legislation
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202 rows where congress = 109 and policy_area = "Law" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| 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 |
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| 109-hr-6390 | 109 | hr | 6390 | Parents' Empowerment Act | Law | 2006-12-06 | 2006-12-06 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Hunter, Duncan [R-CA-52] | CA | R | H000981 | 0 | Parents' Empowerment Act - Authorizes a minor, through a person acting on his or her behalf under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to bring a civil action in U.S. district court for compensatory and punitive damages for the knowing sale or distribution in interstate or foreign commerce of an entertainment product containing material harmful to minors, if: (1) a reasonable person would expect a substantial number of minors to be exposed to the material; and (2) the minor as a result of such exposure is likely to suffer personal or emotional injury or injury to mental or moral welfare.Makes it an affirmative defense to such an action that: (1) a parent or guardian of the minor owned or possessed the entertainment product containing the material to which the minor was exposed; and (2) an act of that parent or guardian was the proximate cause of the minor’s exposure. | 2019-11-15T21:34:12Z | |
| 109-hr-6371 | 109 | hr | 6371 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2005 | Law | 2006-12-05 | 2006-12-05 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8] | NY | D | N000002 | 0 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2005 (sic) - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to declare that a patient has a privilege with respect to any evidence consisting of a confidential communication or record made in the course of medical treatment by a duly licensed health care provider. Authorizes a court to order the disclosure of such a communication or record to the extent the court determines that the public interest in disclosure significantly outweighs the patient's privacy interests. Requires the court to ensure that personally identifiable information is redacted and that the patient's communications and records remain under seal. | 2019-11-15T21:34:11Z | |
| 109-hr-6320 | 109 | hr | 6320 | To create an additional judgeship for the eastern district of California, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-11-13 | 2006-11-13 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | T000188 | 0 | Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the eastern district of California. | 2023-01-12T17:51:59Z | |
| 109-hr-6246 | 109 | hr | 6246 | Physicians and Taxpayers Protection from Frivolous Litigation Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-09-28 | 2006-10-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman . | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 0 | Physicians and Taxpayers Protection from Frivolous Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions regulating federal lawsuits for health care liability claims or actions concerning the provision of health care services or medical products pursuant to any federal program. Allows any such health care lawsuit brought in a state court to be removed to a federal court. Gives the U.S. district court jurisdiction over any health care lawsuit. Requires the court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Sets a statute of limitations for commencing such a health care lawsuit in federal court of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury such person knew the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards. | 2023-01-12T17:52:14Z | |
| 109-hr-6157 | 109 | hr | 6157 | Sons and Daughters of America Act | Law | 2006-09-21 | 2006-09-21 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Tiahrt, Todd [R-KS-4] | KS | R | T000260 | 8 | Sons and Daughters of America Act - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to provide that the remedies for a civil action for deprivation of rights are limited to injunctive and declaratory relief where the deprivation: (1) consists of a violation of the right to freedom of speech secured by the Constitution; and (2) is the result of a statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage which prohibits or restricts picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at a funeral or any other ceremony, procession, or memorial service held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead. Prohibits the award of attorney's fees with respect to the prevailing party in such a claim, including one in any action brought against the United States or any federal agency or official acting in his or her official capacity in any court. | 2023-01-12T17:52:17Z | |
| 109-s-3923 | 109 | s | 3923 | A bill to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges. | Law | 2006-09-21 | 2006-09-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Establishes a pilot program in certain U.S. district courts under which: (1) those district judges who request to hear cases involving patent or plant variety protection issues are designated by the chief judge to hear them; (2) such cases are randomly assigned to the district court judges, regardless of whether they are designated; (3) a judge not designated to whom such a case is assigned may decline to accept the case; and (4) a case so declined is randomly reassigned to one of those judges so designated. | 2023-01-12T17:52:05Z | |
| 109-hr-6101 | 109 | hr | 6101 | Legal Services Corporation Improvement Act | Law | 2006-09-19 | 2006-09-26 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Cannon, Chris [R-UT-3] | UT | R | C000116 | 0 | Legal Services Corporation Improvement Act - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to give the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) the power to appoint and remove an LSC Inspector General in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978. Allows the Inspector General to be removed at any time upon the written concurrence of at least nine members of the Board. | 2023-01-12T17:52:19Z | |
| 109-hr-6081 | 109 | hr | 6081 | Federal Engineering Accountability Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-09-14 | 2006-09-15 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Jefferson, William J. [D-LA-2] | LA | D | J000070 | 0 | Federal Engineering Accountability Act of 2006 - Provides that an action may be brought only in federal court for actual, not punitive, damages against the Army Corps of Engineers for its failure or negligence to design, construct, or maintain a project, adversely impacted in a major disaster, for which the Corps is legally responsible. Establishes the Federal Engineering Accountability Commission to determine the Corps' failure or negligence after such a disaster and to report to the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Homeland Security. Permits such an action for injury, loss of property, personal injury, or death to proceed only if a claimant can demonstrate that: (1) the Corps admitted that it failed or was negligent; or (2) the Commission determines that the Corps failed or was negligent. | 2023-01-12T17:52:19Z | |
| 109-hconres-472 | 109 | hconres | 472 | Recognizing the independence of the courts of the United States. | Law | 2006-09-13 | 2006-09-13 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13] | CA | D | S000810 | 1 | Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Congress hereby commits itself to exercise additional restraint regarding the passage of bills that limit the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States; and (2) these courts should continue to adjudicate cases alleging conflicts between Acts of Congress and the Constitution of the United States. | 2023-01-12T17:52:23Z | |
| 109-s-3891 | 109 | s | 3891 | James Zadroga Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-09-12 | 2006-09-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9367) | Senate | Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] | NJ | D | M000639 | 3 | James Zadroga Act of 2006 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (Fund), part of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, to extend the current December 22, 2003, deadline for filing claims under the Fund for five years following enactment of this Act if the Special Master determines that the individual: (1) was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the deadline and before enactment of this Act; (2) was unaware of his or her eligibility to file a claim until after December 22, 2003; (3) suffered psychological harm as a result of the crashes; or (4) in the case of an individual who had previously filed a claim, suffered a significantly greater physical harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed, but did not know its full extent until after the claim was filed and before enactment of this Act. Allows the filing of a claim also during the five years after the individual first knew that he or she had suffered physical or psychological harm as the result of such crashes, if he or she did not know that until on or after enactment of this Act. Extends the same five-year filing allowance to anyone who did not know the full extent of the harm suffered until on or after the enactment of this Act, even though he or she had previously filed a claim and had suffered a significantly greater physical or psychological harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed. Waives the single claim requirement in such circumstances. Makes a claimant eligible for compensation based on the psychological harm suffered as a result of the crashes. Defines "immediate aftermath" for compensation eligibility purposes as any period of time after the crashes that was sufficiently close in time to them that there was a demonstrable risk to the claimant of resulting physical or psychological harm, including the period of time during which related … | 2023-01-12T17:52:06Z | |
| 109-hr-6045 | 109 | hr | 6045 | James Zadroga Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-09-07 | 2006-09-07 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-14] | NY | D | M000087 | 15 | James Zadroga Act of 2006 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (Fund), part of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, to extend the current December 22, 2003, deadline for filing claims under the Fund for five years following enactment of this Act if the Special Master determines that the individual: (1) was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the deadline and before enactment of this Act; (2) was unaware of his or her eligibility to file a claim until after December 22, 2003; (3) suffered psychological harm as a result of the crashes; or (4) in the case of an individual who had previously filed a claim, suffered a significantly greater physical harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed, but did not know its full extent until after the claim was filed and before enactment of this Act. Allows the filing of a claim also during the five years after the individual first knew that he or she had suffered physical or psychological harm as the result of such crashes, if he or she did not know that until on or after enactment of this Act. Extends the same five-year filing allowance to anyone who did not know the full extent of the harm suffered until on or after the enactment of this Act, even though he or she had previously filed a claim and had suffered a significantly greater physical or psychological harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed. Waives the single claim requirement in such circumstances. Makes a claimant eligible for compensation based on the psychological harm suffered as a result of the crashes. Defines "immediate aftermath" for compensation eligibility purposes as any period of time after the crashes that was sufficiently close in time to them that there was a demonstrable risk to the claimant of resulting physical or psychological harm, including the period of time during which related … | 2023-01-12T17:52:20Z | |
