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 · 26 September 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Secretary of Transportation should issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes; (2) the Great Lakes States should develop and implement a mechanism that provides a common conservation standard for making decisions concerning the withdrawal and use of water from the Great Lakes Basin; and (3) the Secretary of State should work with the Canadian Government to encourage and support the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in the development and implementation of a consistent mechanism and standard. Calls for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) make grants to States, Indian tribes, regional agencies, and local governments to carry out projects in areas of concern to monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment, to remediate such sediment, and to prevent further or renewed contamination; and (2) conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques to remediate sediment. Calls for the extension of appropriations for sewer overflow control grants through FY 2004 in accordance with the Water Quality Investment Act of 2002. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that appropriations for the national sea grant college program in FY 2003 be funded at the level authorized in the National Sea Grant College Program Reauthorization Act of 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002
Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop and conduct a marine and fresh-water research program to support efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate invasive species in the Aquatic Ecosystem. Requires the program to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of nonnative aquatic species; (2) create baseline ecological information of the aquatic ecosystem and pathways; (3) designate the number and location of survey sites required; (4) conduct laboratory and field-based marine and fresh-water research experiments on a range of taxonomic groups to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of nonnative aquatic species; and (5) analyze the data collected. Directs the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to convene a workshop with appropriate researchers. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to: (1) require that ecological and ballast water discharge surveys examine other potential modes of introducing nonnative aquatic species by ship into the Aquatic Ecosystem, including hull fouling; (2) rename the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse as the National Pathway and Ecological Surveys Database; (3) expand the purview of the database to include ballast water management, delivery practices of ships entering United States ports and their compliance with existing regulations; and (3) make the database widely available to the public. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establish marine and fresh-water research, development, and demonstration programs with respect to environmental soundness screening and dispersal barrier research. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships into the Aquatic Ecosystem. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for institutions of higher education to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002
National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2002 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to require the Invasive Species Council (Council) to coordinate with the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force (Task Force) to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate Federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to coordinate activities to ensure that international efforts to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies. Establishes minimum invasive species prevention requirements for all vessels entering U.S. ports. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations for ballast water management standards and certification procedures. Directs the Task Force to publish a priority pathway management program. Prohibits the importation of live aquatic organisms not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to construct and maintain a national dispersal barrier program to contain and control aquatic nuisances. Declares that a State with a rapid response contingency strategy shall be eligible to receive emergency funding to implement rapid response measures for aquatic invasive species under specified circumstances. Requires the Task Force, with concurrence of the Council, to encourage the development of regional rapid response contingency strategies and develop a State model for such. Requires the Council, in coordination with the Task Force and the heads of the appropriate Federal agencies, to establish a Federal rapid response team for the ten regions of the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System. Requires the Task Force to establish a national subcommittee on nutria. Provides for expansion of the Brown Tree Snake Control Program and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program information, education and outreach activities.
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 · 26 July 2002
Energy and Science Research Investment Act of 2002 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct a comprehensive program of fundamental research, including chemical sciences, physics, materials sciences, biological and environmental sciences, geosciences, engineering sciences, plasma sciences, mathematics, and advanced scientific computing; (2) expand scientific user facilities maintained by the Office of Science and make them an integral part of the departmental mission for exploring the frontiers of fundamental science; (3) maintain a leading-edge research capability in the energy-related aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, advanced scientific computing, and genome research; and (4) ensure that its fundamental science programs help inform Department of Defense DOE applied research and development programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2006. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to create the position of Under Secretary for Energy Research and Science to: (1) serve as Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of Energy; (2) monitor (DOE) research and development programs; and (3) exercise authority over Assistant Secretaries implementing certain energy research, development, and energy technology functions. Replaces the position of Director of the Office of Science with the position of Assistant Secretary of Science, who shall carry out DOE fundamental science and engineering research functions, including policy and management. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that leadership for departmental missions in nuclear energy should be at the Assistant Secretary level. Establishes in the Office of Science a Science Advisory Board to serve as the science advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Science.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Water Quality Investment Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations through FY 2004 for grants for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to control or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. Extends the requirements for a report on funding levels.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service should immediately: (1) offer its services to the Major League Baseball Players Association and the team owners who are members of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues to resolve labor contract disputes over entering into a collective bargaining agreement; and (2) use its best efforts to bring the parties to agree to such contract without engaging in a strike, a lockout, or any other coercion that interferes with the playing of scheduled professional baseball games.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Acknowledges the American Road and Transportation Builders Association for its 100th Anniversary. Commends the many achievements of the transportation construction industry and encourages the Association to continue its tradition of excellence in service to the transportation construction industry and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Pledge of Allegiance, including the phrase "One Nation, under God," reflects the historical fact that a belief in God permeated the founding and development of our Nation; (2) the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals's ruling is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's First Amendment jurisprudence that the Pledge and similar expressions are not unconstitutional expressions of religious belief; (3) such phrase should remain in the Pledge; and (4) the Ninth Circuit should agree to rehear this ruling en banc in order to reverse this constitutionally infirm and historically incorrect ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Congratulates the Detroit Red Wings for winning the 2002 Stanley Cup Championship and for their outstanding performance during the entire 2001-2002 National Hockey League season. Commends the Carolina Hurricanes for a valiant performance during the playoff finals and for showing their strength and skill as a team.
