United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Federal Asthma Assessment and State Tracking Act of 2002 - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize early Head Start and Head Start programs to carry out asthma screening programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to local educational agencies for asthma screening programs for public school children. Amends the Social Security Act to state that nothing under such Act or other law shall be construed as prohibiting or restricting Medicaid or school-based assistance for children receiving asthma screening tests. Requires the Secretary to develop, in conjunction with State medicaid programs under the Social Security Act, a demonstration program for model asthma treatment centers. Directs that the centers be based on the treatment models developed by the Inner City Asthma Program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Secretary to give priority in developing the program to communities where the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma is high.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports the goals and ideals of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund; (2) salutes the Fund, and recognizes the efforts in support of equal opportunity in higher education of its president, its board of directors, and the presidents, faculties, staff, and trustees of its member institutions; and (3) commends the students who benefit from the Fund for their pursuit of academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2002
Congratulates Erika Harold on being crowned Miss America 2003. Honors her for her vision, determination, and integrity, and recognizes her as a strong positive role model for youth in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Renames title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (prohibiting discrimination in education based on sex) the "Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act".
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2002
Commends: (1) Greece for its outstanding contributions to the global war against terrorism, including military support for Operation Enduring Freedom, humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, and participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; and (2) U.S.-Greek law enforcement cooperation. Recognizes Greece's success in apprehending key members of the November 17 terrorist organization and urges continued efforts to completely dismantle the organization.
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 · 13 September 2002
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program.
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 · 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
Act to Save America's Forests - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect native biodiversity and ecosystems on Federal land from losses caused by: (1) clearcutting and other forms of even-age logging operations; and (2) logging in ancient forests, roadless areas, watershed protection areas, and special areas. Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date to ten years after enactment of this Act. Provides for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain Federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for: (1) Federal enforcement; and (1) a private right of action. Describes special areas as Federal forest land parcels possessing outstanding biological, scenic, recreational, or cultural values which may not meet the definitions of ancient forests, roadless areas, or watershed protection areas. Designates specified special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in the following States: (1) Alabama; (2) Alaska; (3) Arizona; (4) Arkansas; (5) California; (6) Colorado; (7) Georgia; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Michigan; (11) Minnesota; (12) Missouri; (13) Montana; (14) New Mexico; (15) North Carolina; (16) Ohio; (17) Oklahoma; (18) Oregon; (19) South Carolina; (20) South Dakota; (21) Tennessee; (22) Texas; (23) Vermont; (24) Virginia; (25) Wisconsin; and (26) Wyoming. Provides for the appointment of a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on Federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for: (1) Federal enforcement; and (1) a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Veterans Health Care Funding Guarantee Act of 2002 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2004 120 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2002; and (2) adjust the amount provided after FY 2004 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of others eligible for and provided care and the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Repeals, as of October 1, 2003, requirements for the prior congressional approval of funding for Department major medical facilities projects or leases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Authorizes the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the victims of the Ukrainian famine-genocide of 1932-1933. Prohibits the U.S. Government from paying any expense for the establishment of the memorial or its maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Clemency Lobbying Disclosure Act - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require disclosure of lobbying contacts involving requests or petitions for executive clemency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Epilepsy Awareness Month should be established and observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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
Calls for the Government of the United Kingdom to enter into negotiations with the Government of Greece to facilitate the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece before the Olympics in 2004.