| 109-s-3773 | 109 | s | 3773 | A bill to increase the number of Federal judgeships, in accordance with recommendations by the Judicial Conference, in districts that have an extraordinarily high immigration caseload. | Law | 2006-08-02 | 2006-08-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8612) | Senate | Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] | NM | R | D000407 | 2 | Directs the President to appoint additional district court judges to carry out the 2005 recommendations of the Judicial Conference of the United States for district courts in which criminal immigration filings totaled more than 50% of all criminal filings for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2004. | 2023-01-12T17:52:25Z | |
| 109-hr-5974 | 109 | hr | 5974 | To amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 and the Legal Services Corporation Act to provide appropriate removal procedures for the Inspector General of the Legal Services Corporation, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-07-28 | 2006-07-28 | Referred to the Committee on Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. | House | Rep. Cannon, Chris [R-UT-3] | UT | R | C000116 | 0 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act and the Inspector General Act of 1978 to grant the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) power to appoint and remove an LSC Inspector General. Allows the Inspector General to be removed at any time upon the written concurrence of at least nine members of the Board. | 2023-01-12T17:52:33Z | |
| 109-s-3734 | 109 | s | 3734 | Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2005 | Law | 2006-07-26 | 2006-07-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8273-8274) | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends the federal judicial code to allow a civil action transferred for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings (multidistrict litigation) to be transferred to the transferee or other district for trial purposes in the interest of justice and for the convenience of the parties and witnesses. Requires that any such action transferred for trial purposes be remanded to the district court from which it was transferred for the determination of compensatory damages, unless the court determines the same justification applies to retaining the action for damages determination. Authorizes the transferee court to retain actions transferred, for the determination of liability and punitive damages, when jurisdiction is or could have been based on the Multiparty, Multiforum Trial Jurisdiction Act of 2002 (which grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action involving minimal diversity between adverse parties that arises from a single accident, where at least 75 natural persons have died in the accident at a discrete location). Requires that an action retained for the determination of liability be remanded to the district court from which the action was transferred, or to the state court from which the action was removed, for the determination of damages, other than punitive damages, unless the court finds that the action should be retained for the determination of such damages for the convenience of parties and witnesses and in the interest of justice. | 2023-01-12T17:52:27Z | |
| 109-hres-916 | 109 | hres | 916 | Impeaching Manuel L. Real, judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, for high crimes and misdemeanors. | Law | 2006-07-17 | 2006-09-21 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Impeaches Manuel L. Real, judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, for high crimes and misdemeanors. | 2023-01-12T17:52:31Z | |
| 109-hr-5739 | 109 | hr | 5739 | We the People Act | Law | 2006-06-29 | 2006-06-29 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 6 | We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on any judicial decision involving: (1) state or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws. Allows the Supreme Court and the federal courts to determine the constitutionality of federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states.Authorizes any party or intervener in matters before any federal court, including the Supreme Court, to challenge the jurisdiction of the court under this Act. Declares that the violation of this Act by any justice or judge is an impeachable offense and a material breach of good behavior subject to removal. Negates as binding precedent on the state courts any federal court decision that relates to an issue removed from federal jurisdiction by this Act. | 2023-01-13T04:50:45Z | |
| 109-hres-883 | 109 | hres | 883 | Urging every Representative Member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to read, ponder, and reflect upon the principles of the United States Constitution on Constitution Day. | Law | 2006-06-21 | 2006-06-27 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4668-4669) | House | Rep. Conaway, K. Michael [R-TX-11] | TX | R | C001062 | 0 | Declares that the House of Representatives urges every Member, officer, and employee of the House to read, ponder, and reflect upon the principles of the U.S.Constitution on Constitution Day. | 2023-01-12T17:51:56Z | |
| 109-hjres-89 | 109 | hjres | 89 | Requiring the President to notify Congress if the President makes a determination to ignore a duly enacted provision of law, establishing expedited procedures for the consideration of legislation in the House of Representatives in response to such a determination, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 9 | Requires the President to report to: (1) Congress on his determination (as indicated in a statement made at the time of enactment or otherwise) to ignore a provision of any duly enacted law, including his reasons for making such determination; and (2) the congressional intelligence committees if that determination is based upon classified material. Directs the President to do the same regarding such a determination for each law enacted before enactment of this Act for the 107th through the 109th Congresses. Prescribes expedited procedures in the House of Representatives for legislation in response to such determinations. Requires the General Counsel of the House, at the request of a Member of the House, to prepare a report describing legal actions which may be brought to challenge the President's refusal to carry out any duly enacted provision of law. | 2023-01-13T04:50:51Z | |
| 109-hr-5582 | 109 | hr | 5582 | Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act | Law | 2006-06-12 | 2006-06-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12] | CA | D | L000090 | 0 | Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act - Requires any Federal agency or person that owns, licenses, or collects personal information data following the discovery of a breach its personal data security system, or upon receiving notice of a system breach, to notify (as specified) the individual whose information was obtained by an unauthorized person. Requires any agency or person possessing, but not owning or licensing such data, to notify the information owner or licensee of an unauthorized acquisition. Excepts agencies from notification requirements for national security and law enforcement purposes and requires Congress to be immediately notified when such exceptions are made. Sets forth enforcement provisions. | 2023-01-13T04:50:49Z | |
| 109-hr-5528 | 109 | hr | 5528 | Pornography Jurisdiction Limitation Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-06-06 | 2006-06-06 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Cannon, Chris [R-UT-3] | UT | R | C000116 | 1 | The Pornography Jurisdiction Limitation Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide a question of whether a state pornography law imposes a constitutionally invalid restriction on the freedom of expression. Provides that a decision of a federal court, to the extent the decision relates to such a question, is not binding precedent on a state court. | 2023-01-13T04:50:51Z | |
| 109-hr-5532 | 109 | hr | 5532 | Peremptory Challenge Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-06-06 | 2006-06-06 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Lungren, Daniel E. [R-CA-3] | CA | R | L000517 | 3 | Peremptory Challenge Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to require: (1) reassignment to another appropriate judicial officer of any civil or criminal case to be tried in a federal district court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or a bankruptcy court if all parties on one side file a reassignment request within 20 days (with certain exceptions) after initial assignment of a judicial officer; and (2) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit in which the case is to be tried, or another judge designated by the chief judge, to determine any question arising as to which parties should be grouped together as a side for such purpose. | 2023-01-13T04:50:51Z | |
| 109-hr-5535 | 109 | hr | 5535 | Prevention of Civil RICO Abuse Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-06-06 | 2006-07-19 | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 8. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 1 | Prevention of Civil RICO Abuse Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prevent any foreign governmental entity from filing suit to recover treble damages under civil remedies provisions of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). | 2023-01-13T04:50:51Z | |
| 109-s-3274 | 109 | s | 3274 | FAIR Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-26 | 2006-06-07 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-594. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 5 | Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2006 or the FAIR Act of 2006 - Establishes in the Department of Labor the Office of Asbestos Disease Compensation (Office), to be headed by an Administrator who is responsible for processing claims for asbestos-related illnesses and paying compensation to eligible claimants. Declares that the purpose of such Office is to provide timely, fair compensation to claimants whose health has been adversely affected by exposure to asbestos, on a no-fault basis and in a nonadversarial manner. Stays any asbestos claim pending in a state or federal court on the date of enactment of this Act, unless the presentation of evidence has begun before a jury or judge, or a verdict, final order, or final judgment has been entered by a trial court. Sets forth: (1) procedures for the filing of claims, including those for multiple injuries and additional awards; and (2) allowable award amounts for asbestos disease, based upon the level of such disease and whether a claimant smokes or has smoked tobacco products. Establishes: (1) the Asbestos Insurers Commission (Commission) to determine the amount each insurer participant is required to pay into the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund; and (2) the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund to pay asbestos-related injury claims. Directs the Administrator to establish programs for individuals exposed to asbestos as well as for individuals at risk for developing asbestos-related medical conditions. Establishes the National Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program for the detection, prevention, treatment, and cure of malignant mesothelioma. Vests in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction to review, under expedited consideration, any rules or regulations promulgated under this Act by the Administrator or the Commission. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and establish penalties for fraud and false information in connection with Fund claims. Amends the Occupational Safety and Health… | 2022-02-03T05:26:13Z | |
