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
109-hr-6410,109,hr,6410,Profit Honesty in Offering Number Emancipation Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-07,2006-12-07,Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Profit Honesty in Offering Number Emancipation Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of telephone exchange service, exchange access, or commercial mobile service from imposing a customer charge for providing for number portability.  Authorizes a provider to impose a one-time separate charge in connection with porting a number to or from another provider. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to set the maximum amount of such charge.",2019-11-15T21:17:38Z,
109-s-4102,109,s,4102,Election Jamming Prevention Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-07,2006-12-07,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11502-11503)",Senate,"Sen. Obama, Barack [D-IL]",IL,D,O000167,0,"Election Jamming Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the use of telecommunications devices to: (1) prevent or obstruct the broadcast or exchange of election-related information; or (2) impair or obstruct any other telecommunications device from being used to engage in communications containing election-related information. Defines "election-related information." Provides a private right of action for injunctive or declarative relief against such violations (including a violation of the existing prohibition on annoying, abusing, threatening, or harassing any person at the called number or who receives the communications).",2020-02-12T18:54:52Z,
109-hr-6384,109,hr,6384,"To amend title 17, United States Code, with respect to settlement agreements reached with respect to litigation involving certain secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations.","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-06,2006-12-07,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2117),House,"Rep. Boucher, Rick [D-VA-9]",VA,D,B000657,18,"Allows the court to: (1) approve a settlement agreement executed after December 1, 2006, by plaintiffs or defendants in connection with litigation that resulted in the entry of an injunction against a satellite carrier for a willful or repeated pattern or practice of delivering a primary transmission made by a network station and embodying a performance or display of a work to subscribers who are not eligible to receive the transmission; and (2) modify the injunction accordingly.",2019-11-15T21:34:12Z,
109-hr-6402,109,hr,6402,Satellite Consumer Protection Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-06,2006-12-06,Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Mollohan, Alan B. [D-WV-1]",WV,D,M000844,1,"Satellite Consumer Protection Act of 2006 - Grants a satellite carrier under an injunction for certain secondary transmission violations a statutory license to provide distant network stations in specified local markets under prescribed conditions. Requires a satellite carrier as a condition of license use to deposit escrow funds with the Copyright Office. Imposes monetary penalties for license violations. Terminates such license authority after February 17, 2009.",2019-11-15T21:34:12Z,
109-hr-6340,109,hr,6340,To clarify provisions relating to statutory copyright licenses for satellite carriers.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-05,2006-12-05,Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Bass, Charles F. [R-NH-2]",NH,R,B000220,1,"Grants a statutory license to provide a secondary transmission of a performance or display of a work embodied in a primary transmission made by a network station to a satellite carrier found to have engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of delivering such a primary transmission to subscribers who are not eligible to receive it, notwithstanding any injunction that has been issued.",2019-11-15T21:34:11Z,
109-hr-6351,109,hr,6351,"Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-05,2006-12-08,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology.",House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,0,"Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) adopt technical requirements for commercial mobile service alerts; and (2) establish a Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the FCC for assisting commercial mobile service providers in providing emergency alerts to their subscribers.Requires the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology to establish a research, development, testing, and evaluation program to support the development of technologies to increase the number of commercial mobile service devices that can receive emergency alerts. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish a grant program to provide for outdoor alerting technologies in remote communities to enable residents of such communities to receive emergency alerts. Provides for additional funding for commercial mobile service alerts from the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to borrow up to $106 million from the Treasury to implement mobile alert programs under this Act.",2019-11-15T21:40:52Z,
109-s-4080,109,s,4080,"A bill to amend title 17, United States Code, with respect to settlement agreements reached with respect to litigation involving certain secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations.","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-12-05,2006-12-06,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 670.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,3,"Allows the court to: (1) approve a settlement agreement executed after December 1, 2006, by plaintiffs or defendants in connection with litigation that resulted in the entry of an injunction against a satellite carrier for a willful or repeated pattern or practice of delivering a primary transmission made by a network station and embodying a performance or display of a work to subscribers who are not eligible to receive the transmission; and (2) modify the injunction accordingly.",2018-02-04T01:54:21Z,
109-s-4067,109,s,4067,Satellite Consumer Protection Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-11-16,2006-11-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11070-11071),Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,15,"Satellite Consumer Protection Act of 2006 - Grants a satellite carrier under an injunction for certain secondary transmission violations a statutory license to provide distant network stations in specified local markets under prescribed conditions. Requires a satellite carrier as a condition of license use to deposit escrow funds with the Copyright Office. Imposes monetary penalties for license violations. Terminates such license authority after February 17, 2009.",2023-01-12T17:51:57Z,
109-s-4068,109,s,4068,A bill to clarify provisions relating to statutory copyright licenses for satellite carriers.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-11-16,2006-11-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Sununu, John E. [R-NH]",NH,R,S001078,1,"Grants a statutory license to provide a secondary transmission of a performance or display of a work embodied in a primary transmission made by a network station to a satellite carrier found to have engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of delivering such a primary transmission to subscribers who are not eligible to receive it, notwithstanding any injunction that has been issued.",2023-01-12T17:51:57Z,
109-s-4074,109,s,4074,Satellite and Cable Access Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-11-16,2006-11-16,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Allard, Wayne [R-CO]",CO,R,A000109,0,Satellite and Cable Access Act of 2006 - Amends federal copyright law and the Communications Act of 1934 to allow certain counties and areas to receive broadcast transmissions of network televsion stations located in the capital of the state in which such counties and areas are located.,2023-01-12T17:51:57Z,
109-s-4006,109,s,4006,"Imagery, Mapping, and Geospatial Enhancement Act of 2006","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-09-29,2006-09-29,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]",VA,R,A000121,1,"Imagery, Mapping, and Geospatial Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Technology Administration Act of 1998 to include among the functions of the Office of Space Commercialization promoting growth and advancement in U.S. space and airborne remote sensing technologies and related value-added services by: (1) examining the role of, and federal agency use of, commercial remote sensing firms, facilitating a reduction in the use of government remote sensing products and services, and increasing the use of commercial remote sensing firms; (2) promoting the objectives of the U.S. Commercial Remote Sensing Space Policy, particularly provisions on relying on U.S. capabilities and developing a long-term relationship between the government and the U.S. commercial remote sensing community; (3) creating an environment in which all such firms have the opportunity to compete and expand; (4) evaluating federal and private sector efforts to assist such firms and making recommendations to promote their establishment and growth; (5) serving as the focal point for complaints and suggestions concerning federal activities that affect such firms; (6) counseling such firms on government relations; (7) proposing needed changes in federal policies; (8) representing such firms before government agencies; (9) involving such firms in developing federal procurement strategies; (10) disseminating information about the use of remote sensing and the capabilities of such firms; (11) making recommendations to assist the development and strengthening of such firms.",2023-01-12T17:52:02Z,
109-hr-6195,109,hr,6195,"10,000 Trained by 2011 Act","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-09-26,2006-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.,House,"Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1]",OR,D,W000793,1,"10,000 Trained by 2011 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.",2023-01-12T17:52:16Z,
109-s-3936,109,s,3936,National Competitiveness Investment Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-09-26,2006-09-27,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 648.,Senate,"Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN]",TN,R,F000439,41,"National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.",2018-02-04T01:41:12Z,
109-s-3820,109,s,3820,Broadband for Rural America Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-08-03,2006-08-03,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced:  CR S8836-8839)",Senate,"Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]",IL,D,D000563,0,"Broadband for Rural America Act of 2006 - Establishes the Broadband Access Trust Fund. Establishes, in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Office of Broadband Access to coordinate the use of all Fund resources as those resources relate to the expansion of broadband technology into rural or unserved areas. Deposits into the Fund appropriations and one percent of the proceeds of frequency band auctions. Amends provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 relating to making or guaranteeing loans for broadband facilities and equipment in eligible rural communities to: (1) to extend the period for making or guaranteeing such loans; (2) modify the definition of "eligible rural community;" (3) remove provisions giving priority to communities in which residential broadband service is not available; and (4) modify loan eligibility criteria. Authorizes grants to provide broadband services. Requires the FCC to issue a final order in the matter of Unlicensed Operation in TV Broadcast Bands. Sets forth requirements for the order, including that it allow certified unlicensed devices to use certain non-licensed television broadcast channels in rural areas. Requires the FCC to initiate a proceeding to reconfigure its band plans: (1) for the upper 700 MHz band and the unauctioned portions of the lower 700 MHz band to designate up to 12 MHz of paired recovered analog spectrum; and (2) to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic license areas. Establishes the Rural Broadband Access Task Force to study broadband deployment.",2023-01-12T17:52:24Z,
109-hr-5919,109,hr,5919,Family Choice Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-07-27,2006-08-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL-3]",IL,D,L000563,1,"Family Choice Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to adopt rules to protect children from indecent video programming carried by a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD). Gives MVPDs the option to either: (1) not transmit indecent or profane material in the expanded basic tier between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; (2) scramble or block any channel that a subscriber does not wish to receive; or (3) allow a subscriber to subscribe to a family tier of programming (defined as including all channels on the expanded basic tier, except those that carry programs rated TV-14 or TV-MA during those hours). Requires MVPDs that elect to scramble or block channels to issue credit to a subscriber for any channel the subscriber elects to block. Requires MVPDs that elect to provide a family tier to allow a subscriber to obtain the family tier of programming for one or more of the subscriber's reception devices while simultaneously obtaining other tiers for other of the subscriber's reception devices.",2023-01-12T17:52:34Z,
109-s-3724,109,s,3724,EPSCoR Research and Competitiveness Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-07-25,2006-07-25,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.",Senate,"Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV]",WV,D,R000361,8,"EPSCoR Research and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).  Requires the Director of the NSF: (1) in the administration of the NSF's research infrastructure improvement grant program, to authorize states participating in the grant program to include partnership with out-of-state research institutions if the amount of funding transferred to another state does not exceed 5% of the amount of the grant in any fiscal year; and (2) from the amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act, to make available specified amounts for FY2007-FY2011 to such grant program.  Requires the Director to obligate and spend not less than 20% of the amount available for EPSCoR on co-funding projects that are ranked by a peer-review process in the top 20% of all proposals submitted in response to an announced competition. Requires the submission of annual reports providing information concerning: (1) co-funded projects on a state-by-state basis; and (2) the amount and use of co-funding by each of the NSF's directorates. Requires the Director: (1) through the Office of Cyber Infrastructure, to develop and publish a plan enabling states participating in EPSCoR to develop partnerships and participate fully in the NSF's Cyber Infrastructure Initiative; and (2) through the Office of Major Research Instrumentation, to develop and publish a plan enabling states participating in EPSCoR to develop partnerships and participate fully in the NSF's major research instrumentation program.",2023-01-12T17:52:27Z,
109-hr-5644,109,hr,5644,Green Energy Education Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-20,2006-07-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.,House,"Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]",TX,R,M001157,7,Green Energy Education Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to contribute energy research and development funds to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to support graduate education related to such energy projects. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds for advanced energy technology research and development for high performance buildings to the NSF for curriculum development to improve undergraduate or graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of such buildings.,2023-01-13T04:50:48Z,
109-s-3527,109,s,3527,Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-15,2006-06-15,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5964-5965)",Senate,"Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH]",OH,R,D000294,1,"Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to establish up to five Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers at eligible entities (any nonprofit, consortia of nonprofits, or partnership between a for-profit and a nonprofit) throughout the United States.  Requires each Center to conduct: (1) general outreach to small businesses and manufacturers in all industry sectors within a geographic region assigned by the Under Secretary; and (2) technology transfer, development, and utilization programs related to a specific industry sector for all firms in that sector nationwide.",2023-01-13T04:50:38Z,
109-hr-5605,109,hr,5605,"10,000 Trained by 2010 Act","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-14,2006-06-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.,House,"Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1]",OR,D,W000793,9,"10,000 Trained by 2010 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve health care information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in the health care information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in health care information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree health care information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.",2023-01-13T04:50:49Z,
109-s-3510,109,s,3510,A bill to amend the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to authorize grants for Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science (PALS).,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-14,2006-06-14,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.",Senate,"Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]",NJ,D,M000639,1,"Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program of awarding grants to high-need local educational agencies to establish partnerships for access to laboratory science to improve laboratories and to provide instrumentation as part of a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology instruction at the secondary school level.",2023-01-13T04:50:39Z,
109-s-3457,109,s,3457,Consumers Having Options in Cable Entertainment Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-07,2006-06-07,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"Consumers Having Options in Cable Entertainment Act - CHOICE Act - Defines, for this Act, "eligible video service provider" as a video service provider: (1) with an attributable interest in a cable channel that, among other requirements, offers that cable channel on an a-la-carte basis and declares its intention to offer its digital subscribers on an a-la-carte basis any cable channels it carries that are offered to it on an a-la-carte basis; or (2) without an attributable interest in a cable channel that files a declaration of its intention to offer its digital subscribers on an a-la-carte basis any cable channels it carries that are offered to it on an a-la-carte basis. Prohibits requiring such providers to obtain a state or local video franchise, build out its video distribution system in any particular manner, or provide distribution facility and equipment access to any other video service provider.  Allows local governments to require such providers to pay a reasonable fee for public rights-of-way management. Prohibits local governments from soliciting in-kind contributions or institutional network services from the provider unless the contributions or services are credited to that fee.  Exempts video service provided by such providers from the Communications Act of 1934, except for specified provisions. Preempts any franchising provision and any provision of state or local laws inconsistent with this Act. Amends the Communications Act of 1934: (1) in pole attachment provisions, to modify definitions and to exempt wireless service facilities; and (2) to modify requirements regarding provision of local commercial and noncommercial television signals by cable operators. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local commercial television station under common control with a cable channel from having the benefit of the Commission's network program non-duplication rules unless the cable channel is made available to multichannel video programming distributors on an a-la-carte basis.",2023-01-13T04:50:40Z,
109-hr-5530,109,hr,5530,To lengthen Daylight Savings Time.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-06-06,2006-06-23,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.,House,"Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5]",NJ,R,G000548,0,"Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (amending the Uniform Time Act of 1966) to lengthen the duration of the period for daylight savings time from March to November (currently, April to October) of each year.",2023-01-13T04:50:51Z,
109-hr-5477,109,hr,5477,Innovations for our Nation's Vital Educational Needs for Technology Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-25,2006-07-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.,House,"Rep. Honda, Michael M. [D-CA-15]",CA,D,H001034,0,"Innovations for our Nation's Vital Educational Needs for Technology Act - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) establish a competitive grant program, with the goal of developing, and making available for use at the elementary, secondary, and undergraduate levels within two years after enactment of this Act, curriculum tools that will help foster inventiveness; and (2) develop and implement measures for the dissemination of such curriculum tools. Directs the NSF to: (1) implement a public awareness and outreach campaign relating to invention and inventiveness; and (2) establish engineering and social science research programs on the process of invention and the teaching of inventiveness.",2023-01-13T04:48:25Z,
109-s-2989,109,s,2989,Franchise Reform Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-23,2006-05-23,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,0,"Franchise Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to designate the State Commission of each state as the franchising authority for any state-issued franchise for the provision of cable or video service in that state. Outlines application requirements for any entity or person seeking to obtain a state-issued certificate of franchise authority. Exempts existing franchises from such application requirements. Requires the holder of a state-issued certificate to pay each municipality in which the holder provides cable or video service a franchise fee of five percent of the gross revenues of such holder. Requires certificate holders to: (1) comply with applicable customer service standards until there are two or more providers offering service in a municipality; (2) provide municipalities, upon request, with capacity to allow public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access channels for noncommercial programming (with a required minimum number of such channels); and (3) provide for the interconnection of cable and video systems within a municipality for the purpose of providing PEG programming. Requires local municipalities to allow certificate holders to install, construct, and maintain necessary communications networks within public rights-of-way. Prohibits certificate holders from denying access to cable or video service to any group of residential subscribers because of the income of the residents in the local area.",2023-01-13T04:48:13Z,
109-hres-824,109,hres,824,"Recognizing the effects of harmful algal blooms, including Red Tide, on the environment, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-19,2006-06-02,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.",House,"Rep. Harris, Katherine [R-FL-13]",FL,R,H001035,5,"Recognizes the effects of harmful algal blooms (including Red Tide) on the environment and the need for federal, state, territorial, and local agencies and other research institutions to solve the increasing problems facing coastal areas from its harmful effects. Commends public and private organizations that are researching the ongoing problem of harmful algal blooms.",2023-01-13T04:48:23Z,
109-s-2917,109,s,2917,Internet Freedom Preservation Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-19,2006-05-19,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,13,"Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls. Prohibits a provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition on the purchase of broadband service, to purchase any cable service, telecommunications service, or IP-enabled voice service. Requires a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to specified congressional committees on provider delivery of broadband content, applications, and services.",2023-01-13T04:48:15Z,
109-hr-5417,109,hr,5417,Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-18,2006-06-29,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 303.",House,"Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]",WI,R,S000244,5,"Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any broadband network provider from: (1) failing to provide its services on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms; (2) refusing to interconnect its facilities with those of another service provider on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms; (3) blocking, impairing, discriminating against, or interfering with any person's ability to use a broadband network service to access or offer lawful content, applications, or services over the Internet (or imposing an additional charge to avoid such prohibited conduct); (4) prohibiting a user from attaching or using a device on the provider's network that does not physically damage or materially degrade other users' utilization of the network; or (5) failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose to users accurate information concerning service terms. Requires a provider that prioritizes or offers enhanced quality of service to data of a particular type to prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of that type without imposing a surcharge or other consideration. Permits a provider to take reasonable and nondiscriminatory measures to: (1) manage the functioning of its network and services; (2) give priority to emergency communications; (3) prevent a violation of federal or state law; (4) offer consumer protection services; (5) offer special promotional pricing or other marketing initiatives; or (6) prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of a particular type without imposing a surcharge or other consideration.",2023-01-13T04:48:27Z,
