United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign promoting stroke prevention and immediate treatment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse, including conducting and/or making available research concerning best practices for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; (2) make grants to States to establish statewide stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems; and (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel. Sets forth requirements for the State grant program, including matching funds, standards for care and facilities, central data reporting and analysis, special consideration for geographic areas with high rates of disability from stroke or significant need, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to develop and implement education programs for appropriate medical personnel with regard to newly developed diagnostics, technologies, and therapies for stroke prevention and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
State Budget Relief Act of 2001 - Requires the Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for: (1) a State for FY 2001 to be substituted for the State's FMAP for FY 2002 if the FY 2002 FMAP would otherwise be less than the FY 2001 FMAP; and (2) each eligible State for each calendar quarter in FY 2002 to be increased by two percentage points. Mandates specified FMAP increases for States with high unemployment rates, and a specified Medicaid payment cap increase for territories. Prohibits application of the FMAP increases for a State under this Act with respect to: (1) disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicaid; and (2) payments under SSA titles IV and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP).
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Condemns the terrorist attacks resulting in the death of 26 and the wounding of at least 175 innocent people in Israel within 14 hours during December 1-2, 2001, and extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to Israel and to the families of the victims. Expresses outrage at the ongoing Palestinian terrorist campaign and insists that the Palestinian Authority take all necessary steps to end it. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Palestinian Authority takes specified actions. Urges the President to insist that countries harboring or materially supporting Palestinian terrorist groups end their support, dismantle the groups, and bring them to justice. Commends the President for his strong leadership against international terrorism. Expresses U.S. solidarity with Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Delays until at least January 1, 2003, any changes in Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) regulations that modify the Medicaid upper payment limit for certain services of non-State government-owned or operated hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.
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 · 16 November 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Expresses: (1) gratitude to the Government and people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States; (2) sympathy to the Filipino victims of terrorism and their families; and (3) support for the Philippine Government in its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism. Affirms the U.S. commitment to the Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Declares that Congress acknowledges the economic and military needs of the Philippines and pledges to continue to assist in addressing those needs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Fairness in Antitrust in National Sports (FANS) Act of 2001 - Amends the Clayton Act to provide that the conduct, acts, practices, or agreements (conduct) of persons in the business of organized professional major league baseball directly relating to or affecting the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise are subject to the antitrust laws to the same extent that such conduct would be subject to such laws if engaged in by persons in any other professional sports business affecting interstate commerce. Declares that: (1) no court shall rely on the enactment of this Act as a basis for changing the application of the antitrust laws to any other conduct; and (2) this Act does not create, permit, or imply a cause of action by which to challenge under the antitrust laws, or otherwise apply the antitrust laws to, any conduct that does not directly relate to or affect the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise. Grants standing to bring action under this Act based on such violation to any person (including any major league or minor league baseball player; any Federal, State, or local government, and any stadium authority) injured by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Sioux Code Talkers Recognition Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously) a congressional gold medal to named Sioux Indians who served as Sioux Code Talkers during World War II in recognition of their service to the Nation.
