United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Recognizes the significance of Hispanic-serving institutions, and that they are indispensable in meeting the educational needs of one of the Nation's youngest and fastest-growing populations. Commends the Nation's Hispanic-serving institutions for their commitment to academic excellence for all students, including low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Urges the presidents, faculty, and staff of the Nation's Hispanic-serving institutions to continue their efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students who might otherwise not pursue a postsecondary education. Recognizes the importance of title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which aids in strengthening the academic quality, institutional management, and financial stability of Hispanic-serving institutions. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested groups to demonstrate support for Hispanic-serving institutions in the United States during Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2002
Hispanic Health Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends the Social Security Act to provide incentives for States to grant title XIX (Medicaid) and title XXI (SCHIP) coverage to parents and pregnant women. Grants automatic enrollment of children in State child health assistance who are born to title XXI parents. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit States and localities to provide certain health care benefits to aliens that current law prohibits States and localities from granting. Latina Adolescent Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for the prevention of Latina adolescent suicides. Border Health Security Act of 2002 - Requires the Secretary, acting through the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission and in consultation with the State border health offices, to award border health services grants. Community Health Workers Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary, acting in collaboration with the Director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and other Federal officials, to award grants to promote positive health behaviors in women. Patient Navigator, Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants for cancer and chronic disease care and prevention. Permits the Director of the National Cancer Institute to make similar grants. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the programs of the Office of Minority Health. Directs the heads of certain agencies within the public health service to establish individual offices of minority health. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Cleveland National Forest Responsible Electricity Transmission Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (the "Secretaries") to issue the necessary grants, easements, permits, plan amendments, and other approvals to allow for the siting and construction of a high-voltage electricity transmission line in part of the Cleveland National Forest in California and adjacent lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Forbids any portion of the transmission line from entering any identified wilderness area. Assigns primary responsibility for completing the environmental and other reviews necessary for the implementation of this Act to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management. States that it is anticipated that this Act will make it unnecessary to construct regional transmission lines through heavily populated lands in the Temecula Valley. Subjects the right-of-way to such terms and conditions as the Secretaries set forth to protect historic, cultural, and natural resources under their respective jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002
Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2002 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 or over, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months beginning on or before the enactment of this Act; (2) 40 percent of such pay, for months beginning after enactment of this Act until October 2005; (3) 45 percent of such pay for months beginning after September 2005 and before October 2012; and (4) 55 percent of such pay for months after September 2012. Adjusts similarly the percentage amounts of SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided for such surviving spouses. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate adjustments in the computation of retired pay reductions for such supplemental annuities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002
Recognizes Tiger Woods for his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2002
Congratulates the players, management, staff, and fans of the Oakland Athletics organization for setting the Major League Baseball record for the longest winning streak by an American League baseball team.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their freedom, and to each other. Extends deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims. Expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist attacks and their sponsors until they are discovered and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2002
Chance to Succeed Act of 2002 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include as a work activity satisfactory participation in services to address barriers designed to improve future employment opportunities, including substance abuse treatment and physical rehabilitation, mental health, and mental retardation and developmental disabilities services. Requires the assessment for each assistance recipient to determine whether the recipient has any such barriers. Prohibits a TANF-recipient State from imposing a sanction against an individual or family on the basis of noncompliance with a program requirement if the individual whose conduct is the basis of the sanction is in the uncompleted process of being screened or assessed for a mental health problem, disability, substance abuse problem, or sexual or domestic violence situation, or if the services outlined in the service plan developed for the individual or family were not offered, available, and accessible to the individual or family at the time of the noncompliance. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting a State in compliance with its requirements from imposing a sanction for noncompliance with work requirements against an individual or family who opts to not take full advantage of the opportunity for assessment or the services and supports made available. Requires each State receiving a State family assistance grant to establish an advisory panel to review the efficacy of each TANF-funded program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2002
Supports the goals and ideals of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. Salutes and acknowledges historically Black colleges and universities and the presidents, faculties, staff, and trustees of the 118 such institutions for their vigorous and persistent efforts in support of equal opportunity in higher education. Commends the students who benefit from such institutions for their pursuit of academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2002
Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2002 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide that a public safety officer who dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke suffered while on duty or within 24 hours after participating in a training exercise or responding to an emergency situation shall be presumed to have died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty, for purposes of survivor benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Still Saving Women's Lives Act of 2002 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth permanent guidelines for U.S. voluntary contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) by requiring such contributions to be obligated and expended not more than 30 days after they become available unless the President certifies that the UNFPA performs coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for U.S. voluntary contributions to the UNFPA.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 2777 Logan Avenue in San Diego, California, and known as the Southeastern Post Office, as the Cesar E. Chavez Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, compliance with environmental laws, and improving accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Community Partners Neighborhood Preservation Act of 2002 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide a 50 percent discount for teachers and public safety officers purchasing eligible asset properties for use as their primary residences. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should consult with other heads of Federal agencies that own or hold properties appropriate for use as housing to determine whether to include such properties in the Community Partners Next Door program and other programs that make housing available for law enforcement officers, teachers, or fire fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Patient Navigator, Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration; and (2) the Director of the National Cancer Institute to make grants for model programs to provide services for cancer and chronic diseases to individuals of health disparity populations. Requires that these services: (1) be provided in a culturally competent way; (2) include patient navigators to help with finding services and follow-up care; and (3) include ongoing outreach activities. Conditions grants on the presence of a fee schedule consistent with prevailing rates and a fee discount schedule which provides fee adjustments based on ability to pay. Evaluates services according to a peer-reviewed model according to best practices. Limits the grants to five years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
Darlene's Law - Amends the Public Health Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain the National Organ Donor Registry. Provides for an opt-in organ donation checkoff on income tax forms. Sets forth notice and disclosure requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer the name and taxpayer identification number of individuals opting for organ donation to the Registry, exempting such disclosure from otherwise applicable prohibitions on the non-tax use of tax form information. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to qualified organ procurement organizations to establish programs coordinating organ donation activities with hospitals to increase the rate of organ donation for such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to establish an interagency task force on organ donation and research. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award peer-reviewed grants for studies and demonstration projects to increase organ donation and recovery rates, including removing financial disincentives; (2) establish an organ donation public awareness program; (3) support model curricula in relevant issues; (4) develop scientific evidence to support increased donation and improve recovery, transportation, and preservation of organs and tissues; and (5) support research to develop a uniform vocabulary, apply information technology, and enhance the skills and technologies used in organ procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
Provides for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a congressional gold medal to Arnold Palmer in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
Recognizes the role of women's sports programs in the development of women's leadership skills and supports the goals of Women's Leadership Through Sports Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2002
Veterans Emergency Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to States for programs to assist veterans and their spouses and dependents suffering financial hardship as a result of an emergency. Prohibits any State from receiving more than five percent of the total funds appropriated, or more than $1 million, in any fiscal year. Defines an emergency as an illness or accident resulting in interruption or loss of employment, a fire or other disaster resulting in loss of a residence, or another event or condition as determined by a State.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Senior Nutrition Act of 2002 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program (program) if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Authorizes permanent program appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Veterans' Prescription Drug and Surviving Spouses Assistance Act of 2002 - Suspends, for five years, the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the required copayment for medication furnished to veterans on an outpatient basis for the treatment of non-service-connected disabilities. Increases the maximum annual rates of pensions for surviving spouses of war veterans. Amends the Social Security Act to exclude the amount of such rate increases from a surviving spouse's income for purposes of Medicaid (title XIX) eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Immigration Security and Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to submit to Congress an immigration security and efficiency enhancement plan which shall incorporate: (1) establishment of a central computer application and form database and network, and identification of applications and forms appropriate for electronic submission; (2) implementation of an electronic submission pilot project; and (3) within specified time periods, electronic submission of specified percentages of such applications and forms. Directs the Attorney General to establish within the visa, immigration, border patrol, and naturalization functions of the Department of Justice: (1) an electronic file management and computer information system; and (2) an electronic filing and submission system for applications from certified service providers (as provided for by this Act). Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants for enhancement of immigration service providers. Directs the National Records Center to create and maintain an electronic database of all closed Immigration and Naturalization Service files.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Technology Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2005 to the Secretary of Commerce for: (1) activities of the Under Secretary for Technology and the Office of Technology Policy; (2) the Scientific and Technical Research and Services laboratory activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); (3) the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program; (4) NIST facilities construction and maintenance; and (5) NIST Industrial Technology Services activities. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act concerning the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) to: (1) authorize the participation of universities and nonprofit organizations in ATP joint ventures; (2) allow vesting of intellectual property developed in a joint venture in any participant; (3) prohibit ATP contracts from being awarded unless they may remove a scientific or technological barrier to product development; and (4) allow the use of industry and peer review of project proposals. Enterprise Integration Act of 2002 - Requires the Director to establish an initiative for advancing enterprise integration within the United States. Provides for related assessments, plans and reports, and authorized initiative activities. Fair Play in Sports Act of 2002 - Directs NIST to: (1) establish a research program for testing performance-enhancing substances the use of which is prohibited in the Olympic Games; (2) provide peer review and assistance to the United States Anti-Doping Agency with respect to the laboratory accreditation process and testing procedures delineated in the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code; and (3) establish a research program on the long-term consequences of the use of performance-enhancing substances.