United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Expresses congressional concern over the detrimental effects of currency manipulation by foreign governments on the U.S. economy, especially the manufacturing sector. Calls on the President to: (1) vigorously enforce U.S. trade laws dealing with such practices; (2) encourage the harmonization of an international exchange rate policy of freely floating exchange rates based on market forces; and (3) review all tools available to counteract currency manipulation. Urges that: (1) the executive branch take certain steps to enable the dollar and other major currencies to move toward their equilibrium rates; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury include in each semiannual report on international economic and exchange rate policies the currency manipulation practices of foreign governments; and (3) the U.S. Trade Representative take action under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to combat such practices should negotiations fail to produce meaningful results.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Currency Harmonization Initiative through Neutralizing Action Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to analyze annually the exchange rate policies of the People's Republic of China, and to impose additional tariffs, if necessary, to equalize any currency manipulations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Expanding Opportunities in Higher Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize various programs and provisions. Repeals HEA provisions, under the definition of institution of higher education, that: (1) currently require for-profit institutions of higher education to derive at least ten percent of their revenue from funds that do not come from HEA title IV student assistance programs (the 90/10 rule); and (2) currently restrict distance education in terms of the relative number of courses an institution may offer by telecommunications, and relative number of students enrolled in such courses, for purposes of student assistance program eligibility (the 50 percent rule). (Retains such rule for correspondence courses not offered by telecommunications.) Revises HEA title III (Institutional Aid) to extend authorizations of appropriations for: (1) part A grants for American Indian tribally controlled colleges and universities, and for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions; (2) part B grants for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU); (3) endowment challenge grants for institutions; (4) HBCU capital financing; and (5) the minority science and engineering improvement program. Revises HEA title V (Developing Institutions) to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to Hispanic-serving institutions. Revises HEA title IV (Student Assistance) to treat as independent students those currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces for other than training purposes (thus including active duty members of the National Guard and Reserves). Revises requirements, and extends authorizations of appropriations for, the following title IV programs: (1) Federal TRIO support services programs for disadvantaged students; (2) GEAR UP early intervention and college awareness programs for low-income students; and (3) HEP/CAMP special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork. Directs the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance to study and report on the feasibility of simplifying the need analysis methodology for all for Federal student financial assistance programs and the process of applying for such assistance. Requires the Secretary of Education to initiate a redesign of the free application for Federal student aid (FAFSA). Revises requirements for a simplified needs test. Amends the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 to extend the authorization of appropriations in general, as well as for monitoring and evaluation, and for Federal endowment programs for Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). Extends authorizations of appropriations for programs under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978, the Navajo Community College Act, and the United States Institute of Peace Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as capital expenditure deductions certain replanting, removal, and preproductive costs of crops for human consumption lost to freezing temperature, disease, drought, casualty, or pests.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Clean Air and Water Investment and Infrastructure Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for certain air and water pollution control facilities; and (2) provide that the volume cap for private activity bonds shall not apply to bonds for such air and water pollution control facilities, facilities for the furnishing of water, and sewage facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Medication Errors Reduction Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to eligible hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for costs related to purchasing, leasing, developing, and implementing standardized clinical health care informatics systems designed to improve patient safety and reduce adverse events and health care complications resulting from medication errors. Gives special consideration to eligible entities serving a large number of Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) eligible individuals. Reserves a certain percentage of grant funds for rural hospitals. Terminates grant authority on September 30, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Recognizes: (1) the importance and contributions of sportsmen to American society; (2) the many economic benefits associated with outdoor sporting activities; and (3) the importance of encouraging the recruitment of, and teaching the traditions of hunting, trapping, and fishing to, future sportsmen. Supports the traditions and values of, and the many conservation programs implemented by, sportsmen.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Commends Students United with Parents and Educators to Resolve Bullying (SUPERB), its founders Jeremy and Sharon Ring, its curriculum, and its six-school pilot program in Broward County, Florida, which is to be staffed by graduate students from Nova Southeastern University's family therapy and conflict resolution programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2003
Congressional Tribute to Celia Cruz Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation of a congressional gold medal in commemoration of Celia Cruz (a Cuban-born entertainer who became known as the "Queen of Salsa") in recognition of her contributions to music, Latino culture, and American society.