United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Continuity in Representation Act of 2003 - Requires States to hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives within 21 days after a vacancy is announced by the Speaker of the House in the extraordinary circumstance that vacancies in representation from the States exceed 100. Waives the 21-day requirement if a regularly scheduled general election for the office involved is to be held at any time within 51 days after the vacancy announcement.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Columbian Temporary Protected Status Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of Congress in favor of extending temporary protected status to Columbian nationals in the United States. Designates Columbia under the Immigration and Nationality Act as a country undergoing an ongoing armed conflict in order to make qualifying Columbians living in the United States eligible aliens for temporary protected status. States that such initial designation shall be for a two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Federal Bureau of Investigation Reform Act of 2003 - Expands the types of disclosures that trigger Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) whistle-blower protections to include disclosures to the Inspector General for the Department of Justice (DOJ), Congress, a supervisor of the employee, or the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)) that the employee reasonably believes evidence misconduct. Makes procedural protections of the Administrative Procedure Act applicable in cases where a complaint of retaliation was made by an FBI employee. Provides an individual right of action before the MSPB. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish policies and procedures for the effective management of persons serving in FBI security positions; (2) establish a counterintelligence screening polygraph program for the FBI; and (3) report to Congress on the existing and recommended legal authority for all FBI programs and activities. Requires the FBI Director: (1) to ensure that the Attorney General's policies established in accordance with this Act are implemented through the FBI at both the headquarters and field office levels; and (2) to appoint a Director of Security and, acting through such Director, establish a security career program board. Applies provisions governing adverse actions against members of the Senior Executive Service to removals from the civil service or suspensions for any length of time (currently such provisions apply to a removal or suspension for more than 14 days). Requires annual reports on Office of Professional Responsibility investigations. Authorizes appropriations to DOJ for increased security, emergency preparedness, security compliance review, and the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the victims of the Soviet-engineered Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933 ("Holodomor") be solemnly remembered on its 70th anniversary; (2) the systematic violations of human rights, freedom of self-determination, and freedom of speech of the Ukrainian people by the government of the former Soviet Union should be condemned; (3) information regarding the Holodomor should be disseminated in order to expand the world's knowledge of this man-made tragedy; and (4) on the 70th anniversary of Holodomor efforts in Ukraine should be supported to ensure democratic principles, a free-market economy, and full respect for human rights, thereby enabling Ukraine to achieve its potential as an important strategic partner in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal honoring Wilma G. Rudolph (three-time gold medal winner in the 1960 Olympics) in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions to humanity and to women's athletics.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Directs: (1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to the family of the late Raul Julia in recognition of his dedication to ending world hunger and his great contributions to the Latino community and the performing arts; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer half of the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received and any proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals exceeds the costs incurred in carrying out this Act to the New York Public Theater and half to the New York Shakespeare Festival.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Honors the life and dedicated service of former Congressman Dalip Singh Saund of California. Remembers his achievements as the only Indian American to serve in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from taking any action proposed under the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) unless the Secretary has notified Congress of the intention to take such action; and (2) until the later of the expiration of a 60-day period, or 30 days of continuous congressional session, after such notification.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2003
Reiterates the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994, and honors its victims. Urges the Government of Argentina to fulfill its international obligations and its promise to the Argentine people by pursuing the local and international connections to this act of terrorism, wherever it may lead, and to properly punish all those involved. Welcomes Argentine President Nestor Kirchner's political will to pursue the investigation of the bombing of the AMIA to its ultimate conclusions. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) raise this issue in bilateral discussions with Argentine officials; and (2) underscore the U.S. concern regarding the past delay in the resolution of this case. Recommends that the President of the United States create more mechanisms for intra-regional information sharing and, where needed, joint counter-terrorism operations. Encourages the President of the United States to provide democratic governments in South America and Central America with the necessary financial resources as well as equipment and training for intelligence and security forces. Recommends that the U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States seek support from the countries composing the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist, if needed, in the investigation of this terrorist attack. Calls on all governments in the Western Hemisphere to pursue an anti-terrorism campaign based on unity of purpose, dedication of resources, constant vigilance, and cooperation. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to: (1) respond favorably to the Argentine arrest warrant for five Iranian citizens believed to be responsible for the 1994 attack on the AMIA; and (2) cease any and all assistance to terrorist organizations, and renounce any and all involvement with terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth; and (2) in cooperation with the Legacy Fund of the Library of Congress, to develop and implement a marketing program to promote and sell the coins. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) supporting historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2003
