United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002
Rape Kit DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act - Amends the DNA Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes (current law) to eliminate the backlog of unanalyzed rape kits and ensure their future timely analyses. Increases the authorization of appropriations for grants for DNA analysis for FY 2003 and 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Nullifies discretionary spending limit adjustments made by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to the highway category and to the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (which limits obligation levels for such category) when the President submitted the budget for FY 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by determining that acquiring corporations in"corporate expatriation transactions" shall be considered domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group." Applies similar rules to partnership transactions. Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
Comprehensive Investor Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to set forth auditor independence requirements, including a prohibition against: (1) nonaudit services for audit clients; and (2) improper influence exerted upon the conduct of audits. Establishes the Public Accounting Regulatory Board to: (1) establish audit quality standards; (2) review public accounting firms and individual audits; (3) conduct disciplinary and investigation proceedings; and (4) suspend or revoke registration for noncompliance. Permits State licensing boards to participate in such proceedings and impose sanctions. Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to oversee the Board. Subjects to Board jurisdiction foreign accounting firms that already fall within SEC jurisdiction. Proscribes insider trades during pension fund blackout periods. Mandates an SEC rulemaking proceeding to attain increased financial disclosure of : (1) off-balance sheet transactions; (2) insider transactions; (3) relationships between SEC registrants and philanthropic organizations; (4) insider controlled affiliates; and (5) provision of services by related persons. Instructs the SEC to: (1) initiate additional rulemaking proceedings regarding plain language financial reports; (2) implement a current disclosure reporting system; and (3) conduct enhanced oversight of issuers' periodic financial statements. Mandates electronic disclosure of affiliate transactions. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, to establish liability for aiding and abetting securities violations. Mandates preservation of audit records for seven years. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933 to require preservation of records during shareholder litigation. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 establish a statute of limitations for an implied private right of action. Directs the SEC to study and report to specified congressional committees on credit rating agencies and analyst conflicts of interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
Battered Immigrant Family Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make qualifying battered alien spouses and children eligible for specified public benefits. Redefines "qualified alien" for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify procedures and provide special rules for battered aliens with respect to: (1) public charge inadmissibility (2) immigrant petitions, including self-petitioning petitions; (3) implementation of immigration provisions in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); (4) fiancee conditional residency requirement; (5) removal and inadmissibility; (6) adjustment of status; and (7) access to VAWA for visa waivers. Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 to provide that requirements and restrictions placed upon Legal Services Corporation funding shall not be construed to prohibit a recipient from providing related legal assistance to certain aliens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Violence Against Women Grants Office in the Department of Justice to report on services for underserved populations. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to include alienage status within the scope of underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Presidential Historic Site Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of designating the William Jefferson Clinton birthplace home located in Hope, Arkansas, as a national historic site.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Expresses Congress' profound respect for, and deep appreciation of, the life and works of John Steinbeck and his contributions to the promotion of reading and literature.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Amends the Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 to revise the special pay adjustments for (percentage differentials payable to) Federal law enforcement officers in specified consolidated metropolitan statistical areas.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2002
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims' Housing Act - Increases a specified authorization of appropriations under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to be used to provide housing assistance for individuals or families victimized by domestic violence, stalking, or adult or child sexual assault.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2002