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Biotechnology Future Investment Expansion Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that in the case of a biomedical research corporation, any owner shift involving a five-percent shareholder which occurs as the result of a qualified investment during the testing period shall be treated as occurring before the testing period. (Thus not counting toward net operating loss and tax credit carryover limitations.) Defines: (1) "biomedical research corporation" as a domestic corporation not in bankruptcy which has a drug or biologic in certain clinical trials; and (2) "qualified investment" as a stock acquisition in a biomedical research corporation acquired in cash at its original issue. Requires a biomedical research corporation to meet a five-year expenditure test with respect to any qualified investment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) specify restrictions on the sale and display to the general public of social security account numbers (SSNs) (or any derivatives) by Federal, State, and local governments and bankruptcy case trustees; (2) prohibit the display of SSNs on checks issued for payment by such governments, or on driver's licenses or motor vehicle registrations issued by a State or local government; (3) prohibit the Federal, State, or local government display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on employee identification cards or tags (IDs); (4) prohibit access to the SSNs of other individuals by prisoners employed by Federal, State, or local governments; (5) prohibit the selling, purchasing, or displaying of SSNs (with certain exceptions), or the obtaining or use of any individual's SSN to locate or identify such individual with the intent to physically injure or harm such individual or to use the individual's ID for any illegal purpose by any person; and (6) require States to require independent verification of birth records provided in support of applications for SSNs. Subjects to the Fair Credit Reporting Act information regarding a consumer's SSN (and any derivative) (credit header information). Provides that any person who refuses to do business with an individual because the individual will not consent to that person's receipt of his or her SSN shall be considered to have committed an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act, except in certain cases required under Federal law. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) undertake to make improvements to the enumeration at birth program for the issuance of social security account numbers to newborns; and (2) by regulation restrict the issuance of multiple replacement social security cards to any individual to minimize fraud. Establishes: (1) civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act; (2) criminal penalties for employees of the Social Security Administration who knowingly and fraudulently issue social security cards or social security account numbers; and (3) enhanced penalties in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes of violence, or prior offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to set forth the due process rights, including procedures, that shall be afforded a law enforcement officer (officer) who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing. Declares that an officer shall not be: (1) prohibited from engaging in political activity or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in such activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; and (2) prohibited from being a candidate for an elective office or from serving in such elective office solely because of the officer's status as an officer, with exceptions. Requires that: (1) each agency adopt and thereafter comply with a written complaint procedure that meets specified requirements; and (2) an investigation based on a complaint from outside the agency commence not later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint by the agency employing the officer against whom the complaint has been made, or any other agency charged with investigating such complaint. Directs that any officer who is the subject of an investigation be notified of the investigation 24 hours before the commencement of questioning. Establishes rights of officers before and during questioning, including the right to counsel. Requires questioning to be conducted at reasonable hours. Prohibits an officer from being compelled to submit to the use of a lie detector.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
National Health Information Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint a National Health Information Officer (the Officer) for the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain national leadership in the planning, development, and adoption of a national health information infrastructure (the infrastructure). Directs the Officer, in cooperation with key stakeholders, to develop a strategic plan for such infrastructure which shall contain various components, including a national agenda to guide policymaking, technology investments, and research. Specifies certain goals for the infrastructure, which include minimizing preventable medical errors and reducing redundant paperwork. Directs the Officer to advise the Secretary on various topics, including to help make an assessment of the best current practices in the development, purchase, and maintenance of medical information technology. Directs the Secretary to develop or adopt (and to periodically update) voluntary, national data and communications standards that promote the interoperability of health information technology systems across all public and private health care settings. Allows the Secretary to: (1) enter into contracts to carry out this Act; and (2) test potential national data and communications standards.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify any motorsports entertainment complex asset as 7-year property for purposes of the accelerated cost recovery system.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that television and radio stations should recognize veterans through a public service announcement or a moment of silence on November 11 at 11 a.m. each year and that the day should be used as an occasion to educate children about the contributions of veterans in defending freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2003 - Establishes the National Drought Council which shall: (1) develop a national drought policy action plan; (2) evaluate Federal drought-related programs; (3) coordinate and prioritize enhancement of the national integrated drought system; and (4) provide for the development of a drought information delivery system, drought planning models, and drought preparedness plans. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to: (1) assist State, local, tribal, and critical service entities with drought-related activities; and (2) expand the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies. Requires: (1) the Secretary to publish guidelines for administering a national technical and financial drought assistance program; and (2) the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Army, and other appropriate Federal agency heads to implement integrated drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, and regional, water providers to develop and implement drought preparedness plans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Intermodal Equipment Safety and Responsibility Act of 2003 - Subjects an equipment controller to liability for the systematic inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment interchanged or intended for interchange. Requires an equipment controller: (1) prior to offering a motor carrier agent the equipment for interchange, to inspect the equipment and perform maintenance and repairs to the equipment to ensure that it complies with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations; and (2) to promptly reimburse the motor carrier for actual expenses incurred and time spent by the motor carrier for any repair required to interchanged equipment to comply with the Regulations while in a motor carrier's possession. Makes an equipment controller liable for all violations of the Regulations attributable to the controller's equipment. Directs the controller to pay any applicable fines, penalties, and damages resulting from such violations, except for violations attributable to the controller's equipment that are proximately caused by the motor carrier's negligence or willful misconduct. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to conduct inspections. Prohibits an equipment controller from: (1) retaliating against a motor carrier who requests maintenance or repair of equipment intended for interchange to comply with the Regulations; and (2) delegating its responsibility to systematically maintain and repair equipment intended for interchange to a motor carrier in an equipment interchange agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend the 50 percent bonus depreciation added by section 201 of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-27).
