United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2001
Nursing Home Quality Protection Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) reinstitution of the Boren Amendment payment methodology repealed in 1997; (2) increased nurse staffing; (3) increased sanctions (including refunds and withholding of Federal funds) for substandard care furnished in nursing facilities; (4) a Nursing Facility Quality Improvement Account in the Treasury for deposit of all substandard care refunds and withheld amounts; (5) grants to States for improvement of the quality of care furnished in nursing facilities in the State; (6) increased public disclosure of information on the Internet regarding nursing facilities; (7) background checks on covered nursing facility employees; (8) the applicability of protections afforded under survey and certification process provisions to all nursing facility residents, not just those entitled to Medicaid payments or in an institution meeting certain requirements; and (9) financial accountability of nursing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act - Sets forth entitlement standards and implementation guidelines for employee use of emergency leave to address domestic or sexual violence. Permits victims of domestic or sexual violence to substitute existing leave in lieu of emergency leave. Authorizes State use of funds under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits for emergency leave precipitated by domestic or sexual violence . Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to approval of State unemployment compensation laws to prohibit denial of compensation where an individual is separated from employment due to circumstances resulting from the individual's experience of domestic or sexual violence. Amends the Social Security Act to include training under this Act for unemployment compensation and TANF personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to a national victim services organization to develop and disseminate a model program for domestic and sexual violence training. Victims' Employment Sustainability Act - Prohibits certain discriminatory employer practices relating to terms or conditions of employment in connection with victims of domestic or sexual violence. Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse-related claims. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business related credit for 40 percent of an employer's costs for implementing workplace safety and education programs relating to domestic and sexual violence. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant for a clearinghouse and resource center to provide information and assistance to employers, labor organizations, and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic or sexual violence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Transit Rail Accommodation Improvement and Needs Act for the 21st Century - Amends Federal rail transportation law with respect to a situation where, after negotiation, a mass transportation authority cannot reach agreement with a rail carrier to use its trackage, and have it provide related services, for fixed guideway transportation. Requires the Surface Transportation Board, upon application by the authority or the carrier, and if necessary or useful, to: (1) order the trackage be made available and related services be provided to the mass transportation authority; and (2) prescribe reasonable terms and compensation for use of the trackage and the related services. Authorizes the mass transportation authority, when it cannot reach agreement with the rail carrier, to apply to the Board for an order requiring the carrier to: (1) establish terms for operation of additional trains the authority requests; (2) provide increased or improved maintenance or related capital work on trackage to maintain reliable service at speeds necessary to provide convenient and efficient mass transportation; (3) allow accelerated speeds and related capital work required to permit operation at accelerated speeds; and (4) convey an interest in a railroad right-of-way for the construction and operation of a segregated fixed guideway facility to the authority. Revises rail transportation policy to declare it is U.S. policy to encourage and promote the operation of safe, efficient, and reliable commuter rail passenger service and other fixed guideway transportation systems, including operations where the service will share lines, corridors, or other facilities with freight railroads or with intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Social Security Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of the People's Republic of China should cease its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Calls for the U.S. Government to urge the Chinese Government to: (1) release from detention all Falun Gong practitioners and end the torture and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of such practitioners and other prisoners of conscience; and (2) abide by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by allowing Falun Gong practitioners to pursue their personal beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
Training for Closed Captioners Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide grants to no more than 20 eligible entities (approved and accredited court reporting programs) to promote the training of students to become realtime closed captioners. Limits to $1 million the amount of a grant provided to an entity in a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Youth Service Scholarship Act of 2001 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Public Service Incentives college scholarship program to reward low- and moderate-income students who have, during high school, and who continue, during college, to make significant public service contributions to their communities. Requires 300 hours of public service by the student: (1) during each of two academic years of secondary school, to be eligible for a scholarship for the first year of college; and (2) during the preceding postsecondary academic year, to be eligible for a second, third, or fourth year. Requires such students to: (1) have been eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; and (2) be eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants in the year in which the scholarships are awarded. Sets the scholarship amount at $5,000 for any academic year during a student's first four years of undergraduate education, and provides for adjustments of such amount in the event of insufficient appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
