United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Death Tax Permanency Act of 2003 - Amends title IX (Compliance with Congressional Budget Act) of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-16) to repeal the sunset provisions applicable to title V (Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes) of such Act. (Makes estate tax repeal permanent.) States that such amendments shall take effect as if included in section 901 of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Investor Protection, Market Stabilization, and Tax Fairness Restoration Act of 2002 (sic) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a taxpayer other than a corporation in an amount equal to the shareholder credits determined with respect to dividends received from domestic corporations. Sets a maximum amount for the credit. Prohibits the allotting of credit in certain instances to nonresident aliens. Provides criteria for calculating a shareholder credit for a dividend. Classifies any shareholder credit determined under this Act as a tax paid by the relevant corporation. Includes a taxpayer's shareholder credits in gross income. Permits a corporation to deduct 100 percent of the amount received as dividends from a domestic corporation (presently the Code allows a deduction of 70 percent or 100 percent, depending on the type of dividend). Increases, from 70 to 100 percent, the amount a corporation is allowed to deduct with respect to dividends on certain preferred stock.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Fair Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal subtitle A (Income Taxes), B (Estate and Gift Taxes), and C (Employment Taxes) of the Internal Revenue Code. Imposes a tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the tax rate at 23 percent for the calendar year 2005. Sets the rate, for years after 2005, at the combined sum of the general revenue rate (14.91 percent), the old-age survivors and disability rate, and the hospital insurance rate. Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things; (1) imports and exports; (2) definitions; (3) credits and refunds; (4) a "family consumption allowance"; (5) Federal and State cooperative tax administration; (6) administrative matters; (7) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights; (8) special rules (hobbies, gaming, government purchases, non-profits, and etc.); (9) financial intermediation services; and (10) additional matters. Sets forth provisions concerning the: (1) phase-out of administration of repealed taxes; (2) administration of other taxes (establishes an Excise Tax Bureau and a Sales Tax Bureau); and (3) sales tax inclusive social security benefits indexation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Social Security Guarantee Plus Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a Social Security Guarantee Program, to be administered by a Social Security Guarantee Board established within the Social Security Administration. Authorizes any individual age 18 with a Social Security number to elect to enroll as a covered individual and receive in the Social Security guarantee account established for him or her by the Board a calendar year payment of Social Security guarantee refundable credits and interest. Requires designation of a certified account manager by or on behalf of each covered individual to hold the individual's Social Security guarantee account assets for investment, including in common stock portfolios and fixed income securities. Amends the IRC to make the Social Security guarantee accounts benefits taxable as Social Security benefits. Amends SSA title II to: (1) repeal the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries age 62 or over may earn (earnings test) without incurring a reduction in benefits; (2) increase widow's and widower's insurance benefits; (3) provide for benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age; (4) repeal the seven year restriction on eligibility for widow's and widower's insurance benefits based on disability; (5) waive the two-year waiting period for a divorced spouse's benefits if the other spouse remarries; (6) increase the amount of wages and self-employment income credited to years taken into account for beneficiaries precluded from remunerative work by the needs of child care; and (7) reduce the Government pension offset.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Houston, Texas, as the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as possible (but no later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that each State should examine its existing statutes, practices, and procedures governing special elections so that, in the event of a catastrophe, vacancies in the House of Representatives may be filled in a timely fashion.
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 · 22 July 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association should implement a mandatory steroid testing program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2002 - Authorizes the establishment of the District of Columbia Scholarship Corporation as a private, nonprofit corporation to administer, publicize, and evaluate a District scholarship program and determine elementary and secondary student and school eligibility. Establishes a District of Columbia Scholarship Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides for a seven-member Corporation Board of Directors, with six members appointed by the President from House and Senate nominees, and one member appointed by the District Mayor. Authorizes the Corporation to award tuition scholarships and enhanced achievement scholarships to District students in kindergarten through grade 12 with family incomes not exceeding 185 percent of the national poverty line. Allows scholarships to be used for tuition, fees, and appropriate transportation to public, private, or independent schools (or beyond-school-hours enhancement programs) in the District and specified neighboring counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia. Requires the following order of scholarship award priorities to students who: (1) have received such a scholarship in a previous year (in the program's second and subsequent years); (2) District school or kindergarten enrollees; (3) victims of school violence; and (4) other eligible students. Requires use of a lottery whenever amounts are insufficient to provide a scholarship for each student in one of these categories. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the District scholarship program. Provides for expedited judicial review of challenges to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Securing America's Freedom through Enforcement Reform Act of 2002 (SAFER Act) - Sets forth provisions, and amends specified Acts, with respect to: (1) prevention and punishment of alien smuggling, and transporting and harboring of aliens; (2) border patrol increases; (3) use of the military along the border; (4) visas, including the visa waiver program, and consular interviews of applicants; (5) alien terrorist removal, deportability, and asylum requests; (6) alien criminal removal; (7) alien human rights violator removal, deportability, and bar to status adjustment, including criminal penalties for reentry and aiding human rights violators to enter the United States; (8) document security (birth certificates, drivers licenses, social security cards); (9) employment eligibility verification; (10) increased Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) investigative personnel, (11) expedited exclusion; (12) criminal and civil penalties for improper entry of aliens; (13) voluntary departure; (14) detention facilities; (15) removal proceedings; (16) establishment of a Federal election-related Citizenship Verification Program; (17) establishment of an Office of Citizenship; (18) treatment of nationals of state sponsors of terrorism; (19) refugee admissions, and extended family and employment preferences; (20) elimination of diversity immigrant program; (21) temporary protected status; (22) designation of foreign terrorist organizations; (23) foreign students; (24) INS attorneys; (25) alien proof of identity; and (26) information on foreign crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income all compensation received for active service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, not including pensions and retirement pay. (Terminates the current limited exclusion from gross income of combat pay.)
