United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services should cooperate to ensure that the Nation receives safe food, and ensure that all agencies, regardless of agency jurisdiction, are used to maximize food inspection capabilities.
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 · 30 October 2001
Water Infrastructure Security and Research Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program of research, development, and demonstration activities to achieve improvements to technologies and related processes for the security of water supply systems. Requires the program to be carried out through grants to, or cooperative agreements with, research organizations to be used for matters including the following: (1) research regarding vulnerability assessment and physical asset and information system protection technologies; (2) dissemination of research results to the public and to managers of water supply systems; (3) demonstration and assessment of upgraded security technologies; (4) development of security standards and procedures; and (5) research and development related to real-time monitoring to protect against, and technologies and processes to address, chemical, biological, and radiological contamination.
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
Technology Talent Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to increase the number of students studying and receiving associate's or bachelor's degrees in established or emerging fields within science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Provides that an institution receiving such a grant shall be known as a National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Talent Expansion Center.
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
Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for payment for ambulance services concerning: (1) the establishment of a fee schedule; and (2) the coding system specifying the medical condition of the individual transported by an ambulance and the appropriate level of transportation service. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) (including part C (Medicare+Choice) of the Medicare program) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish a prudent layperson standard for justification of emergency ambulance services under Medicare and Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (3) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
General Aviation Small Business Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration to make grants to general aviation small business concerns in amounts equal to direct losses sustained since September 11, 2001, as a result of any Federal ground stop order(s) related to the terrorist attacks. Authorizes loans to assist such a business that has suffered, as a result of such attacks, substantial economic injury that is not incidental to the business's revenue and that is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Extends the due date for excise tax deposits for general aviation small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century - Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to designate bonds if: (1) the bonds are issued by a State, or one or more of the States that have entered into an interstate compact under the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, or by such compact; (2) such bonds are for financing projects to provide a major portion of the infrastructure required to complete a railroad passenger transportation corridor for high-speed intercity rail passenger service, or for projects for the Alaska Railroad; (3) for a railroad passenger transportation corridor design that includes the use of freight railroad rights-of-way, a written agreement exists between the applicant and the freight railroad regarding such use and other conditions are met; (4) the corridor design eliminates all existing railroad grade crossings and requires no additional railroad grade crossings to be created; and (5) the applicant agrees to comply with certain labor standards with respect to such project. Excludes the interest on such bonds from an individual's gross income. Makes corridor development activities (including the acquisition of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and signal equipment) eligible for Federal assistance. Amends specified Federal law to change from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for rail rehabilitation and improvement projects to State and local governments, interstate compacts, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 2 August 2001
Enterprise Integration Act of 2001 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish an initiative for advancing enterprise integration within the United States, to: (1) begin with product data management and build upon ongoing efforts of NIST and the private sector; (2) involve consortia that include government and industry; and(3) be designed to permit enterprise integration in each U.S. major manufacturing industry at the earliest possible date. Authorizes the Director, with respect to major manufacturing industries, to: (1) work with industry representatives and organizations currently engaged in enterprise integration activities and others to identify all enterprise standardization and implementation activities underway that impact that industry and to assess the current state of enterprise integration within such industry; and (2) assist such industry representatives and organizations in the development of roadmaps that identify the remaining steps needed to ensure that the standards, application protocols, and support for suppliers are in place to permit supply chains to operate as an integrated electronic enterprise. Requires NIST to develop milestones and anticipated costs by fiscal year for Government activities in support of such roadmaps and to make those milestones and anticipated costs known to industry. Authorizes the Director to: (1) work with companies and trade associations to raise awareness of enterprise integration activities; (2) work with an industry on the development of roadmaps; (3) support the development, testing, promulgation, and adoption of standards; (4) support the integration and upgrading of standards related to enterprise integration; (5) support pilot projects that include small and medium-sized businesses for new standards and enterprise integration; (6) ensure the training and regular upgrading of skills of Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) employees; (7) develop tool kits and training materials to permit small and medium-sized businesses to participate in an integrated enterprise; and (8) set up legal and financial mechanisms to permit groups of MEP centers to work collectively on modernizing and integrating a company's or industry's supply chain.