United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing or modifying the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments such that the factor used more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Allows certain eligible participants to make such additional contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan as are permitted by: (1) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to catch-up contributions to pension, profit-sharing, and/or stock bonus plans for individuals age 50 and over; and (2) consistent with regulations of the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Putting Americans First Act - Sets forth provisions for a temporary unemployment compensation (UC) program. Permits any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor for such program under which States receive Federal payments and State agencies pay: (1) modified regular UC to individuals; and (2) temporary supplemental UC to individuals who have otherwise exhausted their rights to regular (or extended) UC. Requires the modified regular UC to: (1) have an alternative base period; (2) not be denied to individuals who can show good cause for seeking or being available for only part-time employment; and (3) include increased benefits. Requires temporary supplemental UC accounts for eligible individuals who file applications for such UC. Limits such agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003. Sets forth health insurance coverage options for recently unemployed individuals and their families. Requires establishment of a temporary program under which 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage for Medicaid be provided for an individual who: (1) at any time during the period that begins on September 11, 2001, and ends on December 31, 2002, is separated from employment; and (2) is eligible for, and has elected coverage under, COBRA continuation coverage. (COBRA refers to title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and concerns employee group health plan coverage under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of1974.) Permits a State to elect to provide temporary Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) for individuals who: (1) are separated from employment at any time during the period that from September 11, 2001, through December 31, 2002; (2) are not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage; (3) are uninsured; and (4) do not have assets, resources, and earned or unearned income that exceed limitations set by the State. Permits a State to pay the entire COBRA premium for individuals whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line and who are receiving COBRA premium assistance under this Act. Provides for temporary increases in the Medicaid Federal Medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for FY 2002. Amends the Social Security Act title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to: (1) reauthorize TANF supplemental grants for population increases for FY 2002; and (2) extend and increase TANF contingency fund grants through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Attorney Fee Payment System Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase from $4,000 to $5,200 the maximum allowable attorney fee; and (2) cap the amount of attorney assessments at $100. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to prescribe a fee payment system for attorneys representing individuals filing claims for past-due benefits in the SSI program. Caps attorney fees at 25 percent of such past-due benefits. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to assess such an attorney up to $100.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Nuclear Waste Terrorist Threat Assessment and Protection Act - Directs the Office of Homeland Security to coordinate the development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist crimes targeting the Yucca Mountain Project (high-level nuclear waste repository being studied at Yucca Mountain, Nevada). Requires that the plan: (1) include a comprehensive analysis of the safety and vulnerability of the Project to terrorism; (2) address specified types of attacks; (3) give special emphasis to addressing the use of nuclear waste as a radiological weapon, the use of specified technologies, and sabotage or theft of high-level nuclear waste; and (4) include a comprehensive strategy for defending against terrorism and an analysis of the economic, public health, and environmental costs and impacts of implementing the plan. Directs: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate the development and implementation of a comprehensive interagency plan; and (2) the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and FEMA to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Research Council for technical review of the plans and to report to Congress on the potential liability costs and damages resulting from terrorism against the Project. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from making a positive recommendation regarding, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing a license for, a Yucca Mountain repository unless specified conditions are met, including that public hearings have been held for affected populations and the Secretary has certified that the Project is not vulnerable to terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Reduces from 140 to 60 days the minimum length of a call or order to active duty before a member of a military reserve component will be entitled to the higher rate of basic allowance for housing established by the Secretary of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act - Instructs the Consumer Products Safety Commission to: (1) promulgate a consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products; and (2) establish an Infant and Toddler Product Review Panel to advise the Commission regarding guidelines and promulgation of consumer product safety standards for such products. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to declare the limitation on maximum civil penalty inapplicable to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