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Expresses support for designation of "Hire a Veteran Week." Encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon employers, labor organizations, veterans service organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental agencies to lend their support to increase employment of men and women who have served in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Sportfishing and Boating Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the transfer of motorboat fuel taxes into the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Qualified Personal Service Corporations Clarification Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the criteria for determining whether a corporation is a qualified personal service corporation. Includes within the definition of qualified personal service corporation a qualifying corporation substantially all of whose stock is held by certain former employees (thus permitting such corporation to use the cash method of accounting).
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from taking any action proposed under the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) unless the Secretary has notified Congress of the intention to take such action; and (2) until the later of the expiration of a 60-day period, or 30 days of continuous congressional session, after such notification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Central Asia Education Enhancement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot program of scholarships for public policy internships for undergraduate and graduate students from Central Asia, with priority to students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, and Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Afghanistan Education Enhancement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot program of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students from Afghanistan for public policy internships in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Commends the request made by the United States to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the WTO panel investigate the cause of the panel's confidential interim report with respect to the March 2002 U.S. steel safeguard measure being widely leaked to the media. Encourages the WTO panel to investigate breaches of confidentiality by the co-complainants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth; and (2) in cooperation with the Legacy Fund of the Library of Congress, to develop and implement a marketing program to promote and sell the coins. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) supporting historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Government Accountability and Streamlining Act of 2003 - Requires the Comptroller General, to the extent practicable, to prepare for public bills and joint resolutions (measures) reported by congressional subcommittees or committees, and submit to such subcommittees or committees, determinations of whether: (1) new Federal entities, programs, or functions are authorized by the measure; and (2) an existing entity or program carries out functions that are similar to those authorized by the measure and such existing entity or program may more effectively and efficiently perform the functions and carry out the purposes of the measure than the proposed entity or program. Requires such statements to accompany reports on legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to revise the optional method of computing net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Air Line Pension Act of 2003 - Sets forth special funding requirements for certain pension plans maintained by commercial passenger air carriers (plans), notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Provides for such plans, if they have a funded percentage of less than 80 percent as of January 1, 2003, the following: (1) modifications of funding rules, including funded percentage, assumed interest rate for determining current liability, and estimation of current liability; (2) a moratorium on the deficit reduction contribution, under specified conditions; (3) a one-time amortization of 2008 unfunded current liability; and (4) recognition of a waiver in the deficit reduction contribution. Provides for such plans, if they are maintained for benefit of the carrier's employees pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement and if they terminated during calendar year 2003, the following: (1) restoration by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to the plan's pre-termination status and transfer of control of plan assets and liabilities to the employer, unless the collective bargaining agreement provides that the plan should not be restored; (2) exclusion of any expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during each plan year; (3) amortization of unfunded amounts under the restoration payment schedule; (4) inapplicability of certain contribution requirements to a restored plan until a plan year beginning on the initial post-restoration valuation date, with modified required annual payments; and (5) resetting of funding standard account balances. Limits PBGC liability with respect to certain plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2003 - Permits the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make mass transportation formula grants for an urbanized area with a population of less than 360,000 (under current law, the population limit is 200,00); and (2) make such grants to a transit system with a population greater than 360,000 if the system operates fewer than 100 buses on fixed route service during peak hours.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Great Lakes Restoration Financing Act of 2003 - Establishes the Great Lakes Advisory Board to: (1) develop a biennial comprehensive Great Lakes management plan; (2) coordinate Great Lakes restoration efforts; and (3) implement a public awareness campaign. Establishes a scientific working group to evaluate the scientific integrity of the Great Lakes restoration effort and assist the Board in its decisionmaking. Requires the management plan to be submitted to the President, appropriate congressional committees, the governor of each Great Lakes State, and the Great Lakes mayors. Includes as possible Great Lakes ecosystem goals: (1) the cleanup of toxic hot spots; (2) the elimination of invasive species; (3) pollution decrease; (4) the restoration and conservation of wetlands and critical coastal habitat; (5) the elimination of dead zones caused by hypoxia and harmful algal bloom; (6) the sustainable use and management of Great Lakes water resources; and (7) public participation in Great Lakes restoration. Requires each Great Lakes State to have in effect a State Great Lakes Management Plan, approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and updated every two years, in order to be eligible for assistance apportionments authorized under this Act. Provides apportioned funding to Great Lakes States for restoration activities. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint a special master to direct the remediation of an area of concern.