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Access to Student Loans Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend indefinitely specified changes of interest rates for certain student loans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Stop Westward Aquatic Threats Act - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) provide the public with information and education on the threat of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species and how to prevent their westward advance; (2) work with States that contain aquatic nuisance species (including zebra mussels) that threaten western States to develop and implement a prevention action plan that includes inspections of vessels at boat launches and elsewhere (including vessels involved in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Expedition); and (3) prevent westward movement of aquatic nuisance species by monitoring and preventing westward movement of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species beyond the 100th meridian, monitoring water bodies, educating boaters leaving waters infected by aquatic nuisance species, and providing rapid response capacity in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Authorizes the Director of the of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to make grants to States to develop management plans which identify those areas or activities within the State for which assistance is needed to eliminate or reduce the environmental, public health, and safety risks associated with aquatic nuisance species, particularly the zebra mussel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act of 2001 - Amends Federal postal law to provide that any limitation in the Semipostal Authorization Act relating to whether more than one semipostal (a postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service, at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a national public interest) may be offered for sale at the same time, shall not apply to the breast cancer research special stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Extends the Service's authority to issue such stamps through July 29, 2008. Revises the differential amount of the special rate of postage for the breast cancer research stamp to not less than 15 percent of the regular first-class rate (currently, not to exceed 25 percent of first-class). Requires the special rate to be evenly divisible by five.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Clean Diamond Trade Act - Prohibits the importation of rough diamonds into the United States unless the exporting country is implementing a system of controls on the export or import of rough diamonds that: (1) meets specified requirements, consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 adopted on December 1, 2000, or is functionally equivalent; or (2) meets the requirements of an international agreement which requires such controls and to which the United States is a party. Prohibits the importation of polished diamonds (including jewelry containing diamonds) into the United States unless the exporting country: (1) is implementing a system of controls on the export and import of rough diamonds, except such system shall not be required for countries that do not import rough diamonds; and (2) requires that its own imports of diamonds originate from countries that have implemented a system of controls on the export and import of rough diamonds. Provides a waiver of the requirements of this Act. Urges the President to negotiate an international agreement to eliminate trade in diamonds used to support conflict in the country or regions in which such diamonds are mined.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Declares that Congress encourages the Government of China to honor its obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, as modified by the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees of 1967, by: (1) making genuine efforts to identify and protect the refugees among the North Korean migrants encountered by Chinese authorities; (2) providing North Korean refugees residing in China with a safe asylum; (3) halting the forced repatriations of North Korean refugees seeking asylum in China; (4) allowing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to have access to all North Korean refugees residing in China; and (5) cooperating with the UNHCR in efforts to resettle the North Korean refugees residing in China in other countries. Encourages the UNHCR to facilitate the resettlement of North Korean refugees residing in China in other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Air Force Science and Technology for the 21st Century Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Air Force should: (1) continue and improve efforts to ensure the advocacy of science and technology within the Air Force budgetary decisionmaking process; (2) complete and adopt policy directives for changes in Air Force science and technology budgetary and nonbudgetary decisions; (3) review the long-term challenges and short-term objectives of Air Force science and technology programs; and (4) ensure that development and science and technology planning and investment activities are carried out for future space warfighting systems and future nonspace warfighting systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) reinstate and implement a revised Air Force science and technology development planning process; and (2) carry out a study to determine how changes to the Air Force science and technology program implemented during the past two years affect future Air Force capabilities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Science, Technology, and Engineering shall be paid at the highest rate of basic pay for a member of the Senior Executive Service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2001
