My Legislation
Learn about legislation I have introduced or sponsored during the current Congress, the 109th, by reviewing the list provided here. Each bill number serves as a link to Thomas, the legislative information resource offered by the Library of Congress. Click on a bill number to open a new window displaying pertinent information from the Thomas website about the bill, such as a summary, the full text, status, and cosponsors. Of course, please contact me if you need additional information or would like to express your opinion about any legislation I have sponsored.
To search for legislative information on Thomas, access http://thomas.loc.gov.
Bills introduced during the 109th Congress
January 2005 through the Present (most recent first)
- S.3275
- Concealed carry reciprocity 05/26/2006
A bill to provide a national standard for law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons in states where they do not reside.
- S.3215
- Roquefort cheese 05/25/2006
A bill to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to remove the 100
percent tariff imposed on Roquefort cheese.
- S.3122
- Small business loans 05/25/2006
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve loans for members of the Guard and
Reserve, and for other purposes.
- S.2821
- Witholding Tax Relief Act of 2006 05/17/2006
Repeals provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities.
- S.2787
- Western Hemisphere Energy Security Act of 2006 05/11/2006
A bill allowing U.S. companies to develop natural resources in exclusive economic zones that adjoin the United States despite other U.S. policies.
- S.Res.300
- Death of Henry Giugni 11/3/2005
Declares that the Senate has heard with sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the
death of Henry Giugni, former Sergeant-at-Arms of the United States Senate.
- S.Res.299
- National Adoption Month 11/3/2005
A resolution to express support for the goals of National Adoption Month by promoting
national awareness of adoption, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. Recognizes November 2005 as National Adoption Month.
- S.Res.271
- National Character Counts Week 10/7/2005
Designates the week beginning October 16, 2005, as National Character Counts Week.
- S.Res.263
- Hurricane Katrina and Veterans Affairs 10/3/2005
A resolution commending the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs in responding to Hurricane Katrina.
- S.Con.Res.55
- Expresses the sense 9/29/2005
of the Congress regarding the conditions for the United States to become a signatory to any multilateral agreement on trade resulting from the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Agenda Round.
- S.Res.259
- Hurricane Katrina and Veterans Affairs 9/28/2005
A resolution commending the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs in responding to Hurricane Katrina.
- S.Res.234
- The passing of William H. Rehnquist 9/7/2005)
A resolution relative to the death of William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States.
- S.Res.233
- Hurricane Katrina 9/6/2005
A resolution expressing the condolences of the Nation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, commending the resiliency of the people of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and committing to stand by them in the relief and recovery efforts.
- S.1496
- Electronic Duck Stamp Act 7/26/2005
The bill would establish a three-year pilot program for up to fifteen States to issue electronic migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps.
- S.1488
- Second Amendment Protection Act 7/26/2005
Restricts U.S. funding for the United Nations if the UN takes actions that infringe on the rights of U.S. individuals to keep and bear arms.
- S.Res.203
- Veterans' Administration 7/21/2005
A resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Veterans' Administration and acknowledging the achievements of the Veterans' Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- S.1417
- Milk Import Tariff Equity Act 7/18/2005
A bill to impose tariff-rate quotas on certain casein and milk protein concentrates.
- S.Res.194
- The passing of Gaylord A. Nelson 7/11/2005
A resolution relative to the death of Gaylord A. Nelson, former United States Senator for the State of Wisconsin.
- S.Res.193
- United Kingdom 7/11/2005
A resolution expressing sympathy for the people of the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks on London on July 7, 2005.
- S.Res.191
- Sandra Day O'Connor 7/1/2005
A resolution honoring Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sandra Day O'Connor.
- S.1362
- Homeland Security Enhancement Act of 2005 6/30/2005
A bill to improve the enforcement of federal immigration laws by allowing - not requiring -- State and local law enforcement entities to participate.
- S.1313
- Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005 6/27/05
A bill to protect homes, small businesses, and other private property rights, by limiting the power of eminent domain.
- S.Res.181
- Forest Service Anniversary 6/23/2005
A resolution recognizing July 1, 2005, as the 100th anniversary of the Forest Service.
- S.1302
- Stop the Raid on Social Security Act 6/23/2005
A bill to amend the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to stop the Congress from spending Social Security surpluses on other Government programs by dedicating those surpluses to personal accounts that can only be used to pay Social Security benefits.
