including permits for reusable suborbital rockets) allowing for an unlimited number of launches. Permits suspension of licenses under which a previous launch or reentry resulted in serious or fatal injuries. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government. Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a study of the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation which assesses how the current system could be eliminated. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a report analyzing safety issues related to launching humans into space.",2023-01-14T22:48:30Z,
108-s-2994,108,s,2994,"A bill to provide that funds received as universal service contributions under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 and the universal service support programs established pursuant thereto are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act, for a period of time.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-11-17,2004-11-17,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,12,"Makes Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.",2023-01-14T22:48:30Z,
108-sres-466,108,sres,466,A resolution celebrating the anniversaries of the International Polar Years (1882-1883 and 1932-1933) and International Geophysical Year (1957-1958) and supporting a continuation of this international science year tradition in 2007-2008.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-11,2004-10-11,"Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11323-11324; text as passed Senate: CR S11324; text of measure as introduced: CR S11310)",Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) endorse the concept of a worldwide campaign of scientific activity for the 2007-2008 time frame; (2) require the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue interagency and international inquiries and discussions that ensure a successful worldwide international science year in such time frame, emphasizing activities dedicated to global environmental research, education, and protection; and (3) report to Congress on the steps taken to carry out this resolution, including possible activities and organizational structures for an international science year in 2007-2008.",2021-09-29T22:08:29Z,
108-hr-5336,108,hr,5336,Space and Aeronautics Prize Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-08,2004-10-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,0,"Space and Aeronautics Prize Act - Establishes a National Endowment for Space and Aeronautics, to be headed by a Chairman appointed by the President, to: (1) further the public's knowledge of and inspiration by the Earth, the Earth's atmosphere, human and robotic spaceflight and science missions, and celestial bodies; (2) carry out a program to award cash prizes for outstanding achievements in basic, advanced, and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration in conjunction with or independent of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (3) carry out advertising of commercial products and services in conjunction with such endeavors; and (4) encourage private gifts for the benefit of such endeavors. Requires the Endowment annually to report to Congress. Authorizes the Chairman to carry out a program to award cash prizes for outstanding achievements in basic, advanced, and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have potential for application to the activities of NASA. Requires the Chairman annually to report to specified congressional committees on the administration of such program. Requires the Endowment to carry out a program to award a prize for the demonstration of a space flight vehicle to carry at least one person to a minimum altitude of 400 kilometers from within the United States or its territories, complete at least three Earth orbits, and return safely.",2023-01-14T22:48:39Z,
108-hres-850,108,hres,850,To express the sense of the House that the Federal Communications Commission should not enact rules authorizing Broadband Over Power Line Systems without a more comprehensive evaluation of the interference potential to Public Safety services and other licensed radio services.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-08,2004-10-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Ross, Mike [D-AR-4]",AR,D,R000573,0,"Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should: (1) not take any action in a scheduled resolution vote on Broadband Over Power Line systems (BPL), or adopt only reactive measures for resolving cases of harmful interference to public safety systems potentially caused by BPL; (2) withhold vote action pending a complete radio wave analysis to determine the actual effect of BPL on public safety systems; and (3) allow extensive public review and comment on such analysis and its results, and a summary of such comments should be published before any BPL rules are finally adopted.",2023-01-14T22:48:37Z,
108-s-2963,108,s,2963,Local Control of Broadcast Towers Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-08,2004-10-08,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10858-10859)",Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,2,"Local Control of Broadcast Towers Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from adopting a final rule or otherwise implementing any portion of a proposed rule regarding the preemption of State and local zoning and land use restrictions on the siting, placement, and construction of broadcast station transmission facilities. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow a State or local government to deny an application to place, construct, or modify such facilities on the basis that alternative technologies, systems, or structures are capable of delivering such services in a manner less intrusive to the local community. Places the burden of proving the appropriateness of proposed facilities on applicants. Allows a State or local government to regulate the location, height, or modification of such facilities in order to address the effects of radio frequency interference on local communities and the public.Prohibits the Act from being interpreted to prohibit a State or local government from requiring environmental or other studies, reports, or documentation concerning the placement, construction, or modification of such facilities.",2023-01-14T22:48:34Z,
108-s-2964,108,s,2964,Local Control of Cellular Towers Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-08,2004-10-08,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10859-10860)",Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,2,"Local Control of Cellular Towers Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal the prohibition against a State or local government regulating the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with emission regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).Requires, in any action in which a person is seeking to place, construct, or modify such a facility, that person to bear the burden of proof, regardless of who commences the action.Prohibits the FCC from adopting a final rule or otherwise implementing any portion of a proposed FCC rule regarding relief from State and local regulation of such facilities.Allows a State or local government to deny an application to place, construct, or modify such facilities on the basis that alternative technologies, systems, or structures are capable of delivering such services in a manner less intrusive to the local community. Requires the burden of proving the appropriateness of proposed facilities to be the applicant's.Allows a State or local government to regulate the location, height, or modification of such facilities in order to address the effects of radio frequency interference on local communities and the public.Prohibits the Act from being interpreted to prohibit a State or local government from requiring environmental or other studies, reports, or documentation concerning the placement, construction, or modification of such facilities.",2023-01-14T22:48:34Z,
108-s-2967,108,s,2967,Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-08,2004-10-08,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,1,"Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program.",2023-01-14T22:48:34Z,
108-hr-5245,108,hr,5245,To extend the liability indemnification regime for the commercial space transportation industry.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-07,2004-11-30,Became Public Law No: 108-428.,House,"Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-24]",NY,R,B000586,1,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends liability insurance and financial responsibility requirements with respect to commercial space transportation through December 31, 2009. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to arrange with a nonprofit entity for a study: (1) regarding the liability risk sharing regime in the United States for commercial space transportation; (2) to assess methods by which the liability risk sharing regime could be eliminated and whether alternative steps would be needed to maintain a viable and competitive U.S. space transportation industry if it were eliminated; and (3) to examine liability risk sharing in other nations with commercial launch capability and evaluate the direct and indirect impact that eliminating the regime would have on the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space launch industry in relation to foreign commercial launch providers and on U.S. assured access to space.",2023-01-14T22:48:42Z,
108-s-2917,108,s,2917,A bill to amend the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to establish a centennial challenge program and establish a National Aeronautics and Space Foundation.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-07,2004-10-07,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Brownback, Sam [R-KS]",KS,R,B000953,1,"Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to carry out a Centennial Challenge Program to award prizes to stimulate innovation in basic and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to the performance of NASA's space and aeronautical activities; and (2) establish a charitable and nonprofit corporation to be known as the National Aeronautics and Space Foundation to encourage private gifts of real and personal property for the benefit of, or in connection with, NASA and to further the public's knowledge of, and inspiration by, the Earth and space.",2023-01-14T22:48:36Z,
108-s-2896,108,s,2896,A bill to modify and extend certain privatization requirements of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-10-05,2004-10-25,Became Public Law No: 108-371.,Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,1,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to extend, through June 30, 2005, the date for conducting an initial public offering of securities of any successor entity of Inmarsat (a Government-owned communications satellite). Allows a successor entity to be deemed a national corporation, and therefor forgo an initial public offering and public securities listing for the above purposes, if: (1) the successor entity makes certain certifications to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with respect to the financial interests of Inmarsat signatories and former signatories, and that no intergovernmental organization has any ownership interest in a successor entity of INTELSAT (another Government-owned satellite) or more than a minimal ownership interest in a successor entity of Inmarsat; (2) the successor entity provides such financial and other information as the FCC may require to verify such certification; and (3) the FCC determines that the successor entity is in compliance with such certification.",2023-01-14T22:48:36Z,
108-s-2820,108,s,2820,Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement To Improve Vital Emergency Services Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-09-21,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-428.",Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement to Improve Vital Emergency Services (SAVE LIVES) Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting any extension in the required reassignment of broadcasting stations between 764 and 776 and 794 and 806 megahertz for public safety services. Directs the FCC to complete the assignment of the electromagnetic spectrum between such stations, and to permit operations by public safety services on those frequencies commencing no later than January 1, 2008. Authorizes the FCC, beginning on such date, to modify or reassign the licenses of licensees as necessary to permit such new operations. Allows the FCC to waive such requirements in specified circumstances. Requires the FCC to report to specified congressional committees on strategies for meeting public safety communications needs and the advisability of reallocating spectrum in the 700 megahertz band for unlicensed broadband uses. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Science and Technology to establish the Wireless Public Safety Interoperability Communications Program (SAFECOM) and to complete a communications interoperability study. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a grant program to help first responders acquire and deploy interoperable communications equipment. Establishes the Digital Transition Consumer Assistance Fund. Authorizes appropriations.  Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to assist households in transitioning from analog to digital television. Requires the program to: (1) become publicly available no later than January 1, 2008; and (2) give first priority to assisting lower income households. Gives the FCC authority to require analog television sets sold or offered for sale after September 30, 2005, that will be incapable of broadcasting digital signals without an external device to be labeled as such. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to recommend to specified congressional committees a program to educate consumers about the transition to digital broadcast signals. Directs the FCC to issue final decisions in three pending proceedings. Requires the FCC, in one of the proceedings, to establish minimum guidelines for locally originated programming, local electoral and public affairs programming, and independently produced programming for television broadcast licensees.",2023-01-14T22:48:31Z,
108-hr-5105,108,hr,5105,"To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out construction and related activities in support of the collaborative Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project on Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-09-17,2004-10-16,Became Public Law No: 108-331.,House,"Rep. Ney, Robert W. [R-OH-18]",OH,R,N000081,0,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out construction and related activities in support of the collaborative Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project on Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million for FY 2005.",2023-01-13T22:01:46Z,
108-s-2772,108,s,2772,Space CHASE Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-07-22,2004-07-22,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]",OK,R,I000024,0,Space Commercial Human Ascent Serving Expeditions Act (Space CHASE Act) - Amends Federal law concerning commercial space transportation to specify that the Secretary of Transportation shall carry out commercial space launch activities through the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.  Provides for the issuance of experimental permits for an unlimited number of launches of reusable suborbital rockets. Subjects to specified conditions reusable suborbital rockets and holders of licenses or permits to launch and reenter crews and space flight participants. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government. Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Extends liability insurance and financial responsibility requirements for three years. Requires the Secretary to arrange for the National Academy of Public Administration to study how best to gradually eliminate by 2008 or so the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation.,2023-01-14T22:48:25Z,
108-s-2669,108,s,2669,Direct Broadcast Satellite North Country Access Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-07-15,2004-07-15,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Sununu, John E. [R-NH]",NH,R,S001078,3,"Direct Broadcast Satellite North Country Access Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize satellite carriers to carry the signal of a commercial television broadcast station that was the only network station in that State on January 1, 1995, for secondary transmission to subscribers in communities in the State that are not within one of the first 50 television markets listed in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Authorizes satellite carriers to carry the signals of any network station in a State in which all network stations and superstations licensed by the FCC as of January 1, 1995, were assigned to the same local market and the local market does not encompass all counties of the State, for secondary transmission to subscribers in the State who reside in one of the first 50 major television markets listed in FCC regulations.",2023-01-14T22:48:27Z,
108-s-2644,108,s,2644,Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Rural Consumer Access to Digital Television Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-07-13,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-427.",Senate,"Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]",NV,R,E000194,1,"Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Rural Consumer Access to Digital Television Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend until December 31, 2009, the exemption that allows the retransmission of the signals of a network station directly to a home satellite antenna without the consent of the originating station to subscribers outside the local market that reside in unserved households. (Sec. 3) Requires a satellite carrier to transmit all signals of local television broadcast stations retransmitted by that carrier within a local market by means of a single reception antenna and associated equipment. Allows an 18-month transition period after the enactment of this Act for satellite carriers that, as of July 1, 2004, are retransmitting signals by means of more than a single reception antenna and associated equipment. (Sec. 4) Limits to two the number of distant digital signals of stations from the same network that a satellite carrier may transmit to a subscriber in an unserved household in a single day. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine signal standards for eligibility for retransmissions of digital signals of network stations to unserved households. Directs: (1) a satellite carrier providing a distant digital signal to notify its customers that it will cease providing such signal within 120 days after the date on which the carrier is notified that the household ceases to be an unserved household with respect to digital signals; and (2) a network station to notify all affected satellite carriers within 48 hours of filing with the FCC any license application that will result in any household ceasing to be an unserved household. Requires a satellite carrier, within 60 days after such notification, to transmit to the network station a list identifying all subscribers to which the carrier provides a distant digital signal in the local market of that network station. Provides for enforcement of such requirements. Directs the FCC, within six months after enactment of this Act, to complete a specified ruling with respect to digital translators. (Sec. 5) Prohibits, until January 1, 2010, a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) from failing to negotiate in good faith for retransmission consent. (Sec. 6) Directs the FCC to exempt certain subscriber-requested signal intensity tests frombeing paid for by broadcasters or satellite carriers. (Sec. 7) Extends to satellite carriers the privacy requirements that apply to cable operators' collection and use of subscribers' information. (Sec. 8) Extends to all MVPDs the rules requiring radio stations to announce at the same time of a broadcast for which any money, service, or other valuable consideration was directly or indirectly received from any person that such broadcast was paid for or furnished by such person. (Sec. 9) Applies to recreational vessels and aircraft the statutory licensing provisions governing the secondary transmission of network stations or superstations to recreational vehicles and commercial trucks. (Sec. 10) Allows a satellite carrier to offer a broadcaster's signal, if the broadcaster was the only network signal in that State prior to January 1, 1995, to other viewers in that State as long as the community is not included in the top 50 broadcast television markets. Allows a satellite carrier to provide to viewers in a State that contains a top 50 broadcast market any network and superstation signals that were licensed as of January 1, 1995, in the same market, as long as such market: (1) does not encompass all the counties in a State; and (2) is not a top 50 market. (Sec. 11) Prohibits a satellite carrier from carrying the signal of a television station into an adjacent local market comprised of only a portion of a county, other than to unserved households in that county. (Sec. 12) Allows a MVPD to retransmit to subscribers in an eligible county: (1) any television broadcast stations located in the State in which the county is located and that any MVPD was retransmitting to subscribers on January 1, 2004; or (2) up to two television broadcast stations located in the State in which the county is located, if the number of broadcast stations that the MVPD is authorized to carry is less than three. (Sec. 13) Requires a satellite carrier that offers MVPD service in the United States to more than 5 million subscribers, within two years after enactment of this Act, to retransmit the analog and digital signals of each broadcast station located in any local market within a State that is not part of the contiguous United States and that contains more than one television market. Prohibits the cost to subscribers of such retransmissions from exceeding costs of such retransmissions in other States. Prohibits the importation of distant digital signals into Alaska pursuant to the distant signal copyright license once local Alaska stations are made available by the satellite operator to Alaska subscribers pursuant to the local-into-local copyright license.",2023-01-14T22:48:23Z,
108-s-2645,108,s,2645,Public Broadcasting Reauthorization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-07-13,2004-10-08,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 786.,Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Public Broadcasting Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for: (1) FY 2007 through 2011 for the Public Broadcasting Fund, including funds for FY 2005 through 2009 specifically for transition from the use of analog to digital technology for the provision of public telecommunication services and for acquisition or production of digital programming of local, regional, and national interest; (2) FY 2005 for the Satellite Interconnection Fund, including for FY 2006 through 2008 up to the amount authorized for FY 2005 if the amount appropriated is less; and (3) FY 2005 through 2011 for public telecommunications facilities programs, including analog and digital broadcast facilities and equipment. Provides for recoupment by the Public Broadcasting Corporation of unexpended funds from a public broadcast station that ceases to provide public telecommunications services, or transfers its license or permit to an entity that will not provide such services. Redefines "public broadcast services" as "public telecommunications services," namely noncommercial educational and cultural: (1) radio and television programming or other content; and (2) instructional or informational material (including data) transmitted electronically. Revises the authority of licensees and permittees of public radio stations to use funds distributed by the Corporation at their discretion for purposes related primarily to the production and acquisition of programming. Authorizes such recipients to use such funds primarily for the support of content, programming, and services, especially those that serve the needs and interests of the recipient's local community.",2023-01-14T22:48:23Z,
108-hr-4757,108,hr,4757,Advanced Internet Communications Services Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-07-06,2004-07-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6]",FL,R,S000822,1,"Advanced Internet Communications Services Act of 2004 - Requires an advanced Internet communications service to be considered: (1) an interstate service; and (2) neither a telecommunications service nor an information service for purposes of the Communications Act of 1934. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and States from regulating the rates, charges, terms, or conditions for, entry into, or exit from the provision of advanced Internet communications service, subject to provisions of this Act giving the FCC exclusive authority to regarding such services. Requires the FCC, to the extent technically feasible and economically reasonable, to impose requirements or obligations on advanced Internet communications voice service providers in order to: (1) ensure that appropriate E-911 services are available to users of such services; (2) provide access for persons with disabilities; (3) contribute directly to the universal service fund; and (4) provide for just and reasonable compensation for use of the public switched telephone network. Directs the FCC to ensure that such requirements or obligations apply equally to all advanced Internet communications voice service providers. Prohibits the FCC or any State from regulating the underlying Internet Protocol transmission networks, facilities, or equipment in a manner that results in unequal application of regulations.",2023-01-14T22:48:14Z,