Ordnance and Explosives Risk Management Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program manager for unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other abandoned military munitions who shall serve as the single point of contact in the Department of Defense for policy and budgeting issues involving the characterization, remediation, and management of explosives and related risks at former military ranges known or suspected to contain UXO or other abandoned military munitions that pose a threat to human health or safety. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain an inventory of former military ranges that are known or suspected to contain abandoned munitions, to prioritize each such range according to overall conditions, and to annually update the inventory and prioritization. Establishes the Abandoned Military Munitions Account, Defense, for the removal and cleanup of abandoned military munitions. Directs the Secretary to prepare a site security plan for each range listed on the inventory. Requires the UXO program manager to establish an independent UXO advisory and review panel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Fisheries Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act regarding avoiding and minimizing bycatch and bycatch mortality. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report on progress made in implementing requirements regarding standardized reporting methodology and bycatch reduction. Requires a fishery management plan to close an area to a gear or practice that has been shown to adversely affect essential fish habitat unless the Regional Fishery Management Council (council) determines that closure is not necessary and the Secretary finds that the gear or practice will have a minimal adverse impact on habitat and minimal bycatch. Requires observers on commercial fishing vessels to collect data necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery, subject to specified requirements Modifies: (1) the definition of "overfishing" and "overfished" to include jeopardizing the ecological integrity and sustainability of marine ecosystems; (2) conservation and management measure requirements; and (3) fishery management plan requirements to add ecosystem considerations. Requires each fishery management plan to have a fishery impact statement. Directs the Secretary to develop at least one pilot fisheries ecosystem plan. Requires each council to prepare and submit to the Secretary a Fisheries Ecosystem Plan for each major marine ecosystem within its jurisdiction. Reauthorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to earmark specified funds for direct industry assistance grants and for activities of the National Marine Fisheries Service that are directly related to implementation of the Magnuson Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Tropical Cyclone Inland Forecasting Improvement and Warning System Development Act of 2001 - Requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to: (1) improve the capability to forecast accurately inland flooding associated with tropical cyclones; (2) develop, test, and deploy an inland flood warning index or system for use by the public and emergency management officials which clearly defines inland flood risks and dangers; (3) train such officials, NWS personnel, meteorologists, and others as appropriate regarding improved forecasting techniques for inland flooding, risk management techniques, and use of such flood warning index or system; and (4) conduct outreach and education activities for local meteorologists and the public regarding the dangers and risks associated with tropical cyclone-induced inland flooding and the use and understanding of such index or system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Comprehensive Energy Research and Technology Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the balance of funding priorities among programs authorized by this Act should remain as provided in this Act, regardless of the total amount of funding made available for this Act. Establishes an authorization of appropriations statutory scheme to fund the Department of Energy technology research and development programs designated below. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acceleration Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) establish an alternative fuel vehicle energy demonstration and commercial application of energy technology competitive grant pilot program for State and local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities; (2) develop an implementation program for research, demonstration and commercial application to ensure reliability efficiency, and environmental responsibility of distributed energy resources, including advanced energy technologies and advanced grid reliability technologies. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 2001 - Cites limitations placed upon appropriations authorized by this Act for the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation. Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001- Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program to: (1) accelerate wider application in foreign countries; (2) increase the global market for hydrogen technologies; and (3) foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems. Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) bioenergy research and development programs; (2) biofuels energy systems; and (3) integrated bioenergy research and development. Department of Energy (DOE) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary to: (1) support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering; and (2) provide for designated university research and training reactor infrastructure maintenance and research activities. Authorizes appropriations that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) a university reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research within the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (DOE) to coordinate the participation of national laboratories, DOE facilities, universities and the commercial nuclear industry in research and development of technologies for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Instructs the Secretary to conduct: (1) an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to promote the availability of proliferation-resistant fuel recycling technologies; (2) a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative for nuclear energy research grants; (3) jointly with industry, a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization research and development program; and (4) a study of Generation IV nuclear energy systems. National Electricity and Environmental Technology Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary to implement research and development programs pertaining to the commercial application of : (1) clean coal technologies; (2) petroleum-oil technology; (3) natural gas technologies; (4) unconventional and ultra-deepwater natural gas and petroleum exploration and production technologies; and (5) fuel cells. Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary to develop a plan for: (1) U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment (and authorizes development of a plan for U.S. participation in an international burning plasma experiment); and (2) the Fusion Energy Sciences Program and to enable such experiments. Authorizes appropriations for the Spallation Neutron Source (at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee). Sets forth parameters within which the Secretary is instructed to develop and implement a least cost nonmilitary energy laboratory facility and an infrastructure strategy for such facilities. Mandates establishment of an Advisory Panel on the Office of Science.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Department of Environmental Protection Act - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection, to be headed by a Secretary of Environmental Protection who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Campaign Reform and Citizen Participation Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) establish specified restrictions on soft money of national political parties, including a $75,000 per donor annual limit; (2) increase specified contribution limits and related indexing; (3) extend to national committees of a political party the current exemption of State and local political party committee costs of volunteer campaign materials from treatment as contributions and expenditures; and (4) require disclosure of information on certain communications broadcast prior to election, and on targeted mass communications.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Working Lands Stewardship Act of 2001 - Amends specified agricultural Acts to: (1) revise and increase funding for the farmland protection program; (2) provide market development grants and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who forgo development of certain lands; (3) expand State marketing programs, including set-asides for development of local and regional markets and research; (4) increase funding for farmer-to-consumer marketing assistance; (5) provide for a program to promote the purchase of locally grown produce; (6) increase funding for programs for socially disadvantaged farmers; (7) extend and increase funding for the environmental quality incentives program, including set-asides for livestock, pesticide reduction, and water conservation; (8) provide watershed quality incentive contracts; (9) provide loans for manure reuse activities and facilities; (10) extend and increase funding for the wildlife habitat incentives program, including set-asides for imperiled native species, and acquisition of easements and water rights; (11) extend and increase acreage for the wetlands reserve program; (12) establish a wetlands reserve enhancement program; (13) extend and increase funding for the conservation reserve program, including an acreage set-aside for environmentally-sensitive lands and buffer strips, and enrollment of grasslands and rangelands; (14) authorize incentive payments for private grazing land conservation; (15) establish a grassland reserve program; (16) expand the National Organic Program to include organic farming transition assistance; (17) establish an organic certification reimbursement program; (18) extend and increase funding for the forest stewardship program, including set-asides for new land management practices, and watershed forestry initiative activities; (19) authorize appropriations for urban and community forestry activities; (20) provide funding for specified conservation technical assistance and administration and outreach, including establishment of training centers in specified cities; and (21) establish a demonstration program to promote ecosystem- and watershed-based conservation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to conduct environmental research and development, scientific and energy research, development, and demonstration, and commercial application of energy technology programs, projects, and activities related to bioenergy, including biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development (including biofuels). Authorizes appropriations for biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development. Mandates specified cost-sharing commitments from non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Hybrid Vehicle Incentive Act - Amends Federal highway law to require a State to permit a hybrid vehicle with fewer than two occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Defines "hybrid vehicle" as a motor vehicle: (1) that draws propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy which are both an internal combustion or heat engine using combustible fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system; and (2) which (in the case of a passenger automobile or light truck) for 2002 and later models meets certain clean air requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Sets forth definitions, State contribution requirements, and other rules. Requires approval, by the Secretary of Transportation, of qualified Amtrak projects funded by such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001
Home and Farm Wind Energy Systems Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for amounts paid for qualified wind energy property from which at least 50 percent of the energy produced is consumed on site.