United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; and (2) assist the Institutes to promote such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, in the case of an electing individual, no gain shall be recognized on the receipt of a capital gain dividend distributed by a regulated investment company if such capital gain dividend is automatically reinvested in additional shares of the company pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Recognizes that a strong domestic steel industry and strong domestic manufacturing base are vital to national defense and economic security. Urges the President to request the United States International Trade Commission, in addition to monitoring and reporting on certain enumerated items in section 204 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the tariff increases and tariff rate quotas proclaimed by the President on March 5, 2002, on certain steel imports, to also monitor and report on the impact of the temporary safeguards on domestic steel consuming industries.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 85 percent (second tier) taxation of Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits. Appropriates, from the general fund, to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the reduction in revenue lost because of the repeal. Requires an annual report concerning the funds transferred from the general fund to the Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Advancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund. Requires a specified amount to be used for grants or other arrangements to pay for services provided in a neutral manner relating to, and to support the participation of non-Federal entities in, environmental conflict resolution proceedings involving Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
National Forest Organizational Camp Fee Improvement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to charge an annual acreage and market value-based fee for the occupancy and use of National Forest System lands (land use fees) and facilities (facility fees) by organizational camps (nonprofit or governmental entity-run camps for youth or persons with disabilities). Provides for annual land use fee adjustments. Reduces the land-use fee, but not below a minimum amount to be determined by the Secretary, for: (1) use by persons with disabilities and at-risk children; and (2) youth programs through organized social, citizenship, character-building, or faith-based activities oriented to outdoor recreation. Prohibits facility use fee reductions. Provides for an additional fee if an organizational camp derives revenue from such lands' or facilities' use for purposes other than to introduce young people or people with disabilities to natural resource education or other appropriate experiences.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003
Enumerated Powers Act - Requires each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. Declares that failure to comply with this requirement shall give rise to a point of order in either House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003
District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act - Cedes the District of Columbia to Maryland after Maryland's acceptance of such retrocession. Maintains the exclusive legislative authority and control of Congress over the National Capital Service Area in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003
National Right-to-Work Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to authorize the President to agree to amendments to the Border Environment Cooperation Agreement (the November 1993 Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States Concerning the Establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North American Development Bank) that: (1) enable the North American Development Bank to make grants and non-market rate loans out of its paid-in capital resources with the approval of its Board of Directors for qualified water conservation projects; and (2) amend the definition of "border region" as it relates to such projects to include specified areas in the United States and Mexico that are within a certain distance of the international boundary between the two countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) water conservation projects are eligible for funding from the Bank under the Cooperation Agreement; and (2) the Board of Directors of the Bank should support qualified water conservation projects which can assist Texas irrigators and agricultural producers in the lower Rio Grande River Valley, including irrigators and agricultural producers in the border States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and the financing of projects which address coastal and pollution issues on both sides of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, including along the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico shores of both countries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals provisions providing for special compensation for certain severely disabled military retirees and certain combat-related disabled uniformed services retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Dividend Payment Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow dividends as a deduction in the case of a C corporation, except in the case of: (1) a regulated investment company; (2) a real estate investment trust; or (3) an exempt corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude stock options and employee stock purchase plans from the definition of wages for purposes of employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the requirement that individual retirement accounts must be distributed not later than a required beginning date.