United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Schoolchildren's Health Protection Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit Federal education funding (from programs for which the Secretary or Department of Education has administrative responsibility) to any State or local educational agency that provides to an unemancipated minor, at an elementary or secondary school, postcoital emergency contraception (e.g. the "morning-after pill") or a prescription for such contraception.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 1502 East Kiest Boulevard in Dallas, Texas, as the Dr. Caesar A.W. Clark, Sr. Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2002
Commends Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson for: (1) immediately making State Children's Health Insurance Program resources available to States to care for unborn children and pregnant mothers; and (2) recognizing pregnant mothers and unborn children as deserving of concern about their health and well-being.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002
Highway Funding Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to require that obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2003: (1) meet a specified minimum level; and (2) be distributed in accordance with that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2002
Employee Retirement Savings Bill of Rights - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on a pension plan failing to provide notice of generally accepted investment principles, including principles of risk management and diversification; (2) impose an excise tax on a pension plan failing to provide notice of any transaction restriction period to each applicable individual to whom the transaction restriction period applies (and to each employee organization representing such applicable individuals); and (3) set forth diversification requirements for plans, including requiring the provision of at least three investment options, other than employer securities, in amounts equivalent to the amounts invested in employer securities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Peace With Security Act - Prohibits U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority (or any instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority). Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if it is in the national security interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines and otherwise address crimes involving fraud in connection with computers and access to protected information, protected computers or restricted data in interstate or foreign commerce or involving a computer used by or for the Federal Government. Includes among exceptions to otherwise criminal conduct emergency disclosures to a governmental entity by an electronic communication service and specified disclosures made in good faith. Increases penalties for violations where the offender knowingly causes or attempts to cause death or serious bodily injury. Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to establish and maintain a National Infrastructure Protection Center to serve as a national focal point for threat assessment, warning, investigation, and response to attacks on the Nation's critical infrastructure, both physical and cyber. Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Science and Technology to work on law enforcement technology issues, addressing safety, effectiveness and improved access by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Includes investigative and forensic technologies, corrections technologies, and technologies that support the judicial process. Abolishes the Office of Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice, transferring functions, activities, and funds to the newly formed Office. Requires the Director of the Office to operate and support National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
National Rural Development Partnership Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the National Rural Development Partnership composed of the National Rural Development Coordinating Committee (established by this Act) and State development councils (authorized by this Act). Includes among Partnership purposes: (1) enhancement of State and local rural development capacities; and (2) engagement of Federal, State, local, tribal, and private and nonprofit sectors in such efforts. Provides for State rural development council matching requirements. Terminates the Partnership five years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Revised Statutes of the United States to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, from making a determination that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is an activity that is either financial in nature or incidental to any financial activity, or is complementary to a financial activity.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) a regular timeline for the publication of final regulations; and (2) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors. Outlines requirements for provider education and technical assistance under Medicare. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Provider Ombudsman to: (1) assist confidentially service providers and suppliers with respect to grievances and requests for information; and (2) submit recommendations to the Secretary for improvement in Medicare administration. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman to assist Medicare beneficiaries with respect to grievances and requests for information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program making certain technical assistance available, upon request on a voluntary basis, to small providers of services or suppliers to evaluate their billing and related systems for compliance with the applicable Medicare requirements. Outlines requirements with respect to provider appeals and recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for expedited access to judicial review. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to: (1) the Medicare Integrity Program to provide for the recovery of overpayments; and (2) agreements with service providers to direct the Secretary to establish a process for enrollment of Medicare service providers and suppliers. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any documentation guidelines for evaluation and management physician services under Medicare unless the Secretary has, among other things, established a plan with specific goals and a schedule for improving the use of such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2001 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Act to include an emphasis on ocean and coastal resources conservation and management and collaboration between academia and the scientists and programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Excludes grants to assist coastal and ocean research from the two-thirds limitation otherwise applicable. Revises and expands the terms of membership for the sea grant review panel. Authorizes appropriations for zebra mussel, oyster, harmful algal bloom, and coastal ocean research.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Anti-Hoax Terrorism Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly engaging in conduct that: (1) is likely to impart the false impression that activity that violates prohibitions regarding biological weapons, chemical weapons, nuclear materials, or weapons of mass destruction is occurring or will occur; and (2) causes an emergency response by governmental agencies. Makes any persons who engage in such conduct jointly and severally liable to any party incurring expenses incident to the investigation of such conduct, including the cost of any military or civilian agency response to protect public health or safety. Directs the court to order a defendant who has been convicted of such an offense to reimburse any party incurring such expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Disaster Relief Charities Accountability Act - Establishes the Charity Accountability Board which shall: (1) request information from and make recommendations to qualifying charitable organizations regarding the amount of disaster relief funds collected and dispersed by such organizations, administrative costs incurred, and the criteria used in dispersing disaster relief funds; (2) provide information about disaster relief funds to disaster victims and those wishing to contribute to such funds; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the status of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Fair Tax Treatment for Insurance Agents' Termination Payments Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to consider a qualified termination payment received from an insurance company by a former insurance salesman for such company as a sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than 12 months.