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Veterans Right-To-Know Act of 2002 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to identify each developmental or operational test of the Department of Defense (DOD) involving chemical or biological weapons, or defense against such weapons, in which military personnel or civilians were or may have been exposed to actual or simulated hazardous agents, with or without their knowledge or consent. Requires the Comptroller General to establish within the General Accounting Office an Oversight Working Group on Biological and Chemical Testing to: (1) review DOD chemical and biological test activities that involved exposure to military personnel or civilians; (2) report to Congress information concerning Project SHAD (DOD tests to evaluate the effectiveness of shipboard detection and protective procedures against chemical and biological warfare agents) and Project 112 (DOD tests in and around Alaska using chemical and biological agents); (3) continue to review DOD investigations of any other cases of DOD chemical or biological testing; and (4) identify veterans and veterans organizations with significant information involving such test projects and seek to have that information made available to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) notify any veterans who may have been exposed, with instructions on how to receive a health care evaluation; and (2) review declassified material to determine any lasting health effects that may have been incurred by exposed veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Yellowstone Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the final rule to phase out snowplane use in Grand Teton National Park and snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park, the John. D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, and Grand Teton National Park. Prohibits the Secretary from modifying or superseding any provisions of that final rule.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or eligible to enroll under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages for FY 2005. Includes for the standard package a monthly premium of $25, an annual deductible of $100, a coinsurance of 20 percent and an annual out-of-pocket spending limit of $2,000. Directs the Secretary to negotiate fair prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Provides for accelerated generic drug competition. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to: (1) inclusion of the costs of certain military services to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of Medicare+Choice payment rates; (2) specialized Medicare+Choice plans for special needs beneficiaries; and (3) continuous open enrollment and disenrollment at any time. Revises requirements for Medicare: (1) part A concerning rural health care, inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospices; (2) part B concerning physicians services and other services; and (3) part A and B concerning home health services and direct graduate medical education. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to certain Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment adjustments and the Q-I1 program. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add requirements for interstate Internet sellers of prescription drugs. Establishes within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the Office of Rare Diseases. Amends the Public Health Services Act with respect to promotion of the pharmacist profession.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include demonstration, education, and other programs concerning cancer survivorship among the activities of the National Cancer Institute (Institute) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires the Director of NIH to: (1) expand and coordinate NIH activities related to cancer survivorship; and (2) establish an Office on Survivorship within the Institute. Creates the position of Associate Director for Survivorship. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, to: (1) study the health challenges associated with cancer survivorship and carry out projects and interventions; and (2) make grants for the monitoring and evaluation of cancer care and survivorship.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Federal Air Traffic Controllers Annuity Computation Act of 2002 - Allows Federal air traffic controllers to elect to have their Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuities computed under provisions similar to CSRS annuity computation provisions applicable to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nuclear materials couriers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Recognizes The First Tee, a youth character-building organization, for its support of programs that provide young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honor, integrity, and sportsmanship.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Bracero Justice Act of 2002 - Sets forth rules for cases in which an eligible claim is brought against the United States, Mexico, or certain financial institutions alleging failure to pay moneys owed to workers participating in the labor importation (bracero) program between January 1, 1942, and January 1, 1969. Declares that an eligible claim brought in any U.S. district court not later than two years after enactment of this Act shall not be barred by any statute of limitations, and that district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction in instances where such claims are brought. Waives U.S. sovereign immunity in such cases, and declares that foreign States shall not be immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. district courts hearing eligible claims.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Family Violence Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of Family Violence within the Department of Health and Human Services. Directs the Office to coordinate intra-departmental family violence programs and develop a Federal family violence prevention Internet website. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment of five family violence research and education centers through grants or contracts with public and nonprofit private entities. Requires such centers to: (1) include both professional and public education; and (2) be linked to national, State, and local resources. Requires one center to be linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and another to the National Institute of Mental Health. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to make recommendations concerning the centers' research agenda. Requires the Director to award grants to eligible entities, including healthcare delivery systems or training entities, to develop and disseminate family violence education and training curricula, programs, and strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2002
Health Care for Filipino World War II Veterans Act - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital and nursing home care and medical services to any individual who is a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout (current law) and who is: (1) residing in the United States; and (2) a U.S. citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Provides a rate of payment equal to the rate provided for active-service veterans and their survivors for: (1) dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of Commonwealth Army veterans or new Philippine Scouts; and (2) veterans' disability compensation for new Philippine Scouts residing in the United States. Provides national cemetery burial benefits for new Philippine Scouts.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Tribal Government Tax Fairness Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by establishing that Indian tribal governments shall be treated as States for purposes of chapter 35, relating to taxes on wagering.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2002 - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified documents as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2002
Child Support Reinvestment Act of 2002 - Amends the Social Security Act to modify the formula used to assess the penalty for State failure to automate child support information systems if the State has submitted a corrective compliance plan approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the State to expend for operation of its approved State plan the amount by which it would have been penalized had it not submitted such corrective compliance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2002 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2003; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning January 1, 2004. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Widows of Wartime Veterans Assistance Act - Increases the maximum annual rates of pensions for surviving spouses of veterans of a period of war. Amends the Social Security Act to require that the amount of such rate increases not be included in a surviving spouse's income for purposes of Medicaid (title XIX) eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the 10 percent additional tax on early distributions of pension plans inapplicable in the case of a "qualified public safety employee" receiving a specified type of benefit (DROP benefit) from a governmental pension plan. Defines "qualified public safety employee."