Comprehensive Energy Conservation Act for the 21st Century - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, weatherization assistance, and State energy grants, respectively. Increases funding for the Energy Star program. Raises average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to set forth a Federal renewable portfolio standard that requires every retail electric supplier to submit Renewable Energy Credits to the Secretary of Energy according to prescribed annual percentages of the total electric energy sold by the supplier to electric consumers during the calendar year. Amends Federal transportation law to mandate: (1) certain tire rating standards; and (2) a national tire fuel efficiency program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow credits against the income tax for specified percentages of: (1) purchases of Energy Star products; and (2) the purchase of fuel-efficient American-made passenger vehicles. Imposes an excise tax upon the windfall profit on sale of any electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, coal, or other taxable product. Establishes the Windfall Profits Fund as the depository for such tax. Establishes the Reasonable Profits Board to make profit determinations relating to windfall profit on the sale of electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, coal, and products thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
World Trade Center Attack Claims Act - Establishes within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Office of World Trade Center Attack Claims. Entitles persons (individuals and entities) who suffered injury as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and who reside or maintain a place of business in the area south of Canal Street in Manhattan to Federal compensation. Requires the Director of FEMA (or an Independent Claims Manager if appointed to head such Office) to investigate and deny or pay (and determine appropriate amounts for) claims submitted for such compensation. Limits claim payments to: (1) the amount necessary to compensate for injuries suffered during the 18-month period following the attack; and (2) $500,000, with exceptions. Prescribes compensable residential losses and business losses. Requires the Director to reduce the amount to be paid for any claim by the amount of any insurance or other Federal assistance program payments as appropriate to prevent a claimant's recovery in excess of actual compensatory damages. Provides claimants the right to appeal payment decisions regarding residential losses to the Director or regarding business losses to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Declares that this Act shall not affect the rights of an injured person to request benefits under any Federal entitlement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Medicare+Choice Consumer Protection Act of 2001 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) continuous open enrollment and disenrollment in Medicare+Choice plans; and (2) limitation on Medicare+Choice cost-sharing to the same maximum as cost-sharing otherwise applicable under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to an individual not enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan..
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Bioterrorism Protection Act (BioPAct) of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants, scholarships, and loans in order to strengthen the nursing profession. Establishes the National Nursing Service Corps Scholarship Program. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) increase hospital and provider capacity, training, and resources for treating bioterrorism victims; (2) increase and improve vaccine and antibiotic supplies for attack victims; and (3) provide for the coordination, training, and equipping of bioterrorism emergency responders. Authorizes appropriations for Department of Agriculture activities to: (1) reduce agricultural pathogen and insect pest threats; and (2) increase Department information systems security. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand the Food and Drug Administration's capacity to ensure the safety of the food supply system, including imported food, and protect against the threat of bioterrorism. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) permit debarment for repeated or serious food import violations; (2) deem as misbranded imported food without country-of-origin labeling; (3) deem as adulterated a food item imported by a debarred person; and (4) require registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) undertake public water systems vulnerability assessments and review related emergency response plans; and (2) provide such systems with assistance for basic security enhancements and information systems protection. Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for possessing a select agent known to be a biological agent, with reckless disregard for the public health and safety. Authorizes appropriations for neutron scanner technology and technology to detect biological or chemical agents and for increased numbers of border patrol and immigration officers. Directs the Attorney General to develop or carry out various programs, including programs to improve identification of those appearing on law enforcement "watch lists" and to mandate better tracking of visas. Requires the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to: (1) assess terrorist threats within the United States and its territories and possible responses to such threats; (2) implement a public education campaign concerning appropriate response to a terrorist attack; and (3) coordinate the deployment of chemical and biological detection capabilities. Requires the President to: (1) establish a database of information concerning terrorist activity; and (2) reduce barriers to the sharing of such information among Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) increase military capability to respond to domestic crises involving chemical or biological weapons; (2) implement interagency crisis response and consequence management; and (3) accelerate response research and development. Requires the Secretary of Energy to increase efforts relating to nonproliferation verification of chemical and biological materials in countries other than the United States. Urges the President to seek to establish a United States-Russian Federation Biological-Chemical Working Group.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Recognizes and commends the efforts of State and local governments and community, religious, and charitable organizations to support military and civilian personnel engaged in the war on terrorism. Encourages the people of the United States: (1) to support such personnel through a united effort to be known as Operation Enduring Support; and (2) as part of such Operation, to support military families, stage patriotic send-off and welcome-home rallies and parades; and volunteer and contribute financial assistance to the Red Cross, United Way, and similar organizations.