E-Government Act of 2001 - Establishes the Office of Information Policy in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be administered by a Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) who shall provide direction, coordination, and oversight of the development, application, and management of information resources by the Government. Provides for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to retain information collection review functions. Establishes a Chief Information Officers Council as the principal interagency forum for improving agency practices related to the development, use, operation, and performance of Government information resources. Establishes in the Treasury an E-Government Fund to be used to fund interagency information technology projects and other innovative uses of information technology. Requires each executive agency to: (1) comply with standards established by the CIO and support the CIO's efforts to develop and maintain an integrated Internet-based system of delivering Government information and services to the public; (2) ensure compatibility of its methods for use and acceptance of electronic signatures; (3) publish an online agency directory; (4) establish a website and post all information required to be published on regulatory proceedings and electronic dockets for rulemakings; and (5) conduct a privacy impact assessment before developing or procuring an information system or initiating a new collection of personally identifiable information that will be processed electronically. Requires establishment of: (1) an online Federal telephone directory; (2) an online National Library; and (3) individual Federal court websites. Requires the CIO to: (1) study the feasibility of integrating Federal information systems across agencies; (2) convene an interagency task force to develop recommendations on standards for the collection and dissemination of essential information about federally funded research and development databases that address public availability and agency coordination and collaboration; (3) establish guidelines for privacy notices on agency websites; and (4) promulgate standards and criteria for agency websites. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of common protocols for geographic information systems. Provides for the use of the share-in-savings contracting approach for information technology projects. Requires studies on: (1) using information technology to enhance crisis response and consequence management of natural and manmade disasters; (2) best practices of federally funded community technology centers; and (3) disparities in Internet access across various demographic distributions. Provides for establishment of: (1) a Federal Information Technology Training Center; and (2) an Advisory Board on Government Information which shall recommend standards for establishing permanent public access to government information disseminated on the Internet, developing inventories of government information, and cataloguing and indexing government information. Requires the CIO and each agency to develop and post on the Internet a public domain directory of Government websites.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Space Tourism Promotion Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee up to 85 percent of the value of loans for developing transportation systems, habitation facilities, or other infrastructure required for space tourism. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income gain on the sale or exchange of any stock of a qualified space tourism corporation held for more than a year. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to: (1) govern activities necessary to ensure the safe operation of passenger-carrying launch and reentry vehicles and spacecraft for space tourism and activities related to the provision and safe operation of habitable facilities in outer space for space tourism; and (2) prevent the growth of orbital debris resulting from activities associated with space tourism. Prohibits: (1) the use of launch, reentry, and space travel vehicles owned by the Government for the transport of any individuals other than those engaged in or supporting the conduct of official business or scientific or engineering research and development (R&D), except in emergencies; and (2) the U.S. portion of the International Space Station from being visited or occupied by any individuals other than those engaged in or supporting the conduct of such business or R&D and those authorized by relevant international agreements, except in emergencies. Requires the use of other Federal facilities and infrastructure, such as launch ranges and data relay satellites, to be made available to commercial entities engaged in space tourism on a cost-reimbursable basis to the extent that excess capacity exists.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act of 2001 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized; and (4) report to Congress on all legislation introduced that would establish a new agency or a new program to be carried out by an existing agency. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline for abolishing an agency to be extended for an additional two years by legislation enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Working Lands Stewardship Act of 2001 - Amends specified agricultural Acts to: (1) revise and increase funding for the farmland protection program; (2) provide market development grants and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who forgo development of certain lands; (3) expand State marketing programs, including set-asides for development of local and regional markets and research; (4) increase funding for farmer-to-consumer marketing assistance; (5) provide for a program to promote the purchase of locally grown produce; (6) increase funding for programs for socially disadvantaged farmers; (7) extend and increase funding for the environmental quality incentives program, including set-asides for livestock, pesticide reduction, and water conservation; (8) provide watershed quality incentive contracts; (9) provide loans for manure reuse activities and facilities; (10) extend and increase funding for the wildlife habitat incentives program, including set-asides for imperiled native species, and acquisition of easements and water rights; (11) extend and increase acreage for the wetlands reserve