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows current State notification or food safety requirements to continue for 180 days after the enactment of this Act, during which such State may petition for an exemption or a new national standard. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Farmland Protection Program Challenge Grant Act of 2003 - Amends the Farm Security Act of 1985 to obligate at least 15 percent of farmland protection funds for cost-share grants to support eligible State agencies, county, and one or more eligible entities to purchase conservation easements whose title shall be held by the entity rather than the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Designates a certain segment of Pennsylvania State Route 60 and a segment of U.S. Routes 22 and 30 as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as Interstate Route 376. Redesignates Interstate Route 279 from Interstate Route 79 east to Interstate Route 376 at Point State Park, Pennsylvania, as Interstate Route 376/279.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that if a taxpayer is a member of an affiliated group of corporations which files a consolidated return, the tax attributes concerning reduction of tax attributes and exclusion from gross income by reason of discharge of indebtedness shall be the aggregate tax attributes of such group.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow, Coretta Scott King, in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2003
Great Lakes Controlled Data Collection and Monitoring Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement a set of science-based indicators of water quality and related environmental factors in the Great Lakes, including accumulated toxic pollutants. Requires continued monitoring and data collection to help identify emerging problems.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 2012, the existing temporary duty suspension on certain steam generators and certain reactor vessel heads for use in nuclear reactors.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Amends the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 to make permanent the taxation of dividends received by individuals at capital gains rates.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Rachel Granger Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to authorize waivers by the Commissioner of Social Security of the five-month waiting period for entitlement to benefits based on disability in cases in which the Commissioner determines that such waiting period would cause undue hardship to terminally ill beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Healthy America Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to require schools participating in the school breakfast program to make available fruits and juices. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (the Act) to direct the Secretary to expand the fruit and vegetable school pilot program. Amends the Act to direct the Secretary, in conjunction with the National 5 a Day for Better Health program, to carry out a Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids program to provide grants to school districts for innovative projects to increase the availability and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Amends the Act to require States to ensure that meals in the summer food service program include fruits, vegetables, and juices. Directs the Secretary to revise in specified ways the regulations relating to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Amends the Farm and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the minimum amount to be spent on the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Directs the Secretary to develop a fruit and vegetable research agenda that coordinates research between agencies of the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to appoint a national 5 A Day for Better Health program coordinator and seven regional coordinators to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should establish partnerships with State and local organizations to improve access to and efficient distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to schools and nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to allow the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, at the request of a non-Federal interest, to extend the period during which the Secretary provides beach nourishment for a water resources development project for such additional period as the Secretary determines necessary, not to exceed 50 years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Downed Animal Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Provides that an entity shall: (1) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious; and (2) humanely euthanize such livestock. Prohibits an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock through inspection. Defines "covered entity," and "humanely euthanize."
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Blue-Collar Employee Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the 10-percent additional tax on early withdrawals from qualified retirement plans certain former employees of bankrupt employers and certain former employees of closed facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Expresses appreciation to the people and Government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and Government of the United States. Congratulates Canada as it celebrates its annual Canada Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Condemns the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist organizations that intentionally sought to thwart the efforts of the United States and the world community to move toward peace in the Middle East at the summit in Aqaba, Jordan. Urges the European Union to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, enabling it to take further action to prohibit any funding from Europe to Hamas. Urges the Palestinian Authority to combat terrorism by establishing itself as the sole armed entity within the Palestinian territories as soon as possible. Stands in solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps toward peace and toward providing security to its people.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
First Responders Funding Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to require: (1) that each State be allocated in each fiscal year not less than .5 percent (currently, .75 percent) of the total amount appropriated for domestic preparedness grants; (2) such grants to be awarded based on a quantitative risk assessment for threat, vulnerability, and consequences; and (3) the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support of the Office of Justice Programs, by March 1 of each year, to submit that assessment to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Asbestos Claims Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the preservation of tax attributes in asbestos company bankruptcy cases and provide an exemption for asbestos related settlement funds to ensure the availability of a company's assets to pay asbestos claims.
![Official portrait of Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000187_200.jpg)