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
Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to place limitations on the mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to work in certain providers of services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Patient and Physician Safety and Protection Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a participating hospital that uses the services of physician residents or postgraduate trainees to limit their working hours to specified schedules.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Late Fee Relief Act - Establishes a six-month period during which consumers of financial services shall be extended a two-week grace period to make any obligatory payments. Prohibits a financial services business from: (1) imposing either a late fee or additional financing fee upon a consumer account for failure to make payment by the due date, unless a payment is not received by the end of the two-week grace period; or (2) providing any information adverse to the consumer or the consumer's credit status as a result of such payment failure before the two-week grace period. States that this Act shall be enforced under the Truth in Lending Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the trade and economic development policies of the United States toward Africa should respect and support the rights of African farmers with respect to their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies, and the provisions of the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act of 2001 - SAFER Act of 2001 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants for up to 75 percent of the costs of projects to hire firefighters to eligible States, local governments, tribal organizations, or other public entities, or multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to declare that the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not require the payment of deductibles and coinsurance for existing preventive benefits under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects for the purpose of promoting disease self-management for conditions identified, and appropriately prioritized, by the Secretary for specified at-risk target individuals. Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to establish a comprehensive and systematic model for delivering health promotion and disease prevention services, and conduct demonstration projects to develop it. Provides for coverage of care coordination and assessment services furnished by a care coordinator as a Medicare part B medical service. Directs the Secretary to provide for appropriate adjustments to specified payment systems to take into account the additional costs incurred in providing items and services under the Medicare program to Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from serious and disabling chronic conditions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise the risk adjustment methodology under SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) applicable to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations offering specialized programs for frail elderly and at-risk beneficiaries to take into account variations in costs incurred by such organizations; and (2) establish a demonstration program under which additional payments may be made to such an organization, if certain requirements are met. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on chronic condition trends of Medicare beneficiaries and associated service utilization, quality indicators, and cumulative costs; and (2) contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to make a Medicare chronic condition care improvement study and report.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) renegotiation by members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) of existing antidumping and safeguard provisions contained in the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (commonly known as the "Antidumping Agreement") is unnecessary and unlikely to result in an agreement that does not weaken the antidumping and safeguard provisions; and (2) the United States Trade Representative should oppose any changes to such provisions contained in the Antidumping Agreement at the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the WTO to be held at Doha, Qatar, from November 9-13, 2001, and at any subsequent negotiations, including any changes that make antidumping relief under these provisions more difficult, uncertain, or costly for domestic industries to achieve and maintain over time.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2001
International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign countries. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct programs (including the provision of grants to nongovernmental organizations for the purpose of carrying out research, prevention, public awareness, and assistance programs) in foreign countries related to individuals with disabilities, including victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife and warfare. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide: (1) advice and expertise on prosthetics, orthotics, physical and psychological rehabilitation and treatment, and disability assistance to other Federal agencies with respect to the implementation of programs to provide assistance to victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife and warfare in foreign countries and landmine research and health-related programs; and (2) technical assistance to private voluntary organizations with respect to the planning, development, operation, and evaluation of such landmine assistance, research, and prevention programs. Directs the Secretary of State to establish and chair an interagency group to coordinate all Federal programs that furnish assistance to victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife and warfare, and conduct landmine research, demining and prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2001
Declares that Congress joins the President, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations, and the European Union in endorsing the Mitchell Committee Report of April 30,2001. Urges: (1) the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to halt violence, rebuild confidence, and resume peaceful negotiations; (2) the political leaders in Israel and the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and elsewhere in the region to act and speak against violence; and (3) the President to continue working with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to implement the recommendations of the Report.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2001
Depleted Uranium Munitions Suspension and Study Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Defense and other Federal entities to suspend the use and approval for foreign sale or export of depleted uranium munitions until the Secretary of Health and Human Services certifies to specified congressional committees that studies indicate such munitions will not jeopardize the health of U.S. or NATO military personnel or civilian populations if used in future conflicts. Limits subsequent use, foreign sale, or export to stocks certifiably free of plutonium and other transuranic matter. Directs the Comptroller General to investigate the contamination of stocks of depleted uranium munitions with transuranic elements. Requires the Directors of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to jointly and comprehensively study the health effects of exposure to such weapons on veterans and their children, as well as a public health assessment of persons with an epidemiological link to military installations or production facilities where such munitions have been used or produced. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a comprehensive study of possible environmental contamination at these installations or facilities. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) furnish to the Administrator with a list of sites; and (2) develop a plan for their mitigation and cleanup (consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969).
