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United States · Official source
9,184 records where Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Spirit of the Nation Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously), in recognition of the sacrifice made, a congressional gold medal to any individual who is killed or wounded as a result of an act of terrorism within the United States on or after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Recognizes the New York City public school community's courage and professionalism during and after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Supports Federal assistance for New York City public schools to ensure availability of critical support services for all students and staff affected by the attack.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
JTTF Enhancement Act of 2001 - Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to carry out a program under which the Director maintains in appropriate U.S. regions and localities task forces of law enforcement agents to combat international terrorism. Directs that each task force be comprised of at least one FBI agent and selected Federal, State, and local law enforcement agents. Requires the Director to: (1) make available appropriate training to each participating agent; and (2) reimburse the salary for each participating State and local agent. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director should expand the program as rapidly as feasible to include at least one task force for each FBI field division. Directs the Attorney General to increase the number of Immigration and Naturalization Service agents available for the program. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize a program of detailing Central Intelligence Agency employees with State and local law enforcement agencies. Authorizes a detail program for State and local enforcement personnel to the Department of Justice. Directs the Attorney General to expand the Law Enforcement Support Center to ensure access for all Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
World War II Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously) a congressional gold medal to named Comanche Code Talkers of World War II in recognition of their contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Retirement Account Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise fiduciary duties with respect to pension plans that are specified types of eligible individual account plans, including employee stock ownership plans that are among qualifying plans under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), but excluding, with certain exceptions, individual retirement accounts or annuities (IRAs) under section 408 of IRC. Prohibits sponsors, administrators, or other fiduciaries of such plans, unless they apply for and obtain exemptions from the Secretary of Labor, from imposing any lockdown (including a blackout, freeze, suspension, or similar limitation) on participants' or beneficiaries' ability to transfer their nonforfeitable accrued benefits from investment in the form of qualifying employer securities to other investment vehicles otherwise available under the terms of the plan. Prohibits the Secretary from granting such an exemption without finding that it is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan, participants, and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of participant and beneficiary rights. Prohibits any such lockdown from taking effect until at least 90 days after written notice (which may include notice by means of electronic communication) is provided by the plan administrator to such participants or beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to study, and report with recommendations to Congress on, the feasibility of statutory limits on investment of individual account plan assets in stock or other securities issued by the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should establish the White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month to make recommendations to the President on the proclamation of National Military Appreciation Month to be celebrated each year; and (2) any such Commission should be composed of specified members. Expresses the sense of Congress that if such Commission is established, the President should also establish the Spirit of America Alliance to assist the Commission: (1) in the planning, organization, and conduct of an annual White House Conference on National Military Appreciation and other similar events; (2) in the promotion of the observance of such Month and other military commemorative events through appropriate means, subject to any guidelines developed by the Commission; (3) in the establishment of necessary incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance; (4) in the evaluation of the effectiveness of efforts by the Commission and the Alliance in carrying out this Act; and (5) by the performance of any other related duties that are assigned by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Hospice Improvement Program Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish Hospice Demonstration Projects to increase the utility of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) hospice services for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries. Includes a supportive and comfort care benefit within such program. Requires the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in at least three, but not more than six, sites. Sets forth the criteria for selecting such sites, including geographic diversity and accessibility. Requires special rules for adjusting payment to any Medicare+Choice (SSA title XVIII part C) organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan to reflect an enrolled member's participation in such a project. Directs the Secretary to establish a Hospice Education Grant program under which the Secretary awards education grants to entities participating in the demonstration projects for the purpose of providing information about the Medicare hospice benefit and the benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries under the demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway redesign plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating approval, funding, construction, and implementation of such plan and suburban airport. Requires all environmental reviews, analyses, and opinions related to issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals relating to such plan or airport to be conducted on an expedited basis. States that approval by the Administrator of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan shall: (1) provide that any runway located more than 2500 feet south of existing runway 9R-27L shall not begin construction before January 2011; and (2) be subject to the condition that noise impact of aircraft operations at O'Hare after the year in which the first new runway is first used will be less than that in 2000. Prohibits the consideration of such a plan unless it includes public roadway access through the western boundary of O'Hare to passenger terminal and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to a letter of intent application submitted by the State of Illinois (or a political subdivision thereof) for construction of the suburban airport. Sets forth requirements regarding the construction of the runway redesign plan as a Federal project on or after July 1, 2004. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Work Opportunity and Relief Compensation Act - Sets forth health insurance coverage options for recently unemployed individuals and their families. Requires establishment of a temporary program under which 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage shall be provided for an individual who: (1) at any time between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2002, is separated from employment; and (2) is eligible for, and has elected, COBRA continuation coverage. (COBRA refers to title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and concerns continuing post-employment employee group health plan coverage under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of1974.) Permits a State to elect to provide temporary Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) for individuals who: (1) are separated from employment at any time between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2002; (2) are not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage; (3) are not insured; and (4) do not have assets, resources, and earned or unearned income that exceed limitations set by the State. Permits a State to pay the entire COBRA premium for certain low-income individuals. Includes in the optional Medicaid eligibility category for such illnesses Indian women with breast or cervical cancer who are eligible for health services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization. Increases the allowed Federal Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment in extremely low-DSH States. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for a certain period, from implementing any modification to upper payment limits for services furnished by non-State government-owned or operated hospitals. Revises the transitional medical assistance (TMA) program to give States the option to: (1) waive notice and reporting requirements; (2) extend eligibility period for low-income individuals; (3) allow families to receive TMA if they have received Medicaid for fewer than three of the preceding six months; and (4) not comply with certain TMA requirements if coverage is extended to certain low-income families. Temporary Unemployment Compensation Act of 2001 - Provides for a program of temporary supplemental unemployment compensation. Includes among eligibility requirements an individual's not having rights, with respect to a week, to other compensation (excluding extended compensation). Applies program agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such an agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Call to Service Act of 2001 - Amends National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for specified programs. Revises the Americorps program. Directs the Corporation for National and Community Service to: (1) increase the number of approved national service positions; and (2) ensure that half of any such increased number are for programs that address public safety needs, including homeland defense and public health. Allows the Corporation to allot a limited portion of national service positions to receive educational awards only. Allows releases of participants from completing service terms, and requires released participants to receive a portion of the educational award. Includes programs at veterans' facilities or in public health among national service projects. Requires consultation by the Corporation and State Commissions for National and Community Service, respectively, with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and State emergency management agencies to determine ways to promote homeland security and emergency management through national service programs. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants through the senior training programs and programs of national significance. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require that specified increasing percentages of HEA grants for college work-study programs be used to compensate students in community service. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude national service educational awards from gross income. Amends Federal law relating to the Armed Forces to provide for: (1) employment of retired military personnel as instructors in basic training programs; (2) improved access to institutions of higher education for military recruiting purposes; (3) increase the amount of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill; and (4) allow use of entitlements to basic education assistance for contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires heads of institutions of higher education to provide the Department of Defense the same access to students for recruiting purposes provided generally to prospective employers. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and of State to establish a Commission on Military Recruitment and National Service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Foreign Terrorist Military Tribunal Authorization Act of 2001- Authorizes the President to convene military tribunals for the trial of individuals who are charged with offenses arising from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Permits such a trial to be held only at a location outside the United States. Makes this Act applicable to an individual who is not a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and who is apprehended outside the United States. Treats as an offense arising from such attacks an offense relating to: (1) planning, authorizing, committing, or aiding those attacks; and (2) harboring any organization or individual that planned, authorized, committed, or aided those attacks. Bars any military order, executive order, regulation, or other directive of the executive branch from limiting the rights or privileges of any individual under provisions relating to habeas corpus. Allows the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus to be suspended only in cases of rebellion or invasion and only by law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Community Access to Emergency Defibrillation Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to develop and implement public access defibrillation programs by: (1) training and equipping local emergency medical services personnel to administer immediate care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED), to cardiac arrest victims; (2) purchasing AEDs, placing the defibrillators in public places where cardiac arrests are likely to occur, and training personnel in such places to administer CPR and AED to such victims; (3) setting procedures for proper maintenance and testing of such devices; (4) providing training to members of the public in CPR and AED; (5) integrating the emergency medical services system with the public access defibrillation programs; and (6) encouraging private companies to purchase AEDs and provide training for their employees to administer CPR and AED to cardiac arrest victims in their community. Directs the Secretary to award grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to develop and implement innovative, comprehensive, community-based public access defibrillation demonstration projects that: (1) provide CPR and AED to cardiac arrest victims in unique settings; (2) provide training to community members in CPR and AED; and (3) maximize community access to AEDs. Directs the Secretary to award a grant to a health care organization to establish a national information clearinghouse that provides information to increase public access to defibrillation in schools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Family Life Education Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for family life education, including abstinence and contraception. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should, but need not, provide matching funds. Requires the Secretary to provide for national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in changing adolescent sexual behavior, including the delay of sexual and high-risk activity, the prevention of pregnancy and disease (including HIV/AIDS), and the increase of contraceptive knowledge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
