legislation

Congressional bills and resolutions from Congress.gov, filtered to policy areas relevant to environmental, health, agriculture, and wildlife regulation.

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3,035 rows where bill_type = "s" and congress = 108 sorted by introduced_date descending

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  • 108 · 3,035 ✖

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  • s · 3,035 ✖
bill_id congress bill_type bill_number title policy_area introduced_date ▲ latest_action_date latest_action_text origin_chamber sponsor_name sponsor_state sponsor_party sponsor_bioguide_id cosponsor_count summary_text update_date url
108-s-3033 108 s 3033 A bill for the relief of Ricardo F. Pedrotti. Private Legislation 2004-12-08 2004-12-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] SC R G000359 0 Declares Ricardo F. Pedrotti to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act upon payment of the required visa fees. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3034 108 s 3034 A bill for the relief of Susan Overton Huey. Private Legislation 2004-12-08 2004-12-08 Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12018; text as passed Senate: CR S12018) Senate Sen. Pryor, Mark L. [D-AR] AR D P000590 0 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Deems an annuity payable to Susan Overton Huey. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3035 108 s 3035 Oil Spill Prevention and Liability Act of 2004 Environmental Protection 2004-12-08 2004-12-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12069-12070) Senate Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] NJ D L000123 1 Oil Spill Prevention and Liability Act of 2004 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to double liability limits associated with oil spills for double-hull tank vessels, other vessels, offshore facilities (except deepwater ports), and onshore facilities and deepwater ports. Gradually phases out (over six years) liability limits for single-hull vessels. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish separate liability limits for the transportation of oil by vessel to deepwater ports. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations under which port owners or operators may request that the Secretary place restrictions on the entry of tank vessel shipments presenting a risk of severe harm to the environment, economy, or public safety of the port or port region. Requires single-hull tank vessels that are more than 15 years old to undergo annual inspections. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study assessing the total economic cost of oil spills, and the types of costs resulting from such spills, and to report the findings to Congress. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3029 108 s 3029 Retirement Security for Life Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11898-11899) Senate Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR] OR R S001142 1 Retirement Security for Life Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an exclusion from gross income for 50 percent of the amount otherwise includible in gross income as guaranteed payments from certain annuity or life insurance contracts. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $20,000 in any taxable year. Provides for an inflation adjustment of the $20,000 limitation beginning in 2006. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3030 108 s 3030 Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advocacy Act Commerce 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] FL D N000032 0 Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advocacy Act - Establishes within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) an Office of Consumer Advocacy and Outreach to protect minority consumers, disabled consumers, and other targeted consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Requires the head of the Office to: (1) assist law enforcement personnel in investigating unfair or deceptive acts or practices that affect such consumers and in increasing the amount of information available about such conduct through the Consumer Sentinel or equivalent database system; (2) provide such consumers with information regarding the detection of unfair or deceptive acts or practices; (3) administer a program permitting the anonymous reporting of information concerning unfair or deceptive acts or practices that affect such consumers; (4) carry out a program of monetary rewards for reports of such conduct if such reports result in civil penalties; and (5) carry out a public awareness campaign in Spanish. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3031 108 s 3031 ICARE Act International Affairs 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11901-11905) Senate Sen. Nickles, Don [R-OK] OK R N000102 3 Intercountry Adoption Reform Act of 2004 or ICARE Act - Establishes an Office of Intercountry Adoptions within the Department of State (DOS). Requires the President to appoint an Ambassador at Large to head the Office. Transfers to the Office all immigration functions with respect to intercountry adoptions currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant automatic U.S. citizenship to internationally adopted children upon entry of a full and final adoption decree (thus dispensing with the need for such children to obtain visas). Creates a new W nonimmigrant visa category for children traveling to the United States to be adopted by U.S. citizens. Allows adopted children age 18 or under to claim an exception to immunization requirements for purposes of admissibility (currently limited to those age 10 or under). Redefines the term "adoptable child." Requires U.S. citizen adoptive parents to obtain approval of an adoption petition prior to issuance of a W visa or a full and final adoption decree. Provides that such petitions are subject to the terms applicable to orphan petitions. Directs the Secretary of State to issue regulations: (1) establishing an expedited reapproval process for families whose prior approvals to adopt have expired; and (2) governing the appeal of petition denials. Requires the Office to determine whether a child is an adoptable child, pursuant to specified procedures, as a prerequisite to the issuance of a W visa or a full and final adoption decree. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for certain violations. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3032 108 s 3032 United States Court of Federal Claims Special Trial Judges Act of 2004 Law 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 1 United States Court of Federal Claims Special Trial Judges Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims special trial judges (currently, special masters) to conduct proceedings on petitions under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services' participation in such proceedings. Establishes an office of special trial judges within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Requires the judges of such court to appoint special trial judges, one of whom shall serve as chief special trial judge. Establishes guidelines for the conduct of proceedings on petitions. Authorizes review of special trial judge decisions by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and further appeal by the Secretary or an aggrieved petitioner to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reflect the above changes to the Program. Sets forth transition provisions for: (1) persons exempted from specified civil service programs by operation of this Act; and (2) persons currently serving as special masters. Establishes a retirement annuity system for special trial judges and addresses their participation in existing retirement programs. Amends the Federal judicial code, the Organic Act of Guam, the Act of November 8, 1977, and the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to include bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges in the definition of "judge" for purposes of Federal employees' life insurance benefits. 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z  
108-s-3021 108 s 3021 Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2004 Commerce 2004-11-20 2004-11-24 Message on Senate action sent to the House. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 4 Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2004 -Title I: Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention - Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention Act of 2004 or the ART Act - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the unauthorized, knowing use or attempted use of a video camera or similar device to transmit or make a copy of a motion picture or other copyrighted audiovisual work from a performance of such work in a movie theater. Sets forth penalties for such violations, which may include imprisonment for not more than three years for a first offense. Considers the possession of a recording device in a movie theater as evidence in any proceeding to determine whether that person committed such an offense, but shall not, by itself, be sufficient to support a conviction for such offense. Requires the court to order the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of all unauthorized copies of motion pictures or other copyrighted audiovisual works and any video camera or other equipment used in connection with the offense in addition to any other penalty. Authorizes, with reasonable cause, the owner, lessee, authorized agent, or employee of a movie theater to detain, in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time, any person suspected of committing such an offense for the purpose of questioning that person or summoning a law enforcement officer. Allows the victim of such an offense to submit a victim impact statement to the probation officer during the preparation of a presentence report. (Sec. 103) Establishes criminal penalties for willful copyright infringement by the distribution of a computer program, musical work, motion picture or other audiovisual work, or sound recording being prepared for commercial distribution by making it available on a computer network accessible to members of the public, if the person knew or should have known that the work was intended for commercial distribution. (Sec. 104) Directs the Register of Copyrights to issue regulations to establish procedures for preregistration of… 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3022 108 s 3022 Innovation Competitiveness Act of 2004 Science, Technology, Communications 2004-11-20 2004-11-20 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] AZ R M000303 0 Innovation Competitiveness Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a Technology Transfer Director within the Technology Administration to perform oversight and policy and development for technology transfer activities at the Department of Commerce. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate activities of the Interagency Working Group on Technolgy Transfer; (2) coordinate with certain technology partnership ombudsmans; and (3) establish procedures for coordinating the Commerce Department's technology transfer outreach activities between appropriate Federal agencies, including the National Technical Information Service and the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Directs the Secretary to establish a research program within the Technology Administration that: (1) involves consultation with the various units of the Commerce Department; (2) builds upon ongoing private sector efforts; and (3) involves consortia. Instructs the Director to work with industry, trade associations, professional societies, and others to: (1) develop improved technology transfer research tools and practices; and (2) conduct a specified study. Requires the Director to oversee a dissemination and technical assistance program for the immediate dissemination and implementation of the practices, standards, and codes developed by the Technology Administration. Directs the Secretary to designate a small business advocate within the Commerce Department to: (1) increase the participation of small business concerns; and (2) establish guidelines for a small business program under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a State and Industry Task Force to highlight areas where the Federal Government can help States to provide a complementary research and development environment. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3023 108 s 3023 Federal Death Care Inspection and Disclosure Act Commerce 2004-11-20 2004-11-20 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] CT D D000388 0 Federal Death Care Inspection and Disclosure Act - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Coordinator of Funeral, Burial, and Disposition Services, to: (1) survey existing State laws pertaining to the death care industry; and (2) formulate standards specifying the elements of an effective system for registering, inspecting, and monitoring the handling and disposition of human remains by funeral homes and other death care providers.Requires the Coordinator to: (1) award Federal assistance grants to State agencies that regulate death care providers; and (2) establish minimum standards and requirements governing State regulation of funeral homes and other death care providers.Sets forth deceptive trade practices, including funeral provider practices that: (1) fail to make timely price disclosures regarding funeral goods and services; (2) fail to give an itemized written statement for retention to a purchaser of funeral goods or funeral services at the conclusion of the discussion related to such goods and services and prior to providing any services beyond taking possession of a deceased human body for authorized embalming; (3) make specified misrepresentations; (4) condition goods and services upon the purchase of other goods and services; and (5) provide embalming services without prior approval.Prohibits unsolicited telephone offers or door-to-door direct offers to sell funeral goods, services, crematory services, interment rights, or other cemetery and memorialization goods and services.Sets forth consumer protections with respect to certain cash advance prohibitions and requirements, and preneed and prepaid funeral service transactions. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3024 108 s 3024 National Center for Transportation Solutions Act of 2004 Transportation and Public Works 2004-11-20 2004-11-20 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] CT D D000388 0 National Center for Transportation Solutions Act of 2004 - Establishes the National Center for Transportation Solutions, consisting of the National Center for Transportation Solutions Board and the Director of National Transportation Research. Directs the Center to develop and encourage the execution of a long-term national policy for the promotion of research and development related to multimodal transportation. Requires the Director to award grants to establish regional centers for transportation solutions located in each of four regions established by the Board for the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest regions of the United States. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3025 108 s 3025 Stop Trafficking of Persons Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-11-20 2004-11-20 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Senate Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] TX R C001056 0 Stop Trafficking of Persons Act of 2004 or STOP Act - Amends Federal law with respect to jurisdictional immunity of foreign states to include within the definition of "commercial activity" trafficking in human beings for sexual activity or other purposes. Amends the Violence Protection Act of 2000 to: (1) include a country's efforts to reduce international sex tourism within its borders among the criteria for determining whether a country is taking serious steps to eliminate trafficking in human beings; and (2) state that nothing in such Act shall be construed to require any federally-funded nongovernmental organization that investigates foreign trafficking activities to notify foreign governments or targets of such investigation's funding source. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3026 108 s 3026 A bill to support the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Government Operations and Politics 2004-11-20 2004-11-20 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11801-11802) Senate Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN] TN R F000439 3 Prohibits any Federal law, rule, or regulation from being construed to limit any Federal agency from providing any form of support to the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, including: (1) holding meetings, jamborees, camporees, or other scouting activities on Federal property if such organization has received permission from the appropriate Federal official responsible for such property; or (2) hosting or sponsoring any official event of such organization. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3027 108 s 3027 Microenterprise Results and Accountability Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-11-20 2004-11-24 Message on Senate action sent to the House. Senate Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] OH R D000294 8 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Microenterprise Results and Accountability Act of 2004 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal existing microenterprise development grant authority and reestablish and revise it as a separate title, title VI - Microenterprise Development Assistance. Authorizes microenterprise development grant assistance in developing countries for: (1) expanding credit, savings, and other financial services; (2) training, technical assistance, and business development services; (3) capacity-building; and (4) policy and regulatory programs at the country level that improve the environment for microenterprise institutions serving the poor and very poor. Establishes the Office of Microenterprise Development within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which shall provide assistance through: (1) partner organizations (obligates minimum fiscal year funding for such programs); and (2) direct central funding, including assistance to microenterprise and microfinance networks. Targets 50 percent of microenterprise assistance for very poor clients, with required use of such funds through September 30, 2006, for: (1) financial and credit services to very poor clients; and (2) demand-driven business development programs to clients holding poverty loans. Directs the Office to establish an assistance monitoring system which shall provide for: (1) performance goals and indicators; and (2) poverty assessment tools. Directs the Office by April 1, 2005, to develop and certify for use at least two poverty measurement methods for partner organization use, which shall be used by such organizations no later than October 1, 2006. Authorizes microenterprise development funds under any provision of law to be used to further the purposes of this title. (Sec. 4) Transfers to this title authority for the microenterprise and small enterprise development credit program. Authorizes… 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3028 108 s 3028 Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2004 Crime and Law Enforcement 2004-11-20 2004-12-01 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 1 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to authorize the Attorney General to allow any controlled substance that is in schedule I or II or that is a narcotic drug in schedule III or IV to be exported from the United States to a country (first country) for subsequent export to another country (second country) if: (1) both such countries are parties to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; (2) each of such countries has maintained an adequate system of substance import controls; (3) the substance is consigned to a holder of permits or licenses required under the first country's laws and a permit to import the substance has been issued; (4) substantial evidence that the substance is to be consigned to a permit holder as required under the second country's laws is furnished, a permit to import it is to be issued, the substance is to be applied exclusively to legitimate uses within that country, and it will not be re-exported; (5) within 30 days after export from the first country, the person who exported it from the United States certifies that re-export has occurred; and (6) the Attorney General has issued a permit to export the substance from the United States. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-12 108 s 12 Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 Law 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] IA R G000386 0 Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to specify the calculation of contingent and other attorney's fees in proposed class action settlements that provide for the award of coupons to class members. Prohibits a Federal district court from approving: (1) a proposed coupon settlement absent a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) a proposed settlement involving payments to class counsel that would result in a net monetary loss to class members, absent a finding that the loss is substantially outweighed by nonmonetary benefits; or (3) a proposed settlement that provides greater sums to some class members solely because they are closer geographically to the court. Specifies requirements for notices of proposed settlements. Grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is between citizens of different States, or citizens of a State and a foreign State or its citizens or subjects. Lists those factors pursuant to which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action, and specifies those circumstances in which a district court must decline jurisdiction. Sets forth provisions governing the removal of interstate class actions to Federal district court and the review on appeal of remand orders. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report on class action settlements, incorporating recommendations for best court practices to ensure fairness for class members and appropriate fees for counsel. 2023-01-14T22:48:31Z  
108-s-3008 108 s 3008 Wolf House Study Act of 2004 Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [D-AR] AR D L000035 0 Wolf House Study Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to: (1) study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf House located on Highway 5 in Norfolk, Arkansas, as a unit of the National Park System; and (2) consider management alternatives for the Wolf House. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3009 108 s 3009 National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2004 Agriculture and Food 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text of measure as introduced: CR 11/20/2004 S11642-11643) Senate Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO] MO R B000611 3 National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2004 - Establishes: (1) in the National Science Foundation a Division of Food and Agricultural Science, which shall be administered by a Director of Food and Agricultural Science; and (2) in the Division a Standing Council of Advisors. States that the Division's sole function shall be to award grants to promote complementary, fundamental agricultural research to: (1) individual scientists; (2) single and multi-institutional research centers; and (3) private and public sector entities, including the Department of Agriculture, the Foundation, or other Federal agencies. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3010 108 s 3010 Firefighters Special Operation Task Force Act Emergency Management 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] NY D S000148 0 Firefighters Special Operation Task Force Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to award grants to a task force (two or more fire services operating under a cooperative agreement to coordinate incident response within a geographic area) for: (1) salary and benefits to hire or rehire firefighting personnel to provide services to the task force; (2) expenses related to the participation of firefighting personnel in appropriate training courses offered by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Fire Academy, or a State or local fire academy; (3) training related to incident response; (4) appropriate equipment or support systems for task force members; or (5) improved communications between task force members and a local police department or hospital. Requires the Administrator, in selecting grantees, to give priority to task forces serving geographic areas within 50 miles of: (1) a nuclear power facility; (2) a large facility that produces, treats, or refines chemicals or petroleum products; (3) a business district of national significance; or (4) a location with one or more critical infrastructures. Requires grantees to provide non-Federal matching funds of at least 55 percent of the amount awarded by the Administrator for each fiscal year. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3011 108 s 3011 Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform and Rural Equity Act of 2004 Health 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Dayton, Mark [D-MN] MN D D000596 4 Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform and Rural Equity Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) revise ambulance payment rates; and (2) provide additional payments for providers furnishing ambulance services in rural areas. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the system for adjusting payments for rural ambulance services to determine their adequacy and appropriateness. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to a Secretary-specified uniform coding system identifying furnished ambulance services for purposes of a fee schedule. Directs the Secretary to establish a system or systems for the coding of claims for ambulance services for which payment is made, including a code set specifying the medical condition of the individual who is transported and the level of service that is appropriate for the transportation of an individual with that medical condition. Requires the code set to take into account the list of medical conditions developed in the course of the negotiated rulemaking process. (Current law authorizes the Secretary to require the claim for any ambulance services to include a code (or codes) under a uniform coding system specified by the Secretary, but does not require the establishment of such a coding system.) 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3012 108 s 3012 A bill to ensure a balanced survey of taxpayers in any system of precertification for the earned income tax credit. Taxation 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] CT D D000388 1 Prohibits more than five percent of the total participants in any system of precertification for the earned income tax credit from being residents of the same metropolitan statistical area. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3013 108 s 3013 National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act of 2004 Health 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Sen. Sessions, Jeff [R-AL] AL R S001141 2 National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award one-year grants to each approved State to establish or improve a State controlled substance monitoring program. Requires the Secretary to develop minimum standards for States to ensure security of information collected and to recommend penalties for the provision or use of information in violation of applicable laws or regulations. Requires each approved State to: (1) require dispensers to report to the State within one week of each dispensing of a controlled substance to an ultimate user or research subject; and (2) establish and maintain an electronic searchable database containing the information reported. Allows a State to provide information from the database in response to certain requests by practitioners, law enforcement, narcotics control, licensure, disciplinary, or program authorities, the controlled substance monitoring program of another State, and agents of the Department of Health and Human Services, State Medicaid programs, State health departments or the Drug Enforcement Administration. Requires the Secretary to: (1) specify a uniform electronic format for the reporting, sharing, and provision of information under this Act; and (2) study and report to Congress on such programs, including on interoperability between programs, the feasibility of a real-time electronic controlled substance monitoring program, privacy protections, and technological alternatives to centralized data storage. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3014 108 s 3014 Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 Environmental Protection 2004-11-19 2004-12-10 Became Public Law No: 108-456. Senate Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] ME R S000663 4 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Title I: Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 - Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to remove the President's authority to disestablish the Interagency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. Requires the Task Force, in developing its assessments, reports, and plans, to consult with the coastal States, Indian tribes, local governments, appropriate industries, academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in coastal zone science and management. (Sec. 103) Directs the President, in consultation with the chief executive officers of the States and other specified entities, to develop and submit to Congress a report that describes and evaluates the effectiveness of measures that may be utilized to protect the environment and public health from the impacts of harmful algal blooms. Requires a period of public comment prior to submission of the report. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to provide for local and regional scientific assessments of hypoxia and harmful algal blooms, as requested by States, Indian tribes, and local governments, or for affected areas as identified by the Secretary. Directs the Task Force to complete and submit to Congress scientific assessments of: (1) current knowledge about harmful algal blooms in freshwater, including a research plan for coordinating Federal efforts to better understand freshwater algal blooms; (2) hypoxia in U.S. coastal waters including the Great Lakes; and (3) harmful algal blooms in U.S. coastal waters. Requires the Task Force to develop and submit to Congress a plan providing for a comprehensive and coordinated national research program to develop and demonstrate prevention, control, and mitigation methods to reduce the impacts of harmful algal blooms on coastal… 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3015 108 s 3015 A bill for the relief of Fatuka Kaikumba Flake. Private Legislation 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Bayh, Evan [D-IN] IN D B001233 0 Declares Fatuka Kaikumba Flake to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3016 108 s 3016 Asia Freedom Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR 11/20/2004 S11644-11646) Senate Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] KY R M000355 1 Asia Freedom Act of 2004 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to North and South East Asia (as defined by this Act) for: (1) humanitarian needs; (2) democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; (3) independent media; (4) free market systems; (5) security; (6) social programs; (7) environment; (8) political opposition; (9) parliamentary exchanges; and (10) migration. Sets forth specified funding authorities, including funding for: (1) security assistance; (2) an institute for reform in Asia; (3) law enforcement; (4) promotion of competitive elections; (5) political transitions; and (6) Taiwan and the Republic of Korea. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny entry visas to public or private individuals who have impeded human rights, the rule of law, and economic freedom in North and South East Asia. Directs the Secretary of State to maintain a database of individuals who may be denied entry. Expresses the sense of Congress that any democracy fund established by the United Nations (UN) in response to the September 21, 2004, speech by President George W. Bush to the UN General Assembly should be known as the ``Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Democracy Fund." 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3017 108 s 3017 Swain County Settlement Act of 2004 Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Sen. Edwards, John [D-NC] NC D E000286 0 Swain County Settlement Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) offer to compensate Swain County, North Carolina, for a road along the north shore of the Fontana Resevoir not being built in an amount determined by the parties to a specified agreement dated July 30, 1943, taking into consideration the estimated cost of the proposed road; and (2) pay to the County the amount of compensation determined. Declares that acceptance by the County of such payment by the Secretary constitutes full settlement of the claims of the County against the United States, the Department of the Interior, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) under the agreement. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3018 108 s 3018 A bill to direct the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to submit semi-annual reports regarding settlements relating to false claims and fraud against the Federal Government. Law 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] IA R G000386 0 Amends the Inspector General Act to require the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Justice (DOJ), in preparing semiannual reports on the activities of the IG's office, to describe each settlement or compromise of any claim, suit, or other action entered into with the DOJ that: (1) related to an alleged violation of statutory provisions prohibiting major fraud or false claims against the United States; and (2) results from a claim of damages in excess of $500,000. Specifies the required elements of each such description. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3019 108 s 3019 Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] IA R G000386 1 Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Makes technical revisions and clerical corrections to specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including certain provisions related to: (1) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (2) the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004; (3) the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003; (4) the Trade Act of 2002; (5) the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001; and (6) the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Provides that such revisions and corrections shall take effect as if included in the original enactments to which they relate. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-3020 108 s 3020 Free Speech Protection Act of 2004 Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues 2004-11-19 2004-11-19 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 11/20/2004 S11648) Senate Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] CT D D000388 0 Free Speech Protection Act of 2004 - Prohibits judicial, legislative, or executive branch entities of the Federal Government with the power to issue subpoenas or provide other compulsory process from compelling any person who engages in news or information gathering for dissemination to the public (covered person) through the news media to disclose: (1) the source of news or information, or any information that would tend to identify the source, whether or not the source has been promised confidentiality; or (2) any news or information procurred while providing services to the news media that is not itself communicated to the news media. Extends this protection to supervisors, employers, or other persons assisting a covered person. Renders inadmissible in any Federal action, proceeding, or hearing news or information obtained in violation of this Act. Creates an exception from the prohibition on compelled disclosure for news or information not communicated to the news media if a court finds that the requesting party has established by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) disclosure is critical and necessary to the resolution of a significant legal issue; (2) the news or information could not be obtained by alternative means; and (3) there is an overriding public interest in disclosure. States that publication by the news media, or dissemination by a person while providing services for the news media, of a source of news or information shall not constitute a waiver of the protections provided by this Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z  