program; (12) establish a wetlands reserve enhancement program; (13) extend and increase funding for the conservation reserve program, including an acreage set-aside for environmentally-sensitive lands and buffer strips, and enrollment of grasslands and rangelands; (14) authorize incentive payments for private grazing land conservation; (15) establish a grassland reserve program; (16) expand the National Organic Program to include organic farming transition assistance; (17) establish an organic certification reimbursement program; (18) extend and increase funding for the forest stewardship program, including set-asides for new land management practices, and watershed forestry initiative activities; (19) authorize appropriations for urban and community forestry activities; (20) provide funding for specified conservation technical assistance and administration and outreach, including establishment of training centers in specified cities; and (21) establish a demonstration program to promote ecosystem- and watershed-based conservation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Calls for the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service to recommend and the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp commemorating Juan Nepomuceno Seguin (recognized by Texas as a hero of its war for independence).
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2001 - Establishes the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury to promote the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable and safe low-income housing.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
Tohono O'odham Citizenship Act of 2001 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to recognize persons listed on the official membership roll of the Tohono O'odham Nation, a federally recognized American Indian nation located in Arizona, as U.S. citizens as of the date such listing occurs. Provides that the valid membership credential issued to such listed persons shall be considered, for all purposes subject to Federal law, equivalent to: (1) a certificate of citizenship; and (2) a State-issued birth certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Sets forth definitions, State contribution requirements, and other rules. Requires approval, by the Secretary of Transportation, of qualified Amtrak projects funded by such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2001 - Declares that it shall be policy of the United States that its research, development, demonstration, and commercial applications programs be designed to enable 20 percent of domestic energy generated from stationary sources to be generated from nonhydropower renewable energy sources by the year 2020. Prescribes research and development program goals to implement such policy in connection with enhanced: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; and (3) biomass energy and related chemical research. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) submit to Congress an assessment of renewable energy resources available for commercial application; (2) commission an independent assessment of innovative financing techniques to facilitate construction of new renewable energy and energy efficiency facilities that might not otherwise be built in a competitive market; (3) provide assistance to private sector entities for the commercial application of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies; and (4) establish an education and outreach program on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to seek to develop: (1) technologies that will enable a 50 percent increase in aircraft engine energy efficiencies by 2010; and (2) air transportation management operational concepts and procedures that will enable a 25 percent increase in the energy efficiency of the overall air transport system on a per flight basis by 2010. Requires the Director of the Office and Science and Technology Policy to oversee a review of each Federal agency's regulations and policies for emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and processes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Voting Technology Standards Act of 2001 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, in carrying out currently specified functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to study standards for voting products and systems used in the United States, including vote casting, voter registration, and vote counting products and systems. Prescribes an administrative procedure for identifying and outlining a strategy for developing voluntary consensus-based standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, integrity, and security of U.S. voting products and systems. Requires the Director of NIST to establish a program for research in areas that support the development of standards for voting products and systems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001
Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified computer technology or equipment equal to 50 percent of the amount paid for it (up to $500) by any taxpayer allowed an earned income credit. Extends from December 31, 2003, through June 30, 2004, the current enhanced deduction from gross income for charitable contributions of computers for elementary or secondary school purposes. Prescribes a special rule for contributions of computer technology and equipment to a qualified organization made within three years after the taxpayer acquired or constructed the property, if: (1) the property's original use is by the donor or the donee; (2) substantially all of the property's use by the donee is within the United States and, in the case of a qualified educational organization, for educational purposes related to the organization's purpose or function; (3) the property is not transferred by the donee in exchange for money, other property, or services, except for shipping, installation, and transfer costs; and (4) other specified requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to enter into a contract for the design and construction of a monument, which shall be placed on permanent display in the Capitol rotunda, commemorating the contributions of minority women to women's suffrage and to the participation of women in U.S. public life. Requires the monument to depict African, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Jewish, and Native American women. Requires use of an advisory committee to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Models of Safety and