National Rural Development Partnership Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the National Rural Development Partnership composed of the National Rural Development Coordinating Committee (established by this Act) and State development councils (authorized by this Act). Includes among Partnership purposes: (1) enhancement of State and local rural development capacities; and (2) engagement of Federal, State, local, tribal, and private and nonprofit sectors in such efforts. Provides for State rural development council matching requirements. Terminates the Partnership five years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Pension Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit 401 (k) plans (relating to cash or deferred arrangements) from using employee contributions to acquire or hold more than ten percent of their value in employer securities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to increase the authorization of appropriations for health centers for FY 1997 through FY 2002 and authorize such appropriations as may be necessary for such centers for FY 2003 through FY 2006. Includes within: (1) "required primary health services" appropriate cancer screening (currently, screening for breast and cervical cancer), specialty referral when medically indicated, and specified housing-related services; and (2) "additional health services" behavioral and mental health substance abuse services. Permits grants to health centers for the planning and development of management networks. Rewrites PHSA provisions regarding rural health. Provide grants for expanded delivery of health care services in rural areas, for the planning and implementation of integrated health care networks in rural areas, and for the planning and implementation of small health care provider quality improvement activities. Telehealth Grant Consolidation Act of 2001 - Provides for the establishment: (1) of telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs; and (2) an Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Provides for grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to provide for improved emergency medical services in rural areas. Reauthorizes and rewrites PHSA provisions regarding the National Health Service Corps program. Prohibits an entity to which a Corps member is assigned from denying requested health services and discriminating in the provision of services because an individual is unable to pay. Provides for a community access demonstration program to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and coordination of services for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Expands the availability of dental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Fairness to All Vietnam Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress: (1) to identify veterans who died after October 31, 1955, as a result of military operations in southeast Asia whose names are not eligible for inscription on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and (2) on the feasibility and equitability of revising the eligibility requirements to be more inclusive of such veterans or of creating an alternative means for recognizing them.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Empowering Local First Responders To Fight Terrorism Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, local and Indian tribal governments, and other entities, including private entities, to combat terrorism and provide homeland defense. Permits such grants to be used to hire laid off and new first responders, including former military personnel, training, and to procure equipment and systems, as specified. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide technical assistance, including the development of a flexible model for policing and response strategies and the establishment of training centers. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such grant funds, including allocation, matching, waivers, renewal, hiring, evaluation, revocation, suspension, and audit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign promoting stroke prevention and immediate treatment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse, including conducting and/or making available research concerning best practices for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; (2) make grants to States to establish statewide stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems; and (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel. Sets forth requirements for the State grant program, including matching funds, standards for care and facilities, central data reporting and analysis, special consideration for geographic areas with high rates of disability from stroke or significant need, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to develop and implement education programs for appropriate medical personnel with regard to newly developed diagnostics, technologies, and therapies for stroke prevention and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2001 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war to repeal the currently required: (1) 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation; and (2) 90-day minimum period of internment prior to eligibility for dental care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Adds the following to the listed diseases under (1), above: heart disease, stroke, liver disease, diabetes (type 2), and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Choctaw Code Talkers Recognition Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously) congressional gold medals honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers who distinguished themselves in performing a unique, highly successful communications operation that greatly assisted in saving countless lives and in hastening the end of World War I.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the more than 500 anthrax threats sent to reproductive health centers and abortion providers since October 14, 2001; (2) supports reproductive health centers and abortion providers as they continue to provide constitutionally protected services to women and men in the United States; and (3) urges the administration, local law enforcement, and related government agencies to continue to make their best efforts to bring those who commit terrorist acts to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should make the U.S. flag available to the immediate family members of deceased recipients of the Medal of Honor and to veterans service organizations and other parties responsible for the maintenance of private gravesites of Medal recipients, for placement on such gravesites.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