| 109-hjres-87 | 109 | hjres | 87 | Requiring the President to notify Congress if the President makes a determination at the time of signing a bill into law to ignore a duly enacted provision of such newly enacted law, establishing expedited procedures for the consideration of legislation in the House of Representatives in response to such a determination, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-05-25 | 2006-05-25 | Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 7 | Requires the President to report to: (1) Congress on his determination (as indicated in a statement made at the time of enactment or otherwise) to ignore a provision of newly enacted law, including his reasons for making such determination; and (2) the congressional intelligence committees if that determination is based upon classified material. Directs the President to do the same regarding such a determination for each law enacted before enactment of this Act for the 107th through the 109th Congresses. Prescribes expedited procedures in the House of Representatives for legislation in response to such determinations. Requires the General Counsel of the House, at the request of a Member of the House, to prepare a report describing legal actions which may be brought by the Member to challenge the President's refusal to carry out any duly enacted provision of law. | 2023-01-13T04:48:33Z | |
| 109-hr-5492 | 109 | hr | 5492 | National Constitution Center Operations Act | Law | 2006-05-25 | 2006-06-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks. | House | Rep. Brady, Robert A. [D-PA-1] | PA | D | B001227 | 0 | National Constitution Center Operations Act - Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center (NCC) for the operation of the NCC, including: (1) that revenues from the operation of the NCC be made available to the NCC (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses; and (2) that the NCC maintain appropriate risk insurance, maintain its tax-exempt status, and report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest. Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the federal government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System. | 2023-01-13T04:48:25Z | |
| 109-hr-5500 | 109 | hr | 5500 | Innocent Sellers Fairness Act | Law | 2006-05-25 | 2006-06-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman . | House | Rep. Keller, Ric [R-FL-8] | FL | R | K000361 | 23 | Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following non-sale activities by the seller: (1) the seller was the manufacturer of the product; (2) the seller participated in the design of the product; (3) the seller participated in the installation of the product; or (4) the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer. Requires, where a claimant proves one or more of such activities, that: (1) the activity be negligent; and (2) damages be limited to those directly caused by the activity. | 2023-01-13T04:48:25Z | |
| 109-hr-5511 | 109 | hr | 5511 | Fair Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Amendment of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-25 | 2006-05-25 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46] | CA | R | R000409 | 0 | The Fair Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Amendment of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to grant the district court original and exclusive jurisdiction of any action to enforce a foreign judgment exceeding $75,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) against a citizen of the United States, where: (1) any plantiff is a citizen of a state different from any defendant; (2) any plaintiff is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a state; or (3) any plaintiff is a citizen of a state and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject or a foreign state. Permits removal of such an action to a district court without regard to whether any defendant is a citizen of the state in which the action is brought. Allows such a removal by any defendant without the consent of all defendants. | 2023-01-13T04:48:24Z | |
| 109-hres-845 | 109 | hres | 845 | Requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, documents relating to the termination of the Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation of the involvement of Department of Justice personnel in the creation and administration of the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program, including documents relating to Office of Professional Responsibility's request for and denial of security clearances. | Law | 2006-05-25 | 2006-06-26 | Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 204. | House | Rep. Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22] | NY | D | H000627 | 8 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Requests the President, and directs the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General, to transmit to the House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after the adoption of this resolution, documents relating to the termination of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation of the involvement of DOJ personnel in the creation and administration of the National Security Agency's (NSA) warrantless surveillance program, including documents relating to that Office's request for and denial of security clearances. | 2023-01-13T04:48:22Z | |
| 109-hr-5474 | 109 | hr | 5474 | Internet Gambling Study Commission Act | Law | 2006-05-24 | 2006-09-29 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H8037) | House | Rep. Porter, Jon C. [R-NV-3] | NV | R | P000589 | 50 | Internet Gambling Study Commission Act - Establishes the Internet Gambling Study Commission to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of Internet gambling, including the existing legal framework that governs such activities and transactions; (2) report to the President and Congress on study findings and conclusions; and (3) transmit a copy of such report to each state governor or chief executive officer and Native American tribal government. | 2023-01-13T04:48:25Z | |
| 109-hr-5454 | 109 | hr | 5454 | To authorize salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year 2007. | Law | 2006-05-23 | 2006-11-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Authorizes salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for FY2007. | 2023-01-13T04:48:26Z | |
| 109-hr-5440 | 109 | hr | 5440 | Federal Courts Jurisdiction Clarification Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-22 | 2006-05-24 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote . | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 0 | Federal Courts Jurisdiction Clarification Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code with respect to jurisdictional rules and the amount in controversy in civil litigation concerning: (1) denial of district court original jurisdiction of an action between a citizen of a state and a resident alien domiciled in the same state; (2) citizenship rules for corporations and insurance companies with foreign contacts; (4) removal procedures for civil and criminal actions and summary remand; (5) indexing of the amount in controversy; and (6) the use of declarations to specify damages. | 2023-01-13T04:48:26Z | |
| 109-hr-5418 | 109 | hr | 5418 | To establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges. | Law | 2006-05-18 | 2006-11-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-49] | CA | R | I000056 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 21, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Establishes a 10-year pilot program in certain U.S. district courts under which: (1) those district judges who request to hear cases involving patent or plant variety protection issues are designated by the chief judge to hear them; (2) such cases are randomly assigned to the district court judges, regardless of whether they are designated; (3) a judge not designated to whom such a case is assigned may decline to accept the case; and (4) a case so declined is randomly reassigned to one of those judges so designated. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to designate at least five U.S. district courts, in at least three different judicial circuits, to carry out the pilot program. Requires such courts to be among the 15 district courts in which the largest number of such cases were filed in the most recent calendar year. States that the Director may only designate a court in which: (1) at least 10 district judges are authorized for presidential appointment; and (2) at least three judges request such cases. Requires periodic reports on the program to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) educational and professional development of those district judges designated under this Act; and (2) compensation of law clerks with expertise in technical matters arising in patent and plant variety protection cases who are appointed to assist courts in such cases. | 2023-01-13T04:48:27Z | |
| 109-s-2831 | 109 | s | 2831 | Free Flow of Information Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-18 | 2006-09-20 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-837. | Senate | Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN] | IN | R | L000504 | 9 | Free Flow of Information Act of 2006 - Prohibits federal courts in criminal or civil proceedings from compelling journalists to disclose their confidential sources or information which they obtain in a professional newsgathering capacity. Allows exceptions if a court finds that: (1) alternative means of obtaining such confidential information have been exhausted and reasonable and timely notice of a demand for such information has been given; (2) subpoenas for such information are limited in scope; (3) such information is critical to pending criminal or civil litigation; and (4) nondisclosure of such information would be contrary to the public interest.Denies journalists a privilege against disclosure of confidential information if such information: (1) was obtained by eyewitness observations of criminal conduct by a journalist or involvement of such journalist in criminal or tortious conduct; (2) is necessary to prevent death or substantial bodily harm; (3) is necessary to protect national security; and (4) was provided or obtained without a promise of confidentiality. | 2023-01-13T04:48:18Z | |
| 109-hr-5343 | 109 | hr | 5343 | To protect State and Federal judges by clarifying that Federal judicial immunity covers all acts undertaken by judges pursuant to legal authority. | Law | 2006-05-10 | 2006-05-10 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1] | TX | R | G000552 | 0 | Amends the federal judicial code to grant immunity to each justice or judge of the United States and each justice or judge of a state against any federal civil cause of action arising from or as a result of the discharge of any legislatively or constitutionally authorized duty, unless the justice or judge, in the course of discharging such duty, was committing a crime. | 2023-01-13T04:48:29Z | |
| 109-hr-5290 | 109 | hr | 5290 | Stop Fraud in Iraq Act | Law | 2006-05-04 | 2006-05-04 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Baird, Brian [D-WA-3] | WA | D | B001229 | 10 | Stop Fraud in Iraq Act - Amends federal law regarding false claims against the U.S. government to include any false request, demand, or submission for Iraqi property or money in U.S. government control made between March 19, 2003, and the date all military action concludes. Waives the statute of limitations for civil actions against false claims for such assets, and any related hearing, if the action or hearing is commenced no later than one year after enactment of this Act. Requires the court to order that the proceeds of an action under this Act, or of a claim settlement, be returned to the owners of those assets, except for the portion awarded to any private person who brought the action. Prohibits the court from granting more than one extension of time during which the complaint may remain under seal (not to exceed six months). | 2023-01-13T04:48:31Z | |
