hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
50 Caliber Sniper Rifle Reduction Act

Bill: 109-hr-654
Sponsor: Rep. Moran, James P. [D-VA-8]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Business records
Commerce
Data banks
Fines (Penalties)
Firearms
Firearms control
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Identification devices
Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
50 Caliber Sniper Rifle Reduction Act - Amends the National Firearms Act to include a 50 caliber sniper weapon (defined as a rifle capable of firing a center-fire 50 caliber cartridge) within the definition of a &quot;firearm&quot; regulated under that Act.
 
Modifies the definition of &quot;rifle&quot; under the Act to include a weapon intended to be fired from a bipod or other support.
 
Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the transfer or possession of a 50 caliber sniper weapon, with exceptions involving: (1) the transfer to or possession by the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof; and (2) otherwise lawful possession of a weapon that was lawfully possessed before the date this provision takes effect. Includes 50 caliber sniper weapons within the scope of penalties under that Act for which an individual may be fined, imprisoned for up to ten years, or both.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-03-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Prescription Plan Preservation Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-655
Sponsor: Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Commerce
Drugs
Economics and Public Finance
Employee health benefits
Finance and Financial Sector
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Health insurance
Labor and Employment
Medicare
Prescription pricing
Retiree health benefits
Social Welfare
Subsidies
Valuation

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Prescription Plan Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to condition the payment of Medicare employer prescription drug subsidies on the maintenance of current prescription drug benefits.
 
Requires the actuarial value of prescription drug coverage to be at least equal to the greater of the actuarial value of: (1) standard prescription drug coverage (as under current law); or (2) the employment-based retiree health coverage in effect as of December 8, 2003.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2005-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
To amend title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety of the commercial human space flight industry.

Bill: 109-hr-656
Sponsor: Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative procedure
Astronauts
Aviation safety
Commerce
Department of Transportation
Flight crews
Government Operations and Politics
Launch vehicles
Law
Licenses
Space activities
Space commercialization
Space flight
Spacecraft
Standards
Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Amends Federal law concerning commercial space transportation to require the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that each approved license for commercial space launch and reentry activities includes minimum standards to protect the health and safety of crews and space flight participants, taking into account the inherently risky nature of human flight.
 
Extends the application review periods by the end of which the Secretary must: (1) issue an experimental permit for commercial launch and reentry activities after receiving an application; or (2) inform the applicant of any pending issue and action required to resolve such issue if the Secretary has not made such a decision.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E181)
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
To award posthumously a congressional gold medal to Thurgood Marshall.

Bill: 109-hr-657
Sponsor: Rep. Payne, Donald M. [D-NJ-10]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Commemorations
Subjects: Blacks
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Civil rights workers
Congress
Congressional gold medals
Law
Minorities
Supreme Court justices

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the family of Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court) in recognition of Marshall's contributions to the Nation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-03-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Family Farm Preservation Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-658
Sponsor: Rep. Pitts, Joseph R. [R-PA-16]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Agricultural conservation
Agriculture and Food
Capital gains tax
Charitable contributions
Conservation easements
Environmental Protection
Environmental protection groups
Farm lands
Income tax
Land transfers
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Real estate development
Tax exclusion

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Family Farm Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of qualified farmland development rights to a tax-exempt conservation organization. Defines &quot;qualified farmland development rights&quot; as a restriction limiting farmland to use as a farm for farming purposes or for exclusively conservation purposes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-659
Sponsor: Rep. Portman, Rob [R-OH-2]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Building construction
Commemorations
Commerce
Depressed areas
Economics and Public Finance
Historic sites
History
Housing and Community Development
Income tax
Investment tax credit
Leases
Low-income housing
Maintenance and repair
Office buildings
Rental housing
Residential rehabilitation
Tax credits
Tax-exempt organizations
Valuation

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an increased rehabilitation tax credit for certain low-income buildings; (2) allow a basis reduction adjustment for property eligible for the credit; (3) increase the credit for certain smaller buildings; (4) allow property eligible for the credit to be used for lodging purposes; (5) modify placed-in-service rules for credit property; (6) modify qualification rules for credit property that is tax-exempt use property; and (7) increase the credit for buildings in high cost areas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Ossie Davis Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill: 109-hr-660
Sponsor: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Commemorations
Subjects: Arts, Culture, Religion
Authors and authorship
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Civil rights workers
Congress
Congressional gold medals
Entertainers
Government Operations and Politics
Motion pictures
Science, Technology, Communications
Television programs
Theater

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Ossie Davis Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous award of a congressional gold medal commemorating Ossie Davis and recognizing his many contributions to the Nation. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-03-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Riayan Tejeda Memorial Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-661
Sponsor: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Aliens
Armed Forces and National Security
Armed forces abroad
Citizenship
Embassies
Families
Government Operations and Politics
International Affairs
Iraq
Iraq compilation
Married people
Middle East and North Africa
Military bases
Military dependents
Military personnel
Naturalization
Parents
Survivors' benefits
War
War casualties

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Riayan Tejeda Memorial Act of 2005 - Authorizes naturalization without regard to specified Immigration and Nationality Act requirements for an alien or noncitizen national of the United States who: (1) served honorably in a combat zone designated in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom; and (2) if separated from such service, was not separated except under honorable conditions. Prohibits imposition of any Federal or State naturalization fee. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings.
 
Retains immediate relative status for the alien wife, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen who died from injury or disease incurred while serving honorably in such combat zone. 
 
States that an application for status adjustment by the alien wife, child, or parent of an alien member of the Armed Forces who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship based upon service in such zone may be adjudicated as if the death had not occurred. 
 
Treats the spouse, child, or parent of a lawful permanent resident who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship based upon service in such zone as a valid petitioner for immediate relative status.
 
Permits such aliens to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status.
 
Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility for surviving spouses, children, and parents granted posthumous benefits under this Act. 
 
Authorizes the naturalization of surviving spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens who die in Operation Iraqi Freedom and states that no prior residence or specified physical presence in the United States shall be required.
 
Gives priority to the naturalization applications referenced in this Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-03-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-662
Sponsor: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Alcoholism
Community service (Punishment)
Court records
Criminal investigation
Criminal justice information
Criminal procedure
District courts
Drug abuse
Drug abuse treatment
Education
Educational tests
Electronic government information
Elementary and secondary education
Employee selection
Ex-offenders
Federal law enforcement officers
Fines (Penalties)
Firearms
Firearms control
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Identification of criminals
Information leaking
Labor and Employment
Law
Law enforcement officers
Licenses
Parole
Personnel records
Police
Probation
Prosecution
Public records
Rehabilitation of criminals
Secondary education
Sentences (Criminal procedure)

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal criminal code to allow an individual to file a petition for expungement of a record of conviction for a nonviolent criminal offense if such individual has: (1) never been convicted of a violent offense and has never been convicted of a nonviolent offense other than the one for which expungement is sought; (2) fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which conviction was obtained; (3) remained free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a minimum of one year and has been rehabilitated, to the court's satisfaction, if so required by the terms of supervised release; (4) obtained a high school diploma or completed a high school equivalency program; and (5) completed at least one year of community service.
 
Authorizes an individual convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor to file an expungement petition. Directs the court, in ruling on such petition, after determining petitioner eligibility, to weigh the petitioner's interests against the best interests of justice and public safety.
Authorizes the Department of Justice to maintain a nonpublic manual or computerized index of expunged records, to be made available only to Federal and State law enforcement personnel who have custody of such records for limited disclosure purposes.
Requires the restoration of expunged records of individuals subsequently convicted of any Federal or State offense.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-03-01
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E237)
action_date: 2005-03-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-663
Sponsor: Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Civil actions and liability
Congress
Congressional elections
Ex-offenders
Government Operations and Politics
Injunctions
Law
Presidential elections
State laws
Voting rights

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2005 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual: (1) is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility; or (2) is on parole or probation for a felony offense. Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act.
 
Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a State from enacting any State law that affords the right to vote in any election for Federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voters Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-03-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Military Sexual Assault Crimes Revision Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-664
Sponsor: Rep. Sanchez, Loretta [D-CA-47]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Child sexual abuse
Crime and Law Enforcement
Families
Forfeiture
Life imprisonment
Military and naval offenses
Military discharges
Murder
Prison violence
Prisoners
Rape
Sex crimes
Women

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Military Sexual Assault Crimes Revision Act of 2005 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to define as the crime of aggravated sexual abuse engaging in a sexual act: (1) through the use of force; (2) by threatening or placing a person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping; (3) by rendering another person unconscious; (4) by administering to another person an impairing drug or intoxicant; or (5) with a person under 12 years of age whether or not the accused knew the person's age.
 
Defines as the crime of sexual abuse engaging in a sexual act: (1) by threatening or placing a person in fear (other than in a manner that would constitute aggravated sexual abuse); (2) with a person who is incapable of either appraising the nature of the conduct or physically incapable of declining; or (3) with a person who is at least 12 but under 16 who is not the spouse of the accused whether or not the accused knew the person's age. Establishes as an affirmative defense the accused's reasonable belief that the person was at least 16.
 
Defines sexual abuse of a prisoner as knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a person who is: (1) in official detention or confinement; (2) under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority of the accused; and (3) is not the accused's spouse. 
 
Makes the above crimes punishable by court-martial and sets forth interim maximum punishments for each.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2005-02-09
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E199)
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
Servicemembers' Family Protection Act of 2005

Bill: 109-hr-666
Sponsor: Rep. Spratt, John M., Jr. [D-SC-5]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Afghanistan
Armed forces abroad
Crime and Law Enforcement
Families
Finance and Financial Sector
Government Operations and Politics
Government life insurance
Government publicity
Insurance premiums
Iraq
Iraq compilation
Middle East and North Africa
Military dependents
Military occupation
Military operations
Military pay
Payroll deductions
South Asia
Survivors' benefits
Terrorism
War casualties

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Servicemembers' Family Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who has obtained Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage and who serves in Iraq or Afghanistan at any time during a month, to pay to such member an allowance equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the pay deduction actually made for that month for SGLI coverage; or (2) the deduction made for members who select the $250,000 (highest) level of SGLI coverage.
 
Requires the Secretary of Defense to pay, on behalf of any member who died after September 11, 2001, as a result of a wound, injury, or illness sustained while serving or traveling to or from a mission in Iraq or Afghanistan, and who was not insured under SGLI at the $250,000 level, the difference between $250,000 and the amount of any SGLI already paid.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
To direct the Secretary of the Army to carry out the dredging project, Menominee Harbor, Menominee River, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Bill: 109-hr-667
Sponsor: Rep. Stupak, Bart [D-MI-1]
Introduced: 2005-02-08 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Civil engineering
Cost effectiveness
Dredging
Finance and Financial Sector
Harbors
Infrastructure
Inland water transportation
Michigan
Navigation
Rivers
Water Resources Development
Wisconsin

Summary:
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: 
Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out a previously deauthorized navigation project for Menominee Harbor and River, Michigan and Wisconsin, notwithstanding that the benefits may not exceed the estimated costs of the project.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2005-02-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-02-08
text: Introduced in House