United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports the goals and ideals of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund; (2) salutes the Fund, and recognizes the efforts in support of equal opportunity in higher education of its president, its board of directors, and the presidents, faculties, staff, and trustees of its member institutions; and (3) commends the students who benefit from the Fund for their pursuit of academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow pharmacists and wholesalers to import covered products by removing provisions requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to demonstrate to Congress the safety of such products and the financial benefit to consumers of permitting their importation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a final rule for carrying out the provisions on covered products within a year of the enactment of this Act, with the effective date for such final rule to be no later than 30 days after the date of promulgation. Classifies an imported covered product as misbranded unless it bears labeling that identifies: (1) the country of origin; (2) the name and address of the importer; and (3) the name and address of the person who exported the product to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2002
Civic Participation and Rehabilitation Act of 2002 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense, unless the individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election. Authorizes the Attorney General, in a civil action, to obtain any declaratory or injunctive relief necessary to remedy a violation of this Act. Creates a private right of action, subject to specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Trade Act of 2002, to authorize and appropriate funding for the operation of State high risk health insurance pools through FY 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2002
Liberation of the Iraqi People Resolution - Condemns Saddam Hussein's ongoing efforts to repress the freedoms of the Iraqi people. Calls on the President to: (1) exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic avenues for disarming the threat to U.S. interests before using military force against Iraq; (2) obtain allied support for any preemptive strike against Iraq through a United Nations Security Council resolution; and (3) consider that a military invasion will not achieve the desired results in the absence of a post-invasion plan for ensuring the democracy, security, and stability of Iraq. Expresses concern for the well being of the Iraqi people. Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces to defend U.S. national security interests against the threat posed by Iraq only after: (1) certifying to Congress that Iraq is continuing to attempt to obtain conventional, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and carry out ballistic missile programs, that Iraq poses an imminent threat to the United States or its interests, and that the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to obtain Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions and has sought a resolution expressing dissatisfaction with Iraq's noncompliance; and (2) transmitting to Congress a comprehensive plan of action that contains a commitment that the war on terrorism will remain the highest U.S. priority, a plan for stabilization in a free Iraq, a U.S. commitment to protect the safety of the Iraqi people and of U.S. allies and interests, and a plan for the continued stabilization of Afghanistan. Declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress every 60 days on the status of efforts authorized under this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Medicare Beneficiary Skilled Nursing Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to extend for three years the temporary increase in the nursing component of the Federal prospective payment rate. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to extend for three years the increase in the skilled nursing facility adjusted Federal per diem rate under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Calls for the United States to work through the United Nations to seek to ensure that Iraq is not developing weapons of mass destruction, through the resumption of weapons inspections, negotiation, enquiry, mediation, regional arrangements, and other peaceful means.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2002
Community Protection Against Wildfire Act of 2002 - Requires that at least 85 percent of the funds made available to implement the National Fire Plan go to hazardous fuels reduction projects and other wildfire control efforts on Federal lands in the wildland-urban interface (certain geographic areas conducive to wildfire that contain homes). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to States and Indian tribes for various purposes, including: (1) the promotion of optimal firefighting efficiency; and (2) the expansion of outreach and education programs. Requires the Secretaries concerned (the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior or appropriate Federal land managers) to promulgate regulations limiting the diameter of trees that may be removed as part of any wildfire control effort using Federal funds. Permits the Secretary concerned to grant an exception to such limitation for extraordinary circumstances. Allows the Secretary concerned to provide cost-share grants and cooperative agreements to establish Restoration and Value-Added Centers to augment community-based restoration projects on Federal lands. Prescribes that the Centers shall provide technical assistance to small enterprises or micro-enterprises in specified areas. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to enter into partnerships and cooperative agreements with specified groups in creating and maintaining the Centers. Requires the Secretary concerned to provide cost-share grants and/or cooperative agreements equaling 75 percent of each Center's operating costs, not to exceed $1,000,000 annually per Center.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2002
Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Bankruptcy Code to reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income (thus reinstating permanently family farmer bankruptcy relief). Provides periodic adjustments for inflation of the debt limit for family farmers. Cites circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises from the disposition of a farm asset used in the debtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim not entitled to priority. Increases from $1.5 million to $3.237 million the maximum aggregate debt that permits a farming operation to qualify as a family farming operation for debt adjustment purposes. Decreases from 80 percent to 50 percent the minimum percentage of aggregate, noncontingent liquidated debts arising out of such farming operation. Repeals the requirement that a family farmer and spouse receive over 50 percent of income from farming operations in the year before a bankruptcy petition is filed. Prohibits: (1) retroactive assessment of disposable income; and (2) post-confirmation modification of a bankruptcy plan that would increase the amount of payments that were due before such modification. Requires debtor's consent for post-confirmation increase in payments. Extends Chapter 12 coverage to family fishermen whose aggregate debts do not exceed $1.5 million, of which at least 80 percent of aggregate noncontingent, liquidated debts arise out of a commercial fishing operation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2002
Prescription Affordability and Medicine Safety Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for generic drug application review and the continuation of the education program on the use and therapeutic equivalency of drugs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States in support of State pharmacy benefit assistance programs. Requires a percentage of profits from the sale of certain drugs and biological products to be placed in a revolving fund and used to support the grants program. Limits the tax deductions for advertizing for prescription drug manufacturers. Limits the extension of the 30 month stay of FDA approval for any new (generic) drug, as specified, thereby limiting the brand name drug's patent owner's period of exclusive sales. Makes a patent owner's failure to timely file a civil action for infringement a bar to later action. Sets forth requirements for filing drug patent information with the FDA. Makes a patent owner's failure to timely file with the FDA a bar to civil actions for patent infringement. Requires the first generic drug applicant with a specified certification to forfeit the 180 day marketing exclusivity period to a subsequent generic drug applicant if the first generic drug applicant engages in certain behaviors which delay or prevent the marketing of the generic drug.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2002
Supports the goals and ideals of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. Salutes and acknowledges historically Black colleges and universities and the presidents, faculties, staff, and trustees of the 118 such institutions for their vigorous and persistent efforts in support of equal opportunity in higher education. Commends the students who benefit from such institutions for their pursuit of academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Linking Educators and Developing Entrepreneurs for Reaching Success (LEADERS) Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to support business incubation at institutions of higher education that award associate or baccalaureate degrees. Directs the Secretary to make competitive, matching awards to: (1) a non-profit entity that manages or provides technical assistance to a degree-granting institution's affiliated incubator (or to the institution that manages in the absence of such an entity), for helping acquire or renovate space for incubators, and for developing curricula, providing services, or providing programming for entrepreneurs housed in an incubator; and (2) a degree-granting institution or a nonprofit local government or community development organization, for feasibility studies to determine the need for or siting of incubators. Requires the Secretary to reserve certain amounts for research regarding best practices for incubator programs, including the development of a benchmarking system based on uniform measures, and for dissemination of information regarding such practices. Authorizes contracts for such purposes with organizations with expertise in business incubation practices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Northeastern North Carolina Heritage Area Study Act of 2002 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study and report on the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northeastern North Carolina Heritage Study Area in North Carolina (to be comprised of Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Social Security Preservation Act of 2002 - Repudiates the statements of: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, Paul O'Neill, that the social security program (title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act) is a "pyramid game" and that the social security trust funds (Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund) have "no assets;" and (2) the statements of congressional leaders that the social security trust funds are "empty," a "total fraud," "a mere accounting device", and consist of "worthless IOUs." Prohibits the use by the Treasury of amounts borrowed from the social security trust funds to pay for other Government expenditures in a fiscal year, unless, during the nine month period