109-s-2802,109,s,2802,American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-15,2006-07-19,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 524.,Senate,"Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]",NV,R,E000194,10,"American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Title I: Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science - (Sec. 101) Directs the President to convene a National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health and direction of U.S. science and technology enterprises. Requires the: (1) President to issue a report on Summit results; and (2) Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to publish an annual report recommending areas of investment for federal research and technology programs. (Sec. 102) Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study to identify, and to review methods to mitigate, new forms of risk for businesses beyond conventional operational and financial risk that affect the ability to innovate. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to rename the National Technology Medal as the National Technology and Innovation Medal.  (Sec. 104) Requires the OSTP Director to: (1) develop and issue a set of principles for the communication to the public of scientific information by government scientists, policy makers, and managers; and (2) ensure that all civilian federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop specific policies and procedures regarding the public release of scientific information consistent with the principles developed. (Sec. 105) Expresses the sense of Congress that the OSTP should: (1) encourage all elementary and middle schools to observe a Math and Science Day twice in every school year to excite and inspire students to pursue math and science fields; (2) initiate a program to provide support mechanisms and tools to encourage federal employees with scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical responsibilities to reach out to local classrooms on such Math and Science Days; and (3) promote Math and Science Days involvement by private sector and institutions of higher learning employees. (Sec. 106) Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should better understand and respond strategically to the emerging vocation and learning discipline known as service science. Requires the OSTP Director to conduct a study on how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science through research, education, and training. (Sec. 107) Requires the OSTP Director to: (1) review all provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including tax provisions, compliance costs, and reporting requirements; and (2) report to Congress and the President on any such provisions that discourage or encourage innovation. (Sec. 108) Directs the OSTP Director to review and report to Congress and the President on all federal regulations that discourage or encourage innovation. Title II: Innovation Promotion - (Sec. 201) Directs the President to establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness to, among other things: (1) monitor implementation of public laws and initiatives for promoting innovation; (2) develop a process to assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and rules that affect U.S. innovation capabilities; (3) measure federal government progress in improving conditions for innovation; (4) report to the President and Congress on such progress; and (5) develop a comprehensive agenda for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness capabilities of the federal government, state governments, academia, and the private sector. (Sec. 202) Directs the President to: (1) establish the Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States; and (2) ensure as a goal of each executive agency that finances research in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology the allocation of approximately eight percent of its total annual research and development budget to fund grants under the Program. Outlines grant requirements and conditions, including a three-year duration and grant evaluations. Title III: National Science Foundation - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY2007-FY2011. Requires the NSF Director to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive, multiyear plan describing how the authorized funds will be used. (Sec. 302) Requires the NSF Director, over the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program to include an additional 1,250 fellowships and grants for each program. Authorizes appropriations for each program. (Sec. 303) Requires the NSF Director to: (1) establish a clearinghouse, in collaboration with four-year institutions of higher education and federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel, to share program elements used in successful professional science masters degree programs and other advanced degree programs related to science, mathematics, technology, and engineering; (2) make such clearinghouse available to institutions of higher education that are developing professional science masters degree programs; and (3) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such degree programs. Provides a grant preference to applicants that secure more than two-thirds of degree program funding from sources other than the federal government. Allows the award of up to 200 grants, each for a three-year period. Requires the NSF Director to evaluate the pilot program and report results to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 304) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2010 to carry out the physical science, mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion program of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002. Amends such Act to encourage students involved in such programs to conduct outreach at middle and secondary schools in order to increase student exposure to engineering and technology. (Sec. 305) Requires the NSF Director, in considering NSF science research proposals and awards, to include consideration of the degree to which awards and research activities may assist in meeting critical national needs in innovation, competitiveness, the physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research under the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988. (Sec. 307) Requires the NSF Director to establish a program to provide: (1) mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and (2) grants to community colleges to provide apprenticeships and other appropriate training to allow women to enter into higher-paying technical jobs in fields related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requires evaluations of each program. (Sec. 308) Requires the NSF Director to develop and publish a plan that describes the current status of broadband access for scientific research in certain states and outlines actions which can be taken to ensure that such connections are available to enable participation in those NSF programs which rely heavily on high-speed networking and collaborations across institutions and regions. (Sec. 309) States that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to require or recommend that the NSF: (1) alter or modify its merit-review system or peer-review process; or (2) exclude the awarding of any proposal by means of the merit-review or peer-review process. Title IV: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - (Sec. 401) Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) recognizing the critical role that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has played in stimulating excellence in the advancement of physical science and engineering disciplines and the pursuit of academic studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (2) that a robust and fully-funded NASA could attract and employ scientists, engineers, and technicians across a broad range of fields in such studies. Directs the NASA Administrator to fully participate in any interagency efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through scientific research and development. (Sec. 402) Directs the NASA Administrator to establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research to manage NASA aeronautics research. (Sec. 403) Requires the NASA Administrator, the NSF Director, and the Secretaries of Energy, Defense, and Commerce to coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Directs the NASA Administrator to establish a Basic Research Executive Council to oversee the distribution and management of NASA programs and resources engaged in support of basic research activity. (Sec. 404) Expresses the sense of Congress that the NASA Administrator should implement a program to address aging workforce issues in aerospace. (Sec. 406) Requires the NASA Administrator to increase funding for basic science and research, including for the Explorer Program, for FY2007 by $160 million by transfer from other NASA accounts. Title V: National Institute of Standards and Technology - (Sec. 501) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for FY2007-FY2011 for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. (Sec. 502) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to eliminate within the Department of Commerce the Technology Administration and the position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology. (Sec. 503) Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program to support and promote innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research; and (2) set aside not less than eight percent of available NIST funds each fiscal year for the Program. Requires the NIST Director to issue an annual report on Program activities. (Sec. 504) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require any Regional Center for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (established under such Act) that has not received a positive evaluation to be notified of its deficiencies and placed on probation for one year, after which the evaluation panel shall reevaluate such Center. Allows, after continuing deficiencies, the selection of a new Center operator or Center closure. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce and the NIST Director to accept funds from other federal departments and agencies and the private sector for the purpose of strengthening U.S. manufacturing. (Sec. 505) Requires the NIST Director to reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. States that the purpose of such Program shall be to strengthen the technological competitiveness of those states that have historically received less federal research and development funding than the majority of states have received. Authorizes grants and cooperative agreements under the Program. Requires: (1) at least 50 percent non-federal matching funds for Program activities; and (2) a Program report from the NIST Director to the science committees. (Sec. 506) Makes technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act and other acts, including matters concerning NIST fellowships, NIST grants and cooperative agreements, and time and metric system definitions. Title VI: Ocean and Atmospheric Programs - (Sec. 601) Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a coordinated program of ocean and atmospheric research and development, in collaboration with academic institutions and other nongovernmental entities, that focuses on the development of advanced technologies and analytical methods that will promote U.S. leadership in ocean and atmospheric science, as well as competitiveness in the applied uses of such knowledge. (Sec. 602) Requires the NOAA Administrator to conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal educational activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science and stewardship by the general public and other coastal stakeholders, including underrepresented groups in ocean and atmospheric science and policy careers. Requires the NOAA Administrator, appropriate NOAA programs, ocean and atmospheric science and education experts, and interested members of the public to: (1) develop a science education plan setting forth education goals and strategies for NOAA, as well as actions to carry out such goals and strategies over the next 20 years; and (2) evaluate and update such plan every five years.",2023-01-13T04:48:18Z,
109-hr-5356,109,hr,5356,Research for Competitiveness Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-11,2006-06-22,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 294.",House,"Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]",TX,R,M001157,31,"Research for Competitiveness Act - (Sec. 2) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education in the United States and at the research organizations described in this section to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Permits the existing Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program to be designated as the mechanism for awarding such grants.  Requires: (1) the duration of such awards to be five years; and (2) the amount of such an award per year to be at least $80,000.  Instructs such Director: (1) in awarding such grants, to ensure that the recipients are from a variety of institutions of higher education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations; and (2) in support of such goal, to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities that are part B institutions as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and minority institutions as defined under that Act.  Instructs such Director to earmark at least 3.5% of funds appropriated to NSF for research and related activities to such grants program.  Requires reports describing the: (1) distribution of the institutions of the awardees of the CAREER Program since FY2001 among specified categories of institutions of higher education; and (2) impact of such program on the ability of young faculty to compete for NSF research grants.  (Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the Office of Science of the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at specified institutions of higher education and the research organizations described in this section to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the DOE.  Requires: (1) the duration of such awards to be up to five years; and (2) the amount of such an award per year to be at least $80,000.  Instructs such Director to give priority to proposals in which the proposed work includes collaborations with DOE national laboratories.  Instructs such Director: (1) in awarding such grants, to endeavor to ensure that the recipients are from a variety of institutions of higher education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations; and (2) in support of such goal, to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities that are part B institutions and minority institutions. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the Secretary of Energy to carry out such Director's responsibilities under this section. Requires such Director to transmit a report on efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers at the DOE laboratories.  (Sec. 4) Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to transmit a report on efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers at the NIST laboratories and joint institutes.  (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the NSF to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers at institutions of higher education and at the research organizations described in this section to conduct high-risk, high-return research. Requires such program to support fundamental research with the potential for significant scientific or technical advancement. Requires the duration of such awards to be up to five years and the amount of such an award per year to be up to $75,000 annually. Provides that such funding shall not be contingent on the receipt of matching funds received under this paragraph. Requires the NSF, each year that a recipient is receiving such funding, to match any funds such recipient receives from U.S. industry for work in the area described in the recipient's application for the award, up to an additional $37,500.  Instructs such Director to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities that are part B institutions and minority institutions. Authorizes appropriations to such Director for FY2007-FY2011 to carry out this section. (Sec. 6) Requires the Director of the Office of Science to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education and the research organizations described in this section to conduct high-risk, high-return research in areas related to energy production, storage, and use. Requires such program to support fundamental research with the potential for significant scientific or technical advancement.  Requires such Director, in carrying out such program, to consult with the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs of the Office of Nuclear Energy Research and Development, the Office of Fossil Energy, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewables.  Requires the duration of such awards to be up to five years and the amount of such an award per year to be up to $75,000 annually. Provides that such funding shall not be contingent on the receipt of matching funds under this paragraph. Requires the Office of Science, each year that a recipient is receiving such funding, to match any funds such recipient receives from U.S. industry for work in the area described in the recipient's application for the award, up to an additional $37,500.  Instructs such Director to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities that are part B institutions and minority institutions. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the Secretary of Energy to carry out such Director's responsibilities under this section. (Sec. 7) Requires awards under the Major Research Instrumentation Program described in the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to range in amount between $100,000 and $20 million. Permits such awards to be used to support the operations and maintenance of instrumentation and equipment acquired under such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the NSF for this program.  (Sec. 8) Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to permit funds to be donated to NSF for specific prize competitions.  (Sec. 9) Requires the Director of the NSF to establish a program of awarding grants for long-term, potentially path-breaking, basic research designed to simultaneously advance the physical and nonbiomedical life sciences.  Instructs such Director to ensure that review panels for proposals received under this section: (1) include both physical scientists and nonbiomedical life scientists, and, when appropriate, engineers; and (2) are open to approving high-risk research. Permits such Director to award such grants to individuals, groups, and centers. Requires such Director to ensure that some of such grants awarded under section 2 of this Act are awarded consistent with this section.  Authorizes such Director to carry out this program jointly with the Office of Science and other relevant federal agencies.  Requires the documents prepared by such Director to accompany the annual presidential budget submission to specify the amounts to be expended on such program.  (Sec. 10) Allows the NSF, in carrying out its research programs on science policy and on the science of learning, to support research on the process of innovation and the teaching of inventiveness.  (Sec. 11) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a balanced science program as authorized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 contributes significantly to innovation in and the economic competitiveness of the United States; and (2) a robust National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), funded at the levels authorized under sections 202 and 203 of that Act, would offer a balance among science, aeronautics, exploration, and human space flight programs. Instructs the Administrator of NASA to fully participate in any interagency efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through scientific research and development within the spending levels cited under those sections.  (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a NASA Academy, which may be established as a virtual Academy using online learning techniques. Requires the Academy, if established, to be available to all NASA employees to facilitate increased knowledge of engineering and scientific principles to further NASA's missions.  Instructs the Administrator: (1) to transmit a notification of whether NASA will establish such an Academy; and (2) if an Academy is to be established, to transmit a plan for the establishment of the Academy.",2023-01-13T04:48:29Z,
109-hr-5357,109,hr,5357,Research for Competitiveness Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-11,2006-05-11,Referred to the House Committee on Science.,House,"Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]",TX,R,M001157,11,"Research for Competitiveness Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program of awarding competitive grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education and research institutions to conduct, high-risk, high-return research in areas relevant to industry. Directs the Under Secretary for Science of the Department of Energy to carry out a program of awarding competitive grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education and research institutions to conduct high-risk, high-return research in areas relevant to energy production, storage, and use.",2023-01-13T04:48:29Z,
109-hr-5319,109,hr,5319,Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-09,2006-07-27,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [R-PA-8]",PA,R,F000451,39,"Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require schools and libraries that receive universal service support to enforce a policy that: (1) prohibits access to a commercial social networking website or chat room unless used for an educational purpose with adult supervision; and (2) protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Allows an administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person to disable such a technology protection measure during use by an adult, or by minors with adult supervision, to enable access for educational purposes. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) issue a consumer alert regarding use of the Internet by child predators and the potential dangers to children because of such use, including the potential dangers of commercial social networking websites and chat rooms; and (2) establish a website resource of information for parents, teachers, school administrators, and others regarding potential dangers posed by the use of the Internet by children.",2023-01-13T04:48:30Z,
109-s-2751,109,s,2751,National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-04,2006-09-29,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 653.,Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Ben [D-NE]",NE,D,N000180,1,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 - Establishes a National Integrated Drought Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that: (1) provides an effective drought early warning system; (2) coordinates, and integrates as practicable, federal research in support of such system; (3) builds upon existing NOAA drought forecasting, assessment, and mitigation programs, including programs conducted in partnership with other federal agencies and existing research partnerships, such as that with the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and (4) is incorporated into the Global Earth Observation System of Systems. Defines "drought." Authorizes FY2007-FY2012 appropriations.",2023-01-13T04:48:20Z,
109-hr-5264,109,hr,5264,Digital Television Consumer Education Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-02,2006-05-02,Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.,House,"Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-17]",NY,D,E000179,3,"Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require manufacturers of television receiving equipment (TVs) that does not include a digital tuner to: (1) place an advisory label on its screen stating that, after February 17, 2009, such TV will receive TV signals only by using additional equipment; and (2) place such label permanently and conspicuously on the outside of the TV packaging. Provides related advisory requirements for retail distributors and other vendors. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the digital television transition. Requires such education to commence by September 1, 2007.",2023-01-13T04:48:32Z,
109-hr-5273,109,hr,5273,Network Neutrality Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-02,2006-05-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,23,"Network Neutrality Act of 2006 - States that it is the policy of the United States to, among other things, maintain the freedom to use broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without interference from network operators. Outlines specified duties of broadband network providers to ensure broadband network neutrality, including the duty to: (1) enable users to utilize their broadband service to access all lawful content, applications, and services available over broadband networks, including the Internet; and (2) not block, impair, degrade, discriminate against, or interfere with the ability of any person to utilize their broadband service for lawful purposes. Provides exceptions for providers, including implementing reasonable measures to manage its networks and protect network security. Provides for implementation and enforcement of this Act through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).",2023-01-13T04:48:31Z,