| 109-s-22 | 109 | s | 22 | Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-03 | 2006-05-08 | Cloture on the motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 42. Record Vote Number: 115. (consideration: CR S4146; text: CR S4146) | Senate | Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] | NV | R | E000194 | 19 | Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards. | 2018-02-03T18:59:04Z | |
| 109-s-23 | 109 | s | 23 | Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act | Law | 2006-05-03 | 2006-05-08 | Cloture on the motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 44. Record Vote Number: 116. (consideration: CR S4146-4147; text: CR S4146) | Senate | Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] | PA | R | S000059 | 19 | Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of obstetrical or gynecological services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards. | 2018-02-03T18:59:11Z | |
| 109-hr-5256 | 109 | hr | 5256 | Recreational Marine Preservation Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-05-02 | 2006-05-02 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3] | NC | R | J000255 | 0 | Recreational Marine Preservation Act of 2006 - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, a civil action from being filed against the manufacturer of a recreational vessel or manufacturer of associated equipment for damages for death or personal injury or damage to property arising out of an accident involving the recreational vessel if such accident occurs more than 10 years after: (1) the delivery date of the vessel to the first purchaser or lessee or a person engaged in the business of selling or leasing such vessel; or (2) the completion date for the replacement or addition of such equipment on or to such vessel. | 2023-01-13T04:48:32Z | |
| 109-hr-5271 | 109 | hr | 5271 | Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2005 | Law | 2006-05-02 | 2006-05-15 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman . | House | Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10] | OH | D | K000336 | 5 | Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2005 - States that a biotech company shall be liable, and that the liability may not be waived or avoided, to any party injured by the release of a genetically engineered organism into the environment if the injury results from such genetic engineering. | 2023-01-13T04:48:31Z | |
| 109-hjres-84 | 109 | hjres | 84 | No Taxation Without Representation Amendment | Law | 2006-04-27 | 2006-04-27 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Akin, W. Todd [R-MO-2] | MO | R | A000358 | 3 | No Taxation Without Representation Amendment - Constitutional Amendment - Denies the Supreme Court and any inferior court of the United States the power to instruct a state or local government or official: (1) to levy or increase taxes; or (2) on how to spend, allocate, or budget fiscal resources. | 2023-01-13T04:48:47Z | |
| 109-hr-5219 | 109 | hr | 5219 | Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-04-27 | 2006-09-27 | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 6. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 3 | Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government, to be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Chief Justice. Requires the Office to: (1) investigate matters pertaining to the Judicial Branch (other than the Supreme Court), including possible misconduct in office of justices and judges; (2) conduct and supervise audits and investigations; and (3) prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse. Provides for whistleblower protection. | 2023-01-13T04:48:42Z | |
| 109-hr-5231 | 109 | hr | 5231 | Deep Water Royalty Jurisdiction Act | Law | 2006-04-27 | 2006-04-27 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-49] | CA | R | I000056 | 7 | Deep Water Royalty Jurisdiction Act - Provides that, in any case brought by any person other than a federal department, agency, or instrumentality, no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to: (1) the application of a price threshold in determining the volume for which suspension of royalties applies with respect to offshore oil and natural gas leases awarded in the five-year period beginning on November 28, 1995; or (2) the interpretation, or the constitutional validity, of this Act. Provides that, in any case brought by a federal department, agency, or instrumentality against any person to recover royalties under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, no legal or equitable defense shall be available to the defendant regarding the matters covered by this Act. | 2023-01-13T04:48:42Z | |
| 109-s-2678 | 109 | s | 2678 | Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-04-27 | 2006-04-27 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 0 | Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government, to be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Chief Justice. Requires the Office to: (1) investigate matters pertaining to the Judicial Branch, including possible misconduct in office of justices and judges; (2) conduct and supervise audits and investigations; and (3) prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse. Provides for whistleblower protection. | 2023-01-13T04:48:35Z | |
| 109-hr-5153 | 109 | hr | 5153 | To revise the number of associate judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 2006-04-06 | 2006-04-06 | Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. | House | Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | N000147 | 0 | Amends the District of Columbia Code to increase from 58 to 61 the number of associate judges on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.. | 2023-01-13T04:48:44Z | |
| 109-hr-5161 | 109 | hr | 5161 | Commission on Mexican-American Removal during 1929-1941 Act | Law | 2006-04-06 | 2006-04-06 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Solis, Hilda L. [D-CA-32] | CA | D | S001153 | 21 | Commission on Mexican-American Removal during 1929-1941 Act - Establishes the Commission on Mexican-American Removal during 1929-1941, which shall: (1) review the facts and circumstances surrounding the removal of certain U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents to Mexico, and such actions' impact on individuals, families, and the Mexican-American community in the United States; (2) review federal, state, and local removal directives; and (3) report to Congress. | 2023-01-13T04:48:44Z | |
| 109-s-2497 | 109 | s | 2497 | State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act | Law | 2006-04-03 | 2006-04-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI] | WI | D | K000305 | 2 | State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to: (1) make grants to state courts to develop and implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand state court proceedings in which they are a party; and (2) allocate specified funds to establish a court interpreter technical assistance program to assist state courts receiving grants under this Act.Authorizes the use of grant awards by state courts to: (1) assess regional language demands; (2) develop a court interpreter program; (3) develop, institute, and administer language certification examinations; (4) recruit, train, and certify qualified court interpreters; and (5) pay for salaries, transportation, and technology necessary to implement the court interpreter program. | 2023-01-13T04:48:39Z | |
| 109-hconres-375 | 109 | hconres | 375 | Expressing the sense of Congress to support the decision of the United States Court of Federal Claims to award public safety officer death benefits to the family of Christopher Nicholas Kangas, a 14-year old volunteer apprentice firefighter who died as a result of serious injuries sustained en route to assist in fighting a fire. | Law | 2006-03-30 | 2006-03-30 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Weldon, Curt [R-PA-7] | PA | R | W000268 | 0 | Expresses support for the decision of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to grant public safety officer benefits to the family of Christopher Nicholas Kangas, a 14-year old volunteer apprentice firefighter who died from injuries sustained en route to a fire. | 2023-01-13T04:49:01Z | |
| 109-s-2468 | 109 | s | 2468 | A bill to provide standing for civil actions for declaratory and injunctive relief to persons who refrain from electronic communications through fear of being subject to warrantless electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-03-29 | 2006-09-13 | Committee on the Judiciary. failed to approve for reporting. | Senate | Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] | NY | D | S000148 | 0 | Provides standing for civil actions for declatory and injunctive relief to persons who refrain from electronic communications through fear of being subject to warrantless electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes. | 2023-01-13T04:48:49Z | |
| 109-hr-5014 | 109 | hr | 5014 | Federal Judicial Fairness Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-03-28 | 2006-03-28 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-29] | CA | D | S001150 | 17 | Federal Judicial Fairness Act of 2006 - Repeals a requirement of federal law limiting salary increases for federal judges or Supreme Court Justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the federal judicial code to make the cost of living adjustments in judicial salaries effective in the first pay period beginning on or after January 1 each year. (Currently, such adjustments are triggered by General Schedule adjustments.) Prohibits the percentage adjustment taking effect in a calendar year, in any salary rate, from exceeding the adjustment taking effect in such year under General Schedule pay rate requirements. Increases the rate of basic pay for: (1) the Chief Justice of the United States; (2) an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; (3) a judge of a U.S. circuit court, a district court, and the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) a bankruptcy judge; and (5) a full-time magistrate judge. | 2023-01-13T04:48:56Z | |
| 109-hr-4921 | 109 | hr | 4921 | To amend the Act popularly known as the Death on the High Seas Act to limit application of that Act to maritime accidents, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-03-09 | 2006-03-09 | Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-25] | TX | D | D000399 | 1 | Amends the Death on the High Seas Act (the Act) to provide that a cause of action for a maritime accident (currently, commercial aviation accident) that results in the death of a person due to a wrongful act, neglect, or default occurring on the high seas 12 nautical miles or closer to the shore of any state, or the District of Columbia, or the U.S. Territories shall be brought under federal, state, and other appropriate law and not under the provisions of the Act (where actions for such accidents occurring on the high seas beyond a marine league from the shore of such places can be brought in U.S. district courts, in admiralty). | 2023-01-13T04:48:58Z | |
| 109-hr-4772 | 109 | hr | 4772 | Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-16 | 2006-11-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] | OH | R | C000266 | 36 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 14, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court, at the time the action is filed in the district court, that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. (Sec. 3) Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. (Sec. 5) Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respe… | 2023-01-13T04:49:09Z | |