Health Excellence Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish voluntary protection programs to promote and recognize the achievement of worksites that demonstrate excellence in workplace health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary, in limited situations, to alter program application requirements to include nonstandard worksites such as short-term construction sites and mobile worksites. Directs the Secretary to encourage: (1) program participants to share occupational safety and health expertise with other employers; (2) the participation of small business in the programs, through outreach and assistance initiatives and program requirements that address the needs of small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for development of equivalent programs in State-plan States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). Sets forth program requirements for applications, on-site evaluations, information, and reevaluations. Exempts worksites participating in the program from inspections or investigations under OSHA, except inspections or investigations arising from employee complaints, fatalities, catastrophes, or significant toxic releases. Requires decisions regarding acceptance into, and continued participation in, the program to be based on the applicant's superior safety and health performance, as determined by, and in the sole discretion of, the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the Hope Scholarship Credit to: (1) extend coverage to fees, books, supplies, and equipment, and exempt such expenses from information reporting requirements; and (2) not reduce such Credit by Federal Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Pharmacy Education Aid Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Act to include pharmacist services within the National Health Service Corps program of scholarships, including first-year pharmacy studies, loans, and funding. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants and contracts to qualifying pharmacy schools for: (1) student and faculty recruitment and retraining, with scholarship preference for students with financial need; (2) computer-based pharmaceutical education systems; and (3) facilities construction. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a loan repayment program for qualifying individuals who become pharmacy school faculty.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Recognizes specified individuals, organizations, businesses, and other entities for outstanding and invaluable service provided to the people of Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas during the devastating flooding caused by tropical storm Allison.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
College Fire Prevention Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to States, private or public colleges or universities, fraternities, or sororities for up to half the cost of providing fire sprinkler systems in student housing and dormitories. Directs the Comptroller General to gather, and report to Congress, data on the number of college and university housing facilities and dormitories that have and do not have fire sprinkler systems and other forms of built-in fire protection mechanisms. Provides that any application for assistance under this Act, any negative determination on the part of the Secretary with respect to such application, or any statement of reasons for the determination, shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Motor Carrier Fuel Cost Equity Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to require any contract or agreement for truckload transportation or service regularly provided by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder subject to the Secretary of Transportation and the Surface Transportation Board to include a requirement to assess a payer of transportation charges a minimum surcharge for fuel when the current price of fuel surpasses the $1.10 per gallon benchmark price by $0.05 per gallon. Requires the surcharge to be the amount necessary to compensate the person responsible for paying for fuel for the amount of increase in its cost. Allows any motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to include in any transportation contract or agreement a privately negotiated fuel cost adjustment provision designed to compensate the person responsible for paying for fuel for the increase in its cost. Requires any motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing transportation or service using motor vehicles not owned by it and using fuel not paid for by it to pass any fuel surcharge through to the person responsible for paying for fuel. Prohibits any reduction in compensatory transportation costs (other than the fuel surcharge) to, or the imposition of a fuel cost adjustment on, the payer of fuel for the purpose of adjusting for or avoiding the pass through or the payment of the fuel surcharge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Bridges to the Cuban People Act of 2001 - Exempts from the embargo on trade with Cuba (including prohibitions under the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 against the unloading at a U.S. port of vessels that previously entered a Cuban port to engage in trade) the export of any agricultural commodity, farm machinery or equipment, medicine, or medical device, or any travel incident to the delivery of such items. Prohibits the President from prohibiting or regulating travel to or from or within Cuba by U.S. nationals or lawful resident aliens, including specified transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, financial or otherwise. Authorizes the President to provide scholarships for Cuban nationals who seek to undertake graduate study in public health, public policy, economics, law, or other field of social science. Authorizes the President to waive certain sanctions against, and restrictions on assistance to, Cuba, including the exclusion from the United States of certain aliens who have confiscated property in Cuba of U.S. nationals or who traffic in such property, if he determines that it will promote the peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba or will further U.S. national economic interests. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that any U.S. person may make. Authorizes the import into the United States of a Cuban originated medical article if the Secretary of Health and Human Services makes a determination that there is a medical need in the United States for such article that is not being met by any medicine or medical device in commercial distribution in the United States. Prohibits the use of funds to enforce unilateral sanctions on the export of goods and services intended for the exclusive use of children in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) Federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis; and (2) a deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums and enrollment fees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