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 · 3 October 2001
Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act - Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act to authorize the President to grant duty-free treatment to certain non import-sensitive articles imported into the United States from Andean Trade Preference Expansion Act (ATPEA) beneficiary countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru) designated under such Act. Extends, through December 31, 2006, treatment free of any duties, quantitative restrictions, limitations, or consultation levels to certain apparel articles imported into the United States from ATPEA beneficiary countries. Sets forth penalties for exporters and countries that have engaged in transshipment with respect to such articles from an ATPEA beneficiary country. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act and the African Growth and Opportunity Act to provide duty-free and quota free treatment to imported apparel articles that are sewn or otherwise assembled, or cut in a U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) or sub-Saharan African beneficiary country from components knit-to-shape in the United States. Increases the allowable amount (cap) over a eight year period of certain apparel made in a sub-Saharan African country from regional fabric formed from yarn originating either from such country or from the United States that can be imported into the United States duty-free and quota free.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a memorial within the District of Columbia in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Commission to raise funds to design, construct, and maintain the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax exempt status to an organization if: (1) a substantial part of the activities of such organization consists of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, but only if such organization normally makes lobbying expenditures in excess of an amount equal to 20 percent of such organization's annual gross revenues; (2) the organization participates in, or intervenes in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, but only if such organization normally makes expenditures for such purpose in excess of an amount equal to 5 percent of such organization's annual gross revenues; or (3) the aggregate of the expenditures described above in clause (1) and the expenditures described in clause (2) which such organization normally makes exceeds an amount equal to 20 percent of such organization's annual gross revenues.
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 · 14 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the children who lost one or both parents or a guardian in the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies, including the aircraft crash in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, should be provided with all necessary services and benefits, including foster care assistance, adoption assistance, and medical, nutritional, and psychological care. Urges each responsible Federal agency to put the highest priority on providing such assistance, services, and benefits within 60 days of the determination of the death of the child's parent or guardian.
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 · 12 September 2001
Authorizes the provision of U.S. assistance to a foreign country only if a treaty of extradition between such country and the United States is in force, or the government of such country and the United States have entered into negotiations to conclude such a treaty. Exempts humanitarian assistance from this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Sound Science for Endangered Species Act Planning Act of 2001 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) give greater weight to scientific and commercial data that is empirical or that has been field-tested or peer-reviewed in determining that a species is an endangered or threatened species; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish criteria for data to be used as the basis of such a determination. Prohibits the Secretary from determining that a species is endangered or threatened unless the determination is supported by data obtained by observation of the species in the field. Requires the Secretary to accept, acknowledge receipt of, and include in the rulemaking record of such a determination data collected by landowners through observation of the species on the land. Requires the Secretary to publish with the notice of a proposed regulation a description of additional scientific and commercial data that would assist in the preparation of a recovery plan, invite any person to submit such data, and describe the steps for acquiring additional data. Directs the Secretary: (1) to solicit recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences and develop a list of qualified reviewers to participate in independent scientific review actions; (2) before any proposed action becomes final, to appoint from such list three individuals who shall report on the scientific information and analyses on which such action is based; and (3) to include such report in the official record of the proposed action. Requires the Secretary, in consulting with each Federal agency and the affected States to insure that any agency action is not likely to jeopardize any endangered or threatened species or destroy the species' habitat, to: (1) consider information provided by such States; and (2) provide any person who has sought authorization or funding from a Federal agency for an action the opportunity to submit, discuss, and receive information relevant to the draft biological opinion.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2005. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Establishes the National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification to review: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Code; (2) whether the tax systems of other countries could provide more efficient and fair methods of funding government revenue requirements; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Requires a Commission report to Congress on review results, with recommendations for Code reform and simplification. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations (with interim funding). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be approved by Congress in its final form before July 4, 2005, and, if not, Congress should be required to vote to reauthorize the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Individual Tax Freedom Act of 2001 - Repeals the income, estate, gift, and certain excise tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 15 percent tax on the use, consumption or enjoyment in the U.S. of any property or service produced or rendered within or without of the United States. Prohibits, subject to exception, imposing a tax on any property or service purchased for: (1) a business purpose in an active trade or business; or (2) export from the United States for use or consumption outside of the Unites States, provided that the purchaser provided the seller with either an intermediate sales certificate or an export sales certificate. Sets forth provisions concerning credits and refunds. Allows for general credits against the tax, including: (1) a used property credit; (2) a business use conversion credit; (3) an administration credit; (4) a compliance equipment cost credit; (5) a bad debt credit; (6) an insurance proceeds credit; and (7) a transition inventory credit. Provides for installment payments of the tax on the purchase of a principal residence. Allows an eligible family unit to receive a sales tax rebate. Directs an administering State to administer, collect, and remit to the U.S. Treasury the tax on gross payments for the use, consumption or enjoyment of taxable property or services within the State. Prohibits the authorizing of any appropriations for the Internal Revenue Service after FY 2005. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer any excise taxes not repealed by this Act; and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. Authorizes the Social Security Administration to collect and administer self-employment income and employment taxes. Requires a supermajority in the House of Representatives or the Senate to raise rates.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President and Congress should save Social Security as soon as possible; (2) Social Security surpluses must be vigorously safeguarded and used only for purposes of saving Social Security or reducing the publicly held debt; and (3) the President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security, recognizing the immense financial commitment of every American worker in the Social Security system, should present in its recommendations innovative ways to protect that commitment without benefit cuts or payroll tax increases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude stock options and employee stock purchase plans from the definition of wages for purposes of employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Sales Tax Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the deduction of State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Rural Telecommunications Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans and grants to eligible (non-federal public or private) entities to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of facilities to furnish or improve broadband transmission service in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
International Extradition Enforcement Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress on efforts between the United States and a government of a foreign country to extradite to the United States an individual being held in custody by such government and whom the United States: (1) has charged with a major extraditable offense; (2) has found guilty of committing a major extraditable offense; or (3) is seeking to extradite to complete a judicially pronounced penalty of deprivation of liberty for a major extraditable offense. Defines "major extraditable offense" as murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnaping, abduction, or other false imprisonment, rape, drug trafficking, or terrorism. Prohibits the provision of development and security assistance to, or the issuance of a visa to any alien who is a high-ranking official of, a government of a country uncooperative in extradition efforts with the United States. Provides for the waiver of such prohibitions if it is in the vital national interests of the United States. Amends Federal criminal law to increase the criminal penalty for individuals who flee to avoid prosecution or give testimony in the United States. Imposes both civil and criminal penalties for persons who knowingly transfer from the United States anything of value to a person in a foreign country with the intent to assist such person in resisting extradition to the United States.
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
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for qualified political contributions of up to $100 annually ($200 in the case of a joint return), whether or not the taxpayer itemizes.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Patients' Right to Fair Compensation and Protection Against Predatory Contingency Fee Practices Act - Prohibits an attorney from entering into or enforcing a contract, whether express or implied, for attorney fees in connection with a health care liability action to the extent that the amount or payment of such fees is: (1) contingent upon the resolution of the action; and (2) in excess of the specified maximum allowed percentage (ten percent of the amount recovered by the claimant in connection with the action, subject to exception).
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a church to participate or intervene in a political campaign and maintain its tax-exempt status as long as such participation is not a substantial part of its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act of 2001 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized; and (4) report to Congress on all legislation introduced that would establish a new agency or a new program to be carried out by an existing agency. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline for abolishing an agency to be extended for an additional two years by legislation enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Calls for the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service to recommend and the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp commemorating Juan Nepomuceno Seguin (recognized by Texas as a hero of its war for independence).
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Class Action Fairness Act of 2001 - Establishes a consumer class action bill of rights, including provision for: (1) judicial review and approval of noncash settlements; (2) protection against loss by class members because of payments to class counsel; (3) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for greater payments to class members because they are located in closer geographic proximity to the court; (4) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for payment of a greater share of the award to a class representative serving on behalf of a class; (5) standardized settlement notification information; and (6) pleading requirements. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $2 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is a class action in which any member of a class of plaintiffs is: (1) a citizen of a State different from any defendant; (2) a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a State; or (3) a citizen of a State and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Lists exceptions, such as where a class action brought by shareholders solely involves a claim concerning a covered security or relating to the internal governance of a corporation. Sets forth procedures for removal of interstate class actions to U.S. district court and for review of orders remanding class actions to State courts. Grants the courts of appeals jurisdiction of appeals from orders of the U.S. district courts granting or denying class certification under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, if notice of appeal is filed within ten days after entry of the order.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit rural mail carriers to treat qualified vehicle expenses in excess of reimbursements as miscellaneous itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2001 - Directs that in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various U.S. administrative bureaus and agencies, the words "person," "human being," "child," and "individual" shall include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive (as defined in this Act) at any stage of development.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for qualified energy property (certain building envelope components or heating or cooling equipment) placed in service or installed in a U.S.-sited principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Recognizes specified individuals, organizations, businesses, and other entities for outstanding and invaluable service provided to the people of Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas during the devastating flooding caused by tropical storm Allison.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).