108-hr-4715,108,hr,4715,Spectrum Accountability Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-25,2004-07-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Nussle, Jim [R-IA-1]",IA,R,N000172,4,Spectrum Accountability Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that the Federal Communications Commission is obligated to use the competitive bidding process for mutually exclusive license applications (subject to existing exceptions) and to accept such applications if granting a license would result in the licensee: (1) being authorized to use a materially greater quantity or value of spectrum; or (2) effectively exchanging a previously held license for one that materially alters rights or obligations under the prior license or permits the licensee to provide additional services.,2023-01-15T04:49:16Z,
108-hr-4710,108,hr,4710,Meaningful Expression of Democracy in America Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-24,2004-07-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY-28]",NY,D,S000480,37,Meaningful Expression of Democracy in America (MEDIA) Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require broadcast licensees to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance.,2023-01-15T04:49:16Z,
108-s-2577,108,s,2577,Broadband Rural Research Investment Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-24,2004-06-24,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY]",NY,D,C001041,0,Broadband Rural Research Investment Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to research means of enhancing or facilitating: (1) the availability of broadband telecommunications services in rural and other remote areas; and (2) access to the Internet through such services. Requires the Director to make public the results of such research.,2023-01-15T04:49:22Z,
108-s-2578,108,s,2578,Broadband Expansion Grant Initiative Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-24,2004-06-24,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY]",NY,D,C001041,0,Broadband Expansion Grant Initiative of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make grants to eligible recipients to facilitate the deployment by the private sector of broadband telecommunications networks and capabilities to underserved rural areas; and (2) guarantee loans used for such purpose.  Requires particular emphasis to be given to entities that use grant proceeds to: (1) provide underserved rural areas with access to Internet services by local telephone; (2) demonstrate models or technologies to bring broadband services to such areas; and (3) use broadband services to stimulate economic development in such areas.  Limits to $100 million the total amount of such grants.,2023-01-15T04:49:22Z,
108-s-2588,108,s,2588,A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2005 and succeeding fiscal years for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-24,2004-06-24,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Bayh, Evan [D-IN]",IN,D,B001233,2,Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 and succeeding fiscal years for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.,2023-01-15T04:49:22Z,
108-s-2603,108,s,2603,Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-24,2004-12-08,Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.,Senate,"Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]",OR,R,S001142,15,"Title I: Junk Faxes - Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a person from using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine, computer, or other device to send, to another fax machine, an unsolicited advertisement unless the unsolicited advertisement: (1) is from a sender with an established business relationship with the recipient, and the fax number used was obtained through voluntary communication; and (2) contains a notice allowing a recipient to opt-out from any further advertisements. Adds to the information required in opt-out notices, including that: (1) such notice be clear and conspicuous and appear on the first page of the advertisement; (2) a sender's failure to comply with an opt-out request is unlawful; (3) the notice include a domestic contact telephone and fax number for the recipient to transmit an opt-out request; and (4) the opt-out request is cost-free to the recipient. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) allow professional or trade associations that are tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to send unsolicited advertisements to members; and (2) limit the duration of an established business relationship exception. (Sec. 103) Requires an annual report from the FCC to Congress regarding junk fax enforcement during the preceding year. (Sec. 104) Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study of junk fax enforcement; and (2) report study results to specified congressional committees. Title II: Professional Boxing Safety - Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2004 - (Sec. 202) Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize a tribal organization to establish a boxing commission to regulate professional boxing matches held on Indian land; and (2) make its provisions applicable to professional boxing matches held on tribal lands to the same extent and in the same way as they apply to matches held in any State. Requires health and safety standards and licensing requirements for matches to be at least as restrictive as: (1) standards and requirements in the State in which the Indian land is located; or (2) the guidelines established by the United States Boxing Commission (USBC) (established in this title). (Sec. 205) Prohibits any person from arranging, promoting, organizing, producing, or fighting in a match within the United States unless the match is: (1) approved by the USBC; and (2) held in a State or on tribal land that regulates professional boxing matches in accordance with standards and criteria established by the USBC. (Sec. 206) Repeals provisions allowing the use of alternative requirements for the protection of the health and safety of boxers during matches. Requires: (1) pre-fight boxer physical examinations to include testing for infectious diseases; and (2) continuous on-site presence during any match of an ambulance and emergency medical personnel with resuscitation equipment. (Sec. 207) Provides for boxing registration with the appropriate boxing commission of an Indian tribe. Requires (current law urges) a boxing commission to make a health and safety disclosure to a boxer when issuing an identification card. Requires a copy of each boxer registration and each identification card to be furnished to the USBC. (Sec. 208) Requires each boxing commission to establish procedures for review of a summary suspension when a hearing is requested which provides an opportunity for a person to present evidence. Repeals procedures for allowing a boxer under suspension in a State to participate in a match outside that State. (Sec. 210) Requires the USBC (currently Association of Boxing Commissioners) to develop guidelines for boxing contracting requirements and for rating professional boxers. Provides for notification of a change in rating. (Sec. 213) Requires the sanctioning organization for a match and its promoter to provide disclosures of charges, fees, and contractual agreements within seven days of a match of ten rounds or more. (Sec. 214) Requires statements of bout fees and charges to be written. Requires broadcasters broadcasting a match of ten rounds or more to provide the USBC with: (1) a statement of any advance, guarantee, or license fee paid to a promoter in connection with the match; (2) a copy of any relevant executed contracts concerning such match; and (3) a list of sources of income received from the broadcast of the match. Requires: (1) an affected boxing commission, upon request, to be furnished copies of all such information; and (2) the protection of the confidentiality of all broadcaster information provided. (Sec. 215) Prohibits a promoter from arranging a championship match or a match scheduled for ten rounds or more unless all participating judges and referees have been licensed by the USBC. Allows a sanctioning organization to provide a list of judges and referees deemed qualified, but requires the boxing commission to select, license, and appoint the participating judges and referees. Authorizes the assignment of nonresident judges and referees. Requires all participating judges and referees to disclose all consideration received for participation. (Sec. 216) Directs the USBC to establish and maintain a registry of comprehensive medical records and medical denials or suspensions for every licensed boxer. (Sec. 217) Applies conflict-of-interest provisions to USBC officers and employees and boxers, and requirements for enforcement of this title. (Sec. 219) Repeals requirements for certain studies concerning boxer pensions and health and safety issues. (Sec. 221) Establishes the USBC as a commission within the Department of Commerce to protect the health, safety, and general interests of boxers and to ensure uniformity, fairness, and integrity in professional boxing. Provides for the licensing and registration of boxing personnel, including managers, promoters, and sanctioning organizations. Requires the USBC to establish and maintain a national computerized registry of such personnel. Authorizes the USBC to suspend or revoke boxer licenses or registrations for violating or failing to meet standards of the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 or when necessary to protect health, safety, or the public interest. Requires annual USBC reports to specified congressional committees on its activities. Requires such reports to include an overview of licensing and enforcement activities of State and tribal organization boxing commissions. Authorizes appropriations. Renames the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 as the Professional Boxing Safety Act. (Sec. 222) Requires the USBC to study and report to specified congressional committees on how the term "promoter" should be defined for purposes of the renamed Act. Title III: Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention - Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention Act of 2004 or ART Act - (Sec. 302) Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the use of an audiovisual recording device to transmit or copy a protected audiovisual work from a performance in a motion picture exhibition facility without the authorization of the copyright owner. Requires a court, upon a conviction, to order the forfeiture and destruction of unauthorized copies and of equipment used in such an offense. Permits a facility owner, motion picture licensor, or employee thereof to detain any person suspected of violating such prohibition for purposes of questioning or summoning a law enforcement officer. Grants such parties immunity from liability for such detention. Requires that victims be permitted to submit for inclusion in the presentence report a victim impact statement identifying the injuries and losses suffered. (Sec. 303) Establishes criminal penalties for willful copyright infringement by the distribution of a computer program, musical work, motion picture or other audiovisual work, or sound recording being prepared for commercial distribution by making it available on a computer network accessible to members of the public, if the person knew or should have known that the work was intended for commercial distribution. (Sec. 304) Directs the Register of Copyrights to issue regulations to establish procedures for preregistration of a work that is being prepared for commercial distribution and has not been published. Requires such regulations to permit preregistration for any work that is in a class of works that the Register determines has had a history of infringement prior to authorized commercial distribution. Requires the applicant to submit, within three months after the work's first publication, an application for registration, a deposit, and the applicable fee. Directs that an application for infringement be dismissed, and prohibits any award of statutory damages or attorney fees, for a preregistered work if those items are not submitted to the Copyright Office in proper form within the earlier of: (1) three months after the work's first publication; or (2) one month after the copyright owner has learned of the infringement. (Sec. 305) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of intellectual property rights offenses, including trafficking in counterfeit labels for phonorecords and copies of motion pictures and unauthorized fixation of and trafficking in sound recordings and music videos of live musical performances. Directs such Commission to: (1) take measures to ensure that the guidelines and policy statements are sufficiently stringent to deter, and adequately reflect the nature of, intellectual property crimes; (2) determine whether to provide a sentencing enhancement for those convicted of the listed offenses if the conduct involves the display, performance, publication, reproduction, or distribution of a copyrighted work before it has been authorized; (3) determine whether the scope of "uploading" set forth in the sentencing guidelines is adequate to address the loss attributable to people who broadly distribute copyrighted works over the Internet without authorization; and (4) determine whether the sentencing guidelines and policy statements adequately reflect any harm to victims from copyright infringement if law enforcement authorities cannot determine how many times copyrighted material has been reproduced or distributed. Title IV: Exemption from Infringement for Skipping Audio and Video Content In Motion Pictures - Family Movie Act of 2004 - (Sec. 402) Amends Federal copyright law to create an exemption from copyright infringement for: (1) the making imperceptible, by or at the direction of a private household, of limited portions of audio or video content of a motion picture during a performance in or transmitted to that household for private home viewing from an authorized copy of the motion picture; or (2) the creation or provision of technology that enables such editing, is designed and marketed for such use, creates no fixed copy of the altered version, and makes no changes, deletions or additions to commercial advertisements or promotional announcements that would otherwise be performed or displayed. Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to protect from liability for trademark infringement: (1) persons who engage in the above-referenced conduct; and (2) manufacturers of technology that enables such editing if notice is provided that the performance of the movie is altered from the director's or copyright holder's intended performance. Title V: National Film Preservation - Subtitle A: Reauthorization of the National Film Preservation Board - National Film Preservation Act of 2004 - (Sec. 502) Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to expand the use of the National Film Registry seal, which indicates that a film has been included in the Registry and is the Registry version of the film, for use on other approved copies of the Registry version of the film. Allows only the copyright owner or an authorized licensee of the copyright owner to place the seal on any film or other approved copy of the Registry version of a film selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry in the case of mass distributed, broadcast, or published works.  Directs the Librarian of Congress, in consultation with the National Film Registry Board, to: (1) carry out activities to make films included in the National Film Registry more broadly accessible for research and educational purposes and to generate public awareness and support of the Registry and the comprehensive national film preservation program; (2) review the comprehensive national film preservation plan, and amend it to ensure that it addresses technological advances in preserving, storing, and accessing film collections in multiple formats; and (3) whenever possible, undertake expanded initiatives to ensure the preservation of the moving image heritage of the United States by supporting the work of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center of the Library of Congress at Culpeper Virginia, and other appropriate nonprofit archival and preservation organizations. Increases the number of members on the National Film Preservation Board, the maximum number of members-at-large that the Librarian may appoint, and the number of members required for a quorum. Directs the Librarian to utilize the National Audiovisual Conservation Center to ensure that preserved films included in the Registry are stored in a proper manner, and disseminated to researchers, scholars, and the public as may be appropriate in accordance with U.S. copyright law and the terms of any agreements between the Librarian and persons who hold copyrights to such audiovisual works. Extends the prohibition on the unapproved use of the National Film Registry seal to any format of such a film. Reauthorizes provisions regarding film preservation for four additional years.  Subtitle B: Reauthorization of the National Film Preservation Foundation - National Film Preservation Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2004 - (Sec. 612) Amends Federal law to remove the limit on the number of terms that a director on the National Film Preservation Foundation may serve. Allows the Foundation's board of directors to determine the location of its principal office. Authorizes appropriations to the Library of Congress for the Foundation. Title VII: Preservation of Orphan Works - Preservation of Orphan Works Act - (Sec. 702) Provides that the limitation on rights of reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works does not apply to the authority of libraries or archives, during the last 20 years of any term of copyright of a published work to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform in facsimile or digital form a copy or phonorecord of such work for purposes of preservation, scholarship, or research when certain conditions apply. Title VIII: Anticounterfeiting Provisions and Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions - Subtitle A: Anticounterfeiting Provisions - Anticounterfeiting Act of 2004 - (Sec. 802) Rewrites Federal criminal code provisions regarding trafficking in counterfeit labels. Prohibits knowingly trafficking in: (1) a counterfeit label affixed to, enclosing, or accompanying (currently, affixed to) a phonorecord, a copy of a computer program, a copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or documentation or packaging; or (2) counterfeit documentation or packaging. Expands the definition of "counterfeit label" to include a genuine label that is: (1) distributed for a product for which it was not intended, without authorization of the copyright owner; or (2) altered to falsify the number of authorized copies, the authorized user, or the edition of the program. Authorizes the court, when a person is convicted of violating this Act, to order the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of any equipment, device, or material used to manufacture, reproduce, or assemble the counterfeit labels. Authorizes a copyright owner who is injured, or threatened with injury, by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action in U.S. district court. Authorizes the court: (1) to grant one or more temporary or permanent injunctions to prevent or restrain violations of this Act; (2) to order the impounding of any article in the alleged violator's custody or control that the court has reasonable cause to believe was involved in a violation; and (3) to award to the injured party reasonable attorney fees and costs, actual damages, and any additional profits of the violator or statutory damages, as specified. Sets forth provisions regarding subsequent violations and limitation on actions. Subtitle B: Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions - Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act - (Sec. 812) Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 and Federal copyright law to make it a violation of trademark and copyright law if a person knowingly provided, or caused to be provided, materially false contact information in making, maintaining, or renewing the registration of a domain name used in connection with the violation. (Sec. 814) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the maximum imprisonment otherwise provided for a felony offense to be doubled or increased by seven years, whichever is less, if the defendant knowingly falsely registers a domain name and uses that domain name in the course of the felony offense. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend sentencing guidelines with respect to a conviction for the false registration and use of a domain name during the course of a felony offense. Title IX: Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement - Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004 - (Sec. 902) Amends Federal patent law to provide that patentability is not precluded on the basis of obviousness where subject matter which qualifies as prior art is developed by a person different from the person claiming the invention if: (1) the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made; (2) the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the agreement; and (3) the application for patent for the claimed invention discloses or is amended to disclose the names of the parties to the agreement. Defines "joint research agreement" to mean a written contract, grant, or cooperative agreement entered into by two or more persons or entities for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work in the field of the claimed invention.",2023-01-15T04:49:23Z,
108-hr-4656,108,hr,4656,Nanomanufacturing Investment Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-23,2004-06-25,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.",House,"Rep. Honda, Michael M. [D-CA-15]",CA,D,H001034,3,"Nanomanufacturing Investment Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish: (1) the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, in partnership with private sector investors, if $250 million is made available for such purposes from the private sector within two years after this Act's enactment; and (2) an advisory board.  Directs that: (1) the Partnership provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development (but not for basic research) projects, through specified funding mechanisms in a manner that advances the commercialization of nanomanufacturing technologies to address critical scientific and engineering needs of national importance, especially regarding projects that would not be adequately funded or pursued by the private sector or pursuant to other law, and to increase the commercial application of federally supported research results; and (2) to the extent that a sufficient number of viable applications have been submitted, at least 85 percent of the funding provided by the Partnership be provided to startup companies. Authorizes the Partnership to provide funding through direct investment in nanomanufacturing firms, contracts, loans or loan guarantees, unsecured subordinated debt, or any other mechanism designed to advance nanomanufacuring technologies. Requires that each transaction through which the Partnership provides such funding provide for the return of fair and reasonable amounts resulting from the commercialization of technologies developed with the funding provided by the Partnership, and be distributed as specified. Directs that: (1) each applicant for funding assistance be required to provide a portion of the cost; and (2) each application be peer reviewed.",2023-01-15T04:49:15Z,
108-hr-4670,108,hr,4670,To provide for the establishment of a Center for Scientific and Technical Assessment.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-23,2004-12-07,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2168-2169),House,"Rep. Holt, Rush [D-NJ-12]",NJ,D,H001032,18,"Establishes: (1) a Center for Scientific and Technical Assessment to provide timely advice to Congress on scientific and technical aspects of public policy issues, administered by a Director; and (2) a Technical Assessment Board to provide guidance to the Director to ensure that the Center provides timely and useful responses to congressional requests. Authorizes the Director to appoint, with the approval of the Comptroller General, a Deputy Director. Prohibits the Director and Deputy Director from engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment, or (except with the Comptroller General's approval) holding any office in, or acting in any capacity for, any organization, agency, or institution with which the Center makes any contract or other arrangement under this Act. Permits: (1) any Member of Congress to make requests to the Board that the Center conduct an investigation and report to the requester, within a specified time period, on any matter relating to scientific and technical assessment (and sets priorities for requests); and (2) the Director to establish an advisory panel as necessary to support each technical assessment report. Requires each report to be subject to peer review before delivery to the committee or Member requesting it. Provides for public release of unclassified reports, subject to a delay of up to two weeks at the request of the Board or a Member.",2023-01-15T04:49:17Z,
108-s-2569,108,s,2569,Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-23,2004-06-23,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR 6/24/2004 S7324-7325)",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,1,"Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a person from using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine, computer, or other device to send, to another fax machine, an unsolicited advertisement to a person who has requested that such sender not send such advertisements, or to any other person unless: (1) the sender has an established business relationship with the person; and (2) the advertisement contains a conspicuous notice on its first page that the recipient may request not to be sent any further unsolicited advertisements, and includes a domestic telephone and fax number (neither of which can be a pay-per-call number) for sending such a request. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide by rule that a request not to send unsolicited advertisements complies with legal requirements if: (1) the request identifies the recipient fax number to which the request relates; (2) the request is made to the telephone or fax number of the sender; and (3) the person making the request has not subsequently provided express invitation or permission to have such advertisements sent. Authorizes the FCC to allow professional tax-exempt trade associations to send unsolicited advertisements to their members in furtherance of association purposes. Requires the: (1) FCC to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of the above requirements; and (2) Comptroller General to study, and report to specified congressional committees on, complaints received by the FCC concerning unsolicited advertisements sent to fax machines.",2023-01-15T04:49:23Z,
108-s-2540,108,s,2540,Educational Radio Protection Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-17,2004-06-17,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]",WA,D,C000127,0,"Educational Radio Protection Act - States that a qualifying educational FM radio station is entitled, upon application by the station's licensee, to: (1) have its license be subject to the same license terms and renewal standards (other than fees) as licenses for full-power class A FM radio stations; and (2) have its licensee accorded primary status as a radio broadcaster so long as the station remains a qualifying FM radio station. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide written notice of the provisions of this Act to specified licensees of Class D FM radio stations. Prohibits the FCC from awarding or assigning to commercial FM radio stations any portion of the radio spectrum assigned to qualifying educational FM radio stations for which an application is submitted within one year of enactment of this Act and approved.  Requires the FCC to restore to educational stations whose applications are successful and not subject to appeal any portion of educational station spectrum previously awarded to commercial stations if the previous award occurred after April 30, 2004, and before the educational station's application was approved.",2023-01-15T04:49:22Z,
108-s-2541,108,s,2541,NASA Authorization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-17,2004-11-19,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 814.,Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,3,"NASA Authorization Act of 2004 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) 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. (Sec. 102) 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. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA for the: (1) Office of Inspector General; and (2) Technical Engineering Authority. (Sec. 105) Limits the total amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 2005 through 2009 to NASA under this Act.  Title II: Space Shuttle Return to Flight - (Sec. 201) 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. (Sec. 207) Requires the Administrator to submit a report on the current status of: (1) the upgrades to the Space shuttle that were recommended for Return to Flight activities of the shuttle by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board; and (2) any other upgrades to the Space shuttle being undertaken to improve the safety or reliability of the shuttle fleet. (Sec. 208) Directs the Administrator, after the retirement of the Space shuttle fleet from active operations, to take appropriate actions to bring up the next generation of U.S. manned space launch vehicles into operation as soon as is safely possible. Allows the Administrator, if the Administrator is unable to bring up the next generation of U.S. manned space launch vehicles into operation within one year of the retirement of the Space shuttle fleet from active operations, to carry out a personnel program to retain within NASA a cadre of personnel having the skills and expertise necessary to conduct safe launches and operations of the next generation of such space launch vehicles. Requires a report describing such program. Title III: NASA's New Vision - (Sec. 301) Directs the Administrator to establish a program to implement an initiative to explore the solar system and beyond. (Sec. 302) 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 2020 and eventually to Mars; and (3) submit a life cycle cost estimate for manned missions to the Moon and annual revised estimates after the first estimate has been submitted. Requires the Comptroller General of the General Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the first estimate and transmit a report containing the results of such review. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Administrator to develop and report on: (1) a commercialization plan to support the human missions to the Moon and Mars and earth science missions and applications; and (2) an assessment of the capability of the private sector, including small businesses, to support the manned missions to the Moon and Mars and earth science missions and applications. (Sec. 307) 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. (Sec. 308) Directs NASA to report on opportunities for international cooperation from all space faring nations on a human mission to the Moon and Mars. Requires such report to: (1) present a variety of options for the United States to enter into partnership with other nations in pursuit of the solar system exploration initiative specified above; and (2) be developed in cooperation with the Department of State and other appropriate agencies. Instructs the Administrator to ensure that NASA fully complies with all its commitments with its international partners on the construction, operation, and maintenance of the ISS. Requires the Administrator to submit a report setting forth various options for increasing the crew size of the ISS to as many as six crew members, with a commensurate expansion of the science capabilities of the ISS and assessing the cost, potential schedule, and logistics requirements of each such option. (Sec. 309) 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 to facilitate increased knowledge of engineering and scientific principles to further the missions of NASA. (Sec. 313) Directs the Administrator to transmit a report on requirements for enabling the extension of shuttle operations and maintenance until project Constellation Exploration Transportation System has been tested with humans.  Expresses the sense of the Senate that NASA shall take all necessary steps to have a human rated vehicle to provide access to space operational before ceasing Space shuttle operations, but that taking such steps should not impede the development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle.  Title IV: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 401) Directs the NASA Chief Financial Officer to report on NASA's ability to improve its financial management. (Sec. 402) Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit a plan for future space vehicle launches which addresses assessments of reusable components and approaches that can lead to significant cost reductions in U.S. access to space, the impact of development schedule options on the U.S. aerospace industry workforce, production lines, and research and development capabilities, and on NASA propulsion testing utilization; and (2) establish an Industry Advisory Board to review opportunities for the private sector to invest in and take advantage of activities at NASA. (Sec. 403) Expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should purchase commercially available space goods and services to the fullest extent feasible and should not conduct activities with commercial applications that preclude or deter commercial space activities except for national security or public safety reasons. (Sec. 405) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 2000 to require the NASA Chief Financial Officer to: (1) conduct and consider an independent life-cycle cost analysis for each project relating to the National Space Program that is projected to cost more than $250 million in total project costs; and (2) report the results of that analysis after the contract or contracts for the project have been awarded. (Sec. 406) 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. Provides for the deposit and withdrawal of funds available for prizes from the Centennial Challenge Trust Fund. Sets an overrall Trust Fund limit and a maximum prize limit.  (Sec. 407) Directs the Administrator to conduct and report on 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. (Sec. 408) Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding competitive contracting at NASA. (Sec. 409) 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. (Sec. 410) 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, including options for the future servicing of the facility along with associated costs. Requires the Administrator to evaluate all options for the repair and upgrade of the Hubble Space Telescope that will accomplish the objectives previously planned for the SM-4 servicing mission, including installation of the Wide Field Camera-3 (WFC3) and the Cosmic Origins Spectograph. Instructs the Administrator, in the event of any changes to the plan for the servicing mission that will detract from performance enhancements of the Hubble Space Telescope that are otherwise anticipated as a result of the mission, to report on such changes to such plan. (Sec. 411) Creates the presidentially-appointed position of Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs in NASA. (Sec. 412) Instructs the Administrator to report on the advisability of establishing a charitable and non-profit corporation to: (1) encourage private gifts for, or in connection with, NASA; and (2) further the public's knowledge of the Earth and space. (Sec. 413) States that the Congress declares that the general welfare and security of the United States require that the unique competence of NASA in science and engineering systems be dirzected to detecting, tracking, cataloging, and characterizing near-Earth asteroids and comets in order to provide warning and mitigation of the potential hazard of those asteroids and comets striking the Earth. 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; and (2) submit annual reports for six years after the enactment of this Act containing a summary of all NASA activities under such program, a summary of all amounts obligated or expended by NASA for such activities, and a plan and budget request. (Sec. 414) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in wildlife, environmental, and other appropriate activities with the participation of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Coast Guard, as the Administrator and the heads of the departments and agencies concerned consider appropriate. (Sec. 415) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to allow the Administrator to enter into a lease under the enhanced-use lease of real property demonstration with any person or entity with regard to any real property under the Administrator's jurisdiction at no more than six (currently, two) NASA centers. (Sec. 416) Establishes the National Aeronautics and Space Foundation as a charitable and nonprofit corporation to encourage private gifts for, or in connection with, NASA and to further the public's knowledge of the Earth and space. Allows the Administrator to contract with the Foundation for the performance of its duties in support of NASA. Prohibits: (1) NASA or any NASA employee from being authorized to accept funds from the Foundation; and (2) the Foundation from obligating or expending funds to directly supplement any NASA programs or activities, or any other Federal agency, for which appropriated funds may be obligated or expended. Title V: Aeronautics Research and Development - (Sec. 502) Directs the Administrator to: (1) submit a plan for the development and demonstration of technologies that result in specified commercial aircraft performance characteristics; (2) submit a feasibility study for the development and demonstration of technologies to enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft; and (3) 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. (Sec. 505) Requires the Administrator to submit annual reports setting forth: (1) the aggregate amount of funding obligated and expended on research and development on aeronautics; and (2) the aggregate amount of funding obligated and expended on science and science-related activities on aeronautics.",2023-01-15T04:49:22Z,
108-hr-4600,108,hr,4600,Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-16,2004-07-23,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]",MI,R,U000031,41,"(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 9, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a person from using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine, computer, or other device to send, to another fax machine, an unsolicited advertisement, unless the advertisement: (1) is from a sender with an established business relationship with the recipient; and (2) contains a notice on its first page that the recipient may request not to be sent any future unsolicited advertisements, and that failure to comply with such request is unlawful. Requires such notice to include a domestic contact telephone and fax machine number for the recipient to transmit such a request, as well as a cost-free mechanism for sending the request. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide that a request not to send unsolicited advertisements complies with FCC requirements if: (1) the request identifies the recipient fax number to which the request relates; (2) the request is made to the telephone or fax number of the sender; and (3) the person making the request has not subsequently provided express invitation or permission to the sender to have such advertisements sent. Authorizes the FCC to allow tax-exempt, nonprofit professional or trade associations to send unsolicited advertisements to their members in furtherance of professional or association purposes. Authorizes the FCC, upon determining a significant number of complaints involving unsolicited fax advertisements, to limit the duration of the existence of an "established business relationship" exemption to a period not shorter than five and not longer than seven years after the last occurrence of an action sufficient to establish such relationship. Requires the: (1) FCC to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of the above requirements; and (2) Comptroller General to study, and report to specified congressional committees on, complaints received by the FCC concerning unsolicited advertisements sent to fax machines.",2023-01-15T04:49:14Z,
108-hr-4546,108,hr,4546,"To provide for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to authorize appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-14,2004-06-21,Executive Comment Requested from Commerce.,House,"Rep. Ehlers, Vernon J. [R-MI-3]",MI,R,E000092,2,"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act - Re-establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Department of Commerce, headed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere who will serve as the Administrator of NOAA. Establishes within NOAA the positions of: (1) Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; (2) Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere; (3) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere; (4) Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs; (5) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology; and (6) General Counsel. Places within NOAA: (1) the National Weather Service; (2) operational and service programs to support routine data collection and direct services and products regarding satellite, observations, and coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes information; (3) programs to conduct and support research and education and the development of technologies relating to weather, climate, and the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes; and (4) a Science Advisory Board. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2007 for NOAA for: (1) program support; (2) the National Ocean Service; (3) the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research; (4) the National Weather Service; (5) the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service; and (6) the Office of Program Planning and Integration. Coastal Ocean Science Program Act of 2004 - Establishes within NOAA a Coastal Ocean Science Program (replacing the Coastal Ocean Program) that supports Great Lakes, estuarine, and coastal ocean research and assessment through competitive, peer-reviewed research programs. Marine Research Act - Directs the President to coordinate and support a national marine research program. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Marine Research Initiative to coordinate and implement NOAA research and activities related to the program. Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act - Directs the President to establish and maintain an integrated ocean and coastal observing system of marine monitoring, data communication and management, data analysis, and research to provide data and information for rapid and timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the marine environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Abrupt Climate Change Research Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA and carry out a scientific research program on abrupt climate change. United States Weather Research Program Act of 2004 - Declares that the United States Weather Research Program's focus shall be on: (1) hurricanes, floods, and heavy precipitation, including both snow and rain; (2) dramatic improvement in weather forecasts; (3) providing attention and resources in areas where progress can be made quickly and where the impact will be the greatest; and (4) making research grants to universities and other research institutions.",2023-01-15T04:49:12Z,
108-hr-4544,108,hr,4544,"George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-09,2004-06-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,2,"George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets at least 100 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects striking the Earth. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act to declare that the general welfare and security of the United States requires that the unique competence of NASA in science and engineering systems be directed to provide warning and mitigation of the potential hazard of near-Earth objects impacting the Earth.",2023-01-15T04:49:12Z,
108-hr-4522,108,hr,4522,International Space Station Independent Safety Commission Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-08,2004-06-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]",TX,D,J000032,0,"International Space Station Independent Safety Commission Act of 2004 - Directs the President to establish, an independent, non-partisan Commission within the executive branch to discover and assess any vulnerabilities of the International Space Station (ISS) that could lead to its destruction, compromise the health of its crew, or necessitate its premature abandonment. Provides for the Commission to consist of 15 members, including the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Prohibits: (1) any Commission member from having or having pending a contractual relationship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and (2) the President from appointing any individual as a Commission member who has a current or former relationship with the Administrator of NASA that the President determines would constitute a conflict of interest. Instructs the Commission to undertake the following tasks: (1) catalog threats to and vulnerabilities of the ISS, including sabotage or terrorist attack; (2) make recommendations for corrective actions; and (3) provide any additional findings or recommendations considered by the Commission to be important, whether or not they are related to ISS safety. Sets forth the powers and other authorities of the Commission. Directs the NASA Engineering and Safety Center to provide data and technical support as requested by the Commission. Requires the appropriate Federal agencies or departments to cooperate with the Commission in expeditiously providing appropriate security clearances to the Commission members and staff. Prohibits any person from being provided access to classified information under this Act without the appropriate security clearances. Allows the Commission to submit interim reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective actions to the President and Congress. Terminates the Commission and all the authorities of this Act with respect to the Commission after the Commission's final report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such actions is submitted to the President and Congress and made available to the public. Directs the NASA Administrator to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of compliance with the Commission's recommendations and to transmit a report to Congress containing the results of such review.",2023-01-15T04:49:11Z,
108-hr-4516,108,hr,4516,Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-04,2004-11-30,Became Public Law No: 108-423.,House,"Rep. Biggert, Judy [R-IL-13]",IL,R,B001232,4,"(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on October 10, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research and development program (involving software and hardware development) to advance high-end computing systems; and (2) develop and deploy them for advanced scientific and engineering applications. Details program functions, including research in: (1) multiple architectures, which may include vector, reconfigurable logic, streaming, processor-in-memory, and multithreading architectures; and (2) software development on optimal algorithms, programming environments, tools, languages, and operating systems for high-end computing systems, in collaboration with architecture development efforts. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate facilities to: (1) conduct advanced scientific and engineering research and development using Leadership Systems; (2) develop potential advancements in high-end computing system hardware and software; and (3) provide access to such Systems on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to researchers in U.S. industry, institutions of higher education, national laboratories, and other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish at least one High-End Software Development Center which shall concentrate efforts to develop, test, maintain, and support optimal algorithms, programming environments, tools, languages, and operating systems for high-end computing systems; and (2) use the expertise of a Center to assess research and development in high-end computing system architecture. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2007. (Sec. 5) Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to make the Department of Energy, along with the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (as under existing law), one of three specified Federal agencies jointly establishing the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee. Revises Advisory Committee membership to include three members selected by the Secretary of Energy. (Sec. 6) Amends the the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 and the Savings in Construction Act of 1996 to repeal the expiration date of (thereby making permanent) Federal agency authority to require metric system specifications (subject to certain conditions for specifications that can only be satisfied by hard-metric versions) for concrete masonry units and recessed lighting fixtures in a solicitation for design or construction of a Federal facility within the United States or its territories.",2023-01-15T04:49:11Z,
108-hr-4518,108,hr,4518,W. J. (Billy) Tauzin Satellite Television Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-04,2004-10-07,Received in the Senate.,House,"Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21]",TX,R,S000583,2,"Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 or W. J. (Billy) Tauzin Satellite Television Act of 2004 - Title I: Statutory License for Satellite Carriers - (Sec. 101) Amends the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 to extend the sunset date by an additional five years for statutory licensing provisions for the secondary transmission of a primary transmission of a broadcast station in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Amends Federal copyright law to extend for five years the existing grandfather clause permitting otherwise ineligible subscribers (grandfathered subscribers) to receive secondary transmissions of the signal of a network station outside of the subscribers local market (distant signal) if such subscribers do not receive a signal of a certain strength from the local network station affiliated with the same network. (Sec. 102) Extends such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier in a State in which there is a single full-power network station of the primary transmission of that station to any subscriber in a community within the State, but not within the first 50 major television markets as listed by FCC regulations. Applies such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier in a State in which all network stations and superstations are assigned to one local market of the primary transmission of any station located in the State capital to any subscriber located in a community within that State and within the first 50 major television markets. Applies such statutory license to the retransmission by a satellite carrier of the primary transmission of any network station in the capital of a State to subscribers in two adjacent counties within the State if such counties are in a local market comprised principally of counties located in another State, the two counties are located in a local market that is in the top 100 markets for 2003, and the total number of television households in the two counties combined did not exceed 10,000 for 2003. Requires a satellite carrier to submit to the network that owns or is affiliated with a network station: (1) an initial list of unserved households receiving secondary transmissions of primary transmissions of that station; (2) monthly lists of subscribers in such households who have been added or dropped by the satellite carrier; and (3) additional initial and monthly lists of subscribers in households receiving such retransmission because the network station is significantly viewed in that community. Extends such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier of the primary transmission of a network station or superstation to a subscriber who: (1) is receiving the secondary transmission of a primary transmission of local stations (local signal); and (2) resides outside the local market of the station but within a community in which that station is determined by the FCC to be significantly viewed according to the regulations in effect on April 15, 1976. Allows a subscriber to request a waiver from a network station in the local market affiliated with the same network if the satellite carrier refuses to retransmit the distant signal of a significantly viewed network station because the subscriber is not receiving any local signal. Deems the network station to have agreed to the request if the station does not act within 30 days. Specifies that waivers provided under the unserved household provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 to subscribers who are not eligible to receive retransmissions of local signals from network stations are not considered waivers under this Act. Terminates the authority to grant waivers, and any waivers in effect, on December 31, 2008. (Sec. 103) Applies such statutory license to the retransmission by a satellite carrier of the distant signal of a network station to a grandfathered subscriber where a local signal of that station is available if such subscriber is receiving the distant signal as of October 1, 2004, but only until the subscriber elects to receive the local signal. Requires the satellite carrier to provide notice to the subscriber of the availability of the local signal and requires the subscriber to elect to retain such distant signal. Directs the satellite carrier to submit to the network station a list aggregated by designated market area that identifies the subscriber, specifies the distant signal received, and states that the subscriber is eligible to receive such distant signals (required list and statement). Provides that such statutory license does not apply to secondary transmissions to grandfathered subscribers that are not receiving distant signals as of October 1, 2004. Applies such statutory license to the retransmission by a satellite carrier of the distant signal to a subscriber in an unserved household if as of January 1, 2005: (1) a local signal affiliated with the same network is available, and the satellite carrier submits a list to the television network by March 1, 2005, that identifies the subscriber and specifies the distant signals received by the subscriber; or (2) a local signal is not available at the time the subscriber requests retransmission of the distant signal and the satellite carrier submits a list to each television network within 60 days of offering such a local signal that identifies each subscriber in the local market and specifies the distant signals received by the subscriber. Provides that such statutory license does not apply to retransmissions of the distant signal to a subscriber who is not lawfully receiving distant signals on the date of enactment of this Act and who is in a community in which the satellite carrier makes available the local signal affiliated with the same network before the subscriber seeks to receive such distant signals. Allows a subscriber who has been denied a distant signal due to the availability of a local signal affiliated with the same network to request a waiver from a network station. Provides that a waiver granted before enactment of this Act under the unserved household provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 does not constitute such a waiver. Provides that a local signal shall be considered to be made available to a subscriber if the satellite carrier offers that local signal to any subscriber within the same zip code. Allows a subscriber who has been denied the distant signal of a network station under the unserved household provisions to request a waiver from the network station that is asserting that the secondary transmission is prohibited. Deems the station to have agreed with such waiver request if it fails to act within 30 days. Provides that a waiver granted before enactment of this Act under the unserved household provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 does constitute such a waiver. Requires the royalty fee due from a satellite carrier for retransmissions of a network station to be computed by multiplying the total number of subscribers receiving each retransmission of each superstation or network station during each calendar month by the appropriate rate in effect under this Act.  Provides that a satellite carrier shall have no royalty obligation for secondary transmissions of the distant signal of a significantly viewed station to a subscriber under this Act. Requires the Librarian of Congress to publish in the Federal Register on or before January 2, 2005, notice of the initiation of voluntary negotiation proceedings to determine a reasonable royalty fee to be paid by satellite carriers for retransmissions of network stations or superstations. Allows parties who have reached a voluntary agreement on royalty fees to request that such fees be applied to all satellite carriers, distributors, and copyright owners without arbitration. Requires the Librarian of Congress to: (1) adopt such royalty fees unless a party with an intent to participate in arbitration proceedings and a significant interest in the outcome objects; or (2) publish on or before May 1, 2005, notice of the initiation of arbitration proceedings to determine a reasonable royalty fee for retransmissions by satellite carriers and distributors. Requires the copyright arbitration royalty panel, absent a voluntary agreement applicable to all satellite carrier, distributors and copyright owners, to establish royalty fees that most clearly represent the fair market value of such transmissions, except that the Librarian of Congress and the panel must adjust those fees to account for the obligations of the parties under any voluntary agreement filed with the Copyright Office. (Sec. 104) Extends such statutory license to retransmissions by a satellite carrier of the signals of a low power television station to a subscriber who resides within the same local market. Sets forth geographic limitations for such secondary transmissions. Excludes from such statutory licensing retransmissions from low power television stations that retransmit the programs and signals of another television station for more than two hours each day. Prescribes when royalty fees are due for such secondary transmissions of low power television stations. Limits such secondary transmissions of low power television stations to only those subscribers also receiving retransmissions of local signals. (Sec. 106) Provides that nothing in this Act shall modify any remedy imposed on a party by a judgment of a court in any action brought before May 1, 2004, for a violation of law regarding statutory licensing for retransmissions of superstations and network stations. (Sec. 107) Extends such statutory license to the secondary transmissions by a satellite carrier of a superstation for viewing in a commercial establishment, including bars, restaurants, fitness clubs or any other establishment with a common business area. (Sec. 108) Requires the Department of Justice to respond within 90 days to a request by two or more satellite carriers for a business review letter to assess the legality under antitrust laws of proposed business conduct to make or carry out an agreement to provide retransmissions of local signals to subscribers in a market in which there is currently no satellite carrier offering such retransmissions. (Sec. 109) Requires the Register of Copyright to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees by June 30, 2008, on the operation and revision of the statutory licenses for secondary transmissions of distant and local signals, including: (1) a comparison of the royalties paid by licensees; (2) an analysis of the differences in the terms and conditions of the various licenses, whether these differences are justified by historical, technological, or regulatory differences that affect the satellite and cable industries, and whether either the cable or satellite industry is placed in a competitive disadvantage due to these terms and conditions; (3) an analysis of whether the licenses are still justified by the bases upon which they were originally created; (4) an analysis of whether savings on royalties and fees are passed on to cable and satellite subscribers; and (5) an analysis of the issues that may arise with respect to the applicability of the licenses to digital signals. Title II: Federal Communications Commission Operations - (Sec. 201) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend until December 31, 2009, the exemption that allows a cable system or multichannel video programing distributor to retransmit signals of network stations directly to a home satellite antenna without the express authority of the originating station if the subscriber receiving the signal is outside the local market of such stations, and resides in an unserved household. (Sec. 202) Allows a satellite carrier to retransmit to subscribers located in a community, in addition to the local and distant broadcast signals that subscribers may otherwise receive, distant signals of a station determined by the FCC to be significantly viewed in that community. Limits retransmissions of the analog signal of a significantly viewed television broadcast station to those subscribers who also receive retransmissions of local analog signals. Limits retransmissions of the digital signal of a significantly viewed network station to subscribers who also receive retransmissions of local digital signals, but only if: (1) the retransmission of the local network station occupies at least the equivalent bandwidth as the distant digital signal; or (2) the retransmission of the local network station carries the entire bandwidth of the local digital signal. Provides that these limitations do not apply to a subscriber in a local market in which there are no local stations affiliated with the same television network as the significantly viewed station whose signal is being transmitted. Allows a satellite carrier to retransmit a significantly viewed network station if and to the extent that the local affiliate of the same network has waived the requirements that a subscriber must also be receiving the local signal. Requires the FCC to: (1) publish a list of stations and communities eligible for retransmissions under the significantly viewed provisions of this Act; (2) adopt rules to implement such provisions; (3) publish and update such list on the FCC website; and (4) permit a satellite carrier to petition for decisions and orders by which stations and communities may be added to those that are eligible for retransmissions of the signals of significantly viewed stations, and by which network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity regulations are applied to such retransmissions.  Provides that carriage of a signal of a significantly viewed station is not mandatory and has no affect on the right of a station to be carried into the local market. Provides that FCC rules concerning network nonduplication and syndicated exclusivity do not apply to significantly viewed signals under this Act unless the FCC determines otherwise. Prohibits the application of network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity regulations to the retransmission of distant signals of network stations to unserved households. Sets forth provisions regarding violations of this Act by satellite carriers, including enforcement through cease-and-desist orders and damage awards. Directs a satellite carrier to provide written notice to the affiliated local station 60 days in advance of commencing retransmission of a significantly viewed station and to designate on the carrier's website all significantly viewed stations retransmitted and the communities receiving such signals. Requires the FCC to allow a television broadcast station that is being retransmitted into the local market by a satellite carrier, which is also planning to retransmit or is transmitting the signals of a significantly viewed station affiliated with the same network, to elect between retransmission consent and mandatory carriage for each county within such station's local market. Directs: (1) the FCC to require any such station to conduct a unified negotiation for the entire portion of its local market for which retransmission pursuant to consent is elected; and (2) the satellite carrier to provide notice to the station of which significantly viewed signals it reserves the right to retransmit during the next year. (Sec. 203) Requires a satellite carrier to transmit all local analog signals retransmitted by that carrier within a local market by means of a single reception antenna and associated equipment within one year of enactment of this Act. Allows the satellite carrier to transmit digital signals by means of a separate antenna, but requires all local digital signals to be transmitted by means of a single reception antenna. Requires such satellite carrier to provide notice to subscribers and licensees for local stations of: (1) any reallocation of signals between different antennas that the carrier intends to make; (2) the need for subscribers to obtain an additional antenna; and (3) any cessation of carriage or other material change in the carriage of signals as a consequence of these requirements. Provides that: (1) a low power television station is not entitled to mandatory carriage under the Communications Act of 1934 regardless of whether the satellite carrier transmits the signal of other local stations; and (2) such low power stations will not be considered in the application of nonduplication provisions. (Sec. 204) Allows a grandfathered subscriber to receive secondary transmissions of the distant signal of a network station where a local signal affiliated with the same network is available if such subscriber elects to retain the distant signal within 60 days of receiving notice of the availability of the local signal, but only until such time as the subscriber elects to receive the local signal. Requires the satellite carrier to submit to the television network the required list and statement.  Prohibits a satellite carrier from retransmitting a distant signal of a network station to a grandfathered subscriber who was not receiving such a signal from a station affiliated with the same network as of October 1, 2004. Allows a subscriber in an unserved household where a local signal is available by January 1, 2005, to receive a distant signal from a station affiliated with the same network if the satellite carrier submits to the television network the required list and statement. Allows a subscriber in an unserved household where a local signal is not available by January 1, 2005, to receive a distant signal affiliated with the same network if the subscriber seeks to subscribe to such distant signal before the carrier offers the local signal and the carrier submits the required list and statement. Prohibits a satellite carrier from providing a distant signal to a subscriber: (1) not lawfully receiving the distant signal as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) residing in a community where the local signal of the affiliated station is available by the time the person seeks to receive the distant signal. Allows a satellite carrier to provide a distant signal of a television station if the local station affiliated with the same network has granted a waiver to the satellite carrier with respect to the retransmission of such distant signal to the subscriber. Requires a satellite carrier that provides a distant digital signal to grandfathered subscribers or unserved households to submit to each network within 60 days the following required list and statement: (1) a list, aggregated by designated market area, identifying each subscriber provided such a signal; and (2) a statement that the subscriber is qualified to receive the distant network signal. Requires a satellite carrier who is transmitting a distant signal and who begins retransmission of the local signal affiliated with the same network to submit the required list and statement to the network within 60 days. (Sec. 205) Requires a satellite carrier that offers a distant signal to a grandfathered subscriber to: (1) notify such subscribers within the later of 60 days after the local signal affiliated with the same network is available or 60 days after enactment of this Act that a local signal is available; (2) offer to substitute the local signal for the distant signal; (3) inform the subscriber that failure to respond within 60 days will result in the loss of the distant signal; and (4) switch the subscriber to the local signal if such subscriber elects a switch or fails to respond. Requires the FCC to revise the regulations relating to notice to television broadcast stations of a satellite carrier's intention to commence carriage of signals of that station to the local market. Requires a satellite carriers that proposes to commence the retransmission of the signal of a significantly viewed station to give any local television broadcast station 60 days notice. (Sec. 206) Requires a satellite carrier to notify a subscriber at the time of entering an agreement, and annually thereafter, in a separate written statement which clearly and conspicuously informs the subscriber of: (1) the nature of personally identifiable to be collected and its use; (2) the nature, frequency and purpose of any disclosure which may be made of such information; (3) the period such information will be maintained by the satellite carrier; (4) the time and place at which the subscriber may have access to such information; and (5) the limitations provided by this Act and the subscribers right to enforce such limitations. Prohibits a satellite carrier from using any of its facilities to collect a subscriber's personally identifiable information without the prior consent of the subscriber, but allows the satellite carrier to collect such information to: (1) render a service to the subscriber; or (2) detect unauthorized reception of satellite communications. Prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable subscriber information. Requires a satellite carrier to prevent unauthorized access to such information. Allows a satellite carrier to disclose such information: (1) if necessary to render or conduct a legitimate business activity related to a service provided; (2) pursuant to a court order if the subscriber is notified; (3) to any satellite or other service, with specified limitations ; or (4) to an authorized government entity, except that such information may not include records revealing satellite subscriber selection of video programming. Requires the satellite carrier to: (1) provide a subscriber access to all personally identifiable information about the subscriber collected and maintained by the carrier; (2) give such subscriber an opportunity to correct such information; and (3) destroy such information if the information is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and there are no pending requests or orders for access to it. Sets forth penalties for violations of this section, including punitive damages and attorney's fees. (Sec. 207) Prohibits a multichannel video programming distributor from failing to negotiate in good faith for retransmission consent. Provides that it is not a failure to negotiate in good faith if the distributor enters into retransmission consent agreements containing different terms and conditions with different broadcast stations based on competitive marketplace considerations. (Sec. 208) Directs the FCC to initiate an inquiry and report to relevant congressional committees by December 31, 2005, on the appropriate methodologies for determining which consumers are in locations where they will be unable, after analog television services are discontinued, to receive broadcast digital television signals from a station's permanent digital television channel of sufficient intensity using receiving terrestrial outdoor antennas of reasonable cost and ease of installation. (Sec. 209) Requires the FCC to exempt requests for a signal intensity test from the requirement to verify the signal by means of an independent test if such request was made by a subscriber: (1) to whom the retransmission of the local signal is available from such carrier; or (2) for whom the model predicts a signal intensity that exceeds the standard by such number of decibels as the FCC specifies. Allows a subscriber who is predicted to receive a signal that meets or exceeds such signal intensity standard and who resides in a local market in which the satellite carrier does not offer local signals to conduct a signal intensity test by an approved tester at the subscriber's own expense for the purpose of determining the subscriber's eligibility for distant signals.",2023-01-15T04:49:11Z,
108-s-2504,108,s,2504,Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-04,2004-06-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]",AK,R,M001153,0,"Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2004 - Amends the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 to authorize the Arctic Research Commission to make a cash award to any person in recognition of excellence in, or for outstanding support of, Arctic research. Makes individuals who have been Commission members ineligible to receive such awards. Allows the Executive Director to: (1) make grants to persons to conduct research concerning the Arctic; and (2) make funds available to the National Science Foundation (NSF) or to other Federal agencies for the conduct of such research.",2023-01-15T04:49:21Z,
108-s-2505,108,s,2505,A bill to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low power FM service.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-04,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-426.",Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,3,"Repeals provisions in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, that required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; (2) prohibit applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station from obtaining a low-power FM license; and (3) conduct a program to test whether low-power FM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are not required. Requires the FCC to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between specified stations. Requires the FCC to retain rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power noncommercial FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier frequency from potential low-power FM station interference. Requires the FCC to retain its rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power FM stations that are licensed in significantly populated States with more than 3 million housing units and a population density greater than 1,000 people per square mile. Requires the FCC to: (1) evaluate the impact of translator licensing on low and full power radio stations; and (2) implement policies that promote opportunities for locally based low power radio stations while protecting full power stations from harmful interference from translator networks.",2023-01-15T04:49:21Z,