immediately preceding the year, the Congress has enacted legislation explicitly affirming that the Treasury will repay these funds. Amends Federal law to require the President to include in each budget: (1) the total amount the Treasury has borrowed from the social security trust funds; and (2) explanations of repayment plans and the impact any legislation enacted in the preceding year will have on them. Requires the Secretary to affirm annually that the Treasury will honor the securities in such trust funds. Allows any individual credited with wages or self-employment income under Medicare to bring an action in an appropriate Federal district court to enjoin any act or practice: (1) by which the Secretary contests an obligation issued for purchase by either social security trust fund; or (2) which constitutes a failure to provide for redemption of the obligation in accordance with its terms or to otherwise honor the full faith and credit of the United States supporting such obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Safe Overseas Human Testing Act - Declares it is the policy of Congress to control the export of drugs and other test articles intended for overseas clinical investigations involving human participants in order to foster public health and safety, prevent injury to U.S. foreign policy, and preserve the credibility of the United States as a responsible trading partner. Requires a license approved by the President for the export of such test articles. Sets forth certain export license requirements, including that the license applicant shall: (1) identify each clinical investigation for which the test article is intended; and (2) submit proof that each of the protocols for every clinical investigation has been reviewed by an institutional review board and has, at a minimum, met substantially the same standards for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects as that required for Institutional Review Boards approval of protocols for clinical investigations (in the United States) of test articles pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Designates the Federal building located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, and known as the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Building, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Building.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2002
Calls for the Government of the People's Republic of China to: (1) stop interfering in the exercise of religious and political freedoms within the United States, such as the right to practice Falun Gong; (2) cease using diplomatic missions in the United States to spread falsehoods about Falun Gong; (3) release prisoners of conscience; (4) end the harassment, detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of individuals who are exercising their legitimate rights; and (5) demonstrate its willingness to abide by international standards of freedom of belief, expression, and association. Calls on the President of the United States to take such actions as: (1) issuing a formal protest about repeated Chinese Government human rights violations to the Chinese Foreign Ministry; and (2) working more closely with Chinese human rights activists to identify Chinese authorities who have been personally responsible for acts of violence and persecution in China. Urges the Attorney General to investigate reports that Chinese consular officials in the United States have committed illegal acts while attempting to intimidate or inappropriately influence Falun Gong practitioners or local elected officials and determine an appropriate legal response. Calls on local government officials in the United States to recognize and support organizations and individuals that share the goals of the local community, including Falun Gong practitioners, and report incidents of pressure or harassment by Chinese agents.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2002
Omnibus Corporate Reform and Restoration Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to revise standards for pension plan security for defined contribution plans (DCPs). Specifies a waivable limit to the amount of employer stock and real property which may be acquired and held with respect to the individual account each participant or beneficiary, in the case of DCPs that are individual account plans (IAPs) (401(k) and similar plans). Allows employees to diversify assets in employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) after five years (currently ten) and at age 35 (currently 55). Reduces the tax deduction for employer matching contributions to DCPs (other than ESOPs) when such contributions are made in employer securities. Exempts from certain prohibited transaction rules the provision of fiduciary investment advice to participants or beneficiaries who direct their investments. Requires IAPs to provide for plan investment committees, whose members shall be elected by plan participants. Directs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to study the feasibility of, and options for developing, an insurance system for IAPs. Requires IAP trades in employer securities to be reported to participants and beneficiaries. Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit issuers of equity securities from making loans or other extensions of credit to beneficial owners, officers, or directors. Amends Federal bankruptcy law to increase, from $4,000 to $15,000, the individual maximum limit on priority claims for wages and for contributions to employee benefit plans. Provides criminal penalties for: (1) destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in Federal investigations and bankruptcy; and (2) destruction of corporate audit records.