Author, Consumer, and Computer Owner Protection and Security (ACCOPS) Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to require the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council to develop guidelines to ensure that its component members share among themselves law enforcement information related to infringement of U.S. copyrighted work. Requires the Attorney General to report biannually (currently, annually) to specified congressional committees on criminal copyright cases. Requires the Attorney General, subject to specified limitations, to provide to a foreign authority evidence to assist it in: (1) determining whether a person has violated any of the copyright laws administered or enforced by the foreign authority; and (2) enforcing such laws. Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized placing of a copyrighted work on a computer network accessible to members of the public who are able to copy the work through such access. Establishes criminal penalties for any person who knowingly offers for download over the Internet enabling software (that, when installed on the user's computer, enables third parties to store data on that computer, or use that computer to search other computers' contents over the Internet) without warning any person downloading such software that it could create a security and privacy risk for the user's computer, and without obtaining the user's prior consent. Establishes criminal penalties for persons who: (1) provides knowingly and intentionally fraudulent information in registering domain name; or (2) willfully infringe a copyright by the unauthorized reproduction or recording of a motion picture as it is being performed or displayed in a motion picture theater. Declares that the knowing and intentional provision of material and misleading false contact information to a domain name registrar, domain name registry, or other domain name registration authority in registering such domain shall be considered evidence of willfulness regarding infringements committed by the domain name registrant through the use of such domain.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to ensure that its review of its education curriculum is thorough, objective, and public. Urges the Government of Saudi Arabia to reform its education curriculum so as to promote tolerance, develop civil society, and encourage functionality in the global economy. Expresses extreme disappointment with the slow pace of education reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Applauds the public statements by Crown Prince Abdullah; and urges him to implement policies that are consistent with his statements. Urges the U.S. Department of State and other appropriate Federal agencies to work closely with the Government of Saudi Arabia on efforts to address issues related to education curriculum, textbooks, and teacher training. Supports expanding and creating more cultural, academic, visitor, and other exchanges between the United States and Saudi Arabia, subject to appropriate security checks. Requests the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to encourage UNESCO to examine the educational system in Saudi Arabia and monitor the progress of the efforts to reform the education curriculum.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Medicare Patient Access to Drugs for Rare Diseases Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the methodology by which payment for orphan drugs and biologicals is made under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on payment for orphan drugs and biologicals and blood clotting factors for individuals with hemophilia in the OPD setting, including recommendations for either continuing or discontinuing the exclusion of such drugs and biologicals from payment under Medicare. Provides for a moratorium on decreases in payment rates for orphan drugs and biologicals and blood clotting factors for certain individuals with hemophilia.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow, Coretta Scott King, in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2003
Overtime Compensation Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to prohibit the Secretary of Labor from promulgating any regulation that has the effect of exempting from FLSA overtime compensation requirements (which limit maximum hours at regular compensation) any employee who is not otherwise exempted under regulations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that such prohibition does not bar the Secretary from reducing the number of employees who are exempt from such overtime compensation requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Commercial Alien Smuggling Elimination Act of 2003 or the CASE Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish within the S visa nonimmigrant classification (criminal or terrorist law enforcement assistance) a category for an alien: (1) who has reliable information about a commercial alien smuggling enterprise; (2) who is willing to supply or has supplied such information to a Federal or State court; and (3) whose presence in the United States is essential to such investigation. Authorizes: (1) up to 400 annual entrants; and (2) status adjustment to permanent resident. Authorizes measures as necessary to protect such individuals and their families. Authorizes increased criminal penalties for a person illegally bringing in and harboring aliens into the United States if: (1) part of a commercial enterprise; and (2) the aliens were transported in groups of ten or more, and in a manner that endangered their lives or presented a U.S. health risk. Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security a rewards program to help eliminate such enterprises. (States that Federal, State, local, or foreign officers or employees performing their official duties shall be ineligible for such rewards.) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement a related public outreach program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Creates the Independent Commission on Intelligence about Iraq. Gives the Commission responsibility for: (1) evaluating executive branch intelligence collection, assessment, and representations concerning the threats posed by Iraq; (2) evaluating the effectiveness of collaborative arrangements between the United States and others in assessing such threats; (3) examining the extent to which Congress has imposed restrictions that have hampered the efforts of the intelligence community; (4) reviewing the work of other investigations; and (5) reporting its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) grave concerns exist concerning the deployment by the People's Republic of China of hundreds of ballistic missiles directed toward Taiwan which threaten the security and stability in the Taiwan Strait; (2) the President should direct U.S. officials to raise these concerns with the appropriate Chinese officials, and should seek a renunciation from the Chinese leaders of any threat or use of force against Taiwan; (3) the President should affirm to the Chinese leaders that there will not be a quid pro quo between the dismantling of missiles aimed at Taiwan by China, and arms sales to Taiwan by the United States; (4) China should dismantle the missiles that threaten Taiwan, otherwise the President should authorize the sale of the Aegis system to Taiwan in order that it may defend itself against the threat of a missile attack by China; and (5) the future of Taiwan should be determined peacefully and with the express consent of the Taiwanese people.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Rachel Granger Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to authorize waivers by the Commissioner of Social Security of the five-month waiting period for entitlement to benefits based on disability in cases in which the Commissioner determines that such waiting period would cause undue hardship to terminally ill beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Condemns in the harshest terms the recent terrorist actions that victimized innocent Israelis. Expresses solidarity with the Israeli people as they respond to ongoing terrorist attacks, and sympathy to the families of innocent Israelis and Palestinians who have lost their lives. Commends the President of the United States for his vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Affirms that this vision can be fully realized only once terrorism is defeated, so that a new state may be created based on rule of law and respect for human rights. Recognizes and respects Israel's right to fight terrorism and acknowledges Israel's fight against terrorism as part of the global war against terrorism. Calls on all states to cease recognition of and political and material support for any Palestinian and other terrorist groups. Calls on all states immediately to: (1) establish effective mechanisms to ensure that funding from private citizens cannot be directed to terrorist groups for any purpose whatsoever, including ostensible humanitarian purposes; (2) provide support to the Palestinian Authority in its effort to confront and fight terror; and (3) assist the Palestinian people in creating the institutions of a democratic state that will respect the rule of law and live in peace with its neighbors.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Acknowledges the strong relationship between the United States and the Republic of Mali and encourages expanded relations between the two countries on issues of importance to them, including assistance programs aimed at promoting economic development in Mali. Applauds Mali for building a democratic society, developing a vibrant civil society, and providing leadership in conflict resolution and peacekeeping activities. Recognizes the support and assistance Mali has provided in combating terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to: (1) develop a program (including suitable warnings) to deter members of the public from committing acts of copyright infringement by offering on the Internet copies of copyrighted works, or making copies of copyrighted works from the Internet, without the authorization of the copyright owners; and (2) facilitate the sharing among law enforcement agencies, Internet service providers, and copyright owners of information concerning such activities. Requires the Attorney General to ensure that: (1) any unit in the Department of Justice responsible for investigating computer hacking or responsible for investigating intellectual property crimes is assigned at least one agent to support such unit for the purpose of investigating crimes relating to the theft of intellectual property; and (2) each agent so assigned has received training in the investigation and enforcement of intellectual property crimes. Establishes within the Office of the Associate Attorney General of the United States an Internet Use Education Program. Amends Federal copyright law to make importation into the United States without the copyright owner's authorization of copies and phonorecords of a work that have been acquired outside the United State an infringement of the exclusive right to distribute such copies or phonorecords, regardless of whether that work has been registered with the Copyright Office or recorded with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) of the Department of Homeland Security. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to make regulations prohibiting such importations regardless of registration with the Copyright Office or recordation with the BCBP. Directs the Attorney General to set forth criteria under which copyright owners designated by the Attorney General will be able to use the FBI seal for deterrent purposes in connection with physical and digital copies and phonorecords and digital transmission of their works of authorship.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Downed Animal Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Provides that an entity shall: (1) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious; and (2) humanely euthanize such livestock. Prohibits an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock through inspection. Defines "covered entity," and "humanely euthanize."
