United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Reservists Pay Security Act of 2003 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Requires architectural and engineering contracts to be awarded consistent with procedures under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 or an equivalent State qualifications-based requirement. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the 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 of navigable waters. Makes revisions concerning uses of funds for: (1) innovative technologies; (2) administrative expenses; (3) small system technical, planning, and management assistance; and (4) financially distressed communities. Revises requirements related to consistency with plans and eligibility of treatment works not considered publicly owned. Requires States to make grants to financially distressed communities in any fiscal year in which the Administrator has more than $1.4 billion available for obligation and allows a State to give priority to such communities in making loans. Directs the Administrator to provide technical and financial assistance to owners and operators of publicly-owned treatment works for: (1) inventorying critical treatment works assets; (2) evaluating the performance and condition of these assets; and (3) developing a plan for maintaining and replacing treatment works. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for the revolving fund program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the full realization of the rights of women is vital to the development and well-being of people of all nations; and (2) the Senate should, therefore, give its advice and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2002
Child Care Lending Pilot Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to allow the proceeds of loans made through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to local development companies for plant acquisition, construction, or expansion to be used to assist small, nonprofit child care businesses, provided that: (1) the loan will be used for a sound business purpose approved by the SBA; and (2) each business receiving the assistance meets eligibility requirements applicable to for-profit businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2002
Tobacco Free Internet for Kids Act of 2002 - Regulates the transit sale of tobacco. Defines transit sale to mean any sale where the product is not delivered directly to the consumer at the time and place of purchase. Includes purchase by electronics, such as through the Internet, and by mail. Prohibits the transit sale of tobacco products to minors. Requires transit sellers of tobacco products to: (1) be authorized as a tobacco distributor by any State in which they make sales; (2) verify consumer age, identity, and address before a sale; (3) provide notice to addressee of intended tobacco delivery (and halting shipment if a notice is received in return that the sale is improper); (4) provide carriers with information concerning the product being shipped (transit tobacco sale) and the sellers' documentation of State authorization; and (5) accept payment only by debit, charge or credit card issued to the consumer where both the billing and residential address match. Requires a signature and proof of identity for delivery. Limits the frequency, content, and amount of transit tobacco sales. Establishes requirements for Internet websites offering tobacco products for sale, including proof of age, identity, and address before access. Excludes Indian tribe tobacco sales within the tribe from certain State authorization requirements. Sets forth duties of carriers and tobacco suppliers concerning their commercial dealings with transit tobacco sellers. Sets forth recordkeeping and database use requirements Establishes civil penalties for violations. Grants enforcement authority to both Federal and State agencies. States that more stringent State laws are not superceded by these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Ballistics, Law Assistance, and Safety Technology Act (BLAST Act) - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require a licensed manufacturer or importer of firearms to: (1) test fire manufactured or imported firearms as specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (2) prepare ballistics images of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; (3) make the records available to the Secretary for entry into a computerized database; and (4) store the fired bullet and cartridge casings. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with these requirements through: (1) the acquisition, disposition, and upgrades of ballistics equipment and bullet and cartridge casing recovery equipment; (2) the hiring or designation of personnel necessary to develop and maintain a ballistics database; (3) providing education about the role of ballistics; and (4) providing for the coordination among law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to: (1) establish a computer system through which State and local law enforcement agencies can promptly access ballistics records; (2) encourage training for ballistics examiners; (3) report to Congress on the impact of this Act on criminal investigations, arrests, indictments, and prosecutions; and (4) conduct mandatory ballistics testing of all firearms obtained by or in the possession of their respective agencies. Prohibits the use of ballistics information of individual guns for prosecutorial purposes unless officials have a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that ballistics information would assist in the investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exempt State and local committees of candidates and of political parties from specified notification requirements. Exempts a "qualified State or local political organization" from specified reporting requirements. Defines "qualified State or local political organization." Requires an annual income tax return from political organizations only