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA, which is subchapter B of MLSA) to extend authorizations of appropriations and revise programs under such Acts. Prohibits projects which are determined to be obscene from receiving funds under MLSA. Amends MLSA to establish the National Museum and Library Services Board, within the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Eliminates a National Museum Services Board.) Requires the IMLS Director to: (1) ensure coordination with certain activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), and other Federal activities; and (2) conduct and publish analyses of museum and library services impact. Revises requirements for annual national awards to outstanding libraries and museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes specified entities under the term museum, for MLSA purposes. Revises museum services activities. Entitles subchapter C of MLSA as the Museum Services Act. Amends LSTA to provide for: (1) an increased portion for administrative costs; (2) an increased alternative minimum allotment to States under certain conditions; (3) State plans once every five years, as determined by the IMLS Director; (4) additional uses of grants to States for library programs; and (5) recruitment of library and information science personnel under the program of national leadership grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Repeals requirements under the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act relating to Commission responsibilities to: (1) advise the IMLS Director; and (2) meet with the National Museum Services Board, which is eliminated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to permanently ban: (1) taxes on Internet access; and (2) multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Investment Tax Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for reduced capital gain rates for qualified economic stimulus gain. Defines "qualified economic stimulus gain" as the aggregate long-term capital gain (with specified exceptions) from property the holding period for which begins during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment. Provides for the indexing of assets (certain stocks and tangible property) for purposes of determining gain or loss.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Death Tax Permanency Act of 2003 - 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. (Makes estate tax repeal permanent.) States that such amendments shall take effect as if included in section 901 of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Investor Protection, Market Stabilization, and Tax Fairness Restoration Act of 2002 (sic) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a taxpayer other than a corporation in an amount equal to the shareholder credits determined with respect to dividends received from domestic corporations. Sets a maximum amount for the credit. Prohibits the allotting of credit in certain instances to nonresident aliens. Provides criteria for calculating a shareholder credit for a dividend. Classifies any shareholder credit determined under this Act as a tax paid by the relevant corporation. Includes a taxpayer's shareholder credits in gross income. Permits a corporation to deduct 100 percent of the amount received as dividends from a domestic corporation (presently the Code allows a deduction of 70 percent or 100 percent, depending on the type of dividend). Increases, from 70 to 100 percent, the amount a corporation is allowed to deduct with respect to dividends on certain preferred stock.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, relating to revisions to payment policies under the Medicare physician fee schedule for calendar year 2003, and the inclusion of registered nurses in the personnel provision of the critical access hospital emergency services requirement for frontier areas and remote locations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2002
Recognizes that a strong domestic steel industry and strong domestic manufacturing base are vital to national defense and economic security. Urges the President to request the International Trade Commission to: (1) expedite its review of the temporary safeguards imposed on March 5, 2002, on certain steel imports, and to report its findings to the President and Congress; and (2) monitor and report, in addition to developments with respect to a domestic industry (including the progress and specific efforts made by workers and firms in the industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition), on the impact of the temporary safeguards on domestic steel consumers and relations with U.S. trading partners.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as possible (but no later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2002
United States Cruise Tourism Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve the transportation of passengers on foreign-flag cruise vessels not otherwise qualified to engage in the coastwise trade between ports in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port, except with respect to coastwise trade served by a U.S.-flag cruise vessel. Requires termination of any such foreign-flag cruise vessel passenger service within three years after a U.S.-flag cruise vessel commences such service between the same ports. Requires the owner or charterer of a qualified foreign-flag cruise vessel to have any vessel repairs performed in the United States, unless the vessel requires repairs or service while at a distant foreign port. Directs the Secretary to terminate the coastwise trade privileges of the owner or charterer of a foreign-flag cruise vessel if such repairs have not been made in the United States. Provides for a waiver of such requirements in emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2002
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) affirms that the ties that bind the people of the United States and Europe are as strong today as they have been for the past 50 years; (2) accepts the indivisibility of transatlantic security; (3) recognizes that the United States and Europe strengthen and adapt the transatlantic partnership to deal with challenges at home and abroad; (4) acknowledges that in order to strengthen that partnership there must be a renewed commitment to consultations; and (5) commits to helping to improve the partnership by enhancing the dialogue between the European Parliament and the U.S. Congress through the framework of the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue. Commends Benjamin Gilman for his distinguished career in Congress and for his dedication to further transatlantic friendship and partnership through dialogue and consultation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2002