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act - Requires hospitals, as a condition of receiving Federal funds, to provide emergency contraception to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Women and Children in Conflict Protection Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) develop a strategy for the protection of women and children who are affected by a complex humanitarian emergency (a situation occurring outside the United States and caused by armed conflict, natural disaster, food shortage, or state-sponsored harassment or persecution, which results in a significant number of refugees, internally displaced persons, or other civilians requiring urgent basic humanitarian assistance) (emergency); and (2) designate coordinators to implement such strategy. Requires such coordinators to: (1) maintain and disseminate a database of information on gender-based violence or exploitation of children during an emergency; (2) assist embassies and consular posts in responding to such risks; and (3) establish a gender-based violence or exploitation reporting and monitoring system for U.S. diplomatic missions and consular posts. Prohibits any State Department refugee or migration assistance from being provided to an organization that has failed to adopt a code of conduct regarding the protection of beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance that incorporates six core principles (established herein) against sexual exploitation and abuse as recommended by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Requests all national, multilateral, and nongovernmental agencies to review and revise their administrative, management, and employment practices in refugee and displaced persons camps. Requires each coordinator to: (1) ensure that U.S.-funded organizations that respond to an emergency have the necessary resources to address the specific health needs of women affected by the emergency; and (2) identify an organization or individual to facilitate the coordination and implementation of such activities. Directs the Secretary to urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to work with nongovernmental organizations to design and implement a model whistleblower system under which humanitarian workers, refugees, and internally displaced persons can report instances of gender-based violence or exploitation of children. Requires: (1) the State Department to work with certain entities to ensure that, in situations of long-term displacement, refugees and internally displaced persons are granted work permits and other documentation to enable them to generate legitimate income; and (2) a report from the Secretary on the development of protection initiatives for the prevention of gender-based violence and exploitation of children. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement programs to assist communities that have been affected by an emergency and former combatants (women or children affiliated with an armed group); and (2) report on all current programs to assist nations to reconstitute civilian police authority and capability following an emergency. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance to promote the security of, provide equal access to basic services for, and safeguard the human rights and dignity of civilian women and children who are refugees, displaced persons, or inhabitants of areas affected by an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Expresses appreciation to the people and Government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and Government of the United States. Congratulates Canada as it celebrates its annual Canada Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Condemns the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist organizations that intentionally sought to thwart the efforts of the United States and the world community to move toward peace in the Middle East at the summit in Aqaba, Jordan. Urges the European Union to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, enabling it to take further action to prohibit any funding from Europe to Hamas. Urges the Palestinian Authority to combat terrorism by establishing itself as the sole armed entity within the Palestinian territories as soon as possible. Stands in solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps toward peace and toward providing security to its people.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Recognizes the achievements of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. Expresses support for designation of an Equal Justice Day in honor of the Committee's work and the many hours of pro bono service offered by lawyers and law firms throughout the country.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Iraqi Freedom From Debt Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each international financial institution to press for the cancellation or radical downward adjustment of all debts owed to those institutions by Iraq. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should urge France, Russia, and all other public and private creditors to cancel or radically reduce all debt owed by Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Holocaust Education and Awareness Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to carry out education and awareness programs about the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Millennium Challenge Account Authorization and Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President, acting through the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, to provide assistance to eligible low income and lower middle income countries to support policies and programs that advance their progress in: (1) achieving lasting economic growth and poverty reduction; and (2) promoting specified objectives fostering democratic societies, human rights, the rule of law, investment in education and health infrastructure and systems, economic freedom, broad-based economic growth, and free market systems. Requires recipient contries to enter into a Millenium Challenge Compact with the United States establishing a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives. Specifies conditions for suspension or termination of assistance. Establishes the Millenium Challenge Corporation to carry out such assistance