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Senior Nutrition Act of 2002 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program (program) if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Authorizes permanent program appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Textile and Apparel Recognition Act - Calls upon the President to: (1) ensure enforcement of U.S. trade laws with respect to trade practices resulting in harm to the U.S. textile and apparel industry; (2) ensure enforcement of international trade agreements with respect to the U.S. textile and apparel industry, including existing safeguard remedies available under the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement; (3) ensure enforcement of existing quota and tariff regulations to prevent further illegal circumvention of the U.S. textile import restraint program; (4) deny requests from trading partners of the United States for unilateral liberalization by the United States of its textile and apparel market other than that provided for under existing international trade agreements; and (5) implement strategies to open foreign markets to provide equitable access for goods exported by the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Directs the President when conducting negotiations to enter into trade agreements with other countries to take into account potential foreign currency devaluations so that such countries do not receive the benefit of reduced tariffs while at the same time making their exports more cost-competitive on the international market through such currency devaluations. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on the ability of the U.S. textile manufacturing sector to compete with the textile industry in other countries when foreign currencies are devalued.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Urges the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the Postmaster General that a commemorative postage stamp be issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Charles Hamilton Houston, the first African American to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Harvard University and to serve as editor of the Harvard Law Review.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of 2002 or the Melina Bill - Directs: (1) the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to jointly study the health effects of indoor mold growth and toxic mold; (2) EPA to promulgate standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating indoor mold growth; and (3) EPA, NIH, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor related public education programs. Directs: (1) rental property lessors to conduct annual indoor mold inspections; and (2) the Secretary of HUD and the Administrator of EPA to promulgate mold hazard disclosure regulations with respect to housing offered for sale or lease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, with respect to indoor mold in public housing, inspection requirements for existing housing and construction standards for new housing; and (2) establish model construction standards and techniques for mold prevention in new buildings. Establishes an indoor/toxic mold inspection requirement with respect to federally made or insured mortgages. Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide for industry standards development with respect to building products that are designed to retard mold development. Directs the Administrator of EPA to make grants to States and local governments for mold growth remediation efforts in buildings owned or leased by such governments, including schools and multifamily dwellings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual tax credit for 60 percent of non-reimbursed mold inspection and remediation expenses ($50,000 annual maximum) paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to: (1) establish and carry out a toxic mold insurance program, with priority for one-to-four-family residential properties; and (2) establish in the Treasury a National Toxic Mold Hazard Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to assist qualifying insurers to form a federally-assisted toxic mold hazard insurance pool. Provides for Federal operation of such program under specified circumstances. Authorizes State waiver of income, resource, and other Medicaid requirements for an individual whose health has been adversely affected by toxic mold exposure, and who lacks adequate medical insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Transatlantic Security and NATO Enhancement Resolution of 2002 - Declares that it is U.S. policy that: (1) NATO should remain the primary institution through which European and North American allies address security issues of transatlantic concern; (2) NATO members should reaffirm, at the Prague Summit in the Fall of 2002, NATO's importance; (3) NATO should continue to strengthen national and collective capacities to respond to new threats, make clear commitments to remedy shortfalls in specified areas, and ensure a more equitable sharing of contributions; and (4) the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense should fully use their offices to encourage the NATO allies to commit the resources necessary to upgrade their capabilities. Calls for NATO to: (1) seek to strengthen its relations with the Russian Federation; and (2) extend invitations at the Summit for accession negotiations to any appropriate candidate country that meets the objectives and targets for NATO membership. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) specified candidate countries should be commended on significant progress made toward meeting objectives for NATO membership; (2) the most qualified candidate countries should be invited to begin the accession process to join the Alliance at the Prague Summit, should accede on a common date before the next NATO summit, and should continue to participate in the Membership Action Plan until accession; and (3) the NATO enlargement process should continue beyond the inclusion of such candidates .