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Voting Technology Standards Act of 2001 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, in carrying out currently specified functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to study standards for voting products and systems used in the United States, including vote casting, voter registration, and vote counting products and systems. Prescribes an administrative procedure for identifying and outlining a strategy for developing voluntary consensus-based standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, integrity, and security of U.S. voting products and systems. Requires the Director of NIST to establish a program for research in areas that support the development of standards for voting products and systems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Coral Reef and Coastal Marine Conservation Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Department of Treasury the Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Facility. Authorizes the President, through the exchange by the Facility of new obligations for outstanding obligations of an eligible Latin American or Caribbean country with a coral reef or other coastal marine resource meeting specified requirements, to reduce the amount owed by the country to the United States that is outstanding as of January 1, 1999, as a result of concessional loans. Authorizes the President to sell, reduce, or cancel such loans in order to facilitate a debt-for-nature swap or a debt buyback with an eligible purchaser or eligible country to support activities to conserve, maintain, and restore the country's coral reefs and other coastal marine resources. Requires each beneficiary country that has entered into a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement with the Secretary of State to establish a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Maine Resources Fund to receive payments of interest on new obligations undertaken by the country to provide grants to certain entities in such country to conserve, maintain, and restore its coral reefs and other coastal marine resources. Requires the Enterprise for the Americas Board to carry out certain duties with respect to implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Tribal and Local Communities Relationship Improvement Act - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to make invalid any tribal-State compact entered into after the date of enactment of this Act unless it is approved by the Governor and legislature of the State with which the compact was negotiated (with an exception for compact renewals that do not expand covered gambling operations). Requires similar approval of Indian gaming as regulated under such Act on lands acquired in trust by the Secretary of the Interior after October 17, 1988. Prohibits the conduct of class III gaming on more than one parcel of land of an Indian tribe. Directs the President to establish the Advisory Committee on Minimum Regulatory Requirements and Licensing Standards for Indian Gaming. Requires Committee recommendations to be submitted to specified congressional committees, the National Indian Gaming Commission, and each federally recognized Indian tribe. Establishes the Commission on Native American Policy to complete a study regarding living standards in Indian country, including health, infrastructure, economic development, educational opportunities, and housing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the Hope Scholarship Credit to: (1) extend coverage to fees, books, supplies, and equipment, and exempt such expenses from information reporting requirements; and (2) not reduce such Credit by Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration activities leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Repeals as a purpose the development of renewable energy resources as a primary source of energy for hydrogen production. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries, increase the global market for hydrogen technologies, and foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects; and (3) enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to establish an advisory board to replace the current Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Renames the Technology Assessment Act of 1972 as the Office of Technology Assessment Reestablishment Act of 2001. Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Technology Assessment for FY 2002 through 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Rural Health Care Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) revision in the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment for rural hospitals equalizing DSH payment amounts; (2) a single, standardized amount under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (3) treatment of certain physician pathology services; (4) elimination of the 15 percent reduction in payment rates under the Medicare PPS for home health services; (5) a permanent increase in the Medicare payment amount for home health services furnished in a rural area; and (6) exclusion of certain rural health clinic services and federally qualified health center services from the PPS for covered skilled nursing facility services. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make described loans to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements from the loan and loan guarantee fund under PHSA; (2) a high technology acquisition grant and loan program under which the Secretary may award grants and make loans to any eligible entity for any costs incurred by the eligible entity in acquiring eligible equipment and services for improving the quality of health care in rural areas; and (3) a program of grants to eligible entities under which the Secretary shall award such grants to public or nonprofit private entities to establish telehealth resource centers for the health care needs of individuals in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income for income tax purposes any payments received under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001 - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)), including to: (1) further strengthen the system of international trading disciplines and procedures, including dispute settlement; and (2) foster economic growth, raise living standards, and promote full employment in the United States and to enhance the global economy. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions, trade in services, foreign investment, intellectual property, transparency, improvement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, foreign regulatory practices, electronic commerce, reciprocal trade in agriculture, and WTO extended negotiations. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consult closely with Congress during trade negotiations. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under OTCA) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into (before June 1, 2005; or June 1, 2007, if trade authorities procedures (or fast-track procedures) are extended under this Act) only if it makes progress in meeting the overall and principal trade negotiating objectives, and the President satisfies certain notification and consultation requirements set forth in this Act, including submission of the agreement for assessment by the International Trade Commission. Applies trade authorities procedures to bills implementing trade agreements if they consist of: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; and (2) if changes in existing laws or new statutory authority are required to implement such agreements, provisions necessary to implement them, either repealing or amending existing laws or providing new statutory law. Authorizes both Houses of Congress to adopt, within 60 days of each other, a procedural disapproval resolution denying trade authorities procedures to any trade agreement if the President has failed or refused to notify or consult with Congress about it. Exempts from the notice and consultation requirements of this Act any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which: (1) is entered into under the auspices of the WTO regarding the rules of origin work program; (2) is entered into with Chile or Singapore; or (3) establishes a Free Trade Area for the Americas. Requires the appointment of a Congressional Oversight Group to serve as advisor to the U.S. delegation after the President notifies Congress of his intention to enter into the negotiation of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement. Requires the President to submit an implementation and enforcement plan at the same time a final text of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement is submitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Savings for Working Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit any qualified financial institution, qualified nonprofit organization, or Indian tribe to establish one or more qualified individual development account programs. Defines such an account as an account established for an eligible individual (income based) as part of a qualified individual development account program (matched individual and entity savings accounts for qualifying educational, first-time home purchase, or business expenses). Sets forth provisions concerning such accounts, including: (1) the structure and administration of account programs; (2) procedures for opening and maintaining an account and qualifying for matching funds; (3) withdrawal procedures; and (4) disregarding account funds for purposes of certain means-tested Federal programs. Provides matching funds through a tax credit for a participating entity's program investment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, to support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote interactions between university and Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories; and (2) provide student fellowships at DOE nuclear science laboratories. Authorizes appropriations through FY2006 that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Nutrition Assistance for Working Families and Seniors Act of 2001 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make legal immigrants eligible for food stamp program benefits. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 respecting the food stamp program to: (1) increase standard income deductions; (2) increase the minimum household allotment; (3) increase the transitional benefits period; (4) provide for personnel training, a toll-free information number, pilot programs for inter-program application and verification, and Internet and telephone participation; (5) provide grants for partnerships and technology to enhance program access, including outreach to families with low program participation, or participating in (or unable to participate in) the temporary assistance for needy families program. Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize additional appropriations for emergency food assistance commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
Safe Drinking Water and Arsenic Removal Act of 2001 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow the use of State revolving loan funds and rural water and waste facility loans and grants, respectively, to assist community water systems in removing arsenic from drinking water to the maximum level established in any national primary drinking water regulation for arsenic promulgated after enactment of this Act, notwithstanding any delay or phase-in of the maximum contaminant level compliance date.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
States that Congress encourages: (1) the States of Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas; (2) the States of Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and the Canadian Province of Ontario to enact a prohibition of such drilling; and (3) Ontario to require the cessation of any such drilling and any production resulting from it.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2001
Recognizes and affirms: (1) the efforts of the Governors of the Great Lakes States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and the Premiers of the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in developing a common standard for decisions relating to the withdrawal of water from the Great Lakes; and (2) that the management authority over such waters should remain vested with such Governors and Premiers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Amends the Organic Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of each person that notifies the Secretary that it is a manufacturer or seller that is: (1) licensed to engage in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product; or (2) is a trade association representing such manufacturers or sellers. Declares that any lawful conduct carried out by a manufacturer or seller in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product, or lawful conduct carried out by a trade association in the course of representing such manufacturers or sellers, shall not be the basis for imposing a restriction on such commerce (the award of civil damages, equitable relief, or any other specified limitation) as a result of harm caused by the criminal or other unlawful misuse of such firearm or ammunition product by any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Amends part C (Administrative Simplification) of title XI of the Social Security Act to revise the deadline for initial compliance with standards for information transactions and data elements.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ehlers, Vernon J. [R-MI-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000092_200.jpg)