Arizona Water Settlements Act - Central Arizona Project Settlement Act of 2002 - Sets forth general permissible uses of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) (a water reclamation project), including for domestic, municipal, fish and wildlife, and industrial purposes. Sets forth requirements for the reallocation of CAP non-Indian agricultural and uncontracted municipal and industrial priority water. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the State of Arizona to develop a program to ensure the availability of a specified amount of agricultural priority water to Arizona Indian tribes during water shortages. Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Arizona Water Settlement Agreement. Allows excess funds from the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund to be used against annual payments for CAP owed by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District. Authorizes appropriations for compliance with specified biological opinions relating to impacts of CAP water delivery and storage. Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2002 - Approves the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Agreement. Describes reallocated Community water rights and revises Community water delivery requirements. Provides for waiver and release of Community water rights claims against Arizona. Establishes the Gila River Indian Community Water OM&R Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to repair and remediate Community subsidence and related damage. Requires the Secretary to assist in reducing the total water demand for irrigation use in the upper valley of the Gila River. Rewrites the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 as the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2002. Sets forth water delivery requirements and construction obligations with respect to the San Xavier Indian Reservation and the Schuk Toak District as well as permissible water uses. Reauthorizes a cooperative fund for operation, maintenance, and repair costs associated with water delivery to the Reservation and District. Provides for waiver and release of water rights claims of the Tohono O'odham Nation (formerly the Papago Tribe). Sets forth requirements regarding after-acquired trust lands on behalf of the Nation. Reauthorizes a trust fund established for such Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2002 for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (3) the Trade and Development Agency; (4) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (5) various bilateral economic assistance programs for foreign developing countries; (6) certain U.S. military assistance programs for foreign countries; (7) U.S. contributions to certain international financial institutions; and (8) international programs and organizations. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for: (1) abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization; (2) assistance to any country not in compliance with United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq, unless a specified certification is made to Congress; (3) payment of any U.S. contribution to the UN if the UN imposes any taxation on any U.S. persons; and (4) bilateral assistance to terrorist countries or any assistance to foreign governments that export lethal military equipment to countries supporting international terrorism. Earmarks funds for child survival activities or disease programs, including research on, and the prevention and treatment of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2002
Investment Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $3,000 to $20,000 the limitation on capital losses allowed against ordinary income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Declares the sense of Congress that the President should designate a National Bread Month in recognition of the significance of bread in American history, culture, and daily diet.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their freedom, and to each other. Extends deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims. Expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist attacks and their sponsors until they are discovered and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
National Forest Organizational Camp Fee Improvement Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to charge an annual acreage and market value-based fee for the occupancy and use of National Forest System lands and facilities by organizational camps (nonprofit or governmental entity-run camps for youth or persons with disabilities).
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
Investor Protection, Market Stabilization, and Tax Fairness Restoration Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a taxpayer other than a corporation in an amount equal to the shareholder credits determined with respect to dividends received from domestic corporations. Sets a maximum amount for the credit. Prohibits the allotting of credit in certain instances to nonresident aliens. Provides criteria for calculating a shareholder credit for a dividend. Classifies any shareholder credit determined under this Act as a tax paid by the relevant corporation. Includes a taxpayer's shareholder credits in gross income. Permits a corporation to deduct 100 percent of the amount received as dividends from a domestic corporation (presently the Code allows a deduction of 70 percent or 100 percent, depending on the type of dividend). Increases, from 70 to 100 percent, the amount a corporation is allowed to deduct with respect to dividends on certain preferred stock.