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or eligible to enroll under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages for FY 2005. Includes for the standard package a monthly premium of $25, an annual deductible of $100, a coinsurance of 20 percent and an annual out-of-pocket spending limit of $2,000. Directs the Secretary to negotiate fair prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Provides for accelerated generic drug competition. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to: (1) inclusion of the costs of certain military services to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of Medicare+Choice payment rates; (2) specialized Medicare+Choice plans for special needs beneficiaries; and (3) continuous open enrollment and disenrollment at any time. Revises requirements for Medicare: (1) part A concerning rural health care, inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospices; (2) part B concerning physicians services and other services; and (3) part A and B concerning home health services and direct graduate medical education. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to certain Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment adjustments and the Q-I1 program. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add requirements for interstate Internet sellers of prescription drugs. Establishes within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the Office of Rare Diseases. Amends the Public Health Services Act with respect to promotion of the pharmacist profession.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Urges the establishment of a National Sarcoidosis Awareness Day on September 24, 2002, to encourage public education on sarcoidosis and support research for better treatment options and a cure.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
States that the Federal budget for FY 2004 should keep faith with the goals of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 by providing to eligible States and Indian tribes their lawful share of the unappropriated balance in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund so that they may further protect and enhance the environments of their States and tribal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) greater attention should be paid to the negative impact on economic development of the denial of inheritance rights to women, particularly in Africa; (2) programs that focus on ensuring secure inheritance rights to widows and orphans of HIV/AIDS should be considered; (3) ensuring secure inheritance rights for women should be included in strategies addressing violence against women; (4) the rights of widows and other female heads of households to inherit land and property should be included in the priorities of reconstruction; (5) the Secretary of State should examine the issue of women's inheritance rights in Africa in the State Department's annual human rights report; (6) the U.S. Agency for International Development should consider conducting a study of African countries to document the effect of the denial of women's inheritance rights on economic development; and (7) the Annual Day of Acton on Women's Inheritance Rights should be acknowledged and supported.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2002
Declares that for the three-year period beginning with the approval of this resolution, rates of postage shall not be increased for: (1) periodicals with a paid or requester circulation per issue of less than 50,000; (2) any issue of a periodical the advertising portion of which is less than 20 percent of such issue; and (3) any publication of a nonprofit organization.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2002 - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified documents as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a credit to promote the production and usage of biodiesel fuel. Requires a taxpayer to obtain a certification from the producer of the biodiesel which identifies the product produced in order to utilize the credit. Imposes a tax for biodiesel not used as fuel, but for which a credit was granted. Reduces motor fuel excise taxes on biodiesel mixtures. Provides for transfers of funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Highway Trust Fund in amounts equivalent to the reductions that would occur but for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
Pension Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to direct the Secretary of Labor to undertake enforcement actions with respect to requirements for pension plan participation, vesting, benefit accrual, and funding, including an appropriate enforcement response in connection with a report on oversight of certain cash balance plan lump sum distributions. Directs the Secretary, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop improved guidance for defined benefit plan administrators, with respect to requirements for such plans which express accrued benefits in the form of an account balance, including further assistance relating to all factors involved in determining lump sum distributions of accrued benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2002 - Establishes the National Drought Council which shall: (1) develop a national drought policy action plan; (2) evaluate Federal drought-related programs; (3) coordinate and prioritize enhancement of the national drought monitoring network; and (4) provide for the development of a drought information delivery system, drought planning models, and drought preparedness plans. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the National Drought Council to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness. Establishes within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to: (1) assist State, local, tribal, and critical service entities with drought-related activities; and (2) expand the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies. Requires: (1) the Director to publish guidelines for administering a national technical and financial drought assistance program; and (2) the Director, the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Army, and other appropriate Federal agency heads to implement integrated drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, and regional, water providers to develop and implement drought preparedness plans. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the Director of FEMA to reimburse States for qualifying costs incurred in prepositioning wildfire suppression resources.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require license applications for new drug and biological product to assess such drug's or product's safety and effectiveness for relevant pediatric subpopulations, including dosage. Permits extrapolation from adult studies where the course of the disease and the effects of the drug are sufficiently similar in all populations. Permits deferral of such assessments if adult studies are completed earlier and the applicant submits a plan for or a description of planned or ongoing pediatric studies. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a date for submission of pediatric assessments if a drug's or product's use or need in the pediatric populations so dictates. States that drugs or products with delayed assessments will be deemed misbranded and subject to seizure and injunctive proceedings, though not penalties. Permits full waiver of such assessments if: (1) studies are highly impracticable or impossible and the evidence suggests that the drug or product would be ineffective or unsafe in all pediatric age groups; or (2) there is no meaningful therapeutic advantage or benefit in the pediatric population and little risk if used as labeled. Permits partial waivers at the request of an applicant for a specific pediatric subpopulation if any of the full waiver grounds apply to that subpopulation or reasonable attempts for a pediatric formulation for that subpopulation have failed. Requires labels of these drugs or products to reflect such waivers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Nursing Home Staffing Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for minimum nurse staffing levels in nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments. Reinstitutes (Boren amendment) payment methodology, providing for payment of Medicaid services through the use of rates determined pursuant to the criteria under State Medicaid plan provisions as in effect on August 1, 1997. Establishes safe harbor rates. Provides a permanent 1.50 percent increase of the Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage for a State beginning with FY 2003. Authorizes inclusion of financial accountability requirements in the survey and certification process with respect to facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Disapproves the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services relating to modification of the Medicaid upper payment limit for non-State government-owned or operated hospitals published on January 18, 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive research program on the impact and occurrence of hormone disrupting chemicals as they affect human, ecological, and wildlife health. Requires the program to: (1) compile scientifically valid information, with an emphasis on the effect of low doses during critical life stages and the extent of human and wildlife exposure; (2) research the mechanisms by which such chemicals interact with biological systems as well as their screening and tracking; and (3) include the participation of the U.S. Geological Survey. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel within the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Racial Equity and Fair Treatment Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and county applicants to pay the Federal share of the costs of improving the administration of support programs for low-income families with children. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for assessments and work activities for TANF recipients. Requires: (1) interpretation and translation services in certain cases for TANF recipients; (2) an expedited process for discrimination complaints; (3) provision of notice of rights of TANF recipients; (3) training of TANF program personnel in respecting such rights; (4) standardized sanction process; and (5) opportunity for TANF applicants or recipients to appeal adverse decisions. Modifies penalties against individuals for violating mandatory work requirements, creating additional exceptions, including those for child care and discrimination. Prohibits States from diverting potential TANF applicants. Bans States from penalizing the entire family for the misconduct of one family member. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal provisions for denial of assistance and benefits for certain drug-related convictions. Makes various changes under the TANF program concerning: (1) the five-year time limit on assistance; and (2) treatment of aliens. Permits participation in English-as-a-second language programs as a work activity. Prescribes requirements encouraging racial equality.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Steel Industry Legacy Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a steel industry retiree benefits protection program administered by the Secretary of Commerce and the Board of Trustees of the Steel Industry Legacy Relief Trust Fund (created by this Act) to provide specified medical benefits to eligible steel retirees and beneficiaries. Prescribes qualifying events (acquisition, closing, election, or bankruptcy transfer) as a result of which the United States shall assume liability for the provision of steel retiree benefits for each eligible retiree and eligible beneficiary certified for participation in the retiree benefits program. Requires transfer to the Trust Fund by a qualified steel company and any applicable acquiring company of all assets which, under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, were required to be set aside under an employee benefit plan or otherwise for the provision of the steel retiree benefits. Requires contributions to the Trust Fund by such companies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Amends provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act set forth in the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drugs from Canada (currently, from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, or other countries designated by the Secretary); and (2) exclude an infused or intravenously injected drug or a drug that is inhaled during surgery. Prohibits discrimination in the sale of prescription drugs by manufacturers to pharmacists or wholesalers, requiring: (1) terms as favorable as those provided to foreign purchasers; and (2) full access to drugs permitted to be imported. Continues the requirement that exported donated prescription drugs may only be reimported by the manufacturer. Permits the Secretary to waive the prohibition against importing a prescription drug or device on a case-by-case basis, particularly those from Canada that are FDA-approved and for limited personal use. Requires a study and report by the: (1) Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences on the regulatory compliance of importers of drugs; and (2) Comptroller General on how drug prices were affected.