End Gridlock at Our Nation's Critical Airports Act of 2001 - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit a State, local government, or political authority of at least two States from enacting or enforcing a law that: (1) requires a certificate of approval before the construction or operation of an airport development project at a covered airport (an airport that each year has at least .25 percent of the total annual boardings in the United States) if the project meets certain standards established by the Secretary of Transportation, whether or not such project is the subject of an approved airport improvement grant; or (2) prohibits, conditions, or otherwise regulates the direct application for, or receipt or expenditure of, an airport improvement grant or other funds by the sponsor of a covered airport for an airport development project at such airport if the project meets such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Sudan Peace Act - Declares that Congress condemns violations of human rights on all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan), the ongoing slave trade there, the Government's use and organization of "murahalliin" (or "mujahadeen"), Popular Defense Forces (PDF), and regular Sudanese Army units into raiding and slaving parties in Bahr al Ghazal, the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile regions, and its aerial bombardment of civilian targets. Recognizes that the use of raiding and slaving parties is a tool for creating food shortages as a systematic means to destroy the societies, culture, and economies of the Dinka, Nuer, and Nuba peoples in a policy of low-intensity ethnic cleansing. Urges the President to make certain funds available for humanitarian assistance to the National Democratic Alliance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to utilize Department of State personnel for the support of ongoing negotiations, and eventual implementation of a peace settlement, between the Government of Sudan and opposition forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United Nations (UN) should be used as a tool to facilitate peace and recovery in Sudan. Prohibits business entities engaged in commercial activities in Sudan from trading their securities in any U.S. capital market unless they offer public disclosure of their activities in Sudan. Directs the President to develop a contingency plan to provide, outside UN auspices, the greatest amount of U.S. Government and privately donated relief to all affected areas in Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and the Blue Nile regions, in the event the Government of Sudan imposes a ban on Operation Lifeline Sudan air transport relief flights. Directs the Secretary to collect information about possible war crimes by all parties to the conflict in Sudan, including slavery, rape, and aerial bombardment of civilian targets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Reaffirms the deepest sympathies of Congress to the citizens of India for the losses suffered as a result of the January 26, 2001, earthquake. Expresses support for: (1) the people of India; (2) continuing and substantially increasing the amount of disaster assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other relief agencies for recovery from the earthquake to not less than $100 million; (3) providing future economic assistance; and (4) the economic assistance efforts of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international community. Urges the President to use U.S. influence to expedite such efforts. Encourages assistance from other nations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Amends the Organic Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of each person that notifies the Secretary that it is a manufacturer or seller that is: (1) licensed to engage in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product; or (2) is a trade association representing such manufacturers or sellers. Declares that any lawful conduct carried out by a manufacturer or seller in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product, or lawful conduct carried out by a trade association in the course of representing such manufacturers or sellers, shall not be the basis for imposing a restriction on such commerce (the award of civil damages, equitable relief, or any other specified limitation) as a result of harm caused by the criminal or other unlawful misuse of such firearm or ammunition product by any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Safe Havens Support Act of 2001 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow a State to use a TANF grant to support an infant safe haven program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Uniform and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to revise voter registration and absentee ballot application procedures for absent uniform services and overseas voters. Establishes a mandatory minimum period for acceptance of absentee ballots after date of election, as well as other specified requirements and prohibitions for the stated purpose of promoting participation of overseas and absent uniformed services voters. Makes it an additional duty of the Presidential designee under such Act to prescribe a standard oath for use with any document affirming that a material misstatement of fact in the completion of such a document may constitute grounds for a conviction for perjury. Provides for coverage of recently separated uniformed services voters. Requires the Presidential designee to make a payment to each eligible State for carrying out activities to comply with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2001 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use funding under COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community policing efforts; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for the costs associated with seeking a college or graduate school education. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for units of local government with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted specifically for retention of police officers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service to recommend and the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor Paul Leroy Robeson (an advocate for African-American rights).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Voting Rights Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to prohibit States from removing a registrant from the official list of eligible voters for Federal elections by reason of criminal conviction unless the State provides the registrant with a notice of removal containing: (1) a statement that the State intends to make the removal; (2) a description of the reasons for it; and (3) a statement that the registrant may obtain a review of the removal from an appropriate election official of the State in accordance with specified guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. entertainment industry should immediately stop the negative and unfair stereotyping of Italian-Americans, particularly as profane criminals, and should undertake a serious initiative to present Italian-Americans in a more balanced and positive manner.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that Federal participation in the funding of Corps of Engineers projects for shore protection and beach replenishment should not be reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Korea Defense Service Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue a campaign medal, to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal, to each member who served in the Republic of Korea or its adjacent waters after July 27, 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Municipal Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to mandate that deposits of an in-State municipal depositor at an insured depository institution be insured in an aggregate amount not to exceed the total equity capital of the institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act - Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) Federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Requires that such service which is performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer be treated: (1) on or after the enactment date of this Act, for all purposes, as service performed as a law enforcement officer, irrespective of how such service is treated under the following; and (2) before, on, or after such date, for purposes of CSRS and FERS, as service performed as such an officer, but only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management five years after such date or before separation from Government service, whichever is earlier. Provides that nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from Government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the involuntary separation of an officer before the end of the three-year period beginning on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Welcomes President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan upon his visit to the United States. Requests that he communicate to the Taiwanese people the support of Congress and the people of the United States. Recognizes his visit as a significant step toward broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2001
Dairy Consumers and Producers Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to include Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania within the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact. Eliminates: (1) the Compact's termination date; and (2) certain restrictive authority respecting non-Compact milk. States that only Ohio may join such Compact. Eliminates and revises specified provisions regarding Compact implementation, duration, restricting authority, and Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. States that Congress consents to the Southern Dairy Compact entered into by Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. States that only Florida, Nebraska, and Texas may join such Compact. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk unless otherwise consented to by the Congress. Provides for Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. Sets forth the Southern Dairy Compact. States that Congress consents to: (1) the Pacific Northwest Dairy Compact proposed for California, Oregon, and Washington; and (2) the Intermountain Dairy Compact proposed for Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk. Provides for Corporation compensation. States that such Compacts shall be the same as the Southern Dairy Compact with specified differences.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2001 - Imposes specified sanctions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or the Palestinian Authority if the President determines that such entities have not complied with certain commitments made with Israel. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions in the U.S. national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2001 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a one-family residential unit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in Houston, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises provisions relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. Sets forth provisions for association health plans with respect to: (1) enforcement; (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities; and (3) treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop a plan for U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment; (2) request a plan review by the National Academy of Sciences and transmit the plan and review to Congress; and (3) develop and transmit to Congress a plan for the Fusion Energy Sciences Program and for the magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a plan for U.S. participation in an international burning plasma experiment: (1) whose construction is highly likely; and (2) where Federal participation is cost effective relative to the cost and scientific benefits of a domestic experiment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Volunteer Firefighter's Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, for a volunteer firefighter, an annual deduction (of up to $500) for contributions to a volunteer firefighter savings account.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lampson, Nick [D-TX-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000043_200.jpg)