10-11-04
Bill Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent

To amend title 5, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Administrative Conference of the United States for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004'.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

(a) Purposes- Section 591 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`Sec. 591 Purposes

`The purposes of this subchapter are--

`(1) to provide suitable arrangements through which Federal agencies, assisted by outside experts, may cooperatively study mutual problems, exchange information, and develop recommendations for action by proper authorities to the end that private rights may be fully protected and regulatory activities and other Federal responsibilities may be carried out expeditiously in the public interest;

`(2) to promote more effective public participation and efficiency in the rulemaking process;

`(3) to reduce unnecessary litigation in the regulatory process;

`(4) to improve the use of science in the regulatory process; and

`(5) to improve the effectiveness of laws applicable to the regulatory process.'.

(b) Conforming Amendments- Title 5 of the United States Code is amended--

(1) in section 594 by striking `purpose' and inserting `purposes'; and

(2) in the table of sections of chapter 5 of part I by amending the item relating to section 591 to read as follows:

`591. Purposes'.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Section 596 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`Sec. 596. Authorization of appropriations

`There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter not more than $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, $3,100,000 for fiscal year 2006, and $3,200,000 for fiscal year 2007. Of any amounts appropriated under this section, not more than $2,500 may be made available in each fiscal year for official representation and entertainment expenses for foreign dignitaries.'.

Passed the Senate October 11, 2004.

Attest:

Secretary.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Administrative Conference of the United States for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, and for other purposes.

END