United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Rural Equity Payment Index Reform Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a minimum geographic cost-of-practice index value for physicians' services furnished under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of and payment for certified midwife services (currently only certified nurse-midwife services are covered) and freestanding birth center services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Declares that nothing precludes certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives from teaching or supervising an intern or resident-in-training.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services, building upon core public health capabilities, to carry out health-related activities to prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Requires collaboration with States and local governments to ensure a national bioterrorism and public health emergency preparedness plan. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. 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. Provides for: (1) the education of health care personnel regarding recognition and identification of bioweapons; and (2) grants to train health professionals and register volunteers. Requires the maintenance of a national stockpile or stockpiles of drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and other supplies adequate to meet the health security needs of the United States in the event of a bioterrorist attack or other public health emergency. Provides for countermeasure research, development, and evaluation. Provides for the waiver of certain Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP requirements during national emergencies. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of dangerous biological agents and toxins. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the protection of the food and drug supply against intentional adulteration. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the water supply against terrorist and other intentional acts.
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 · 30 November 2001
National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2001 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Act to include an emphasis on ocean and coastal resources conservation and management and collaboration between academia and the scientists and programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Excludes grants to assist coastal and ocean research from the two-thirds limitation otherwise applicable. Revises and expands the terms of membership for the sea grant review panel. Authorizes appropriations for zebra mussel, oyster, harmful algal bloom, and coastal ocean research.
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 · 16 November 2001
Extends by one year the deadlines for compliance by health care providers, health plans other than small health plans, and health care clearinghouses with the standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets adopted under part C (Administrative Simplification) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) by the Secretary of Health and Human Services only if, before the current deadline, such entity submits to the Secretary a plan for compliance with such standards. Amends part C of SSA title XI to include the Medicare+Choice program as a health plan (thus applying administrative simplification requirements to Medicare+Choice organizations). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a specified administrative fee for the submission of a claim in a paper or non-electronic form for items or services for which payment is sought under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Help America Vote Act of 2001 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish programs under which the Administrator makes payments to each eligible State or local government to: (1) replace a punch card voting system with a voting system which does not use punch cards; or (2) make technical enhancements to the performance of its punch card voting system. Establishes: (1) an independent Election Assistance Commission to serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections; and (2) the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors to review any of the voluntary standards for engineering and procedural performance, for maintenance and enhancement of the accessibility and privacy of registration facilities, polling places, and voting methods, and for election management practices recommended by the Commission. Establishes the Technical Standards Development Committee to assist the Executive Director of the Commission by recommending standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of voting systems and voting equipment. Directs the Commission to: (1) provide for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories; (2) make payments to States for voting system improvements, grants to entities for voting equipment and technology research and development, and grants for pilot programs to try out new voting systems and equipment technologies; and (3) develop the Help America Vote College Program to encourage college students to assist State and local governments in election administration. Amends Federal law to create the Help America Vote Foundation as a nonprofit charitable corporation to mobilize secondary school students to participate in the election process in a nonpartisan manner as poll workers or assistants. Outlines minimum standards for State election systems. Sets forth provisions regarding voting rights of military members and overseas citizens. Amends Federal postal service law to replace reduced rates for voter registration purposes with reduced rates for official election mail.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Immigration Reform and Accountability Act of 2001 - Replaces (in the Department of Justice) the Immigration and Naturalization Service with the Agency for Immigration Affairs, to be headed by the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs. Establishes within the Agency: (1) the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications; and (2) the Bureau of Immigration Enforcement. Sets forth Agency and Bureau offices and authorities. Provides for the transfer of all necessary personnel and allocation of appropriations. Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Reorganization Transition Account. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Bureaus are equally important and should be adequately funded; and (2) adjudication and enforcement functions should operate at levels not below those in existence prior to enactment of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish an Internet-based system for accessing Immigration and Nationality Act benefit filings; (2) conduct an on-line filing and improved processing feasibility study; and (3) establish a Technology Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Terrorism Risk Protection Act - Sets a deadline for the President to designate an Administrator (or Administrators) to implement this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in determining the Administrator responsible for making determinations as to whether a loss was caused by an act of terrorism, the President should consider the appropriate role of the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. Prescribes procedural guidelines under which such Administrator shall provide financial assistance (up to $100 billion) to commercial insurers to cover insured losses resulting from an act of terrorism. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a terrorism reserve for commercial lines of insurance business. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) should develop appropriate definitions for acts of terrorism and appropriate standards for making determinations regarding such acts; (2) each State should adopt those definitions and standards for purposes of regulating insurance coverage in that State; (3) the appropriate Administrator should advocate and promote the development of definitions and standards appropriate for purposes of this Act; and (4) after such consultation, the appropriate Administrator should adopt definitions for acts of terrorism and standards for determinations appropriate for this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the NAIC should develop appropriate guidelines for commercial insurers and pools regarding maintenance of reserves against the risks of acts of terrorism; and (2) each State should adopt such guidelines for commercial insurers doing business in that State. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should require that the price of terrorism insurance coverage, including the costs of any terrorism related assessments or surcharges, be separately disclosed. Instructs the President to establish a commission to study and report to Congress on the potential effects of an act of terrorism on the life insurance industry in the United States and the markets served by such industry.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Disaster Relief Charities Accountability Act - Establishes the Charity Accountability Board which shall: (1) request information from and make recommendations to qualifying charitable organizations regarding the amount of disaster relief funds collected and dispersed by such organizations, administrative costs incurred, and the criteria used in dispersing disaster relief funds; (2) provide information about disaster relief funds to disaster victims and those wishing to contribute to such funds; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the status of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prescribe procedural guidelines under which a credit card issuer shall confirm changes of address. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prescribe procedural guidelines under which a consumer reporting agency shall: (1) notify the requester of a discrepancy in the address in the consumer file; (2) include a fraud alert in the file of a requesting consumer; and (3) make free annual disclosures upon consumer request. Confers enforcement jurisdiction upon the Federal Trade Commission. Mandates truncation of credit card account numbers, so that an entity that accepts credit cards for the transaction of business is prohibited from printing more than the last 5 digits of the credit card account number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the cardholder.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 - Amends Federal law governing monetary transactions and Federal criminal law to establish as a bulk cash smuggling offense the knowing concealment and attempted transport (or transfer) across U.S. borders of currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000, with intent to evade specified currency reporting requirements. Subjects to Federal criminal penalties currency couriers who conceal more than $10,000 in currency and transport, or conspire to transport, such currency in interstate commerce knowing that it was either derived from, or intended to promote, unlawful activity. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over foreign money launderers, and over money that is laundered through a foreign bank. Establishes reporting requirements for coin and currency receipts of more than $10,000 received by a nonfinancial trade or business, or criminal court clerks. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to declare inadmissible: (1) aliens who have engaged in proscribed money laundering activities; and (2) their immediate family members who have benefitted from such illicit activities. Authorizes Federal enforcement agencies to initiate forfeiture actions regarding funds deposited into a foreign bank that has a correspondent account in the United States. Places the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a bureau in the Department of the Treasury. Includes among its duties the maintenance of a financial crimes communications center to coordinate money laundering detection by law enforcement authorities and financial institutions. Extends U.S. Customs Service border searches to international shipments of mail. Establishes criminal penalties for false statements concerning the identity of customers of financial institutions. Requires financial institutions to maintain account holder identification and verification . Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a highly secure website in the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that allows financial institutions to file suspicious activities reports through the Internet, and that alerts financial institutions regarding activities that warrant immediate and enhanced scrutiny; (2) provide for a public-private task force on terrorist financing issues; and (3) require registered brokers and dealers to submit suspicious activity reports. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the inclusion of suspicions of illegal activity in written employment references. Sets forth special measures for jurisdictions, financial institutions, or international transactions of primary money laundering concern, including a proscription against United States correspondent accounts with foreign shell banks. Empowers the Secretary to enter into international negotiations regarding money laundering investigations, financial crimes, and the finances of terrorist groups. Prohibits the acceptance of any bank instrument in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. Amends the Federal criminal code to increase penalties for counterfeiting domestic and foreign currency and obligations. Includes counterfeiting by analog, digital, or electronic image.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a two year recovery period for depreciation of computers and other technological equipment. Reduces the recovery period from five to two years under the alternative depreciation system for certain property ( tax-exempt use property, etc.). Reduces the useful life for depreciation of computer software from 36 to 24 months. Establishes a seven year useful life for depreciation of certain auction-acquired telecommunications licences.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2001