108-s-2995 108 s 2995 A bill to permanently extend the income tax deduction for college tuition expenses. Taxation 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11497) Senate Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] NY D S000148 2 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for college tuition expenses. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2996 108 s 2996 A bill to provide for an additional place of holding court in the northern district of New York, and for other purposes. Law 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] NY D S000148 0 Amends the Federal judicial code to add Plattsburgh, New York, to the list of places for holding court in the Northern District of New York. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2997 108 s 2997 FLU-VIA Health 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK] OK R I000024 0 Flu Vaccine Incentive Act of 2004 or FLU-VIA - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exempt contracts entered into by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the purchase of a pediatric influenza vaccine and other vaccines from certain price restrictions applicable to such contracts. Extends such exemption to any other Federal agency that purchases an influenza vaccine. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in influenza vaccine manufacturing facilities. Expresses the sense of the Senate supporting increased funding to develop new technologies for the production of influenza vaccines. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2998 108 s 2998 Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 Science, Technology, Communications 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK] OK R I000024 0 Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 - Amends Federal law concerning commercial space transportation to make such law applicable to space flight crews and space flight participants. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that only one license or permit is required from the Department of Transportation to conduct activities involving crew or space flight participants. Prohibits the Secretary from granting waivers that would permit launches without a license or permit if humans will be aboard. Allows the holder of a license or a permit to launch and reenter crews and space flight participants, but only as specified. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations requiring space flight participants to undergo physical examination prior to launch or reentry. Authorizes the Secretary to issue safety regulations governing launch vehicle design or operation. Provides for the issuance of experimental permits (including permits for reusable suborbital rockets) allowing for an unlimited number of launches. Permits suspension of licenses under which a previous launch or reentry resulted in serious or fatal injuries. Requires crew and space flight participants to execute reciprocal waivers of claims with licensees and permitees and the Federal government. Makes liability indemnification program requirements inapplicable to space flight participants. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a study of the liability risk sharing regime for commercial space transportation which assesses how the current system could be eliminated. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a report analyzing safety issues related to launching humans into space. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2999 108 s 2999 A bill for the relief of Heilit Martinez. Private Legislation 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 0 Declares Heilit Martinez to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3000 108 s 3000 Laotian Democracy Act Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Coleman, Norm [R-MN] MN R C001057 3 Laotian Democracy Act - Prohibits the U.S. Trade Representative from entering into a trade agreement obligating reciprocal most-favored-nation treatment between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the United States. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3001 108 s 3001 A bill entitled the "Hybrid HOV Access Act". Transportation and Public Works 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Senate Sen. Talent, Jim [R-MO] MO R T000024 0 Amends the Federal Aid Highways program to require a State agency with jurisdiction over the operation of a HOV facility to establish the occupancy requirements of vehicles operating on the facility. Requires such agency to permit motorcycles and bicycles to use the HOV facility. Permits a State agency to restrict use of the HOV facility by motorcycles or bicycles (or both) if it certifies to the Secretary of Transportation that such use would create a safety hazard. Prescribes guidelines under which a State agency may permit use of an HOV facility by: (1) public transportation vehicles and high occupancy toll vehicles; (2) inherently low-emission vehicles and low emission and energy-efficient vehicles; and (3) advanced lean burn technology vehicles. Permits tolls to be charged on a HOV facility on the Interstate System. Requires a State agency that allows low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use a HOV facility to certify to the Secretary that it will establish: (1) a continuous monitoring, assessment, and reporting program regarding the impacts such vehicles may have on the operation of the facility and adjacent highways; and (2) an enforcement program that ensures the facility is operated in accordance with this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection to issue a final rule establishing certification requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles and for advanced lean burn technology vehicles. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3002 108 s 3002 Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 Armed Forces and National Security 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Senate Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO] MO R B000611 2 Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to provide a support system for members of the Armed Forces who incur severe disabilities on or after September 11, 2001, including a system of advocacy and follow-up to assist those members to transition from military service to the civilian community. Requires the Secretary to designate an executive agent to carry out the program throughout the Department of Defense and, in cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, for members of the Coast Guard with severe disabilities. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3003 108 s 3003 Southern Nevada Limited Transition Area Act Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11499) Senate Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV] NV D R000146 1 Southern Nevada Limited Transition Area Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of Henderson, Nevada, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified Federal land in Henderson (the Transition Area). Permits the City, after conveyance, to sell any part or parts of the Transition Area for nonresidential development purposes, or to elect to retain parcels in the Transition Area for public recreation or other public purposes consistent with the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. Requires the City to: (1) plan and manage the Transition Area in accordance with Federal law and regulations relating to airport noise compatibility planning; and (2) agree that if any land in the Transition area is sold, leased, or otherwise conveyed by the City, the sale, lease, or conveyance shall contain a limitation to require uses compatible with that airport noise compatibility planning. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3004 108 s 3004 A bill to amend chapter 99 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that certain coal industry health benefits may not be modified or terminated. Labor and Employment 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV] WV D R000361 0 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit any court in a bankruptcy proceeding from terminating or modifying certain coal industry employee health benefits. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3005 108 s 3005 Rural and Part-time Firefighter Training Fairness Act Emergency Management 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11500) Senate Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI] MI D S000770 5 Rural and Part-time Firefighter Training Fairness Act - Authorizes the use of funds appropriated to the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness for grants to States and local governments to provide reasonable stipends to part-time and volunteer first responders not otherwise compensated for travel to or participation in terrorism response courses approved by the Office for Domestic Preparedness. States that such stipends shall not be considered compensation for purposes of rendering first responders employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3006 108 s 3006 HRIFA Improvement Act of 2004 Immigration 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] FL D G000352 0 HRIFA Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA) to require determinations regarding derivative status for the children of qualifying Haitians to be made using the age of the child as of October 21, 1998. Authorizes parents or guardians of children seeking derivative status to file an adjustment application on the child's behalf if the child is physically present in the United States on the date of filing. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to waive grounds of inadmissibility not specified in HRIFA for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when otherwise in the public interest, with the exception of those grounds related to controlled substances trafficking and certain security and related matters. Permits qualifying Haitians seeking benefits pursuant to this Act to file new status adjustment applications and motions to reopen. Extends to those who file the same protection from exclusion, deportation, removal, or enforcement of a voluntary departure order as currently applies to HRIFA beneficiaries. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-3007 108 s 3007 National Park Anniversaries--Great American Spaces Commemorative Coin Act Commemorations 2004-11-18 2004-11-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Senate Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] AK R S000888 1 National Parks Anniversaries-Great American Spaces Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue silver coins emblematic of certain National Parks that are observing historic anniversaries of their founding. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2988 108 s 2988 Long Term Care Quality and Consumer Information Improvement Act Health 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] OR D W000779 0 Long Term Care Quality and Consumer Information Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for payment adjustments for skilled nursing facilities based on quality data. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2989 108 s 2989 Truth in Trials Act Crime and Law Enforcement 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] IL D D000563 2 Truth in Trials Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish as an affirmative defense for any person facing prosecution or a proceeding for any marijuana-related offense that the marijuana-related activities in question were in compliance with State law regarding the medical use of marijuana. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2990 108 s 2990 A bill to reduce temporarily the duty on palm fatty acid distillate. Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] OH R D000294 0 Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to reduce, through December 31, 2007, the duty on palm fatty acid distillate. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2991 108 s 2991 New Shipper Review Amendment Act of 2004 Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Held at the desk. Senate Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS] MS R C000567 1 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) New Shipper Review Amendment Act of 2004 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to reviews by the administering authority to establish an individual weighted average dumping margin or an individual countervailing duty rate (as the case may be) for a new exporter or producer that: (1) did not export to the United States the merchandise that was the subject of an antidumping duty or countervailing duty order during the investigation period; and (2) was not affiliated with any exporter or producer who did. Suspends for three years the requirement that the administering authority direct the Customs Service to allow, at the option of the importer of such merchandise, the posting, until completion of the review, of a bond or security in lieu of a cash deposit for each entry of the subject merchandise (bonding privileges). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to report on: (1) recommendations concerning extension of the suspension period; and (2) assessments of the effectiveness of any administrative measures taken to address the difficulties giving rise to this Act, including problems collecting antidumping duties from new shippers, administrative burdens imposed on the Department of Commerce by new shipper reviews, and the use of the bonding privilege by importers from new shippers to circumvent the effect of antidumping duty orders. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2992 108 s 2992 Softwood Lumber Duties Liquidation Act of 2004 Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] MT D B000243 1 Requires the Department of Commerce to instruct the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to liquidate all unliquidated entries of certain softwood lumber from Canada: (1) subject to certain antidumping and countervailing duty orders as of May 22, 2004; and (2) entered into U.S. customs territory before Federal Register publication of a final binational panel decision or extraordinary challenge committee decision, to the extent the decision is not in harmony with specified Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission final determinations. Requires redistribution of such liquidated duties to eligible companies in accordance with the Tariff Act of 1930. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2993 108 s 2993 National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2004 Transportation and Public Works 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11432-11434) Senate Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] FL D G000352 1 National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand and facilitates economic growth. Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including such matters as: (1) the capacity of infrastructure improvements to sustain economic development; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public works improvements; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve facilities and the projected share of investment requirements and expenditures on infrastructure facility improvements by Federal, State, and local governments; and (5) estimates of the return to the economy from public works investment. Directs the Commission to develop recommendations regarding: (1) a Federal infrastructure plan that will detail national infrastructure program priorities; (2) public works improvements and methods of delivering and providing for public work facilities; (3) analysis or criteria and procedures that may be used by Federal agencies and State and local governments in inventorying existing and needed public works improvements, assessing the condition of improvements, and developing uniform criteria and procedures; and (4) proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting by Federal agencies of data regarding infrastructure improvements. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2994 108 s 2994 A bill to provide that funds received as universal service contributions under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 and the universal service support programs established pursuant thereto are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act, for a period of time. Science, Technology, Communications 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] ME R S000663 12 Makes Federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, to: (1) any amount collected or received as Federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2980 108 s 2980 Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Senate Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN] IN R L000504 0 Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2004 - Amends the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, respectively, to repeal specified restrictions on the use of Cooperative Threat Reduction program (program) funds and activities. Amends the the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 to modify authority to use program funds outside the former Soviet Union, including transferring such authority from the President to the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary of State to report on each country in which a program is being carried out, including its adherence to arms control and nonproliferation agreements. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2981 108 s 2981 Coventional Arms Threat Reduction Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Senate Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN] IN R L000504 0 Conventional Arms Threat Reduction Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of State to carry out an accelerated global program to secure or eliminate stocks of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), other conventional weapons, tactical missile systems, and related equipment and facilities that pose a proliferation threat. Establishes within the Department of State an Office of Conventional Arms Threat Reduction which shall formulate policy on conventional arms threat reduction and plan and administer arms reduction programs. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2982 108 s 2982 A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make a stillborn child an insurable dependent for purposes of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program. Armed Forces and National Security 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Senate Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] PA R S000059 0 Makes a stillborn child an insurable dependent under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Program for veterans and their survivors and dependents. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2983 108 s 2983 Medicare Hospice Demonstration Act of 2004 Health 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] OR D W000779 0 Medicare Hospice Demonstration Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish Hospice Demonstration Projects to increase the utility of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) hospice services for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries. Includes a supportive and comfort care benefit within such program. Requires the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in between three and six sites. Sets forth the criteria for selecting such sites, including geographic diversity and accessibility. Requires special rules for adjusting payment to any Medicare+Choice (SSA title XVIII part C) organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan to reflect an enrolled member's participation in such a project. Directs the Secretary to establish a Hospice Education Grant program under which the Secretary awards education grants to entities participating in the demonstration projects for the purpose of providing information about the Medicare hospice benefit and the benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries under the demonstration projects. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2984 108 s 2984 Palliative Care Training Act Health 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] OR D W000779 0 Palliative Care Training Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide Hospice and Palliative Care Academic Career Awards to individuals that: (1) are board certified or board eligible in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics and their subspecialties; (2) have completed an approved fellowship program or demonstrated specialized experience in palliative medicine; and (3) have a junior faculty appointment at an accredited school of medicine within an approved internship or residency program. Provides that the amount of such an Award shall be $75,000 for FY 2005 (to be adjusted for subsequent fiscal years to reflect the increase in Consumer Price Index) and the term shall not xceed five years. Requires an individual who receives an Award to provide training in hospice care and palliative medicine, which shall constitute at least 75 percent of the obligations of such individual under the terms of the Award. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2985 108 s 2985 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income the gain from the sale of a principal residence by certain employees of the intelligence community. Taxation 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV] WV D R000361 0 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employees of the intelligence community to exclude from their gross income the gain from the sale of their principal residences without regard to otherwise applicable five-year residential use and holding requirements. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2986 108 s 2986 A bill to amend title 31 of the United States Code to increase the public debt limit. Economics and Public Finance 2004-11-16 2004-11-19 Became Public Law No: 108-415. Senate Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN] TN R F000439 0 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Amends Federal law to increase the statutory limit on the public debt from $7.384 trillion to $8.184 trillion. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2987 108 s 2987 A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to expand the country of origin labeling for certain covered commodities, and for other purposes. Agriculture and Food 2004-11-16 2004-11-16 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senate Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT] MT R B001126 5 Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 with respect to country of origin labeling provisions to: (1) include as a covered commodity ground and muscle cuts of beef, lamb, and pork as a processed food ingredient; and (2) make country of origin provisions applicable to retail sales as of September 30, 2005. 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z  
108-s-2976 108 s 2976 A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to life the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices, and for other purposes. Health 2004-10-11 2004-12-01 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 3 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Controlled Substances Act to eliminate the 30-patient limit for medical practitioners in group practices that may dispense specified narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2977 108 s 2977 Protecting Our Communities by Making Returning Offenders Better Citizens Act of 2004 Crime and Law Enforcement 2004-10-11 2004-10-11 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11307-11309) Senate Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA] LA D L000550 0 Protecting Our Communities by Making Returning Offenders Better Citizens Act of 2004 - Establishes within the Department of Justice the Office of Community Services. Requires the Office Director to: (1) develop and administer grant programs to prepare incarcerated persons for reentry into the community or to assist reentering offenders in their transition; and (2) make grants to nongovernmental entities that have expertise in providing such services. Authorizes the Director to award a grant to an eligible organization to establish a National Offender Reentry Initiative Clearinghouse. Requires the Director to award grants: (1) to State or local corrections agencies to provide services to incarcerated persons, including education, substance abuse treatment, and vocational skills training; (2) to consortiums of such agencies and to State or local parole or probation agencies to provide services to incarcerated persons who have not more than one year remaining of their sentence or to released offenders within 18 months after release; (3) to parole and probation agencies to provide offenders with services to help with their transition; and (4) to correctional, parole, or probation agencies and nongovernmental entities for community protection programs. Directs the Bureau of Prisons to provide each offender released from Federal prisons information on how to restore voting rights and other civil and civic rights. Earmarks specified funds for research, technical assistance, and training. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2978 108 s 2978 A bill relating to State regulation of access to hunting and fishing. Sports and Recreation 2004-10-11 2004-10-11 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11310) Senate Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV] NV D R000146 6 Declares that: (1) the continued regulation of access to hunting and fishing by the States is in the public interest; and (2) silence on the part of Congress shall not be construed to impose any commerce clause barrier to State regulation of such activities. Requires access to hunting and fishing to be subject to State laws. States that no Act of Congress shall be construed to invalidate, impair, or supersede such State laws unless that Act specifically so provides. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2979 108 s 2979 Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 Law 2004-10-11 2004-11-16 Held at the desk. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 1 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 - Revises the purpose of the Administrative Conference of the United States to include: (1) promoting more effective public participation and efficiency in the rulemaking process; (2) reducing unnecessary litigation in the regulatory process; (3) improving the use of science in the regulatory process; and (4) improving the effectiveness of laws applicable to the regulatory process. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2007. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2974 108 s 2974 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act Health 2004-10-10 2004-10-10 Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11068-11087; text as passed Senate: CR S11068-11084; text of measure as introduced: CR S11091-11107) Senate Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] OH R D000294 2 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Title I: Authority of the Food and Drug Administration - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to provide for the regulation of tobacco products by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Defines a tobacco product as any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption. Prohibits a tobacco product from being marketed in combination with any other article or product regulated under FFDCA. Requires the Secretary to regulate tobacco products. Excludes from FDA authority: (1) the tobacco leaf that is not in the possession of a tobacco product manufacturer; (2) the producers of the tobacco leaf, unless the producer is also a manufacturer; and (3) tobacco farms. Deems a tobacco product to be adulterated if: (1) it contains any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is contaminated by any added poisonous or deleterious substance that may render the product injurious to health; (2) it has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions; (3) its package is composed of any poisonous or deleterious substance; (4) it fails to meet specified tobacco product standards; (5) it does not have required pre-market approval or violates the order approving the application; (6) it fails to meet other applicable requirements or conditions on manufacturing, packing, or storage; or (7) it fails to conform to requirements for modified risk tobacco products. Deems a tobacco product to be misbranded if: (1) its labeling, packaging, or advertising contains any false or misleading information; (2) its label or advertising fails to contain all required information displayed prominently and conspicuously, including its established name, manufacturer, and contents and adequate directions and warnings; (3) it was manufactured, prepared, or proce… 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2975 108 s 2975 A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify regulations relating to overtime compensation. Labor and Employment 2004-10-10 2004-10-10 Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11068-11087; text as passed Senate: CR S11084; text of measure as introduced: CR S11107) Senate Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] IA D H000206 1 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to nullify the force or effect of any portion of a specified final rule promulgated on April 23, 2004, that exempts any employee from overtime pay provisions who would not otherwise be exempt if regulations in effect on March 31, 2003, remained in effect. Provides for the following to remain in effect: (1) that portion of the regulations in effect on March 31, 2003, that would prevent such an employee from being exempt; and (2) the increased salary level eligibility for overtime pay in the final rule promulgated on April 23, 2004. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2969 108 s 2969 Fair Gift Card Act Finance and Financial Sector 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10986-10987) Senate Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] NY D S000148 0 Fair Gift Card Act - States it is unlawful for any person to impose a dormancy fee, inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee with respect to a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card. Exempts from this prohibition any such charge or fee if: (1) the certificate or card has a remaining value of $5 or less at the time the charge or fee is assessed; (2) the charge or fee does not exceed $1; (3) there has been no activity with respect to the certificate or card for at least the last 24 months; (4) the holder of the certificate or the card may reload or add value to the certificate or the card; and (5) specified charge or fee disclosure requirements have been met. Declares it is unlawful to sell or issue a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card that is subject to an expiration date unless the date is not less than five years from the date the card is purchased and the expiration terms are prominently disclosed in specified font size and in all capital letters. States that a violation of this Act shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2970 108 s 2970 A bill to redesignate the project for navigation, Saco River, Maine, as an anchorage area. Water Resources Development 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Senate Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] ME R S000663 0 Redesignates a portion of the project for navigation, Saco River, Maine, as an anchorage area. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2971 108 s 2971 Education Savings for Students Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] WA D C000127 0 Education Savings for Students Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2972 108 s 2972 College Savings Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] WA D C000127 0 The College Savings Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000; and (2) allow a tax deduction up to $5,000 for contributions to an education savings account. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2973 108 s 2973 Preservation of Federalism in Banking Act Finance and Financial Sector 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10989) Senate Sen. Corzine, Jon S. [D-NJ] NJ D C001042 5 Preservation of Federalism in Banking Act - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to set forth State law preemption standards for national banks and their subsidiaries. Declares that any State: (1) consumer law of general application (including any law relating to unfair or deceptive acts or practices and any consumer fraud law) shall also apply to any national bank; and (2) law applicable to State banks shall also apply to any national bank if it was enacted pursuant to, or consistent with, Federal law permitting the States to exceed or supplement Federal law requirements. Prohibits construction of Federal law governing visitorial powers, or otherwise limiting or restricting the supervisory, examination, or regulatory authority to which any national bank is subject, as limiting or restricting the authority of a State attorney general to enforce: (1) any applicable Federal or State law; or (2) on behalf of residents of such State, any applicable provision of any Federal or State law against a national bank, or seek relief and recover damages for such residents from any violation of any such law by any national bank. Prohibits construction of Federal law governing nondepository institution subsidiaries of national banks as preempting the applicability of State law to any State-chartered nondepository institution subsidiary of a national bank, except to the extent the preemption is explicitly provided by an Act of Congress. Directs the Comptroller of the Currency to record and monitor each complaint received from a consumer regarding a national bank or any subsidiary of a national bank as well as the resolution of the complaint. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2943 108 s 2943 A bill to convert certain temporary judgeships to permanent judgeships, to create an additional judgeship for the district of Nebraska, and for other purposes. Law 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] CA D F000062 5 Requires the conversion from temporary to permanent status the existing district judgeships for the eastern district of California, the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, and the eastern district of Missouri. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2944 108 s 2944 A bill to provide that no funds may be expended by the United States Trade Representative to negotiate data exclusivity provisions for certain pharmaceutical products. Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10848) Senate Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] OR D W000779 0 Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise obligated to the U.S. Trade Representative from being expended to negotiate data exclusivity provisions with any country with respect to public health pharmaceutical products or to require actions of another country which interfere with a country's access to such products. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2945 108 s 2945 No Guns for Felons Act Crime and Law Enforcement 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10848) Senate Sen. Corzine, Jon S. [D-NJ] NJ D C001042 1 No Guns for Felons Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to limit the applicability of provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing firearms to apply for and obtain relief from federally imposed disabilities comprising such prohibition. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, upon granting such relief, to include in the information to be published in the Federal Register: (1) the name of the person; (2) the disability with respect to which the relief is granted; and (3) if the disability was imposed by reason of a criminal conviction, the crime for which and the court in which the person was convicted. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2946 108 s 2946 Small Business Growth Act Taxation 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Bayh, Evan [D-IN] IN D B001233 0 Small Business Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small business employers a business tax credit for a percentage of the amount paid for employee health insurance expenses and for employee training expenses. Directs the Internal Revenue Service to implement an educational program to ensure awareness of the tax credit for employee health insurance expenses. Authorizes appropriations for general business loans under the Small Business Act for FY 2005 through 2007. Provides for an inflation adjustment for authorized loan amounts after FY 2007. Establishes new limits for individual small business loans. Extends until taxable year 2008 provisions allowing an increased tax deduction (up to $100,000) for small business assets in the year such assets are placed in service. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2947 108 s 2947 Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Act Taxation 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10849-10850) Senate Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] HI D A000069 2 Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that advance payments of the earned income tax credit are not transferable or assignable or subject to the claims of any creditors, except outstanding claims of the Federal Government. Prohibits: (1) the collection of a debt from a debtor's Federal tax refund by means of a refund anticipation loan; and (2) mandatory arbitration as a condition of providing a refund anticipation loan. Terminates the Department of Treasury Debt Indicator Program. Excludes tax returns that have been filed subject to a refund anticipation loan from any determination of whether goals for electronic filing of tax returns have been met. Allows earned income tax credit benefits to be paid through electronic transfer accounts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) develop and implement a program to encourage the greater use of the advance earned income tax credit; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with federally insured depository institutions to provide low- and moderate-income taxpayers with the option of establishing low-cost direct deposit accounts using appropriate tax forms. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2948 108 s 2948 Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004 Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senate Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] VT D L000174 1 Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange any right, title, and interest of the United States in and to five specified parcels of National Forest System land in Vermont. Directs the Secretary to offer to convey such land to Bromley Mountain Ski Resort, Inc. Makes sale proceeds available for: (1) the location and relocation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long National Recreation Trail in Vermont; (2) the acquisition of land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of Green Mountain National Forest; (3) the acquisition of wetland within the boundary of the Forest to offset the loss of wetland from the parcels sold or exchanged; and (4) the payment of direct administrative costs incurred in carrying out this Act. Allows the Secretary, using funds made available as described above or otherwise made available for acquisition, to acquire land or an interest in land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of the Forest. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2949 108 s 2949 A bill to amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to reauthorize the Act, and for other purposes. Energy 2004-10-08 2004-10-09 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 789. Senate Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT] VT I J000072 17 Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for: (1) home energy grants; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non-federal resources. 2022-02-03T05:37:09Z  