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 · 17 June 2002
Equity in Education Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that church employees and persons treated as church employees under the Code are eligible for the exclusion for qualified tuition reduction programs of charitable educational organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Prison Rape Reduction Act of 2002 - Directs the Bureau of Justice Statistics to carry out an annual, comprehensive statistical review and analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape. Establishes within the Bureau the Review Panel on Prison Rape. Directs the Panel to request the public testimony of Federal, State, and local officials who bear responsibility for the prevention, detection, and punishment of prison rape at specified entities. Provides for a reduction in Federal funds for entities whose officials refuse to testify. Requires the Bureau to submit an annual report to Congress, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on its activities regarding prison rape, including: (1) statistical, sociological, and psychological data regarding the effects of prison rape; and (2) statistical data regarding the incidence of prison rape. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) carry out a program to collect complaints of prison rape from inmates, transmit complaints to the appropriate authorities, and provide for periodic reviews of responses; and (2) establish a national information clearinghouse, conduct periodic training and education programs, and make grants with respect to prison rape prevention, investigation, and prosecution. Establishes the National Prison Rape Reduction Commission to: (1) study the impact of prison rape on Federal, State, and local governments and communities and social institution; and (2) report recommended national standards for reducing prison rape and protocols for preserving evidence and treating victims. Directs: (1) the Attorney General to publish a notice of proposed rule-making for the adoption of national standards; and (2) the Secretary to complete a review of model programs and protocols for the response to and treatment of acute trauma for rape victims within prisons and jails.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2002
Citizen Service Act of 2002 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to reauthorize appropriations and revise requirements for national volunteer service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Includes among NCSA programs: (1) Learn and Serve America (Service-Learning); (2) AmeriCorps (AC) Grants; (3) AC-National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (2). Includes among DVSA programs: (1) AC-Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA); and (2) Senior Corps, including Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Authorizes grants to: (1) America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth; and (2) the Points of Light Foundation. Revises provisions for CNCS administration of national volunteer service programs and for accountability of recipients of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Supports the goals and ideals of National Community Role Models Week. Commends the Recognizing Achievement-Rewarding Excellence Foundation based in Troy, Michigan, for establishing a program to recognize exceptional people who work in the community and further educate children in the community about such people. Encourages the establishment of similar programs throughout U.S. communities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Declares that Congress joins the international community in supporting peace and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an end to the plunder of its natural resources.. Calls for the President to: (1) direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (UN) to work to bring before the UN Security Council a resolution imposing sanctions against the sale of diamonds mined in the Congo unless the diamonds are certified as not funding the conflict there; (2) urge the Security Council to give priority to steps to control the illegal harvesting of timber in the Congo; and (3) send U.S. representatives to advise leaders of the Congo, countries whose armed forces occupy it, and countries whose support sustains rebel groups operating there that peace in the Congo is in their national security interests and that continued strife there threatens to impede the war against terrorism. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the UN and the international community should condemn combatants in the Congo for failing to abide by the 1999 Lusaka Peace Accords and for inflicting suffering on civilians; and (2) the U.S. Government should not grant a visa to any individual (or family members) suspected of committing war crimes in the Congo and should transfer any such individual found in the United States to the jurisdiction of the International War Crimes Tribunal for prosecution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
United States Weather Research Program Act of 2002 - States that the United States Weather Research Program's priorities shall be in the areas of: (1) hurricanes, to improve landfall location and hurricane strength forecasts; (2) heavy precipitation, to improve winter and rain storm forecasts; (3) floods, to improve flood forecasting and forecasting and warning systems for inland flooding related to tropical cyclones; (4) two-to-fourteen day forecasting, to improve weather predictions and warnings of high-impact weather events, to conduct the Hemispheric Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORpex) to fill observational gaps in the Northern Hemisphere, and to test and evaluate advanced data assimilation techniques in global models; (5) societal and economic impacts, to identify methods of delivering weather information effectively, to recommend ways to improve weather communications, to assess impacts of adverse weather, to evaluate what weather information is most useful, and to perform research on such impacts; and (6) testing research concepts at Program-sponsored test bed centers, to enable technology transfer to operational meteorologists. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and annually update, and NOAA's Administrator to report to Congress on, a five-year plan: (1) describing how Federal agencies can best team with universities and other research institutions; (2) identifying social, economic, and military needs and requirements for weather information; (3) outlining methods for disseminating information to user communities; and (4) describing best practices for transferring Program research results to forecasting operations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