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician or other individual from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion, except when necessary to save the life of a mother that is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
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 · 9 May 2002
Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act - Prohibits an agent from: (1) directly or indirectly recruiting or soliciting a student athlete to enter into an agency contract by giving false or misleading information or making a false promise or representation or by providing anything of value to the athlete before entering into such a contract; (2) entering into an agency contract with a student athlete without providing the required disclosure document; or (3) predating or postdating an agency contract. Requires an agent, in conjunction with the signing of an agency contract, to provide to the athlete a separate disclosure document that includes notice that if the athlete signs the contract he or she may lose eligibility to compete as a student athlete in that sport. Requires the student athlete to sign such document before signing the agency contract. Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes civil actions by State attorneys general under specified circumstances. Requires the agent and the athlete, within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next athletic event in which the athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, to provide notice to the educational institution that the athlete has entered into an agency contract. Grants an educational institution a right of action against an agent for damages caused by such agent's failure to provide such notice. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws to protect student athletes and the integrity of amateur sports from unscrupulous sports agents.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Workers' Bill of Rights - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to add provisions relating to: (1) an employer's recognition of a labor organization as representative of workers for collective bargaining and other purposes; (2) limitation on dues collection; (3) membership right to vote on a contract before a strike is called; (4) penalties for causing recognition of an unelected labor organization; (5) secret ballot election; (6) the lifting of a bar against an election once an existing contract has been in effect for one year or more; (7) majority deauthorization of union security agreements; and (8) enforcement of limits on dues agreements. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to include coverage of employers, or groups or associations of employers, that receive Federal funds. Gives employees who are not union members, but who are core dues payers, the same right as any union member to participate in any vote that concerns a strike or wages, benefits, or working conditions. Revises provisions relating to availability of information. Allows a trusteeship (for authorization control of a union) to be authorized only after a fair hearing either before the executive board or another body provided by the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization. Requires a labor organization to show by clear and convincing proof that the continuation of the trusteeship is necessary for an allowable purpose. Amends the Clayton Act to provide that nothing shall make it lawful for any two or more labor organizations to enter into an agreement that restrains an employee's ability to select a collecting bargaining representative.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize qualified volunteer pilots of passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers. Directs the Under Secretary to authorize flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) making a visual depiction that is a computer image or computer-generated image of, or that appears virtually indistinguishable from an image of, a minor engaging in specified sexually explicit conduct; (2) offering, agreeing, attempting, or conspiring to provide, sell, receive, or purchase a visual depiction of a minor engaging in such conduct; (3) producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing with intent to distribute, or possessing a visual depiction that is, or is virtually indistinguishable from, that of a pre-pubescent child engaging in such conduct; (4) showing a minor obscene material or child pornography; (5) providing obscene material, child pornography, or other material assistance to facilitate offenses against minors; or (6) employing or coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct outside of the United States for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Includes the prohibition on the use of materials to facilitate offenses against minors within the scope of enhanced penalties provisions. Authorizes a provider of electronic communication or remote computing services that reasonably believes it has obtained knowledge of facts and circumstances indicating a violation of provisions regarding child pornography to report to the Cyber Tip Line at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which shall forward that report to designated law enforcement agencies. Directs the Attorney General to establish and supervise the development and operation of a comprehensive computerized database to facilitate the identification of child pornography produced with actual children and to facilitate the identification of perpetrators.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
America's Wilderness Protection Act - Releases all areas with wilderness study area status on this Act's enactment date from such status on the earlier of: (1) the date the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture determines that the area is not suitable for wilderness designation; (2) ten years after this Act's enactment; or (3) the date the area is designated as wilderness by Congress. Releases any area that is given wilderness study area status after this Act's enactment from such status on the earlier of: (1) the date such Secretary determines that the area is not suitable for wilderness designation; (2) ten years after the date the area was given such status; or (3) the date that the area is designated as wilderness by Congress. Provides for the reversion of any area that is released from wilderness study area status to the land use status such area had immediately before and prohibits it from being studied again regarding wilderness designation.