| 109-hr-4776 | 109 | hr | 4776 | To amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the content of speech occurring during sessions of State legislative bodies, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-02-16 | 2006-02-17 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E194) | House | Rep. Sodrel, Michael E. [R-IN-9] | IN | R | S001160 | 38 | Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation or the validity, under the Constitution, of the content of speech of any member of a state legislative body or any individual invited to speak before that body, when such speech occurs during the legislative session. Declares that any person who is a member of a state legislative body, or who is invited to speak before that body, other than as a witness, shall be immune from suit in any federal court, and shall not be held liable under any federal law, on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, unless such speech constitutes treason, breach of peace, or an admission of guilt of a crime. Prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce any court order relating to the content of speech occurring during the legislative session of a state legislative body, with the same exceptions. Prohibits a federal court from imposing a fine on any state, state legislative body, member of a state legislative body, or individual invited to speak before that body (other than as a witness), on account of the content of speech occurring during the legislative session, with the same exceptions. | 2023-01-13T04:49:09Z | |
| 109-hr-4803 | 109 | hr | 4803 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for an additional place of holding court in the eastern district of California, and for other purposes. | Law | 2006-02-16 | 2006-02-16 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | T000188 | 2 | Amends the federal judicial code to provide that court for the Eastern District of California shall be held at Bakersfield in addition to the currently listed sites. Requires the chief judge of the eastern district of California to designate: (1) one district judge whose official duty station shall be in Bakersfield, California, and who shall hold court in Bakersfield; and (2) another district judge whose official duty station shall be in Redding, California, and who shall hold court in Redding. | 2023-01-13T04:49:08Z | |
| 109-s-2292 | 109 | s | 2292 | A bill to provide relief for the Federal judiciary from excessive rent charges. | Law | 2006-02-15 | 2006-04-27 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 415. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 17 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Prohibits, effective October 1, 2006: (1) rent charges established by the Administrator of General Services for accommodations provided to the judicial branch from exceeding the actual costs of operating and maintaining such accommodations by the General Services Administration (GSA); and (2) any amounts for shell rent, capital costs, real estate taxes (except for taxes paid by the Administrator to lessors), or administrative fees from being included in such rent charges. Requires the judicial branch's repayment to the Administrator of the cost of repair and alteration projects performed by GSA on judicial branch accommodations after October 1, 2006, to be recovered over time in a manner agreed upon by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Administrator. | 2023-01-13T04:48:40Z | |
| 109-s-2276 | 109 | s | 2276 | Federal Judicial Fairness Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-10 | 2006-02-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1074) | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 3 | Federal Judicial Fairness Act of 2006 - Repeals a requirement of federal law limiting salary increases for federal judges or Supreme Court Justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the federal judicial code to make the cost of living adjustments in judicial salaries effective in the first pay period beginning on or after January 1 each year. (Currently, such adjustments are triggered by General Schedule adjustments.) Prohibits the percentage adjustment taking effect in a calendar year, in any salary rate, from exceeding the adjustment taking effect in such year under General Schedule pay rate requirements. Increases the rate of basic pay for: (1) the Chief Justice of the United States; (2) an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; (3) a judge of a U.S. circuit court, a district court, and the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) a bankruptcy judge; and (5) a full-time magistrate judge. | 2023-01-13T04:49:04Z | |
| 109-hr-4710 | 109 | hr | 4710 | Judiciary Rent Reform Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-08 | 2006-02-09 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 16 | Judiciary Rent Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to direct the Administrator of General Services to establish rent charges for accommodations provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) in federally-owned space that do not exceed the GSA's actual costs of operating and maintaining them. Prohibits GSA from assessing any amount for shell rent, tenant improvements, parking rent, or real estate taxes for federally-owned space assigned to the judiciary. Makes the judiciary responsible for providing funds to the GSA from judiciary appropriations to pay for new repair and alteration, tenant improvement, and construction projects performed by the GSA for such accommodations, except for those projects for which the GSA has separately received appropriations. | 2023-01-13T04:49:11Z | |
| 109-hr-4711 | 109 | hr | 4711 | Federal District Court of American Samoa Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-08 | 2006-02-08 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Del. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large] | AS | D | F000010 | 0 | Federal District Court of American Samoa Act of 2006 - Establishes for and within American Samoa a court of record to be known as the Federal District Court of American Samoa. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) jurisdiction; (2) appointment of a judge, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal; and (3) rules of practice and procedure. | 2023-01-13T04:49:11Z | |
| 109-hr-4739 | 109 | hr | 4739 | Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-08 | 2006-02-08 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Wexler, Robert [D-FL-19] | FL | D | W000314 | 10 | Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2006 - Establishes: (1) the Agent Orange Illness Compensation Program to be carried out by the Attorney General; and (2) the Agent Orange Illness Compensation Fund in the Treasury. Entitles an eligible exposed employee, or the eligible survivor of such employee, to $100,000 compensation. Defines an "exposed employee" as an individual who: (1) was a civilian employee of the federal government, an employee of a contractor, or subcontractor at any tier of the Department of Defense; (2) was an employee present in the Republic of Vietnam or in or near the Korean demilitarized zone during the period beginning September 1, 1976, and ending on August 31, 1971; and (3) suffered injury or death by reason of an Agent Orange illness. Defines "eligible survivors" as the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, all surviving children of the employee who had not yet attained the age of 18 when the employee died or was permanently disabled. Offsets a payment of any compensation made under this Act by any claim paid on the basis of the same illness or death due to exposure to Agent Orange herbicides. | 2023-01-13T04:49:10Z | |
| 109-hconres-333 | 109 | hconres | 333 | Expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo. | Law | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-15 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H302-303) | House | Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9] | OH | D | K000009 | 0 | Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in its decision in the 1976 case of Buckley v. Valeo because such decision failed to recognize: (1) that the unlimited spending of large amounts of money on elections corrupts the electoral process on a more fundamental level than direct transactions between big contributors and candidates and elected officials; and (2) other legitimate state interests justify limiting money in campaigns, including the need to preserve the integrity of our republican form of government, restore public confidence in government, and ensure all citizens a more equal opportunity to participate in the political process. | 2023-01-13T04:49:13Z | |
| 109-hr-4698 | 109 | hr | 4698 | Disaster Relief Volunteer Protection Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-02-01 | 2006-03-15 | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 9. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Disaster Relief Volunteer Protection Act of 2006 - Provides liability protection for individuals who volunteer to assist victims of national disasters for any injury (including personal injury, property damage or loss, and death) caused by an act or omission in connection with disaster relief services provided or facilitated by the volunteer, if: (1) the injury was not caused by willful, wanton, or reckless misconduct; and (2) the injury was not caused by the volunteer's operating a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the state requires the operator or the owner to possess an operator's license or maintain insurance. Extends such liability protection to: (1) the volunteer's employer, host, or enabling person, entity, or organization; (2) nonprofit organizations providing or facilitating disaster relief services; or (3) governmental or intergovernmental entity that donates disaster relief goods to a U.S. agency or instrumentality for any injury caused by such donated goods. Prohibits the award of punitive damages in any civil action against a disaster relief volunteer or governmental or intergovernmental entity, unless willful, wanton, or reckless misconduct is established by clear and convincing evidence. Provides for proportionate liability for noneconomic damages. | 2023-01-13T04:49:11Z | |
| 109-s-2202 | 109 | s | 2202 | Federal Judiciary Ethics Reform Act of 2006 | Law | 2006-01-26 | 2006-01-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S229-230) | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 3 | Federal Judiciary Ethics Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) establish within the Treasury a Judicial Education Fund for the payment of necessary expenses incurred by a judge or justice in attending a private judicial seminar approved by the Board of the Federal Judicial Center; and (2) require each justice, judge, and magistrate of the United States to maintain a list (to be made available to the public) of all financial interests that would require disqualification in any proceeding in which his or her impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate regulations to prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of anything in value in connection with a private judicial seminar, with specified exceptions. | 2023-01-13T04:49:14Z | |
| 109-hconres-330 | 109 | hconres | 330 | Expressing the concern of Congress that the President's 2002 order authorizing electronic surveillance of United States persons without a warrant violates existing law prohibiting such electronic surveillance, and for other purposes. | Law | 2005-12-22 | 2005-12-22 | Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. | House | Rep. Tauscher, Ellen O. [D-CA-10] | CA | D | T000057 | 1 | Expresses deep concern that the President's 2002 order authorizing electronic surveillance of U.S. persons without a warrant violates existing law. Urges the President to rescind that order. Notes that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court has proved to be an expeditious means of assuring approval of warrant requests and has responded favorably to nearly all warrant applications. Reiterates support for maintaining a careful balance between national security and the privacy of Americans. Urges the President to: (1) report to Congress on the number of U.S. persons who were the subject of electronic surveillance without a warrant, the rationale for the selection of those persons for such surveillance instead of pursuing an order under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), and the plots or other terrorist actions that were defeated subsequent to the use of this authority; and (2) submit a request for legislation to Congress to amend FISA if the President considers that Act to be in need of reform. | 2023-01-13T04:49:30Z | |