National Construction Safety Team Act - Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish National Construction Safety Teams for deployment within 48 hours after events causing the failure of a building that has resulted in substantial loss of life or that posed significant potential for such loss of life. Requires Teams to: (1) consist of at least one NIST employee and other experts who are not NIST employees; (2) conduct investigations to establish the likely technical cause(s) of the building failure; (3) evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and emergency response procedures; (4) recommend specific improvements to building standards, codes, and practices; and (5) recommend research and other appropriate actions needed to improve the structural safety of buildings and evacuation and emergency response procedures. Requires such a Team to coordinate its investigations with any search and rescue efforts being undertaken at the site of the building failure. Requires the Director to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the head of each Federal agency that may conduct or sponsor a related investigation, providing for coordination of investigations. Grants a Team investigation priority over any other investigation of any other Federal agency, with the exception of related investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board or building failures that may have been caused by criminal acts. Requires: (1) Teams to issue public reports after completing investigations; (2) NIST to review such reports, to conduct or encourage appropriate recommended research, and to promote adoption of Team recommendations by the Federal Government and encourage adoption by other agencies and organizations; and (3) the Director to report to Congress on Team investigations and recommendations and on NIST actions in response and to establish an advisory committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Expresses profound gratitude to airline flight attendants for their daily service to make air travel safe and honors their courage and dedication. Expresses support for the flight attendants who displayed heroism on September 11, 2001, and to all flight attendants who continue to display heroism each day.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 2003 through 2005, with specific allocations for: (1) Research and Related Activities; (2) Education and Human Resources; (3) Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction; (4) Salaries and Expenses; and (5) the Office of the Inspector General. Sets a limitation on the obligation of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction funds. Requires the Director of NSF to submit to specified congressional committees annual plans for the allocation of funds authorized by this Act, including information on how the allocation for Research and Related Activities will affect research grants, trends in research support, and research opportunities in science, mathematics, and engineering. Requires the Director to: (1) develop, submit to the National Science Board for approval, and report annually to Congress on a list indicating the relative priority for funding under the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction account of each project the Board has approved for inclusion in a future budget request; and (2) include in the plan for construction and repair of national research facilities covered in the NSF annual budget request full life-cycle cost information. Prohibits the management of any national research facility project by an NSF temporary appointee. Directs: (1) NSF to assess and report to Congress on the Major Research Instrumentation Program; and (2) NSF and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish an Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Debt Relief Enhancement Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to commence efforts immediately within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions to modify the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative so that the amount of debt stock reduction approved for a country eligible for debt relief shall be sufficient to reduce, by a specified deadline, the net present value of the outstanding public and publicly guaranteed debt of the country, and the annual payments due, to levels determined according to certain formulae. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the options and costs associated with expanding debt relief under the Initiative to poor countries not eligible for inclusion in it. Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States (or any Federal agency) by an eligible country as a result of: (1) certain guarantees issued under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act; or (3) any obligation (or portion of it) to pay for purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities guaranteed by the Commodity Credit Corporation under specified export credit programs. Prescribes other specified conditions and prohibitions with respect to country eligibility. Requires any country otherwise eligible to receive debt cancellation under the modifications to the Initiative made by this Act, among other things, to agree to: (1) ensure that the financial benefits of debt cancellation are applied to programs to combat HIV/AIDS and poverty; and (2) implement transparent and participatory policymaking and budget procedures, good governance, and effective anticorruption measures. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (including the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative), the Arms Export Control Act, and the Export Administration Act of 1979 to modify specified prohibitions on assistance to countries to include countries that have failed to cooperate with the United States on efforts to combat international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Water Quality Financing Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical and information assistance for rural and small treatment works. Requires establishment of procedures for the competitive award of grants. Extends funding for State- and interstate-managed pollution control programs. Revises State water pollution control revolving fund provisions concerning: (1) agreements for treatment works capitalization grants; (2) project eligibility; (3) loan payments, subsidization, and administrative expenses; (4) technical and planning assistance for small treatment works; (5) funding allotments; (6) priorities and intended use plans; and (7) Federal oversight review procedures. Increases the limit on amounts authorized for grants for development of management plans and construction of publicly owned treatment works to serve Indians. Waives application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act to various water pollution-related reporting requirements, thereby leaving them in place. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the private activity bond volume cap bonds issued as part of an issue whose proceeds are to be used to provide water or sewage facilities. Revises arbitrage bond rules to exclude from consideration as proceeds of an issue any amounts derived from a Federal grant or related State contribution made in connection with a FWPCA or Safe Drinking Water Act State revolving loan fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Preserving Patient Access to Physicians Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the Medicare physician payment update system, to: (1) specify the update to the single conversion factor for 2003; (2) prescribe an update for years beginning with 2004; (3) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an index that reflects the weighted-average input prices for physicians' services for a year; and (4) require the Secretary to estimate annually a productivity adjustment factor reflecting estimated growth in multifactor productivity attributable to both labor and nonlabor factors. (Thus eliminates the sustainable growth rate (SGR) payment update system).
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Secretary of Transportation should issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes; (2) the Great Lakes States should develop and implement a mechanism that provides a common conservation standard for making decisions concerning the withdrawal and use of water from the Great Lakes Basin; and (3) the Secretary of State should work with the Canadian Government to encourage and support the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in the development and implementation of a consistent mechanism and standard. Encourages: (1) Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas; (2) Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and Ontario to enact a prohibition of such drilling; and (3) Ontario to require the cessation of any such drilling and any production resulting from such drilling. Calls for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) make grants to States, Indian tribes, regional agencies, and local governments to carry out projects in areas of concern to monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment, to remediate such sediment, and to prevent further or renewed contamination; and (2) conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques to remediate sediment. Calls for a specified increase in appropriations for sewer overflow control grants for FY 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Museum and Library Services Act of 2002 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) to extend authorizations of appropriations and revise programs under such Acts. Amends MLSA to establish the National Museum and Library Services Board, within the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Eliminates a National Museum Services Board.) Requires the IMLS Director to: (1) ensure coordination with certain activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), and other Federal activities; and (2) conduct and publish analyses of museum and library services impact. Revises requirements for annual national awards to outstanding libraries and museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes specified entities under the term museum, for MLSA purposes. Revises museum services activities. Amends LSTA to provide for: (1) an increased portion for administrative costs; (2) an increased alternative minimum allotment to States under certain conditions; (3) State plans once every five years, as determined by the IMLS Director; (4) additional uses of grants to States for library programs; and (5) recruitment of library and information science personnel under the program of national leadership grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Repeals requirements under the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act relating to Commission responsibilities to: (1) advise the IMLS Director; and (2) meet with the National Museum Services Board, which is eliminated by this Act.