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
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each House. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2002
Combat Pay for Combat Risk Act of 2002 - Dictates that a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is entitled to special pay for being subject to hostile fire or imminent danger as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (or any successor operation) shall be treated in the same manner as if the individual were in a combat zone for the following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code: (1) those relating to the special rule where a deceased spouse was missing in action; (2) those pertaining to exclusion of certain combat pay for soldiers; (3) those relating to income taxes of members of the Armed Forces upon death; (4) those pertaining to members of the Armed Forces dying in combat zone or by reason of wounds suffered in the combat zone; (5) those defining wages relating to combat pay (to apply to remuneration paid after the passage of the Act); (6) those dealing with taxation of phone service for soldiers from a combat zone; (7) those pertaining to a joint tax return where an individual is missing in action; and (8) those relating to time for performing certain acts postponed due to service in a combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Working Toward Independence Act of 2002 - Amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to amend State work participation requirements. Revises work or alternative self-sufficiency requirements for a parent or caretaker receiving TANF assistance. Directs States to establish for each recipient family a family sufficiency plan (in lieu of the currently required State Individual Responsibility Plans). Authorizes States to design activities and develop methods for monitoring and reviewing such plans. Revises State plan requirements and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish TANF performance measures. Requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each State that has achieved formulated employment goals. Caring for Children Act of 2002 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Requires States to certify to child care service quality and demonstrate: (1) child care services coordination; (2) encouragement of partnerships with private and other public entities; and (3) how the State is addressing child care for children with special needs. Specifies State required activities to improve the quality of child care services and authorizes States to determine family income level eligibility requirements for such services. Authorizes the Secretary, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, workforce development, and other programs to support working families.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for any identification-related purpose any State-issued driver's license or other comparable identification document unless the State requires such licenses or documents issued to nonimmigrant aliens to expire upon the later of: (1) the expiration of the aliens' nonimmigrant visa; or (2) in an instance where the visa's validity period has been modified, not more than five years after license or document issuance. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to assist States in issuing appropriate licenses and identification documents.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Pension Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require individual account plans, including those with cash or deferred arrangements under IRC section 401(k), to furnish quarterly pension benefit statements to plan participants and beneficiaries with rights to direct investments. Requires individual account plan administrators to give 30 days notice (except in specified circumstances) to plan participants and beneficiaries before a period (lockdown, blackout) in which their ability to divest or diversify assets control over their account assets will be limited. Provides that, during such lockdown periods, employers are not exempt from liability for failing in fiduciary duty with respect to individual account plan investments; but states that this loss of exemption from liability is not triggered by any limitations or restrictions on employee ability to divest or diversify assets, if such limitations or restrictions are disclosed to participants and beneficiaries through summary plan description or materials describing specific investment alternatives under the plan. Amends ERISA and IRC to prohibit individual account plans from acquiring or holding employer securities with respect to which there is any restriction on divestment by a participant or beneficiary after the participant has completed three years of plan participation. Exempts employee stock ownership plans (ESOPS) from this prohibition. Allows ERISA prohibited transaction exemptions under specified conditions to: (1) a fiduciary adviser's providing certain investment advice to an employee benefit plan or to a participant or beneficiary of such plan; (2) sale, acquisition, or holding of securities or other property (including any lending of money or other extension of credit associated with these) pursuant to such advice; and (3) direct or indirect receipt of fees or other compensation by the fiduciary adviser or an affiliate in connection with providing such advice. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain insider trading during pension plan transaction suspension periods.