| 109-hres-636 | 109 | hres | 636 | Censuring President George W. Bush for failing to respond to requests for information concerning allegations that he and others in his Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for the war, countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of his Administration, for failing to adequately account for specific misstatements he made regarding the war, and for failing to comply with Executive Order 12958. | Law | 2005-12-18 | 2005-12-18 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] | MI | D | C000714 | 19 | Censures President George W. Bush for failing to: (1) respond to information requests concerning allegations that he and others in his Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence regarding the war's justification, countenanced torture and and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against Administration critics; (2) adequately account for specific misstatements he made regarding the war; and (3) comply with Executive Order 12958. | 2023-01-13T04:49:20Z | |
| 109-hres-637 | 109 | hres | 637 | Censuring Vice President Richard B. Cheney for failing to respond to requests for information concerning allegations that he and others in the Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for the war, countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of the Administration and for failing to adequately account for specific misstatements he made regarding the war. | Law | 2005-12-18 | 2005-12-18 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] | MI | D | C000714 | 20 | Censures Vice President Richard B. Cheney for: (1) failing to respond to information requests concerning allegations that he and others in the Administration of President George W. Bush misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for the war, countenanced torture and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of the Administration; and (2) failing to adequately account for specific misstatements the Vice President made regarding the war. | 2023-01-13T04:49:20Z | |
| 109-hr-4570 | 109 | hr | 4570 | National Security Letter Judicial and Congressional Oversight Act | Law | 2005-12-16 | 2006-02-16 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. | House | Rep. Harman, Jane [D-CA-36] | CA | D | H000213 | 12 | National Security Letter Judicial and Congressional Oversight Act - Prohibits a national security letter from issuing unless a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court or a designated U.S. Magistrate Judge finds that: (1) the information sought is relevant to an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities; (2) such an investigation of a U.S. person is not conducted soley upon the basis of activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution; and (3) there are specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. Requires the court established under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to establish an electronic system for the submission of documents and other information relating to such proceedings, and for the issuance of orders relating to national security letters. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in the case of a challenge to a nondisclosure requirement of a national security letter, a certification by the Attorney General or other appropriate head or deputy head of a federal department, agency, or instrumentality that disclosure of such a letter may endanger U.S. national security or interfere with diplomatic relations should not be considered conclusive evidence but only a rebuttable presumption that such disclosure would do so. Directs the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures to ensure that information obtained pursuant to a national security letter regarding persons no longer of interest in an authorized investigation is destroyed. | 2023-01-13T04:49:24Z | |
| 109-s-2131 | 109 | s | 2131 | Fair Contracts for Growers Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-12-16 | 2005-12-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13797) | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 5 | Fair Contracts for Growers Act of 2005 - Allows the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy as provided for under a livestock or poultry contract only if, after the controversy arises, both parties consent. Directs the arbitrator to provide to the parties to the contract a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for an award. | 2023-01-13T04:49:18Z | |
| 109-s-2132 | 109 | s | 2132 | A bill to include Idaho and Montana as affected areas for purposes of making claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) based on exposure to atmospheric nuclear testing. | Law | 2005-12-16 | 2005-12-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13798) | Senate | Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID] | ID | R | C000880 | 2 | Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include the states of Idaho and Montana among affected areas for purposes of payments to individuals with certain medical conditions who were exposed to fallout emitted during the U.S. government's atmospheric nuclear tests | 2023-01-13T04:49:18Z | |
| 109-s-2136 | 109 | s | 2136 | William H. Rehnquist Center Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-12-16 | 2005-12-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] | AZ | R | M000303 | 1 | William H. Rehnquist Center Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for the establishment of the William H. Rehnquist Center on Constitutional Structures and Judicial Independence at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. | 2023-01-13T04:49:17Z | |
| 109-hr-4496 | 109 | hr | 4496 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for certain transportation and subsistence in cases where district courts are holding special sessions as a result of emergency conditions. | Law | 2005-12-08 | 2006-02-16 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 1 | Amends the Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005 to require a district court holding special sessions due to emergency conditions to provide for certain prisoner transportation and subsistence allowances. | 2023-01-13T04:49:27Z | |
| 109-hr-4467 | 109 | hr | 4467 | To authorize salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year 2006. | Law | 2005-12-07 | 2006-02-16 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 1 | Authorizes cost of living salary adjustments for Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal judges for FY2006. | 2023-01-13T04:49:27Z | |
| 109-s-2068 | 109 | s | 2068 | A bill to preserve existing judgeships on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 2005-11-18 | 2006-09-06 | Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. | Senate | Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] | ME | R | C001035 | 3 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the District of Columbia Code to increase from 58 to 61 the number of associate judges on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | 2023-01-13T04:49:32Z | |
| 109-hr-4364 | 109 | hr | 4364 | Public Prayer Protection Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-11-17 | 2006-02-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Barrett, J. Gresham [R-SC-3] | SC | R | B001239 | 23 | Public Prayer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny the Supreme Court and district courts jurisdiction to review any matter related to the alleged establishment of religion involving the expression of public prayer by any federal, state, or local government entity or a government officer or agent acting in an official capacity. | 2023-01-13T04:49:39Z | |
| 109-hr-4379 | 109 | hr | 4379 | We the People Act | Law | 2005-11-17 | 2006-02-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 0 | We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on judicial decisions involving: (1) state or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws. Allows the Supreme Court and the federal courts to determine the constitutionality of federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states. Authorizes any party or intervener in matters before any federal court, including the Supreme Court, to challenge the jurisdiction of the court under this Act. Provides that the violation of this Act by any justice or judge is an impeachable offense and a material breach of good behavior subject to removal. Negates as binding precedent on the state courts any federal court decision that relates to an issue removed from federal jurisdiction by this Act. | 2023-01-13T04:49:39Z | |
| 109-hr-4380 | 109 | hr | 4380 | To permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. | Law | 2005-11-17 | 2006-02-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2] | TX | R | P000592 | 0 | Amends the federal judicial code to require the U.S. Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless the justices decide, by majority vote, that such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of one or more of the parties before the Court. | 2023-01-13T04:49:39Z | |
| 109-s-2016 | 109 | s | 2016 | A bill to amend chapter 3 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for 11 circuit judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. | Law | 2005-11-16 | 2005-11-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12950) | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | Amends the federal judicial code to reduce the number of judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 12 to 11. | 2023-01-13T04:49:34Z | |
| 109-s-2017 | 109 | s | 2017 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-11-16 | 2005-11-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12951-12953) | Senate | Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] | WI | D | F000061 | 1 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2005 - Includes within the functions and duties of the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Office of Advocacy ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to small businesses for the resolution of disputes with the federal government. Directs the Office to advise, cooperate with, and consult with the President and Attorney General regarding provisions concerning the awarding of federal contracts to small businesses and minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses. Requires the Attorney General to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effectiveness of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in achieving its purpose of easing the burden upon small businesses of engaging in dispute resolution with the federal government; (2) variations in the frequency and amounts of fee awards paid by specified federal entities; and (3) recommendations for congressional oversight or legislative changes. Eliminates the EAJA's: (1) substantial justification standard whereby the government can deny attorney's fees to prevailing parties if the agency's position was substantially justified; and (2) rate cap on expert witness and attorney's fees. Sets forth provisions regarding settlement offers, declarations of intent to seek a fee award, payments from agency appropriations, and taxpayer eligibility for fee awards. Defines "prevailing party" in EAJA cases to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. | 2023-01-13T04:49:34Z | |
