United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Veterans Outreach Protection Act - Rescinds a Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum dated July 18, 2002, from the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and management which requires directors of Department health service networks to ensure that no marketing activities for the enrollment of new veterans occur within their networks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2003 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether State law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the FLRA to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such FLRA regulations and authority through appropriate State courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Environmental Health Research Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of not more than six centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, develop training protocols, conduct training, develop model continuing education programs, and disseminate information to professionals and the public, with priority to prevention activities. Requires each center to: (1) collaborate with community organizations; and (2) use the facilities of a single institution or be formed from a consortium of institutions. Limits support to five years but allows extensions under specified circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive research program on the impact and occurrence of hormone disrupting chemicals as they affect human, ecological, and wildlife health. Requires the program to: (1) compile scientifically valid information, with an emphasis on the effect of low doses during critical life stages and the extent of human and wildlife exposure; (2) research the mechanisms by which such chemicals interact with biological systems as well as their screening and tracking; and (3) include the participation of the U.S. Geological Survey. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel within the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Student Medical Access Raising Test Scores Health Act - SMARTS Health Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make demonstration grants to expand school-based health programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such grants program with other specified health programs. Limits the making of such grants to the following eligible entities, for expansion of the following school-based health programs: (1) the University of Maryland, for its program in the Baltimore, Maryland, vicinity; (2) the local educational agency for its program in an independent school district in the Dallas, Texas, vicinity; (3) the University of New Mexico for its program in New Mexico; (4) the University of California, Los Angeles, for its program in the Los Angeles, California, vicinity; (5) the Child Study Center Outpatient Clinic, Yale University, for its program in the New Haven, Connecticut, vicinity; and (6) the University of Illinois at Chicago, for its program in the Chicago, Illinois, vicinity. Directs the Secretary, in making such a grant, to establish goals for the program in terms of health outcomes for the children served.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Business Checking Freedom Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to repeal the prohibition against the payment of interest on demand deposits. States that specified actions and benefits relating to an escrow account maintained at a depository institution in connection with a real estate transaction shall not be treated as the payment or receipt of interest for purposes of this Act and the other named Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - Prohibits a person from: (1) slaughtering a horse for human consumption; (2) importing to, or exporting from, the United States horseflesh or horses for human consumption; (3) selling, bartering, transferring, receiving, or distributing horseflesh or horses for human consumption; or (4) soliciting or knowingly causing any such actions. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) criminal and civil penalties; (2) enforcement authority of the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) placement of confiscated horses; (4) euthanasia of unplaceable or severely injured or diseased horses; (4) funding of animal rescue facilities; and (5) exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Local Emergency Health Services Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to appropriate $1,450,000,000 for each of FY's 2004 through 2008 for allotments to States for reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (presently such appropriations end after FY 2001). Sets forth formulas for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Declares that $957,000,000 shall be allotted based on a percentage of undocumented aliens and $493,000,000 shall be allotted based on numbers of undocumented alien apprehensions (in the six States with the highest number of such apprehensions). Permits a State to receive funds on both accounts. Allows funds to go to States, local governments, hospitals, or other providers in a State, including providers of services received through an Indian Health Service facility (presently funds go only to States). Permits reimbursement to providers for the uncompensated provision of emergency health services to aliens who have been allowed to enter the United States for the sole purpose of receiving such services. Directs the Secretary to ensure that fraudulent payments are not made from allotments under this Act. Allows for the reallotment of unused funds. Declares that this Act constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Preserving Access to Safe, Affordable Canadian Medicines Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations prohibiting discrimination against imports of prescription medications from Canada. Defines discrimination as any measure which has the effect of providing U.S. consumers access to prescription medications on terms or conditions that are less favorable than the terms or conditions provided to any foreign purchaser of such products, or which otherwise restricts or reduces access by United States consumers to a prescription medication from Canadian pharmacies. Imposes a civil penalty against manufacturers who violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Assure Access to Mammography Act of 2003 - Provides that, with respect to payment for a screening or diagnostic mammography furnished to a Medicare beneficiary, the amount of payment made to a hospital-based facility in which such screening or diagnostic mammography is performed during the applicable period is equal to 200 percent of the amount of payment that would otherwise apply under the Medicare fee schedule established under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the technical component of such screening or diagnostic mammography. Provides for not counting certain radiological residents against graduate medical education limitations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an arrangement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Secretary on Medicare reimbursement for gender-specific services. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress on Medicare reimbursement for screening services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Drug Company Gift Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require drug manufacturers, packers, and distributors to disclose to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs the value, nature, and purpose of: (1) gifts made to covered health entities in connection with marketing activities; and (2) cash rebates, discounts, or any other financial consideration to any pharmaceutical benefit manager in connection with marketing activities. Makes such information available to the public, but retains the confidentiality of trade secrets. Establishes civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to repeal the condition on the permission to pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from Canada into the United States that the Secretary first demonstrate to Congress the safety of such products and the financial benefit to consumers of permitting their importation. (Thus allows the importation of such drugs to proceed without fulfillment of prerequisites.) Repeals termination of the importation program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a final rule for carrying out the provisions on covered products within a year of the enactment of this Act, with the effective date for such final rule to be no later than 30 days after the date of promulgation. Classifies an imported covered product as misbranded unless it bears labeling that identifies: (1) the country of origin; (2) the name and address of the importer; and (3) the name and address of the person who exported the product to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
First Responders Expedited Assistance Act of 2003 - Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Homeland Security for grants by the Office for Domestic Preparedness of the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a broadband credit equal to the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines: (1) the current generation broadband credit for any taxable year as ten percent of the qualified expenditures incurred with respect to qualified equipment providing current generation broadband services to qualified subscribers and taken into account with respect to such taxable year; and (2) the next generation broadband credit for any year as twenty percent of the qualified expenditures incurred with respect to qualified equipment providing next generation broadband services to qualified subscribers and taken into account with respect to such taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Privacy Protection Clarification Act - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to exclude attorneys-at-law from its definition of `financial institution' (thereby excluding them from its requirements governing the disclosure of nonpublic personal information pertaining to clients).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Child Modeling Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit an employer from employing a child model in exploitive child modeling. Defines "exploitive child modeling" as modeling involving the use of a child under 17 years old for financial gain without the purpose of marketing a product or service other than the child's image, regardless of whether the employment relationship of the child is direct or indirect, contractual or non-contractual, or is termed that of an independent contractor. Provides that such term does not apply to an image which, taken as a whole, has serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Sets penalties for violations. Includes employment of a minor in violation of such provision within the definition of "oppressive child labor." Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit displaying or offering to provide the image of an individual engaged in exploitive child modeling, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, with the intent to make a financial gain, except with respect to an image which has serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
State Budget Relief Act of 2003 - Requires the Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for: (1) a State for FY 2002 to be substituted for the State's FMAP for each of such covered calendar quarters if the FMAP determined for a State for a covered calendar quarter would otherwise be less than the FY 2002 FMAP; and (2) each eligible State for each covered calendar quarter to be increased by two percentage points. Mandates specified FMAP increases for States with high unemployment rates, and a specified Medicaid payment cap increase for territories. Prohibits application of the FMAP increases for a State under this Act with respect to: (1) disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicaid; and (2) payments under SSA titles IV and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Domestic Spirits Tax Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a distilled spirits wholesaler a distilled spirits wholesalers credit equal to the product of: (1) the number of cases of bottled distilled spirits which were bottled in the United States and which are purchased by such wholesaler during the taxable year directly from the distiller or importer of such spirits; and (2) the average tax-financing cost per case for the most recent calendar year ending before the beginning of such taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Artists' Contribution to American Heritage Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a fair market value (determined at time of contribution) deduction for charitable contributions of literary, musical, artistic, scholarly compositions, or the copyright created by a qualifying donor. Exempts certain non-personal letters and memoranda from such treatment. Limits such increased deduction to the donor's artistic adjusted income (as defined by this Act).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal specified occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer. Revises recordkeeping requirements for wholesale and retail liquor dealers. Makes it unlawful for any liquor dealer (except one selling beer exclusively) to purchase distilled spirits from any person other than a specified wholesale liquor dealer.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $400 the maximum above-the-line deduction allowed for classroom supply expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers, effective after December 31, 2002. Expands such deduction to include qualified professional development expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each House by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Recognizes the significance of historically Black colleges and universities, which have been educating students for more than 100 years, and of title III of the Higher Education Act, which helps strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and financial stability. Commends them for their commitment to academic excellence for all students, including low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Urges their presidents, faculty, and staff to continue their efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students who might otherwise not pursue a post-secondary education. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the Nation and interested groups to demonstrate support for historically Black colleges and universities with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Calls on executive branch officials and Members of Congress to raise the issue of anti-Semitism in their bilateral contacts with other countries and at multilateral fora, including meetings of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the July 2003 Twelfth Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Calls on participating OSCE States to: (1) condemn anti-Semitism, racial and ethnic hatred, xenophobia, and discrimination, as well as persecution on religious grounds whenever it occurs; (2) ensure effective local and national law enforcement against criminal acts stemming from anti-Semitism, xenophobia, or racial or ethnic hatred, including thorough investigation and prosecution of such acts; (3) promote the creation of educational efforts throughout the region to counter anti-Semitic stereotypes and attitudes among younger people, increase Holocaust awareness programs, and help identify the necessary resources to accomplish this goal; (4) play a leading role in combating anti-Semitism and ensure that the resolution adopted at the 2002 meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Berlin is followed up by a series of concrete actions at the national level; and (5) organize a separately designated human dimension event on anti-Semitism as early as possible in 2003, consistent with the Porto Ministerial Declaration adopted by the OSCE at the Tenth Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in December 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on April 30, 2003, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Recognizes: (1) African descendants for their contributions to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the countries in the Americas, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean societies; and (2) that as a result of their skin color and ancestry, such descendants have wrongfully experienced economic, social, and political injustices. Urges the President to encourage the celebration and remembrance of the achievements of African descendants in the Americas and a resolution of such injustices. Urges the United States and the international community to: (1) work to ensure that extreme poverty is eradicated, universal education is achieved, quality healthcare is made available, sustainable environmental resources are provided, and equal access to justice and representation under the law is granted in Afro-descendant communities in Latin American and the Caribbean; and (2) achieve these goals by promoting research on identifying and eradicating racial disparities in economic, political, and social spheres; promoting, funding, and creating development programs that focus on such communities; providing technical support and training to Afro-descendant advocacy groups that work to uphold basic human rights in the region; promoting the creation of an international working group on problems of such communities; and promoting trade and other bilateral and multilateral agreements that take into account the needs of such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a postage stamp in honor of Melvin Jones; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for child welfare workers employed by child protection agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Benefits Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include as a "public safety officer" for purposes of provisions governing death benefits a volunteer civilian member of the Civil Air Patrol engaged in: (1) active service rendered in performance or support of operational missions of the Patrol under the direction of the Department of the Air Force and performed consistent with written authorization that specifies a finite assignment; or (2) travel to or from such service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Straight Talk on Social Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act to require Social Security account statements to contain additional information, such as a statement of the current Social Security tax rates applicable to wages and self-employment income, including an indication of the combined total of such rates of employee and employer taxes with respect to wages.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Small Airport Safety, Security, and Air Service Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends Federal aviation law to make eligible for airport development project funds the construction of an air traffic control tower or the acquisition and installation of air traffic control, communications, and related equipment at a tower under specified terms. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation under the air traffic control contract program to provide grants to a sponsor of a primary airport or a nonprimary airport from certain airport development and noise compatibility planning program funds for: (1) the construction or improvement of a nonapproach control tower (formerly known as a level I air traffic control tower); (2) the acquisition and installation of air traffic control, communications, and related equipment to be used in that tower; and (3) reimbursement for the cost of tower construction or improvement, and acquisition and installation in the tower of such equipment, if certain requirements are met. Revises eligibility requirements with respect to such grants. Limits the Federal share of cost of construction of a nonapproach control tower to no more $1.1 million. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to enter into a lease agreement or contract agreement with a private entity to provide for construction and operation of a nonapproach control tower. Sets forth certain agreement terms and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Small Business and Financial Institutions Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make a trust-individual retirement account (IRA) an eligible bank S corporation shareholder. Exempts from prohibited transaction rules any sale of stock in an IRA pursuant to a small business corporation's election to be an S corporation. Excludes from the definition of passive income for purposes of S status termination any interest income earned by or dividends on assets required to be held by a bank, a bank holding company, or a qualified subchapter S subsidiary bank. Increases to 150 the maximum number of shareholders a small business organization may have to be eligible to elect S corporation treatment. States that stock held by a bank director as required by banking regulations (director qualifying stock) shall not be considered a disqualifying second class of S corporation stock. Permits a bank which makes an S corporation election to recapture certain bad debt reserves in the year of election or the preceding year. Limits any special rules regarding corporate income preference items to the three years following S corporation election. Treats a husband and wife as one shareholder. Permits, and sets forth criteria for, an election to treat all members of a family as one shareholder. Permits the issuance of qualified preferred stock, which shall not be treated as second class stock. Makes any distribution (not in payment in exchange for stock) made by an S corporation with respect to qualified preferred stock includible as ordinary income of the holder and deductible to the corporation as an expense. Revises exceptions to the criteria for the treatment of certain wholly owned subchapter S subsidiaries with reference to required information returns. Provides for a charitable contribution basis adjustment of S corporation stock based upon the shareholder's pro rata share of adjusted basis.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by determining that acquiring corporations in"corporate expatriation transactions" shall be considered domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group." Applies similar rules to partnership transactions. Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to revise the statutory formula for funding benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for U.S. Postal Service employees. Mandates that savings accruing to the Postal Service and attributable to specified years: (1) be used to reduce the postal debt as the Secretary of the Treasury shall specify; and (2) be held in escrow until Congress acts following receipt of certain reports. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of the enactment of this Act will be sufficient to allow the Postal Service to fulfill its commitment to hold postage rates unchanged until at least 2006; (2) because the Postal Service still faces substantial obligations related to postretirement health benefits for its current and former employees, some portion of those savings should be used to address the unfunded obligations; and (3) none of the savings should be used to pay bonuses to Postal Service executives. Sets a deadline for submission of a mandatory Postal Service report detailing how future savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of the enactment of this Act should be expended.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to place limitations on mandatory overtime for nurses, protect nurses against retaliation in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment, and provide for civil money penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on standards to establish for the maximum number of hours that a nurse may work without compromising the safety of their patients. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to Congress on the extent to which federally operated medical facilities have in effect practices and policies with respect to overtime requirements for nurses that are inconsistent with the overtime requirements added by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds; (2) for qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds and establish limits and allocation formulas for such bonds; and (3) corporations, a limited specialized training center credit. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Mammogram Availability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, that provides coverage for diagnostic mammographies for any woman 40 years old or older to provide coverage for annual screening mammographies for such a woman. Prohibits related enrollment and renewal discrimination, monetary incentives to women, and penalties or incentives to providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those requirements and prohibitions to coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Tohono O'odham Citizenship Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to recognize persons listed on the official membership roll of the Tohono O'odham Nation, a federally recognized American Indian nation located in Arizona, as U.S. citizens as of the date such listing occurs. Provides that the valid membership credential issued to such listed persons shall be considered, for all purposes subject to Federal law, equivalent to: (1) a certificate of citizenship; and (2) a State-issued birth certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT Act) - Amends the Public Health Service Act to address issues of overweight and obesity. Modifies an existing grant program funding the training of health profession personnel to include the treatment of overweight and obesity among categories to which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to give special consideration. Creates a grant program to fund the training of health professionals to: (1) treat and prevent obesity; and (2) aid people who are overweight. Creates grant programs at the local level to promote increased physical activity and improved nutrition. Targets partnerships with businesses, schools, senior centers, day care facilities and other institutions. Expands an existing coordinated school health program to include grants for the development of programs which focus on healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet and physical activity. Permits the use of preventive health and health services block grants for community education programs which promote healthy eating and exercise habits. Directs the Secretary to consider geographic diversity in issuing such grants and to ensure that such grants focus on physical activity and food-based research. Creates a Medicare demonstration project to reduce obesity and other chronic disease risks in older Americans. Makes grants available to local healthcare delivery systems for overweight and obesity treatment and prevention demonstration programs. Makes grants available for a national campaign to change children's health behaviors. Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Youth Act - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to award competitive grants to States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities for the implementation of State and community-based intervention programs to promote good nutrition, including in children and adolescents. Sets forth a sunset date for such grants of five years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Self-Employed Health Equity Adjustment to Lower Tax Hindrance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to take the health insurance deduction into account in determining net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Sales Tax Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the deduction of State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an annual tax credit for 25 percent of up to the first $25,000 of qualified wages paid or incurred per qualified U.S. independent film and television production. Increases the credit to 35 percent if the production is located in an area eligible for designation as a low-income community or eligible for designation by the Delta Regional Authority as a distressed county or isolated area of distress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Commends Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson for urging private health insurance companies to encourage Americans to lead active lifestyles. Expresses the sense of Congress that private health insurance companies should: (1) do more to encourage Americans to lead healthier and more active lifestyles; (2) provide discounted premiums to those who exercise regularly; and (3) encourage frequent screening for diseases that are easily treatable in their early stages. Applauds private health insurance companies that are already taking such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that national and community organizations and health care providers should be applauded for promoting awareness about viral hepatitis. Calls on the Federal Government to: (1) raise awareness about the importance of prevention of viral hepatitis, counseling, and treatment; (2) increase funding for prevention education, other prevention measures (such as vaccination), and research; (3) increase efforts to find more effective treatments and cures; and (4) consider ways to improve access to high-quality health care services for early detection and treatment. Calls on the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to expand basic, clinical, and genetic research regarding viral hepatitis. Urges the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to give priority consideration to establishing a national viral hepatitis round table with Federal representatives and those of private, nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) commemorative postage stamps should be issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Americans who distinguished themselves by their service in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, respectively; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such stamps be issued.