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 · 6 June 2002
Brownfield Site Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Allows inclusions of sites otherwise excluded from consideration if: (1) financial assistance will protect human health and the environment, promote economic development or enable the creation of parks, greenways, or other property used for nonprofit purposes, or promote eco-industrial development; (2) they were contaminated by a controlled substance; (3) they are certain low-risk petroleum-contaminated sites; or (4) they are mine-scarred. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
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 · 23 May 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a credit to promote the production and usage of biodiesel fuel. Requires a taxpayer to obtain a certification from the producer of the biodiesel which identifies the product produced in order to utilize the credit. Imposes a tax for biodiesel not used as fuel, but for which a credit was granted. Reduces motor fuel excise taxes on biodiesel mixtures. Provides for transfers of funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Highway Trust Fund in amounts equivalent to the reductions that would occur but for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
School Safety and Violence Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to applicant States for antibullying programs that consist of: (1) antibullying educational, counseling, mentoring, and peer programs; (2) a statewide database for schools to report, in real time, school-related crimes, violence, and bullying; (3) a statewide hotline for anonymous reporting by students and staff of information on bullying; and (4) an emergency plan for responding to school-related crimes, violence, and bullying.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
Our Lady of Peace Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require (currently, authorizes) the Attorney General, at least quarterly, to secure directly from any U.S. department or agency such information on persons for whom receipt of a firearm would violate specified Federal provisions regarding excluded individuals or State law as is necessary to enable the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to operate. Directs the head of such department or agency, at the Attorney General's request, to furnish such information to the System electronically. Sets forth requirements regarding the transmittal of State records, including (with exceptions) State mental health records, to the System. Directs the Attorney General to work with State and local law enforcement and the mental health community to establish protocols for protecting the privacy of information provided. Sets penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Attorney General to make grants to each State: (1) to establish or upgrade information and identification technologies for firearms eligibility determinations; and (2) for use by the State's chief judicial officer to improve the handling of proceedings related to criminal history dispositions and temporary restraining orders as they relate to disqualification from firearms ownership under State and Federal laws. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to study and evaluate the operations of the System and to report on grants and on best practices of States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
Children's Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide for grants to promote innovative outreach and enrollment efforts under SCHIP.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act of 2002 - TEACH Act of 2002 - Authorizes additional appropriations for: (1) training of special education teachers with expertise in autism spectrum disorders (ASD); and (2) improving results for children with ASD, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a refundable tax credit for education and training relating to ASD. Amends IDEA to require local educational agencies receiving IDEA assistance to report on autism early intervention activities. Directs the Secretary of Education: (1) acting through the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, to establish and provide administrative support for a task force on ASD; (2) with the Secretary of Labor, to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of Federal vocational training programs in providing appropriate assistance to individuals with ASD; and (3) to make grants to each State that establishes and operates at least one State autism ombudsman office.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Arsenic-Treated Lumber Prohibition and Disposal Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations prohibiting the use of lumber treated with a pesticide that is a chromated copper arsenical (CCA lumber) in the manufacture, production, or use of any product that may be used for or by children and for any residential purpose. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) list CCA lumber as a hazardous waste; (2) require disposal of discarded CCA lumber, notwithstanding regulations exempting certain solid wastes from the definition of hazardous waste, in a lined landfill with a leachate system and groundwater monitoring system; (3) require the Administrator to conduct an assessment of the risks of CCA lumber production and use; and (4) direct the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the gradual cessation and prohibition of production of such lumber. Requires the Administrator to: (1) develop and conduct an educational program to assist consumers, municipalities, and school systems in testing arsenic levels and making decisions concerning CCA lumber containment and removal; and (2) establish a pilot program of grants and technical assistance to assist school systems in removal of playground and other equipment containing CCA lumber and remediation activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Social Security Widow's Benefit Guarantee Act of 2002 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for an increase in widow's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) repeal the seven year restriction on eligibility for widow's and widower's insurance benefits based on disability; (3) waive the two-year waiting period for a divorced spouse's benefits upon the other spouse's remarriage; and (4) disregard months ending after a deceased individual's death in applying early retirement rules with respect to the deceased individual for purposes of the limitation on widow's and widower's benefits. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to provide that an eligible widow or widower who is entitled to a widow's or widower's insurance benefit for any month under OASDI, but is not eligible for benefits under SSI in that month, shall be deemed for purposes of SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to be an individual with respect to whom SSI benefits are paid in that month, if he or she: (1) has been continuously entitled to such widow's or widower's insurance benefits from the first month for which the increase in widow's or widower's insurance benefits resulting from this Act is reflected in such benefits through the month involved; and (2) would be eligible for benefits under SSI in the month involved if the amount of the increase in his or her widow's or widower's insurance benefits were disregarded.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Racial Equity and Fair Treatment Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and county applicants to pay the Federal share of the costs of improving the administration of support programs for low-income families with children. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for assessments and work activities for TANF recipients. Requires: (1) interpretation and translation services in certain cases for TANF recipients; (2) an expedited process for discrimination complaints; (3) provision of notice of rights of TANF recipients; (3) training of TANF program personnel in respecting such rights; (4) standardized sanction process; and (5) opportunity for TANF applicants or recipients to appeal adverse decisions. Modifies penalties against individuals for violating mandatory work requirements, creating additional exceptions, including those for child care and discrimination. Prohibits States from diverting potential TANF applicants. Bans States from penalizing the entire family for the misconduct of one family member. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal provisions for denial of assistance and benefits for certain drug-related convictions. Makes various changes under the TANF program concerning: (1) the five-year time limit on assistance; and (2) treatment of aliens. Permits participation in English-as-a-second language programs as a work activity. Prescribes requirements encouraging racial equality.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Steel Industry Legacy Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a steel industry retiree benefits protection program administered by the Secretary of Commerce and the Board of Trustees of the Steel Industry Legacy Relief Trust Fund (created by this Act) to provide specified medical benefits to eligible steel retirees and beneficiaries. Prescribes qualifying events (acquisition, closing, election, or bankruptcy transfer) as a result of which the United States shall assume liability for the provision of steel retiree benefits for each eligible retiree and eligible beneficiary certified for participation in the retiree benefits program. Requires transfer to the Trust Fund by a qualified steel company and any applicable acquiring company of all assets which, under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, were required to be set aside under an employee benefit plan or otherwise for the provision of the steel retiree benefits. Requires contributions to the Trust Fund by such companies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
National Cancer Act of 2002 - Provides a comprehensive Federal effort relating to treatments for and the prevention of cancer. Amends the Public Health Service Act to fund prevention and treatment programs of the National Cancer Institute, including translational cancer research (research needed to transform scientific discoveries into approaches and products to treat and cure cancer). Addresses issues of cancer care, including: (1) clinical trial participation; (2) workforce needs; (3) Medicare coverage; (4) protocols and guidelines; (5) National Program of Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans; (5) the supply of researchers; (6) environmental risk factors research; and (7) a colorectal cancer screening demonstration program. Requires health insurance plans covered by the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide: (1) coverage for clinical trials; (2) coverage of cancer screening, including tobacco and nutrition counseling and genetic testing; and (3) patient access to benefit information. Addresses issues of managing physicians and quality of care for cancer patients covered by such plans, including designating a lead managing physician. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regulate tobacco products. Sets forth requirements pertaining to: (1) adulteration; (2) misbranding; (3) the submission of health information; (4) annual registration and biennial inspection of processors; (5) biannual reporting of product list changes; (6) good manufacturing practices; (7) product performance standards; (8) information, notification, and other remedies; (9) records and reports; (10) premarket review; (11) judicial review; (12) postmarket surveillance; (13) reduced risk tobacco products; (14) preservation of State and local authority; and (15) equal treatment of retail outlets. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to: (1) revise cigarette labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements; and (2) authorize the Secretary to require disclosure of tar, nicotine, and other smoke constituents on package labels and/or advertisements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to revise smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2002
Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to require the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce, as appropriate, to designate: (1) survival habitat concurrently with making a determination that a species is endangered or threatened; (2) critical habitat concurrently with adoption of a final recovery plan for a species; and (3) survival and critical habitat in the case of a highly migratory marine species. Requires the Secretary to designate survival habitat based only on biological factors, giving special consideration to habitat currently occupied by the species. Establishes a schedule for publishing species listing determinations. Provides for draft and final recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Requires Federal agencies to monitor the status and trends of endangered, threatened, and candidate species on lands or waters under their administration. Applies provisions regarding interagency cooperation and consultation to species in a foreign country or on the high seas. Requires the Secretary to: (1) undertake to conserve species where a permittee defaults on permit or plan obligations; and (2) implement a streamlined application and approval procedure for incidental take permits and plans determined to be low effect, small scale plans. Sets forth requirements for the deposit of performance bonds and other financial security by incidental take permit (other than low effect, small scale) applicants. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Plan Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community Assistance Program to provide timely and accurate information to local governments or property owners. Makes persons who negligently damage any member or habitat of an endangered or threatened species liable to the United States and a State for the restoration or replacement costs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into endangered species conservation agreements with owners or lessees of real property on which conservation measures for endangered, threatened, or candidate species or species proposed for listing are to be carried out. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the value of a taxable estate be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate the value of included real property subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Allows an additional tax deduction for real property taxes imposed on State and local property subject to such agreements. Allows a tax credit for costs incurred in connection with such agreements. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, should conduct or support research on the effectiveness of medical screening techniques for ovarian cancer, including the use of proteomic patterns in blood serum in combination with other techniques. Requires a report to Congress and the inclusion of such technique in Federal health care programs and group and individual health plans if it proves effective.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Authorizes the President to award to Dr. Dorothy Height, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Syria Accountability Act of 2002 - Prohibits the President from exporting any item on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations, providing any U.S. assistance to U.S. businesses with respect to investment or other activities, or conducting Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Trade Development Agency programs in or with respect to Syria. Directs the President to impose two or more specified sanctions against Syria. Requires maintenance of such prohibition and sanctions until the President certifies that Syria meets specified requirements, including that it: (1) does not support international terrorist groups; (2) has withdrawn all of its military personnel from Lebanon; (3) has ceased the development and deployment of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons; (4) is no longer in violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions; (5) has made substantial progress in negotiations aimed at a peace agreement with Israel and a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and (6) is respecting the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon as required under UN Security Council Resolution 520. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon if these six requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Expresses: (1) solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas; and (2) commitment to Israel's right to self-defense and support for additional U.S. assistance. Condemns the recent wave of Palestinian suicide bombings and the ongoing support and coordination of terror by Yasir Arafat and other members of the Palestinian leadership. Demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas. Expresses concern that Arafat's actions are not those of a viable partner for peace. Urges all Arab states to declare their unqualified opposition to all forms of terrorism, particularly suicide bombing, and all parties in the region to pursue peace in the Middle East. Commends the President for his leadership in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2002 - Amends the Presidential Records Act to require the Archivist of the United States, when making available any Presidential record not previously made available publicly, to: (1) promptly provide written notice of such determination to the former President during whose term of office the record was created and the incumbent President; and (2) make the notice available to the public. Requires such a record to be made available upon the expiration of 20 days, except any record with respect to which the Archivist receives a specified written claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure from a former President or the incumbent President. Requires the provision of a copy of each such claim to: (1) the person seeking such record; (2) each chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (3) any member of the public, upon request. Sets forth requirements regarding the release of a Presidential record that is subject to a privilege claim.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Crackdown on Deadbeat Dealers Act of 2002 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to increase the number of allowed inspections for compliance with record-keeping requirements by firearms dealers to not more than three times (currently, once) during any 12-month period. Increases penalties for: (1) willfully engaging in an illegal firearms business; and (2) in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm or ammunition, knowingly making false statements or furnishing false or misrepresented identification regarding any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines for violations related to illegal firearms and ammunition businesses. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend a firearms dealer's license and to assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for firearms violations, including failure to have secure gun storage or safety devices (current penalties are limited to license revocation). Permits any licensed firearms dealer who is indicted for a felony to continue to operate until the date of conviction (currently, until the conviction becomes final).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Electronic Commerce Crime Prevention and Protection Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a firearm to any other person who is not licensed to deal in firearms unless any thing of value accepted by the licensee in exchange for the firearm is presented in person by the transferee at the time of the transfer. Requires the licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to record a detailed description of any thing of value accepted by the licensee in exchange for the firearm. Sets forth analogous provisions with respect to the transfer of ammunition and explosive materials.