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 · 29 January 2002
Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2002- Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) or title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program for eligible entities and individuals (including Indian tribes) to expand the availability of primary dental care services where necessary. Offers retention bonuses for eligible dental officers of the Indian Health Service. Revises the process for designating dental health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas; (2) an oral health initiative to reduce disparities in oral health, targeting low-income children and including community water fluoridation and dental sealants; and (3) a Chief Dental Officer for the Medicaid and State children's health insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to annually collect data on the dental, craniofacial, and oral health of residents of at least one State and one Indian tribe from each region. Requires the Secretary to identify populations at high risk for early childhood caries and provide for the development of prevention programs. Revises the eligibility requirements for the school-based dental sealant program to include Indian tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics Sustainable Food Production Trust Fund Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into negotiations with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to establish an Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics Sustainable Food Production Trust Fund at the Bank to aid rural development in and create sustainable food production for Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Directs that grants from the Fund will go to assist nongovernmental organizations carrying out the following activities in those countries: (1) restocking seed; (2) replacing breeding livestock; (3) restoring basic irrigation systems; (4) providing access to credit for food production, processing or marketing enterprises through rural microenterprise loan programs; and (5) technical assistance. Places human rights and other conditions on the government of Afghanistan for projects to be funded in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Stability and Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize appropriations to the Combined Fund and the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan to: (1) pay any benefit or administrative costs of unassigned beneficiaries of the Combined Fund; (2) pay any benefit or administrative costs of unassigned beneficiaries of the 1992 UMWA Plan; and (3) eliminate any annual deficit in any premium account of the Combined Fund as certified by the Trustees of the Combined Fund. Makes other related revisions, including: (1) providing for refunds to certain operators; (2) reductions in annual health benefit premiums to the Fund in the event of a surplus. Redefines a coal wage agreement as: (1) the 1988 agreement, meaning the collective bargaining agreement between the settlors which became effective on February 1, 1988; and (2) the coal wage agreement, meaning the 1988 agreement and any predecessor to the 1988 agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Recognizes the achievements and contributions of Korean-Americans to the United States over the past 100 years. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling for appropriate activities to observe the anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway redesign plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating approval, funding, construction, and implementation of such plan and suburban airport. Requires all environmental reviews, analyses, and opinions related to issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals relating to such plan or airport to be conducted on an expedited basis. States that approval by the Administrator of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan shall: (1) provide that any runway located more than 2500 feet south of existing runway 9R-27L shall not begin construction before January 2011; and (2) be subject to the condition that noise impact of aircraft operations at O'Hare after the year in which the first new runway is first used will be less than that in 2000. Prohibits the consideration of such a plan unless it includes public roadway access through the western boundary of O'Hare to passenger terminal and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to a letter of intent application submitted by the State of Illinois (or a political subdivision thereof) for construction of the suburban airport. Sets forth requirements regarding the construction of the runway redesign plan as a Federal project on or after July 1, 2004. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Hunters Help the Hungry Act of 2001 - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to permit States to use a portion of emergency food assistance program administrative funds for the processing, transporting, and distributing of donated wild game.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Fairness to All Vietnam Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress: (1) to identify veterans who died after October 31, 1955, as a result of military operations in southeast Asia whose names are not eligible for inscription on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and (2) on the feasibility and equitability of revising the eligibility requirements to be more inclusive of such veterans or of creating an alternative means for recognizing them.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to impose a fee of $0.25 for each bus trip of a passenger if the cost of the trip is more than $5 to pay for the cost of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Port Security Act Task Force to, among other things: (1) help coordinate programs to enhance the security and safety of U.S. seaports; and (2) help provide long-term solutions for seaport security issues. Requires the establishment of local seaport security committees. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Center for Civil Force Protection, and other appropriate public and private sector organizations, to develop standards and procedures for conducting seaport security vulnerability assessments. Directs the Commandant and the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to jointly initiate a rulemaking proceeding to prescribe regulations to protect the public from threats of crime or terrorism from or to vessels in maritime transportation. Directs the Commandant to make every effort to seek international agreements with other countries providing for port security in such countries. Requires the establishment of a program for the training and certification of maritime security professionals. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to provide for port security infrastructure improvement. Provides the coordination of port related crime data collection. Provides for improved customs reporting procedures. Reauthorizes tonnage duties for four years.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that certain bonds issued by local governments in connection with delinquent real property taxes (delinquent tax bonds) may be treated as tax exempt. Requires: (1) such a bond to be issued (with a three-month maturity date) primarily to facilitate the collection or receipt of delinquent real property taxes levied for school districts that provide education primarily below the post-secondary level; and (2) that all delinquent real property taxes (and interest, fees, and penalties attributable to them) received by such governmental units after a specified date but before any maturity date are used, within three months of receipt, for the payment of principal, interest, or redemption price of the issue of which the bond is a part (to the extent that such taxes, interest, fees, and penalties do not exceed such principal, interest, and redemption price, in the aggregate).