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 · 1 November 2001
Financial Contracts Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to redefine specified contracts, agreements, and transfers entered into with an insolvent insured depository institution prior to the appointment of a conservator or receiver. Retains the right to cause the acceleration of a qualified financial contract with an insured depository institution in receivership status. Retains the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) right or power to transfer, disaffirm, or repudiate a qualified financial contract of a failed institution. Prohibits enforcement of a walkaway clause in a qualified financial contract of a failed insured depository institution. Revises guidelines pertaining to an insolvent insured depository institution and: (1) transfers of qualified financial contracts; and (2) the termination rights of counterparties to a qualified financial contract. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the disaffirmance or repudiation of qualified financial contracts by the conservator or receiver for a failed depository institution; and (2) the treatment of a master agreement as a single agreement and a single qualified financial contract. Amends the Federal Bankruptcy Code to: (1) deny an automatic stay to set-offs under certain swap and netting agreements; and (2) restrict bankruptcy trustee avoidance power regarding certain master netting agreement transfers to those that are fraudulent in nature. Sets forth statutory guidelines governing: (1) the termination or acceleration of designated contracts and agreements; and (2) commodity broker and stockbroker liquidation with respect to the priority of unsecured claims, or customer property or distributions. Amends the FDIA to authorize the FDIC to prescribe more detailed recordkeeping requirements for qualified financial contracts (only if the pertinent institution is in a troubled condition). Exempts specified collateralization agreements from the contemporaneous execution requirement that renders invalid certain agreements against FDIC interests in certain asset acquisitions. Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1971 to prohibit a judicial protective decree, or one issued by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, from operating as a stay of creditor's contract rights to liquidate, terminate, or accelerate designated contracts and agreements. Allows such a protective order, however, to operate as a stay of foreclosure on securities collateral pledged by the debtor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Terrorism Risk Protection Act - Sets a deadline for the President to designate an Administrator (or Administrators) to implement this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in determining the Administrator responsible for making determinations as to whether a loss was caused by an act of terrorism, the President should consider the appropriate role of the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. Prescribes procedural guidelines under which such Administrator shall provide financial assistance (up to $100 billion) to commercial insurers to cover insured losses resulting from an act of terrorism. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a terrorism reserve for commercial lines of insurance business. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) should develop appropriate definitions for acts of terrorism and appropriate standards for making determinations regarding such acts; (2) each State should adopt those definitions and standards for purposes of regulating insurance coverage in that State; (3) the appropriate Administrator should advocate and promote the development of definitions and standards appropriate for purposes of this Act; and (4) after such consultation, the appropriate Administrator should adopt definitions for acts of terrorism and standards for determinations appropriate for this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the NAIC should develop appropriate guidelines for commercial insurers and pools regarding maintenance of reserves against the risks of acts of terrorism; and (2) each State should adopt such guidelines for commercial insurers doing business in that State. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should require that the price of terrorism insurance coverage, including the costs of any terrorism related assessments or surcharges, be separately disclosed. Instructs the President to establish a commission to study and report to Congress on the potential effects of an act of terrorism on the life insurance industry in the United States and the markets served by such industry.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Home Ownership Opportunities for Public Safety Officers and Teachers Act of 2001 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments (and deferral and reduction of up-front payments) for Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans for qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators and non-Federal public safety officers to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing agencies. Provides a 50 percent discount for teachers and public safety officers purchasing certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a mortgage assistance pilot program to assist Federal, State, and local public safety officers purchase primary residences in high-crime areas.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Disaster Relief Charities Accountability Act - Establishes the Charity Accountability Board which shall: (1) request information from and make recommendations to qualifying charitable organizations regarding the amount of disaster relief funds collected and dispersed by such organizations, administrative costs incurred, and the criteria used in dispersing disaster relief funds; (2) provide information about disaster relief funds to disaster victims and those wishing to contribute to such funds; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the status of such funds.
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 · 24 October 2001
Rebuild America: Financing Infrastructure Renewal and Security for Transportation Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Requires Secretary of Transportation approval of qualified Amtrak projects funded by such bonds. Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize appropriations to the Secretary for Amtrak capital expenditures, including specified tunnel life safety projects, bridges, tracks, and other improvements, and equipment, including acquisition of trainsets and rolling stock. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads (or with the concurrence of such railroads, to a State or local government) to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve certain railroad track. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to set forth additional requirements with respect to cohorts of direct loans and loan guarantees for certain railroad rehabilitation and improvement projects. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under this Act. Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality. Provides for an extended repayment period and additional subsidization with respect to loans from revolving funds to financially distressed communities. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to increase the Federal-Aid Highway program obligation ceiling for FY 2002. Authorizes additional appropriations from the Mass Transit Account and the Highway Trust Fund for FY 2002 for certain formula grants for mass transportation projects, including projects for special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities and non-urbanized areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $100 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to $175. Amends Federal aviation law to increase appropriations from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for FY 2002 for airport planning and airport development, including airport noise compatibility planning and programs. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 2002 and 2003 for guaranteed loans for ferries using a streamlined process. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to U.S. port or maritime cargo terminal operators to acquire the best available technology, equipment, or infrastructure. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize additional FY 2002 appropriations, respectively, for public works and economic development, Appalachian regional development, and Delta, Mississippi regional development. Authorizes additional FY 2002 appropriations to: (1) carry out construction, operation, and maintenance activities (including security measures) for Corps of Engineers projects; and (2) enhance the security of General Services Administration properties. Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize additional appropriations for FY 2002 to enhance the security of: (1) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (2) the Smithsonian Institution.