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Nuclear Waste Transportation Protection Amendments Act of 2002 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a comprehensive safety program governing the transportation of nuclear waste to a Yucca Mountain repository that includes: driver selection, independent inspections, bad weather protocols, road condition reporting, safe parking areas, advance notice, real time tracking and monitoring, emergency response, medical preparedness, equipment standards, training and exercises, mutual aid agreements, emergency alternative routing, program evaluation, and public information. Prohibits the Secretary from transporting high-level radioactive waste through certain populated communities unless the waste originates in such community. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that the oldest spent nuclear fuel is transported before other spent nuclear fuel. Mandates transportation of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste in packages whose design has been certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and tested at full scale to demonstrate compliance with Commission performance standards. Mandates consultation with affected State, local, and tribal governments in the selection of routes for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Prohibits private sector transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Requires the Secretary to provide advance notification to States, Indian tribes, and local communities through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Sets forth security precautions for all transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Authorizes the President to award to Dr. Dorothy Height, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Universal and Portable Pension Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a limited deduction for an individual's qualified universal retirement contributions. Reduces deductible amount based on adjusted gross income. Sets forth special rules for calculating the maximum allowable deduction by certain married individuals. Defines the term "qualified universal retirement contribution." Limits deductions for: (1) persons over age 70 1/2; (2) rollover contributions; and (3) inherited accounts. Defines the term "Universal Retirement Savings Account." Includes Universal Retirement Savings Account distributions in gross income except when the distributions are part of an immediate annuity, rollover, qualified higher education expense, or first home purchase. Requires employers to offer programs which make payments to Universal Retirement Savings Accounts in exchange for salary reductions. Provides a general business tax credit to certain small employers who offer salary reduction arrangements for Universal Retirement Savings Accounts. Establishes a refundable Universal Retirement Savings Account contribution credit for individuals equal to a specified percentage of contributions. Caps such credits at $2,000 per year. Allows a $200 credit maximum for contributions made to Universal Retirement Savings Accounts of dependents. Repeals the $2,000 nonrefundable qualified retirement account credit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Calls for the governments of Europe to: (1) protect the safety and well-being of their Jewish communities; and (2) cultivate an atmosphere of cooperation and reconciliation among Jewish and non-Jewish residents.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Urges the President to: (1) end any embargo against Haiti and to no longer require, as a condition of providing humanitarian and development assistance to Haiti, the resolution of the political impasse in Haiti resulting from the legislative elections of May 2000; (2) direct the Secretary of State to intervene to mediate the political impasse, provide constructive guarantees to any resolution to the crisis, and recruit positive support from the Organization of American States (OAS) and other international bodies to sustain any negotiated settlement; and (3) direct the Secretary to review of U.S. policy toward Haiti. Calls on the United States Agency for International Development, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Inter-American Development Bank to convene a meeting of all donors and potential donors to Haiti to launch a new and sustainable humanitarian initiative, including a lending program to bolster Haiti's economic base. Supports the expansion of the OAS mission to Haiti and calls on the President to urge that the mission work constructively with the Government and people of Haiti to advance their goals and aspirations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2002
Commends the Hyundai Motor Company for its decision to locate its first U.S. automotive manufacturing facility in Montgomery, Alabama. Recognizes that the new facility will result in the gainful employment of several thousand, as well as foster economic growth in the surrounding area, and that Hyundai's decision to locate in Alabama is a positive step in improving trade relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Working From Poverty to Promise Act of 2002 - Amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State plans to include poverty reduction plans. Requires States to: (1) identify and remedy barriers to employment for TANF recipients; and (2) develop and revise self-sufficiency plans. Repeals the limitation on the number of persons per family who may be treated as engaged in work by reason of participation in educational activities. Specifies as allowable work activities certain limited participation in vocational or educational training (including postsecondary education), work-study, and related internships. Requires State plans to certify that the State will assess its regional economies and share the results with its political subdivisions. Requires States to assess their economies to identify and report to the Secretary on higher-entry level wage opportunities in industries experiencing labor shortages. Requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to States as rewards for providing exceptional economic opportunity and accountability. Revises the meaning of "assistance" (with respect to the five-year limit on TANF) for families with income from employment to exclude any benefit or service for any month if the family includes an adult or minor child head of household who has received at least a certain State-determined amount of income. Revises the hardship exception to the five-year limit on TANF to require a State to define hardship to include mental illness and disability that is not sufficient to make the sufferer eligible for benefits under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income). Permits the State to authorize additional Secretary-approved hardship exceptions. Requires State plans to provide for case management planning and services for hardship clients with multiple barriers to employment. Authorizes fiscal adjustments for inflation and continuation of waivers.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hilliard, Earl F. [D-AL-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000621_200.jpg)