United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for payment for ambulance services concerning: (1) the establishment of a fee schedule; and (2) the coding system specifying the medical condition of the individual transported by an ambulance and the appropriate level of transportation service. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) (including part C (Medicare+Choice) of the Medicare program) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish a prudent layperson standard for justification of emergency ambulance services under Medicare and Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Protecting America's Children Against Terrorism Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a Task Force on Children and Terrorism; (2) establish a Children and Terrorism Information Network; (3) provide for the inclusion of supplies, equipment, and instructions as are appropriate for use with respect to children in push packs and Vendor Management Inventories under the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Program; (4) award grants concerning the implementation, development, expansion or increase in the capacity of 2-1-1 call centers, or other universal hotlines; (5) develop and maintain a list of drugs and biologics that may be used to prevent and treat illnesses and injury caused by biological or chemical agents and which require pediatric testing; (6) award contracts for the conduct of pediatric clinical trials and studies concerning drugs and biologics that are used to prevent and treat illnesses and injuries caused by biological or chemical agents; and (7) award grants concerning training for pediatric issues surrounding biological and chemical agents used in warfare and terrorism. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to: (1) school evacuations, safe places and medical partnerships, and parental notifications; and (2) mental health services for children. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to assisting children who have lost parents in a disaster, including appointment of a Children's Coordinating Officer in an affected disaster area.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (3) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
True American Heroes Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to the next of kin or other representation of each officer, emergency worker, or employee of a State and local government agency, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and of the Federal Government, who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, and perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (including those who are missing and presumed dead).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Temporary Unemployment Compensation Act of 2001 - Provides for a program of temporary supplemental unemployment compensation (TSUC). Sets forth TSUC program requirements for Federal-State agreements, formulas for determining amounts in individual TSUC accounts and weekly benefits, payments to States, and financing. Includes among eligibility requirements an individual's not having rights, with respect to a week, to other compensation (excluding extended compensation). Applies TSUC agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such an agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003. Makes a modification relating to part-time employment and increased benefits applicable to weeks of unemployment in such TSUC agreement period, regardless of the date on which an individual's claim for benefits is filed. Makes a modification relating to alternative base periods applicable only to initial claims filed after September 11, 2001. Makes TSUC payments applicable only to individuals exhausting their rights to regular compensation after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Office of Homeland Security Act of 2001 - Establishes the Office of Homeland Security within the Executive Office of the President. Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) create a national strategy for homeland security, to include all aspects of prevention and response to terrorist activities; (2) develop a national budget for homeland security; (3) review Federal activities to insure effective implementation of such strategy; (4) coordinate Federal homeland security activities to remove duplication and gaps; (5) certify Federal agency counterterrorism budgets; (6) direct development of a comprehensive national assessment of the threat to homeland security; (7) oversee interagency information sharing; and (8) establish a center within the Office to disseminate information learned from homeland security exercises. Establishes a Homeland Security Advisory Council to advise the President and Director on the creation and implementation of the national strategy, and the Director on the operation of the Office. Requires the Director to review additional legal authorities needed to prevent and respond effectively to terrorist threats, including the role of the Department of Defense and the imposition of regulations on civilian populations and private entities during a state of emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should award and present a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to those public safety officers who were killed and to those select public safety officers who have earned special recognition for outstanding valor above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a two year recovery period for depreciation of computers and other technological equipment. Reduces the recovery period from five to two years under the alternative depreciation system for certain property ( tax-exempt use property, etc.). Reduces the useful life for depreciation of computer software from 36 to 24 months. Establishes a seven year useful life for depreciation of certain auction-acquired telecommunications licences.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century - Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to designate bonds if: (1) the bonds are issued by a State, or one or more of the States that have entered into an interstate compact under the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, or by such compact; (2) such bonds are for financing projects to provide a major portion of the infrastructure required to complete a railroad passenger transportation corridor for high-speed intercity rail passenger service, or for projects for the Alaska Railroad; (3) for a railroad passenger transportation corridor design that includes the use of freight railroad rights-of-way, a written agreement exists between the applicant and the freight railroad regarding such use and other conditions are met; (4) the corridor design eliminates all existing railroad grade crossings and requires no additional railroad grade crossings to be created; and (5) the applicant agrees to comply with certain labor standards with respect to such project. Excludes the interest on such bonds from an individual's gross income. Makes corridor development activities (including the acquisition of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and signal equipment) eligible for Federal assistance. Amends specified Federal law to change from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for