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 · 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 · 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 · 20 December 2001
Pipeline Infrastructure Protection to Enhance Security and Safety Act - Amends Federal transportation law "one-call notification system" provisions concerning notification to underground facility operators of excavations to: (1) require participation by government operators; and (2) encourage the adoption of the "Common Ground" report. Revises pipeline safety provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation: (1) when assessing the security and safety of pipeline facilities, to assess the vulnerabilities of such facilities to terrorist attacks; (2) when prescribing minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and for pipeline facilities, to include in such standards a requirement that pipeline facility operators participate in a public safety program; and (3) to establish pipeline public education and safety standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to develop and implement a cooperative program of research, development, and demonstration to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. Requires the establishment of a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee to develop a cooperative pipeline facility integrity program. Establishes a pipeline controller certification qualification program. Requires a pipeline facility operator to provide: (1) geospatial data appropriate for use in the National Pipeline Mapping System; (2) identification of the person with primary operational control; (3) develop and implement terrorism security programs; and (4) with a condition deemed potentially unsafe condition to take necessary corrective actions. Authorizes to pipelines: (1) technical assistance; and (2) security recommendations. Requires a coordinated environmental review process for pipeline repair and rehabilitation projects. Permits withholding from the public certain pipeline information that could reveal the systemic vulnerability of a pipeline to attack.
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
Condemns the terrorist attacks resulting in the death of 26 and the wounding of at least 175 innocent people in Israel within 14 hours during December 1-2, 2001, and extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to Israel and to the families of the victims. Expresses outrage at the ongoing Palestinian terrorist campaign and insists that the Palestinian Authority take all necessary steps to end it. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Palestinian Authority takes specified actions. Urges the President to insist that countries harboring or materially supporting Palestinian terrorist groups end their support, dismantle the groups, and bring them to justice. Commends the President for his strong leadership against international terrorism. Expresses U.S. solidarity with Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing or modifying the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments such that the factor used more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) make private for-profit medical facilities (including hospitals and long-term care facilities) eligible for Federal disaster assistance (currently limited to non-profits); (2) revise the definition of "emergency preparedness" to include under measures to be undertaken in preparation for anticipated hazards the preparation of private nonprofit and for-profit medical facilities to withstand major disasters; (3) include the preparation of such medical facilities to withstand such disasters within emergency preparedness for purposes of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's contribution to States; and (4) define the term "long-term care facility" to mean any skilled nursing facility, any nursing facility, and any other long-term care facility, such as an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.
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 · 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 · 17 October 2001
Secure Transportation for America Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish in the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Transportation Security Administration, to be headed by an Under Secretary of Transportation for Security responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including: (1) civil aviation security; and (2) security responsibilities over nonaviation modes of transportation that are exercised by Administrations of DOT (other than the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)). Requires the Under Secretary to assume responsibility for the screening of passengers and property on passenger aircraft in air transportation that originates in the United States or intrastate air transportation. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) airport operators to establish air transportation security programs that also provide for a military presence at each airport, including at locations where passengers are screened; (2) the application of certain employment standards and training requirements to airport security personnel, including screeners of passengers and property; (3) the deployment of Federal air marshals on selected passenger flights; (4) specified enhanced aviation-related security measures, including allowing pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit of an aircraft; and (5) submission of passenger manifests from air carriers and foreign air carriers in foreign transportation. Establishes the Transportation Security Oversight Board to review and approve regulations issued by the Under Secretary with respect to transportation security matters. Authorizes airport operators to conduct threat assessments with regard to passenger vehicles parked within 300 feet of an airport terminal.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit a State from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the State on August 1, 2001, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a State from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the National Highway System (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under State law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by State law on August 1, 2001; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such State on or before August 1, 2001. Permits a commercial motor vehicle combination authorized in a State to continue to operate on System highways provided it is in compliance with State law, including routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions in force in the State on August 1, 2001. Amends Federal highway law to prohibit a State from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to State (grandfather) law. Subjects such vehicles and combinations to all routing-specific, commodity-specific, and weight-specific designations in force in such State on August 1, 2001. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the operation of vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided (nondivisible loads) on the Federal-aid highway system as they relate to Interstate weight limitations; and (2) waiver of weight limitations for vehicles that operate on the Federal-aid highway system during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the National Highway System, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower State weight limits; or (2) a State allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the National Highway System that could be so operated lawfully on August 1, 2001. Requires establishment of a model schedule of fines for violations of this Act.
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 · 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 · 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 · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) on September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 possibly averted the use of such aircraft in a further terrorist attack on the United States by attempting to overpower the hijackers; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends; and (3) a memorial plaque to the victims should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, and a copy of the plaque and this resolution sent to a designated survivor of each victim.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 - Declares that no Federal agency shall prohibit a pilot, copilot, or navigator of an aircraft, or any law enforcement personnel specifically detailed for the protection of such aircraft, from carrying a firearm.
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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001048_200.jpg)