108-hr-4501,108,hr,4501,Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-03,2004-07-22,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 379.",House,"Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]",MI,R,U000031,3,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Title II (sic): Federal Communications Commission Operations - (Sec. 201) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend until December 31, 2009, the exemption that allows a cable system or multichannel video programing distributor to retransmit signals of network stations directly to a home satellite antenna without the express authority of the originating station if the subscriber receiving the signal is outside the local market of such stations, and resides in an unserved household. (Sec. 202) Allows a satellite carrier to retransmit to subscribers located in a community, in addition to the local and distant broadcast signals that subscribers may otherwise receive, the distant signals of any station that a cable system is authorized to transmit as significantly viewed in the county in which that community is located under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Limits retransmissions of the analog signal of a significantly viewed television broadcast station to those subscribers who also receive retransmissions of local analog signals. Limits retransmissions of the digital signal of a significantly viewed network station to subscribers who also receive retransmissions of local digital signals, but only if: (1) the retransmission of the local network station occupies at least the equivalent bandwidth as the distant digital signal; or (2) the retransmission of the local network station carries the entire bandwidth of the local digital signal. Provides that these limitations do not apply to a subscriber in a local market in which there are no local stations affiliated with the same television network as the significantly viewed station whose signal is being transmitted. Allows a satellite carrier to retransmit a significantly viewed network station to a subscriber not receiving the retransmissions of the local signal affiliated with the same network if and to the extent that the local station has waived the requirement that a subscriber must also be receiving the local signal. Requires the FCC to permit a satellite carrier to petition for decisions and orders by which stations and communities may be added to those that are eligible for retransmissions under the significantly viewed station provisions of this Act.  Authorizes a satellite carrier to retransmit to subscribers located in a community that is not served by a cable system the signal of any station that a cable system in that community would be authorized to retransmit as a significantly viewed signal in accordance with FCC rules, regulations, and authorizations. Provides that carriage by a satellite carrier of a signal of a significantly viewed station is not mandatory, and has no affect on the right of a station to be carried into the local market. Provides that FCC rules concerning network nonduplication and syndicated exclusivity do not apply to significantly viewed signals under this Act unless the FCC determines otherwise. Prohibits the application of network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity regulations to the retransmission of distant signals of network stations to unserved households. Sets forth provisions regarding violations of this Act by satellite carriers, including the filing of a complaint by a television station, the available defenses for a satellite carrier, determinations by the FCC, the issuance by the FCC of a cease-and-desist order, and procedures for enforcement of an FCC order.  Directs the FCC to commence a rulemaking proceeding within 180 days of enactment of this Act for provisions of this Act relating to significantly viewed stations, and adopt such rules within one year. Requires the FCC to allow a television broadcast station that is being retransmitted into the local market by a satellite carrier, which is also planning to retransmit or is transmitting the signals of a significantly viewed station affiliated with the same network, to elect between retransmission consent and mandatory carriage for each county within such station's local market. Directs: (1) the FCC to require any such station to conduct a unified negotiation for the entire portion of its local market for which retransmission pursuant to consent is elected; and (2) the satellite carrier to provide notice to the station of which significantly viewed signals it reserves the right to retransmit during the next year.  (Sec. 203) Requires a satellite carrier to transmit all signals of local television broadcast stations retransmitted by that carrier within a local market by means of a single reception antenna and associated equipment within one year of enactment of this Act. Allows the satellite carrier to transmit digital signals by means of a separate antenna, but all local digital signals must be transmitted by means of a single reception antenna. Requires such satellite carrier to provide notice to subscribers and licensees for local stations of: (1) any reallocation of signals between different antennas that the carrier intends to make; (2) the need for subscribers to obtain an additional antenna; and (3) any cessation of carriage or other material change in the carriage of signals as a consequence of these requirements. (Sec 204) Allows a subscriber eligible to receive distant signals under the grandfather clause permitting an otherwise ineligible subscriber to receive distant signals if they do not receive a signal of a certain strength (grandfathered subscriber) to receive secondary transmissions of the distant signal of a network station where a local signal affiliated with the same network is available by the date of enactment of this Act if such subscriber elects to retain the distant signal within 60 days of receiving notice of the availability of the local signal, but only until such time as the subscriber elects to receive the local signal. Requires the satellite carrier to submit to the television network within 60 days of enactment of this Act the required list and statement which includes: (1) a list, aggregated by designated market area, identifying each subscriber provided such a signal by name, address, and the distant signal received; and (2) a statement that, to the best of the carrier's knowledge and belief after having made diligent and good faith inquiries, the subscriber is qualified under existing law to receive the distant network signal. Allows a subscriber in an unserved household where a local signal is available by the date of enactment of this Act to receive distant signals of a station affiliated with the same network if the subscriber: (1) is also receiving the local signal as of the date of enactment of this Act, and the satellite carrier submits to the television network the required list and statement; or (2) is only receiving the distant signal, but only such time as the subscriber elects to receive the local signal. Allows subscribers in unserved households where a local signal is not available by the date of enactment of this Act to receive distant signals of a station affiliated with the same network if the subscriber: (1) is a subscriber as of the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) becomes a subscriber before the local signal is made available, but only until such time as the subscriber elects to receive the local signal. Prohibits a satellite carrier from providing a distant signal to a subscriber in a location in which a local signal was available by the carrier before the person becomes a subscriber to that carrier. Allows a satellite carrier to provide a distant signal to a subscriber of a television station if the local station affiliated with the same network has granted a waiver to the satellite carrier with respect to the retransmission of such distant signal to the subscriber. (Sec. 205) Requires a satellite carrier that offers a distant signal to a grandfathered subscriber to: (1) notify such subscribers within 60 days after the local signal of a network station of the same television network is available or within 60 days of enactment of this Act, whichever is later, that a local signal is available; (2) offer to substitute the local signal for the distant signal; (3) inform the subscriber that failure to respond within 60 days will result in the loss of the distant signal; and (4) switch the subscriber to the local signal if such subscriber elects a switch or fails to respond. Requires a satellite carrier that provides a distant signal to grandfathered subscribers or unserved households to submit to each network within 60 days of enactment of this Act the required list and statement. Requires the FCC to revise the regulations relating to notice to television broadcast stations to require a satellite carrier that proposes to commence the retransmission of: (1) the local signal into a local market to notify local stations 60 days prior to commencement of such service, and allow such stations to elect express retransmission consent or mandatory carriage under the Communications Act of 1934; and (2) the signal of a significantly viewed station to notify any local television broadcast station affiliated with the same network 60 days prior to such retransmission and designate on the carrier's website all significantly viewed signals carried by the carrier and the communities in which the signals are carried. (Sec. 206) Requires a satellite carrier to notify a subscriber at the time of entering an agreement, and annually thereafter, in a separate written statement which clearly and conspicuously informs the subscriber of: (1) the nature of personally identifiable information collected and its use; (2) the nature, frequency and purpose of any disclosure which may be made of such information; (3) the period such information will be maintained by the satellite carrier; (4) the time and place at which the subscriber may have access to such information; and (5) the limitations provided by this Act and the subscribers right to enforce such limitations. Prohibits a satellite carrier from using any of its facilities to collect a subscriber's personally identifiable information without the prior consent of the subscriber, but allows the satellite carrier to collect such information to obtain information necessary to render a service to the subscriber, or detect unauthorized reception of satellite communications. Prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable subscriber information. Requires a satellite carrier to prevent unauthorized access to such information. Allows a satellite carrier to disclose: (1) such information necessary to render or conduct a legitimate business activity related to a service provided to the subscriber; (2) information pursuant to a court order, if the subscriber is notified of the order by the person to whom the order is directed; (3) the name and address of subscribers to any satellite, or other service, under certain circumstances; or (4) to an authorized government entity, except that such information may not include records revealing satellite subscriber selection of video programming from a satellite carrier. Requires the satellite carrier to: (1) provide a subscriber access to all personally identifiable information collected and maintained by the carrier; (2) give such subscriber an opportunity to correct such information; and (3) destroy such information if the information is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and there are no pending requests or orders for access to such information. Sets forth penalties for violations of this section, including punitive damages and attorney's fees. (Sec. 207) Prohibits, until January 1, 2010, a multichannel video programming distributor from failing to negotiate in good faith for retransmission consent, and provides that it is not a failure to negotiate in good faith if the distributor enters into retransmission consent agreements containing different terms and conditions, including price terms, with different broadcast stations if such different terms and conditions are based on competitive marketplace considerations. (Sec. 208) Directs the FCC to initiate an inquiry, and report to the relevant congressional committees on the results by December 31, 2005, to recommend the appropriate methodologies for determining which consumers are in locations where the consumer will be unable, on or after the date on which analog television services are discontinued pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, to receive broadcast digital television service signals that are transmitted from a station's permanent digital television channel that are of sufficient intensity to be able to receive and display digital television services using receiving terrestrial outdoor antennas of reasonable cost and ease of installation. (Sec. 209) Requires the FCC to exempt requests for a signal intensity test from the requirement to verify the signal by means of an independent test if such request was made by a subscriber: (1) to whom the retransmission of the local signal is available from such carrier; or (2) for whom the predictive model predicts a signal intensity that exceeds the signal intensity standard by such number of decibels as the FCC specifies by rule. Allows a subscriber who is predicted to receive a signal that meets or exceeds such signal intensity standard and resides in a local market in which the satellite carrier does not offer local signals to conduct a signal intensity test at the subscriber's own expense for the purpose of determining the subscriber's eligibility for distant signals. (Sec. 210) Allows a satellite carrier to retransmit to subscribers in no more than two counties in a State that are in a local market principally comprised of counties in another State, the signals of any television station located in the capital city of the State in which such counties are located, if the total number of television households in the two counties combined did not exceed 10,000 for the year 2003. Deems such signals as significantly viewed for purposes of this section. Prohibits a satellite carrier that transmits such additional signals from transmitting more than four television broadcast stations in such counties.",2023-01-15T04:49:10Z,
108-hr-4509,108,hr,4509,"To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out activities in support of the collaborative Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project on Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-06-03,2004-06-03,Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.,House,"Rep. Regula, Ralph [R-OH-16]",OH,R,R000141,2,"Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out activities in support of the collaborative Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project on Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona, including developing the site, constructing an astrophysical observatory instrumentation support facility, and installing necessary utilities and equipment housings.",2023-01-15T04:49:12Z,
108-hr-4412,108,hr,4412,Clarification of Antitrust Remedies in Telecommunications Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-05-20,2004-05-20,Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]",WI,R,S000244,1,"Clarification of Antitrust Remedies in Telecommunications Act of 2004 - Amends the Clayton Act to make it unlawful for an incumbent local exchange carrier (a Bell operating company) or an affiliate to create or preserve a monopoly in any part of commerce by using its networks to engage in anticompetitive practices. States that applicability of this Act is not affected by agency regulation of the conduct it proscribes, except that conduct required by agency regulation shall not be construed to create liability under this Act.",2023-01-15T04:49:02Z,
108-hr-4400,108,hr,4400,Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-05-19,2004-06-16,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development.",House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,42,"Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to express the sense of Congress that: (1) Project SAFECOM (an e-government initiative) has made very limited progress toward achieving communications interoperability among government entities; (2) a lack of effective collaboration and consistent funding are impeding progress; and (3) all funding and program management to achieve interoperability should reside within the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes the Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications within the Directorate of Science and Technology. Requires with regard to communications interoperability: (1) the Secretary, acting through the Director of such Office, to provide leadership, coordination, and technical assistance; (2) the Director, under the direction of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to conduct R&D, evaluate new technologies, promote deployment of advanced broadband communications technologies, and encourage flexible and open architectures and standards; (3) the Secretary, acting through both the Director and the Office of State and Local Government Coordination, to conduct outreach and coordination; and (4) the Secretary, acting through the Director, to develop a national strategy. Creates an interoperable communications technology grant program for eligible States (those States lacking adequate interoperability that have submitted a communications interoperability plan to the Secretary) and local governments and public safety agencies within such States. Prohibits the award of grants to reimburse recipients for past expenditures except that public safety agencies may be reimbursed for funds expended after September 11, 2001, and before the date of enactment of this Act if such expenditures support an approved agency plan.",2023-01-15T04:49:02Z,
108-hr-4407,108,hr,4407,Technology Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-05-19,2004-06-01,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.",House,"Rep. Udall, Mark [D-CO-2]",CO,D,U000038,0,"Technology Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology Act of 2004 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for the: (1) Under Secretary for Technology and the Office of Technology Policy's activities; (2) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scientific and technical research and services laboratories activities; (3) Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program; (4) NIST facilities construction and maintenance; (5) NIST industrial technology services; (6) Teacher Science and Technology Enhancement Institute program; and (7) NIST under the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002. Requires: (1) the Director of NIST to carry out a Standards Education program to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to institutions of higher education to support their efforts to develop curricula on the role of standards in the fields of engineering, business, science, and economics.",2023-01-15T04:49:02Z,
108-hr-4311,108,hr,4311,Video Description Restoration Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-05-06,2004-05-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,0,"Video Description Restoration Act of 2004 - Considers authorized and ratified by law the video description rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) contained in the year 2000 FCC report and order identified as Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, notwithstanding the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in Motion Picture Association of America, Inc., et al., v. Federal Communications Commission, et al. Directs the FCC to: (1) reinstate such rules; and (2) initiate a proceeding to consider whether it is economically and technically feasible and consistent with the public interest to include "accessible information" in such rules. Authorizes the FCC to amend, repeal, or otherwise modify such rules.",2023-01-15T04:48:59Z,
108-hr-4255,108,hr,4255,Computer Software Privacy and Control Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-30,2004-05-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.",House,"Rep. Inslee, Jay [D-WA-1]",WA,D,I000026,11,"Computer Software Privacy and Control Act of 2004 - Makes it unlawful for any person to transmit to a protected computer owned and operated by another person, or to transmit to such computer prior to its first retail sale, any computer software, or component thereof, that: (1) collects personal information about an owner or operator and transfers the information to any person other than such owner or operator; (2) monitors or analyzes the content of the Internet web pages accessed by a computer owner or operator and transfers that information to any person other than the owner or operator; or (3) modifies default computer settings selected by the owner or operator that affect the Web page first displayed, the Internet connection settings, or the actions or operations of any Internet search service offered by a provider of such services, unless, before any of actions above, notice is provided to, and consent is received from, such owner or operator, and such software or component includes a removal utility. Makes it unlawful for a person to transmit to a protected computer any software that includes a function to deliver or display advertisements, unless notice is provided to, and consent is received from, the owner or operator. Provides for enforcement of such prohibitions through: (1) the Federal Trade Commission; (2) criminal proceedings; or (3) State actions on behalf of its residents. Requires semiannual reports from the Attorney General to the congressional judiciary committees concerning actions on warrants or other orders applied for by law enforcement agencies whose implementation involved the transmission or execution of computer software on a protected computer to record computer activity or to intercept any wire, oral, or electronic communications.",2023-01-15T04:48:34Z,
108-s-2362,108,s,2362,"A bill to authorize construction of a Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory instrumentation support control building and associated site development on Kitt Peak, Arizona, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-29,2004-06-16,Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.,Senate,"Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS]",MS,R,C000567,1,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to develop a site for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory instrumentation support control building to support the collaborative Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project on Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona.",2023-01-15T04:48:54Z,
108-hr-4218,108,hr,4218,High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-27,2004-07-08,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Biggert, Judy [R-IL-13]",IL,R,B001232,7,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to direct the President to implement a High-Performance Computing Research and Development Program (current law provides for a National High-Performance Computing Program) and revise program requirements. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) establish the goals and priorities for Federal high-performance computing research, development, networking, and other activities; (2) establish Program Component Areas that implement such goals and identify the Grand Challenges (i.e., fundamental problems in science or engineering, with broad economic and scientific impact, whose solutions will require the application of high-performance computing resources) that the Program should address; and (3) develop and maintain a research, development, and deployment road map for the provision of high-performance computing systems. Eliminates the requirement that the Director provide for interagency coordination of the Program.  Revises requirements for annual reports by requiring that such reports: (1) describe Program Component Areas, including any changes in the definition of or activities under such Areas and the reasons for such changes, and describe Grand Challenges supported under the Program; (2) describe the levels of Federal funding and the levels proposed for each Program Component Area; (3) describe the levels of Federal funding for each agency and department participating in the Program for each such Area; and (4) include an analysis of the extent to which the Program incorporates the recommendations of the advisory committee on high-performance computing. Eliminates the requirement that such reports include reports from the Secretary of Energy on Department of Energy activities taken to carry out the National High-Performance Computing Program. Requires such advisory committee to: (1) provide the Director with an independent assessment of the balance between components of the Program, including funding levels for the Program Component Areas and whether the research and development undertaken pursuant to the Program is helping to maintain U.S. leadership in high-performance computing and networking; and (2) conduct periodic evaluations of the funding, management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program, and report at least once every two fiscal years to specified congressional committees. Requires the Office of Management and Budget to identify each element of its high-performance computing activities which contributes directly to the Program Component Areas or benefits from the Program.  Repeals requirements under the Act for the National Research and Education Network and the Next Generation Internet.  Modifies provisions regarding responsibilities of the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.",2023-01-15T04:48:35Z,
108-s-2348,108,s,2348,A bill to extend the Internet Tax Freedom Act.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-26,2004-04-27,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 480.,Senate,"Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]",WY,R,E000285,2,"Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend until June 1, 2005, the ban on: (1) State or local taxes on Internet access; and (2) State or local multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.",2021-09-29T22:20:58Z,
108-s-2315,108,s,2315,A bill to amend the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to extend the deadline for the INTELSAT initial public offering.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-08,2004-05-18,Became Public Law No: 108-228.,Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,0,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to require the initial public offering for INTELSAT to begin on or about June 30, 2005 (currently December 31, 2003), with an authorized extension until December 31, 2005 (currently June 30, 2004).",2023-01-15T04:48:32Z,
108-s-2281,108,s,2281,VOIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-05,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-425.",Senate,"Sen. Sununu, John E. [R-NH]",NH,R,S001078,0,"VOIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004 - Reserves solely to the Federal Government the authority to regulate the offering or provision of a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VOIP) application (an application that uses the Internet or any successor protocol to offer two-way or multidirectional voice communications). Prohibits State regulation of such authority. States that nothing in this Act: (1) limits State jurisdiction over 911 and enhanced-911 telephone services; (2) exempts providers of a VOIP application from State universal service preservation and interprovider compensation requirements; or (3) affects the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any State to regulate the facilities used to transmit a voice communication of a VOIP application. Requires the FCC to: (1) conclude a proceeding establishing a transition period in which providers of a VOIP application are required to provide 911 and enhanced-911 services comparable to those provided by other telecommunications carriers; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the progress of enhanced-911 implementation for connected VOIP applications. Preserves the obligation of a VOIP application provider to furnish authorized law enforcement authorities all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish an interception (of a phone call) or the installation of a pen register or trap and trace device. Requires a report from the: (1) Comptroller General to specified congressional committees addressing technical problems encountered by law enforcement authorities when intercepting and analyzing communications over the Internet or using the Internet protocol; and (2) FCC to such committees assessing the first ten years of implementation of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Terminates this Act three years after its enactment.",2023-01-15T04:48:33Z,