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
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) exclude portable electrocardiograms, portable x-rays, and portable mammograms from payment under the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system; and (2) include as reasonable and necessary for Medicare reimbursement the costs of transportation of electrocardiogram equipment.
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 · 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 · 4 October 2001
Congratulates Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on a half century of effort in promoting democratic values, particularly freedom of the press and freedom of expression in certain areas of the world. Recognizes such organization's major contribution to the growth of democracy throughout the world and its continuing efforts to advance vital U.S. interests in building a more peaceful, democratic, free, and stable world community.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 - Amends Federal law governing monetary transactions and Federal criminal law to establish as a bulk cash smuggling offense the knowing concealment and attempted transport (or transfer) across U.S. borders of currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000, with intent to evade specified currency reporting requirements. Subjects to Federal criminal penalties currency couriers who conceal more than $10,000 in currency and transport, or conspire to transport, such currency in interstate commerce knowing that it was either derived from, or intended to promote, unlawful activity. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over foreign money launderers, and over money that is laundered through a foreign bank. Establishes reporting requirements for coin and currency receipts of more than $10,000 received by a nonfinancial trade or business, or criminal court clerks. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to declare inadmissible: (1) aliens who have engaged in proscribed money laundering activities; and (2) their immediate family members who have benefitted from such illicit activities. Authorizes Federal enforcement agencies to initiate forfeiture actions regarding funds deposited into a foreign bank that has a correspondent account in the United States. Places the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a bureau in the Department of the Treasury. Includes among its duties the maintenance of a financial crimes communications center to coordinate money laundering detection by law enforcement authorities and financial institutions. Extends U.S. Customs Service border searches to international shipments of mail. Establishes criminal penalties for false statements concerning the identity of customers of financial institutions. Requires financial institutions to maintain account holder identification and verification . Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a highly secure website in the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that allows financial institutions to file suspicious activities reports through the Internet, and that alerts financial institutions regarding activities that warrant immediate and enhanced scrutiny; (2) provide for a public-private task force on terrorist financing issues; and (3) require registered brokers and dealers to submit suspicious activity reports. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the inclusion of suspicions of illegal activity in written employment references. Sets forth special measures for jurisdictions, financial institutions, or international transactions of primary money laundering concern, including a proscription against United States correspondent accounts with foreign shell banks. Empowers the Secretary to enter into international negotiations regarding money laundering investigations, financial crimes, and the finances of terrorist groups. Prohibits the acceptance of any bank instrument in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. Amends the Federal criminal code to increase penalties for counterfeiting domestic and foreign currency and obligations. Includes counterfeiting by analog, digital, or electronic image.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
General Aviation Small Business Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration to make grants to general aviation small business concerns in amounts equal to direct losses sustained since September 11, 2001, as a result of any Federal ground stop order(s) related to the terrorist attacks. Authorizes loans to assist such a business that has suffered, as a result of such attacks, substantial economic injury that is not incidental to the business's revenue and that is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Extends the due date for excise tax deposits for general aviation small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Aviation Security Act - Amends Federal transportation law to establish within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a Deputy Administrator for Aviation Security who shall be responsible for aviation-related security at all U.S. airports and air navigation facilities involved in interstate or intrastate air transportation by civil aircraft. Establishes the Aviation Security Coordination Council, which shall, among other things, coordinate intelligence, security, and criminal enforcement activities affecting the safety and security of aviation at all U.S. airports and air navigation facilities involved in interstate or intrastate air transportation by public aircraft. Sets forth requirements to: (1) prohibit access to the flight deck (cockpit) of commercial aircraft by any person other than a flight deck crew member; (2) require the strengthening of the cockpit door and locks to prevent entry into such area by non-flight deck crew members (including requiring commuter aircraft that do not have doors to get doors to prevent public access to the cockpit area); (3) provide for random deployment of Federal marshals on domestic commercial air passenger flights and all international flights on U.S. carriers into or out of the United States (including requirements for background and fitness checks and training); (4) federalize airport security operations by deploying law enforcement personnel at each airport (including armed personnel at airport security screening locations of the 100 largest airports); (5) train flight crews in anti-hijacking procedures; (6) make the FAA responsible for screening of air passengers and property boarding each aircraft; (7) establish a program to hire and train airport security screening personnel; (8) require criminal background checks of heavy plane flight training applicants; and (9) collect a $1 per-one-way revenue passenger user (security) fee from commercial air carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2001
Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to eligible public entities to assist in the environmental cleanup and economic development of brownfield sites. Provides that community development block grant (CDBG) loan guarantee limits shall not include amounts for certain brownfield projects. Includes brownfield redevelopment as an eligible CDBG activity. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement the community empowerment fund pilot program, including brownfield redevelopment activities; and (2) conduct a study of Federal brownfield redevelopment activities.
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 · 6 September 2001
Rural America Technology Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utility Service, to: (1) establish a National Centers for Distance Working Program to provide grants to eligible organizations for the Federal share of the cost of establishing National Centers for Distance Working in rural areas (and Indian reservations) to conduct five-year projects to support the use of teleworking in information technology fields; and (2) make grants for studies on teleworking in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the rural telecommunications facilities investment tax credit. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a proceeding to provide Federal universal service support for the deployment of broadband telecommunications service to eligible rural communities. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administrative Organization Act to direct the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture to make loans or other credit extensions to eligible telecommunications carrier providers, or to companies that accept the obligations of such carriers, to finance the deployment of broadband service to eligible rural communities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Office of Rural Technology to act as an information center about programs that offer technology assistance to entities in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a rural high tech employment tax credit. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to support the expansion of opportunities in rural areas for instruction in high technology fields and enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2001
Pays tribute to the relationship between the United States and Australia. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with Australia under the ANZUS Treaty and the importance of security cooperation, security commitments, and the trade and economic relationship between the United States and Australia. Expresses strong support for continued close cooperation between Australia and the United States on economic and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. Welcomes the state visit by Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2001
Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Training Enhancement Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2002 - Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 2002 for the Peace Corps for additional health volunteers working with HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention methodologies, particularly the training of local HIV/AIDS trainers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
International Students Reporting Act- Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to eliminate the information collection program respecting foreign students and other exchange program participants.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Family Planning State Empowerment Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States the option to elect to: (1) make available family planning services and supplies furnished to eligible individuals of child-bearing age to any individual whose family income does not exceed the greater of 185 percent of the income official poverty line applicable to a family of the size involved or the specified eligibility income level; and (2) extend the postpartum period for provision of family planning services and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Medicare Pharmacist Services Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide for Medicare coverage of pharmacist services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Provides that, under the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), in the case of an incentive stock option exercised during calendar year 2000, the amount taken into account, under provisions of the Code concerning adjustments in computing alternative minimum taxable income for individuals, by reason of such exercise shall not exceed the amount that would have been taken into account if, on the date of such exercise, the fair market value of the stock acquired pursuant to such option had been its fair market value as of April 15, 2001 (or, if such stock is sold or exchanged on or before such date, the amount realized on such sale or exchange).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Declares that Congress encourages the Government of China to honor its obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, as modified by the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees of 1967, by: (1) making genuine efforts to identify and protect the refugees among the North Korean migrants encountered by Chinese authorities; (2) providing North Korean refugees residing in China with a safe asylum; (3) halting the forced repatriations of North Korean refugees seeking asylum in China; (4) allowing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to have access to all North Korean refugees residing in China; and (5) cooperating with the UNHCR in efforts to resettle the North Korean refugees residing in China in other countries. Encourages the UNHCR to facilitate the resettlement of North Korean refugees residing in China in other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Commends and congratulates Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the tenth anniversary of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Recognizes her contributions and work toward bringing peace and democracy to Burma. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President and Secretary of State should continue to encourage the Government of Burma to restore basic human rights to the Burmese people, to eliminate the practice of human trafficking, to address the manufacture of heroin and methamphetamine, to continue releasing political prisoners, to recognize the results of the 1990 democratic elections, and to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy to enjoy unfettered freedom of speech and freedom of movement; and (2) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2001 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs). Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares this Act inapplicable to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act is inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for remedies to the same extent as under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Rural Telecommunications Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans and grants to eligible (non-federal public or private) entities to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of facilities to furnish or improve broadband transmission service in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish an international education policy to enhance national security, significantly further U.S. foreign policy and economic competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. Includes among policy objectives: (1) producing citizens with a high level of international experience; (2) promoting greater diversity of locations, languages, and subjects involved in teaching, research, and study abroad; (3) increasing participation in internships abroad; (4) invigorating citizen and professional international exchange programs; (5) supporting visas and employment policies that promote increased numbers of international students; (6) encouraging programs that begin foreign language learning in the United States at an early age; (7) promoting educational exchanges and research collaboration with American educational institutions abroad; and (8) promoting partnerships among government, business, and educational institutions and organizations to provide adequate resources for implementing this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Hematological Cancer Research Investment and Education Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of: (1) the National Institutes of Health to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research with respect to blood cancer, particularly with respect to leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma; (2) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish a related public information program, to be carried out in collaboration with private health organizations that have national education and patient assistance programs on blood-related cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Salmon Planning Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) providing for peer review of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion regarding the Operation of the Federal Columbia River power system, issued December 21, 2000, and any subsequent modification of it (opinion) and submission of a report on the results. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to publish a determination of whether implementation of the salmon recovery measures in the opinion are sufficient to achieve recovery, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, of the salmon and steelhead populations; and if not, whether partially removing the four lower Snake River dams (the dams) are necessary to restore Snake River salmon and steelhead populations; (2) the Secretary of the Interior to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet treaty obligations; and (3) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet Federal Water Pollution Control Act requirements. Directs the Comptroller General to study the potential effects of partially removing the dams. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to partially remove the dams if the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the EPA Administrator finds that such action is necessary to meet the aforementioned requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake such preliminary engineering, design, construction, and other activities as necessary to remove the dams.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to health care coverage. Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Sets forth provisions concerning group health plans and health insurers and the provision of certain advice and care, including: (1) emergency care; (2) obstetric and gynecological care; (3) specialists care; (4) prescription drugs; (5) participation in approved clinical trials; and (6) health plan information. Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Extends and expands provisions of the medical savings account program. Provides for: (1) the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed; and (2) a credit for the health insurance expenses of small businesses.
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 · 12 July 2001
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide for coverage of outpatient vision rehabilitation services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001
Medicare Fairness in Reimbursement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to instruct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to payments for items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program, with specified formulae for States whose average per beneficiary amount is: (1) greater than 105 percent of the national average; or (2) less than 95 percent of the national average. Authorizes the Secretary to make specified related adjustments to geographic indices under the Medicare physician fee schedule in certain circumstances.
![Official portrait of Rep. Leach, James A. [R-IA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000169_200.jpg)