Displaced Workers Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to eligible public entities to assist in the environmental cleanup and economic development of brownfield sites. Provides that community development block grant (CDBG) loan guarantee limits shall not include amounts for certain brownfield projects. Includes brownfield redevelopment as an eligible CDBG activity. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement the community empowerment fund pilot program, including brownfield redevelopment activities; and (2) conduct a study of Federal brownfield redevelopment activities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) on September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 possibly averted the use of such aircraft in a further terrorist attack on the United States by attempting to overpower the hijackers; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends; and (3) a memorial plaque to the victims should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, and a copy of the plaque and this resolution sent to a designated survivor of each victim.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sorrow of Congress for the death and injuries suffered by first responders as they tried to save innocent people in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Honors and commends the first responders who participated in evacuating and rescuing the innocent people in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks. Encourages all levels of government to continue to work together to coordinate emergency preparedness effectively by providing the infrastructure, funding, and interagency communication and cooperation necessary to ensure that when another terrorist attack occurs, first responders will be as prepared as possible to respond to the attack effectively.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act - Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than specified amounts. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable legal costs if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Revises conditions for de minimis settlements. Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001 - Provides grants for inventorying, characterizing, assessing, remediating, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Includes certain petroleum- or controlled substance-contaminated sites and mine-scarred land. Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release that is not owned by such persons. Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case for which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. Deems a person, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to have undertaken appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person demonstrates that inquiries were undertaken in accordance with specified requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to States or Indian tribes for response programs comprised of elements including survey and inventory of brownfield sites, public participation opportunities, oversight and enforcement authorities, and certification mechanisms. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan. Authorizes the President to bring enforcement actions in certain instances where there is migration of contamination across State lines or onto Federal property, or there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment and additional response actions are likely to be necessary. Makes restrictions on the President's authority to take such actions applicable only at sites in States that maintain and publicize a record of sites at which response actions have been completed in the previous year and are planned to be addressed under the State response program in the upcoming year. Applies enforcement action requirements only to response actions conducted after February 15, 2001. Provides conditions for deferral by the President of final listing of an eligible NPL response site.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Federal Home Loan Bank Membership Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize certain privately insured credit unions to become members of a Federal Home Loan Bank if they meet all eligibility requirements for Federal deposit insurance under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State to initiate a U.S. plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual week-long summit of the World Health Assembly in May 2002 in Geneva, Switzerland, and to instruct the U.S. delegation there to implement such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2005. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Establishes the National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification to review: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Code; (2) whether the tax systems of other countries could provide more efficient and fair methods of funding government revenue requirements; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Requires a Commission report to Congress on review results, with recommendations for Code reform and simplification. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations (with interim funding). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be approved by Congress in its final form before July 4, 2005, and, if not, Congress should be required to vote to reauthorize the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Clean Diamond Trade Act - Prohibits the importation of rough diamonds into the United States unless the exporting country is implementing a system of controls on the export or import of rough diamonds that: (1) meets specified requirements, consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 adopted on December 1, 2000, or is functionally equivalent; or (2) meets the requirements of an international agreement which requires such controls and to which the United States is a party. Prohibits the importation of polished diamonds (including jewelry containing diamonds) into the United States unless the exporting country: (1) is implementing a system of controls on the export and import of rough diamonds, except such system shall not be required for countries that do not import rough diamonds; and (2) requires that its own imports of diamonds originate from countries that have implemented a system of controls on the export and import of rough diamonds. Provides a waiver of the requirements of this Act. Urges the President to negotiate an international agreement to eliminate trade in diamonds used to support conflict in the country or regions in which such diamonds are mined.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude stock options and employee stock purchase plans from the definition of wages for purposes of employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2001
Medicare Equity Act for the Blind of 2001- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide Medicare coverage of State vocational rehabilitation services for older individuals who are blind.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2001 - 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 · 25 July 2001
Social Security Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2001
Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 2001 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States, subject to specified guidelines, the authority to provide for: (1) optional coverage of pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income, uninsured pregnant women under the State's SCHIP plan; and (2) automatic eligibility and enrollment for child health assistance under such plan for children born to targeted low-income pregnant women receiving such assistance when the child is born until it attains one year of age, so long as the child is a member of the woman's household. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the transitional increased Federal matching rate for increased administrative costs related to Medicaid-eligibility determinations of individuals receiving aid or assistance under SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF).
