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
American Small Business Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to a small business concern that has been directly affected and suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including injury due to closure or suspension of its business for national security purposes by the Federal Government. Authorizes the refinancing of prior business debt of businesses eligible for such loans. Authorizes the SBA, during the year after enactment of this Act, to make loans to small business concerns that have suffered or are likely to suffer economic harm to or disruption of operations as a result of such attacks. Reduces guarantee fees and increases the guarantee percentage on such loans for one year after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) waive development company debenture guarantee loan fees for financings made after enactment of this Act for one year; and (2) authorize and encourage small business investment companies to provide equity capital and make loans to assist small business concerns adversely impacted by the terrorist attacks. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize individualized assistance to small business concerns adversely impacted by the terrorist attacks through the following programs; (1) small business development centers; (2) Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); (3) microloan program (women, low-income, veterans, minority); and (4) women's business center program. Directs the Office of Advocacy of the SBA to conduct annual studies on the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on small business concerns, and the effects of assistance provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to extend Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects. Makes this Act effective as if its amendments were included in the enactment of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2001
Secure Transportation for America 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 assume responsibility for the screening of passengers and property on passenger aircraft in air transportation that originates in the United States or intrastate air transportation. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) airport operators to establish air transportation security programs that also provide for a military presence at each airport, including at locations where passengers are screened; (2) the application of certain employment standards and training requirements to airport security personnel, including screeners of passengers and property; (3) the deployment of Federal air marshals on selected passenger flights; (4) specified enhanced aviation-related security measures, including allowing pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit of an aircraft; and (5) submission of passenger manifests from air carriers and foreign air carriers in foreign transportation. Establishes the Transportation Security Oversight Board to review and approve regulations issued by the Under Secretary with respect to transportation security matters. Authorizes airport operators to conduct threat assessments with regard to passenger vehicles parked within 300 feet of an airport terminal.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Honors and thanks the U.S. Capitol Police for their outstanding work and dedication during a period of heightened security that began on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
American Small Business Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2001-Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to a small business concern that has been directly affected and suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including injury due to closure or suspension of its business for national security purposes by the Federal Government. Authorizes the SBA, during the year after enactment of this Act, to make loans to small business concerns that have suffered or are likely to suffer economic harm to or disruption of operations as a result such attacks. Waives guarantee fees and increases the guarantee percentage on such loans for one year after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) waive development company debenture guarantee loan fees for financings made after enactment of this Act for one year; and (2) authorize small business investment companies to issue leverage to assist small business concerns adversely impacted by the terrorist attacks. Directs the Office of Advocacy of the SBA to conduct annual studies on the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on small business concerns, and the effects of assistance provided under this Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
General Aviation Small Business Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration to make grants to general aviation small business concerns in amounts equal to direct losses sustained since September 11, 2001, as a result of any Federal ground stop order(s) related to the terrorist attacks. Authorizes loans to assist such a business that has suffered, as a result of such attacks, substantial economic injury that is not incidental to the business's revenue and that is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Extends the due date for excise tax deposits for general aviation small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
September 11th Families Stamp Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (first-class postage stamp sold at a premium) with the proceeds from its sale going to the September 11th Families Fund to provide assistance, through the Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice, to the families of individuals who were killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Establishes the September 11th Families Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) on September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 possibly averted the use of such aircraft in a further terrorist attack on the United States by attempting to overpower the hijackers; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends; and (3) a memorial plaque to the victims should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, and a copy of the plaque and this resolution sent to a designated survivor of each victim.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 with respect to the reward paid to an individual under the Department of State's reward program for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual in connection with acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property or with certain narcotics-related offenses. Increases from $5 million to $25 million the reward paid in connection with the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Increases the amount of funds that may be appropriated for such program to no more than $50 million.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Day of Remembrance should be established to remember those who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and to honor the people of the United States who displayed heroism and courage during and after such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2001
Social Security Protection Act - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require: (1) a sequestration of discretionary non-defense spending for FY 2002 equal to the size of any actual budget deficit for FY 2001; and (2) a final sequestration report by the Office of Management and Budget setting forth the receipts, outlays, and surplus or deficit for FY 2001 and the sequestration percentage necessary in FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other specified Federal law to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba. Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents. Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Prohibits U.S. assistance to Cuba, including assistance by the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Commodity Credit Corporation, and any exchange, reduction, or forgiveness of Cuban debt.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows current State notification or food safety requirements to continue for 180 days after the enactment of this Act, during which such State may petition for an exemption or a new national standard. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Social Security Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Salmon Planning Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) providing for peer review of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion regarding the Operation of the Federal Columbia River power system, issued December 21, 2000, and any subsequent modification of it (opinion) and submission of a report on the results. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to publish a determination of whether implementation of the salmon recovery measures in the opinion are sufficient to achieve recovery, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, of the salmon and steelhead populations; and if not, whether partially removing the four lower Snake River dams (the dams) are necessary to restore Snake River salmon and steelhead populations; (2) the Secretary of the Interior to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet treaty obligations; and (3) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet Federal Water Pollution Control Act requirements. Directs the Comptroller General to study the potential effects of partially removing the dams. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to partially remove the dams if the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the EPA Administrator finds that such action is necessary to meet the aforementioned requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake such preliminary engineering, design, construction, and other activities as necessary to remove the dams.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations should immediately transfer to the Israeli Government an unedited and uncensored form of the videotape that contains images which could provide material evidence for the investigation into the incident of October 7, 2000, when Hezbollah forces abducted three Israeli Defense Force soldiers, as well as any other material it may possess.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Commercial Driver's License Devolution Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle solely within the borders of a State (intrastate) if such individual meets State-prescribed minimum standards for fitness for operating a commercial motor vehicle and has passed written and driving tests meeting those same standards. Requires States to test the fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators, including the passing of a written and driving test, who operate intrastate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and their families. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
National Electricity and Environmental Technology Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that establishes cost and performance goals with respect to technologies that would permit the continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and 2020; (2) biennially transmit to Congress the results of a study to identify technologies capable of achieving specified cost and performance goals; and (3) carry out under specified Federal law a program of research on and development, demonstration, and commercial application of coal-based technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish a clean coal power commercial applications initiative to demonstrate commercial applications of advanced coal-based technologies for new or existing power plants, including coproduction plants. Provides for financial assistance to initiative projects.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Tax Empowerment and Relief for Farmers and Fishermen (TERFF) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible commercial farmer or commercial fisherman a deduction (up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to such business) for the amount paid in cash into a Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Account. Amends the Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude net earnings from a lease agreement (currently, an arrangement) from income with respect to farmland. Treats conservation reserve program payments as real estate rentals for self-employment earnings purposes. Exempt certain small issue agriculture bonds from the State volume cap. Sets forth a rule for determining the allowable deduction for a charitable contribution of food inventory. Extends income averaging to income from the trade or business of catching, taking, or harvesting fish intended to enter commerce through sale, barter, or trade. Disregards income averaging for farmers and commercial fishermen in computing the regular alternative minimum tax. Declares, with respect to the treatment of S corporations and to the tax exemption for farmers' cooperatives, that cooperative marketing includes the value-added processing of the products of cooperative members and other producers through animals that is by: (1) feeding such products to cattle, hogs, fish, chickens, or other animals; and then (2) selling the resulting animals or animal products. Authorizes a U.S. district court to issue a declaratory judgment relating to the initial or continuing qualification of a farmers' cooperative as tax-exempt. Provides, with respect to the small ethanol producer credit, for: (1) authorizing credit allocation among a cooperative's patrons; (2) increasing the gallon capacity for eligible producers; (3) making the credit a non-passive income credit; and (4) removing the credit from the alcohol fuel credit gross income inclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Gasoline Access and Stabilization Act of 2001 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for reformulated and oxygenated gasoline sold for use in all States that: (1) require such gasoline to comply with a national formula; and (2) prohibit the sale in any State of any such gasoline that does not comply with the formula. Allows reformulated gasoline approved by the Administrator for a State for which a waiver is in effect (allowing application of State emissions control standards) to satisfy this Act's requirements. Allows a State Governor to elect to have an area within the State, or the entire State, treated as a covered area for purposes of reformulated gasoline requirements, without regard to existing opt-in requirements. Prohibits States and localities, after December 31, 2004 (other than the State of California pursuant to a waiver or another State opting-in to California's reformulated gasoline standards pursuant to this Act), from prescribing or enforcing a control of any characteristic of a gasoline or additive that is not identical to EPA regulations. Prohibits, after September 1, 2006, the manufacture or introduction into commerce of motor vehicle diesel fuel that contains a concentration of sulfur exceeding 15 parts per million or fails to meet a cetane minimum index of 40 and a maximum aromatic content of 35 volume percent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the Hope Scholarship Credit to: (1) extend coverage to fees, books, supplies, and equipment, and exempt such expenses from information reporting requirements; and (2) not reduce such Credit by Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Emergency Food Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified amounts of excess food stamp ,program funds not otherwise reallocated to another State to purchase additional agricultural commodities for emergency food assistance. Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to include (commodity) storage as a permitted fund use.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Recognizes, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, the sacrifice of the 19 servicemen who died in that attack. Calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to these brave soldiers and to remain ever vigilant for signs which may warn of a terrorist attack.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2001- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish limited credits for qualified energy efficiency improvements for: (1) an individual for energy efficiency improvements to a U.S.-sited principal residence; and (2) a contractor for installing energy efficient property in a new home. Applies such credit to: (1) individuals for installations through December 31, 2005; and (2) contractors for dwellings purchased through December 31, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Rural Health Care Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) revision in the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment for rural hospitals equalizing DSH payment amounts; (2) a single, standardized amount under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (3) treatment of certain physician pathology services; (4) elimination of the 15 percent reduction in payment rates under the Medicare PPS for home health services; (5) a permanent increase in the Medicare payment amount for home health services furnished in a rural area; and (6) exclusion of certain rural health clinic services and federally qualified health center services from the PPS for covered skilled nursing facility services. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make described loans to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements from the loan and loan guarantee fund under PHSA; (2) a high technology acquisition grant and loan program under which the Secretary may award grants and make loans to any eligible entity for any costs incurred by the eligible entity in acquiring eligible equipment and services for improving the quality of health care in rural areas; and (3) a program of grants to eligible entities under which the Secretary shall award such grants to public or nonprofit private entities to establish telehealth resource centers for the health care needs of individuals in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income for income tax purposes any payments received under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001 - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)), including to: (1) further strengthen the system of international trading disciplines and procedures, including dispute settlement; and (2) foster economic growth, raise living standards, and promote full employment in the United States and to enhance the global economy. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions, trade in services, foreign investment, intellectual property, transparency, improvement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, foreign regulatory practices, electronic commerce, reciprocal trade in agriculture, and WTO extended negotiations. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consult closely with Congress during trade negotiations. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under OTCA) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into (before June 1, 2005; or June 1, 2007, if trade authorities procedures (or fast-track procedures) are extended under this Act) only if it makes progress in meeting the overall and principal trade negotiating objectives, and the President satisfies certain notification and consultation requirements set forth in this Act, including submission of the agreement for assessment by the International Trade Commission. Applies trade authorities procedures to bills implementing trade agreements if they consist of: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; and (2) if changes in existing laws or new statutory authority are required to implement such agreements, provisions necessary to implement them, either repealing or amending existing laws or providing new statutory law. Authorizes both Houses of Congress to adopt, within 60 days of each other, a procedural disapproval resolution denying trade authorities procedures to any trade agreement if the President has failed or refused to notify or consult with Congress about it. Exempts from the notice and consultation requirements of this Act any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which: (1) is entered into under the auspices of the WTO regarding the rules of origin work program; (2) is entered into with Chile or Singapore; or (3) establishes a Free Trade Area for the Americas. Requires the appointment of a Congressional Oversight Group to serve as advisor to the U.S. delegation after the President notifies Congress of his intention to enter into the negotiation of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement. Requires the President to submit an implementation and enforcement plan at the same time a final text of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement is submitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Permanent Death Tax Repeal Act of 2001 - Amends title IX (Compliance with Congressional Budget Act) of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-16) to repeal the sunset provisions applicable to title V (Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) Federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis; and (2) a deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums and enrollment fees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
End Racial Profiling Act of 2001 - Prohibits any law enforcement agency or agent from engaging in racial profiling. Authorizes the United States, or an individual injured by racial profiling, to bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief to enforce this prohibition. Specifies that proof that the routine investigatory activities of law enforcement agents in a jurisdiction have had a disparate impact on racial or ethnic minorities shall constitute prima facie evidence of a violation. Authorizes the court to allow a prevailing plaintiff, other than the United States, reasonable attorneys' fees as part of the costs, including expert fees. Requires Federal law enforcement agencies to: (1) maintain adequate policies and procedures designed to eliminate racial profiling; and (2) cease existing practices that encourage racial profiling. Directs that any application by a State or governmental unit for funding under a covered program include a certification that such unit and any agency to which it is redistributing program funds: (1) maintains adequate policies and procedures designed to eliminate racial profiling; and (2) has ceased existing practices that encourage racial profiling. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, law enforcement agencies and other governmental units, Indian tribal governments, or other public and private entities to develop and implement best practice devices and systems to ensure the racially neutral administration of justice. Directs the Attorney General to submit to Congress a report on racial profiling by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
Biofuels Air Quality Act - Amends Federal highway provisions (with respect to the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to consider the extent to which a proposed project or program reduces sulfur or atmospheric carbon emissions. Allows States receiving minimum apportionments to use funds under the program for renewable fuel projects (specified below). Modifies provisions regarding renewable fuel projects to expand coverage to include: (1) publicly and nonprofit (currently, limited to privately) owned vehicles or vehicle fleets; and (2) costs of renewable fuel, consisting of any fuel produced from grain, oilseeds, or other biomass (including biodiesel), that is used to replace or reduce the quantity of fossil fuel present in a fuel mixture used to operate motor vehicles, and installation of capital equipment necessary for the conversion of storage and distribution facilities to carry renewable fuels or renewable fuel blends.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Amends the Organic Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of each person that notifies the Secretary that it is a manufacturer or seller that is: (1) licensed to engage in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product; or (2) is a trade association representing such manufacturers or sellers. Declares that any lawful conduct carried out by a manufacturer or seller in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product, or lawful conduct carried out by a trade association in the course of representing such manufacturers or sellers, shall not be the basis for imposing a restriction on such commerce (the award of civil damages, equitable relief, or any other specified limitation) as a result of harm caused by the criminal or other unlawful misuse of such firearm or ammunition product by any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Energy Information Administration, to study the feasibility of: (1) developing regional vehicle fuel specifications; and (2) alleviating gasoline supply problems and inflated gasoline prices through the use of a uniform blend of ethanol-based gasoline in the various regions of the United States, focusing on the production and use of a single blend for the Midwest region.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Condemns the Taliban's policy of forcing Afghan Hindus and other non-Muslims to wear a yellow identity symbol. Demands that the Taliban regime revoke its order and conform its laws to all basic international civil and human rights standards. Calls on the Government of Pakistan to use its influence to demand that the Taliban revoke the policy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service to recommend and the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor Paul Leroy Robeson (an advocate for African-American rights).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Amends Federal aviation law with respect to the air traffic control contract program to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to an airport sponsor for: (1) the construction or improvement of a nonapproach control tower (effectively eliminating eligibility of Level I air traffic control towers for such grants); and (2) the acquisition and installation of air traffic control equipment to be used in a nonapproach control tower to assist in sustaining or improving the safe and efficient movement of air traffic. Revises eligibility requirements with respect to such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Amends part C (Administrative Simplification) of title XI of the Social Security Act to revise the deadline for initial compliance with standards for information transactions and data elements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Fatal Grade Crossing Accident Investigations Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate all railroad grade crossing accidents that involve a fatality or substantial property damage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2001
National Mathematics and Science Partnerships Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the following programs of grants to institutions of higher education (or, in some cases, eligible nonprofit institutions), in support of activities relating to elementary and secondary school mathematics and science teaching and education: (1) Mathematics and Science Education Partnerships with local educational agencies; (2) Teacher Research Scholarships in mathematics, science, and engineering; (3) establishment of four multidisciplinary Centers for Research on Learning and Education Improvement; and (4) Robert Noyce Scholarships for teacher recruitment and training, with recipient service commitments. Requires the Director of NSF to establish a program to expand the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Digital Library program to enable timely and continuous dissemination of elementary and secondary science, math, engineering, and technology educational resources, materials, practices, and policies through the Internet and other digital technologies. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to convene a conference on improving kindergarten-through-12th grade science, mathematics, and technology education. Requires the Director of NSF to ensure that any NSF program that awards grants for the establishment of research centers at institutions of higher education after the date of the enactment of this Act: (1) requires every center to offer programs for elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and students to increase their understanding of the field in which the center specializes; and (2) uses the quality of a center's proposed precollege education programs as a criterion in determining grant awards.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2001
Post Office Community Partnership Act of 2001 - Modifies Federal postal law to revise requirements for the closing or consolidation of a post office and apply them, as well, to its proposed closing, consolidation, relocation, or construction. Requires a 60-day notice, under certain conditions, to persons (including local government officials) who are (or would be) served by the post office involved to allow such individuals an opportunity to present their views before such proposed action. Requires the notice: (1) by the deadline, to be hand delivered or delivered by mail and published once a week for at least four weeks in one or more newspapers regularly issued and of general circulation within the zip code areas which are (or would be) served by the post office involved; and (2) to include a description of the proposed action, a summary of the reasons for it, and the date on which the action is to be taken (or, in the case of the construction of a post office, the proposed timetable). Revises the factors to be considered in deciding whether or not to take such proposed actions. Requires the Postal Service to follow a community's public participation procedures to address the relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction of buildings in the community if such procedures are more stringent than those provided in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than 110 gallons of liquid material or 200 pounds of solid material. Applies this exemption only to activities taking place before April 1, 2001. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable costs of defending the action if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Adds to the list of parties eligible for de minimis final settlements certain persons and businesses that demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2001 - Imposes specified sanctions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or the Palestinian Authority if the President determines that such entities have not complied with certain commitments made with Israel. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions in the U.S. national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
YMCA Teen Action Agenda Enhancement of 2001 - Directs the Attorney General to award a grant to the YMCA of the USA to make subgrants to local YMCAs for programs for at-risk teens which include specified types of activities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2001
Public Safety Act - Provides that to be eligible to receive a grant under the violent offender incarceration and truth-in-sentencing incentive grant program, an applicant shall provide assurances to the Attorney General that if selected to receive funds the applicant shall not contract with a private contractor or vendor to provide core services related to the incarceration of an inmate. Makes this provision inapplicable to an existing contract to provide such core services, but applicable to renewals or extensions of an existing contract. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to provide that: (1) any penal or correctional facility or institution, except for nonprofit community correctional confinement (such as halfway houses), confining any person convicted of offenses against the United States shall be under the direction of the Director of the Bureau and shall be managed and maintained by Federal, State, or local government employees; and (2) the housing, safeguarding, protection, and disciplining of any person charged with or convicted of any offense against the United States (with that exception) shall be conducted and carried out by Federal, State, or local government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, using specified authority under the Agricultural Act of 1949, to provide eligible commodities and financial and technical assistance to establish and expand overseas preschool and school feeding programs, and maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs. Urges the President to engage multilateral and private sector involvement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
National Museum of African American History and Culture Act of 2001 - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of African American History and Culture to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans form slavery and the era of reconstruction to the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and beyond. Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council. Requires the Council to appoint a Director to manage the Museum. Authorizes the Council to plan, design, reconstruct, renovate, and expand the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum.
![Official portrait of Rep. Johnson, Timothy V. [R-IL-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000285_200.jpg)