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Wildfire Prevention and Forest Health Protection Act of 2002 - Authorizes Regional Foresters to exempt certain wildfire prevention tree-thinning projects on National Forest System lands from any laws that give rise to legal causes of action seeking to delay or prevent such actions. Exempts such projects from: (1) judicial review; or (2) notice, comment, and appeals under the Appeals Reform Act. Sets forth the Constitutional authority for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Animal Fighting Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to ship in interstate commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in cockfighting. Revises enforcement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative should work to support a fair and expeditious review and assure that no delays occur in resolving current disputes before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade dispute panels involving the imposition of special duties on imported softwood lumber from Canada; (2) U.S. antidumping and countervailing law is a rules-based system that should proceed to conclusion in WTO and NAFTA trade dispute panels; (3) the President should continue discussions with Canada to promote open trade between the two countries on softwood lumber free of trade restraints that harm consumers; and (4) the President should consult with all stakeholders, including consumers, in future discussions regarding such trade.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Former Prisoners of War Special Compensation Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay special monthly compensation to each veteran who is a former prisoner of war and was detained or interned for at least 30 days. Provides various rates of payment, ranging from $150 for those detained for between 30 and 120 days to a maximum of $450 for those detained more than 540 days. States that such special compensation shall: (1) be in addition to any other authorized payments; and (2) shall not be considered income for purposes of eligibility under any Federal or federally assisted program. Prohibits the payment of veterans' disability compensation for any alcohol- or drug-related disability even if the abuse is secondary to a service-connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Captive Wildlife Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to define "prohibited wildlife species" as any live lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, cougar, or bear. Declares it a prohibited act for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any prohibited wildlife species. Exempts from this prohibition licensed zoos, circuses, accredited sanctuaries, federally-licensed breeders, State entities (universities, wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians), animal shelters, persons transporting prohibited wildlife species to any such facility, and specified related organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Drug Importation Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit an individual who is not in the business of importing prescription drugs to import prescription drugs which appear to be approved, non-narcotic, and produced by a registered producer. Provides for a program where a pharmacist who is not otherwise permitted to import a prescription drug may do so when a drug meets the above standard. Excludes controlled substances and biological products. States that alternative labeling may be required.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2002 - Authorizes an individual, during the year following enactment of this Act, to make an irrevocable election for entitlement to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill if such individual: (1) first became a member of the armed forces or entered active duty before July 1, 1985; (2) has served on active duty without a break in service; (3) has completed requirements of a secondary school diploma or the equivalent of 12 semester hours in a program leading to a standard college degree; and (4) is discharged or released from active duty honorably. Requires such individual's basic pay to be reduced, over an 18-month period, until the total reduction is $2,700, as a contribution toward such educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2002 - Ratifies the Settlement Agreement concerning Zuni Indian Tribe water rights claims in the Little Colorado River basin, Arizona. Includes the provision of assistance for acquiring surface water rights, the use of groundwater, and wetland restoration. Names the Tribe, the State of Arizona and specified state agencies, specified neighboring non-Indian communities, and specified water and power companies as parties to the agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to execute the Settlement Agreement and subsequent, mutually agreed upon amendments. Establishes and authorizes appropriations to the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Development Fund to be allocated among specified activities, including the acquisition of water rights and restoration at the Zuni Heaven Reservation. Includes funds paid to the Tribe as required by the Settlement Agreement. Conditions Zuni expenditures from such Fund upon the approval of a tribal management plan and an expenditure plan. Directs the Secretary to take title to specified lands in trust for the benefit of the Tribe, including lands to become part of the Reservation. Sets forth the status of such lands with regard to Federal and State water rights and ad valorem taxes. Extinguishes all claims for water rights in Zuni lands.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act - Instructs the Financial Accounting Standards Board to develop additional standards for recording as an expense in corporate financial statements the value of stock options granted by a public corporation to its staff.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Honors Corinne "Lindy" Claiborne Boggs for her extraordinary service to the people of Louisiana and the United States on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Women's Caucus. Recognizes that her role in its founding has improved the lives of families throughout the United States. Commends her bipartisan spirit as an example to all elected officials.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2002
Wildfire Prevention Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems; and (2) provide assistance to the Institutes to promote the use of such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2002