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
International Extradition Enforcement Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress on efforts between the United States and a government of a foreign country to extradite to the United States an individual being held in custody by such government and whom the United States: (1) has charged with a major extraditable offense; (2) has found guilty of committing a major extraditable offense; or (3) is seeking to extradite to complete a judicially pronounced penalty of deprivation of liberty for a major extraditable offense. Defines "major extraditable offense" as murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnaping, abduction, or other false imprisonment, rape, drug trafficking, or terrorism. Prohibits the provision of development and security assistance to, or the issuance of a visa to any alien who is a high-ranking official of, a government of a country uncooperative in extradition efforts with the United States. Provides for the waiver of such prohibitions if it is in the vital national interests of the United States. Amends Federal criminal law to increase the criminal penalty for individuals who flee to avoid prosecution or give testimony in the United States. Imposes both civil and criminal penalties for persons who knowingly transfer from the United States anything of value to a person in a foreign country with the intent to assist such person in resisting extradition to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Customs Business Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law governing priority of creditors' claims to rank as the tenth priority allowed unsecured claims of customs brokers for duties, taxes, or other charges paid to the Customs Service of the United States on behalf of the debtor arising out of the importation of merchandise entered for consumption within one year before the bankruptcy petition filing date.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Commercial Driver's License Devolution Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle solely within the borders of a State (intrastate) if such individual meets State-prescribed minimum standards for fitness for operating a commercial motor vehicle and has passed written and driving tests meeting those same standards. Requires States to test the fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators, including the passing of a written and driving test, who operate intrastate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Benefits Act of 2001 - Provides that: (1) qualifying service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans' benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Cyber Security Information Act - Prohibits the disclosure of "cyber security information" (defined to include information related to the ability of any protected system, or critical infrastructure, to resist intentional interference or incapacitation through the misuse of or unauthorized access to or use of the Internet, telecommunications systems, or similar conduct that violates Federal, State, or international law, harms U.S. interstate commerce, or threatens public health or safety) that is voluntarily provided to a Federal entity. Provides that (with exceptions) any such information voluntarily provided directly to the Government about its own cyber security, a third party's cyber security, or to an Information Sharing Organization which is subsequently provided to the Government in identifiable form shall: (1) be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; (2) not be disclosed to any third party; and (3) not be used by any Federal or State entity or by any third party in any civil action. Makes the antitrust laws inapplicable (with an exception) to conduct engaged in solely for the purpose of and limited to: (1) facilitating the correction or avoidance of a cyber security-related problem; or (2) communication of or disclosing information to help correct or avoid the effects of a cyber security-related program. Authorizes the President to establish and terminate working groups composed of Federal employees who will engage outside organizations in discussions to address or share information related to cyber security, and otherwise to serve the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Credits a Federal employee or Member of Congress who has or acquires five or more years of civilian service for service performed as an employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality after December 31, 1965, and before January 1, 1987, for purposes of civil service retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Amend title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase from $255 to $300 the maximum amount of the lump-sum death benefit; and (2) allow for payment of such a benefit, in the absence of an eligible surviving spouse or child, to the legal representative of the estate of the deceased individual, if any.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Class Action Fairness Act of 2001 - Establishes a consumer class action bill of rights, including provision for: (1) judicial review and approval of noncash settlements; (2) protection against loss by class members because of payments to class counsel; (3) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for greater payments to class members because they are located in closer geographic proximity to the court; (4) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for payment of a greater share of the award to a class representative serving on behalf of a class; (5) standardized settlement notification information; and (6) pleading requirements. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $2 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is a class action in which any member of a class of plaintiffs is: (1) a citizen of a State different from any defendant; (2) a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a State; or (3) a citizen of a State and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Lists exceptions, such as where a class action brought by shareholders solely involves a claim concerning a covered security or relating to the internal governance of a corporation. Sets forth procedures for removal of interstate class actions to U.S. district court and for review of orders remanding class actions to State courts. Grants the courts of appeals jurisdiction of appeals from orders of the U.S. district courts granting or denying class certification under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, if notice of appeal is filed within ten days after entry of the order.