- S.1301
- Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act 6/23/2005
A bill to provide for the appointment of additional federal circuit judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into 3 circuits.
- S.1296
- Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act 6/23/2005
A bill to provide for the appointment of additional federal circuit judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into 2 circuits.
- S.1269
- Pest Management and Fire Suppression Flexibility Act 6/20/2005
A bill codifying the longstanding federal policy that application of agricultural and other pesticides, in accordance with their label, does not require a Clean Water Act permit.
- S.1244
- Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act 6/14/2005
The bill proposes several tax incentives aimed at encouraging and helping Americans to provide for their own long-term care needs.
- S.1235
- Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act 6/14/2005
A bill to extend the availability of $400,000 in coverage under the servicemembers' life insurance and veterans' group life insurance programs.
- S.1234
- Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act 6/14/2005
A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2005, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.
- S.Res.170
- The passing of J.James Exon 6/13/2005
A resolution relative to the death of J.James Exon, former United States Senator for the State of Nebraska.
- S.1203
- Climate Change Technology Tax Incentives Act 6/8/2005
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the investment in greenhouse gas intensity reduction projects.
- S.1186
- Art and Collectibles Capital Gains Tax Treatment Parity 6/7/2005
A bill to treat investments in art and collectibles in the same way that investments in stocks and bonds are treated in the tax code.
- S.1182
- Veterans Health Care Act 6/7/2005
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans.
- S.1157
- Fair Treatment for Precious Metals Investors Act 5/26/2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, in either coin or bar form, in the same manner as equities and mutual funds for purposes of maximum capital gains rate for individuals.
- S.1155
- Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act 5/26/2005
Establishes a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of federal agencies and programs and to recommend the elimination or realignment of duplicative, wasteful, or outdated functions.
- S.1131
- Idaho Land Enhancement Act 5/26/2005
Authorizes the exchange of certain federal lands within the State of Idaho. This exchange will enhance land in both the northern and southern parts of the state. It is an example of how local, State, and federal partners can come together to collaboratively develop an exchange in which the public and the land are the ultimate beneficiaries.
- S.Res.154
- National Mammography Day 5/25/2005
A resolution designating October 21, 2005 as "National Mammography Day".
- S.Con.Res.38
- Congressional Award 5/25/2005
Authorizes use of the rotunda of the Capitol on June 22, 2005, for a ceremony to award Congressional Award Gold Medals to national recipients.
- S.1112
- College 529 InvEST Act 5/24/2005
A bill to make permanent the federal tax-free status of Section 529 plans for higher education expenses.
- S.1099
- Tax Simplification Act 5/23/2005
Proposes to replace current federal income and estate taxes with a flat tax.
- S.1082
- District of Columbia Personal Protection Act 5/19/2005
A bill to restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia.
- S.Res.147
- National Internet Safety Month 5/18/2005
A resolution designating June 2005 as "National Internet Safety Month".
- S.1060
- Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit 5/18/2005
Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $500 for seniors or dependents who purchase a qualified hearing aid.
- S.1047
- Presidential $1 Coin Act 5/17/2005
A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of each of the Nation's past Presidents and their spouses, respectively to improve circulation of the $1 coin and to create a new bullion coin.
- S.Res.140
- Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba 5/12/2005
Expressing support for the historic meeting in Havana of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, as well as to all those courageous individuals who continue to advance liberty and democracy for the Cuban people.
- S.Res.138
- National Day of the American Cowboy 5/12/2005
Designating July 23, 2005, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".
- S.1009
- Idaho Water Contracts 5/12/2005
A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to extend certain water contracts in Idaho.
- S.998
- RECA Reform bill 5/11/2005
A bill to include the State of Idaho as an affected area under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, so that Idahoans affected by exposure can apply for compensation.
- S.988
- Jobs Protection and Estate Tax Reform Act 5/10/2005
A bill to permanently repeal generation-skipping transfer tax and the estate tax, also known as the death tax.
- S.919
- Railroad Competition Act 4/27/2005
To enhance competition among and between rail carriers in order to ensure efficient rail service and reasonable rail rates.
- S.894
- Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act 4/25/2005
A bill to allow travel between the United States and Cuba.
- S.887
- Climate Change Technology Deployment and Infrastructure Credit Act 4/21/2005
A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out activities that promote the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas intensity and to provide credit-based financial assistance and investment protection for projects that employ advanced climate technologies or systems.