109-hr-5252,109,hr,5252,Communications Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-01,2006-09-29,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 652.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,55,"Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunities Reform Act or the Communications Act of 2006 - Title I: War on Terrorism - Subtitle A: Call Home - (Sec. 101) Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reduce the cost of calling home for U.S. military personnel stationed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other approved purposes. Repeals provisions of the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992 that are similar but applicable only to specified countries. Subtitle B: Interoperability - (Sec. 151) Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to allocate a portion of the funds available under such Act for: (1) interoperable communications system equipment grants for equipment that can use, or enable interoperability with systems or networks that can use, reallocated public safety spectrum; (2) interoperable emergency communications coordination, planning, and training grants; and (3) establishing a strategic technology reserve to preposition or secure interoperable communications systems for immediate deployment in an emergency or major disaster, including using prenegotiated contracts for rapid deployment rather than warehousing. Requires the FCC to report to Congress on the technical feasibility of creating a back-up emergency communications system providing a framework for development of a resilient interoperable communications system for emergency responders in an emergency. Directs the Secretary to reserve a portion of funds under the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to provide grants for projects to public safety answering points that enable interoperability and that advance E-911 deployment.  (Sec. 152) Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to substitute references to the Secretary of Homeland Security for references to the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce in provisions relating to grants for public safety interoperable communications. (Sec. 153) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to award at least $1 billion for public safety interoperable communications grants by September 30, 2006.  (Sec. 154) Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to facilitate coordination and communication between specified groups regarding the migration to an IP-enabled emergency network that provides E-911 services. Title II: Universal Service Reform; Interconnection - Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Subtitle A: Contributions to Universal Service - (Sec. 201) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas), subject to specified exemptions.  (Sec. 212) Modifies requirements regarding interconnection and rural telephone companies. (Sec. 213) Imposes on facilities-based IP-enabled voice service providers the same rights, duties, and obligations as a requesting telecommunications carrier if the provider elects to assert those rights. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to transport or terminate IP-enabled voice traffic solely because it is IP-enabled and prohibits a provider originating, transmitting, or terminating IP-enabled voice traffic from being exempted from paying compensation for interstate traffic solely because the traffic is IP-enabled. Regulates IP-enabled voice service regarding: (1) accessibility for the disabled community; and (2) alarm or security systems or personal security or medical monitoring systems. (Sec. 214) Applies universal service provisions to any services under FCC jurisdiction that can effectively substitute for interexchange telecommunications services, including any such substitute classified as an information service that uses telecommunications. Subtitle B: Distributions From Universal Service - (Sec. 251) Requires biennial reports from eligible communications carriers concerning households offered and subscribing to broadband service in each of its service areas, as well as service plans and technologies.  (Sec. 252) Establishes the Broadband for Unserved Areas Program to provide financial assistance for the deployment of broadband equipment and infrastructure to unserved areas throughout the United States.  (Sec. 253) Declares that universal service support mechanisms and rules should be competitively neutral in terms of providers and technologies. (Sec. 255) Imposes additional requirements in order for a telecommunications carrier, after enactment of this title, to be eligible to receive universal service support. (Sec. 256) Prohibits the FCC from limiting the distribution and use of federal universal service support to a single connection or primary line. Makes all residential and business lines served by an eligible communications carrier eligible for such support. (Sec. 257) Requires telecommunications and IP-enabled voice service providers to ensure, as technically possible, that all traffic contains or preserves identification information. (Sec. 258) Mandates remedial action as the FCC deems necessary, including fines, for improper use of universal service support. (Sec. 259) Makes a vendor that has been convicted of criminal fraud connected to specified portions of universal service provisions ineligible to provide goods or services to any entity under those portions. (Sec. 260) Requires a telecommunications carrier to provide services, including infrastructure deployment, to rural health care providers at rates comparable to urban rates. (Sec. 261) Makes certain entities ineligible for preferential rates or treatment, including for-profit businesses, schools with endowments over a specified level, and some libraries. (Sec. 262) Mandates a predictable and sufficient support mechanism for eligible carriers in insular areas. Title III: Streamlining the Franchising Process - Video Competition and Savings for Consumers Act of 2006 - Subtitle A: Updating the 1934 Act and Leveling the Regulatory Playing Field - (Sec. 312) Requires a franchising authority to grant a franchise to provide video service to a video service provider within a specified time after receiving a complete application, subject to exception, and deems the application granted if the time limit is exceeded. Prohibits state and local governments from regulating direct broadcast satellite services, except for taxation of direct-to-home service. (Sec. 313) Requires the FCC to promulgate a standard franchise application form and regulates the form's contents. (Sec. 315) Requires multichannel video programming distributors to report annually to the FCC regarding family tiers. Subtitle B: Streamlining the Provision of Video Services - (Sec. 331) Prohibits awarding an exclusive franchise and requires franchises to be between five and 15 years long. Requires state and local laws to be reasonable, competitively neutral, nondiscriminatory, and consistent with police powers. Requires any permitting fees to be for compensating the government for managing public rights-of-way. Requires franchises to be constructed over public rights-of-way and through easements. Regulates the fee charged by the franchising authority to the video service provider. Allows requiring a provider to pay a fee to support public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access facilities and institutional networks. (Sec. 332) Provides for renewal and revocation of franchises. (Sec. 333) Requires providers to provide a specified level of PEG use channels. (Sec. 335) Removes provisions regulating compensation to an operator when a franchise renewal is denied or revoked. Prohibits a video service programming vendor in which a provider has an attributable interest from denying a provider with a franchise access to programming solely because that provider uses a shared headend. (Sec. 336) Removes provisions authorizing a franchising authority to establish operators' customer service and construction-related requirements. Makes it unlawful for a video service provider to charge a subscriber more than one month's subscription fee for terminating a subscription before it ends. (Sec. 337) Prohibits a provider from denying video service access to any group of residential subscribers because of income, race, or religion. (Sec. 339) Amends provisions relating to: (1) unauthorized publication or use of communications to add a reference to video service providers; (2) syndicated exclusivity to add a reference to video service; and (3) the Telecommunications Development Fund to add a reference to video service. (Sec. 340) Amends provisions of the Children's Television Act of 1990 relating to standards for children's television programming to add a reference to video service providers. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - (Sec. 351) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to remove provisions prohibiting construing the Act to require a local or municipal authority that is, or is affiliated with, a franchising authority to secure a franchise to operate as a multichannel video programming distributor. Extends until October 5, 2012, the expiration date of provisions prohibiting exclusive contracts for satellite cable programming or satellite broadcast programming. Exempts operators holding any combination of legally-held interests as of the date of enactment of title III of this Act from existing provisions relating to ownership restrictions. (Current law exempts such owners' interests as of July 1, 1984.) Removes provisions making it unlawful for a cable operator to hold a license for multichannel multipoint distribution service, or to offer satellite master antenna television service separate and apart from any franchised cable service, in any portion of the franchise area served by the operator's cable system. Removes provisions: (1) requiring a franchising authority to make a final decision on a sale or transfer request within 120 days of the request; (2) relating to coordination of federal, state, and local authority; and (3) continuing in effect any franchises in effect on October 30, 1984. Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, IP-enabled video service is an interstate service and is subject only to federal regulations. Removes from Broadcast spectrum flexibility provisions a prohibition on deeming ancillary or supplementary service to be a multichannel video programming distributor for purposes of provisions relating to development of competition and diversity in video programming distribution. Subtitle D: Effective Dates and Transition Rules -  (Sec. 381) Provides for effective dates and transition rules. Title IV: Video Content - Subtitle A: National Satellite - (Sec. 401) Requires satellite carriers, as technically feasible, to provide a comparable consumer product to Alaskan and Hawaiian subscribers at prices and terms comparable to those made in the contiguous United States. Requires that services to Alaska and Hawaii be a condition in the granting of new satellite licenses. Subtitle B: Video and Audio Flag - Digital Content Protection Act of 2006 - (Sec. 452) Authorizes the FCC to adopt regulations and certifications as necessary to implement a specified Report and Order with the exclusive purpose of limiting the indiscriminate redistribution of digital television content over the Internet or similar platforms. Requires the FCC to initiate an expedited further proceeding for the approval of digital output protection technologies and recording methods for distance learning activities. Prohibits broadcast station licensees from using the Redistribution Control Descriptor to limit the redistribution of news and public affairs programming that depends on timeliness for its primary commercial value. Allows each broadcaster or network to determine whether this applies to a particular program. (Sec. 453) Permits regulations governing the distribution of audio content with respect to digital audio broadcasting. Requires that a performing rights society or a mechanical rights organization be granted a license for free or for a deminimis fee for monitoring the public performance or other uses of copyrighted works and reasonable methods are employed to prevent further distribution. (Sec. 454) Establishes the Digital Audio Review Board to submit to the FCC a proposed regulation allowing a certified unlicensed device to use specified broadcast television frequencies in a way that protects licensees from harmful interference. Title V: Municipal Broadband - Community Broadband Act - (Sec. 502) Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prohibit any state legal requirement from prohibiting any entity from providing advanced telecommunications capability. Prohibits the requirements of any public provider (a state or its subdivision, an Indian tribe, or related entities) from discriminating in favor of itself or any other advanced telecommunications capability provider it owns or is affiliated with. Requires a public provider that decides not to provide such capability through a public-private partnership to publish public notice and allow commercial enterprises an opportunity to provide that capability. Prohibits the use of federal funds to assist a public provider in maintaining, reviving, or renewing a failed project. Title VI: Wireless Innovation Networks - Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 - WIN Act of 2006 - (Sec. 602) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow a certified unlicensed device to use specified broadcast television frequencies in a way that protects licensees from harmful interference. Title VII: Digital Television - (Sec. 701) Requires manufacturers and and certain retailers of analog only televisions to inform consumers that converter boxes will be necessary after February 17, 2009. Requires analog and digital televisions with screens at least 13 inches in size to be able to block display of all programs with a common rating.  Mandates specified activities to educate consumers about the digital television transition. Establishes the DTV Working Group to consult with state and local governments and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to promote consumer outreach and provide logistical assistance on a market-by-market basis to consumers with special needs, including the converter box subsidy program. Makes it unlawful, after a specified date, to import into the United States or ship in interstate commerce for sale to the public a television that cannot receive and decode digital signals. Requires establishing converter box energy standards.  Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to allow boxes to contain a clock and other incidental features. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require cable operators to carry digital signals in the digital format transmitted by a station that is transmitting only digital signals. Allows operators to offer such signals in additional formats. Requires an operator to carry, in its basic tier, any analog and digital video signals (currently, any signal) of any television broadcast station that the operator provides to any subscriber. Requires satellite carriers that are carrying the digital signals of any other television broadcast station to carry the primary video and program-related material for a station broadcasting exclusively digitally in the local market. Requires that the signal be carried in the format transmitted by the station if the carrier carries the signal of any other broadcast in that local market in that format. Allows additional formats. (Sec. 702) Authorizes and ratifies by law the FCC's rules regarding video description (for people with visual impairments) in a specified Report and Order, notwithstanding the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Motion Picture Association of America, Inc., et al., v. Federal Communications Commission, et al. (Sec. 703) Requires an annual FCC report to specified congressional committees on international coordination with Canada and Mexico of the DTV table of allotments. (Sec. 704) Allows certain Spanish-only analog broadcast television stations near the Mexican border to renew their analog licenses through February 17, 2011, if certain conditions are met. Title VIII: Protecting Children - (Sec. 801) Requires regulations that prevent video services from offering child pornography. (Sec. 802) Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to triple the fines on providers of electronic communication services or remote computing services who knowingly and willfully fail to report child pornography. Makes it unlawful for a commercial website to contain sexually explicit material unless the first page of the website does not include any such material and each page that does contain such material also displays marks or notices prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to inform people who access the website and to facilitate filtering. Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful to knowingly embed material in the source code of a website with the intent to deceive: (1) another person into viewing obscene material; or (2) a minor into viewing material that is harmful to minors. Revises provisions allowing victims of certain sex-related crimes to seek civil remedies to: (1) allow adults as well as minors to sue for injuries; and (2) increase from $50,000 to $150,000 the minimum level of damages. (Sec. 803) Requires each provider of cable or over-the-air broadcast programming to prevent interactivity with commercial matter during any children's programming and during advertisements during or adjacent to such programs. (Sec. 804) Mandates a study of commercial proposals to broadcast radio or television programs for reception onboard public school buses. Title IX: Internet Consumer Bill of Rights Act - Internet Consumer Bill of Rights Act of 2006 - (Sec. 903) Requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to allow each subscriber to: (1) access and post any lawful content and any web page; (2) access and run any application, software, or service; (3) connect any legal device (if the device does not harm the ISP's network); and (4) receive clear information, in plain language, about estimated speeds, capabilities, limitations, and pricing. (Sec. 904) Prohibits (consistent with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution) federal, state, and local governments and ISPs from regulating Internet content based on the views expressed, unless specifically authorized by law. (Sec. 905) Requires ISPs to offer any potential subscriber any Internet service the provider offers without requiring the subscriber to purchase any other service offered by the ISP. (Sec. 906) Allows ISPs to take certain actions, including providing consumers with parental control applications, devices, or services, offering a family friendly tier, and blocking content, applications, or services at the request of a subscriber. (Sec. 907) Requires the FCC to establish an adjudicatory enforcement procedure for this title. Subjects violators to FCC enforcement under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, including provisions authorizing forfeiture of up to $500,000 for each violation. Authorizes equitable relief. Prohibits the FCC from promulgating any regulations (other than those specified in this section) to implement this title. (Sec. 911) Requires the FCC to biennially revise its definition of broadband to reflect data rates generally available to the public. (Sec. 912) Requires ISPs to prioritize, as technically feasible, 911 and E-911 communications to ensure timely and effective emergency communications in a way that is consistent with other priority levels needed in emergencies and for other public safety and homeland security needs or requirements. Title X: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 1001) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the FCC to conduct closed meetings if at least one minority party commissioner attends, but prohibits voting or making any final decision at such a meeting. Requires publication of an executive summary of such meetings. (Sec. 1002) Establishes in the FCC the Office of Indian Affairs to take certain actions, including working with Indian Tribes on a government-to-government basis to ensure that tribes have adequate access to communications services. (Sec. 1003) Establishes in the FCC the Office of Consumer Advocate, to be independent of other FCC bureaus and offices. Requires that the Office's director act as an attorney for, and represent, all residential consumers generally in any matters relating to the FCC's jurisdiction. Allows the director, when there is a conflict between residential consumer classes, to choose to represent one or none of the interests. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the director. Declares that creation of the Office does not derogate the standing of any state consumer advocate or any national association of state utility consumer advocates to appear before the FCC or appeal any FCC decision. (Sec. 1004) Requires the FCC to report annually to Congress on the extent to which providers of telecommunications service, broadband service, and IP-enabled voice service have deployed their own local transmission facilities. (Sec. 1005) Increases tenfold the maximum forfeiture penalties for common carriers or applicants who have violated the Communications Act of 1934 or specified provisions of the federal criminal code. Shields independent network affiliates, in some circumstances, from penalties relating to network-originated programming. (Sec. 1006) Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law (currently, notwithstanding specified provisions), a state or local government from regulating or adjudicating the entry of or the rates charged by any provider of commercial mobile service or private mobile service. Requires the FCC to conclude a proceeding regulating the content and presentation of telecommunications carriers' billing statements. (Sec. 1008) Gives the FCC, notwithstanding any other provision of law, authority to issue decisions made in two specified petitions for declaratory rulings. Prohibits it from undermining, altering, or amending those decisions and requires dismissal of any related pending challenges. (Sec. 1009) Requires the FCC to issue a further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking before making any changes to a specified regulation relating to multiple ownership of broadcast stations. Declares null and void a specified cross-media limits rule and reinstates, effective June 2, 2003, certain regulations as they were in effect before adoption of that rule. (Sec. 1010) Prohibits the FCC from promulgating rules regarding media ownership without first completing regulatory action in a specified proceeding. (Sec. 1011) Requires broadband service providers to report to the FCC where the provider provides service, the percentage of households and businesses in each service area offered service, and related price, throughput, and contention ratio information. Requires the FCC to report to Congress annually on the demographics of each service area that is not served by any broadband service provider. (Sec. 1012) Penalizes, for one year after leaving the FCC, anyone who held specified FCC positions (regardless of basic rate of pay) if they communicate with or appear before any FCC officer or employee, on behalf of another person in connection with any matter on which such person seeks official action by any FCC officer or employee. (Sec. 1013) Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent provisions prohibiting states and their subdivisions from imposing taxes on Internet access and from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. (Sec. 1014) Mandates reports to Congress on: (1) E-911 implementation progress and plans; and (2) telemedicine. (Sec. 1016) Establishes in the National Science Foundation: (1) a program of basic research, including mandated grants, in advanced information and communications technologies focused on facilitating availability and affordability of services to all Americans; and (2) the Federal Advanced Information and Communications Technology Board. Mandates, subject to appropriations, multiyear grants to establish multidisciplinary Centers for Communications Research to generate innovative approaches to communications and information technology research. Requires development of a plan to increase spectrum sharing between federal and nonfederal government users. Establishes a pilot program for plan implementation. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support: (1) research and standards development in advanced information and communications technologies focused on facilitating availability and affordability of services to all Americans; and (2) intramural research and cooperative research with institutions of higher education and industry. (Sec. 1017) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the FCC to vote on a petition for forbearance from applying FCC regulations within one year of receiving the petition. (Current law deems the petition granted if not denied within one year.) (Se. 1018) Requires the FCC to complete certain proceedings on special access rates by a specified period after enactment of this Act. Title XI: Local Community Radio Act - Local Community Radio Act of 2006 - (Sec. 1102) Amends provisions of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 to repeal specified provisions concerning low-power FM radio stations. (Sec. 1103) Requires the FCC to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between: (1) low-power FM stations; and (2) full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations. (Sec. 1104) Requires the FCC to: (1) retain its 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; (2) ensure, when licensing FM translator stations, that licenses are available to both translator and low-power stations and that the decisions are made based on local community needs; and (3) retain its rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power FM stations licensed in significantly populated states. Title XII: Cell Phone Tax Moratorium - Cell Phone Tax Moratorium Act of 2006 - (Sec. 1202) Prohibits any state or its subdivision from imposing a new discriminatory tax on or regarding mobile services providers or property for three years after enactment of this Act. Title XIII: Truth in Caller ID - Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006 - (Sec. 1302) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person, regarding telecommunications or IP-enabled voice service, to cause any caller identification service to transmit misleading or inaccurate information (but allows caller identification blocking). Provides for civil forfeiture and criminal fines. Allows certain state officers to bring a civil action in federal court to enforce this provision or to impose the civil penalties for violations. Title XIV: Rural Wireless and Broadband Service - Rural Wireless and Broadband Service Act of 2006 - (Sec. 1402) Amends provisions relating to competitive bidding for licenses to require the FCC to consider the use of licensing spectrum in smaller geographic areas to encourage wireless deployment and buildout in rural and underserved areas. (Sec. 1403) Requires a biennial report to Congress on the impact of the Commission's spectrum leasing and spectrum partitioning and disaggregation rules in facilitating, through the development of secondary markets, the deployment of spectrum-based services to the public, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Requires the FCC to develop an integrated national database, accessible by the public, that identifies, for each licensee, the spectrum assigned to the licensee and the geographic area to which the spectrum is assigned or licensed. (Sec. 1404) Requires the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, every five years, to conduct a band-by-band analysis of the spectrum managed by each such agency and report to Congress any bands identified as not being used in an effective or efficient way. (Sec. 1405) Requires the FCC, by rule, to reconfigure the band plans for the upper 700 megahertz band and for the unauctioned portions of the lower 700 megahertz band so as to designate up to six megahertz of recovered analog spectrum for small geographic license areas. Prohibits the FCC from any reconfiguration of those band plans if that reconfiguration is determined to be likely to delay the auction of recovered spectrum or the termination of analog licenses required by specified provisions of law.",2023-01-13T04:48:32Z,
109-s-2686,109,s,2686,"Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006","Science, Technology, Communications",2006-05-01,2006-06-13,"Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-1128, pt. 3.",Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,1,"Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reduce the cost of calling home for U.S. military personnel stationed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other approved purposes. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to allocate a portion of the funds available under such Act for: (1) making interoperable communications system equipment grants for equipment that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum; and (2) establishing and implementing a strategic technology reserves initiative. Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Requires each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas). Outlines requirements for distribution of universal service support to eligible communications carriers. Establishes a Broadband for Unserved Areas Account. Video Competition and Savings for Consumers Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide regulatory and franchising requirements for video services and video service providers similar to those currently applicable to cable communications operators. Requires the provision of channels for public, educational, and governmental use. Prohibits the denial of video service access because of income, race, or religion. Video Content Act - Sports Freedom Act of 2006 - Prohibits multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices to hinder or prevent other MVPDs from providing such programming or satellite broadcast programming to consumers. Digital Content Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the FCC to implement its Report and Order in the matters of: (1) Digital Broadcast Content Protection; and (2) Digital Output Protection Technology and Recording Method Certifications. Authorizes the FCC to promulgate regulations governing the indiscriminate redistribution of audio content with respect to digital and satellite radio broadcasts. Requires the FCC to establish the Digital Audio Review Board. Community Broadband Act - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prohibit any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from prohibiting any public provider from providing, to any person or any public or private entity, advanced communications capability or any service that utilizes the advanced communications capability provided by such provider. Provides safeguards, including that a public provider may not provide advanced communications capability to the public unless the provision of such capability by that public provider is subject to the same laws and regulations that would apply if the advanced communications capability were being provided by a nongovernmental entity. Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 or WIN Act of 2006 - Makes eligible television spectrum available for wireless use. Outlines consumer education requirements for analog television receivers, as well as requirements to reduce the government cost of the converter box program. Outlines requirements for: (1) the protection of children with respect to the video transmission of child pornography; and (2) the free flow of information over the Internet.",2023-01-13T04:48:21Z,