with respect to political organization taxable income. (Currently, such a return is required with respect to such income or if gross receipts exceed $25,000.) Exempts such returns from disclosure. Requires the filing of an annual information return by a political organization with gross receipts of $25,000 or more or with gross receipts of $100,000 or more in the case of a qualified State or local political organization, except for certain organizations including: (1) a State or local committee of a political party, or political committee of a State or local candidate; (2) a caucus or association of State or local officials; (3) an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office; (4) a national committee of a political party; or (5) a U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate campaign committee of a political party committee. Requires publicizing the effects of this Act and the interaction of IRC requirements with Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 requirements. Permits the waiver of an organization's failure to comply tax if due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. Makes additional amendments to IRC section 527 (Political Organizations) concerning: (1) unsegregated funds; (2) penalty assessment and collection procedures; (3) electronic filing; (4) public availability of notices and reports; and (5) timing of notice of material change.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA, which is title II of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, PL107-147) to extend the TEUCA program through weeks of unemployment ending before July 1, 2003 (currently January 1, 2003). Entitles eligible individuals in all States to a total of 26 weeks of TEUCA compensation (13 weeks beyond the current 13 weeks). Provides an additional seven weeks of TEUCA benefits for workers in high unemployment States (entitling them to a total of 33, which is 20 weeks beyond the current 13). Applies a revised adjusted insured unemployment rate State trigger. Sets an additional TEUCA benefit period State trigger based on total unemployment rate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Child Abduction Prevention Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the authorized term of supervised release after imprisonment to any term of years or life imprisonment for certain sex offenses, including specified offenses involving children. Includes murder committed in perpetration of child abuse or as part of a pattern of assault or torture against children as first degree murder. Increases: (1) maximum penalties for specified offenses involving sexual abuse or exploitation of children; and (2) sentences for kidnaping. Prohibits: (1) traveling into the United States for the purpose of engaging in an illicit sexual act with another (currently, with a juvenile); (2) traveling in foreign commerce and engaging in such sexual conduct; or (3) arranging or facilitating such travel knowing its purpose. Provides for mandatory life imprisonment of a person convicted of a Federal sex offense in which a minor is the victim if the person has a prior sex conviction in which a minor was the victim, unless a death sentence is imposed. Authorizes the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications in the investigation of kidnaping and specified child sex crimes. Eliminates statutes of limitations for child abduction and specified sex offenses. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require each Federal, State, and local law enforcement agency to report each case of a missing child under age 21 (currently, 18) reported to such agency to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) National Crime Information Center. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) report on inspections of the records of pornography producers and resulting prosecutions; and (2) assign a DOJ officer to act as national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. Authorizes State grants for: (1) notification and communication systems along highways for recovery of abducted children; and (2) programs to support AMBER alert communication plans. Authorizes: (1) increased appropriations for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and (2) the use of COPS (community policing) grants for sex offender registration enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2002
Federal Bureau of Investigation Reform Act of 2002 - Rewrites provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 to: (1) authorize the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing or administrative misconduct by DOJ employees, or to refer such allegations to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) or the appropriate internal affairs office; (2) direct the IG to refer to OPR counsel certain allegations of misconduct involving DOJ personnel; and (3) direct the Attorney General to ensure that any DOJ component receiving a non-frivolous allegation of criminal wrongdoing or administrative misconduct by a DOJ employee reports that information to the IG. Requires the IG to direct that one official of the IG's office be responsible for supervising and coordinating independent oversight of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) programs and operations until September 30, 2003. Allows continued individual oversight after that date. Directs the IG to submit a plan for FBI oversight. Expands the scope of FBI whistle-blower protections. Directs: (1) the Attorney General to establish policies and procedures regarding persons serving in FBI security positions, and a counterintelligence screening polygraph program for the FBI; and (2) the FBI Director, acting through a Director of Security, to establish a security career program board. Authorizes: (1) the Director to establish a permanent FBI police force to protect persons and property within FBI buildings and grounds; and (2) disciplinary suspensions of members of the Senior Executive Service for any length of time (currently for more than 14 days).