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien seeking nonimmigrant U.S. entry for a brief stay occasioned by the serious illness or death of an immediate family member (as defined by this Act) shall be presumed to be entitled to nonimmigrant status unless the consular or immigration officer makes a fact- based determination that the alien: (1) is inadmissible; or (2) does not intend to leave the United States. (Current law presumes an alien to be an immigrant unless he or she establishes entitlement to nonimmigrant status.) Provides for an expedited consular appeal (based upon an alien having a U.S. sponsor) under specified circumstances. Directs the Attorney General to establish tracking procedures respecting the admission and departure of such aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Enron Employee Pension Recovery Act of 2002 - Sets forth a priority allocation scheme requiring the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to distribute to former Enron, subsidiary, or affiliate employees the proceeds from any administrative or judicial order brought for securities violations against the Enron Corporation or Arthur Andersen L.L.C., or any of their subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, or principal shareholders for an accounting or disgorgement of funds (including any civil penalty assessments). Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to authorize the transfer of Federal campaign contributions to such disgorgement fund. Authorizes the SEC to accept donations to the United States for such fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Sammy Davis, Jr. Recognition Act - Authorizes the President to present posthumously, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to a surviving family member of Sammy Davis, Jr. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002
Space Preservation Act of 2002 - Reaffirms U.S. policy that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes. Directs the President to: (1) ban U.S. space-based weapons and the use of U.S. weapons to destroy or damage objects in orbit in space; (2) terminate research and development, testing, manufacturing, production, and deployment of all U.S. space-based weapons; and (3) direct the U.S. representatives to the United Nations and other international organizations to work toward negotiating, adopting, and implementing an international treaty banning space-based weapons and the use of weapons to destroy or damage objects in space.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility (the Pilsen Post Office) located at 1859 South Ashland Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the Cesar Chavez Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
United States Security (USA) Act of 2001 - Sets forth "Buy America" provisions permitting, subject to exception, Federal financial assistance under this Act for a project only if steel and manufactured goods used in the project are of U.S. origin. Authorizes appropriations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) design, construct, and equip new facilities and renovate existing facilities for defending against and combating bioterrorism and other public health threats; (2) establish a Scientific Communication Center; and (3) improve security at CDC facilities. Amends the: (1) Atomic Energy Act to provide for sufficient potassium iodide tablet stockpiles; and (2) Public Health Service Act to provide for a contingency bone marrow donor program. Requires national standards for the implementation of quarantines. Authorizes appropriations for sequencing the genomes of biological pathogens. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants to units of local government and emergency response units to plan, train, and equip emergency responders. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide staffing for adequate fire and emergency response. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies and institutions of higher learning to enhance security and emergency preparedness. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs to: (1) address the lack of security on critical highway infrastructure; (2) improve interagency training for and communication among first responders to a terrorist attack; (3) provide real-time information and guidance for the traveling and non-traveling public; and (4) address the lack of adequate security for locks and dams, the lack of cargo information, and the inability to share information in a timely fashion with agencies such as the Coast Guard. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to assess the vulnerability of the 50 busiest U.S. seaports and establish: (1) in the Coast Guard the position of Assistant Commandant for Maritime Security; (2) a sea marshal program; (3) a national port security task force; (4) a maritime security institute; and (5) terrorism response plans for responding to a maritime terrorist attack. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for specified passenger rail and freight rail protection projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation with respect to public transit security, including installation of communications, surveillance, detection systems, and personal protective and detection equipment at public transit facilities. Requires a National Academy of Sciences energy pipeline security study. Authorizes appropriations for upgrading and expanding the current infrastructure of the Aviation Safety Reporting System of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out pilot projects with air carriers for real-time transmission to the FAA of cockpit voice and flight data and cabin video data from aircraft. Establishes a pilot program to deploy commercially available fuel cells at public use airports to ensure a reliable energy supply for new and emerging aviation security technologies, airport control towers, airport terminals, and other airport facilities. Requires the following officials to submit risk management assessment reports to Congress: (1) the Secretary of Energy regarding oil refineries, natural gas, and liquid natural gas storage facilities; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding chemical manufacturing facilities; (3) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding nuclear facilities; (4) the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the domestic electric power grid; (5) the Secretary of Commerce regarding the Nation's fiber optic infrastructure; and (6) the Administrator of the General Services Administration regarding Federal buildings. Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist attacks against high-level nuclear waste transportation facilities and infrastructure, interim storage facilities, intermodal transfer facilities, and central repositories. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and develop a plan to ensure that Federal, State, and local governments can respond adequately to the consequences of a terrorist attack against the transportation or storage of high-level nuclear waste. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the NRC to: (1) establish a system to ensure that transportation of nuclear materials under its jurisdiction meets certain requirements; and (2) commence a rulemaking to consider changes to the design basis threat for NRC-licensed facilities. Authorizes the President, whenever a state of war or national emergency exists, to: (1) deploy either the Armed Forces or the National Guard to defend NRC-licensed facilities from terrorist attack or threat from any foreign power; and (2) restrict air space in the vicinity of such facilities. Requires each Federal agency to take certain steps to enhance cyber security. Authorizes appropriations for State and local governments to do the same. Requires the Attorney General to update a specified study assessing the vulnerability of Federal facilities. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of Central Intelligence to investigate whether existing computer knowledge assessment technologies meeting specified criteria can be used to detect individuals with terrorist training. Directs the Attorney General to create a pilot program for establishing civilian supplemental incident response teams. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service to enhance its ability to detect and neutralize, or otherwise respond to, any dangerous matter entered into the mails without authorization. Directs the United States Customs Service to expedite the development and deployment of pulsed fast neutron analysis technology and authorizes appropriations for the development of scanners capable of sensing biological and chemical contaminants in microscopic airborne quantities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) take specified measures for identifying individuals crossing U.S. Borders; and (2) increase to specified levels the number of U.S. Border Patrol personnel, U.S. marshals, and Immigration and Naturalization Service and Customs Service inspectors at ports of entry by 2003. Requires the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization to establish a border health inspectors corps to inspect individuals who may be intending to infect others for infectious disease. Requires the Director of Homeland Security to consider a program to improve aerial reconnaissance activities at U.S. borders, to include the use of unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Directs the President, acting through the Office of Homeland Security, to oversee the appropriate sharing of information among Federal, State, and local agencies involved in intelligence collection and law enforcement. Directs the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to develop within such Office an entity to develop a system-wide information network to integrate existing watch lists of suspected terrorists. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the prompt assignment of specified channels for public safety purposes. Requires the Attorney General to establish regional emerging threat workspaces. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to maintain a secure database on select biological agents that pose a threat to public health by terrorist attack. Directs the President to establish within the Office for Homeland Security a center to develop an interagency clearinghouse for new counterterrorism technologies. States the policy of the United States to work with other nations, especially Russia, to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the proliferation of necessary materials and expertise. Authorizes appropriations for cooperative threat reduction programs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an integrated plan for the use of technology to combat terrorism. Creates within the Executive Office of the President a Director of Homeland Security who shall conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of threat to the United States and develop a five-year homeland security strategy in response.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that women throughout the world should join together for a week of workshops, forums, and other events to speak up for world peace.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Family Life Education Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for family life education, including abstinence and contraception. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should, but need not, provide matching funds. Requires the Secretary to provide for national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in changing adolescent sexual behavior, including the delay of sexual and high-risk activity, the prevention of pregnancy and disease (including HIV/AIDS), and the increase of contraceptive knowledge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) remain a signatory to the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty; (2) not encourage Russia to withdraw from the ABM Treaty to validate U.S. efforts to build a national missile defense system; and (3) continue to work cooperatively with Russia and other nuclear powers to prevent nuclear proliferation, reduce the number of weapons in current arsenals, and facilitate nuclear disarmament.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Revised Statutes of the United States to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, from making a determination that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is an activity that is either financial in nature or incidental to any financial activity, or is complementary to a financial activity.