108-s-2950 108 s 2950 A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments to States under the medicaid program for redispensing prescription drugs. Health 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10850-10851) Senate Sen. Corzine, Jon S. [D-NJ] NJ D C001042 1 Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments to States under the Medicaid program for redispensing prescription drugs, other than in accordance with guidance of the Secretary of Health and Human Services that: (1) specifies the circumstances under which redispensing of a prescribed drug shall be permissible; and (2) allows for a reasonable restocking fee that takes into account the costs of inspection and inventory processes for redispensing. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2951 108 s 2951 A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land held in trust for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah to the City of Richfield, Utah, and for other purposes. Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Senate Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] UT R H000338 0 Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified land held by the United States in trust for the Paiute Indian tribe of Utah to the city of Richfield, Utah, subject to specified conditions. Makes part of the tribe's reservation any land acquired in trust for the tribe after February 17, 1984, and before enactment of this Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2952 108 s 2952 Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act Transportation and Public Works 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] AZ R M000303 1 Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to establish, and replace the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) with, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), which shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes in RITA an Office of Intermodalism. Transfers the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to RITA. Establishes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in the Department of Transportation (DOT), headed by an Administrator with professional experience in pipeline safety, hazardous materials safety, or other transportation safety, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Director of the Office of Intermodalism to develop a plan to improve the national intermodal transportation system. Revises sanitary food transportation requirements to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures for transportation safety inspections in order to identify suspected incidents of contamination or adulteration of food, meat, and poultry products and to train DOT personnel in the appropriate use of the procedures. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to notify the Secretaries of HHS and of Agriculture of instances of potential food contamination or adulteration of a food identified during transportation safety inspections. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to require shippers, motor vehicle or rail vehicle carriers, receivers, and other persons engaged in the transportation of food to use sanitary transportation practices prescribed by the Secretary of HHS to avoid the adulteration of food. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2953 108 s 2953 Coordinated Environmental Health Network Act of 2004 Health 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10852-10855) Senate Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] NY D C001041 2 Coordinated Environmental Health Network Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and operate the Coordinated Environmental Health Network (the Network), including by: (1) identifying, expanding, and coordinating among existing Federal public health and environmental infrastructure; (2) providing for public access to an electronic national database on the incidence and prevalence of specified priority chronic conditions and relevant environmental and other factors; (3) operating a National Environmental Health Rapid Response Service to develop strategies to rapidly respond to, and conduct investigations of, higher than expected incidence and prevalence rates of priority chronic conditions and environmental exposures; (4) awarding grants to States, local governments, territories, and Indian tribes to establish, maintain, and operate State Environmental Health Networks; (5) developing minimum standards and procedures for data collection and reporting for State Networks, including mechanisms for allowing States to set priorities and allocate resources accordingly; (6) establishing an Advisory Committee for the Network; (7) awarding John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships to eligible students who are enrolled in an accredited school of public health or medicine; and (8) entering into a cooperative agreement with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to train and place applied epidemiology fellows in State and local health departments. Allows the Secretary to award grants to accredited schools or programs of public health to establish, maintain, and operate Centers of Excellence for research and demonstration with respect to chronic conditions and relevant environmental factors, which may include investigating causal connections between chronic conditions and environmental factors. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2954 108 s 2954 Utah Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2004 Public Lands and Natural Resources 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Sen. Bennett, Robert F. [R-UT] UT R B000382 1 Utah Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified Federal land to the State of Utah in exchange for specified non-Federal land in the Colorado River corridor in Grand County, and in the vicinity of Dinosaur National Monument and the Book Cliffs area in Uintah County, Utah. Sets forth provisions regarding the administration of non-Federal land after the exchange, including mineral revenues, grazing permits, and hazardous materials. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2955 108 s 2955 Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR] OR R S001142 1 Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts up to $50,000 attributable to the discharge of certain residential mortgage obligations. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2956 108 s 2956 Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 Armed Forces and National Security 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Senate Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO] MO R B000611 2 Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to provide a support system for members of the Armed Forces who incur severe disabilities on or after September 11, 2001, including a system of advocacy and follow-up to assist those members to transition from military service to the civilian community. Requires the Secretary to designate an executive agent to carry out the program throughout the Department of Defense and, in cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, for members of the Coast Guard with severe disabilities. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2957 108 s 2957 Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 International Affairs 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Senate Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] AZ R K000352 2 Ukraine Democracy and Fair Elections Act of 2004 - States that Congress expresses its: (1) support for democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine; (2) support for the integration of Ukraine into the European community of democracies; and (3) grave concern over the murders and disappearances of independent journalists in Ukraine. Directs the President to apply specified entry, asset seizure, and investment sanctions to Ukraine until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Ukraine has: (1) implemented free and transparent elections for president and Parliament; (2) stopped harassment and repression against the media, independent trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and the political opposition; and (3) stopped politically motivated legal charges against opposition figures and independent journalists. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if: (1) in the national interest; or (2) a new president is elected in Ukraine in 2004 who has corrected election abuses. 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z  
108-s-2958 108 s 2958 Little Butte/Bear Creek Subbasins Water Feasibility Act Water Resources Development 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Sen. Smith, Gordon H. [R-OR] OR R S001142 1 Little Butte/Bear Creek Subbasins Water Feasibility Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct the Water for Irrigation, Streams and the Economy Project water management feasibility study and environmental impact statement in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement Between City of Medford and Bureau of Reclamation for the Water for Irrigation, Streams and the Economy Project, dated July 2, 2004. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2959 108 s 2959 Influenza Preparation and Vaccination Act Health 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Sen. Dayton, Mark [D-MN] MN D D000596 0 Influenza Preparation and Vaccination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that a health care facility must ensure that health care workers employed by, or providing services at, their facility are vaccinated for influenza in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) award grants to eligible entities to conduct research and development to ensure an adequate supply of influenza vaccine; and (2) purchase from such entity any unused vaccines that were the subject of the grant. Allows the Secretary to provide loans to State and local health departments to ensure the stability of their infrastructures by assisting in providing for a continuation of health services by department personnel. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2960 108 s 2960 Rush Hour Congestion Relief Act of 2004 Transportation and Public Works 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10857) Senate Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] FL D G000352 0 Rush Hour Congestion Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal-Aid Highways Program to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a traffic incident management program to assist States and localities in: (1) regional traffic incident management program planning; and (2) carrying out projects to mitigate the effects of traffic delays resulting from accidents, breakdowns, and other non-recurring incidents on highways. Prohibits funds apportioned under this Act from being obligated for an urbanized area with a population greater than 300,000 until such time as a regional traffic incident management plan is developed for the urbanized area. Requires an urbanized area that receives funds under this Act to engage in certain regional collaboration and coordination activities to develop a prescribed regional traffic incident management plan. Prescribes an apportionment formula for funds distribution among the States to implement this Act. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2961 108 s 2961 Qualified Personal Service Corporations Clarification Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Brownback, Sam [R-KS] KS R B000953 1 Qualified Personal Service Corporations Clarification Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the criteria for determining whether a corporation is a qualified personal service corporation. Includes within the definition of qualified personal service corporation a qualifying corporation substantially all of whose stock is held by certain former employees (thus permitting such corporation to use the cash method of accounting). 