| 109-hr-4311 | 109 | hr | 4311 | To amend section 105(b)(3) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App). | Law | 2005-11-14 | 2006-06-08 | Message on Senate action sent to the House. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to allow the redaction of a judicial employee's or judicial officer's statutorily required financial disclosure information if a finding is made by the Judicial Conference that the release of such information could endanger the judicial employee or judicial officer or a family member of that employee or officer. (Currently, redaction is allowed only if the employee or officer is endangered.) Extends the redaction provisions (retroactive to their last expiration) through 2007. | 2023-01-13T04:49:29Z | |
| 109-s-1968 | 109 | s | 1968 | Court Security Improvement Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-11-07 | 2005-11-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 4 | Court Security Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Judicial Conference of the United States to consult and coordinate with each other on a continuing basis on security requirements for the judicial branch. Extends protections against disclosure of judges' personal information through 2009 and includes family members of judges in such disclosure protections. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) the recording of fictitious liens against the property of federal judges and law enforcement officers; (2) the public disclosure of restricted personal information about judges, law enforcement officials, jurors, witnesses, or their immediate family members, with the intent to harm such individuals; and (3) the possession of dangerous weapons in federal court facilities. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to make grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes to create and expand victim and witness protection programs; and (2) allow grants to states to improve security for for state and local court systems. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize grants to states to create and expand victim and witness protection programs. Revises compensation standards for judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Extends life insurance coverage to active and retired bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges and health insurance coverage for surviving family members of federal judges. | 2023-01-13T04:49:35Z | |
| 109-hr-4093 | 109 | hr | 4093 | Federal Judgeship and Administrative Efficiency Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-10-20 | 2006-02-08 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 204. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 10 | Federal Judgeship and Administrative Efficiency Act of 2005 - Title I: Circuit and District Judgeships - Federal Judgeship Act of 2005 - Directs the President to appoint: (1) additional circuit judges for the first, second, sixth, and ninth circuit courts of appeals and a temporary judge for the eighth and ninth circuit courts of appeals; and (2) additional permanent and temporary district judges for districts in specified states. Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to extend for five years a specified temporary judgeship relating to the northern district of Ohio. Amends the federal judicial code and the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to establish a federal judicial district in the Virgin Islands, and revise requirements relating to the jurisdiction of courts there. Title II: Bankruptcy Judgeships - Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 - Authorizes and requires: (1) additional permanent and temporary bankruptcy judgeships in specified states; and (2) the conversion of certain existing temporary bankruptcy judgeships into permanent bankruptcy judgeships. Expresses the sense of the Congress that bankruptcy judges in the eastern district of California should conduct bankruptcy proceedings on a daily basis in Bakersfield, California. Title III: Ninth Circuit Reorganization- Judicial Administration and Improvements Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the ninth judicial circuit into the new ninth judicial circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the twelfth circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.) Sets the number of circuit judges for the ninth circuit at 19, and the number for the twelfth circuit at 14. Specifies the locations where the new circuits shall hold regular sessions. Prescribes requirements for the disposition of cases pending in the former ninth circuit prior to the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district court… | 2023-01-13T04:49:12Z | |
| 109-s-1874 | 109 | s | 1874 | Alien Tort Statute Reform Act | Law | 2005-10-17 | 2005-10-17 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11435-11436) | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 0 | Alien Tort Statute Reform Act - Amends the federal judicial code to revise the alien tort (injury) statute. Grants exclusive, as well as original, jurisdiction to U.S. district courts over tort claims brought by aliens against U.S. individuals and business entities (e.g., corporations and partnerships). Specifies the torts that are actionable under the Act as torture, extrajudicial killing, genocide, piracy, slavery, or slave trading. Establishes as the legal standard for defendant liability under the Act direct participation with specific intent to commit the alleged tort. Requires courts to decline jurisdiction over an alien tort claim if: (1) the alien claimant has not exhausted adequate and available remedies in the place where the alleged tort occurred; or (2) the President certifies in writing that the exercise of jurisdiction will have a negative impact on U.S. foreign policy interests. Requires claims under the Act to be brought within 10 years from the date of the alleged tort. | 2023-01-13T04:49:48Z | |
| 109-s-1839 | 109 | s | 1839 | A bill to authorize additional judgeships for the middle district and southern district of Florida. | Law | 2005-10-06 | 2005-10-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Martinez, Mel [R-FL] | FL | R | M001162 | 1 | Directs the President to appoint five additional U.S. district judges for the middle district of Florida, including one temporary judge, and three additional U.S. district judges for the southern district of Florida. | 2023-01-13T04:49:49Z | |
| 109-s-1845 | 109 | s | 1845 | Circuit Court of Appeals Restructuring and Modernization Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-10-06 | 2006-09-20 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-1035. | Senate | Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] | NV | R | E000194 | 8 | Circuit Court of Appeals Restructuring and Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington). Requires the President to appoint five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit, to be stationed in California. Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Locates the offices of the new Twelfth Circuit in Phoenix, Arizona. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to elect assignment. Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Provides that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act. | 2023-01-13T04:49:49Z | |
| 109-hr-3953 | 109 | hr | 3953 | To authorize 4 permanent and 1 temporary additional judgeships for the middle district of Florida, and 3 additional permanent judgeships for the southern district of Florida. | Law | 2005-09-29 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Harris, Katherine [R-FL-13] | FL | R | H001035 | 9 | Directs the President to appoint five additional U.S. district judges for the middle district of Florida, including one temporary judge, and three additional U.S. district judges for the southern district of Florida. | 2023-01-13T04:50:07Z | |
| 109-hconres-253 | 109 | hconres | 253 | Expressing the sense of the Congress that reciting the pledge of allegiance by students attending public schools contributes to the moral foundation of our Nation and urging the Supreme Court to uphold the pledge's constitutionality. | Law | 2005-09-27 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Bonilla, Henry [R-TX-23] | TX | R | B000617 | 13 | Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the national pledge of allegiance recited by public school students is constitutional under the First Amendment to the Constitution; and (2) the Supreme Court, accordingly, should uphold the constitutionality of such practices. | 2023-01-13T04:50:17Z | |
| 109-hr-3920 | 109 | hr | 3920 | Domestic Violence Courts Assistance Act | Law | 2005-09-27 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. | House | Rep. Solis, Hilda L. [D-CA-32] | CA | D | S001153 | 2 | Domestic Violence Courts Assistance Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (relating to grants to combat violent crimes against women) to allow such grants to be used to provide the resources to establish and maintain a court system dedicated to the adjudication of domestic violence cases. Requires a state to certify that at least 5% of grant funds shall be allocated for specialized domestic violence courts. Amends the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 to allow funds available pursuant to grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts awarded under the Act to be used to: (1) implement and evaluate court-based approaches to adjudicating domestic violence cases in state courts; and (2) provide technical assistance to state courts to facilitate the development and adoption of improved practices in such adjudication. | 2023-01-13T04:50:08Z | |
| 109-s-1768 | 109 | s | 1768 | A bill to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. | Law | 2005-09-26 | 2006-03-30 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 384. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 7 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Amends the federal judicial code to require the U.S. Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless the justices decide, by majority vote, that such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of one or more of the parties before the Court. | 2023-01-13T04:48:52Z | |
| 109-s-1747 | 109 | s | 1747 | Good Samaritan Liability Improvement and Volunteer Encouragement Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-09-21 | 2005-09-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] | TX | R | C001056 | 10 | Good Samaritan Liability Improvement and Volunteer Encouragement Act of 2005 (GIVE Act of 2005) - Exempts from liability for acts or omissions: (1) disaster relief volunteers; (2) employers or business partners of disaster relief volunteers; (3) hosts or enabling persons, entities, or organizations; and (4) governmental and intergovernmental entities for donations of disaster relief goods. Specifies limits to punitive and non-economic damages for willful, knowing, or reckless misconduct based on the actions of disaster relief volunteers and governmental or intergovernmental donors. Provides for: (1) judicial review of allegations; (2) supplemental disaster declarations by the President, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Secretary of Homeland Security; and (3) state election for nonapplicability of a provision of this Act to certain civil actions in state court. Amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 with respect to liability protection for actions of volunteers generally. Exempts persons from civil liability relating to any injury or death involving: (1) donations of equipment to nonprofit organizations; or (2) use of facilities, a motor vehicle or aircraft provided to nonprofit organizations. Provides for judicial review of allegations | 2023-01-13T04:50:00Z | |
| 109-hres-453 | 109 | hres | 453 | Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to a court decision relating to the Pledge of Allegiance. | Law | 2005-09-20 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. McCotter, Thaddeus G. [R-MI-11] | MI | R | M001147 | 22 | Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the phrase "one Nation, under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance; and (2) voluntary recitation of the Pledge in public school classrooms should be encouraged. Recognizes and commends the Elk Grove Unified School District in California for its continued support of the Pledge. Urges the Attorney General to appeal the ruling in Newdow, et al. v. U.S. Congress, et al. (holding that the policy of daily teacher-led recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school students violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution) to the Supreme Court. | 2023-01-13T04:50:05Z | |