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $500 the maximum above-the-line deduction allowed for classroom supply expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers, effective after December 31, 2001. Expands such deduction to include qualified professional development expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Corporate Governance and Market Integrity Commission Act - Establishes the Market Integrity Commission to study and report to Congress and the President on: (1) issues related to corporate governance; (2) the impact of corporate governance practices on the development, growth, and regulation of interstate and foreign commerce, including the effect of such practices on the market economy and on consumers; and (3) recommendations for legislation to improve the problems identified.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2002 - Authorizes the establishment of the District of Columbia Scholarship Corporation as a private, nonprofit corporation to administer, publicize, and evaluate a District scholarship program and determine elementary and secondary student and school eligibility. Establishes a District of Columbia Scholarship Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides for a seven-member Corporation Board of Directors, with six members appointed by the President from House and Senate nominees, and one member appointed by the District Mayor. Authorizes the Corporation to award tuition scholarships and enhanced achievement scholarships to District students in kindergarten through grade 12 with family incomes not exceeding 185 percent of the national poverty line. Allows scholarships to be used for tuition, fees, and appropriate transportation to public, private, or independent schools (or beyond-school-hours enhancement programs) in the District and specified neighboring counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia. Requires the following order of scholarship award priorities to students who: (1) have received such a scholarship in a previous year (in the program's second and subsequent years); (2) District school or kindergarten enrollees; (3) victims of school violence; and (4) other eligible students. Requires use of a lottery whenever amounts are insufficient to provide a scholarship for each student in one of these categories. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the District scholarship program. Provides for expedited judicial review of challenges to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Amends the Temporary Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act, as amended by the Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, as part of any reciprocal agreement with a foreign country for sharing personnel to fight wildfires, to include a provision that personnel furnished under the agreement to provide wildfire presuppression or suppression services will be considered, for tort liability purposes, employees of the country receiving such services when the personnel provide them under the agreement. Prohibits the Secretaries from entering into any such agreement unless the foreign country (either directly or through the fire organization that is a party to the agreement) agrees to assume any and all liability for the acts or omissions of American firefighters engaged in providing such services under the agreement in the foreign country. Makes remedies provided under the laws of the host country the exclusive remedies for acts or omissions committed while providing services under the agreement. Declares that neither the firefighter, the sending country, nor any organization associated with the firefighter shall be subject to any action whatsoever pertaining to or arising out of providing wildfire presuppression or suppression services under such a reciprocal agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Pledge of Allegiance, including the phrase "One Nation, under God," reflects the historical fact that a belief in God permeated the founding and development of our Nation; (2) the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals's ruling is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's First Amendment jurisprudence that the Pledge and similar expressions are not unconstitutional expressions of religious belief; (3) such phrase should remain in the Pledge; and (4) the Ninth Circuit should agree to rehear this ruling en banc in order to reverse this constitutionally infirm and historically incorrect ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
John F. Kennedy Center Plaza Authorization Act of 2002 - Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to undertake activities necessary to plan, design, engineer, and construct a Plaza (other than buildings) adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, including improved bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular access to and round the Center. Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Center to undertake activities on the Plaza necessary to facilitate the project, including construction of buildings on the Plaza. Allows the Board to acknowledge private contributions used in construction only in the interior, not on the exterior, of the buildings. Grants the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as necessary to meet project requirements and needs, exclusive authority to: (1) modify the permanent system of District highways; (2) convey any interest in real estate (including air rights or air space) owned or controlled by the District; and (3) enter into memoranda of agreement with the Board and any Federal or other governmental agency. Declares that upon project completion the responsibility for maintenance and oversight of roadways, sidewalks, and green spaces shall remain with the owner of the affected property. Declares that the Board shall continue to own, operate, and maintain the buildings and green spaces established on the Plaza. Authorizes the Secretary to realign national highways related to Project changes and improve direct access and egress between Interstate Route 66 and the Center.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kolbe, Jim [R-AZ-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000306_200.jpg)