rail rehabilitation and improvement projects to State and local governments, interstate compacts, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Medicare Coordinated Community Care Act of 2001 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make the social health maintenance organizations (SHMOS) a permanent option under the Medicare+Choice program as coordinated community care plans which offer benefits for certain chronic illness care, home and community-based, supplemental non-acute institutional, and end-of-life and palliative care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Advisory Committee on Social HMO Replication to assist Medicare+Choice plans, health care providers, and other appropriate organizations in the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of coordinated community care plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Secure Aviation Employment and Training Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amend Federal aviation law to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement a criminal background check program for individuals enrolled or to be enrolled in civilian schools giving instruction in flying or repairing, altering, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances. Sets forth program requirements, including: (1) establishment of a standard application form for all civilian schools giving such instruction; (2) maintenance of a database of all processed applications; (3) completion of a standard application by each applicant and a criminal background check; and (4) if a check reveals evidence of criminal, espionage, or terrorist activity or any other evidence that the Administrator determines to be a security threat, establishment of procedures to ensure the applicant does not receive training at such school. Requires the Administrator to establish reasonable fees (not to exceed $100 per individual) to pay expenses incurred in carrying out this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security to conduct a review of the current air carrier employee criminal background check procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2001
Displaced Workers Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
I Love New York Tax Deduction Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from 50 to 80 percent the business meal and entertain expenses deduction for such expenses in New York City; and (2) permit a 50 percent (up to $500 or $1,000, on a joint return) personal deduction for meal, entertainment, and lodging expenses in New York City.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
Honors New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, the emergency responders and law enforcement officers, and the residents of New York, New York, for their valiant efforts in responding to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Authorizes the President to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who helped resist the hijackers and caused their plane to crash prematurely on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2001
Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from income taxes and the additional estate tax any individual who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, unless the individual was a perpetrator of the attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act - Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than specified amounts. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable legal costs if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Revises conditions for de minimis settlements. Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001 - Provides grants for inventorying, characterizing, assessing, remediating, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Includes certain petroleum- or controlled substance-contaminated sites and mine-scarred land. Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release that is not owned by such persons. Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case for which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. Deems a person, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to have undertaken appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person demonstrates that inquiries were undertaken in accordance with specified requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to States or Indian tribes for response programs comprised of elements including survey and inventory of brownfield sites, public participation opportunities, oversight and enforcement authorities, and certification mechanisms. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan. Authorizes the President to bring enforcement actions in certain instances where there is migration of contamination across State lines or onto Federal property, or there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment and additional response actions are likely to be necessary. Makes restrictions on the President's authority to take such actions applicable only at sites in States that maintain and publicize a record of sites at which response actions have been completed in the previous year and are planned to be addressed under the State response program in the upcoming year. Applies enforcement action requirements only to response actions conducted after February 15, 2001. Provides conditions for deferral by the President of final listing of an eligible NPL response site.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Family Planning State Empowerment Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States the option to elect to: (1) make available family planning services and supplies furnished to eligible individuals of child-bearing age to any individual whose family income does not exceed the greater of 185 percent of the income official poverty line applicable to a family of the size involved or the specified eligibility income level; and (2) extend the postpartum period for provision of family planning services and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act of 2001 - Amends Federal postal law to provide that any limitation in the Semipostal Authorization Act relating to whether more than one semipostal (a postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service, at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a national public interest) may be offered for sale at the same time, shall not apply to the breast cancer research special stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Extends the Service's authority to issue such stamps through July 29, 2008. Revises the differential amount of the special rate of postage for the breast cancer research stamp to not less than 15 percent of the regular first-class rate (currently, not to exceed 25 percent of first-class). Requires the special rate to be evenly divisible by five.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish, in areas currently available for Outer Continental Shelf leasing, a research, development, and demonstration program, implemented by the Research Organization (created by this Act), relating to ultra-deepwater natural gas and other petroleum exploration and production technologies. Directs the National Energy Technology Laboratory to: (1) implement long-term research programs into new natural gas and other petroleum exploration and production technologies and environmental mitigation technologies for production from unconventional and ultra-deepwater resources, including methane hydrates; and (2) conduct a research, development, and demonstration program of new technologies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from unconventional and ultra-deepwater natural gas, or other petroleum exploration and production activities, including sub-sea floor carbon sequestration technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee to advise on selection of an organization to create the Research Organization. Prescribes a selection procedure. Requires the Research Organization to award research, development, and demonstration grants according to specified requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Gas Research Fund funded with Federal appropriations which shall be considered loans from the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2001