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2962 108 s 2962 Outsourcing Information Act of 2004 Foreign Trade and International Finance 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Senate Sen. Dayton, Mark [D-MN] MN D D000596 0 Outsourcing Information Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement a system for the collection and reporting of comprehensive information on the foreign operations of U.S. corporations and the foreign investments of certain covered individuals. Requires each U.S. corporation and covered individual to submit such required information to the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a U.S. corporation or covered individual to submit the information if it is readily available to the Secretary from another source. Sets forth civil penalties for non-compliance. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2963 108 s 2963 Local Control of Broadcast Towers Act Science, Technology, Communications 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10858-10859) Senate Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] VT D L000174 2 Local Control of Broadcast Towers Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from adopting a final rule or otherwise implementing any portion of a proposed rule regarding the preemption of State and local zoning and land use restrictions on the siting, placement, and construction of broadcast station transmission facilities. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow a State or local government to deny an application to place, construct, or modify such facilities on the basis that alternative technologies, systems, or structures are capable of delivering such services in a manner less intrusive to the local community. Places the burden of proving the appropriateness of proposed facilities on applicants. Allows a State or local government to regulate the location, height, or modification of such facilities in order to address the effects of radio frequency interference on local communities and the public.Prohibits the Act from being interpreted to prohibit a State or local government from requiring environmental or other studies, reports, or documentation concerning the placement, construction, or modification of such facilities. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2964 108 s 2964 Local Control of Cellular Towers Act Science, Technology, Communications 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10859-10860) Senate Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] VT D L000174 2 Local Control of Cellular Towers Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal the prohibition against a State or local government regulating the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with emission regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).Requires, in any action in which a person is seeking to place, construct, or modify such a facility, that person to bear the burden of proof, regardless of who commences the action.Prohibits the FCC from adopting a final rule or otherwise implementing any portion of a proposed FCC rule regarding relief from State and local regulation of such facilities.Allows a State or local government to deny an application to place, construct, or modify such facilities on the basis that alternative technologies, systems, or structures are capable of delivering such services in a manner less intrusive to the local community. Requires the burden of proving the appropriateness of proposed facilities to be the applicant's.Allows a State or local government to regulate the location, height, or modification of such facilities in order to address the effects of radio frequency interference on local communities and the public.Prohibits the Act from being interpreted to prohibit a State or local government from requiring environmental or other studies, reports, or documentation concerning the placement, construction, or modification of such facilities. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2965 108 s 2965 A bill to amend the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 to modify the termination date for mandatory price reporting. Agriculture and Food 2004-10-08 2004-12-03 Became Public Law No: 108-444. Senate Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS] MS R C000567 1 (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 to extend the termination date of such Act's mandatory beef and swine reporting and related authorities to September 30, 2005. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2966 108 s 2966 Child Protection and Home Safety Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10860) Senate Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] ID R C000858 3 Child Protection and Home Safety Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for up to 25 percent of the cost of a qualified residential gun safe. Defines "qualified residential gun safe" as a container not intended for the display of firearms which is specifically designed to store or safeguard firearms from unauthorized access and which meets established performance standards. Limits the amount of such credit to $250. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2967 108 s 2967 Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004 Science, Technology, Communications 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] ME R S000663 1 Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2968 108 s 2968 Emergency Flu Response Act of 2004 Health 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10861-10863) Senate Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI] RI D R000122 14 Emergency Flu Response Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to immediately declare the shortage of the influenza vaccine to be a public health emergency justifying an authorization of the use of unapproved products. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consult with certain foreign countries to assess the availability of excess vaccines; (2) determine whether such vaccines meet the criteria for emergency authorization; (3) purchase, import, and distribute such vaccines; (4) award a grant to each State to develop and implement a plan to respond to the current shortage; and (5) establish a program to purchase and redistribute excess doses for administration to individuals in priority areas. Requires the head of each executive agency and the Attending Physician of the Capitol to ensure that vaccines are administered only to employees in priority groups and to provide the Secretary with any excess doses for redistribution. Allows the Secretary to purchase any approved drug to treat influenza for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct clinical trials to determine whether a diluted influenza vaccine is effective in priority groups. Establishes the National Quarantine Compensation Program to pay individuals subject to a State or Federal quarantine order an amount equal to lost wages. Prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against such individuals. Allows the Secretary, upon determining that measures taken under this Act have not been effective, to: (1) take additional measures necessary to protect the public health; and (2) require manufacturers or anyone in possession of the vaccine to sell their supply to the Federal Government. 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z  
108-s-2910 108 s 2910 Safe Food Act of 2004 Agriculture and Food 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senate Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] IL D D000563 0 Safe Food Act of 2004 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration. Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research r… 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  
108-s-2911 108 s 2911 Medicare Competitive Acquisition Improvement Act of 2004 Health 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Senate Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] FL D G000352 0 Medicare Competitive Acquisition Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Moderization Act of 2003, to revise requirements for the phase-in among competitive acquisition areas of Medicare programs for acquisition of competitvely priced items and services. Prescribes a phase-in schedule from FY 2005 through 2007 (currently from FY 2007 through 2009). Revises the conditions for awarding a competitive acquisition contract to require an entity to have an active National Supplier Clearinghouse identification number and comply with specified additional requirements, including all Federal and State licensure and regulatory requirements. Requires such entity also not to have been suspended within the 12 months preceding its bid for billing for items or services not furnished. 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  
108-s-2912 108 s 2912 Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2004 Education 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Sen. Nelson, Ben [D-NE] NE D N000180 0 Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) eligible entities to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as full-service community schools; and (2) State collaboratives to support development of full-service community school programs. Requires such schools to: (1) participate in community-based efforts to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and (2) provide access to such services to students, families, and the community. Gives local grant priority to entities that: (1) will serve at least one school eligible for schoolwide programs under specified provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and more than one full-service community school as part of a community or districtwide strategy; and (2) demonstrate a record of effectiveness in integrating at least three of various qualified services. Establishes a Full-Service Community Schools Advisory Committee. 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  
108-s-2913 108 s 2913 Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act Labor and Employment 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10706) Senate Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] WI D F000061 0 Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require the Secretary of Labor to establish and carry out a health professions training demonstration project that awards grants to eligible entities to train certain unemployed workers from the manufacturing or service sector for employment as health care professionals in communities with manufacturing and service sector job loss, health professional shortages, or health services shortages, or those designated as a medically underserved community. 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  
108-s-2914 108 s 2914 Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 Taxation 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10708-10713) Senate Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD] MD D M000702 0 Common Sense Automobile Efficiency Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the phaseouts of the tax credit for qualified electric vehicles and of the tax deduction for clean-fuel vehicles. Allows a tax credit for investment in certain alternative motor vehicles, including fuel cell vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, hybrid motor vehicles, and alternative fuel motor vehicles. Sets forth formulae for determining the amount of such credit based on various factors, including vehicle weight and fuel efficiency ratings. Allows a tax-exempt cooperative organization to elect to apportion amounts of the small ethanol producer tax credit among its patrons on a pro rata basis. Increases from 30 to 60 million gallons the maximum productive capacity allowed to eligible small ethanol producers for purposes of qualifying for the tax credit. Allows a tax credit for biodiesel used as fuel. Allows a tax credit against the gasoline excise tax for alcohol fuel and biodiesel mixtures. Excludes from the export exemption from certain excise taxes the delivery of a taxable fuel into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle which is shipped or driven outside of the United States. 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  
108-s-2915 108 s 2915 A bill to reauthorize programs under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) through September 30, 2005. Commerce 2004-10-07 2004-10-07 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Senate Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] ME R S000663 1 Amends the Small Business Act to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z  

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CREATE TABLE legislation (
    bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
    congress INTEGER,
    bill_type TEXT,
    bill_number INTEGER,
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    latest_action_date TEXT,
    latest_action_text TEXT,
    origin_chamber TEXT,
    sponsor_name TEXT,
    sponsor_state TEXT,
    sponsor_party TEXT,
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);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);