program, and a Millenium Challenge Advisory Council. Sets forth elements of a framework for U.S. economic assistance. Reauthorizes the Peace Corps through FY 2007. Makes the Peace Corps responsible for recruiting all of its volunteers. Urges the Director to utilize the services of returned Peace Corps volunteers and former Peace Corps staff who have relevant language and cultural experience and may have served previously in countries with substantial Muslim populations, in order to open or reopen Peace Corps programs in such countries. Requires the Director to expand the training program for Peace Corps volunteers in the areas of education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases prevalent in host countries in order to ensure that the Peace Corps increases its contribution to the global campaign against such diseases. Urges the Director to designate a Peace Corps officer or employee located in the United States to coordinate all HIV/AIDS activities within the Peace Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Universal Screening of Air Cargo Act - Requires the screening of all cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers. Requires the Under Secretary of Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security to: (1) develop a plan to implement such screening; (2) establish a fee schedule for shippers to cover the costs of screening; (3) monitor and evaluate new cargo screening technologies; (4) establish a system for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for shipments of air cargo; and (5) establish a training and evaluation program for air cargo handlers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a postage stamp should be issued to commemorate Anne Frank (victim of the Holocaust and author of "The Diary of Anne Frank").
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Calls on: (1) the Government of Iran to comply with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), verify its compliance under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, sign the Model Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency which would allow inspectors freer access to nuclear sites, and immediately and unconditionally halt support for terrorism; (2) the President to set a new direction, incorporating all available nonproliferation tools, to redirect Iranian efforts away from nuclear weapons; and (3) United Nations members to join the United States in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and reaffirm their commitment to fighting all forms of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2003 - Entitles domestic partners of Federal employees to benefits available to spouses of Federal employees. Specifies certifications required for benefit eligibility, filing requirements regarding partnership dissolution, and confidentiality requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exemption for employer contributions to accident and health plans to domestic partners under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to compensate States for incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than: (1) 500,000 $1 coins with the image of Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider on one side and an eagle design on the other side; and (2) 500,000 $1 coins with the image of Roosevelt on horseback on one side and a flaming sword of righteousness on the other side. Calls for the coins to be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such minted coins beginning on January 1, 2006, and to initiate coin sales before such date (2006 will mark the 100th anniversary of Roosevelt receiving the Nobel Peace Prize). Requires surcharges from the sale of the coins to be paid to the Theodore Roosevelt Association to be used exclusively for educational programs at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, including for construction and maintenance of a visitor's center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Expresses: (1) condolences to the people of Algeria and particularly to the families of the victims and the survivors for the tragic losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of May 21, 2003; (2) support for the people and to the Government of Algeria as they continue their efforts to rebuild their cities and their lives; and (3) support for humanitarian assistance provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other American and international relief organizations. Recognizes the important role that is being played by the United States and the international community in providing assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people of Algeria. Encourages a continued commitment by the United States and other countries and international organizations to the rebuilding of the earthquake-affected areas in Algeria.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Urges the President to authorize the transfer of ownership of one of the bells taken from the town of Balangiga on the island of Samar, Philippines, which are currently displayed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, to the Philippine people as a measure of friendship, good will, and cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2003 - Amends Federal patent and trademark law, with respect to denial of a patent to an individual who did not himself or herself invent the subject matter sought to be patented, to provide that such subject matter shall not be considered prior art or as evidence of obviousness. Revises the declaration that subject matter developed by another person, which qualifies as prior art, shall not preclude patentability where the subject matter and the claimed invention were owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person. Requires such ownership or obligation of assignment to have been at the time of the earliest filing date for which a patent is sought. Excludes from this rule subject matter which currently qualifies as prior matter with respect to denial of a patent to an individual who did not himself or herself invent the subject matter sought to be patented. Precludes the amendments made by this Act from affecting: (1) any final decision of a court or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rendered before the enactment of this Act; or (2) the right of any party in any action pending before the entities on such enactment to have that party's rights determined on the basis of Federal Patent and Trademark law, in effect on the day before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Resolution of 2003 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Federal tax collection services should not be paid for on the basis of a commission or as a percentage of taxes collected.