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Makes a member of the Selected Reserve and his or her dependents eligible for health care under the TRICARE Standard. Requires the member to pay 40 percent of the premiums for such care, and the Government to pay the remaining 60 percent. States that participation in TRICARE Standard shall not effect enrollment of the member or dependent in TRICARE Prime if the member is called to active duty. Requires the Secretary to Defense to annually specify a period of at least 90 days for election to participate in TRICARE Standard. Terminates coverage upon termination of membership in the Selected Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Conservation Tax Incentives Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income 50 percent of any gain from the sale of land or an interest in land or water to an eligible entity if: (1) such land or interest in land or water was owned by the taxpayer or a member of the taxpayer's family at all times during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale; and (2) such land or interest in land or water is being acquired by an eligible conservation entity which provides the taxpayer, at the time of acquisition, a written letter of intent stating that the purchaser's intent in making the acquisition is to serve specified conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Medicare Dialysis Benefit Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) payment under the Medicare Program for four hemodialysis treatments per week for specified patients; and (2) an increased update in the composite payment rate for renal dialysis treatments for FY 2002. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to restore a specified exception to renal dialysis composite rate under rate update provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Federal Election Law Integrity Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the ban on direct or indirect contributions by a foreign national in connection with any election to a political office, or any primary election, convention, or caucus held to select candidates for such an office. Specifies donations as well as contributions under such ban. Extends the ban to cover contributions or donations (or the promise of them) to any political committee, or any organization or account created or controlled by any U.S. political party or candidate. Makes it unlawful for any person to solicit, accept, or receive any such contribution or donation. Prohibits any person organized under or created by Federal or State law from making any contribution to any candidate for political office, or to any political committee or any organization or account created or controlled by any U.S. political party, unless such contribution or donation is derived solely from funds generated from such person's own business activities in the United States. Prohibits any foreign national from directing, dictating, controlling, or directly or indirectly participating in the decisionmaking process of any person organized under or created by Federal or State law with regard to: (1) any decisionmaking concerning the administration of a political committee; (2) the making of any contributions or expenditures to or on behalf of any candidate for political office; or (3) the making of any contributions, donations, or expenditures to or on behalf of any political committee, or any organization or account created or controlled by any United States political party.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Equal Political Opportunity Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Act of 1971 (FECA) to prohibit anything in FECA from being construed to prohibit any individual eligible to vote in a Federal election from making contributions or expenditures in support of a candidate for such an election (including voluntary contributions or expenditures made through a separate segregated fund established by the individual's employer or labor organization) or from otherwise participating in any campaign for such an election in the same manner and to the same extent as any other individual eligible to vote in an election for such office.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2001 - Directs that in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various U.S. administrative bureaus and agencies, the words "person," "human being," "child," and "individual" shall include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive (as defined in this Act) at any stage of development.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
National Youth Smoking Reduction Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services regulatory authority over tobacco products. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act to revise tobacco and smokeless tobacco label and advertising warning requirements. Prohibits a retailer selling a tobacco product to any person younger than 18 years of age. Restricts retail sales to face-to-face exchanges between retailers and consumers, except for certain mail order sales and sales from vending machine located in an adults-only facility. Prohibits targeting youth in the advertising of tobacco products. Requires ingredients disclosure to the public. Makes any advertising that violates this Act an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit any person from: (1) using or attempting to use human somatic cell nuclear transfer technology with the intent to initiate a pregnancy; or (2) shipping or transporting the cellular product resulting from such technology knowing that it is intended for such use. Sets forth registration requirements for individuals who intend to perform human somatic cell nuclear transfer technology, including attesting that such prohibitions will not be violated. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine to enter into an agreement to conduct a study to: (1) review the current state of knowledge about the biological properties of stem cells obtained from embryos and fetal and adult tissues; (2) evaluate the current state of knowledge about biological differences among stem cells obtained from embryos and fetal and adult tissues and the consequences for research and medicine; and (3) assess what is currently known about the ability of stem cells to generate neurons, heart, kidney, blood, liver, and other tissues and the potential clinical uses of these tissues.