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2002
Rejection of Social Security Privatization Act of 2002-States that Congress hereby commits: (1) to preserve the guaranteed, lifelong, inflation-protected benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to retirees, disabled workers and their families, and the survivors of deceased workers; and (2) therefore to reject the President's plans to partially privatize Social Security, as well as other proposals to privatize Social Security, and any and all proposals that would threaten the ability of the Social Security Trust Funds to sustain the lifelong, guaranteed, inflation-protected benefits provided under SSA.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
Pension Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to direct the Secretary of Labor to undertake enforcement actions with respect to requirements for pension plan participation, vesting, benefit accrual, and funding, including an appropriate enforcement response in connection with a report on oversight of certain cash balance plan lump sum distributions. Directs the Secretary, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop improved guidance for defined benefit plan administrators, with respect to requirements for such plans which express accrued benefits in the form of an account balance, including further assistance relating to all factors involved in determining lump sum distributions of accrued benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act of 2002 - Designates specified lands in California as wilderness, as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and as additions to the Ventana Wilderness, the Silver Peak Wilderness, and the Pinnacles Wilderness. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to manage the designated wilderness areas in accordance with the Wilderness Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to amend the management plans for the Ventana and Silver Peak Wildernesses to authorize the Forest Supervisor of the Los Padres National Forest to take appropriate actions for fire prevention and watershed protection in such areas.. Permits military flights and flight training over, and continued non-motorized access for military training in, such wilderness areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) conduct a 5-year pilot program to eradicate invasive plant and animal species in the Monterey District of Los Padres National Forest; and (2) permit the construction and maintenance of a new water line and spring box improvements adjacent to an existing domestic water service in the Silver Peak Wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Nursing Home Staffing Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for minimum nurse staffing levels in nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments. Reinstitutes (Boren amendment) payment methodology, providing for payment of Medicaid services through the use of rates determined pursuant to the criteria under State Medicaid plan provisions as in effect on August 1, 1997. Establishes safe harbor rates. Provides a permanent 1.50 percent increase of the Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage for a State beginning with FY 2003. Authorizes inclusion of financial accountability requirements in the survey and certification process with respect to facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
National Construction Safety Team Act - Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish National Construction Safety Teams for deployment within 48 hours after events causing the failure of a building that has resulted in substantial loss of life or that posed significant potential for such loss of life. Requires Teams to: (1) consist of at least one NIST employee and other experts who are not NIST employees; (2) conduct investigations to establish the likely technical cause(s) of the building failure; (3) evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and emergency response procedures; (4) recommend specific improvements to building standards, codes, and practices; and (5) recommend research and other appropriate actions needed to improve the structural safety of buildings and evacuation and emergency response procedures. Requires such a Team to coordinate its investigations with any search and rescue efforts being undertaken at the site of the building failure. Requires the Director to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the head of each Federal agency that may conduct or sponsor a related investigation, providing for coordination of investigations. Grants a Team investigation priority over any other investigation of any other Federal agency, with the exception of related investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board or building failures that may have been caused by criminal acts. Requires: (1) Teams to issue public reports after completing investigations; (2) NIST to review such reports, to conduct or encourage appropriate recommended research, and to promote adoption of Team recommendations by the Federal Government and encourage adoption by other agencies and organizations; and (3) the Director to report to Congress on Team investigations and recommendations and on NIST actions in response and to establish an advisory committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Expresses profound gratitude to airline flight attendants for their daily service to make air travel safe and honors their courage and dedication. Expresses support for the flight attendants who displayed heroism on September 11, 2001, and to all flight attendants who continue to display heroism each day.
![Official portrait of Rep. Baca, Joe [D-CA-43]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001234_200.jpg)