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to award non-renewable grants to eligible applicants to prepare a comprehensive plan for and implement an adult or juvenile collaboration program, which targets adults or juveniles with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders in order to promote public safety and public health. Directs that grants be used to create or expand: (1) mental health courts or other court-based programs for preliminarily qualified offenders; (2) programs that offer specialized training to the officers and employees of a criminal or juvenile justice agency and mental health personnel in procedures for identifying the symptoms of mental illness; (3) programs that support cooperative efforts by criminal, juvenile justice, and mental health agencies to promote public safety by offering mental health and substance abuse treatment services; and (4) programs that support intergovernmental cooperation between State and local governments with respect to the mentally ill offender.. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop a procedure under which applicants may apply simultaneously for a planning grant and an implementation grant; and (2) establish an interagency task force to identify policies which hinder or facilitate local collaborative initiatives. Directs the Attorney General to develop a list of best practices for appropriate diversion from incarceration of adult and juvenile offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Intellectual Property Protection Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends Federal patent law to prohibit the award of remedies in civil actions brought for infringement of a patent issued on or after January 1, 2004, if a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of such patent, except upon proof that by the date the infringement commenced (or January 1, 2006, whichever is later) the State has waived its immunity from suit in Federal court for any infringement of intellectual property protected under Federal law. Exempts patents from such limitation if it would materially and adversely affect a legitimate contract-based expectation in existence before January 1, 2004, or the party seeking remedies was a bona fide purchaser for value of the patent, and, at the time of the purchase, did not know and was reasonably without cause to believe that a State or State instrumentality was once the legal or beneficial owner of the patent. Amends Federal copyright law and the Trademark Act of 1946 to apply the same condition of State waiver of immunity to suit under Federal law to the award of remedies in any civil action brought under such laws where a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of the copyright or trademark involved. Provides that in actions against an officer or employee of a State or its instrumentality for violations of provisions of Federal copyright or patent laws, the U.S. Code, the Trademark Act of 1946, or the Plant Variety Protection Act, remedies shall be available against such individual in the same manner and to the same extent as they available in an action against a private individual under like circumstances. Imposes liability on States for violations of the fifth or fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution (takings or due process violations) involving intellectual property under such Federal laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act - 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 · 5 June 2003
Peace Stamp for the Peace Corps Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (a postage stamp sold at a premium in order to help provide funding for certain causes) to benefit the Peace Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Expresses support for: (1) the U.S.-Adriatic Charter; and (2) the aspirations of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join the European Union (EU). Commends: (1) those countries for their continued efforts to become full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU; and (2) Secretary of State Powell for his personal support of the Charter. Urges NATO to invite those countries to join NATO as soon as they demonstrate the ability to assume NATO member responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article that is produced, mined, manufactured, grown, or assembled in Burma (Myanmar) until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Burma has taken certain democratic and counternarcotics actions. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to direct any U.S. financial institution holding funds of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma or the assets of individuals who hold senior positions in the SPDC or its political arm, the Union Solidarity Development Association, to report those assets to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and take such action as may be necessary to secure them. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each appropriate international financial institution to oppose any extension of a loan or financial or technical assistance to Burma until the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the President to deny visas and entry to the former and present leadership of the SPDC or the Union Solidarity Development Association. Urges the Secretary of State to use all appropriate fora, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Asian Nations Regional Forum, to encourage other states to restrict financial resources to the SPDC and Burmese companies while offering support to Burma's democratic movement, including the National League for Democracy and Burma's ethnic groups. Authorizes the President to assist Burmese democracy activists dedicated to nonviolent opposition to the regime in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma.
![Official portrait of Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000410_200.jpg)