108-hr-4129,108,hr,4129,VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-02,2004-04-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Pickering, Charles W. ""Chip"" [R-MS-3]",MS,R,P000323,5,"VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004 - Reserves solely to the Federal Government the responsibility and authority to regulate the offering or provision of a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) application (an application that uses the Internet or any successor protocol to offer two-way or multidirectional voice communications). Prohibits State regulation, or delegation to States, of such authority. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) establish rules and standards for appropriate arrangements to compensate providers of facilities and equipment used to transmit communications employing a connected VoIP application; and (2) maximize participation in the support of universal service among the greatest number of providers of connected VoIP applications. Requires such providers to assist the Federal Government in enforcement actions. Requires the FCC to appoint an appropriate representative industry organization to develop guidelines, protocols, or performance requirements pertaining to the offering or provision of connected VoIP applications for: (1) providing comparable capabilities to 911 services; (2) improving use by the disabled community; (3) improving reliability of VoIP applications; and (4) ensuring appropriate security for the application and voice communications. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from imposing a tax or other charge on the offering or provision of a VoIP application.",2023-01-15T04:48:37Z,
108-hr-4146,108,hr,4146,Tornado Research Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-02,2004-04-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.",House,"Rep. Cramer, Robert E. (Bud), Jr. [D-AL-5]",AL,D,C000868,0,"Tornado Research Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a tornado research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be carried out in coordination with the National Weather Service, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and any other appropriate Federal agencies. Requires that the program: (1) include research aimed at understanding and predicting the natural processes that lead to the formation of tornadoes; (2) identify an array of factors that indicate tornado formation; (3) promote the incorporation of the results of such research into the methods used by meteorologists to predict the time and location of tornado formation; (4) provide resources and promote attention to tornado research areas with the greatest potential for improving the understanding of their formation; (5) maximize the effectiveness of the program by encouraging collaborative efforts by operational and research communities in academia and the Government; and (6) provide for the awarding of competitive research grants to, and the entering into of cooperative agreements with, institutions of higher education and other research institutions to conduct peer-reviewed research that may improve the forecast and identification of tornadoes.",2023-01-15T04:48:37Z,
108-hr-4160,108,hr,4160,Grand Canyon Hydrogen-Powered Motorboat Demonstration Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-04-02,2004-04-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.,House,"Rep. Renzi, Rick [R-AZ-1]",AZ,R,R000574,0,"Grand Canyon Hydrogen-Powered Motorboat Demonstration Act of 2004 - Directs the the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior to implement jointly a research and development program, in partnership with the private sector, regarding hydrogen-based motorboat propulsion technologies suitable for operations in sensitive resource areas such as national parks, including a demonstration of hydrogen-based motorboat propulsion technology at Grand Canyon National Park. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to extend existing Department of Energy hydrogen-related vehicle research and development programs in order to meet the objectives of research, development, and demonstration of a hydrogen-based alternative motorboat propulsion system suitable for recreational whitewater river operations on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park.",2023-01-15T04:48:37Z,
108-hr-4069,108,hr,4069,Media Ownership Reform Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-30,2004-04-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22]",NY,D,H000627,9,"Media Ownership Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance, consistent with the rules and policies of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in effect on January 1, 1987. Prohibits the FCC from permitting any license for a commercial television broadcast station to be granted, transferred, or assigned to any party if such action would result in that party owning, operating, or controlling, or having a cognizable interest in: (1) stations which have an aggregate national audience reach exceeding 35 percent; or (2) such station and a cable television system whose service area overlaps with such commercial station's predicted Grade B contour. Requires any party currently having a license in excess of such limits to divest as necessary to comply with such limits within one year. Directs the FCC to modify its regulations concerning ownership of national and local radio broadcast stations to place limitations on such ownership (such limitations varying depending on the number of stations in the local market area).  Declares invalid and without legal effect the final rules adopted by the FCC pursuant to its media ownership proceeding, and announced on June 2, 2003 (such rules providing specified media ownership deregulation). Reinstates the rules in effect prior to such rules. Requires the FCC to: (1) conduct, every five years, a review process concerning media ownership; and (2) prescribe rules to prevent persons controlling the distribution of video programming over network distribution systems from acquiring unreasonable proportions of such programming from subsidiaries or affiliates. Requires each broadcast licensee, at least every two years, to submit to the FCC, and publish, a report on how the station is meeting the requirement to serve the public interest.",2023-01-15T10:47:56Z,
108-hr-4030,108,hr,4030,Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-25,2004-04-22,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.",House,"Rep. Smith, Nick [R-MI-7]",MI,R,S000597,3,"(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on April 20, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004 - (Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education program. (Sec. 4) Requires the Director to annually name as finalists for medals up to: (1) 20 private entities with more than 500 employees; and (2) 20 private entities with 500 or fewer employees. Requires the Director to annually award medals from among such finalists up to: (1) five private entities with more than 500 employees; and (2) five private entities with 500 or fewer employees. Requires the Director to distribute information about the Medal recipients in a timely and efficient manner (including through the use of a searchable online database) to schools, institutions of higher education, educators, parents, administrators, policy-makers, researchers, public and private entities, and the general public. Allows any entity that is a finalist or receives a medal under this section to use such information for advertising and other publicity purposes. (Sec. 5) Limits eligibility for such a medal to private entities that have: (1) whether alone or in partnership with for-profit or nonprofit entities, assisted students, teachers, administrators, or other support staff to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a school or community; and (2) been involved in such activities in a sustained manner for at least two years with at least one elementary or secondary school. (Sec. 6) Requires the Director to establish a system for accepting applications from entities seeking to be considered for a medal under this Act. Directs that applications include at least two letters of support, which: (1) may come from teachers, professional support staff, administrators, professional or business organizations, local, county, or State Departments of Education, or any other category of persons as designated by the Director; and (2) shall describe the reasons the entity deserves the medal. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director, in selecting entities to receive medals under this Act, to give priority consideration to evidence of improved achievement in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics by students, including improved achievement by women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Directs the Director to also consider evidence of: (1) innovative approaches to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by students, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, one measure of which may be an increase in the number of students enrolled in advanced courses related to such fields; (2) employee interaction with students or teachers to support and improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning; (3) success in positively influencing student attitudes and promoting education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (4) successful outreach to students, parents, and the community regarding the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to the Nation's prosperity, job creation, and standard of living, as well as future earning potential for the individual; and (5) strong and sustained commitment to the students and schools. (Sec. 8) Amends the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act to change the deadline for submission to Congress of the NSF report on women and minorities in science and engineering from even-numbered to odd-numbered years. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations to NSF.",2023-01-15T10:32:58Z,
108-sres-324,108,sres,324,"A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate relating to the extraordinary contributions resulting from the Hubble Space Telescope to scientific research and education, and to the need to reconsider future service missions to the Hubble Space Telescope.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-25,2004-03-25,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3191-3192)",Senate,"Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD]",MD,D,M000702,3,"Recognizes the extraordinary contributions resulting from the Hubble Space Telescope to scientific research and education. Recommends that the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) appoint an independent panel of expert scientists and engineers inside and outside of NASA to examine all possible options for safely carrying out the planned servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.  Expresses the strong sentiment of the House of Representatives that NASA should continue all planning, preparation, and astronaut training activities for the SM-4 servicing mission without interruption until: (1) the expert panel issues its report; and (2) NASA provides a timetable of compliance with a recommendation of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report which calls for a fully autonomous capability for all missions, since such compliance will allow both a Hubble servicing mission and missions to the International Space Station to be carried out safely.",2023-01-15T04:48:39Z,
108-hr-4024,108,hr,4024,TV Consumer Freedom Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-24,2004-03-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14]",TX,R,P000583,0,"TV Consumer Freedom Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow any cable system or other multichannel video programming distributor to retransmit the signal of a broadcasting station, or any part thereof, only with the express authority of that station (thereby removing authority under current law for such retransmission in the case of the carriage of local television signals by satellite carriers and cable operators). Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence a rulemaking proceeding to revise regulations governing the exercise by broadcast stations of the right to grant such consent. Repeals Federal provisions requiring cable operators to carry the signals of local commercial television stations and qualified noncommercial educational television stations. Terminates upon the enactment of this Act all FCC regulations requiring television receivers sold in the United States to include particular types of features or functions, or specifying the type of technology to be used to provide such features or functions.",2023-01-15T10:32:58Z,
108-hr-4026,108,hr,4026,Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-24,2004-03-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Pickering, Charles W. ""Chip"" [R-MS-3]",MS,R,P000323,64,"Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2004 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees shall not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether DARSS licensees should be permitted to provide locally oriented services on nationally distributed channels, taking into account, among other things, the ability of such licensees to afford listeners the same emergency and other information as is afforded listeners of local broadcast stations.",2023-01-15T10:32:58Z,
108-hr-4015,108,hr,4015,Halloween Safety Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-23,2004-03-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Rothman, Steven R. [D-NJ-9]",NJ,D,R000462,0,"Halloween Safety Act of 2004 - Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to provide that daylight savings time shall end on the first Sunday of November each year (currently, the last Sunday of October).",2023-01-15T10:32:58Z,
108-hr-3970,108,hr,3970,Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-16,2004-04-22,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Gingrey, Phil [R-GA-11]",GA,R,G000550,10,"Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004 - (Sec. 3) Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Defines green chemistry as chemistry and and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires that program activities be designed to: (1) provide, as specified, sustained support for green chemistry research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer; (2) examine methods by which the Federal Government can create incentives for use of green chemistry processes and products; (3) facilitate the adoption of green chemistry innovations; (4) expand education and training of undergraduate and graduate students and professional chemists and chemical engineers in green chemistry science and engineering; (5) collect and disseminate information on green chemistry research, development, and technology transfer, including incentives and impediments to development and commercialization; (6) support economic, legal, and other appropriate social science research to identify barriers to commercialization and methods to advance commercialization of green chemistry; and (7) provide for public input and outreach to be integrated into the Program by the convening of public discussions. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group, which shall include representatives from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and any other agency that the President may designate, to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Assigns the Director of the NSF and the Assistant Administrator for R&D of the EPA to serve as co-chairs of the Working Group. Directs the Working Group to: (1) establish goals and priorities for the Program in consultation with green chemistry researchers and potential end-users of green chemistry products and processes; and (2) provide for interagency coordination of activities under the Program. Directs each Federal agency and department participating in the Program, as part of its annual request for appropriations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to submit a report to OMB which identifies its activities that contribute directly to the Program and states the portion of its request that is allocated to those activities. Requires the President to include in his annual budget request to Congress a statement of the portion of each agency's or department's annual budget request allocated to its activities undertaken pursuant to the Program. Requires the Working Group to transmit a report to specified congressional committees which includes: (1) a summary of federally funded green chemistry research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities; and (2) an analysis of the progress made toward achieving the Program's goals and priorities, and recommendations for future Program activities. (Sec. 4) Amends the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act to revise the date for the transmission of the biennial report assessing the participation of women and minorities in scientific and engineering positions and in scientific and engineering education. (Sec. 5) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to enhance productivity and technological performance in U.S. manufacturing through the enabling of supply chain manufacturers to continuously improve products and processes, increase energy efficiency, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize resources and technologies with the aim of reducing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances. (Sec. 6) Requires the Director of the NSF to carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education to support their efforts to revise their undergraduate curriculum in chemistry and chemical engineering to incorporate green chemistry concepts and strategies. Requires: (1) such grants to be awarded on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis; and (2) cost-sharing in cash from non-Federal sources, to match the Federal funding. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2007 for carrying out such grant program. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director of the NSF to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to conduct a study of the factors that constitute barriers to the successful commercial application of promising results from green chemistry R&D. Requires such study to: (1) examine successful and unsuccessful attempts at commercialization of green chemistry in the United States and abroad; and (2) recommend research areas and priorities and public policy options that would help to overcome identified barriers to commercialization. Requires such Director to submit a report to specified congressional committees on the findings and recommendations of such study. (Sec 8) Authorizes appropriations through FY 2007 for the: (1) NSF; (2) FIST; (3) DOE; and (4) EPA.",2023-01-15T10:32:59Z,
108-hr-3969,108,hr,3969,Foreign Government Ownership Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-12,2004-03-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]",LA,R,T000058,0,"Foreign Government Ownership Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any broadcast license, permit, or operating authority from being granted to or held by a corporation, joint venture, partnership, other business organization, trust, or other entity controlled by a foreign government or its representatives. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from waiving the application of such prohibition. Sets forth: (1) tests for determining foreign control; and (2) enforcement mechanisms, including revocation and reassignment.",2023-01-15T10:32:59Z,
108-hr-3914,108,hr,3914,Children's Protection from Violent Programming Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-09,2004-03-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Baca, Joe [D-CA-43]",CA,D,B001234,4,"Children's Protection from Violent Programming Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess the effectiveness of measures to require television broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors to rate and encode programming that could be blocked by parents by use of a V-chip. Authorizes the FCC, if it finds such measures ineffective, to prohibit the distribution of violent video programming during hours when children are reasonably likely to comprise a substantial portion of the audience.Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person to distribute to the public any violent video programming not blockable by electronic means specifically on the basis of its violent content. Provides for exemptions for: (1) programming (including news programs and sporting events) the distribution of which does not conflict with the objective of protecting children from the negative influences of violent video programming; and (2) premium and pay-per-view direct-to-home satellite programming.Directs the FCC to impose a forfeiture penalty for violations and to revoke a broadcasting or distribution license of a repeat violator. Requires the FCC to continue to study and report annually to specified committees on the marketing to children of violent content by the motion picture, music recording, and computer and video game industries.",2023-01-15T10:18:05Z,
108-s-2176,108,s,2176,High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-08,2004-06-22,Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 108-674.,Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,7,"High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research and development program to advance high-end computing systems, including establishment of a coordinated set of facilities for investigators to develop ultrascale scientific computing capability for: (1) scientific research and development using high-end computing systems; and (2) development of potential advancements in high-end computing system architecture and software.  Requires such program to include establishment of at least one High-End Software Development Center.",2023-01-15T11:03:09Z,
108-hres-550,108,hres,550,"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to the extraordinary contributions resulting from the Hubble Space Telescope to scientific research and education, and to the need to reconsider future service missions to the Hubble Space Telescope.","Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-03,2004-03-03,Referred to the House Committee on Science.,House,"Rep. Udall, Mark [D-CO-2]",CO,D,U000038,77,"Recognizes the extraordinary contributions resulting from the Hubble Space Telescope to scientific research and education. Recommends that the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) appoint an independent panel of expert scientists and engineers inside and outside of NASA to examine all possible options for safely carrying out the planned servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.  Expresses the strong sentiment of the House of Representatives that NASA should continue all planning, preparation, and astronaut training activities for the SM-4 servicing mission without interruption until: (1) the expert panel issues its report; and (2) NASA provides a timetable of compliance with a recommendation of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report which calls for a fully autonomous capability for all missions, since such compliance will allow both a Hubble servicing mission and missions to the International Space Station to be carried out safely.",2023-01-15T10:47:55Z,
108-hr-3871,108,hr,3871,United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-02,2004-03-04,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development.",House,"Rep. Turner, Jim [D-TX-2]",TX,D,T000424,29,"United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a United States-Israel Homeland Security Foundation for awarding conditional grants to joint business ventures between U.S. and Israeli private corporate entities to develop, manufacture, sell, or otherwise provide products and services with applications related to homeland security. Limits grant amounts to 50 percent of proposed costs. Requires grant recipients to repay the Foundation up to 150 percent of the grant awarded. Directs the Foundation to include an advisory board. Provides Foundation funding through the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies. Directs the Secretary, if not establishing the Foundation, to use a specified amount from such Fund to support the efforts of the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to make grants to joint U.S.-Israeli business ventures for projects relating to homeland security.",2023-01-15T10:18:06Z,
108-s-2147,108,s,2147,Broadcast Decency Responsibility and Enforcement Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-01,2004-03-01,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Miller, Zell [D-GA]",GA,D,M001141,0,"Broadcast Decency Responsibility and Enforcement Act of 2004 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that, if the violator of the terms and conditions of any Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, permit, or certificate is a broadcast station licensee or permittee, an applicant for a broadcast license, permit, or certificate, or any other company or individual determined by the FCC to have participated in broadcasting obscene, indecent, or profane language, the amount of forfeiture penalty shall be 25 cents times the number of individuals who witnessed or heard the broadcast, as determined by a viewership rating service selected by the FCC. Requires amounts so collected to be used: (1) first, to fund enforcement costs; and (2) to make grants to faith-based programs selected by the Faith Based Initiative Office of the White House. Directs the FCC to establish a Council of Decency to advise the FCC on standards of decency as applied to broadcasts over which the FCC has jurisdiction.",2023-01-15T10:47:54Z,
108-s-2151,108,s,2151,Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-03-01,2004-03-01,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Johnson, Tim [D-SD]",SD,D,J000177,0,"Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey to: (1) establish a program of grants for pilot projects to explore the integrated use of sources of remote sensing and other geospatial information to address State, local, regional, and tribal agency needs; (2) establish an advisory committee to monitor the program; (3) transmit to Congress an independent evaluation of program effectiveness; and (4) ensure that project results are retrievable through an Internet-accessible database.  Requires the Director to seek opportunities to assist: (1) in the development of commercial applications potentially available from the remote sensing industry; and (2) State, local, regional, and tribal agencies in applying remote sensing and geospatial information technologies for growth management.  Requires the Director to: (1) establish an educational outreach program to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and such agencies of the potential applications of remote sensing and geospatial information; and (2) study the effect of remote sensing imagery costs on potential State, local, regional, and tribal agency applications.",2023-01-15T10:47:54Z,