| 109-hr-3729 | 109 | hr | 3729 | Federal Judiciary Emergency Tolling Act of 2006 | Law | 2005-09-13 | 2006-07-18 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Federal Judiciary Emergency Tolling Act of 2006 - Authorizes the chief judge of a federal judicial district or circuit to delay, toll, or otherwise grant relief from time deadlines (including the time for filing or perfecting an appeal) for any class of cases pending or thereafter filed in the district court or bankruptcy court of the district, or for any class of cases pending in the court of appeals, in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation requiring the closure of courts or rendering it impracticable for the U.S. Government or a class of litigants to comply with deadlines imposed by any federal or state law or rule that applies in federal court.Extends such tolling authority to all laws and rules affecting criminal and juvenile proceedings (including, prearrest, post-arrest, pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures), civil actions, bankruptcy proceedings, and the time for filing and perfecting an appeal.Excludes from such authority, however, any statute of limitation for: (1) a criminal action; or (2) a civil action, if the claim arises under state law and extending the limitations period would be inconsistent with such law.Allows the exercise of such authority, in the absence of the chief judge, by: (1) the senior district judge in regular active service, or, if no such judge is available, by the chief judge of the circuit that includes the district; or (2) by the senior circuit judge of appeals in regular active service.Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. | 2023-01-13T04:49:12Z | |
| 109-hr-3730 | 109 | hr | 3730 | To extend the statute of limitations pursuant to state of emergency, and for other purposes. | Law | 2005-09-13 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Amends the federal criminal code to require the tolling of any statutory limitation period for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of an offense in any district in which presidentially-declared major disaster or emergency authority is invoked: (1) during the period courts are closed pursuant to the emergency; and (2) for one year after court operations resume. | 2023-01-13T04:50:14Z | |
| 109-hr-3736 | 109 | hr | 3736 | Katrina Volunteer Protection Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-09-13 | 2005-09-28 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Katrina Volunteer Protection Act of 2005 - Grants volunteers who provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina immunity from liability for injuries resulting from aid provided to such victims, except for injuries caused by willful, wanton, reckless or criminal conduct or conduct that constitutes a violation of a federal or state civil rights law. | 2023-01-13T04:50:14Z | |
| 109-s-1686 | 109 | s | 1686 | National Constitution Center Operations Act | Law | 2005-09-12 | 2006-05-16 | Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 109-547. | Senate | Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] | PA | R | S000059 | 0 | National Constitution Center Operations Act - Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center (NCC) for the operation of the NCC, including a requirement that revenues from the operation of the NCC be made available to the NCC (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses, and requirements that the NCC: (1) maintain appropriate risk insurance; (2) maintain its tax-exempt status; and (3) report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest. Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the federal government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System. | 2023-01-13T04:50:01Z | |
| 109-hconres-239 | 109 | hconres | 239 | Recognizing the need for judges who hear causes of action brought by teenage victims of dating violence to be educated as to the specific needs of such victims. | Law | 2005-09-08 | 2005-10-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Millender-McDonald, Juanita [D-CA-37] | CA | D | M000714 | 0 | Encourages judges who preside over teenage dating violence cases to educate themselves about teenage dating violence and the extent to which they as members of the judiciary can help these victims extricate themselves from unsafe and unhealthy relationships. | 2023-01-13T04:50:17Z | |
| 109-hr-3717 | 109 | hr | 3717 | Good Samaritan Protection for Construction Volunteers Act | Law | 2005-09-08 | 2005-09-08 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Reichert, David G. [R-WA-8] | WA | R | R000578 | 32 | Good Samaritan Protection for Construction Volunteers Act - Grants construction companies and their employees immunity from liability for negligence, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, when providing emergency construction assistance on a voluntary basis in response to a declared emergency or disaster, in good faith, and without expectation of compensation. | 2023-01-13T04:50:14Z | |
| 109-s-1634 | 109 | s | 1634 | Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-09-08 | 2005-09-08 | Held at the desk. | Senate | Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA] | LA | R | V000127 | 10 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005 - Allows federal circuit courts of appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, and magistrate judges to hold special sessions outside their circuits or districts upon a finding by a chief judge or judicial council that, because of emergency conditions, no location within the courts' regular circuits or districts is reasonably available. Authorizes such courts to transact any business, except certain district court criminal proceedings, at a special session outside their circuits or districts which they might transact at a regular session. Requires special session courts, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to notify the Judiciary Committees of Congress of any order issued in a special session. Requires the Administrative Office to report to such congressional committees describing the reasons for the issuance of a special session order, the duration of such order, the impact of such order on litigants, and the costs to the judiciary resulting from such order. Requires special session courts to provide reasonable notice to the U.S. Marshals Service before the commencement of any special session. Prohibits a criminal trial from being conducted at a special session outside the state in which the crime was committed unless the defendant consents. Restricts criminal jury pools to the district in which a crime was committed unless the defendant consents to be tried by jurors from the district in which the trial court is holding a special session. | 2023-01-13T04:50:03Z | |
| 109-hr-3650 | 109 | hr | 3650 | Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-09-06 | 2005-09-09 | Became Public Law No: 109-63. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 4 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 8, 2005. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005 - Allows federal circuit courts of appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, and magistrate judges to hold special sessions outside their circuits or districts upon a finding by a chief judge or judicial council that, because of emergency conditions, no location within the courts' regular circuits or districts is reasonably available. Authorizes such courts to transact any business, except certain district court criminal proceedings, at a special session outside their circuits or districts which they might transact at a regular session. Requires special session courts, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to notify the Judiciary Committees of Congress of any order issued in a special session. Requires the Administrative Office to report to such congressional committees describing the reasons for the issuance of a special session order, the duration of such order, the impact of such order on litigants, and the costs to the judiciary resulting from such order. Requires special session courts to provide reasonable notice to the U.S. Marshals Service before the commencement of any special session. Prohibits a criminal trial from being conducted at a special session outside the state in which the crime was committed unless the defendant consents to trial outside the state. Restricts criminal jury pools to the district in which a crime was committed unless the defendant consents to be tried by jurors from the district in which the trial court is holding a special session. | 2023-01-13T04:50:16Z | |
| 109-hr-3621 | 109 | hr | 3621 | To confer standing on State legislators and Governors to bring suit in Federal district court to preserve the residual core sovereignty of States under the Constitution as expressed in the Tenth Amendment, and to enforce the Guarantee Clause of the Constitution. | Law | 2005-07-29 | 2005-09-19 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] | TX | R | C001048 | 1 | Confers standing on any member of a state legislative body (upon the adoption of a resolution by the body authorizing suit on the state's behalf) and on the governor of a state to bring an action on the ground that a federal statute, rule, regulation, or program: (1) violates the residual core sovereign authority of the state under the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution; or (2) diminishes the republican form of government in the state. | 2023-01-13T04:50:29Z | |
| 109-s-1604 | 109 | s | 1604 | Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2005 | Law | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] | ID | R | C000858 | 3 | Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition against U.S. courts recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by a designated Cuban national of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations as necessary to repeal such provisions, including removing any applicable prohibition on transactions or payments. Authorizes U.S. courts to recognize, enforce, or otherwise validate an assertion of rights in any mark or trade name based on common law rights, registration under the Trademark Act of 1946, or any treaty to which the United States is a party. | 2023-01-13T04:50:20Z | |
| 109-hjres-62 | 109 | hjres | 62 | Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that Federal district court judges be reconfirmed every ten years by the executive and legislative authorities of the State in which they serve. | Law | 2005-07-28 | 2005-08-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] | TX | R | C001048 | 15 | Constitutional Amendment - Terminates the appointment of a judge of a court of general original jurisdiction established under Article III of this Constitution who sits in a state unless the legislative and executive authorities of that state approve that judge's continuation in office at least once every ten years after the judge's appointment. | 2019-11-15T21:33:44Z | |
| 109-hr-3497 | 109 | hr | 3497 | Loser Pays Legal Fee Fairness Act | Law | 2005-07-28 | 2005-08-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Istook, Ernest J., Jr. [R-OK-5] | OK | R | I000047 | 0 | Loser Pays Legal Fee Fairness Act - States that whenever federal law provides a basis on which a court may award attorney's fees to one prevailing party, the court may award such fees to any prevailing party on that basis, except where the law permits the award of such fees only to the United States. | 2023-01-13T04:50:33Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
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);