109-s-2653,109,s,2653,Call Home Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-26,2006-12-22,Became Public Law No: 109-459.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,44,"Call Home Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to to reduce the cost of calling home for military personnel stationed or deployed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other purposes approved by the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits the FCC from regulating rates in order to carry out this Act. Amends the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992 to repeal current FCC cost reduction authority with respect to personnel stationed or deployed in specified countries. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to award at least $1 billion for public safety interoperable communications grants by September 30, 2007.",2023-01-31T21:13:11Z,
109-s-2630,109,s,2630,Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-24,2006-04-24,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3423-3424)",Senate,"Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]",FL,D,N000032,1,"Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person in the United States, in connection with any telecommunications service or Internet protocol (IP)-enabled voice service, to cause any caller identification (ID) service to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information, unless such transmission is exempted in connection with: (1) authorized activities of law enforcement agencies; or (2) a court order specifically authorizing the use of caller ID manipulation. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations. Allows for enforcement by states (with authorized intervention by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)).",2023-01-13T04:48:36Z,
109-hr-5126,109,hr,5126,Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-06,2006-06-07,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,24,"Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person in the United States, in connection with any telecommunication service or VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) service, to cause any caller identification service to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, with the intent to defraud or cause harm.",2023-01-13T04:48:45Z,
109-hr-5136,109,hr,5136,National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-06,2006-12-20,Became Public Law No: 109-430.,House,"Rep. Hall, Ralph M. [R-TX-4]",TX,R,H000067,10,"(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 26, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 - Establishes a National Integrated Drought Information System that: (1) provides an effective drought early warning system; (2) coordinates, and integrates as practicable, federal research in support of such system; and (3) builds on existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships. Authorizes appropriations.",2023-03-24T16:27:31Z,
109-hr-5095,109,hr,5095,To prohibit deceptive altering or disguising of caller identification on outbound telephone calls.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-05,2006-04-19,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-17]",NY,D,E000179,1,"Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate a rule to prohibit, as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, making any outbound telephone call that alters, masks, or disguises, or employs any technology to alter, mask, or disguise, the automatic number identification of the caller, with the intent to deceive the person to whom the call is made.",2023-01-13T04:48:45Z,
109-hr-5106,109,hr,5106,To amend the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to authorize grants for Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science (PALS).,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-05,2006-05-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.,House,"Rep. Hinojosa, Ruben [D-TX-15]",TX,D,H000636,48,"Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program of awarding grants to high-need local educational agencies to establish partnerships for access to laboratory science to improve laboratories and to provide instrumentation as part of a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology instruction at the secondary school level.",2023-01-13T04:48:45Z,
109-hr-5085,109,hr,5085,American Broadband for Communities Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-04-04,2006-04-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Inslee, Jay [D-WA-1]",WA,D,I000026,4,"American Broadband for Communities Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the use of any unused broadcast television spectrum in the band between 54 and 698 megaHertz, other than between 608 and 614 megaHertz, by unlicensed devices, including wireless broadband devices.  Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) adopt minimal technical and device rules to develop the use of such spectrum by such unlicensed devices; and (2) establish specified rules and procedures, including to protect incumbent licensed services from harmful interference from such unlicensed devices, and to address complaints from licensed broadcast stations that an unlicensed device using such spectrum causes harmful interference.",2023-01-13T04:48:46Z,
109-hr-5072,109,hr,5072,Universal Service Reform Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-30,2006-04-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Terry, Lee [R-NE-2]",NE,R,T000459,20,"Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers, allowing a limit on the contributions of providers whose customers typically make a low volume of monthly calls. Provides: (1) support contribution limits; and (2) support to non-rural carriers providing service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas. Outlines network traffic identification accountability standards, rulemaking, and enforcement requirements. Requires the FCC, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe regulations that require a provider, upon a bona fide request, to provide communications services necessary for the provision of health care services in a state to any health care provider that serves persons who live in rural areas of that state. Outlines eligibility requirements for communications service providers to receive universal service support, including (with a possible three-year waiver) that the provider meets basic requirements for the deployment and provision of high-speed broadband service. Makes current limitations on universal service support and individual support caps imposed upon carriers inapplicable after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires all residential and business lines served by an eligible telecommunications carrier to be eligible for federal universal service support.",2023-01-13T04:48:54Z,
109-hr-4982,109,hr,4982,Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-16,2006-05-25,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3234),House,"Rep. Bean, Melissa L. [D-IL-8]",IL,D,B001253,16,"Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2006 or the SAFER NET Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an Office of Internet Safety and Public Awareness to be headed by a Director.  Requires the FTC, acting through the Office, to carry out a nationwide program to increase public awareness and education regarding Internet safety, that utilizes existing resources and efforts of all levels of government and other appropriate entities and that includes: (1) evaluating and improving the efficiency of Internet safety efforts provided by such entities; (2) identifying and promoting best practices; (3) establishing and carrying out a national outreach and education campaign; (4) serving as the primary contact in the federal government and as a national clearinghouse for Internet safety information; (5) facilitating access to, and the exchange of, such information; (6) providing expert advice to the FTC; and (7) providing technical, financial, and other appropriate assistance to such entities.",2023-01-13T04:48:56Z,
109-hr-5008,109,hr,5008,Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-16,2006-03-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.,House,"Rep. Walden, Greg [R-OR-2]",OR,R,W000791,0,Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities to establish up to eight Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes throughout the United States to assist in the commercialization of nanotechnology.  Instructs the Under Secretary to ensure that each Institute is located at either a public university or federal laboratory. Requires grants awarded pursuant to this Act to be used to establish at least one Institute in each of the following areas of nanotechology or microtechnology: (1) energy; (2) printable electronics; (3) medical; (4) transportation; (5) textiles; and (6) agriculture. Specifies matching requirements for for-profit manufacturing companies conducting research and development in micro- and nanotechnologies.  Makes any institution of higher education that has a federally funded nanotechnology center or that is the primary lead of a nanotechnology center not eligible for a grant under this Act.  Directs the Under Secretary to establish a peer review committee to review the goals and progress made by each Institute. Requires each grant recipient to submit a report to such committee describing its Institute's accomplishments and goals as a condition of continued grant funding.,2023-01-13T04:48:56Z,
109-s-2426,109,s,2426,Cyber Safety for Kids Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-16,2006-03-16,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,2,"Cyber Safety for Kids Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to: (1) develop, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (concerning the policy for determining the addition of top-level Internet domains), a plan for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to establish a top-level international domain meeting specified requirements; (2) make the plan available to the public; and (3) enter into any necessary agreements with ICANN to carry out the plan. Provides a process for the selection of an operator of the new domain. Requires the operator of any web site or online service whose primary business is making available material that is harmful to minors to register and operate such web site or online service under the new domain.Provides: (1) liability protections for the new domain operator; (2) registration enforcement procedures; and (3) outreach requirements.",2023-01-13T04:48:50Z,
109-s-2418,109,s,2418,Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-15,2006-03-15,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,4,"Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees may 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 and may not be used to distribute any information not also transmitted to all 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.",2023-01-13T04:48:50Z,
109-hr-4931,109,hr,4931,Stop the Automated Calls Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-09,2006-03-17,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. [R-FL-22]",FL,R,S000303,3,Stop the Automated Calls Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to listed telephone numbers.  Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.,2023-01-13T04:48:58Z,
109-hres-717,109,hres,717,Directing the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to the House of Representatives a copy of a workforce globalization final draft report produced by the Technology Administration.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-09,2006-04-07,"Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 164.",House,"Rep. Gordon, Bart [D-TN-6]",TN,D,G000309,24,(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to the House a copy of a specified workforce globalization final draft report produced by the Technology Administration.,2023-01-13T04:48:41Z,
109-hr-4906,109,hr,4906,21st Century Innovation Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-08,2006-05-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness.,House,"Rep. Ford, Harold E., Jr. [D-TN-9]",TN,D,F000262,0,"21st Century Innovation Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award scholarships to students who: (1) are enrolled in undergraduate programs concurrently offering degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and elementary or secondary school teacher certification; and (2) agree to teach in such fields for at least five years. Awards matching grants to institutions of higher education to establish such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) state and local educational agencies to establish summer institutes offering elementary and secondary school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers continuing education, and to train them to provide advanced courses; and (2) institutions of higher education offering part-time master's degree programs to such middle and secondary school teachers. Augments the funding available for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program at designated federal agencies. Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish programs awarding undergraduate and graduate scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on the basis of criteria to be established by the Secretary, but addressing areas of national need identified by program advisory bodies. Creates a Presidential Innovation Award, periodically conferring a medal upon individuals who develop unique scientific or engineering ideas serving the national interest. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure which shall prioritize funding provided to the NSF and the Department of Energy (DOE) under this Act for the construction and maintenance of higher education and federal research facilities. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the extended stay of aliens who obtain the equivalent of a doctorate in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other fields deemed important to the national interest, and seek or secure employment in such fields. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the DOE to award competitive energy research and development grants and contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia of such entities, which may include federal laboratories, to reduce our dependence on energy imports by 50% over the next 10 years. Provides for the recoupment and redeployment of such funding.",2023-01-13T04:48:59Z,
109-s-2389,109,s,2389,Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-08,2006-05-09,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 425.,Senate,"Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]",VA,R,A000121,16,"Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful for a person to: (1) acquire or use an individual's customer proprietary network information (CPNI) without written consent; (2) misrepresent that another person has consented to the acquisition of CPNI in order to obtain such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to data processing systems or records in order to obtain such information; (4) sell, or offer to sell, CPNI; or (5) request that another person obtain CPNI from a telecommunications carrier or IP (Internet Protocol)-enabled voice service provider, knowing that the other person will obtain such information in an unlawful manner. Provides: (1) exceptions; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations, with a private right of action for providers and consumers. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise or supplement its regulations to require telecommunications carriers or IP-enabled voice service providers to protect the security and confidentiality of CPNI. Requires each such carrier or provider to notify customers of an incident in which CPNI relating to that customer was disclosed to someone other than the customer in violation of this Act (allowing a delay in such notification for law enforcement or homeland security purposes). Prohibits a provider of commercial mobile services from including the wireless telephone number of any subscriber in any wireless directory assistance database, or publishing such a directory, unless such provider: (1) provides a clear notice to the subscriber of the right not to be listed; and (2) obtains express prior authorization from such subscriber for such listing. Requires cost-free delisting for subscribers. Prohibits the provider from charging a fee to the subscriber for the exercise of such privacy rights. Requires enforcement of the requirements of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FCC, and the states. Preempts contrary state law. Directs the FTC and FCC to jointly establish and implement a media and distribution campaign to teach the public about the protection afforded CPNI under this Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Communications Act of 1934.",2023-01-13T04:48:22Z,
109-s-2390,109,s,2390,National Innovation Act--Commerce Provisions,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-08,2006-03-08,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]",NV,R,E000194,15,"National Innovation Act--Commerce Provisions - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States.  Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering.  Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots.  Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Requires the Director of the NSF to conduct a study regarding how the federal government should support, through research, education, and training, the new discipline of service science.",2023-01-13T04:48:51Z,
109-s-2378,109,s,2378,Broadband Data and E-rate Improvement Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-07,2006-03-07,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,4,"Broadband Data and E-rate Improvement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make ineligible for preferential rates (E-rate assistance) or treatment with respect to universal telecommunications service any library or library consortium (tribal library) ineligible for assistance funded by a grant under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) from an Indian tribe or other organization. (Thus makes LSTA grant-eligible tribal libraries also eligible for E-rate assistance to the same extent as other libraries receiving such assistance.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand the American Community Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census to elicit information for residential households, including those located on native lands, as to what technology such households use to access the Internet from home.",2023-01-13T04:48:51Z,
109-hr-4861,109,hr,4861,Audio Broadcast Flag Licensing Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-02,2006-03-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Ferguson, Mike [R-NJ-7]",NJ,R,F000443,8,"Audio Broadcast Flag Licensing Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require and enforce, in conjunction with the in-band, on-channel technical standard for digital audio broadcast transmissions under consideration, that: (1) all technologies necessary to make transmission and reception devices compliant with such standard are licensed on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms; (2) such licenses include prohibitions against unauthorized copying and redistribution of transmitted content through the use of a broadcast flag or similar technology; and (3) FCC licensees providing digital audio broadcast service comply with such prohibitions. Mandates the same requirements with respect to FCC regulation of satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) pursuant to FCC rules. Provides limitations with respect to the adoption of any digital audio regulations.",2023-01-13T04:49:00Z,
109-hr-4862,109,hr,4862,Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-02,2006-03-02,Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Campbell, John [R-CA-48]",CA,R,C001064,45,Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.  Repeals provisions permitting states with Internet tax laws enacted prior to the ban on Internet taxes to continue enforcing such laws.,2023-01-13T04:49:00Z,
109-s-2360,109,s,2360,Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-03-02,2006-06-08,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5642-5643),Senate,"Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]",OR,D,W000779,0,"Internet Non-Discrimination Act of 2006 - Prohibits a network operator (an entity that owns, controls, or resells any facility that provides communications services to subscribers) from, among other things: (1) interfering with any bits, content, application, or service transmitted over the operator's network; (2) discriminating in allocating bandwidth and transmitting content, applications, or services to or from a subscriber; or (3) assessing a charge to any application or service provider not on the operator's network for the delivery of traffic to any subscriber to the operator's network. Preserves authority of network operators to: (1) protect subscribers from adware, viruses, spam, content deemed inappropriate for minors, and other applications or service that harms the Internet experience of subscribers; and (2) support an application or service intended to prevent such adware, viruses, content, etc. Allows an aggrieved party to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with respect to alleged network operator violations of such requirements. Provides deadlines with respect to complaint consideration and rulings. Provides violator penalties.",2023-01-13T04:48:52Z,
109-s-2327,109,s,2327,Winn Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-02-17,2006-02-17,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1472)",Senate,"Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]",VA,R,A000121,5,"Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 or the Winn Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue a final order that: (1) permits unlicensed, non-exclusive use of unassigned, non-licensed television broadcast channels between 54 MHz and 698 MHz; (2) establishes technical guidelines and requirements for the offering of unlicensed service in such band to protect incumbent licensed services and licensees from harmful interference; and (3) requires unlicensed devices operating in the band to comply with existing certification processes.",2023-01-13T04:49:03Z,
109-s-2332,109,s,2332,American Broadband for Communities Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-02-17,2006-02-17,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,0,"American Broadband for Communities Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the use of any unused broadcast television spectrum in the band between 72 and 698 megaHertz, other than between 608 and 614 megaHertz, by unlicensed devices, including wireless broadband devices.  Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) adopt minimal technical and device rules to develop the use of such spectrum by such unlicensed devices; and (2) establish specified rules and procedures, including to protect incumbent licensed services from harmful interference from such unlicensed devices, and to address complaints from licensed broadcast stations that an unlicensed device using such spectrum causes harmful interference.",2023-01-13T04:49:03Z,
109-hr-4781,109,hr,4781,Rural Information Technology Investment Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-02-16,2006-05-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness.,House,"Rep. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV-2]",WV,R,C001047,3,Rural Information Technology Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to small businesses or not-for-profit organziations operating in rural areas to establish information technology centers.,2023-01-13T04:49:09Z,
109-hr-4731,109,hr,4731,Eliminate Warehousing of Consumer Internet Data Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-02-08,2006-02-17,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,0,"Eliminate Warehousing of Consumer Internet Data Act of 2006 - Requires an owner of an Internet website to destroy, within a reasonable time frame, any data containing personal information if the information: (1) is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected or any other legitimate business purpose; or (2) there are no pending requests or orders for access to such information pursuant to a court order.  Treats a violation of this Act as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act were incorporated into and made part of this Act.",2023-01-13T04:49:10Z,
109-s-2256,109,s,2256,Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-02-08,2006-02-08,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,0,"Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide advanced telecommunications infrastructure investment incentives to telecommunications carriers to invest in and deploy network facilities necessary to provide broadband service and broadband voice service to people in rural, insular, and high-cost areas. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each eligible telecommunications carrier (a common carrier eligible for federal universal service support) to offer, in addition to other services, throughout its service area: (1) an approved affordable calling plan comparable to that offered by the eligible telecommunications carrier that is the incumbent local exchange carrier for such service area; (2) such services functions as are required of the incumbent eligible telecommunications carrier for such service area so as to protect customers and promote public health, safety, and welfare, including the quality and reliability of telecommunications services; and (3) such services substantially over its own facilities and commit to use any support received to achieve facilities-based coverage of the entire service area within two years of it being designated as eligible. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of federal universal service support payable to an eligible telecommunications carrier. Requires each eligible telecommunications carrier receiving federal universal service support to certify annually to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it is using such support in compliance with service requirements, including for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which such support is intended. Revises provisions to require the FCC in administering federal universal service funding mechanisms and developing a contribution methodology for federal universal service support for rural, insular, and highcost areas to ensure that such mechanisms preserve and advance universal service and enable access to advanced telecommunications infrastructure and broadband services. Requires providers of broadband services (currently, only telecommunications providers) to contribute to federal universal service funding mechanisms. Requires contributions be non-discriminatory among all providers (including broadband service providers). Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) each telecommunications carrier to identify network traffic it transmits so that a terminating carrier can identify, measure, and charge for such traffic; (2) the appointment of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) as permanent Administrator of universal service support mechanisms established under this Act (including oversight authority over the Schools and Libraries Program); and (3) each telecommunications carrier (or other provider of communications services), upon receiving a request, to provide telecommunications services to health care providers in rural areas at a discounted rate that is 25% of the lowest rate available in the state (currently, must charge a rate that is reasonably comparable to rate charged for similar services in urban areas of the state).",2023-01-13T04:49:05Z,