State Budget Relief Act of 2001 - Requires the Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for: (1) a State for FY 2001 to be substituted for the State's FMAP for FY 2002 if the FY 2002 FMAP would otherwise be less than the FY 2001 FMAP; and (2) each eligible State for each calendar quarter in FY 2002 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 · 5 December 2001
Extended Disaster Mental Health Services Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make three-year grants to States and their subdivisions for mental health services in response to public health emergencies, including disease, natural, technological, or terrorism-related disasters and major transportation accidents. Includes post-emergency crisis counseling, outreach, intervention, and extended therapeutic services. Sets forth grant requirements, including the development of a statewide plan and coordination with other governmental programs (including those of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) and providers of mental health services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to develop their statewide plans, requiring such plans to address the need: (1) for increased capacity for emergency response; (2) of special populations such as children, the elderly, the disabled, and those with pre-existing mental health disorders; and (3) for informing the public and coordinating with other mental health service providers. Requires such plans to designate a primarily responsible State official. Requires the Secretary to establish within the Center for Mental Health Services a National Mental Health Crisis Response Technical Assistance Center to provide technical assistance during emergencies and for developing and implementing plans and policy guidelines. Requires such Center to conduct training and serve as the principal clearinghouse for information concerning the mental health aspects of public health emergencies. Directs the Secretary to award grants for training mental health professionals to treat individuals who are victims of disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Extends the tax benefits available under the Internal Revenue Code for services performed in a combat zone to duty performed by a member of the U.S. armed forces in the Republic of Korea from July 1 to December 31, 2000, during which such member was entitled to hardship duty pay.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Designates the national cemetery in Saratoga, New York, as the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the placement therein of a suitable memorial to honor Solomon's service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if in any year the maximum annual rate of pension for an eligible veteran is less than the applicable baseline income level (125 percent of the poverty income level) for that veteran, to apply the baseline income level in lieu of such maximum annual rate in determining such veteran's annual rate of pension.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should use his authority under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to release emergency funds to States immediately to ease the additional financial burden that job loss and depressed consumer confidence have placed on low-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Protect Victims of Identity Theft Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to the statute of limitations on actions, to provide that an action to enforce a liability may be brought not later than two years after the date on which the violation is discovered or should have been discovered by the exercise of reasonable diligence. Tolls such limitation period during any period during which a defendant has materially and willfully misrepresented information statutorily required to be disclosed where such misrepresentation is material to establishment of liability.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Federal Advisory Committee Transparency Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to require an advisory committee to publish notice within 15 days of the establishment or utilization of any working groups.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing or modifying the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments such that the factor used more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Putting Americans First Act - Sets forth provisions for a temporary unemployment compensation (UC) program. Permits any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor for such program under which States receive Federal payments and State agencies pay: (1) modified regular UC to individuals; and (2) temporary supplemental UC to individuals who have otherwise exhausted their rights to regular (or extended) UC. Requires the modified regular UC to: (1) have an alternative base period; (2) not be denied to individuals who can show good cause for seeking or being available for only part-time employment; and (3) include increased benefits. Requires temporary supplemental UC accounts for eligible individuals who file applications for such UC. Limits such agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003. Sets forth health insurance coverage options for recently unemployed individuals and their families. Requires establishment of a temporary program under which 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage for Medicaid be provided for an individual who: (1) at any time during the period that begins on September 11, 2001, and ends on December 31, 2002, is separated from employment; and (2) is eligible for, and has elected coverage under, COBRA continuation coverage. (COBRA refers to title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and concerns employee group health plan coverage under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of1974.) Permits a State to elect to provide temporary Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) for individuals who: (1) are separated from employment at any time during the period that from September 11, 2001, through December 31, 2002; (2) are not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage; (3) are uninsured; and (4) do not have assets, resources, and earned or unearned income that exceed limitations set by the State. Permits a State to pay the entire COBRA premium for individuals whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line and who are receiving COBRA premium assistance under this Act. Provides for temporary increases in the Medicaid Federal Medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for FY 2002. Amends the Social Security Act title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to: (1) reauthorize TANF supplemental grants for population increases for FY 2002; and (2) extend and increase TANF contingency fund grants through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Small Business Insurance Data Disclosure Act - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish requirements for insurers to compile and submit information to the Administrator for each annual reporting period, as required in this Act. Requires such information to include the analysis and comparison of the availability and affordability of insurance coverage and the quality and type of coverage for small businesses, including small businesses located in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and minority- and women-owned small businesses. Directs the Administrator to provide for the waiver of such reporting requirements for each insurer within a State which requires insurers to submit a level of information at least equivalent to that required herein and which provides for adequate enforcement of such requirements. Requires: (1) each insurer to maintain submitted information for at least three years after each reporting period; (2) all submitted information to be made available to the public; (3) the Administrator to designate appropriate lines of insurance and coverage types for small businesses; and (4) the Administrator to survey a representative sample of small business owners regarding their experience in applying for, obtaining, and being refused small business insurance. Provides civil penalties against insurers violating the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Access for Afghan Women Act of 2001 - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan and other Central Asian women, including the following: (1) incorporating the perspectives of women's and human rights organizations in matters related to peace and the future governance of Afghanistan; (2) including significant numbers of women in drafting a new constitution for Afghanistan; (3) providing funding for education for all Afghans; (4) increasing Central Asian women's access to and ownership of productive assets and property; (5) providing funding for women-centered economic development programs in Central Asia; (6) assuring the safety and health of female Central Asian refugees; and (7) including women in peacekeeping and peace building measures in Central Asia. Defines Central Asia as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Designates the headquarters and visitors center at Humboldt Bay National Wild Life Refuge located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta, California, as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants for the repair, restoration, or maintenance of veterans' memorials on public property. Establishes in the Treasury a Veterans' Memorial Restoration Fund consisting of appropriations, civil penalty amounts, and donations to fund such grants. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for the willful damage of such memorials. States that a veterans cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Quality Care for Nursing Home Patients Act of 2001 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) impose minimum direct care staffing requirements on nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding; (2) revise the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 with respect to disclosure of staffing levels at such facilities, adding notice requirements; (3) prescribe administrative staffing requirements for such facilities; and (4) apply quality of care requirements to all residents of skilled nursing facilities, without regard to whether the resident is entitled to have payment made for nursing facilities under Medicare or Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Medicare Physician Protection Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to specify the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Cancer Testing, Education, Screening, and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualifying health centers for programs providing cancer information, education, screening, counseling, and treatment. Targets service populations with significant numbers of low-income minority individuals who are at-risk for cancer, requiring programs to provide outreach and culturally sensitive services (including same language) to such populations. Requires the Secretary to designate the type(s) of cancer covered by a grant.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal the seven-year restriction on eligibility for widow's and widower's insurance benefits based on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Attorney Fee Payment System Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase from $4,000 to $5,200 the maximum allowable attorney fee; and (2) cap the amount of attorney assessments at $100. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to prescribe a fee payment system for attorneys representing individuals filing claims for past-due benefits in the SSI program. Caps attorney fees at 25 percent of such past-due benefits. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to assess such an attorney up to $100.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide for full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age or any previous reduction in OASDI benefits. Declares that there shall be no reduction in the widow's or widower's insurance benefit of an individual for any month in which such individual is under a disability.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the two-year waiting period for divorced spouse's benefits following a divorce.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) increases in widow's and widower's insurance benefits by reason of delayed retirement; and (2) the treatment of delayed retirement in cases of simultaneous entitlement to OASDI benefits and widow's or widower's insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax lifetime annuity payouts and similar payments of life insurance proceeds at dates later than death at capital gains rates. Excludes amounts received under an eligible deferred compensation plan or under a qualified retirement plan. Includes such gains in the calculation of the maximum rate of tax on net capital gains of noncorporate taxpayers when computing the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Designates minority membership on the House Committee on Government Reform.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Deadly Biological Agent Control Act of 2001 - Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding biological weapons to set penalties for: (1) knowingly possessing a select biological agent or toxin (select agent) without obtaining a certification from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA); and (2) any research facility knowingly transferring a select agent to an entity that has not obtained such certification. Amends the AEDPA to direct the Secretary of HHS to: (1) annually review the existing list of select agents and, if necessary, revise the list; (2) prioritize countermeasures, including vaccines, therapies, medical devices, and diagnostic tests which must be developed, produced, or obtained in preparation for a bioterrorist attack or other significant disease emergency to treat, prevent, or identify infection by, or exposure to, listed biological agents and toxins (listed agents); and (3) provide for the establishment and enforcement of standards and procedures governing the possession and use of listed agents. Requires the Secretary to establish a certification process for the possession and use of listed agents. Sets forth legitimate purposes. Requires any individual who handles listed agents to pass a criminal background check, including a determination of whether that individual is a restricted person, and to be registered with the Department of HHS for the specific research project that requires the use of biological agents or toxins. Sets penalties for violations.