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 with respect to a conveyance by the Secretary of Transportation of specified Federal property to the Traverse City Area Public School District. Replaces the school district as recipient with any public or private nonprofit entity for an educational or recreational purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
General Aviation Industry Reparations Act of 2001 - Directs the President to take certain actions to compensate general aviation entities for losses incurred by them as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, including to: (1) issue Federal credit instruments (including subsidy amounts for such instruments) to such entities; and (2) compensate them for direct losses incurred as a result of any Federal ground stop order issued by the Government and any incremental losses incurred as a direct result of such attacks. Authorizes the Air Transportation Stabilization Board to enter into agreements with one or more obligors to issue such instruments. Sets forth certain instrument and compensation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance or reinsurance, or reimbursement of insurance costs increases, to a general aviation entity against loss or damage arising from the operation of nonmilitary aircraft while in the United States. Defines "general aviation entity" to mean any person (other than an air carrier) that operates nonmilitary aircraft or provides aviation services directly related to nonmilitary aircraft or nonmilitary airport operations or relies on direct or indirect access to U.S. airspace to conduct its primary business as determined by the Secretary. Includes fixed based operators, flight schools, manufacturers of general aviation products, and persons engaged in nonscheduled commercial aviation enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Expresses gratitude to the General Accounting Office (GAO) for accommodating the House of Representatives during the recent closure of the House office buildings. Thanks the hundreds of GAO employees who generously vacated their workspaces and otherwise helped to make it possible for the work of the House to continue during this period.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Attorney Fee Payment System Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase from $4,000 to $5,200 the maximum allowable attorney fee; and (2) cap the amount of attorney assessments at $100. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to prescribe a fee payment system for attorneys representing individuals filing claims for past-due benefits in the SSI program. Caps attorney fees at 25 percent of such past-due benefits. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to assess such an attorney up to $100.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Help America Vote Act of 2001 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish programs under which the Administrator makes payments to each eligible State or local government to: (1) replace a punch card voting system with a voting system which does not use punch cards; or (2) make technical enhancements to the performance of its punch card voting system. Establishes: (1) an independent Election Assistance Commission to serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections; and (2) the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors to review any of the voluntary standards for engineering and procedural performance, for maintenance and enhancement of the accessibility and privacy of registration facilities, polling places, and voting methods, and for election management practices recommended by the Commission. Establishes the Technical Standards Development Committee to assist the Executive Director of the Commission by recommending standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of voting systems and voting equipment. Directs the Commission to: (1) provide for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories; (2) make payments to States for voting system improvements, grants to entities for voting equipment and technology research and development, and grants for pilot programs to try out new voting systems and equipment technologies; and (3) develop the Help America Vote College Program to encourage college students to assist State and local governments in election administration. Amends Federal law to create the Help America Vote Foundation as a nonprofit charitable corporation to mobilize secondary school students to participate in the election process in a nonpartisan manner as poll workers or assistants. Outlines minimum standards for State election systems. Sets forth provisions regarding voting rights of military members and overseas citizens. Amends Federal postal service law to replace reduced rates for voter registration purposes with reduced rates for official election mail.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Recognizes and commends the efforts of State and local governments and community, religious, and charitable organizations to support military and civilian personnel engaged in the war on terrorism. Encourages the people of the United States: (1) to support such personnel through a united effort to be known as Operation Enduring Support; and (2) as part of such Operation, to support military families, stage patriotic send-off and welcome-home rallies and parades; and volunteer and contribute financial assistance to the Red Cross, United Way, and similar organizations.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ehlers, Vernon J. [R-MI-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000092_200.jpg)