109-s-2198,109,s,2198,PACE-Education Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2006-01-26,2006-03-01,"Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Education and Early Childhood Development. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 109-393.",Senate,"Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]",NM,R,D000407,62,"Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Education and Research Act of 2006 - PACE-Education Act - Establishes programs to provide additional mathematics and science teachers in K-12 elementary and secondary education (teachers), including: (1) Department of Education (ED) grants to institutions of higher education (IHE's) for baccalaureate degree programs in mathematics, science, and engineering, with teacher certification, and for master's degree programs in mathematics and science education for teachers; (2) National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarships for recruiting and training new teachers, and fellowships for teachers; (3) ED grants to nonprofit entities to train additional teachers for Advanced Placement (AP), pre-AP, International Baccalaureate (IB), and pre-IB programs; (4) a National Clearinghouse on Mathematics and Science Teaching Materials; (5) Future American-Scientist Scholarships (ED); (6) Department of Energy graduate research fellowships in scientific areas of national need; and (7) NSF early-career research grants for scientists and engineers. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy Matters to: (1) coordinate science, mathematics, and engineering education programs; (2) establish a National Coordination Office for Advanced Research Instrumentation and Facilities; (3) establish guidelines for federal agencies to allocate funds for high-risk, high-payoff research; and (4) award a President's Innovation Award. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to award early-career research grants. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Department of Commerce to award grants for feasibility studies and plans for science parks, and for revolving loan funds to develop science park infrastructure.  Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) create a new visa category for doctorate students in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences; and (2) exempt from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants certain aliens who have received such advanced degrees and are working in a related field. Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to award early-career research grants. Expresses the sense of Senate on: (1) policies to accelerate deployment of access to broadband Internet; (2) the visa process for foreign students at U.S. IHE's and foreign researchers engaging in scientific research in the United States; (3) patent reform; and (4) exemption of certain uses of technology from treatment as exports.",2023-01-13T04:49:14Z,
109-hr-4626,109,hr,4626,Re-Channelization of Public Safety Spectrum Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-17,2006-01-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Ferguson, Mike [R-NJ-7]",NJ,R,F000443,0,Re-Channelization of Public Safety Spectrum Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a rulemaking to rechannelize the public safety spectrum (located in the upper 700 megahertz band) to accommodate commercially available broadband applications.,2023-01-13T04:49:23Z,
109-hr-4569,109,hr,4569,Digital Transition Content Security Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-16,2006-02-16,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.",House,"Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]",WI,R,S000244,2,"Digital Transition Content Security Act of 2005 - Prohibits the manufacture, import, or sale to the public of devices that convert analog video signal to digital video signal unless certain content (such as copying and redistribution rights) security requirements are maintained. Prohibits a person from encoding a program using the rights signaling system unless the encoding meets specified content security requirements. Provides civil remedies and criminal penalties for violations. Authorizes the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office to adopt commercially reasonable improvements to the detection function of the Video Encoded Invisible Light (VEIL) technology portion of the rights signaling system. Outlines compliance standards for video input conversion devices.",2023-01-13T04:49:24Z,
109-hr-4584,109,hr,4584,Insular Rate for Cellular Customers Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-16,2006-01-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Del. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large]",GU,D,B001245,2,"Insular Rate for Cellular Customers Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to state that, for purposes of rate integration for wireless interstate telecommunications services, a provider of a commercial mobile radio service shall, with respect to any interstate services for which there are separately-stated toll charges, be treated as a provider of interstate, interexchange telecommunications services.",2023-01-13T04:49:24Z,
109-hr-4596,109,hr,4596,Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-16,2006-01-10,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.",House,"Rep. Gordon, Bart [D-TN-6]",TN,D,G000309,11,"Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for support of basic research activities in the physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering; and (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for support of basic research activities. Makes at least 8% of such amounts available for high-risk, potentially high-payoff research.  Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the NSF, National Institutes of Health (NIH), DOE, DOD, and NASA for the support of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program. Directs NSF to institute the Graduate Scholar Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics program or GSA-STEM program, to award graduate fellowships in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory board.  Establishes a Presidential Innovation Award, which the President shall periodically award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest.  Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and national laboratories; and (2) make recommendations for resource allocation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to NSF and DOE for construction and maintenance of research facilities at institutions of higher education or national laboratories and other physical resources for performing leading-edge research.",2023-01-13T04:49:24Z,
109-s-2113,109,s,2113,Digital Age Communications Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-15,2005-12-15,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. DeMint, Jim [R-SC]",SC,R,D000595,1,"Digital Age Communications Act of 2005 - Makes it unlawful for any provider of electronic communications service to participate in unfair methods of competition, or unfair or deceptive practices, in or affecting electronic communications networks and services. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from denying an application to assign or transfer control of a communications license, permit, or certificate unless it is in violation of the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) or a specific FCC rule or regulation. Repeals the Act's application to universal service three years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to periodically recommend to the FCC modifications as to which basic electronic communications services are to be supported by federal universal service support mechanisms. Directs the FCC to: (1) promulgate rules to reform the universal services contribution mechanism and adopt a new mechanism; and (2) revise its current universal service fund system to establish a single universal service fund which shall be the exclusive federal universal service support mechanism. States that it shall be U.S. policy: (1) to integrate federal, state, and local regulation of electronic communications networks; (2) that such networks and their services be governed by a single, minimally pervasive regulatory regime; (3) to eliminate rate regulation and rate-setting when feasible; and (4) to create incentives to invest in new technologies and to encourage the deployment of advanced electronic communications services. Authorizes continued state regulation of rates for basic stand-alone local service.",2023-01-13T04:49:18Z,
109-hr-4466,109,hr,4466,Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-12-07,2005-12-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]",IL,D,R000515,5,Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider the following types of regulation of inmate telephone service: (1) prescribing a maximum uniform per-minute rate (paid to telephone service providers); (2) prescribing a maximum uniform service connection or other per-call rate; (3) prescribing variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs or the size of the correctional facility; (4) requiring providers of inmate telephone service to offer both collect calling and debit account services; (5) prohibiting the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities; and (6) requiring such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that prisoners have a choice.,2023-01-13T04:49:28Z,
109-s-2058,109,s,2058,Radio and Concert Disclosure and Competition Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-11-18,2005-11-18,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13368-13369)",Senate,"Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]",WI,D,F000061,0,"Radio and Concert Disclosure and Competition Act of 2005 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify its regulations concerning disclosure of payments made to broadcasters to prohibit the licensee or permittee (licensee) of any radio station from receiving money or other valuable consideration from a record company, recording artist, or music promoter or publisher (music representative) unless the licensee discloses at least monthly to the FCC and the public the receipt of such money or consideration. Directs the FCC to: (1) require that all transactions between a licensee and a music representative be conducted at an arm's length basis, reduced to writing, and retained at least five years; and (2) review any such transaction upon petition. Directs the FCC to prohibit a licensee from: (1) using its control over any non-advertising matter in a broadcast to extract or receive money from a music representative; (2) engaging or receiving concert services from a musician or recording artist unless the licensee does not discriminate about the broadcast of non-advertising matter and provides fair compensation for the services; or (3) owning or controlling a concert promoter or a venue used primarily for live performances. Authorizes license revocations for violations of this Act. Increases maximum penalties for nondisclosure of payments made in connection with broadcasts.",2023-01-13T04:49:32Z,
109-sres-317,109,sres,317,A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-11-16,2005-11-16,"Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13063-13065; text as passed Senate: CR S13064-13065; text of measure as introduced: CR S12959-12960)",Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,10,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States and other responsible governments send clear signals to the marketplace that the current structure of oversight and management of the Internet's domain name and addressing service works, and will continue to deliver tangible benefits to Internet users worldwide in the future; and (2) the authoritative root zone server should remain physically located in the United States and the Secretary of Commerce should maintain oversight of ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) so that ICANN can continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the Internet's domain and addressing system, remain responsive to Internet stakeholders worldwide, and otherwise fulfill its core technical mission.",2018-02-03T18:23:01Z,
109-sconres-64,109,sconres,64,A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-11-09,2005-11-18,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11340),Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,8,"Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States and other responsible governments send clear signals to the marketplace that the current structure of oversight and management of the Internet's domain name and addressing service works, and will continue to deliver tangible benefits to Internet users worldwide in the future; and (2) the authoritative root zone server should remain physically located in the United States and the Secretary of Commerce should maintain oversight of ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) so that ICANN can continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the Internet's domain and addressing system, remain responsive to Internet stakeholders worldwide, and otherwise fulfill its core technical mission.",2023-01-13T04:49:31Z,
109-hr-4127,109,hr,4127,Financial Data Protection Act of 2006,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-10-25,2006-06-08,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3502),House,"Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6]",FL,R,S000822,15,"Financial Data Protection Act of 2006 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prescribe guidelines for data security safeguards that require a consumer reporter who becomes aware of information suggesting a breach of data security immediately to investigate and notify authorities and consumers. Defines "consumer reporter" as any entity which regularly engages in assembling or evaluating consumer financial file and consumer reports to furnish consumer reports to third parties or to provide payment for products and services, or for employment purposes. Declares the policy of Congress concerning the obligations of each consumer reporter to protect the security and confidentiality of sensitive financial personal information. Prescribes investigation and consumer notification requirements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to coordinate with specified government entities to create a publicly available list of data security breaches that have triggered a notice to consumers within the last 12 months. Prohibits charging the related consumers for the cost of the notices and file monitoring regarding data security breaches.  Requires a consumer reporter, upon the request of a consumer who is the focus of a security breach, to make available a free service that: (1) monitors nationwide credit activity about the consumer from a consumer reporting agency; and (2) provides nationwide identity-monitoring. Prescribes implementation guidelines for imposition of a security freeze, upon the request of a consumer who is a victim of identity theft, that places a notice in the consumer's credit report prohibiting the consumer reporting agency from releasing all or any part of the report without the consumer's express authorization. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from imposing a fee for placing or removing a security freeze. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the FTC to promulgate jointly: (1) uniform data security safeguard regulations; and (2) model notice forms. Prescribes implementation and administrative enforcement procedures. Preempts state laws governing consumer reporter data security responsibilities, except any laws governing professional confidentiality or limiting the purposes for which information may be disclosed. (Sec. 3) Directs: (1) the President to convene a National Summit on Data Security Safeguards for Sensitive Personal Financial Information in the District of Columbia; and (2) the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on a system that would provide notices of data breaches to consumers in languages other than English, and identify what barriers exist to its implementation. (Sec. 5) Directs the FTC to compile voluntary information on the race and ethnicity of consumers who are victims of identity theft, account fraud, and other types of financial fraud, in order to improve law enforcement efforts relating to data security breaches and fighting identity theft and account fraud. (Sec. 6) Amends the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) to exempt from its coverage certain credit monitoring activities, including provision to a consumer of: (1) credit reports, credit monitoring notifications, credit scores and scoring algorithms, and other specified credit score-related tools; (2) any analysis, evaluation, and explanation of such actual or hypothetical credit scores or similar projections, forecasts, analyses, evaluations or explanations; or (3) materials or services to assist a consumer who is a victim of identity theft. Specifies conditions for application of such exemption. Requires the credit monitoring service to refrain from offering to alter or remove, or assist in the alteration or removal of, accurate, non-obsolete adverse information in a credit report. Requires the service also to present the sonsumer with a specified notice and statement of rights.",2023-01-13T04:49:53Z,
109-s-1908,109,s,1908,Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-10-21,2005-10-21,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11746)",Senate,"Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]",OR,R,S001142,2,Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities to establish up to eight Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes throughout the United States to assist in the commercialization of nanotechnology.  Instructs the Under Secretary to ensure that each Institute is located at either a public university or federal laboratory. Requires grants awarded pursuant to this Act to be used to establish at least one Institute in each of the following areas of nanotechology or microtechnology: (1) energy; (2) printable electronics; (3) medical; (4) transportation; (5) textiles; and (6) agriculture. Specifies matching requirements for for-profit manufacturing companies conducting research and development in micro- and nanotechnologies.  Makes any institution of higher education that has a federally funded nanotechnology center or that is the primary lead of a nanotechnology center not eligible for a grant under this Act.  Directs the Under Secretary to establish a peer review committee to review the goals and progress made by each Institute. Requires each grant recipient to submit a report to such committee describing its Institute's accomplishments and goals as a condition of continued grant funding.,2023-01-13T04:49:47Z,
109-hconres-268,109,hconres,268,Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-10-18,2005-11-17,"Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Doolittle, John T. [R-CA-4]",CA,R,D000429,49,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States and other responsible governments send clear signals to the marketplace that the current structure of oversight and management of the Internet's domain name and addressing service works, and will continue to deliver tangible benefits to Internet users worldwide in the future; and (2) the authoritative root zone server should remain physically located in the United States and the Secretary of Commerce should maintain oversight of ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) so that ICANN can continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the Internet's domain and addressing system, remain responsive to Internet stakeholders worldwide, and otherwise fulfill its core technical mission.",2023-01-13T04:49:45Z,
109-s-1767,109,s,1767,A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to reevaluate the band plans for the upper 700 megaHertz band and the un-auctioned portions of the lower 700 megaHertz band and reconfigure them to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic areas.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-09-26,2005-09-26,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,2,"Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a proceeding no later than June 1, 2006, to reevaluate and reconfigure its band (spectrum) plans for the upper 700 megahertz band and the unauctioned portions of the lower 700 megahertz band, requiring the reconfiguration to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic areas.",2023-01-13T04:49:59Z,
109-hr-3876,109,hr,3876,Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-09-22,2005-10-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Israel, Steve [D-NY-2]",NY,D,I000057,10,"Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act - Provides that, for purposes of the Federal Communications Commission's regulation relating to station antenna structures in the amateur radio services, any private land use rules applicable to such structures shall be treated as a State or local regulation and subject to the same requirements and limitations of such a regulation.",2023-01-13T04:50:09Z,
109-hr-3731,109,hr,3731,Enhance and Protect Local Community Radio Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-09-13,2005-09-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY-28]",NY,D,S000480,11,"Enhance and Protect Local Community Radio Act of 2005 - 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. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the FCC to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between: (1) low-power FM stations; and (2) full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations. Directs the FCC to: (1) ensure the availability of spectrum for low-power FM stations; (2) establish a schedule for low-power station licensing opportunities; (3) explore the public interest obligations of FM and AM digital terrestrial radio licenses; (4) ensure that low-power FM stations will not be displaced by the granting of licenses to full-power FM stations; and (5) prohibit the future voluntary transfers of construction permits for FM translator stations or FM booster stations.",2023-01-13T04:50:14Z,
109-s-1583,109,s,1583,Universal Service for the 21st Century Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-29,2005-07-29,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9506-9507)",Senate,"Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]",OR,R,S001142,2,"Universal Service for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require all telecommunications carriers (currently, only those providing interstate telecommunications services) to contribute to the universal service fund (a fund whose goal is to provide advanced telecommunications services to all areas of the country). Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a permanent mechanism to support universal service that will preserve and enhance its long-term financial stability. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction to establish rates for inter-carrier compensation payments, including compensation for the origination and termination of intrastate telecommunications traffic. Establishes within the universal service fund the Broadband for Unserved Areas Account, to provide financial assistance for the deployment of broadband (high-speed) communications services to unserved areas throughout the United States. Allows assistance to be provided only to: (1) facilities-based providers of broadband communications service; and (2) one facility-based provider in any unserved area.",2023-01-13T04:50:20Z,
109-s-1600,109,s,1600,"A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure full access to digital television in areas served by low-power television, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-29,2005-07-29,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,1,"Digital Translator and Low-Power Television Transition Assistance Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the deadline for conversion of translator stations and low-power analog television stations to advanced (digital) television services from the current transition period ending on December 31, 2006, to the period ending four years thereafter. Establishes in the Treasury the Low-Power Digital Television Transition Trust Fund, funded by proceeds from the federal auction of certain electromagnetic spectrum frequencies, for the making of grants to licensees of low-power television stations, state and local governments, and community organizations to: (1) upgrade low-power television translator stations from analog to digital in eligible rural communities and other areas served by low-power television stations; and (2) extend digital television broadcast signals to unserved households located in such communities and areas. Requires a report from the Federal Communications Commission to specified congressional committees on the status of low-power television and translator stations. Directs the FCC to report semiannually to such committees on the status of international cooperation with Canada and Mexico with respect to the Digital Television table of allotments.",2023-01-13T04:50:20Z,
109-hr-3479,109,hr,3479,Internet Safety and Child Protection Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-27,2005-10-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Select Education.,House,"Rep. Matheson, Jim [D-UT-2]",UT,D,M001142,16,"Internet Safety and Child Protection Act of 2005 - Requires: (1) an operator of a regulated pornographic website to verify (using Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-certified software) that any user attempting to access its site is age 18 or older; (2) a bank, credit card company, third-party merchant, Internet payment service provider, or business that performs financial transactions for such a website to only process age-verified Internet pornography credit card transactions; (3) the FTC to require use of appropriate age-screening software and maintain a list of websites that do not comply; and (4) violations of the age verification requirement to be treated as a Federal Trade Commission Act violation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon the operator of a regulated pornographic website for any Internet pornography display or distribution a tax equal to 25 percent of the amounts charged. Establishes in the Treasury the Internet Safety and Child Protection Trust Fund into which such taxes shall be deposited. Requires Fund amounts to be allocated (in order of priority) for: (1) federal agencies to enforce this Act; (2) the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure that the cyber tip line is fully operational and staffed 24 hours a day; (3) states to support Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces; (4) companies to support research and development into new filtering technologies; (5) state agencies to support educational training; and (6) specified federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and nonprofits to support child Internet safety activities, including combating sex trafficking and sex crimes against children.",2023-01-13T04:50:33Z,