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 · 5 December 2001
Employment Contract Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code with respect to priority of claims to revise the third level of priority (allowed unsecured claims) to repeal the limitation of claims to $4,000 of wages, salaries, or commissions earned by an individual or corporation within 90 days before the filing date of debtor's petition in bankruptcy or the debtor's cessation of business (thus allowing any such claim earned before petition filing or business cessation). Revises the fourth level of priority, allowed unsecured claims for contributions to an employee benefit plan, to: (1) repeal the limitation to claims arising from services rendered within 180 days before petition filing or business cessation, thus allowing any claim for services rendered before such date; and (2) reduce the current deduction from such amount to a deduction of only the aggregate amount paid by the estate in bankruptcy on behalf of such employees to any other employee benefit plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Protect Victims of Identity Theft Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to the statute of limitations on actions, to provide that an action to enforce a liability may be brought not later than two years after the date on which the violation is discovered or should have been discovered by the exercise of reasonable diligence. Tolls such limitation period during any period during which a defendant has materially and willfully misrepresented information statutorily required to be disclosed where such misrepresentation is material to establishment of liability.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Putting Americans First Act - Sets forth provisions for a temporary unemployment compensation (UC) program. Permits any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor for such program under which States receive Federal payments and State agencies pay: (1) modified regular UC to individuals; and (2) temporary supplemental UC to individuals who have otherwise exhausted their rights to regular (or extended) UC. Requires the modified regular UC to: (1) have an alternative base period; (2) not be denied to individuals who can show good cause for seeking or being available for only part-time employment; and (3) include increased benefits. Requires temporary supplemental UC accounts for eligible individuals who file applications for such UC. Limits such agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003. Sets forth health insurance coverage options for recently unemployed individuals and their families. Requires establishment of a temporary program under which 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage for Medicaid be provided for an individual who: (1) at any time during the period that begins on September 11, 2001, and ends on December 31, 2002, is separated from employment; and (2) is eligible for, and has elected coverage under, COBRA continuation coverage. (COBRA refers to title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and concerns employee group health plan coverage under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of1974.) Permits a State to elect to provide temporary Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) for individuals who: (1) are separated from employment at any time during the period that from September 11, 2001, through December 31, 2002; (2) are not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage; (3) are uninsured; and (4) do not have assets, resources, and earned or unearned income that exceed limitations set by the State. Permits a State to pay the entire COBRA premium for individuals whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line and who are receiving COBRA premium assistance under this Act. Provides for temporary increases in the Medicaid Federal Medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for FY 2002. Amends the Social Security Act title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to: (1) reauthorize TANF supplemental grants for population increases for FY 2002; and (2) extend and increase TANF contingency fund grants through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Cancer Testing, Education, Screening, and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualifying health centers for programs providing cancer information, education, screening, counseling, and treatment. Targets service populations with significant numbers of low-income minority individuals who are at-risk for cancer, requiring programs to provide outreach and culturally sensitive services (including same language) to such populations. Requires the Secretary to designate the type(s) of cancer covered by a grant.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Fairness in Antitrust in National Sports (FANS) Act of 2001 - Amends the Clayton Act to provide that the conduct, acts, practices, or agreements (conduct) of persons in the business of organized professional major league baseball directly relating to or affecting the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise are subject to the antitrust laws to the same extent that such conduct would be subject to such laws if engaged in by persons in any other professional sports business affecting interstate commerce. Declares that: (1) no court shall rely on the enactment of this Act as a basis for changing the application of the antitrust laws to any other conduct; and (2) this Act does not create, permit, or imply a cause of action by which to challenge under the antitrust laws, or otherwise apply the antitrust laws to, any conduct that does not directly relate to or affect the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise. Grants standing to bring action under this Act based on such violation to any person (including any major league or minor league baseball player; any Federal, State, or local government, and any stadium authority) injured by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act - Instructs the Consumer Products Safety Commission to: (1) promulgate a consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products; and (2) establish an Infant and Toddler Product Review Panel to advise the Commission regarding guidelines and promulgation of consumer product safety standards for such products. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to declare the limitation on maximum civil penalty inapplicable to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Expands the moratorium on foreclosure of Federal Housing Administration-insured single family mortgage loans of borrowers affected by the events of September 11, 2001, to employees of domestic or foreign air carriers or aircraft manufacturers who were involuntarily separated (except for cause) from work after such date. States that the moratorium for affected borrowers shall be 180 days from the mortgage letter, and for borrowers included in this Act,180 days from the date of enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Bioterrorism Protection Act (BioPAct) of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants, scholarships, and loans in order to strengthen the nursing profession. Establishes the National Nursing Service Corps Scholarship Program. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) increase hospital and provider capacity, training, and resources for treating bioterrorism victims; (2) increase and improve vaccine and antibiotic supplies for attack victims; and (3) provide for the coordination, training, and equipping of bioterrorism emergency responders. Authorizes appropriations for Department of Agriculture activities to: (1) reduce agricultural pathogen and insect pest threats; and (2) increase Department information systems security. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand the Food and Drug Administration's capacity to ensure the safety of the food supply system, including imported food, and protect against the threat of bioterrorism. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) permit debarment for repeated or serious food import violations; (2) deem as misbranded imported food without country-of-origin labeling; (3) deem as adulterated a food item imported by a debarred person; and (4) require registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) undertake public water systems vulnerability assessments and review related emergency response plans; and (2) provide such systems with assistance for basic security enhancements and information systems protection. Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for possessing a select agent known to be a biological agent, with reckless disregard for the public health and safety. Authorizes appropriations for neutron scanner technology and technology to detect biological or chemical agents and for increased numbers of border patrol and immigration officers. Directs the Attorney General to develop or carry out various programs, including programs to improve identification of those appearing on law enforcement "watch lists" and to mandate better tracking of visas. Requires the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to: (1) assess terrorist threats within the United States and its territories and possible responses to such threats; (2) implement a public education campaign concerning appropriate response to a terrorist attack; and (3) coordinate the deployment of chemical and biological detection capabilities. Requires the President to: (1) establish a database of information concerning terrorist activity; and (2) reduce barriers to the sharing of such information among Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) increase military capability to respond to domestic crises involving chemical or biological weapons; (2) implement interagency crisis response and consequence management; and (3) accelerate response research and development. Requires the Secretary of Energy to increase efforts relating to nonproliferation verification of chemical and biological materials in countries other than the United States. Urges the President to seek to establish a United States-Russian Federation Biological-Chemical Working Group.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Sioux Code Talkers Recognition Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously) a congressional gold medal to named Sioux Indians who served as Sioux Code Talkers during World War II in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Spirit of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the tragic events that occurred at the Pentagon, in New York City, and in Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of September 11th Fund which shall consist of amounts from surcharges received from the sale of such coins transferred to the Office for Victims of Crime for individuals who were injured, and to the families of individuals who were killed or injured, in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Voting Equipment Compatibility With Instant Runoff Voting Act of 2001 - Establishes a program under which the Federal Election Commission shall make grants to eligible States to defray the costs of administering an instant runoff voting system adopted for presidential elections, including the costs of purchasing voting equipment, software, and other technology necessary for such a system. Requires each State to administer elections for Federal office using voting equipment and technology compatible with an instant runoff voting system.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Patient and Physician Safety and Protection Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a participating hospital that uses the services of physician residents or postgraduate trainees to limit their working hours to specified schedules.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens who are eighteen years of age or older shall have the right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides. Requires each State to: (1) administer public elections in the State in accordance with election performance standards established by the Congress; and (2) provide any eligible voter the opportunity to register and vote on the day of any public election. Requires each State and the District of Columbia to establish and abide by rules for appointing its respective number of Electors.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that any presidential candidate should be permitted to participate in debates among candidates if: (1) at least five percent of all respondents in national public opinion polls of all eligible voters support the candidate's election for President; or (2) a majority of respondents in such polls support the candidate's participation in such debates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the trade and economic development policies of the United States toward Africa should respect and support the rights of African farmers with respect to their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies, and the provisions of the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2001
Declares that Congress joins the President, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations, and the European Union in endorsing the Mitchell Committee Report of April 30,2001. Urges: (1) the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to halt violence, rebuild confidence, and resume peaceful negotiations; (2) the political leaders in Israel and the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and elsewhere in the region to act and speak against violence; and (3) the President to continue working with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to implement the recommendations of the Report.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit a State from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the State on August 1, 2001, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a State from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the National Highway System (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under State law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by State law on August 1, 2001; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such State on or before August 1, 2001. Permits a commercial motor vehicle combination authorized in a State to continue to operate on System highways provided it is in compliance with State law, including routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions in force in the State on August 1, 2001. Amends Federal highway law to prohibit a State from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to State (grandfather) law. Subjects such vehicles and combinations to all routing-specific, commodity-specific, and weight-specific designations in force in such State on August 1, 2001. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the operation of vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided (nondivisible loads) on the Federal-aid highway system as they relate to Interstate weight limitations; and (2) waiver of weight limitations for vehicles that operate on the Federal-aid highway system during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the National Highway System, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower State weight limits; or (2) a State allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the National Highway System that could be so operated lawfully on August 1, 2001. Requires establishment of a model schedule of fines for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise and extend the TANF program through FY 2008, with changes made to: (1) work and various other specified requirements and prohibitions; (2) penalties; (3) studies and reports; (4) minimum benefit rules; and (5) child care.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Transportation Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish in the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Transportation Security Administration, to be headed by an Under Secretary of Transportation for Security responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including: (1) civil aviation security; and (2) security responsibilities over nonaviation modes of transportation that are exercised by Administrations of DOT (other than the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)). Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) assume responsibility for the screening of passengers and property that will be carried in an aircraft in air transportation or intrastate air transportation; and (2) carry out such responsibility using employees of the Transportation Security Administration who are U.S. citizens, or employees of other Federal agencies. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) the Under Secretary to develop a personnel system for screeners, including matters covering compensation and the authority of the Administration to suspend or terminate them; (2) airport operators to establish air transportation security programs that also require the presence of law enforcement at airports where passengers are screened; (3) the application of certain employment standards and training requirements to airport security personnel, including (Federal) screeners of passengers and property; (4) deployment of Federal air marshals on passenger flights; (5) specified enhanced aviation-related security measures, including restricting access to the aircraft's cockpit; and (6) imposition on passengers of $2.50 on a one-way trip to cover costs of screening passengers and property. Establishes the Transportation Security Oversight Board to review Under Secretary issued transportation security-related regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Supporting the Goals of the America's Fund for Afghan Children Act - Amends Federal law to provide free postage to any letters mailed to the White House marked America's Fund for Afghan Children.
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
True American Heroes Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to the next of kin or other representation of each officer, emergency worker, or employee of a State and local government agency, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and of the Federal Government, who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, and perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (including those who are missing and presumed dead).
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
Puppy Protection Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to: (1) include among humane standards for animal treatment provisions respecting socialization of dogs to facilitate contact with other dogs and people, and breeding initiation and frequency of female dogs; (2) revise temporary license suspension provisions; and (3) establish mandatory suspension provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Electric System Benefits Board, which in turn shall establish the" National Electric System Benefits Fund" to provide matching funds to States for the support of State system benefit programs relating to: (1) renewable energy sources; (2) assistance to low-income households in meeting home energy needs; (3) energy conservation and efficiency; or (4) research and development. Requires each retail electric supplier to submit annually to the Secretary renewable energy credits equal to the required annual percentage of the supplier's total kilowatt-hour sales to end-use customers in the preceding calendar year. Prescribes the amount of electricity which each supplier shall generate each year by renewable energy sources according to a mandatory renewable energy timetable. Prescribes guidelines for a program to issue, monitor the sale or exchange of, and track renewable energy credits. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to mandate that a retail electric supplier, upon request, shall make net metering service available to any retail electric consumer that it currently serves or solicits for service. Instructs the Secretary to establish and promulgate a disclosure system that enables retail consumers to compare retail electric service offerings knowledgeably. Grants the Secretary full access to the records of all generation facilities, electricity wholesalers, and retail companies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Baggage Screening Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require, before boarding or loading, or both, the screening of all property that will be carried in aircraft in air transportation and intrastate air transportation. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to assume such screening requirement with respect to foreign as well as domestic air carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Sikh-Americans, should be protected. Condemns bigotry and acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Sikh-Americans. Calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to: (1) work to prevent hate crimes against all Americans; and (2) prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all those who commit hate crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should award and present a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to those public safety officers who were killed and to those select public safety officers who have earned special recognition for outstanding valor above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [D-IL-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000283_200.jpg)