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit a State from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the State on August 1, 2001, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a State from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the National Highway System (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under State law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by State law on August 1, 2001; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such State on or before August 1, 2001. Permits a commercial motor vehicle combination authorized in a State to continue to operate on System highways provided it is in compliance with State law, including routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions in force in the State on August 1, 2001. Amends Federal highway law to prohibit a State from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to State (grandfather) law. Subjects such vehicles and combinations to all routing-specific, commodity-specific, and weight-specific designations in force in such State on August 1, 2001. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the operation of vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided (nondivisible loads) on the Federal-aid highway system as they relate to Interstate weight limitations; and (2) waiver of weight limitations for vehicles that operate on the Federal-aid highway system during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the National Highway System, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower State weight limits; or (2) a State allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the National Highway System that could be so operated lawfully on August 1, 2001. Requires establishment of a model schedule of fines for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an annual tax credit for 25 percent of up to the first $25,000 of qualified wages paid or incurred per qualified U.S. independent film and television production. Increases the credit to 35 percent if the production is located in an area eligible for designation as a low-income community or eligible for designation by the Delta Regional Authority as a distressed county or isolated area of distress.
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 · 12 October 2001
TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise and extend the TANF program through FY 2008, with changes made to: (1) work and various other specified requirements and prohibitions; (2) penalties; (3) studies and reports; (4) minimum benefit rules; and (5) child care.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (3) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Imported Food Safety Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the prior approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services for commercial distribution of food imported into the United States. Cites factors for mandatory consideration by the Secretary when determining whether to grant such approval. Requires the Secretary to: (1) deny approval of foreign food for import if the foreign system for food inspection does not provide at least the same level of protection as domestic laws, or if the foreign country does not permit the Secretary to conduct food inspections within its borders; and (2) give high priority to increasing significantly the number of inspections, including port-of-entry testing for pesticide and microbial contamination. Sets forth criminal penalties for noncompliance. Deems certain foods to be misbranded if the country-of-origin labeling is not provided at the time they are offered for retail sale. Instructs the Secretary to prioritize research on port-of-entry food safety testing techniques whose results are available within 60 minutes after test administration. Directs the Secretary to impose user fees on imported food in order to defray increased expenses needed to implement this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that if at any time 25 percent or more of the Members of the House of Representatives are unable to carry out their duties because of death or incapacity, each Governor of a State represented by such Member shall appoint an otherwise qualified individual to take the place of the Member as soon as practicable (but in no event later than seven days) after certification of the Member's death or incapacity. Requires an individual appointed to take the place of the Member to serve until a Member is elected to fill the vacancy by a special election to be held at any time during the 90-day period which begins on the date of the individual's appointment, in accordance with the applicable laws regarding special elections in the State involved; except that if a regularly scheduled general election for the office will be held during such period or 30 days thereafter, no special election shall be held and the Member elected in such regularly scheduled general election shall fill the vacancy upon election. Allows such appointed individual to be a candidate in such a special election or in such a regularly scheduled general election.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations directing the Department of Transportation (DOT), agencies within DOT, and private companies contracted to provide aviation-related security to give first priority in hiring airport and aircraft security employees to individuals who: (1) were employed before September 11, 2001, in a security-related position at an airport, by an air carrier, at a facility near to an airport, in providing transportation to or from an airport, or in other employment directly related to commercial aviation; (2) have been laid off, terminated, released, or otherwise lost their jobs as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and (3) are qualified for those positions or for training programs needed to qualify for such positions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prescribe procedural guidelines under which a credit card issuer shall confirm changes of address. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prescribe procedural guidelines under which a consumer reporting agency shall: (1) notify the requester of a discrepancy in the address in the consumer file; (2) include a fraud alert in the file of a requesting consumer; and (3) make free annual disclosures upon consumer request. Confers enforcement jurisdiction upon the Federal Trade Commission. Mandates truncation of credit card account numbers, so that an entity that accepts credit cards for the transaction of business is prohibited from printing more than the last 5 digits of the credit card account number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the cardholder.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