108-s-2145,108,s,2145,SPY BLOCK Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-02-27,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-424.",Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,3,"Software Principles Yielding Better Levels of Consumer Knowledge Act or SPY BLOCK Act - (Sec. 2) Makes it unlawful for a person who is not an authorized user of a protected computer (any computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) (unauthorized person) to cause the installation on that computer of software designed to: (1) conceal from the authorized user (user) the fact that such software is being installed; or (2) prevent the user from granting or withholding consent to the installation. Provides exceptions. Makes it unlawful to provide to an authorized user materially false or misleading inducements to install such software. Prohibits the installation of software designed to prevent reasonable efforts to uninstall or disable such software after it has been installed, with an exception with respect to software designed for one authorized user, such as a parent or system administrator. (Sec. 3) Makes it unlawful for an unauthorized person to install on a protected computer software that collects information about the user's Internet browsing or other computer use and then transmits such information to another person if: (1) the information collected is not related to or in support of a normal software capability or function; and (2) there has been no reasonable notification to the authorized user of the such installation. (Sec. 4) Makes it unlawful for an unauthorized person to install on a protected computer software that causes advertisements to be displayed to the user: (1) at a time when the user is not accessing a website or online service operated by the publisher of that software; and (2) in a manner in which the user would not understand that the software is responsible for delivering the advertisements. (Sec. 5) Makes it unlawful for an unauthorized person to: (1) utilize the computer to send unsolicited information to other computers; (2) divert a user's Internet browser away from its intended site to one or more other websites; (3) display an advertisement or other content in such a manner that the user cannot end such display without turning off the computer or terminating all Internet sessions; or (4) covertly modify settings relating to the use of the computer or the computer's access to the Internet. (Sec. 6) Provides exceptions from liability under this Act with respect to providers of: (1) passive transmission, hosting, or linking; and (2) network security. (Sec. 7) Provides for administration and enforcement through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). (Sec. 8) Authorizes civil enforcement actions by States, with authorized FCC intervention. (Sec. 10) Amends the Federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for accessing a protected computer to cause a computer program or code to be copied onto such computer, and then using such program or code to impair the security protection of such computer or in furtherance of another criminal offense. Provides exceptions.",2023-01-15T10:03:16Z,
108-s-2131,108,s,2131,Controlling Invasive and Unauthorized Software Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-02-26,2004-02-26,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1685-1688)",Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,0,"Controlling Invasive and Unauthorized Software Act - Makes it unlawful for any person who is not the user of a protected computer (any computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) to install, or allow the installation of, software on that computer, unless: (1) the user of the computer has received notice and granted consent that satisfies the requirements of this Act; and (2) the computer software's uninstall procedures satisfies the requirements of this Act. Requires the notice to include: (1) a clear notification, displayed on the screen until the user either grants or denies consent to installation, of the name and nature of the software to be installed; and (2) a separate disclosure with respect to each information collection, advertising, distributed computing, and settings modification feature contained in the software. Requires the consent to include: (1) consent to the software installation; and (2) separate consent to each of the above features of such software. Prohibits any person who is not the user of a protected computer from using any such feature of software installed on a computer if: (1) the software was installed in violation of this Act; (2) the use falls outside of the scope described in the notice; or (3) the person using a software feature fails to protect the security and integrity of personal information so collected. Provides exceptions, including for software installed before the sale of such computer. Provides administration and enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission. Authorizes actions by States on behalf of its residents.",2023-01-15T10:03:16Z,
108-hr-3813,108,hr,3813,George R. Brown Near-Earth Object Survey Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-02-11,2004-02-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,0,"George R. Brown Near-Earth Object Survey Act - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids and comets at least 100 meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects striking the Earth. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act to declare that the general welfare and security of the United States requires that the unique competence of NASA in science and engineering systems be directed to provide warning and mitigation of the potential hazard of near-Earth objects impacting the Earth.",2023-01-15T09:47:45Z,
108-s-2056,108,s,2056,Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-02-09,2004-04-05,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 471.,Senate,"Sen. Brownback, Sam [R-KS]",KS,R,B000953,20,"Title I: Broadcast Decency - Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that, if the violator of the terms and conditions of any Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, permit, or certificate is either a broadcast station licensee or permittee or an applicant for a broadcast license, permit, or certificate, and such violator is determined by the FCC to have broadcast obscene, indecent, or profane language or images, the amount of forfeiture penalty shall not exceed $275,000 for the first violation, $375,000 for the second, and $500,000 for the third and any subsequent violation, with a 24-hour period limit of $3 million. Requires the FCC, when determining a penalty, to consider the violator's ability to pay. Directs the FCC to commence a proceeding for revocation of a station license or construction permit of a broadcast station if, in each of three or more proceedings during the term of a broadcast license, such licensee is ordered to pay forfeitures for the above violations by either: (1) the FCC and such forfeitures have been paid; or (2) a court and such orders have become final. (Sec. 103) Directs the FCC, in the case of such a violation, to take into account various factors with respect to the degree of culpability, including whether: (1) the material was live or recorded, scripted or unscripted; (2) the violator had a reasonable opportunity to review the programming; (3) a time delay blocking mechanism was implemented; and (4) the violation occurred during a children's program or during children's viewing hours. Allows the FCC, when aggravating factors are present, to double the fine amounts for such violations. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions concerning non-licensed violators and authorizes the FCC to fine such violators if the person should have known that the material would be broadcast. Increases to $500,000 for each violation the fine authorized for such violators. (Sec. 105) Authorizes any State, regional, or national association of broadcasters or networks, or any group of network affiliates, to enter into a voluntary code of conduct providing a family viewing policy for early evening television viewing hours (the first hour of prime time and the hour immediately preceding such hour). (Sec. 106) Sets a deadline of 270 days for FCC response to complaints received for violations of this Act. (Sec. 107) Requires an annual FCC report to specified congressional committees on complaints received and action thereon. (Sec. 108) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of, and report to specified committees on, an examination of the relationship between the increasing consolidation of broadcast media ownership and violations of this Act. (Sec. 109) Requires the FCC to implement the requirements of this Act within 180 days after enactment. Title II: Children's Protection From Violent Programming - Children's Protection from Violent Programming Act - (Sec. 203) Directs the FCC to assess the effectiveness of measures to require television broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors to rate and encode programming that could be blocked by parents by use of a V-chip. Authorizes the FCC, if it finds such measures ineffective, to prohibit the distribution of violent video programming during hours when children are reasonably likely to comprise a substantial portion of the audience.  (Sec. 204) Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute to the public any violent video programming not blockable by electronic means specifically on the basis of its violent content. Provides for exemptions for: (1) programming (including news programs and sporting events) the distribution of which does not conflict with the objective of protecting children from the negative influences of violent video programming; and (2) premium and pay-per-view direct-to-home satellite programming. Applies to such distribution violations the same penalties provided under Title I.  (Sec. 205) Requires the FCC to continue to study and report to specified committees on the marketing to children of violent content by the motion picture, music recording, and computer and video game industries, including improvements to marketing practices developed and implemented by those industries.",2023-01-15T10:03:18Z,
108-hr-3752,108,hr,3752,Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-02-03,2004-03-08,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,4,"Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) States that Congress finds that: (1) the goal of opening space to the American people and to their private commercial enterprises should guide Federal space investments, policies, and regulations; (2) private industry has begun to develop commercial launch vehicles capable of carrying human beings into space; (3) greater private investment in these efforts will stimulate the commercial space transportation industry; and (4) space transportation is inherently risky. (Sec. 3) Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to define the following terms: (1) crew; (2) permit; (3) space flight participant; (4) suborbital rocket; and (5) suborbital trajectory. Amends the definitions of: (1) launch; (2) launch services; (3) reentry services; (4) launch vehicle; (5) reenter and reentry; and (6) third party. Declares that regulatory authority for such transportation shall be carried out by the Secretary of Transportation (as under current law), but through the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.  Provides for the issuance of experimental permits (including permits for reusable suborbital rockets) allowing for an unlimited number of launches. Directs the Secretary when issuing permits, in order to encourage the development of a commercial space flight industry and to the greatest extent practicable, to use the authority to waive, by regulation, any Federal law requirement as a requirement for a license if such requirement is not necessary to protect the public health and safety, safety of property, and U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Limits the Secretary's authority to issue permits for reusable suborbital rockets to those rockets that will be launched or reentered solely for: (1) research and development to test new design concepts, new equipment, or new operating techniques; (2) showing compliance with requirements as part of the process for obtaining a license; or (3) crew training before obtaining a license for a launch or reentry using the design of the rocket for which the permit would be issued. Prohibits operating a reusable suborbital rocket under a permit for carrying any property or human being for compensation or hire. Permits the holder of a license or a permit to: (1) launch or reenter crew only if the crew has received specified training and has satisfied specified medical standards; (2) launch or reenter a space flight participant only if the holder of the license or permit has informed the space flight participant in writing about the risks of the launch or reentry, including the safety record of the vehicle type, and the space flight participant has provided written informed consent to participation; and (3) launch and reenter crews and space flight participants only in accordance with regulations and applicable laws. Provides for expedited procedures for the issuance of permits. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government. Declares that the requirement for flight participants shall expire three years after the first licensed launch of a launch vehicle carrying the space flight participant. Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Extends from December 31, 2004, through December 31, 2007, liability insurance and financial responsibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2007. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Transportation to arrange with the National Academy of Public Administration for a study to assess: (1) methods by which the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation could be eliminated by 2008 (or as soon as possible thereafter); and (2) the impact those methods would be likely to have on the commercial space transportation industry.",2023-01-15T10:18:07Z,
108-hr-3750,108,hr,3750,Pacific Insular Areas Rural Telemedicine Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-01-30,2004-02-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Del. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large]",GU,D,B001245,5,"Pacific Insular Areas Rural Telemedicine Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a telecommunications carrier, in providing telecommunications services to health care providers for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam (collectively referred to as territories), to treat Honolulu, Hawaii, as the urban area whose telecommunications rate shall be used for comparison purposes in determining the appropriate rate to be charged for telecommunications services to health care providers for such territories.",2023-01-15T09:32:50Z,
108-hr-3717,108,hr,3717,Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-01-21,2004-03-26,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 464.,House,"Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]",MI,R,U000031,145,"Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that if the violator of the terms and conditions of any Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, permit, or certificate is either a broadcast station licensee or permittee or an applicant for a broadcast license, permit, or certificate, and such violator is determined by the FCC to have broadcast obscene, indecent, or profane material, the amount of forfeiture penalty shall not exceed $500,000 for each violation. (Sec. 3) Directs the FCC, in enforcing penalties for violators, to take into account specified factors with respect to the violator's: (1) degree of culpability, including whether the offending material was live or recorded and scripted or unscripted; and (2) ability to pay, including whether the violator is a company or individual and the company's size. Provides an enforcement exception, under certain circumstances, for a licensee or permittee not owned or controlled by the network organization providing the offending material to the licensee or permittee for broadcast. (Sec. 4) Makes the prohibition on penalties against nonlicensees inapplicable in the case of a person who utters obscene, indecent, or profane material broadcast by a licensee or permittee if such person willfully or intentionally makes the utterance. (Sec. 5) Provides deadlines for actions on complaints of violations of this Act. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the FCC, in addition to such penalties, to require the offending licensee or permittee to broadcast public service announcements that serve the educational and informational needs of children and reaches an audience of up to five times the audience estimated to have been reached by the obscene, indecent, or profane material. (Sec. 7) Directs the FCC, in any subsequent proceeding against a broadcast licensee or permittee who has already paid a fine for violating the provisions of this Act or when a court has ordered payment of a penalty and such order has become final, to: (1) consider whether the broadcast of such material demonstrates a lack of character or other qualifications required to operate a station; and (2) treat such violation as a serious violation with respect to the determination of license or permit renewal. (Sec. 9) Requires that if the FCC has issued a notice of violation in each of three or more proceedings during the term of the broadcast license and in each proceeding the fine was paid or a court has ordered payment of a penalty and such order has become final, then the FCC shall commence a proceeding to consider revocation of that station's license or permit. (Sec. 10) Requires annual FCC reports to Congress to include information with respect to violations of this Act and related proceedings. (Sec. 11) Requires the General Accounting Office to study and report to specified congressional committees on the complaints made to the FCC concerning the broadcasting of obscene, indecent, and profane material. (Sec. 12) Expresses the sense of Congress that the broadcast television station licensees should reinstitute a family viewing policy for broadcasters that is similar to the policy that existed in the United States from 1975 to 1983.",2023-01-15T10:18:07Z,
108-hres-500,108,hres,500,Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should vigorously enforce indecency and profanity laws pursuant to the intent of Congress in order to protect children in the United States from indecent and profane programming on broadcast television and radio.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-01-21,2004-02-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Pickering, Charles W. ""Chip"" [R-MS-3]",MS,R,P000323,30,"Resolves that the Federal Communications Commission should: (1) reverse its Enforcement Bureau's decision of In the Matter of Complaints Against Various Broadcast Licensees Regarding the Airing of the "Golden Globe Awards" of October 3, 2003, which found that no violation of the decency laws or regulations had occurred as a result of the airing of indecent language during the televised broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards; (2) return to vigorously enforcing the indecency and profanity statute pursuant to its declaratory order of In the Matter of a Citizen's Complaint Against Pacifica Foundation StationWBAI, which was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court; (3) make every reasonable and lawful effort to protect children from indecent and profane programming; (4) resolve expeditiously all indecency and profanity complaints and consider reviewing such complaints at the full Commission level; (5) aggressively investigate and enforce all indecency and profanity allegations; and (6) reassert its responsibility as defender of the public interest with respect to profane and indecent utterances in broadcast media.",2023-01-15T09:32:50Z,
108-s-2013,108,s,2013,Satellite Home Viewer Extension Act of 2004,"Science, Technology, Communications",2004-01-21,2004-06-17,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 584.,Senate,"Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]",UT,R,H000338,3,"Satellite Home Viewer Extension Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 to extend the sunset date for an additional five years for provisions regarding the statutory licenses for secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing. Amends Federal copyright law to extend for five years the existing grandfather clause permitting otherwise ineligible subscribers to receive transmissions of the distant signals of network stations if they do not receive a signal of a certain strength from the local network station affiliated with the same network.  (Sec. 3) Requires a satellite carrier that makes secondary transmissions of a primary transmission made by a network station to submit within 90 days to the network that owns or is affiliated with the network station separate initial lists identifying all subscribers: (1) in unserved households to which the satellite carriers makes such a secondary transmission; and (2) receiving such a secondary transmission because such network station is significantly viewed in that community. Requires a satellite carrier to also submit to the network separate monthly lists identifying subscribers who have been added or dropped by the satellite carrier from receiving such retransmissions in unserved households and in households who were receiving signals pursuant to the significantly viewed stations provisions. Extends such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier in a State in which there is a single full-power network station, of the primary transmission of that station to any subscriber in a community within the State, but not within the first 50 major television markets as listed by FCC regulations. Applies such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier in a State in which all network stations and superstations are assigned to one local market, of the primary transmission of any station located in the State capital to any subscriber located in a community within that State and within the first 50 major television markets. Extends such statutory license to the secondary transmission by a satellite carrier of the primary transmission of a network station or superstation to a subscriber who: (1) is receiving the secondary transmission of a primary transmission of local stations (local signal); and (2) resides outside the local market of the station but within a community in which that station is determined by the FCC to be significantly viewed according to the regulations in effect as of enactment. (Sec. 4) Extends such statutory license to retransmissions to subscribers of stations outside their local market (referred to as distant signals) only if: (1) the subscriber is receiving retransmissions of both distant and local signals as of January 1, 2005, and the satellite carrier submits to the television network a list of such subscribers and the distant signals received by such subscribers; or (2) the subscriber is receiving the distant signals and not receiving such local signals, but only until such time as the subscriber elects to receive such local signals.  Extends such statutory license to retransmissions of distant signals to unserved households that were subscribers to the satellite carrier as of January 1, 2005, but only until such time as the subscriber elects to receive the local signal from the satellite carrier or where a local transmission affiliated with the same network is not available. Prohibits secondary transmissions of distant signals to subscribers who are eligible to receive local signals affiliated with the same television network before that person seeks to subscribe to a distant network station. Considers a local signal to be made available to a subscriber if the satellite carrier offers that local signal to any subscriber within the same zip code. Requires the royalty fee due from a satellite carrier who transmits secondary transmissions of a network station to be computed by multiplying the total number of subscribers receiving each secondary transmission of each superstation or network station during each calendar month by the appropriate rate in effect under this Act.  Exempts a satellite carrier from a royalty obligation for secondary transmissions to a subscriber who resides outside the local market of the station but within a community in which the signal of that station is determined to be significantly viewed in accordance with Federal regulations. Requires the Librarian of Congress to: (1) initiate arbitration proceedings to determine a reasonable royalty fee to be paid by satellite carriers who are not parties to a voluntary agreement filed with the Copyright Office by January 1, 2005, for retransmissions of network stations or superstations for private home viewing; (2) adopt such royalty fee established under a determination made by a copyright arbitration royalty panel in the arbitration proceeding to become effective on June 1, 2005, or otherwise depending on judicial review; and (3) adjust the royalty rates set forth under this Act on January 1, 2006, and on January 1 of each year thereafter, to reflect any changes occurring during the preceding 12 months in the cost of living as determined by the most recent Consumer Price Index. Provides that the rate of the royalty fee determined under this Act shall be reduced by 30% for superstations and by 45% for network stations. (Sec. 5) Extends such statutory license to retransmissions by a satellite carrier of the signals of a low power television station to a subscriber who resides within the same local market. Sets forth geographic limitations for such secondary transmissions. Excludes from such statutory licensing retransmissions from low power television stations that retransmit the programs and signals of another television station for more than two hours each day. Prescribes when royalty fees are due for such secondary transmissions of low power television stations. Limits such secondary transmissions of low power television stations to only those subscribers also receiving retransmissions of local signals. Provides that a low power television station whose signals are secondarily transmitted under this Act is not entitled to insist on carriage under provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 which require a satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions of the local signals of any station to carry, upon request, the signals of all television broadcast stations located within that local market. Prohibits the consideration of such retransmission of low power television stations for purposes of determining whether the satellite carrier is exempt from carrying a local station because it substantially duplicates another station carried by the carrier or is affiliated with the same network as one carried by the carrier. (Sec. 6) Requires the Register of Copyrights, in consultation and coordination with the FCC, to report to the relevant Congressional committees the Register's findings and recommendations on the operation and revision of the statutory license under this Act, including: (1) a comparison of the royalties paid by licensees under this Act; (2) an analysis of the differences in the terms and conditions of the licenses under this Act, an analysis of whether these differences are required or justified by historical, technological, or regulatory differences that affect the satellite and cable industries, and an analysis of whether either the cable or satellite industry is placed in a competitive disadvantage due to these terms and conditions; (3) an analysis of whether the licenses under such sections are still justified by the bases upon which they were originally created; and (4) an analysis and estimate, if possible, of the royalties that would be paid by each satellite carrier if they were treated as a cable system. (Sec. 7) Provides that nothing in this Act shall modify any remedy imposed on a party that is required by a judgment of a court in any action that was brought before May 1, 2004, against that party for a violation of law regarding secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing.",2023-01-15T09:32:49Z,