Late Term Abortion Restriction Act - Prohibits knowingly performing an abortion after the fetus has become viable, unless, in the medical judgment of the attending physician, the abortion is necessary to preserve the woman's life or to avert serious adverse health consequences to her. Subjects a physician who violates this Act to a civil penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2001 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs). Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares this Act inapplicable to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act is inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for remedies to the same extent as under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Air Force Science and Technology for the 21st Century Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Air Force should: (1) continue and improve efforts to ensure the advocacy of science and technology within the Air Force budgetary decisionmaking process; (2) complete and adopt policy directives for changes in Air Force science and technology budgetary and nonbudgetary decisions; (3) review the long-term challenges and short-term objectives of Air Force science and technology programs; and (4) ensure that development and science and technology planning and investment activities are carried out for future space warfighting systems and future nonspace warfighting systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) reinstate and implement a revised Air Force science and technology development planning process; and (2) carry out a study to determine how changes to the Air Force science and technology program implemented during the past two years affect future Air Force capabilities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Science, Technology, and Engineering shall be paid at the highest rate of basic pay for a member of the Senior Executive Service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Social Security Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) carry out programs of research on and development, demonstration, and commercial application of clean coal technologies, and other specified coal and related technologies; and (2) perform an assessment that establishes cost and performance goals for such programs for specified five-year periods.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month should be established to raise public awareness about the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the serious problems associated with it.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2001
Amends civil service provisions to prohibit taking or failing to take any personnel action with respect to an employee or applicant because of: (1) any disclosure by the employee or applicant, without restriction as to the time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties that such employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of any violation of law, gross mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a danger to public health or safety; (2) a disclosure made to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, or another employee designated by that agency to receive such disclosures, without such restriction or disclosure; or (3) a disclosure that is made by the employee or applicant of information required by law or executive order to be kept secret that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of any such violation, or a false statement to Congress on an issue of material fact that is made to a member of the congressional committee having primary oversight of the agency to which the disclosed information relates, to any other Member of Congress authorized to receive information of the type disclosed, or to a Federal or congressional employee who has the appropriate security clearance for access to the information disclosed. Prohibits the implementation or enforcement of nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that do not state that such policies do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter Federal employee obligations, rights, or liabilities. Permits representation by attorneys for the Office of the Special Counsel in civil actions brought in connection with such disclosures of information or provisions relating to political activities. Allows the Special Counsel to obtain judicial review of any final order or decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board with respect to a case concerning such a disclosure or provision.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Salmon Planning Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) providing for peer review of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion regarding the Operation of the Federal Columbia River power system, issued December 21, 2000, and any subsequent modification of it (opinion) and submission of a report on the results. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to publish a determination of whether implementation of the salmon recovery measures in the opinion are sufficient to achieve recovery, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, of the salmon and steelhead populations; and if not, whether partially removing the four lower Snake River dams (the dams) are necessary to restore Snake River salmon and steelhead populations; (2) the Secretary of the Interior to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet treaty obligations; and (3) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet Federal Water Pollution Control Act requirements. Directs the Comptroller General to study the potential effects of partially removing the dams. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to partially remove the dams if the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the EPA Administrator finds that such action is necessary to meet the aforementioned requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake such preliminary engineering, design, construction, and other activities as necessary to remove the dams.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Fisheries Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act regarding avoiding and minimizing bycatch and bycatch mortality. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report on progress made in implementing requirements regarding standardized reporting methodology and bycatch reduction. Requires a fishery management plan to close an area to a gear or practice that has been shown to adversely affect essential fish habitat unless the Regional Fishery Management Council (council) determines that closure is not necessary and the Secretary finds that the gear or practice will have a minimal adverse impact on habitat and minimal bycatch. Requires observers on commercial fishing vessels to collect data necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery, subject to specified requirements Modifies: (1) the definition of "overfishing" and "overfished" to include jeopardizing the ecological integrity and sustainability of marine ecosystems; (2) conservation and management measure requirements; and (3) fishery management plan requirements to add ecosystem considerations. Requires each fishery management plan to have a fishery impact statement. Directs the Secretary to develop at least one pilot fisheries ecosystem plan. Requires each council to prepare and submit to the Secretary a Fisheries Ecosystem Plan for each major marine ecosystem within its jurisdiction. Reauthorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to earmark specified funds for direct industry assistance grants and for activities of the National Marine Fisheries Service that are directly related to implementation of the Magnuson Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
Clean Green School Bus Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a pilot grants award program for the acquisition of alternative fuel school buses nationwide through school bus replacement and fleet expansion grants; and (2) a fuel cell bus development and demonstration program with private sector fuel cell bus developers for fuel cell-powered school buses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001
Expresses support for the goals and ideas of "National Night Out" (an event during the evening of August 7, 2001, to demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of community participation in crime prevention). Requests that the President focus appropriate attention on the issues of neighborhood crime prevention, community policing, and reduction of school crime by delivering speeches, convening meetings, and directing his Administration to make reducing crime an important priority.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide for coverage of outpatient vision rehabilitation services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Tropical Cyclone Inland Forecasting Improvement and Warning System Development Act of 2001 - Requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to: (1) improve the capability to forecast accurately inland flooding associated with tropical cyclones; (2) develop, test, and deploy an inland flood warning index or system for use by the public and emergency management officials which clearly defines inland flood risks and dangers; (3) train such officials, NWS personnel, meteorologists, and others as appropriate regarding improved forecasting techniques for inland flooding, risk management techniques, and use of such flood warning index or system; and (4) conduct outreach and education activities for local meteorologists and the public regarding the dangers and risks associated with tropical cyclone-induced inland flooding and the use and understanding of such index or system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Comprehensive Energy Research and Technology Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the balance of funding priorities among programs authorized by this Act should remain as provided in this Act, regardless of the total amount of funding made available for this Act. Establishes an authorization of appropriations statutory scheme to fund the Department of Energy technology research and development programs designated below. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acceleration Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) establish an alternative fuel vehicle energy demonstration and commercial application of energy technology competitive grant pilot program for State and local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities; (2) develop an implementation program for research, demonstration and commercial application to ensure reliability efficiency, and environmental responsibility of distributed energy resources, including advanced energy technologies and advanced grid reliability technologies. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 2001 - Cites limitations placed upon appropriations authorized by this Act for the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation. Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001- Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program to: (1) accelerate wider application in foreign countries; (2) increase the global market for hydrogen technologies; and (3) foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems. Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) bioenergy research and development programs; (2) biofuels energy systems; and (3) integrated bioenergy research and development. Department of Energy (DOE) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary to: (1) support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering; and (2) provide for designated university research and training reactor infrastructure maintenance and research activities. Authorizes appropriations that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) a university reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research within the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (DOE) to coordinate the participation of national laboratories, DOE facilities, universities and the commercial nuclear industry in research and development of technologies for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Instructs the Secretary to conduct: (1) an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to promote the availability of proliferation-resistant fuel recycling technologies; (2) a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative for nuclear energy research grants; (3) jointly with industry, a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization research and development program; and (4) a study of Generation IV nuclear energy systems. National Electricity and Environmental Technology Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary to implement research and development programs pertaining to the commercial application of : (1) clean coal technologies; (2) petroleum-oil technology; (3) natural gas technologies; (4) unconventional and ultra-deepwater natural gas and petroleum exploration and production technologies; and (5) fuel cells. Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary to develop a plan for: (1) U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment (and authorizes development of a plan for U.S. participation in an international burning plasma experiment); and (2) the Fusion Energy Sciences Program and to enable such experiments. Authorizes appropriations for the Spallation Neutron Source (at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee). Sets forth parameters within which the Secretary is instructed to develop and implement a least cost nonmilitary energy laboratory facility and an infrastructure strategy for such facilities. Mandates establishment of an Advisory Panel on the Office of Science.