Puppy Protection Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to: (1) include among humane standards for animal treatment provisions respecting socialization of dogs to facilitate contact with other dogs and people, and breeding initiation and frequency of female dogs; (2) revise temporary license suspension provisions; and (3) establish mandatory suspension provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Working Families Tax Rebate Act of 2001-Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a refund (of up to $300) to individuals for payroll taxes paid in 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Republic of Slovakia should be commended for its progress toward political and economic liberty and for its efforts to meet the guidelines for prospective North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members; (2) the Republic would make significant contributions to NATO; (3) extension of NATO to include the Republic would significantly benefit the security and peace of Europe and the region as a whole; and (4) the Republic should be invited to become a full NATO member at the earliest opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Space Preservation Act of 2001 - Reaffirms U.S. policy that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes. Directs the President to: (1) ban U.S. space-based weapons and remove from space any existing U.S. weapons; (2) terminate research and development, testing, manufacturing, production, and deployment of all such weapons; and (3) direct the U.S. representatives to the United Nations and other international organizations to work toward negotiating, adopting, and implementing a world agreement banning space-based weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Airline Workers Fairness Act - Requires procedures that ensure the fair and equitable resolution of labor integration issues in certain transactions for the combination of air carriers which were pending or had been completed during the period from January 1, 2001 to September 11, 2001, and which did not result in the creation of a single air carrier by September 11, 2001. Requires specified labor protective provisions, which were imposed by the Civil Aeronautics Board in the Allegheny-Mohawk merger, to apply to covered employees of the covered air carrier, in any covered transaction that leads to the combination of crafts or classes that are subject to the Railway Labor Act. Requires the terms of a collective bargaining agreement to govern the process of seniority integration where such agreement provides for application of such labor protective provisions in such process. Provides for enforcement of this Act in Federal district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
First Things First Act-Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise certain highest marginal income tax rates. Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to: (1) repeal the phaseout of the overall limitation on itemized deductions and restore the phaseout of personal exemptions; and (2) repeal the termination of the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, step-up basis at death, and related items. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the estate tax deduction for family-owned business interests. Establishes the National Priorities Assessment Task Force in the legislative branch. Requires such Task Force to evaluate congressional success in the following areas: (1) the provision of aid and relief to persons injured as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; (2) the security of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds; (3) the provision of a comprehensive prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries; (4) the provision of Federal funding for school modernization and teacher hiring; and (5) a significant reduction in worst case housing needs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
C?sar Estrada Ch vez Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a special resource study to determine appropriate methods for preserving and interpreting certain sites in Arizona, California, and other states that are significant to the life of C?sar Estrada Ch vez and the farm labor movement in the western United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Displaced Workers Assistance Act - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal to Sargent Shriver to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Peace Corps, and to recognize his incomparable contribution as its first Director.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Home Equity Loss Prevention and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a personal interest deduction (up to $10,000, adjustable for inflation) for individuals. Repeals restrictions on the deduction for education loans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2001
Displaced Workers Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that in light of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001: (1) the United States steel industry is vital to the national security interests of the United States; and (2) the United States should place a priority on using steel produced in the United States in order to help rebuild our Nation and support any future military efforts in response to such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Authorizes the President to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who helped resist the hijackers and caused their plane to crash prematurely on September 11, 2001.
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
Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act of 2001 - Designates: (1) specified public lands in the Chugach National Forest, Alaska, as National Wilderness Preservation System components; and (2) specified public lands in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska, as wilderness areas or System components. Provides with respect to specified public lands in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska, for: (1) a wilderness designation study; (2) designation as Land Use Designation II lands; (3) designation as restoration lands; and (4) designation as special management areas. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate, or study for designation, as wild, scenic, and recreational rivers specified waters in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests, Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sorrow of Congress for the death and injuries suffered by first responders as they tried to save innocent people in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Honors and commends the first responders who participated in evacuating and rescuing the innocent people in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks. Encourages all levels of government to continue to work together to coordinate emergency preparedness effectively by providing the infrastructure, funding, and interagency communication and cooperation necessary to ensure that when another terrorist attack occurs, first responders will be as prepared as possible to respond to the attack effectively.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000336_200.jpg)