- S.883
- Climate Change Technology Deployment in Developing Countries Act 4/21/2005
A bill to direct the Secretary of State to carry out activities that promote the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas intensity in developing countries, while promoting economic development.
- S.863
- Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act 4/20/2005
A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centenary of the bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on President Theodore Roosevelt.
- S.835
- Senior Elder Care Relief and Empowerment Act 4/18/2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for elder care expenses.
- S.829
- Sunshine in the Courtroom Act 4/18/2005
A bill to allow media coverage of court proceedings at the discretion of the judge.
- S.737
- Security and Freedom Enhanced Act 4/16/2005
A bill to amend the USA PATRIOT ACT to protect civil liberties and place reasonable limitations on the federal government's use of surveillance and the issuance of search warrants, and for other purposes.
- S.J.Res.12
- Flag Burning Amendment 4/14/2005
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
- S.807
- Enhanced Safety from Wildfire Act 4/14/2005
A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to provide owners of non-federal lands with a reliable method of receiving compensation for damages resulting from the spread of wildfire from nearby forested National Forest System lands or Bureau of Land Management lands, when those forested federal lands are not maintained in the forest health status known as condition class 1. Forests in condition class 1 reflect the historic fire regime, before we started suppressing fires. Thus, the risk of catastrophic loss from the occurrence of fire in forests in this condition is relatively low.
- S.806
- Wounded Warrior Bill 4/14/2005
Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to require that a member insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program be automatically issued a traumatic injury protection rider that will provide a payment of up to $100,000 per event if the member sustains a traumatic injury.
- S.802
- National Drought Preparedness Act 4/14/2005
Establishes a National Drought Council within the Department of Agriculture, to improve national drought preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts.
- S.Res.105
- National Youth Service Day 4/12/2005
A resolution designating April 15, 2005, as National Youth Service Day, and for other purposes.
- S.761
- Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act 4/12/2005
Renames the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in the State of Idaho as the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in honor of the late Morley Nelson, an international authority on birds of prey, who was instrumental in the establishment of this National Conservation Area.
- S.702
- Amending the Internal Revenue Code 4/5/2005
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code to repeal specified occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer.
- S.Res.95
- The passing of Pope John Paul II 4/5/2005
Joins the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II, and pays tribute to him by pledging to be ever faithful to our national calling to be ``one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,'' and to help our neighbors in immeasurable ways.
- S.695
- New Shipper Review Amendment 4/4/2005
Closes a loophole that prevents U.S. Customs and Border Protection from collecting the full amount of duties owed on certain imported goods.
- S.Res.87
- Beef exports to Japan 3/17/2005
Declares the sense of the Senate that if the Government of Japan continues to delay in meeting its obligations under the understanding reached with the United States on October 23, 2004, to resume beef imports from the United States, the U.S. Trade Representative should immediately impose retaliatory economic measures on Japan.
- S.Res.85
- National Day of the American Cowboy 3/17/2005
A resolution designating July 23, 2005, and July 22, 2006, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".
- S.658
- Human Cloning Prohibition Act 3/17/2005
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit human cloning.
- S.642
- Support our Scouts Act 3/16/2005
A bill that gives support to certain national youth organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.
- S.627
- Investment in America Act of 2005 3/15/2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase the rates of the alternative incremental credit for certain research expenses; and (3) permit a taxpayer election of an alternative simplified tax credit for research expenses in lieu of the standard tax credit for increasing research activities.
- S.604
- Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act 3/11/2005
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize expansion of Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services.
- S.601
- Tax Fairness for Active Duty Military 3/10/2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow combat pay to be included in determining an allowable contribution to an individual retirement plan.
- S.591
- No Net Loss of Private Land Act 3/10/2005
The bill would limit federal land acquisition in States where 25% or more of the land is federally owned unless the United States disposes of land approximately equal in value to the land being acquired.
- S.582
- Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act 3/9/2005
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of the Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, at no cost to taxpayers.
- S.Res.75
- Recognizing Greek Independence Day 3/8/2005
Designating March 25, 2005, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy".
- S.Res.71
- National Safe Place Week 3/3/2005
Designating the week beginning March 13, 2005, as "National Safe Place Week".
- S.520
- Constitution Restoration Act 3/3/2005
A bill to limit jurisdiction of federal courts in certain cases and promote federalism.
- S.489
- Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act 3/1/2005
A bill to limit the duration of federal consent decrees to which State and local governments are a party.