108-sres-283,108,sres,283,A resolution affirming the need to protect children in the United States from indecent programming.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-12-09,2003-12-09,"Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S16213; text as passed Senate: CR S16213; text of measure as introduced: CR S16141-16142)",Senate,"Sen. Sessions, Jeff [R-AL]",AL,R,S001141,11,(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Communications Commission should: (1) reconsider a specified decision of its Enforcement Bureau in light of the public policy considerations in protecting children from indecent broadcasting material; (2) return to enforcing its own standard for indecency in broadcast media as established under a specified declaratory order; (3) undertake new efforts to sanction broadcast licensees that refuse to adhere to the standards established by such order; (4) protect children from the degrading influences of indecent programming; (5) use its authority to protect the public from indecent broadcasts; (6) expeditiously resolve all indecency complaints and consider reviewing all such complaints at the full Commission level; and (7) aggressively investigate and enforce all indecency allegations.,2022-02-03T05:37:58Z,
108-hr-3657,108,hr,3657,Space Preservation Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-12-08,2004-01-05,Executive Comment Requested from DOD.,House,"Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10]",OH,D,K000336,4,"Space Preservation Act of 2003 - Reaffirms U.S. policy that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes. Directs the President to: (1) ban U.S. space-based weapons and the use of U.S. weapons to destroy or damage objects in orbit in space; (2) terminate research and development, testing, manufacturing, production, and deployment of all U.S. space-based weapons; and (3) direct the U.S. representatives to the United Nations and other international organizations to work toward negotiating, adopting, and implementing an international treaty banning space-based weapons and the use of weapons to destroy or damage objects in space.",2023-01-15T09:17:39Z,
108-hres-482,108,hres,482,"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the October 3, 2003, order released by the Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau in response to complaints regarding the broadcast of program material that contained indecent language.","Science, Technology, Communications",2003-12-08,2003-12-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Gingrey, Phil [R-GA-11]",GA,R,G000550,53,Resolves that: (1) the House of Representatives (House) does not support the lowering of standards or the weakening of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibiting obscene and indecent broadcasts to allow network or other communications to use language that is indecent or vulgar; (2) the FCC has a responsibility to utilize its enforcement authority to maintain those rules; and (3) the House will not allow the FCC to permit intrusion upon the family's ability to raise their children in an environment that is not inundated with indecent or profane language on our public airwaves.,2023-01-15T09:17:38Z,
108-s-1963,108,s,1963,Wireless 411 Privacy Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-25,2004-12-07,"By Senator McCain from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 108-423. Minority views filed.",Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,8,"Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number (wireless number) of any subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Requires a provider to remove the wireless number of any subscriber from a WDAS upon request of that subscriber and without subscriber cost. Prohibits a telecommunications carrier from disclosing in billing information provided to customers wireless numbers of subscribers who have indicated a preference to their provider for not having their wireless number disclosed. Prohibits a provider from publishing (listing) in any form, selling, or otherwise distributing the contents of any WDAS database unless the provider: (1) notifies the subscriber of the right not to be listed; and (2) obtains express prior authorization for listing from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act.",2023-01-15T09:03:28Z,
108-s-1973,108,s,1973,Wireless 411 Privacy Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-25,2003-11-25,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH]",OH,R,D000294,2,"Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number of any current subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Allows a provider to include the wireless telephone information of any new subscriber in a WDAS only if the provider provides: (1) a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber, at the time of entering into a service agreement and at least once a year thereafter, of the right not to be listed in any WDAS; and (2) the subscriber with convenient mechanisms to decline or refuse to participate in any WDAS. Allows a provider to connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber only if: (1) the subscriber is provided prior notice of the calling party's identity and is permitted to accept or reject each call; (2) the subscriber's wireless telephone number information is not disclosed to the calling party; and (3) the subscriber is not an unlisted commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act.",2023-01-15T09:03:27Z,
108-hr-3631,108,hr,3631,Television Viewer Privacy Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-21,2003-12-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-27]",CA,D,S000344,0,"Television Viewer Privacy Act of 2003 - Prohibits an interactive video-related service provider (provider) from collecting, maintaining, or disclosing any personally identifiable viewing information (information) regarding a subscriber without the prior written or electronic consent of such subscriber, except: (1) to render or conduct a legitimate business activity related to the service provided; (2) pursuant to a court order authorizing disclosure to a governmental entity; or (3) to such subscriber. Requires, for such consent, that the subscriber be provided a separate statement that clearly and conspicuously informs the subscriber of: (1) the nature of the information collected and its intended use; (2) the nature, frequency, and purpose of any disclosure that may be made; (3) the period during which the information will be maintained by the provider; and (4) required limitations with respect to the collection, maintenance, and disclosure of such information by the provider and the methods by which such limitations may be enforced. Requires a provider to destroy any collected information as soon as it is no longer necessary. Provides for: (1) enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission or by the States; and (2) damages, including actual and punitive damages.",2023-01-15T08:48:09Z,
108-hr-3558,108,hr,3558,Wireless 411 Privacy Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-20,2003-12-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Pitts, Joseph R. [R-PA-16]",PA,R,P000373,54,"Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number of any current subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Allows a provider to include the wireless telephone information of any new subscriber in a WDAS only if the provider provides: (1) a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber, at the time of entering into a service agreement and at least once a year thereafter, of the right not to be listed in any WDAS; and (2) the subscriber with convenient mechanisms to decline or refuse to participate in any WDAS. Allows a provider to connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber only if: (1) the subscriber is provided prior notice of the calling party's identity and is permitted to accept or reject each call; (2) the subscriber's wireless telephone number information is not disclosed to the calling party; and (3) the subscriber is not an unlisted commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act.",2023-01-15T08:33:24Z,
108-hr-3511,108,hr,3511,Video Programming Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-18,2003-12-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,0,"Video Programming Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a multichannel service vendor (a multichannel video programming distributor or person that has access to video programming viewing information) (vendor), at the time of entering into a service agreement with a subscriber and at least once a year thereafter, to provide written notice to such subscriber concerning: (1) the nature of personally identifiable information (information) collected with respect to the subscriber; (2) the nature of any disclosure of such information; (3) the period during which such information will be maintained by the vendor; (4) the time and place at which the subscriber may have access to such information; and (5) limitations with regard to the vendor collection and disclosure of such information and the right of the subscriber to enforce such limitations. Prohibits any vendor from collecting or disclosing such information without the prior written or electronic consent of the subscriber, with certain business-related exceptions. Requires a vendor to provide subscriber access to all collected information, and to destroy information no longer necessary. Provides civil remedies for violations, including actual and punitive damages.",2023-01-15T08:33:25Z,
108-s-1854,108,s,1854,Digital Opportunity Investment Trust Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-12,2003-11-12,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,2,"Digital Opportunity Investment Trust Act - Establishes the Digital Opportunity Investment Trust (the Trust), which shall receive 30 percent of the cash payment received by the Federal Government each fiscal year quarter through FY 2020 from auctions of the publicly owned electromagnetic spectrum and fees derived from the use of such spectrum. Establishes a Board to oversee administration of Trust funds.  Establishes a Director of the Trust. Provides authorized Trust uses. Allows the Director of the Trust to award contracts and grants to nonprofit public institutions (with or without private partners) for innovative and experimental ideas and techniques to enhance learning and achieve specified related goals.Directs the Director to invest funds of the Trust in U.S. interest bearing or U.S.-guaranteed obligations.",2023-01-15T09:03:30Z,
108-s-1855,108,s,1855,"Charles ""Pete"" Conrad Astronomy Awards Act","Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-12,2003-11-12,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]",VA,R,A000121,1,"Charles ""Pete"" Conrad Astronomy Awards Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish the Charles ""Pete"" Conrad Astronomy Awards Program to reward outstanding amateur astronomers who make asteroid discoveries and to augment the Government's asteroid discovery efforts; and (2) contract with the Minor Planet Center of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to administer the program. Provides for annual awards to: (1) the amateur astronomer who, using amateur equipment only, discovers the largest absolute magnitude new asteroid having a near-Earth orbit during the preceding calendar year; (2) an amateur astronomer for pre-discovery and recovery efforts; and (3) the amateur astronomer, or the professional not funded for optical astronomy, who provides the greatest service to update the minor planet catalogue.",2023-01-15T09:03:30Z,
108-s-1821,108,s,1821,National Space Commission Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-11-05,2003-11-05,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14035-14037)",Senate,"Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]",SC,D,H000725,6,"National Space Commission Act - Establishes a National Space Commission to: (1) provide advice and counsel to the President and Congress on matters related to the future of space; and (2) conduct studies, assessments, and other methods of evaluation to reach conclusions and formulate recommendations; (3) convene public forums, reviews, and other means of public discourse for gathering and distributing information; (4) establish a national approach for the safety of space flight; and (5) provide advice on changes in Federal law or international agreements to achieve recommendations, solutions, and outcomes proposed by the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) evaluate findings, recommendations, and observations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and the activities of NASA to respond to the Board's report; (2) make recommendations concerning additional and long-term criteria and conditions for the operation of the Space Shuttle; (3) assess NASA's capability to resolve the Board's findings, recommendations, and observations, the proper role of NASA and its industrial, scientific, and commercial partners in the development and operation of high risk space flight systems, and additional NASA workforce and management reforms to achieve safety of human space flight; (4) take into consideration the present condition of the International Space Station (ISS) and alternative space transportation solutions for servicing and supporting the ISS; (5) report on alternative means of transferring crew during assembly of the ISS and on the Space Shuttle's return-to-flight; (6) engage in specific advisory activities related to the development of future launch technology and make recommendations for future national goals for the development and use of space; and (7) review the Nation's program of safety in space flight and make recommendations for a national program for the management of safe commercial, civil, and military space flight.",2023-01-15T08:48:05Z,
108-s-1803,108,s,1803,Halloween Safety Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-10-30,2003-10-30,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]",WY,R,E000285,0,"Halloween Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to provide that daylight savings time shall end on the first Sunday of November each year (currently, the last Sunday of October).",2023-01-15T08:03:17Z,
108-hjres-72,108,hjres,72,Disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-10-16,2003-10-27,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22]",NY,D,H000627,62,"Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission and received by Congress on July 10, 2003, relating to broadcast media ownership.",2023-01-15T07:17:55Z,
108-sres-242,108,sres,242,A resolution to express the sense of the Senate concerning the do-not-call registry.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-10-03,2003-10-03,Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12471-12472),Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]",AK,R,M001153,0,"States that the Senate strongly disapproves of the decision of the U.S. District Court in Mainstream Marketing Services, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission. Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to: (1) to intervene in any case brought to defend the constitutionality of the do-not-call registry; or (2) if unable to intervene, to file an amicus curiae brief in support of the constitutionality of the do-not-call registry.",2023-01-15T08:03:16Z,
108-hr-3245,108,hr,3245,Commercial Space Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-10-02,2004-03-04,Provisions of H.R.3245 were Incorporated into H.R.3752..,House,"Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46]",CA,R,R000409,2,"Commercial Space Act of 2003 - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) to prohibit CSLA license holders from launching or reentering a spaceflight participant unless: (1) the participant has received training and met medical or other standards specified in the license; (2) the participant is informed of the safety record of the launch or reentry vehicle type; and (3) the launch or reentry vehicle is marked to distinguish it from an aircraft in a manner specified by the Secretary of Transportation.  Requires the Secretary to create, and report to Congress on progress in implementing, a streamlined, cost-effective, and enabling regulatory framework for the U.S. commercial human spaceflight industry. Extends current indemnification provisions for commercial space transportation through calendar 2007.  Requires the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Public Administration to study and report to Congress on the liability risk-sharing regime for U.S. commercial space transportation. Redesignates the Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commercialization as the Office of Space Commerce (OSC). Requires the Secretary of Commerce to delegate to the Director of OSC the Secretary's licensing authority for private remote sensing space systems (satellite photo systems). Amends the Technology Administration Act of 1998 to reflect this delegation of authority and to give the Director of OSC responsibility for serving as Executive Secretary for the Interagency Global Positioning System Executive Board.",2023-01-15T07:32:55Z,
108-hr-3219,108,hr,3219,Space Shuttle Independent Oversight Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-10-01,2003-10-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Hall, Ralph M. [D-TX-4]",TX,D,H000067,24,"Space Shuttle Independent Oversight Act of 2003 - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish, with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, an independent committee to oversee NASA's implementation of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's recommendations, except for those recommendations concerning return-to-flight activities of the Space Shuttle fleet.",2023-01-15T07:32:55Z,
108-hr-3111,108,hr,3111,Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-09-17,2003-10-06,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Burr, Richard [R-NC-5]",NC,R,B001135,149,"Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to award a grant to each State to carry out a program for making available throughout that State the 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services. Requires a participating State to ensure that at least 50 percent of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources. Requires a State seeking a grant to carry out its activities through a lead entity to be known as a 2-1-1 Collaborative. Requires grant amounts to be used solely to make available to a State 2-1-1 telephone service for community information and referral on human services, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking services and the service providers. Requires grant recipients to: (1) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers; and (2) collaborate with human service organizations to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing the 2-1-1 service.",2023-01-15T06:48:04Z,
108-s-1630,108,s,1630,Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-09-17,2003-09-17,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY]",NY,D,C001041,31,"Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to award a grant to each State to carry out a program for making available throughout that State the 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services. Requires a participating State to ensure that at least 50 percent of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources. Requires a State seeking a grant to carry out its activities through a lead entity to be known as a 2-1-1 Collaborative. Requires grant amounts to be used solely to make available to a State 2-1-1 telephone service for community information and referral on human services, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking services and the service providers. Requires grant recipients to: (1) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers; and (2) collaborate with human service organizations to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing the 2-1-1 service.",2023-01-15T07:02:59Z,
108-s-1621,108,s,1621,"Consumer, Schools, and Libraries Digital Rights Management Awareness Act of 2003","Science, Technology, Communications",2003-09-16,2003-09-16,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11574-11576)",Senate,"Sen. Brownback, Sam [R-KS]",KS,R,B000953,0,"Consumers, Schools, and Libraries Digital Rights Management Awareness Act of 2003 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission, except as specifically authorized by Congress, from requiring a person manufacturing, importing, or offering for sale or license in the United States a device, machine, or process that is designed, manufactured, or marketed for rendering, processing, transmitting, receiving, or reproducing a digital media product to incorporate access control or redistribution control technology into the design of such device, machine, or process. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an advisory committee to inform the FTC about: (1) the ways in which access control and redistribution technology may affect consumer, educational institution, and library use of digital media products based on their legal and customary uses of such products; and (2) how awareness of such technologies in the digital media products they purchase or legally own may be achieved. Prohibits a person from offering for sale, license, or use by a consumer, educational institution, or library an access- or redistribution-controlled digital media product unless the product contains a notice of the restriction such technology may have on the product's use. Prohibits an Internet access service from being compelled to make available to a manufacturer of a digital media product the identity or personal information of a subscriber or user of its service for use in enforcing the manufacturer's right relating to the use of such product. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) secondary market rights for used digital media products; and (2) FTC enforcement of this Act.",2023-01-15T07:02:59Z,
108-hr-3057,108,hr,3057,Space Exploration Act of 2003,"Science, Technology, Communications",2003-09-10,2003-09-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Lampson, Nick [D-TX-9]",TX,D,L000043,30,"Space Exploration Act of 2003 - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to set forth as goals for the future activities of NASA's human space flight program, the development and flight demonstration, within 8, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively, of a reusable space vehicle capable of carrying humans between: (1) low Earth orbit and Earth-Sun and Earth-Moon libration points; (2) low Earth orbit and an Earth-orbit crossing asteroid; (3) lunar orbit and the surface of the moon, as well as deployment of a human-tended facility on the lunar surface; and (4) low Earth orbit and Martian orbit and between Martian orbit and the surface of Mars, as well as deployment of a human-tended facility on the surface of a Martian moon. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) an Office of Exploration to be responsible for planning, budgeting, and managing activities undertaken by NASA to accomplish these goals; (2) a process for conducting competitions for innovative, cost-effective mission concepts to accomplish the goals; and (3) an independent panel to conduct a merit-based competitive review of the proposals submitted under each competition and to submit a rank-ordered evaluation of such proposals to the Administrator.Requires the Administrator to provide to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate for each competitively selected proposal its implementation plan and the results of an independent external review of the initial proposal and of each annually updated implementation plan.",2023-01-15T06:48:06Z,