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Department of Environmental Protection Act - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection, to be headed by a Secretary of Environmental Protection who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and their families. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Working Lands Stewardship Act of 2001 - Amends specified agricultural Acts to: (1) revise and increase funding for the farmland protection program; (2) provide market development grants and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who forgo development of certain lands; (3) expand State marketing programs, including set-asides for development of local and regional markets and research; (4) increase funding for farmer-to-consumer marketing assistance; (5) provide for a program to promote the purchase of locally grown produce; (6) increase funding for programs for socially disadvantaged farmers; (7) extend and increase funding for the environmental quality incentives program, including set-asides for livestock, pesticide reduction, and water conservation; (8) provide watershed quality incentive contracts; (9) provide loans for manure reuse activities and facilities; (10) extend and increase funding for the wildlife habitat incentives program, including set-asides for imperiled native species, and acquisition of easements and water rights; (11) extend and increase acreage for the wetlands reserve program; (12) establish a wetlands reserve enhancement program; (13) extend and increase funding for the conservation reserve program, including an acreage set-aside for environmentally-sensitive lands and buffer strips, and enrollment of grasslands and rangelands; (14) authorize incentive payments for private grazing land conservation; (15) establish a grassland reserve program; (16) expand the National Organic Program to include organic farming transition assistance; (17) establish an organic certification reimbursement program; (18) extend and increase funding for the forest stewardship program, including set-asides for new land management practices, and watershed forestry initiative activities; (19) authorize appropriations for urban and community forestry activities; (20) provide funding for specified conservation technical assistance and administration and outreach, including establishment of training centers in specified cities; and (21) establish a demonstration program to promote ecosystem- and watershed-based conservation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to conduct environmental research and development, scientific and energy research, development, and demonstration, and commercial application of energy technology programs, projects, and activities related to bioenergy, including biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development (including biofuels). Authorizes appropriations for biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development. Mandates specified cost-sharing commitments from non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acceleration Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an alternative fuel vehicle energy demonstration and commercial application of energy technology competitive grant pilot program to provide not more than 15 grants to State governments, local governments, or metropolitan transportation authorities to acquire alternative fuel vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Sets forth definitions, State contribution requirements, and other rules. Requires approval, by the Secretary of Transportation, of qualified Amtrak projects funded by such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Voting Technology Standards Act of 2001 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, in carrying out currently specified functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to study standards for voting products and systems used in the United States, including vote casting, voter registration, and vote counting products and systems. Prescribes an administrative procedure for identifying and outlining a strategy for developing voluntary consensus-based standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, integrity, and security of U.S. voting products and systems. Requires the Director of NIST to establish a program for research in areas that support the development of standards for voting products and systems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Coral Reef and Coastal Marine Conservation Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Department of Treasury the Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Facility. Authorizes the President, through the exchange by the Facility of new obligations for outstanding obligations of an eligible Latin American or Caribbean country with a coral reef or other coastal marine resource meeting specified requirements, to reduce the amount owed by the country to the United States that is outstanding as of January 1, 1999, as a result of concessional loans. Authorizes the President to sell, reduce, or cancel such loans in order to facilitate a debt-for-nature swap or a debt buyback with an eligible purchaser or eligible country to support activities to conserve, maintain, and restore the country's coral reefs and other coastal marine resources. Requires each beneficiary country that has entered into a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement with the Secretary of State to establish a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Maine Resources Fund to receive payments of interest on new obligations undertaken by the country to provide grants to certain entities in such country to conserve, maintain, and restore its coral reefs and other coastal marine resources. Requires the Enterprise for the Americas Board to carry out certain duties with respect to implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the Hope Scholarship Credit to: (1) extend coverage to fees, books, supplies, and equipment, and exempt such expenses from information reporting requirements; and (2) not reduce such Credit by Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Honors John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters, and recognizes them for their bravery and sacrifice. Expresses condolences to their families. Pledges the support of the House of Representatives to continue to work on behalf of all of the Nation's firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration activities leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Repeals as a purpose the development of renewable energy resources as a primary source of energy for hydrogen production. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries, increase the global market for hydrogen technologies, and foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects; and (3) enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to establish an advisory board to replace the current Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems.