United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Renewable Fuels and Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for a limited period of time: (1) as a credit against the gasoline and diesel fuel excise tax, a credit equal to the sum of the alcohol fuel mixture credit plus the biodiesel mixture credit; and (2) a biodiesel fuels credit business credit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide owners of residential properties built in the United States before 1978 with a tax credit for lead-based paint abatement costs performed by a certified lead abatement contractor (50 percent of the cost of the abatement, not to exceed $1,500 per dwelling unit).
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Congratulates the Washington Freedom for winning the 2003 Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) title. Requests that the President invite them to a White House ceremony for national championship teams. Expresses disappointment with the suspension of WUSA operations and expresses support for its revival.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Child Care Lending Pilot Act of 2003 - Allows proceeds of loans made through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to local certified development companies for plant acquisition, construction, or expansion to be used to provide loans to small, nonprofit child care businesses, provided that: (1) the loan will be used for a sound business purpose approved by the SBA Administrator; (2) each business receiving the assistance meets eligibility requirements applicable to for-profit businesses; (3) one or more individuals have personally guaranteed the loan; and (4) the child care business has both clear and singular title to the collateral for the loan and sufficient cash flow to meet loan obligations and reasonable operating expenses. Prohibits more than seven percent of the total number of loans guaranteed in any fiscal year for local development companies from being awarded under this program. Terminates such authority at the end of FY 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Graduation for All Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a program that will provide grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish reading and writing programs to improve overall reading and writing performance among students in secondary schools, including middle and high schools. Limits eligibility for subgrants to LEAs in a State that are among those that have the lowest graduation rates for public secondary school students. Includes among required uses of LEA subgrant funds: (1) hiring and inservice training of literacy coaches to work with classroom teachers to incorporate reading and writing instruction in all subject areas, and to identify students with reading problems and provide remediation or referral for additional services; (2) counseling for students at risk of not graduating on time; and (3) professional development for middle and high school teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals that addresses literacy needs of economically disadvantaged students, students from major racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, migrant children, and homeless children. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include public secondary school graduation rates for all students under requirements for: (1) accountability for adequate yearly progress; and (2) annual State report cards. Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act to require annual reports on the number participants who are 16, 17, or 18 years of age in certain programs and services, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, limited English proficiency status, disability, and socioeconomic status.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2003
Federal Employee Student Loan Assistance Act - Increases the annual and aggregate limits on the amount of an employee's student loan a Federal agency may repay.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Urges any trade and investment agreement that is negotiated by the executive branch with other foreign countries to comply with certain minimum standards regarding: (1) investor and investment policy; (2) certain services; (3) policies to support American workers and small, minority, and women-owned businesses; (4) environmental, labor, and other public interests; (5) U.S. trade laws; (6) food safety; (7) agriculture and food security; (8) transparency; (9) governmental authority; (10) access to medicines and seeds; and (11) special treatment for developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Student Testing Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise certain requirements regarding student assessments and adequate yearly progress which were added by the No Child Left Behind Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives the report prepared for the Joint Chiefs of Staff entitled "Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned" and documents in his possession on the reconstruction and security of post-war Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2003
Gasoline Availablity Stabilization (GAS) Reserves Act - Directs the Secretary [of Energy] to: (1) establish a Gasoline Availability Stabilization Reserve (GAS Reserve) system with a total capacity of 20 million barrels of regular unleaded gasoline; and (2) determine a site for one GAS Reserve each in the Northeast and Midwest regions and one in California, to be operational within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) transmit to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Governor of each State in which a reserve will be sited a plan for the transportation of the contents of the GAS Reserve to consumers in the event of an emergency sale; and (2) complete the process of filling the GAS Reserve by March 1, 2006. Prescribes procedural guidelines for emergency sales by the Secretary from the GAS Reserve upon written request from the Governor of a State for GAS Reserve emergency sales assistance owing to a physical disruption in the gasoline supplies that is likely to result in price volatility for retail gasoline in the Governor's State. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct purchases and sales of gasoline at wholesale for maintenance of the GAS Reserve system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2003
National Minority Media Opportunities Act - Amends the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992 to require Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review of the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license used primarily to serve a language minority (persons of American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Native, or Spanish heritage). Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the FCC, after notice and comment, to report to Congress regarding the ownership and control of broadcast stations (including AM, FM, and television) used to serve language minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2003
Honors Bob Hope for his legendary career as an entertainer, his decades of dedicated service to the men and women of the armed forces, and his many philanthropic and humanitarian acts. Expresses condolences on his passing to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2003
Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to a designated State agency for development of universal prekindergaten programs for all children three, four, and five years old in the State. Requires the State to: (1) match Federal funds by at least 20 percent; and (2) submit a State plan to establish, coordinate, and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program. Authorizes State agencies to set aside up to five percent of a grant for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff of prekindergarten programs that wish to participate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2003
Pension Security Disclosure Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to repeal the exemption from public disclosure of the contents of certain records, documents, and other information required to be reported to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation by contributing sponsors, and each member of a contributing sponsor's controlled group, of a single-employer plan. Declares all such information to be public information, except any that the Corporation has identified by regulation as confidential. Requires the Corporation to: (1) make any such public information available for inspection in its principal office; and (2) upon written request, and for a reasonable charge, furnish to any participant or beneficiary a written copy of any such information. Requires the Corporation to provide by regulation for timely disclosure on a Corporation website on the Internet and other appropriate media of a summary of any such information regarding any plan whose funding ratio of assets to liabilities for a reporting period was less than 90 percent. Requires immediate transmittal of a copy of such summary to the plan administrator, and, within 30 days after its receipt, by the plan administrator to each plan participant and beneficiary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2003
Exempts from the requirement to pay subsistence charges while hospitalized in a military facility an officer or former officer, or an enlisted member or former enlisted member not entitled to retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay, who is hospitalized in a military facility because of an injury incurred: (1) as a direct result of armed conflict; (2) while engaged in hazardous service; (3) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or (4) through an instrumentality of war.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2003
Directs the President to convene a Commission to Educate our Nation's Teachers and Students on Financial Literacy Skills to examine, identify, and report to the President, the congressional leadership, and the chief executive officers of the States on government policies that promote economic and financial literacy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2003
Honors the 1963 March on Washington as one of the largest political demonstrations in U.S. history and recognizes its importance in the struggle for civil rights and equal rights for all Americans. Expresses gratitude to the organizers and participants for their dedication and commitment to equality and justice.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2003
Congratulates Lance Armstrong and the United States Postal Service Team on their victory in the 2003 Tour de France. Commends the unwavering commitment to cancer awareness and survivorship demonstrated by Armstrong.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (State Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Demonstration Projects) to allow up to ten States to receive from the Secretary of Health and Human Services a planning grant and a demonstration grant to achieve a cost-effective delivery system of universal, comprehensive health care with simplified administration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Directs the Comptroller General to arrange with: (1) the National Academy of Sciences to study the feasibility of, and the costs associated with, the implementation of an emergency electronic communications system for Congress which would ensure the continuity of congressional operations during an emergency (including an emergency under which Congress would be unable to assemble at a single location); and (2) the Librarian of Congress to identify any constitutional and procedural issues which may arise under the implementation of such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) specify restrictions on the sale and display to the general public of social security account numbers (SSNs) (or any derivatives) by Federal, State, and local governments and bankruptcy case trustees; (2) prohibit the display of SSNs on checks issued for payment by such governments, or on driver's licenses or motor vehicle registrations issued by a State or local government; (3) prohibit the Federal, State, or local government display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on employee identification cards or tags (IDs); (4) prohibit access to the SSNs of other individuals by prisoners employed by Federal, State, or local governments; (5) prohibit the selling, purchasing, or displaying of SSNs (with certain exceptions), or the obtaining or use of any individual's SSN to locate or identify such individual with the intent to physically injure or harm such individual or to use the individual's ID for any illegal purpose by any person; and (6) require States to require independent verification of birth records provided in support of applications for SSNs. Subjects to the Fair Credit Reporting Act information regarding a consumer's SSN (and any derivative) (credit header information). Provides that any person who refuses to do business with an individual because the individual will not consent to that person's receipt of his or her SSN shall be considered to have committed an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act, except in certain cases required under Federal law. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) undertake to make improvements to the enumeration at birth program for the issuance of social security account numbers to newborns; and (2) by regulation restrict the issuance of multiple replacement social security cards to any individual to minimize fraud. Establishes: (1) civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act; (2) criminal penalties for employees of the Social Security Administration who knowingly and fraudulently issue social security cards or social security account numbers; and (3) enhanced penalties in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes of violence, or prior offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Bringing America Home Act - Recognizes housing as a basic human right, and declares Congress' goal to end homelessness in the Unites States. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which shall be used to fund specified housing and related programs. Authorizes appropriations for specified housing and related programs. Federal Homelessness to Housing Mutual Mortgage Association Act - Establishes the Federal Homelessness to Housing Mutual Mortgage Association (Hollie May), which shall provide housing and homeownership opportunities for the homeless in cooperative housing associations. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) provide for the use of surplus Federal property to assist the homeless; and (2) revise and consolidate specified homeless assistance programs. Establishes in the Treasury the Emergency Rent Relief Fund. Exempts work performed in public housing from consideration as income under specified housing programs. Sets forth conditions for postal delivery service for the homeless. Authorizes grants for public housing police forces. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a temporary ex-offender low-income housing credit; (2) limit mortgage interest deductions; and (3) repeal the exclusion of gain on a principal residence sale. Expresses the sense of Congress against local ordinances that disadvantage the homeless. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) every person in the United States should have access to affordable and comprehensive medical care; and (2) Medicaid should be expanded. Authorizes appropriations for specified health and homeless programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act, with respect to substance abuse, mental health services, and the homeless, to: (1) require the establishment of Federal plans on addiction, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness; (2) provide grants for treatment; (3) revise the projects for assistance in transition from homelessness (PATH) program; (4) revise the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990. Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding the right to a living wage or similar benefits. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize grants for a homebuild program for affordable housing construction and apprenticeship. Authorizes a Department of Labor apprenticeship program for working people experiencing homelessness. Sets forth day laborer and temporary worker employment and related provisions. Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) require supplemental security income (SSI) and old age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI) outreach programs for the homeless; and (2) increase SSI asset limits, and provide presumptive eligibility for persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Head Start Assessment Act of 2003 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from proceeding with the full-scale implementation of the Head Start National Reporting System on Child Outcomes, as described in a specified project proposal, until the Secretary certifies to Congress that: (1) congressional oversight hearings have been concluded concerning the development and implementation of the System; (2) the Secretary has concluded public forums in different regions of the United States, and provided an opportunity for written public comments, concerning early childhood assessment proposals; (3) the Secretary has reported to Congress a study by the National Academy of Sciences of early childhood assessments focusing on improving accountability, instruction, and the delivery of services; and (4) sufficient funds are available to develop and implement any new Head Start assessments, and deliver necessary additional technical assistance and professional development required to successfully implement these assessments. Prescribes requirements for participants in such public forums.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act - Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to: (1) promulgate a consumer product safety standard 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 · 25 July 2003
Orphan Highway Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants and provide technical assistance to States and local governments to: (1) perform preventive maintenance on or carry out projects for resurfacing, restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of orphan highways; and (2) rehabilitate, repair, or construct sidewalks, medians, bike lanes, traffic-calming devices, signaling, or signage to enhance community livability on or adjacent to such highways. Defines "orphan highway" as one that: (1) is or was formerly a United States numbered highway; (2) is located within the boundaries of a local government (which includes an Indian Tribe); (3) is no longer a principal route for traffic passing through the State after construction of a bypass or Interstate; (4) currently functions as a county, parish, or city arterial or collector route or provides access to or within Federal or tribal lands; and (5) because of decreased importance to statewide transportation has received only routine maintenance, but needs significant resurfacing, restoration, reconstruction, or rehabilitation. Specifies projects to receive funding priority, such as those that include rehabilitation measures that focus on pedestrian safety, that are coordinated with State and local adopted preservation plans, that promote cost-effective and strategic investments in transportation infrastructure that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, or that foster public-private partnerships. Sets forth provisions regarding fund distribution and the Federal cost share.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Amends the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Act of 1999 to extend from 2003 through December 31, 2005, the authority of the Emergency Loan Guarantee Board to make loan guarantee commitments. States that, in addition to certain funds appropriated under the Act to the Department of Commerce for administrative expenses, an additional $2 million may be made available from the Emergency Loan Guarantee Program for salaries and administrative expenses to administer the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Foster Care Mentoring Act of 2003 - Amends title IV part B (Child-Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to support the establishment or expansion and operation of programs using networks of public and private community entities to provide mentoring for children in foster care. Authorizes a grant award directly to a political subdivision if the subdivision serves a substantial number of foster care youth. Prescribes program implementation guidelines, including: (1) application requirements; (2) training; (3) screening; (4) educational requirements; (5) Federal and non-Federal share of funds for the Program; (6) considerations in awarding grants; and (7) use of funds. Sets forth a maximum grant amount to be awarded to a State or political subdivision. Authorizes the Secretary to award a competitive grant to an eligible entity to establish a National Hotline Service or Website to provide information to individuals interested in becoming mentors to youth in foster care. Instructs the Secretary of Education to implement a program to provide for the discharge or cancellation of the Federal student loan indebtedness of an eligible mentor.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
COBRA Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for employer-provided COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage for covered employees and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Quit Smoking Incentive and Opportunity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for the qualified tobacco use cessation expenses (approved cessation products and counseling) of a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Urges the President to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery of Topeka, Kansas, who played a significant role in drafting the GI Bill of Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Expresses support for designation of "Hire a Veteran Week." Encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon employers, labor organizations, veterans service organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental agencies to lend their support to increase employment of men and women who have served in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal honoring Wilma G. Rudolph (three-time gold medal winner in the 1960 Olympics) in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions to humanity and to women's athletics.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Directs: (1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to the family of the late Raul Julia in recognition of his dedication to ending world hunger and his great contributions to the Latino community and the performing arts; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer half of the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received and any proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals exceeds the costs incurred in carrying out this Act to the New York Public Theater and half to the New York Shakespeare Festival.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003- Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Program to assist eligible educational institutions in acquiring, and augmenting use of, digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services at such institutions. Defines as eligible institutions: (1) historically Black colleges or universities, (2) a Hispanic-, Alaskan Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution with a sufficient enrollment of needy students as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Outlines authorized assistance activities. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology to: (1) establish an advisory council to advise on the best approaches toward maximum Program participation by eligible institutions; and (2) ensure that grant awards are made to all types of eligible institutions. Requires Program assessment every three years by the National Academy of Public Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from taking any action proposed under the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) unless the Secretary has notified Congress of the intention to take such action; and (2) until the later of the expiration of a 60-day period, or 30 days of continuous congressional session, after such notification.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth; and (2) in cooperation with the Legacy Fund of the Library of Congress, to develop and implement a marketing program to promote and sell the coins. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) supporting historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2003 - Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to disclose to the vehicle owner, a repair facility, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the information necessary to diagnose, service, or repair the vehicle. Sets forth protections for trade secrets. States that manufacturer noncompliance with this Act constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce within the purview of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes a vehicle owner or repair facility to bring a civil action in Federal district court for violations of this Act without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties. Instructs the FTC to prescribe a uniform methodology for manufacturer disclosure in writing, and on the Internet. Prohibits the FTC from prescribing rules that interfere with the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding motor vehicle emissions control diagnostics systems.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Air Line Pension Act of 2003 - Sets forth special funding requirements for certain pension plans maintained by commercial passenger air carriers (plans), notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Provides for such plans, if they have a funded percentage of less than 80 percent as of January 1, 2003, the following: (1) modifications of funding rules, including funded percentage, assumed interest rate for determining current liability, and estimation of current liability; (2) a moratorium on the deficit reduction contribution, under specified conditions; (3) a one-time amortization of 2008 unfunded current liability; and (4) recognition of a waiver in the deficit reduction contribution. Provides for such plans, if they are maintained for benefit of the carrier's employees pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement and if they terminated during calendar year 2003, the following: (1) restoration by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to the plan's pre-termination status and transfer of control of plan assets and liabilities to the employer, unless the collective bargaining agreement provides that the plan should not be restored; (2) exclusion of any expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during each plan year; (3) amortization of unfunded amounts under the restoration payment schedule; (4) inapplicability of certain contribution requirements to a restored plan until a plan year beginning on the initial post-restoration valuation date, with modified required annual payments; and (5) resetting of funding standard account balances. Limits PBGC liability with respect to certain plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Great Lakes Restoration Financing Act of 2003 - Establishes the Great Lakes Advisory Board to: (1) develop a biennial comprehensive Great Lakes management plan; (2) coordinate Great Lakes restoration efforts; and (3) implement a public awareness campaign. Establishes a scientific working group to evaluate the scientific integrity of the Great Lakes restoration effort and assist the Board in its decisionmaking. Requires the management plan to be submitted to the President, appropriate congressional committees, the governor of each Great Lakes State, and the Great Lakes mayors. Includes as possible Great Lakes ecosystem goals: (1) the cleanup of toxic hot spots; (2) the elimination of invasive species; (3) pollution decrease; (4) the restoration and conservation of wetlands and critical coastal habitat; (5) the elimination of dead zones caused by hypoxia and harmful algal bloom; (6) the sustainable use and management of Great Lakes water resources; and (7) public participation in Great Lakes restoration. Requires each Great Lakes State to have in effect a State Great Lakes Management Plan, approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and updated every two years, in order to be eligible for assistance apportionments authorized under this Act. Provides apportioned funding to Great Lakes States for restoration activities. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint a special master to direct the remediation of an area of concern.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2003 - 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 · 10 July 2003
Student Loan Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise student aid requirements for consolidation loans. Repeals a prohibition against refinancing consolidation loans. Allows borrowers to select lenders of consolidation loans. Requires lenders and institutions to provide certain information on consolidation loans to applicants. Revises interest rates on consolidated and reconsolidated loans.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that if a taxpayer is a member of an affiliated group of corporations which files a consolidated return, the tax attributes concerning reduction of tax attributes and exclusion from gross income by reason of discharge of indebtedness shall be the aggregate tax attributes of such group.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Providing Our Support to Troops Act of 2003 - Allows personal correspondence or certain parcels to be mailed free of postage if such matter is: (1) sent from within an area served by a U.S. post office; (2) addressed to an active-duty member of the armed forces or a civilian authorized to use postal services at military installations who holds a position or performs a function in support of military operations; and (3) addressed either to such an individual at a military post office established in an overseas area where the armed forces are engaged in operations involving armed conflict against a hostile foreign force, or to an individual who is hospitalized for a disease or injury resulting from service in such an area. Prohibits the free mailing privilege for any mail matter containing any advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require, beginning in academic year 2004-2005, each eligible institution participating in any program under the Act to provide to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report containing specified information about the campus fire safety practices and standards of that institution. Requires such institutions to: (1) record all fires reported to local fire departments, including the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire and all false fire alarms; and (2) open such information to public inspection. Requires the institutions to report on such information periodically to the campus community in a manner that will aid the prevention of similar occurrences. Requires the institutions to request their fraternities and sororities to collect and report such information for each building and property they own or control.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow, Coretta Scott King, in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2003
Model Alternative Publicly Accountable Schools Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) public transformation schools in the District of Columbia to expand opportunities for low-income District parents to enroll their children in higher-performing schools, and to fund the additional services necessary to achieve continued improvements in the performance of such students; and (2) the Direct Loan Fund for Charter School Improvement, to be used to expand opportunities for District students to attend charter schools in the District.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2003
Federal Communications Commission Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal Communications Commission commissioner or employee from accepting payments or reimbursement for travel, subsistence, or related expenses from nongovernmental sponsors in connection with attendance at any convention, conference, or meeting. Repeals inconsistent reimbursement authority under the Communications Act of 1934.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jones, Stephanie Tubbs [D-OH-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000284_200.jpg)