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) destroying, altering, or falsifying records in Federal investigations or in bankruptcy; (2) failure of an accountant who conducts an audit of an issuer of securities to maintain all documents sent, received, or created in connection with the audit for a five year period; and (3) executing a scheme to defraud in connection with a registered security, or to obtain by false pretenses money or property in connection with its purchase or sale. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines for obstruction of justice, and for fraud when the number of victims adversely involved is significantly greater than 50 or when it endangers the solvency or financial security of multiple victims. Amends: (1) Federal bankruptcy law to make certain debts incurred in violation of Federal or State securities laws, or common law fraud in connection with the purchase or sale of any security, non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, and to increase the amount of employees' wages protected under chapter 11 proceedings; and (2) the Federal judicial code to authorize a private right of action that involves a securities fraud-related claim to be brought by the earlier of five years after the date of the alleged violation or three years after its discovery. Authorizes a civil action to protect whistle-blowing employees against retaliation in fraud cases involving publicly traded companies. Amends the judicial code to direct the Attorney General to establish within the Department of Justice a Retirement Security Fraud Bureau.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit certain employee group health plans or related insurances providing both medical-surgical and mental health benefits from imposing mental health treatment limitations or financial requirements unless comparable limitations and requirements are imposed upon medical-surgical benefits. States that the foregoing shall not be construed as requiring a group health plan (or related insurances) to: (1) provide any mental health benefits; (2) prevent the medical management of mental health benefits; or (3) require the provision of specific mental health services, except to the extent that failure to provide such services would result in a disparity between the coverage of mental health and medical-surgical benefits. Exempts specified small employers from such requirements. Requires that, in the case of a group health plan that offers a participant or beneficiary two or more benefit package options, the coverage requirements shall be applied separately with respect to each such option. Provides that, in the case of a plan or insurance providing in-network mental health benefits, out-of-network mental health benefits need not be provided at parity to medical-surgical benefits, as long as in-network mental health benefits are provided at parity with medical-surgical benefits and the plan or insurance provides reasonable access to in-network providers and facilities. Requires a General Accounting Office study of such requirements' effects upon health insurance costs, access, and quality and a cost estimation of extending such requirements to the treatment of substance abuse and chemical dependency.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Veterans Judicial Review Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends Federal provisions relating to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) to: (1) hold unlawful and set aside a finding of material fact when not supported by a preponderance of the evidence (currently, only when clearly erroneous); (2) allow the Court to enter a default judgment against the Secretary of Veterans Affairs upon a determination that the Secretary has unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed action on a claim or has failed to plead or otherwise defend; and (3) allow judicial review by the Circuit Court of Appeals of any question of law, or application of law to the facts, that was relied upon by the Court. Directs the Secretary to provide for the expeditious treatment: (1) by the appropriate office of the Veterans Benefits Administration of any claim remanded to that office by the Board of Veterans' Appeals; and (2) by such Board of any claim remanded to the Secretary by the Court. Authorizes the Court, in claims remanded to the Secretary involving compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension, to order the Secretary to pay interim benefits when a decision on such claim is not rendered within 180 days. Authorizes the Court, upon a showing of excusable neglect or good cause, to extend the time for filing a notice of appeal.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Domestic Violence Screening and Treatment Act of 2002 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require that health benefits provided include coverage of domestic violence screening and treatment. Amends Federal civil service law to require the Office of Personal Management to require all contracted carriers of health coverage for Federal employees to include coverage for domestic violence screening and treatment services. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to require States to set aside a reasonable portion of maternal and child health services block grant funds to provide for domestic violence screening and treatment services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to such funds retained for certain projects, to provide preference to State applicants who include training of providers in how to screen for, and treat, domestic violence. Requires the Secretary to allot funds to States to provide for a separate program for domestic violence screening and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Nationwide Health Tracking Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) develop Nationwide and State Health Tracking Networks to monitor, investigate, and prevent increases in the incidence of certain chronic diseases and relevant environmental risk factors; and (2) establish within the Epidemic Intelligence Service a National Environmental Health Rapid Response Service. Direct the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly establish the Commission on Nationwide Health Tracking. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to support State Health Tracking Networks through: (1) pilot programs; (2) awarding grants; and (3) providing technical assistance. Makes States, political subdivisions of States, territories, and Indian tribes eligible for participation, subject to an approved application. Requires such Networks to: (1) conduct surveillance activities; (2) collect and analyze data; (3) establish an early warning system and response capacity; (4) recruit and train public health employees; and (5) expand and integrate existing systems and activities to the extent practicable. Requires the Nationwide Health Tracking Network to coordinate State Networks and existing Federal public health and environmental surveillance systems and activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration centers concerning chronic conditions and relevant environmental factors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand the scope of biomonitoring data collection; (2) publish a Nationwide Network report; and (3) award John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships for advanced training in chronic conditions and environmental epidemiology and health sciences.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to require the establishment of a new office within the United States Fire Administration to administer the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Firefighter grant program under this Act. Authorizes the U.S. Fire Administrator to make grants to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, other public entities, and multijurisdictional or regional consortia thereof to increase career firefighter presence and enhance their ability to save lives, property, and effectively respond to all types of emergencies. Limits such grants to three years and their use for programs to hire new, additional career firefighters. Requires grantees to commit to retaining such career firefighters for at least one year beyond the termination of their grants.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2002
Congratulates Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, on its 90th anniversary and wishes it continued success in its efforts on behalf of all people.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should condemn the practice of execution by stoning and should call upon the international community to recognize such practice as a gross violation of human rights. Calls for the President to: (1) formally communicate this sense of Congress to governments imposing such punishment; and (2) urge Nigerian President Obasanjo to suspend the sentence of death by stoning imposed on Safiya Hussaini and take steps to ensure that Nigeria acts in accordance with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002
Rape Kit DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act - Amends the DNA Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes (current law) to eliminate the backlog of unanalyzed rape kits and ensure their future timely analyses. Increases the authorization of appropriations for grants for DNA analysis for FY 2003 and 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002
Declares that Congress supports the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in condemning the sexual exploitation of children by humanitarian aid workers. Urges the UN Office of Investigative Oversight Services to investigate sexual exploitation of refugees by such workers of both non-governmental organizations and government-sponsored agencies. Urges the President to: (1) affirm the U.S. commitment to protecting the well-being and human rights of women and girls; and (2) instruct the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to review the distribution of food assistance to refugee communities to ensure that the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance is respectful of the human rights of women and girls and supports young girls identified as victims of sexual exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Water Quality Financing Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical and information assistance for rural and small treatment works. Requires establishment of procedures for the competitive award of grants. Extends funding for State- and interstate-managed pollution control programs. Revises State water pollution control revolving fund provisions concerning: (1) agreements for treatment works capitalization grants; (2) project eligibility; (3) loan payments, subsidization, and administrative expenses; (4) technical and planning assistance for small treatment works; (5) funding allotments; (6) priorities and intended use plans; and (7) Federal oversight review procedures. Increases the limit on amounts authorized for grants for development of management plans and construction of publicly owned treatment works to serve Indians. Waives application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act to various water pollution-related reporting requirements, thereby leaving them in place. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the private activity bond volume cap bonds issued as part of an issue whose proceeds are to be used to provide water or sewage facilities. Revises arbitrage bond rules to exclude from consideration as proceeds of an issue any amounts derived from a Federal grant or related State contribution made in connection with a FWPCA or Safe Drinking Water Act State revolving loan fund.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Patient Abuse Prevention Act - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish programs to prevent abuse of recipients of home health or of long-term care services in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or other long-term care facilities under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, including background checks on workers and a hiring ban on abusive workers. Prescribes criminal and civil penalties for violation of this Act. Requires State Medicare and Medicaid registries to collect information about nursing facility employees other than nurse aides. Amends SSA title XI to include abusive long-term care facility employees in the national health care fraud and abuse data collection program database. Includes SNFs, certain other nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospices, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, and providers of home health or long-term care services as long-term care facilities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to provide grants to develop information on best practices in patient abuse prevention training for managers and staff of hospital and health care facilities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Blagojevich, Rod R. [D-IL-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000518_200.jpg)