- S.485
- National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act 3/1/2005
Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to extend deadlines for development of a five-year strategic plan for the geologic mapping program.
- S.41
- Rural Community Arsenic Relief Act 2/28/2005
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect rural communities from overly burdensome financial mandates on naturally occurring contaminants found in the drinking water supply, especially when the water does not pose an unreasonable health risk.
- S.RES.67
- Extension Living Well Week 2/28/2005
A resolution designating the second week of March 2005 as "Extension Living Well Week".
- S.420
- Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act 2/17/2005
The bill would make permanent the repeal of the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
- S.397
- Gun Lawsuit Bill 2/16/2005
To prohibit frivolous lawsuits from being brought or continued against law-abiding manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages resulting from the misuse of their products by others.
- S.388
- Climate Change 2/15/2005
A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out activities that promote the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas intensity and to provide credit-based financial assistance and investment protection for projects that employ advanced climate technologies or systems, to provide for the establishment of a national greenhouse gas registry, and for other purposes.
- S.387
- Climate Change 2/15/2005
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the investment in greenhouse gas intensity reduction projects, and for other purposes.
- S.386
- Climate Change 2/15/2005
A bill to direct the Secretary of State to carry out activities that promote the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas intensity in developing countries, while promoting economic development, and for other purposes.
- S.375
- Flu Protection Act of 2005 2/15/2005
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for an influenza vaccine awareness campaign, ensure a sufficient influenza vaccine supply, and prepare for an influenza pandemic or epidemic, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage vaccine production capacity, and for other purposes.
- S.359
- AgJOBS 2/10/2005
A bill to provide for the adjustment of status of certain foreign agricultural workers, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the H-2A worker program under that Act, to provide a stable, legal agricultural workforce, to extend basic legal protections and better working conditions to more workers, and for other purposes.
- S.335
- Congressional Award 2/9/2005
A bill to reauthorize the Congressional Award Act. This is the only award given by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America's youth. Idaho has one of the most successful State programs in the nation.
- S.328
- Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2005 2/9/2005
A bill to facilitate the sale of United States agricultural products to Cuba, as authorized by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
- S.339
- Reaffirmation of State Regulation of Resident and Nonresident Hunting and Fishing Act 2/9/2005
A bill to reaffirm the authority of States to regulate certain hunting and fishing activities.
- S.Res.39
- Lynching Victims Senate Apology Resolution 2/7/2005
A resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and the descendants of those victims for the failure of the Senate to enact anti-lynching legislation.
- S.RES.38
- Iraq elections 2/7/2005
A resolution commending the people of Iraq on the January 30, 2005, national elections.
- S.305
- Department of the Interior Volunteer Recruitment Act of 2005 2/3/2005
A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to recruit volunteers to assist with or facilitate the activities of various agencies and offices of the Department of the Interior.
- S.284
- Rural Universal Services Equity Act of 2005 2/3/2005
A bill to distribute money from the Universal Service Fund to rural communities. These funds are used to increase access and reduce costs for communications services, including telephone, Internet, and broadband services.
- S.Res.35
- Veterans' Affairs 2/2/2005
An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- S.267
- Craig-Wyden reauthorization 2/2/2005
A bill to authorize, until 2013, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (also known as the Craig-Wyden bill), and for other purposes. The purposes of the Act are: to stabilize payments to counties for roads and schools; to make additional investments in forest health improvement projects on public lands and to create new jobs; and to focus on creating a new cooperative partnership between communities in forest counties and public land management agencies.
- S.246
- Adoption tax credit and adoption assistance 2/1/2005
A bill to make permanent the 2001 expansion of the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs.
- S.206
- Ice Age Floods Trail 1/31/2005
A bill to designate the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, and for other purposes.
-
S.J.RES.2
- Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution 1/24/2005
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to require a balanced budget and protect Social Security surpluses.
- S.65
- Pilot Age Restrictions 1/24/2005
A bill to amend the age restrictions for pilots.
- S.188
- State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Reauthorization Act 1/26/2005
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 through 2011 to carry out the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which supports State and local law enforcement in locking up aliens who commit crimes.
- S.RES.4
- Tsunami victims 1/4/2005
A resolution expressing the sympathy and pledging the support of the United States Senate and the people of the United States for the victims of the powerful earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck Bangladesh, Burma, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and other areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, on December 26, 2004.