109-s-1504,109,s,1504,Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-27,2005-07-27,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",Senate,"Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]",NV,R,E000194,16,"Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act - Subjects any telecommunications conduct, activity, service, or service provider only to the requirements of this Act, and not to any other federal, state, or local common carrier law or regulation concerning telecommunications or information services. Prohibits any state or local government from regulating direct-to-home satellite services. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to forbear from regulating mobile services unless determined necessary because of lack of competition or for the protection of public health and safety. Requires each telecommunications carrier deemed to be an incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) and each eligible telecommunications carrier (a carrier eligible for federal universal service support) to offer basic telephone service (BTS) to business and residential customers throughout the LEC's service territory. Directs the FCC to establish federal quality standards for BTS service relating to reasonable uptime, installation and repair intervals, and voice quality. Provides penalties for standards violations. Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) a consumer from being denied access to any content provided over facilities used to provide broadband communications service (the transmission of communications at a capacity greater than 64 kilobits per second); and (2) a broadband service provider from blocking subscriber access to such content. Prohibits a broadband service provider from preventing a customer from using voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications offered by a competitor. Requires the FCC, with respect to service providers, to develop rules and regulations regarding telecommunications services, including billing and access for persons with disabilities. Requires: (1) facilities-based providers to establish commercial arrangements regarding their ability to interconnect with other facilities-based providers; and (2) the FCC to govern interconnectivity between such providers and narrowband communications service providers. Requires an incumbent LEC to provide unbundled access to copper local loops at commercially reasonable rates, terms, and conditions. Allows an incumbent local exchange provider serving less than two percent of the access lines of the country to elect to continue to be subject to current federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements. Prohibits a video service provider (VSP) from being required to: (1) obtain a state or local video franchise; (2) build out its video distribution system in any particular manner; or (3) provide access to its distribution facilities and equipment to any other VSP. Authorizes state and local government charges against VSPs for the cost of managing public rights-of-way used by VSPs. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations to promote: (1) competition and diversity in the multichannel video programming market; and (2) the continuing development of communications technologies. Sets forth requirements for state- or locally-owned networks seeking to provide communications service and requires such governments to have an open bidding process allowing non-governmental entities to compete for the provision of such service.",2023-01-13T04:50:23Z,
109-s-1507,109,s,1507,Internet Safety and Child Protection Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-27,2005-07-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [D-AR]",AR,D,L000035,12,"Internet Safety and Child Protection Act of 2005 - Requires: (1) an operator of a regulated pornographic website to verify (using Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-certified software) that any user attempting to access its site is age 18 or older; (2) a bank, credit card company, third-party merchant, Internet payment service provider, or business that performs financial transactions for such a website to only process age-verified Internet pornography credit card transactions; (3) the FTC to require use of appropriate age-screening software and maintain a list of websites that do not comply; and (4) violations of the age verification requirement to be treated as a Federal Trade Commission Act violation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon the operator of a regulated pornographic website for any Internet pornography display or distribution a tax equal to 25 percent of the amounts charged. Establishes in the Treasury the Internet Safety and Child Protection Trust Fund into which such taxes shall be deposited. Requires Fund amounts to be allocated (in order of priority) for: (1) federal agencies to enforce this Act; (2) the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure that the cyber tip line is fully operational and staffed 24 hours a day; (3) states to support Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces; (4) companies to support research and development into new filtering technologies; (5) state agencies to support educational training; and (6) specified federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and nonprofits to support child Internet safety activities, including combating sex trafficking and sex crimes against children.",2023-01-13T04:50:23Z,
109-hr-3331,109,hr,3331,To provide funding to enable institutions of higher education to establish a grant program to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and commercially viable research.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-19,2005-07-25,Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.,House,"Rep. Miller, Brad [D-NC-13]",NC,D,M001154,1,"Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the National Science Foundation to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish precompetitive technology transfer centers. Authorizes specified activities at such centers to advance discoveries or inventions, which have been made in such institutions' laboratories and have market potential, to the point where they can attract funding from other private or public sources for commercially viable research.  Sets forth required preferences in grantee selection. Requires equal access to be given to historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions.",2019-11-15T21:40:47Z,
109-hr-3298,109,hr,3298,Television Viewer Consumer Protection Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-14,2005-07-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Fossella, Vito [R-NY-13]",NY,R,F000440,24,Television Viewer Consumer Protection Act of 2005 - Prohibits a television ratings service from selling or otherwise providing data from a television ratings measurement system that produces television ratings data to be used commercially as currency ratings unless that system has been accredited by the Media Ratings Council. Requires any dispute between a ratings service and the Council to be resolved according to the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association.,2019-11-15T21:18:51Z,
109-hr-3302,109,hr,3302,Media Ownership Reform Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-14,2005-07-14,Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.,House,"Rep. Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22]",NY,D,H000627,16,"Media Ownership Reform Act of 2005 - 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 25 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. Reduces from eight to three years the duration of a broadcast station operating license. 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 three 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. Requires each licensee to hold at least two community public hearings per year to determine local needs and interests.",2019-11-15T21:17:01Z,
109-hr-3250,109,hr,3250,National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-12,2005-07-27,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Gordon, Bart [D-TN-6]",TN,D,G000309,19,"National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2006-FY2008 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) science, aeronautics, space and flight support, and education; (2) human space flight; and (3) the Office of Inspector General.  Reserves certain sums authorized to be appropriated by this Act for innovative technology transfer partnerships and other technology transfer initiatives undertaken by NASA. Requires annual reports on major programs for which NASA proposes to spend funds on.  Directs the Administrator of NASA to provide an implementation plan describing NASA's approach for obtaining, implementing, and sharing lessons learned and best practices for its major programs and projects.  Requires reports or plans on various science programs, projects, and activities, including the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission and the Earth observing system.  Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a grant program for pilot projects on the integrated use of remote sensing and other geospatial information for public sector needs and an advisory committee to monitor such program; and (2) specified aeronautics research initiatives, programs, and projects. Directs the Administrator to take specified actions and carry out specified activities concerning; (1) human space flight, including the International Space Station; (2) other NASA program areas; (3) commercial support; and (4) NASA's workforce and facilities.  Directs the General Accountability Office to assess the feasibility of Moon and Mars exploration missions.  Directs the President to establish the: (1) International Space Station Independent Safety Commission; and (2) Human Space Flight Independent Investigation Commission.",2022-02-03T05:35:48Z,
109-s-1372,109,s,1372,FAIR Ratings Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-07-01,2005-07-27,"Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-1127.",Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,3,"Fairness, Accuracy, Inclusivity, and Responsiveness in Ratings Act of 2005 or FAIR Ratings Act - Prohibits a person from selling, offering to sell, or otherwise providing data from a television ratings measurement system (system) that produces data to be used commercially as currency ratings unless that system is accredited by the Media Ratings Council. Requires such Council to: (1) accredit such systems on the basis of audits; and (2) preapprove any change made to a current system. Provides accreditation standards. Requires any dispute between an operator of a system and the Council to be resolved through dispute resolution procedures.",2023-01-13T04:50:26Z,
109-hconres-199,109,hconres,199,Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Polar Year.,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-30,2005-06-30,Referred to the House Committee on Science.,House,"Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-23]",FL,D,H000324,0,Recognizes that encouraging and supporting an International Polar Year from 2007-2008 is not only beneficial but crucial to our understanding of the Earth's environment. Encourages the United States to support funding and research for the International Polar Year and of the Polar regions.,2023-01-13T04:48:02Z,
109-hr-3146,109,hr,3146,Video Choice Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-30,2005-07-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN-7]",TN,R,B001243,40,"Video Choice Act of 2005 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a competitive video services provider (CVSP) from being required to obtain a franchise in order to provide any video programming, interactive on-demand services, other programming services, or any other video services in an area in which the CVSP has any right or authority to establish lines in or across public rights-of-way and such right or authority does not rely on, and is independent of, any cable franchise obtained by the CVSP. Allows the CVSP to be subject to the payment of fees (with limits) to a local franchising authority based on the gross revenue of the CVSP in that area. Provides for the regulatory treatment of CVSPs.",2023-01-13T04:47:50Z,
109-s-1349,109,s,1349,Video Choice Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-30,2005-06-30,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR 7/1/2005 S7832)",Senate,"Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR]",OR,R,S001142,3,"Video Choice Act of 2005 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a competitive video services provider (CVSP) from being required to obtain a franchise in order to provide any video programming, interactive on-demand services, other programming services, or any other video services in an area in which the CVSP has any right or authority to access public rights-of-way independent of any cable franchise obtained pursuant to any federal, state, or local law. Makes the CVSP be subject to the payment of fees (with limits) to a local franchising authority based on the gross revenue of the CVSP in that area. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any state or political subdivision thereof from regulating the rates or any other aspect of the services provided by a CVSP. Makes current franchise agreements entered into between a franchising authority and a CVSP exempt from this Act for the term of such agreement.",2020-02-12T18:54:47Z,
109-s-1350,109,s,1350,Wireless 411 Privacy Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-30,2005-06-30,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR 7/1/2005 S7834)",Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,6,"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. Provides limited circumstances under which a provider may connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber. 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.",2020-02-12T18:54:47Z,
109-s-1358,109,s,1358,Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-30,2005-06-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]",IL,D,D000563,15,"Restore Scientific Integrity to Federal Research and Policymaking Act - Prohibits a federal employee from engaging in: (1) tampering with the conduct of federally funded scientific research or analysis; (2) censorship of findings of such research or analysis; or (3) directing the dissemination of scientific information known by the directing employee to be false or misleading. Sets forth a penalty for violations of such prohibition.  Includes under prohibited personnel practices the taking or failing to take, or threatening to take or failing to take, a personnel action with respect to any employee because of: (1) the development or dissemination, within the scope of employment, of scientific research or analysis that the employee reasonably believes to be accurate and valid; (2) any disclosure of information by an employee or applicant which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences an abuse of authority, including but not limited to, tampering with the conduct of federally funded scientific research or analysis, censoring the findings of such research or analysis, or directing the dissemination of scientific information known by the directing employee to be false or misleading. Sets forth requirements relating to federal scientific advisory committees. States that all appointments to such committees shall be made without regard to political affiliation, unless required by federal statute. Directs each federal agency to determine a peer review process that is appropriate for the agency's functions and needs. Prohibits "The Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review", issued on December 16, 2004, from applying to any agency that has established its own peer review process. Prohibits the Office of Management and Budget from taking any action to discourage an agency from determining and establishing a peer-review process appropriate for its needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to provide annual reports regarding scientific integrity.",2022-02-03T05:26:17Z,
109-s-1326,109,s,1326,Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-28,2005-10-20,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 252.,Senate,"Sen. Sessions, Jeff [R-AL]",AL,R,S001141,1,"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act - Requires any agency or person (agency) that owns or licenses computerized data containing sensitive personal information to: (1) implement and maintain reasonable security and notification procedures and practices to protect sensitive personal information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and (2) notify any U.S. resident whose sensitive personal information was compromised. Permits a federal law enforcement agency to delay notification if notification would impede an investigation. Requires any agency in possession of computerized data containing sensitive personal information that it does not own or license to notify the entity from whom it received the information if the security of that information was compromised, resulting in a significant risk of identity theft.  Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the timeliness of notification; (2) the methods and contents of notice; and (3) the duty to coordinate with consumer reporting agencies.  Declares that an agency that maintains notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of sensitive personal information and otherwise meets this Act's requirements shall be in compliance with this Act if the agency notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a security breach. Establishes civil remedies for failure to provide notice of a security breach.  Authorizes enforcement by state attorneys general on behalf of residents of the state.",2023-01-13T04:49:50Z,
109-hr-3070,109,hr,3070,National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-27,2005-07-25,"Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.",House,"Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-44]",CA,R,C000059,1,"National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 - Title I: General Principles and Reports - ( Sec. 101) Directs the Administrator (the Administrator) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that NASA carries out a balanced set of programs that include: (1) human space flight; (2) aeronautics research and development; and (3) scientific research.  Requires the Administrator to manage human space flight programs to strive to achieve: (1) returning Americans to the moon by 2020; (2) launching the Crew Exploration Vehicle close to 2010; (3) increasing knowledge of the impacts of long stays in space on the human body; and (4) enabling humans to land on and return from Mars and other destinations.  Directs the President, through the Administrator, to develop a national aeronautics policy to guide NASA aeronautics programs through 2020, which shall include priority areas of research through FY2011.  Directs the Administrator to develop: (1) a policy to guide NASA science programs through 2016 which includes addressing plans for a human mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope; and (2) a plan for managing NASA's facilities through FY2015.  Directs the Administrator to develop a human capital strategy through FY2011 to ensure that NASA has an appropriate workforce to carry out NASA programs. Requires NASA to provide a draft of the strategy to its federal employee unions for a 30-day consultation period. Prohibits NASA from: (1) initiating any buyout offer until 60 days after the strategy has been transmitted to Congress; and (2) implementing any Reduction in Force or other involuntary separations (except for cause) prior to February 16, 2007.  Requires the Administrator to study whether any of NASA's centers should be operated by or with the private sector by converting a center to a federally funded research and development center or through any other mechanism.  Describes the documents that shall accompany proposed NASA budgets submitted by the President.  Requires NASA to make available information on corporate and center general and administrative costs and service pool costs.  Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to commission an independent review of the Nation's long-term strategic needs for test facilities. Prohibits the Administrator from closing or mothballing any aeronautical test facilities identified in a specified 2003 independent assessment by the RAND Corporation as being part of the minimum set of those facilities necessary to retain and serve national needs, as well as any other non-aeronautical NASA test facilities that were in use as of January 1, 2004, until such review has been transmitted to Congress. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to submit specified separate reports concerning: (1) the International Space Station (ISS), including the operation of the ISS in the event that the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 is not amended; (2) the use of the Space Shuttle before its retirement; (3) the launch vehicle for the Crew Exploration vehicle; (4) any heavy lift vehicle NASA intends to develop; (5) lunar missions; (6) Project Prometheus; and (7) the cost increase for the James Webb Space Telescope.  Prohibits the Administrator from entering into a development contract for the Crew Exploration Vehicle until at least 30 days after the Administrator has transmitted a report describing: (1) the expected cost of such vehicle through FY2020; (2) the expected budgets for each fiscal year through FY2020 for human space flight, aeronautics, space science, and earth science; and (3) the extent to which such vehicle will allow for the escape of crew in an emergency.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a plan for updating NASA's space communications architecture for both low Earth orbital operations and deep space exploration so that it is capable of meeting NASA's needs over the next 20 years; and (2) transmit a plan describing the activities that will be undertaken as part of the national awareness campaign required by a specified congressional report and the expected cost of such activities.  Requires the Administrator and the Director of the Department of Energy Office of Science to report on plans for a Joint Dark Energy Mission.  Directs the Administrator to develop a transition plan for federal and contractor personnel engaged in the Space Shuttle program.  Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a study to determine: (1) if any NASA research and development programs are unnecessarily duplicating aspects of programs of other federal agencies; and (2) if any such programs are neglecting any topics of national interest that are related to the mission of NASA. Directs the Administrator to transmit quarterly reports on the NASA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.  Prohibits NASA from contracting for the development phase of a major program unless the Administrator determines that certain risk management requirements are met. Bars the Administrator from delegating such determination requirement, except in cases in which the Administrator has a conflict of interest.  Requires the Administrator to transmit annual reports on each major program for which NASA proposes to spend funds on, the first of which such reports shall include a baseline report. Sets forth requirements for the notification and determination of: (1) the development cost of a major program that is likely to exceed the estimate provided in the baseline report for the program by thresholds of 15% or more; or (2) a program milestone that is likely to be delayed by six months or more. Establishes, in addition, requirements for programs when costs will exceed the lower of 30% or $1 billlion. (Sec. 104) Authorizes NASA to to award competitive cash prizes to stimulate innovation in research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to NASA space and aeronautics activities.  (Sec. 105) Prohibits NASA from: (1) launching a mission on a foreign launch vehicle, except in accordance with the Space Transportation Policy announced by the President on December 21, 2004; and (2) launching a mission on a foreign launch vehicle unless NASA commenced the interagency coordination required under such Policy at least 90 days before entering into a development contract for the mission. Prohibits the application of this section to any mission for which development has begun prior to enactment of this Act, including the James Webb Space Telescope.  (Sec. 106) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1968 to: (1) include coverage evaluating NASA's compliance with the return-to-flight and continue-to-fly recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board as part of the review of safety studies and operations plans by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel; (2) provide for the Panel to advise Congress (currently, just the Administrator); (3) require the Panel to advise Congress and the Administrator with respect to management and culture; and (4) require the Panel to submit annual reports, including in the first report an evaluation of NASA's safety management culture. Requires each annual report to include an evaluation of NASA's compliance with the recommendations of the Board.  (Sec. 107) Requires the Administrator to: (1) transmit an implementation plan describing NASA's approach for obtaining, implementing, and sharing lessons learned and best practices for its major programs and projects; and (2) provide incentives to encourage sharing and implementation of lessons learned and best practices by employees, projects, and programs, as well as penalties for programs and projects that have not demonstrated use of those resources.  (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator to develop a commercialization plan to: (1) support human missions to the Moon and Mars; (2) support low-Earth orbit activities and Earth science missions and applications; and (3) transfer science research and technology to society.  (Sec. 109) Directs the Administrator to conduct a feasibility study on the use of ground source heat pumps in future NASA facilities or substantial renovation of existing NASA facilities involving the installation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.  (Sec. 110) Expresses the sense of Congress that, in keeping with the President's Vision for Space Exploration, the Space Shuttle should return to flight as soon as a flight can be accomplished with an acceptable level of safety.  (Sec. 111) Requires the Administrator to transmit a plan describing steps to be taken by NASA to protect the employment status of NASA employees who raise or have raised concerns about a potentially catastrophic risk to health or safety.  Title II: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 201) Specifies a structure for NASA budget accounts.  (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations to NASA for FY2006-FY2007 for: (1) science, aeronautics, and education; (2) exploration systems; (3) space operations; and (4) the Office of Inspector General.  (Sec. 204) Instructs the Administrator to allocate at least 15% of the funds budgeted for ISS research to research that is not directly related to supporting the human exploration program.  (Sec. 205) Directs the Administrator to establish a policy of charging users of NASA's test facilities for the costs associated with their tests at a level that is competitive with alternative test facilities. Requires the establishment of a funding account that shall be used for all test facilities. (Sec. 211) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 to repeal cost limitations for the ISS. Title III: Science - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 301) Requires the performance of each discipline in the Science account of NASA to be reviewed and assessed by the National Academy of Sciences at five-year intervals. Requires the Administrator to transmit the results of any such review, actions taken by NASA in response to any such review, and findings and recommendations from any other relevant external reviews of NASA's science mission priorities and programs.  (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to a servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope. Requires the Administrator: (1) upon successful completion of the planned return-to-flight schedule of the Space Shuttle, to determine the schedule for a Space Shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble, unless such a mission would compromise astronaut safety; and (2) not later than 60 days after the landing of the second Space Shuttle mission for return-to-flight certification, to transmit a status report on plans for a Hubble servicing mission.  (Sec. 303) Directs the Administrator to seek an independent assessment of the costs as well as the technical, cost, and schedule risks associated with incorporating the Landsat instrument on the first National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) spacecraft versus undertaking a dedicated Landsat data "gap-filler" mission followed by the incorporation of the Landsat instrument on the second NPOESS spacecraft. (Sec. 304) Directs the Administrator to carry out annual termination reviews within each of the science disciplines to assess the costs and benefits of extending the date for terminating data collection for those missions which are beyond their primary goals. Specifies that assessments be carried out for the FAST, TIMED, Cluster, Wind, Geotail, Polar, TRACE, Ulysses, and Voyager missions.  (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator to carry out specified microgravity research activities. (Sec. 306) Directs the Administrator and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to appoint a Joint Working Group, which shall review and monitor missions of NASA and NOAA to ensure maximum coordination of the design, operation, and transition of missions. Requires such Administrators to transmit a report on how NASA and NOAA earth science programs will be coordinated.  Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the NOAA Administrator, to evaluate all NASA missions for their potential operational capabilities and to prepare transition plans for all existing and future Earth observing systems found to have such potential capabilities and all NOAA operational space-based systems. Bars the transfer of any NASA earth science mission or Earth observing system to NOAA until the transition plan has been approved and until financial resources have been identified to support the transition or transfer in the President's budget request for NOAA. Subtitle B: Remote Sensing - (Sec. 312) Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a grant program 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; and (2) an advisory committee to monitor such grant program.  (Sec. 315) Directs the Administrator to establish an educational out-reach program to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and state, local, regional, and tribal agencies of the potential applications of remote sensing and other geospatial information.  Subtitle C: George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey - (Sec. 321) George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act - Directs the Administrator to implement a Near-Earth object survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects (certain asteroids or comets) equal to greater than 100 meters in diameter in order to assess their threat to the Earth. Title IV: Aeronautics - Subtitle A: National Policy for Aeronautics Research and Development -  (Sec. 411) Declares a national policy for aeronautical research and development.  Subtitle B: NASA Aeronautics Breakthrough Research Initiatives- (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Administrator to establish an initiative for developing technologies to enable specified commercial aircraft performance characteristics. Directs the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council to conduct a study to identify and quantify new markets that would be created, as well as existing markets that would be expanded, by incorporating such technologies into future commercial aircraft.  (Sec. 422) Authorizes the Administrator to establish an initiative for developing technologies to enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft with specified the performance characteristics. (Sec. 423) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a rotorcraft and other runway-independent air vehicles initiative for developing technologies to enable significantly safer, quieter, and more environmentally compatible operation from a wider range of airports under a wider range of weather conditions than is presently the case. Subtitle C: Other NASA Aeronautics Research and Development Activities - (Sec. 431) Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term fundamental research in aeronautical sciences and technologies that is not tied to specific development projects. Requires the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council for an assessment of the Nation's future requirements for fundamental aeronautics research. (Sec. 432) Requires the Airspace Systems Research program to pursue research and development to enable modernization of the National Airspace System as well as to enable the introduction of new systems for vehicles that can take advantage of a modern air transportation system. Instructs the Administrator to align program projects so that they directly support the Joint Planning and Development Office's Next Generation Air Transportation System Integrated Plan.  (Sec. 433) Requires the Aviation Safety and Security Research program to pursue research and development activities that directly address the safety and security needs of the National Airspace System and the aircraft that fly in it.  (Sec. 434) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a zero-emissions aircraft research program for developing concepts to enable a hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft that would have no hydrocarbon or nitrogen oxide emissions into the environment.  (Sec. 435) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a Mars Aircraft project to develop concepts for an uncrewed aircraft that could operate in Mar's atmosphere.  (Sec. 436) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a hypersonics research program to explore the science and technology of hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion concepts. (Sec. 437) Directs the Administrator to establish a NASA aeronautics scholarship program.  (Sec. 438) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a collaborative research program with NOAA on convective weather events to significantly improve the reliability of two-hour to six-hour aviation weather forecasts.  (Sec. 439) Authorizes the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council for an assessment of federal wake turbulence research and development programs.  (Sec. 440) Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) to establish one or more centers to conduct research on the impact of new technologies and procedures, particularly those related to aeronautical navigation and control. Title V: Human Space Flight - (Sec. 501) Requires the Administrator to ensure that the ISS will be able to meet specified elements, capabilities, and configuration, including that it will be able to be used for diverse microgravity research.  Requires the transportation plan for supporting the ISS to: (1) include contingency options to support any potential period during which the Space Shuttle or its follow-on crew and cargo systems is unavailable; and (2) require sufficient surge delivery capability or prepositioning of supplies needed for any such hiatus. Requires the Administrator, before making any change in the ISS assembly sequence, to certify NASA's plan to meet the requirements of this section.  (Sec. 502) Directs the Administrator to: (1) construct an architecture and implementation plan for NASA's human exploration program; and (2) determine the priority of the potential elements of NASA's implementation plan for such program, including development of a Crew Exploration Vehicle (with a crew escape system) and a launch system for such Vehicle. (Sec. 503) Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to transmit an assessment of the milestones and estimated costs of the plans submitted under this Act for lunar missions.  Title VI: Other Program Areas - Subtitle A: Space and Flight Support - (Sec. 601) Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the heads of other federal agencies, to take steps to develop or acquire technologies that will enable NASA to decrease the risks associated with orbital debris.  (Sec. 602) Encourages the Administrator to provide the capabilities to support secondary payloads on U.S. launch vehicles for satellites or scientific payloads.  Subtitle B: Education - (Sec. 611) Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990 to include coverage to specified minority institutions under requirements for the award of prime and subcontracts by NASA to small businesses and disadvantaged individuals. (Sec. 612) Directs the Administrator to develop or expand programs to extend science and space educational outreach to rural communities and schools through videoconferencing, interpretive exhibits, teacher education, classroom presentations, and student field trips, and, in carrying out such programs, to give priority to existing programs: (1) that utilize community-based partnerships in the field; (2) that build and maintain video conference and exhibit capacity; (3) that travel directly to rural communities and serve low-income populations; and (4) with a special emphasis on increasing the number of women and minorities in science and engineering professions. (Sec. 613) Charles "Pete" Conrad Astronomy Awards Act - Directs NASA to establish the Charles "Pete" Conrad Astronomy Awards Program. Requires the Administrator to make an annual award under such program of: (1) $3,000 to the amateur astronomer or group of amateur astronomers who discovered the intrinsically brightest near-Earth asteroid among the Near-Earth asteroids that were discovered by such astronomers or groups; and (2) $3,000 to the amateur astronomer or group of amateur astronomers who made the greatest contribution to the mission of the Minor Planet Center of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to catalog near-Earth asteroids.  (Sec. 614) Directs the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council to evaluate NASA's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education program.  (Sec. 615) Requires the Administrator to submit a report on efforts to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to NASA's education programs. (Sec. 616) Allows the Administrator to provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, museums and planetariums to enable them to enhance programs related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, earth science, or microgravity. (Sec. 617) Requires: (1) the Administrator to transmit a report on the legal status of the Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology (MUST) program; and (2) if such program is in compliance with US laws, NASA to implement the program, as planned in the July 5, 2005, National Research Announcement. Title VII: Miscellaneous Amendments - (Sec. 701) Allows the Administrator to relinquish to a state all or part of US legislative jurisdiction over lands or interests under the Administrator's control in such state.  (Sec. 702) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to extend through December 31, 2010, the authority for the Administrator to provide liability insurance for, or indemnification to, the developer of an experimental aerospace vehicle developed or used in execution of an agreement between NASA and the developer. Permits the Administrator to extend such termination date to a date not later than September 30, 2015, if the Administrator has arranged with the National Academy of Public Administration to determine the impact on private parties and the federal government of eliminating such authority.  (Sec. 703) Repeals the four year limitation on the service obligation of recipients of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Science and Technology Scholarship. Modifies the formula for calculating the amount for which recipients shall be liable for if they breach their agreements. (Sec. 704) Amends the the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require the Administrator, before any funds may be obligated for implementation of a project that is projected to cost more than $150 million, to conduct and consider an independent life-cycle cost analysis and to report the results to Congress. Defines implementation. (Sec. 705) Prohibits, except as provided, a NASA activity or function that is converted to contractor performance under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 from being performed by the contractor or any subcontractor at a location outside of the United States. Prohibits, except as provided, a contract for the procurement of goods and services that is entered into by the Administrator from being performed outside the United States unless it is to meet a requirement of NASA for goods or services specifically outside the United States. Allows the President to waive such prohibition in the case of any contract for which: (1) it is necessary in US national security interests for goods or services under the contract to be performed outside the United States; or (2) essential goods or services under the contract are only available from a source outside the United States.  Bars applying the provisions of this section to the extent that they are inconsistent with US obligations under international agreements. Requires the Administrator to submit annual reports on the contracts performed overseas and amount of purchases by NASA from foreign entities.  Title VIII: Independent Commissions - Subtitle A: International Space Station Independent Safety Commission - (Sec. 811) Directs the President to establish an independent, nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to discover, assess, and report on, any vulnerabilities of the ISS that could lead to its destruction, compromise the health of its crew, or necessitate its premature abandonment.  Subtitle B: Human Space Flight Independent Investigation Commission - (Sec. 821) Directs the President to establish an independent, nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to investigate any incident that results in the loss of: (1) a Space Shuttle; (2) the ISS or its operational viability; (3) any other US space vehicle carrying humans; or (4) a crew member or passenger of any such space vehicle.  Subtitle C: Organization and Operation of Commissions - (Sec. 831) Sets forth provisions for the organization and operation of the Commissions established under this title.",2023-01-13T04:47:52Z,
109-s-1294,109,s,1294,Community Broadband Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-23,2005-06-23,"Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7298-7299)",Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,5,"Community Broadband Act of 2005 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prohibit any state statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from prohibiting any public provider from providing, to any person or public or private entity, advanced telecommunications capability or any service that utilizes such capability. Defines as a "public provider" any State or political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe, that provides telecommunications capability or any service that utilizes such capability.",2020-02-12T18:54:48Z,
109-hr-3032,109,hr,3032,TV Truth Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-22,2005-07-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.,House,"Rep. Green, Gene [D-TX-29]",TX,D,G000410,1,"TV Truth Act of 2005 - Makes it unlawful for a manufacturer to ship in interstate commerce an analog television unless there is displayed clearly and conspicuously, as a removable label on the screen of such television, a disclosure, in both English and Spanish, stating that such analog television will no longer receive a broadcast signal without additional equipment as early as December 31, 2006, when federal law will require broadcast television transmission to change from analog to digital service (with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) phone number for further information). Makes it unlawful for any distributor to sell at retail or rent such a television unless the distributor places adjacent to such television a sign containing such disclosure. Provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission.",2023-01-13T04:47:53Z,
109-hr-3039,109,hr,3039,"To enact title 51, United States Code, ""National and Commercial Space Programs"", as positive law.","Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-22,2005-06-23,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1322),House,"Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]",WI,R,S000244,1,Enacts title 51 of the United States Code into positive law to be entitled "National and Commercial Space Programs."  Makes conforming changes to existing law and repeals specified provisions of specified laws.,2023-01-13T04:47:53Z,
109-s-1281,109,s,1281,National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005,"Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-21,2005-12-30,Became Public Law No: 109-155.,Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,5,"National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 - Title I: General Principles and Reports - ( Sec. 101) Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that NASA carries out a balanced set of programs that include: (1) human space flight; (2) aeronautics research and development; and (3) scientific research.  Directs the Administrator to establish a program to develop a sustained human presence on the moon, including a robust precursor program, to promote exploration, science, commerce, and U.S. prominence in space, and as a stepping-stone to future exploration of Mars and other destinations. Authorizes the Administrator to develop and conduct appropriate international collaboration in pursuit of these goals. Requires the Administrator to manage human space flight programs to strive to achieve: (1) returning Americans to the moon by 2020; (2) launching the Crew Exploration Vehicle as close to 2010 as possible; (3) increasing knowledge of the impacts of long stays in space on the human body using the most appropriate facilities available, including the International Space Station (ISS); and (4) enabling humans to land on and return from Mars and other destinations.  Directs the President, through a designated official, to develop a national aeronautics policy to guide U.S. aeronautics research and development programs through 2020, which shall include: (1) national goals for aeronautics research and development and to describe the role and responsibilities of each federal agency that will carry out the policy; and (2) priority areas of research through FY2011. Requires the development of the policy to utilize external studies that have been conducted on the state of U.S. aeronautics and aviation research and development and that have suggested policies to ensure continued competitiveness.  Requires the Administrator, at the time the President's FY2007 budget is transmitted to Congress, to transmit a report on the proposed NASA aeronautics budget. Directs the Administrator to develop: (1) a plan to guide NASA science programs through 2016 which includes addressing plans for a human mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope; and (2) a plan for managing NASA's facilities through FY2015.  Directs the Administrator to develop a human capital strategy through FY2011 to ensure that NASA has an appropriate workforce to carry out NASA programs. Instructs NASA, under the strategy, to utilize current personnel, to the maximum extent feasible, in implementing the vision for space exploration and NASA's other programs. Requires NASA to provide a draft of the strategy to its federal employee unions for a 30-day consultation period. Prohibits NASA from implementing any Reduction in Force (RIF) or other involuntary separations (except for cause) prior to March 16, 2007.  Requires the Administrator to study whether any of NASA's centers should be operated by or with the private sector by converting a center to a federally funded research and development center or through any other mechanism.  Describes documents to accompany proposed NASA budgets submitted by the President. Expresses the sense of Congress that each U.S. budget submitted to Congress after enactment of this Act should be evaluated for compliance with the findings and priorities established by this Act and the amendments made by this Act. Requires NASA to make available: (1) information on corporate and center general and administrative costs and service pool costs; and (2) the figures on the amount of unobligated funds and unexpended funds, by appropriations account.  Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to commission an independent review of the nation's long-term strategic needs for aeronautics test facilities. Requires that such review take into consideration the results of a Department of Defense (DOD) study on DOD's plans to provide the required funding to pursue a development program for transition of hypersonic technologies to an integrated demonstration system that validates their affordability and effectiveness to support prompt global strike and assured space missions. Prohibits the Administrator from closing or mothballing any aeronautical test facilities identified in a specified 2003 independent assessment by the RAND Corporation as being part of the minimum set of those facilities necessary to retain and serve national needs, or any aeronautics simulators, that were in use as of January 1, 2004, subject to stated stipulations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to implement, by May 1, 2006, a national awareness campaign through various media to articulate missions, publicize recent accomplishments, and facilitate efforts to encourage young Americans to enter the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering to help maintain U.S. leadership in those fields. Directs the Administrator to transmit, by April 30, 2006, a report describing: (1) the expected cost of the Crew Exploration Vehicle through FY2020; and (2) the expected budgets for each fiscal year through FY2020 for human spaceflight, aeronautics, space science, and earth science.  Directs the Administrator to develop a plan for updating NASA's space communications architecture for both low Earth orbital operations and deep space exploration so that it is capable of meeting NASA's needs over the next 20 years. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the Department of Energy Office of Science to report on plans for a Joint Dark Energy Mission.  Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a study to determine: (1) if any NASA research and development programs are unnecessarily duplicating aspects of programs of other federal agencies; and (2) if any such programs are neglecting any topics of national interest that are related to the mission of NASA. Allows such Director to contract with a nongovernmental entity to conduct such study.  (Sec. 103) Prohibits NASA from contracting for the development phase of a major program unless the Administrator determines that certain risk management requirements are met. Bars the Administrator from delegating such determination requirement, except in cases in which the Administrator has a conflict of interest.  Requires the Administrator to transmit annually a report that includes specified information for each major program on which NASA proposes to spend funds. Requires an initial baseline report. Sets forth requirements for the notification and determination of: (1) the development cost of a major program that is likely to exceed the estimate provided in the baseline report for the program by thresholds of 15% or more; or (2) a program milestone that is likely to be delayed by six months or more. Establishes, in addition, requirements for programs when costs will exceed 30%.  (Sec. 104) Authorizes NASA to award competitive cash prizes to stimulate innovation in research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to NASA space and aeronautical activities.  (Sec. 105) Prohibits NASA from: (1) launching a payload on a foreign launch vehicle, except in accordance with the Space Transportation Policy announced by the President on December 21, 2004; and (2) launching a payload on a foreign launch vehicle unless NASA commenced the interagency coordination required by the Policy at least 90 days before entering into a development contract for the payload. States that the first prohibition in this section shall not be construed to prevent the President from waiving such Policy. Prohibits the application of this section to any payload for which development has begun prior to enactment of this Act, including the James Webb Space Telescope.  (Sec. 106) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1968 to: (1) include coverage evaluating NASA's compliance with the return-to-flight and continue-to-fly recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board as part of the review of safety studies and operations plans by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel; (2) provide for the Panel to advise Congress (currently, just the Administrator); (3) require the Panel to advise Congress and the Administrator with respect to management and culture related to safety; and (4) require the Panel to submit annual reports, including in the first report an evaluation of NASA's management and culture related to safety. Requires each annual report to include an evaluation of NASA's compliance with the recommendations of the Board through retirement of the Space Shuttle.  (Sec. 107) Requires the Administrator to: (1) transmit an implementation plan describing NASA's approach for obtaining, implementing, and sharing lessons learned and best practices for its major programs and projects; and (2) provide incentives to encourage sharing and implementation of lessons learned and best practices by employees, projects, and programs, as well as penalties for programs and projects that have not demonstrated use of those resources.  (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator to develop a commercialization plan to: (1) support human missions to the Moon and Mars; (2) support low-Earth orbit activities and Earth science missions and applications; and (3) transfer science research and technology to society. Requires such plan to emphasize the utilization by NASA of advancements made by the private sector in space launch and orbital hardware, and to include opportunities for innovative collaborations between NASA and the private sector.  (Sec. 109) Directs the Administrator to conduct a feasibility study on the use of ground source heat pumps in future NASA facilities or substantial renovation of existing NASA facilities involving the installation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.  (Sec. 111) Requires the Administrator to transmit a plan describing steps to be taken by NASA to protect from retaliation NASA employees who raise concerns about substantial and specific dangers to public health and safety or about substantial and specific factors that could threaten the success of a mission. Title II: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 201) Specifies a structure for NASA budget accounts. Allows the Administrator to transfer amounts among accounts for the immediate costs of recovering from damage caused by a major disaster or by an act of terrorism, or for the immediate costs associated with an emergency rescue of astronauts.  (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations to NASA for FY2007-FY2008 for: (1) science, aeronautics, and education; (2) exploration systems and space operations; and (3) the Office of Inspector General.  (Sec. 204) Instructs the Administrator to allocate at least 15% of the funds budgeted for ISS research to ground-based, free-flyer, and ISS life and microgravity science research that is not directly related to supporting the human exploration program.  (Sec. 205) Directs the Administrator to establish a policy of charging users of NASA's test facilities for the costs associated with their tests at a level that is competitive with alternative test facilities. Requires, in planning and budgeting, the establishment of a funding account that shall be used for all test facilities.  (Sec. 206) Sets a limit on the total amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act that may be used in any fiscal year for official reception and representation expenses.   (Sec. 207) Requires the Administrator to transmit a report providing the current expected development costs of the ISS and describing any changes to those costs that have occurred because of the grounding of the Space Shuttle after the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and because of implementation of full-cost accounting. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 to repeal, 30 days after transmittal of such report, cost limitations for the ISS.  Title III: Science - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 301) Requires the performance of each division in the Science directorate of NASA to be reviewed and assessed by the National Academy of Sciences at five-year intervals. (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to a servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope. Requires the Administrator: (1) upon successful completion of the planned return-to-flight schedule of the Space Shuttle, to determine the schedule for a Space Shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble, unless such a mission would compromise astronaut safety; and (2) not later than 60 days after the landing of the second Space Shuttle mission for return-to-flight certification, to transmit a status report on plans for a Hubble servicing mission.  (Sec. 303) Directs the Administrator to seek an independent assessment of the costs as well as the risks associated with incorporating the Landsat instrument on the first National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System spacecraft compared with undertaking various alternatives. Requires the Administrator, if NASA cancels such plans, to: (1) inform specified congressional committees of the cancellation; and (2) transmit a plan for undertaking a dedicated gap-filler mission or alternative means for ensuring the continuity of Landsat data, which shall include consideration of a low-cost constellation of small satellites.  (Sec. 304) Directs the Administrator to carry out biennial reviews within each of the science divisions to assess the costs and benefits of extending the date for terminating data collection for those missions that have exceeded their planned mission lifetime. Requires that assessments be carried out for the FAST, TIMED, Cluster, Wind, Geotail, Polar, TRACE, Ulysses, and Voyager missions.  (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit the research plan for NASA utilization of the ISS and the proposed final configuration of the ISS required by section 506 of this Act; and (2) carry out specified microgravity research activities.  (Sec. 306) Directs the Administrator and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to appoint a Joint Working Group, which shall review and monitor missions of NASA and NOAA to ensure maximum coordination of the design, operation, and transition of missions, where appropriate. Requires such Administrators to transmit annual reports on how NASA and NOAA earth science programs will be coordinated.  Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the NOAA Administrator and in consultation with other relevant agencies, to evaluate relevant NASA science missions for their potential operational capabilities and to prepare transition plans for the existing and future Earth observing systems found to have such potential capabilities. Bars the transfer of any NASA earth science mission or Earth observing system to NOAA until the plan has been approved and until financial resources have been identified to support the transition or transfer in the President's budget request for NOAA.  (Sec. 307) Directs the Administrator to review the policies, processes, and procedures (including the peer review process) in the planning and management of applications research and development implemented in 2001 to 2005 within the Headquarters Earth-Sun System Applied Sciences Program and former Earth Science Applications Program. Subtitle B: Remote Sensing - (Sec. 312) Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a sustained relationship with the U.S. commercial remote sensing industry and rely on their services; and (2) in conjunction with U.S. industry and universities, research, develop, and demonstrate prototype earth science applications to enhance federal, state, local, and tribal governments' use of government and commercial remote sensing data, technologies, and other sources of geospatial information for improved decision support to address their needs.   (Sec. 313) Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a grant program 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; and (2) an advisory committee to monitor such grant program.   (Sec. 316) Directs the Administrator to establish an educational out-reach program to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and state, local, regional, and tribal agencies of the potential applications of remote sensing and other geospatial information and awareness of the need for geospatial workforce development.  Subtitle C: George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey - (Sec. 321) George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act - Directs the Administrator to implement a Near-Earth object survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects (certain asteroids or comets) equal to or greater than 100 meters in diameter in order to assess their threat to the Earth.  Title IV: Aeronautics - Subtitle A: Governmental Interest in Aeronautics Research and Development - (Sec. 411) Declares that Congress reaffirms the national commitment to aeronautics research made in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. States that aeronautics research and development remains a core mission of NASA and that NASA is the lead agency for civil aeronautics research. Directs the U.S. government to promote aeronautics research and development that will expand the capacity, ensure the safety, and increase the efficiency of the nation's air transportation system, promote the security of the nation, protect the environment, and retain U.S. leadership in global aviation.  Subtitle B: High Priority Aeronautics Research and Development Programs - (Sec. 421) Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term fundamental research in aeronautical sciences and technologies. Requires the Administrator to conduct such program in part by awarding grants to institutions of higher education. Instructs the Administrator to encourage the participation of institutions of higher education located in states that participate in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Requires all grants to institutions of higher education under this section to be awarded through merit review.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) arrange with the National Research Council for an assessment of the nation's future requirements for fundamental aeronautics research and whether the nation will have a skilled workforce and research facilities commensurate with those requirements; and (2) transmit such assessment, along with NASA's response to it, to Congress.  (Sec. 422) Authorizes the Administrator to establish specified research and technology programs.  (Sec. 423) Requires the Airspace Systems Research program to pursue research and development to enable modernization of the National Airspace System, as well as to enable the introduction of new systems for vehicles that can take advantage of a modern air transportation system. Instructs the Administrator to align program projects so that they directly support the Joint Planning and Development Office's Next Generation Air Transportation System Integrated Plan.  (Sec. 424) Requires the Aviation Safety and Security Research program to pursue research and development activities that directly address the safety and security needs of the National Airspace System and the aircraft that fly in it. Directs the Administrator to align program projects so that they directly support the objectives of such Plan.  (Sec. 425) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a collaborative research program with NOAA on convective weather events to significantly improve the reliability of two-hour to six-hour aviation weather forecasts.  (Sec. 426) Directs the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council for an assessment of federal wake turbulence research and development programs.  (Sec. 427) Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more Centers for Research on Aviation Training under cooperative agreements with appropriate NASA Centers to investigate the impact of new technologies and procedures on training requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers.  Subtitle C: Scholarships - (Sec. 431) Directs the Administrator to establish a scholarship program for full-time graduate students who are U.S. citizens in accredited Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering or equivalent programs.  Subtitle D: Data Requests - (Sec. 441) Directs the Administrator to make available satellite imagery and aerial photography of remote terrain that NASA owns to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Director of the Five Star Medallion Program to assist and train pilots in navigating challenging topographical features of such terrain.  Title V: Human Space Flight - (Sec. 501) Declares that it is U.S. policy to possess the capability for human access to space on a continuous basis.  Directs the Administrator to transmit a report describing the progress being made toward developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Crew Launch Vehicle and the estimated time before they will demonstrate crewed, orbital spaceflight.  Requires the Administrator, if one year before the final planned flight of the Space Shuttle orbiter the United States has not demonstrated a replacement human space flight system and cannot uphold the policy described in this section, to transmit a report describing: (1) strategic risks to the United States associated with the failure to uphold such policy; (2) the estimated length of time during which the United States will not have its own human access to space; (3) what steps will be taken to shorten that length of time; and (4) what other means will be used to allow human access to space during that time.  (Sec. 502) Directs the Administrator to use the resources of the Space Shuttle program in developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle, Crew Launch Vehicle, and a heavy lift launch vehicle. Requires transmission of a plan describing how NASA will proceed with its human space flight programs. Directs the Administrator to develop a transition plan for any federal and contractor personnel engaged in the Space Shuttle program who can no longer be retained because of the retirement of the Space Shuttle. Requires the plan to include, among other things, assurances that there will be an appropriate complement of employees to allow for the safest possible use of the Space Shuttle through its final flight. (Sec. 503) Directs the Administrator to: (1) construct an architecture and implementation plan for NASA's human exploration program; (2) implement an exploration technology development program to enable lunar human and robotic operations, including the surface power to use on the moon and other locations; (3) conduct an in-situ resource utilization technology program to develop the capability to use space resources to increase independence from Earth, and sustain exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and (4) pursue aggressively automated rendezvous and docking capabilities that can support the ISS and other mission requirements.  (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Administrator to establish a ground-based analog capability in remote U.S. locations to assist in the development of lunar operations, life support, and in-situ resource utilization experience and capabilities.  (Sec. 505) Declares that it is U.S. policy to achieve diverse and growing utilization of, and benefits from, the ISS. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the ISS will be able to meet specified elements, capabilities, and configuration.  Instructs the Administrator to ensure that the ISS can have available, if needed, sufficient logistics and on-orbit capabilities to support a period during which the Space Shuttle or its follow-on crew and cargo systems are unavailable. Requires the Administrator, before making any change in the ISS assembly sequence, to transmit a plan to carry out such policy.  (Sec. 506) Directs the Administrator to: (1) carry out a program of microgravity research; (2) consider the need for a life sciences centrifuge and any associated holding facilities; and (3) transmit the research plan for NASA utilization of the ISS and the proposed final configuration of the ISS, which shall include specified elements.  (Sec. 507) Designates the U.S. segment of the ISS as a national laboratory in order to further the policy described in section 501 of this Act. Directs the Administrator to seek to increase the utilization of the ISS by other federal entities and the private sector. Allows the Administrator to contract with a nongovernmental entity to operate the ISS national laboratory. Requires transmittal of a plan describing how such national laboratory will operated.  Title VI: Other Program Areas - Subtitle A: Space and Flight Support - (Sec. 601) Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the heads of other federal agencies, to take steps to develop or acquire technologies that will enable NASA to decrease the risks associated with orbital debris.  (Sec. 602) Directs the Administrator to provide the capabilities to support secondary payload flight opportunities on U.S. launch vehicles, or free flyers, for satellites or scientific payloads weighing less than 500 kilograms.  Requires the Administrator to initiate a feasibility study for designating a National Free Flyer Launch Coordination Center to coordinate, consolidate, and integrate secondary launch capabilities, launch opportunities, and payloads. Sets forth study requirements. Subtitle B: Education - (Sec, 611) Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990 to include coverage of specified minority institutions under requirements for the award of prime and subcontracts by NASA to small businesses and disadvantaged individuals.  (Sec. 612) Directs the Administrator to develop or expand programs to extend science and space educational outreach to rural communities and schools through video conferencing, interpretive exhibits, teacher education, classroom presentations, and student field trips.  (Sec. 613) Charles "Pete" Conrad Astronomy Awards Act - Directs the Administrator to establish the Charles "Pete" Conrad Astronomy Awards Program. Requires the Administrator to make an annual award under such program of: (1) $3,000 to the amateur astronomer or group of amateur astronomers who discovered the intrinsically brightest near-Earth asteroid among the Near-Earth asteroids that were discovered by such astronomers or groups; and (2) $3,000 to the amateur astronomer or group of amateur astronomers who made the greatest contribution to the mission of the Minor Planet Center of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to catalog near-Earth asteroids.  (Sec. 614) Directs the Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council to evaluate NASA's precollege science, technology, and mathematics education program.  (Sec. 615) Requires the Administrator to submit a report on efforts to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to NASA's education programs. Sets forth report requirements. Directs the Administrator establish the Dr. Mae C. Jemison Grant Program to work with minority serving institutions to bring more women of color into the field of space and aeronautics.  (Sec. 616) Allows the Administrator to provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, museums and planetariums to enable them to enhance programs related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, earth science, or microgravity.  (Sec. 617) Requires: (1) the Administrator to transmit a report on the legal status of the Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology (MUST) program; and (2) if such program is in compliance with U.S. laws, NASA to implement the program, as planned in the July 5, 2005, NASA Research Announcement.  (Sec. 618) Instructs the Administrator, from amounts appropriated to NASA for education programs, to ensure continuation of the Space Grant Program, the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, and the NASA Explorer School program to motivate and develop the next generation of explorers.  (Sec. 619) Directs the Administrator to transmit a report describing action taken by NASA to implement the recommendations contained in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report No. 04-639. Requires the Administrator to conduct compliance reviews of at least two grantees annually in order to comply with title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  Subtitle C: Technology Transfer - (Sec. 621) Directs the Administrator to execute a commercial technology transfer program to facilitate the exchange services, products, and intellectual property between NASA and the private sector. Requires that this program place at least as much emphasis on encouraging the transfer of NASA technology to the private sector ("spinning out") as on encouraging use of private sector technology by NASA. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - (Sec. 701) Allows the Administrator to relinquish to a state all or part of U.S. legislative jurisdiction over lands or interests under the Administrator's control in such state.  (Sec. 702) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to extend through December 31, 2010, the authority for the Administrator to provide liability insurance for, or indemnification to, the developer of an experimental aerospace vehicle developed or used in execution of an agreement between NASA and the developer.  (Sec. 703) Repeals the four year limitation on the service obligation of recipients of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Science and Technology Scholarship. Modifies the formula for calculating the amount for which recipients shall be liable if they breach their agreements.  (Sec. 704) Amends the the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require the Administrator, before any funds may be obligated for implementation of a project that is projected to cost more than $250 million, to conduct and consider an independent life-cycle cost analysis and to report the results to Congress. Defines implementation.  (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Administrator, when there is an accident or mishap resulting in the death of a crewmember of a NASA human space flight vehicle, to take control over the crewmember's remains and order autopsies and other tests. Requires: (1) each crewmember to provide the Administrator with preferences regarding the treatment accorded his or her remains; and (2) the Administrator to respect those stated preferences. Prohibits anything in this section from being construed to permit the Administrator to interfere with any federal investigation of a mishap or accident.  (Sec. 706) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 to: (1) require semiannual reporting (currently, bimonthly, until October 1, 2006) on whether or not the Russians have performed work expected of them necessary to complete the International Space Station; (2) require each such report to identify each Russian entity or person to whom NASA has, since the date of enactment of the Iran Nonproliferation Amendments Act of 2005, made a payment in cash or in-kind for work to be performed or services to be rendered under the Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station, or any protocol, agreement, memorandum of understanding, or contract related thereto. Requires each report to include the specific purpose of each payment made to each entity or person identified in the report.  Amends the Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1992 to extend to 2010 the deadline for development of technologies for subsonic jet aircraft engines and airframes permitting a subsonic jet aircraft to operate at reduced noise levels.  Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 to repeal requirements concerning the engineering study of the modifications necessary for the more effective use of the WB-57 flight research plan.  (Sec. 707) Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Small Business Administration (SBA), to develop a plan to maximize the number and amount of contracts awarded to small business concerns and to meet established contracting goals for such concerns.  Requires the Administrator to establish, as a priority, meeting the contracting goals developed in conjunction with the SBA to maximize the amount of prime contracts awarded each fiscal year by NASA to small business concerns.  (Sec. 708) Requires the Administrator to develop a plan to better understand the longtitudinal health effects of space flight on humans. Instructs the Administrator to consider the need for the establishment of a lifetime healthcare program for NASA astronauts and their families or other methods to obtain needed health data from astronauts and retired astronauts.  (Sec. 709) Requires the Administrator to submit annual reports on the contracts and subcontracts performed overseas and amount of purchases directly or indirectly by NASA from foreign entities.  (Sec. 710) Requires GAO to transmit a review of NASA's enhanced use leasing pilot program. Requires, at a minimum, for such review to analyze: (1) the financial impact of the program; (2) the program's use and effectiveness; and (3) whether the arrangements made under the program would have been made in the absence of the program.  Subtitle B: National Science Foundation - (Sec. 721) Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue to collect statistically reliable data on the field of degree of college-educated individuals to fulfill obligations under the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 regarding submission by the National Science Board of its report on indicators of the state of science and engineering in the United States. Requires specified congressional committees to be informed if the Director of the NSF determines that there is a legal impediment to the continued collection of such data.  (Sec. 722) Requires the NSF Director to charge the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Advisory Committee with conducting a review of the astronomical facilities supported by NSF to determine the appropriate balance between supporting the operation of existing facilities and supporting the design, development, and eventual operation of new facilities. Instructs that such review recommend actions that would enable NSF to support priorities recommended in specified National Academy of Sciences reports. Requires the NSF Director to develop a plan to facilitate more thorough design and development of facilities that can be considered for funding through the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction account. Title VIII: Task Force and Commission - Subtitle A: International Space Station Independent Safety Task Force - (Sec. 801) Directs the Administrator to establish an independent task force to review that International Space Station program with the objective of discovering and assessing any vulnerabilities of the ISS that could lead to its destruction, compromise the health of its crew, or necessitate its premature abandonment.  Subtitle B: Human Space Flight Independent Investigation Commission - (Sec. 822) Directs the President to establish an independent, nonpartisan Commission to investigate any incident that results in the loss of: (1) a Space Shuttle; (2) the ISS or its operational viability; (3) any other U.S. space vehicle carrying humans; or (4) a crew member or passenger of any such space vehicle.",2023-03-24T16:27:29Z,
109-s-1282,109,s,1282,"A bill to amend the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to strike the privatization criteria for INTELSAT separated entities, remove certain restrictions on separated and successor entities to INTELSAT, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",2005-06-21,2005-07-12,Became Public Law No: 109-34.,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 title VI (Open-market Reorganization for the Betterment of International Telecommunications Act or ORBIT Act) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, concerning INTELSAT (a global satellite provider of voice, data, and Internet services) and Inmarsat (a global mobile satellite communications provider), to prohibit any successor entity or separated entity from having officers or managers who are officers or managers of any signatories. (Current law prohibits any successor entity or separated entity from having officers or managers who are officers or managers of any signatories or former signatories or who have any direct financial interest in or financial relationship to any signatories or former signatories, except that such interest may be managed through a blind trust or similar mechanism.) Strikes provsions that prohibited a separated entity from having officers or directors, who are either officers or managers of any intergovernmental organization or who have any direct financial interest in or financial relationship to any international organization, except that such interest may be managed through a blind trust or similar mechanism. Requires the United States to preserve the space segment capacity of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review competitive market conditions of domestic and international satellite communications services and include in an annual report an analysis of those conditions.",2022-02-03T05:28:26Z,