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their freedom, and to each other. Extends deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims. Expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist attacks and their sponsors until they are discovered and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2002
Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2002 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide that a public safety officer who dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke suffered while on duty or within 24 hours after participating in a training exercise or responding to an emergency situation shall be presumed to have died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty, for purposes of survivor benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 4 East Central Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, as the "Joseph D. Early Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2002 - Requires the Attorney General to assign an AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. Requires the coordinator to: (1) seek to eliminate gaps in the network; (2) work with States to encourage the development of additional network elements and to ensure regional coordination; and (3) act as the nationwide point of contact for network development and for regional coordination of alerts on abducted children through the network. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) notify and consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning each child abduction for which an AMBER Alert is issued; and (2) establish minimum standards for the issuance of alerts and for the extent of their dissemination (limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the recovery of the abducted child). Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted children. Includes among permissible activities the development or enhancement of electronic message boards, and the placement of additional signage, along highways. Directs the Attorney General to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert communications plans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Tobacco Smuggling Eradication Act of 2002 - Amends chapter 52 (Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes) of the Internal Revenue Code to require all packages of tobacco products to carry a unique legibly printed serial number by which the Secretary of the Treasury can identify the manufacturer or importer and the location and date of manufacture or importation. Requires tobacco products sold on Indian reservations to be labeled as such. Requires a tobacco wholesaler to have a permit and to maintain certain records. Requires export warehouse proprietors to file certain reports with the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into certain tobacco related information agreements with foreign countries. Establishes new offenses relating to the distribution of tobacco. Raises the $1,000 civil penalty under chapter 52 to $10,000. Amends the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act to: (1) expand the applicability of such Act from cigarettes only to "tobacco product" (cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and pipe tobacco); (2) define "contraband tobacco product" as a quantity of tobacco product that is equivalent to or more than 30,000 cigarettes (currently, 60,000) which bear no evidence of the payment of applicable State tobacco taxes; (3) establish new unlawful acts; and (4) require additional recordkeeping. Repeals Federal law provisions concerning reports required to State tobacco tax administrators by individuals engaged in interstate cigarette commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Energy and Science Research Investment Act of 2002 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct a comprehensive program of fundamental research, including chemical sciences, physics, materials sciences, biological and environmental sciences, geosciences, engineering sciences, plasma sciences, mathematics, and advanced scientific computing; (2) expand scientific user facilities maintained by the Office of Science and make them an integral part of the departmental mission for exploring the frontiers of fundamental science; (3) maintain a leading-edge research capability in the energy-related aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, advanced scientific computing, and genome research; and (4) ensure that its fundamental science programs help inform Department of Defense DOE applied research and development programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2006. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to create the position of Under Secretary for Energy Research and Science to: (1) serve as Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of Energy; (2) monitor (DOE) research and development programs; and (3) exercise authority over Assistant Secretaries implementing certain energy research, development, and energy technology functions. Replaces the position of Director of the Office of Science with the position of Assistant Secretary of Science, who shall carry out DOE fundamental science and engineering research functions, including policy and management. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that leadership for departmental missions in nuclear energy should be at the Assistant Secretary level. Establishes in the Office of Science a Science Advisory Board to serve as the science advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Science.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Act to Save America's Forests - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect native biodiversity and ecosystems on Federal land from losses caused by: (1) clearcutting and other forms of even-age logging operations; and (2) logging in ancient forests, roadless areas, watershed protection areas, and special areas. Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date to ten years after enactment of this Act. Provides for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain Federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for: (1) Federal enforcement; and (1) a private right of action. Describes special areas as Federal forest land parcels possessing outstanding biological, scenic, recreational, or cultural values which may not meet the definitions of ancient forests, roadless areas, or watershed protection areas. Designates specified special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in the following States: (1) Alabama; (2) Alaska; (3) Arizona; (4) Arkansas; (5) California; (6) Colorado; (7) Georgia; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Michigan; (11) Minnesota; (12) Missouri; (13) Montana; (14) New Mexico; (15) North Carolina; (16) Ohio; (17) Oklahoma; (18) Oregon; (19) South Carolina; (20) South Dakota; (21) Tennessee; (22) Texas; (23) Vermont; (24) Virginia; (25) Wisconsin; and (26) Wyoming. Provides for the appointment of a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on Federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for: (1) Federal enforcement; and (1) a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Oral Health Promotion Act of 2002 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add dental services to coverage provided. Allows States the option of using Federal SCHIP funds to cover dental expenses for a child who is eligible for Medicaid under targeted low-income child Medicaid guidelines when the child has medical coverage that does not include dental services. Allows States the option of covering dental services of adults receiving assistance under SCHIP. Alters the Medicaid matching rate for adult full coverage dental benefits. Establishes in the Treasury the Community Oral Health Expansion Fund to expand the availability of oral health services through community-based centers. Authorizes the use of funds for demonstration projects and demonstration partnerships with Head Start programs for identifying children at risk of dental disease and providing prevention measures. Requires States to contribute, directly or indirectly, up to ten percent of demonstration project costs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give grant: (1) priority to States covering a Medicaid level of dental benefits under SCHIP; and (2) preference to States with market-based payment rates for dental services under both Medicaid and SCHIP.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Amends Federal transportation law with respect to urbanized area formula grants for capital projects and the planning and improvement costs of equipment, facilities, and associated capital maintenance items for use in mass transportation. Makes a special rule for FY 2003 authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants from FY 2003 funds to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 as determined under the 2000 Federal decennial census of population, if: (1) the urbanized area had a population under 200,000 in the 1990 census; (2) a portion of the area was a separate urbanized area with a population under 200,000 in the 1990 census; or (3) the area was not designated as a urbanized area in the 1990 census. Limits such amounts: (1) for the first two described areas to the amount apportioned in FY 2002 to such areas; and (2) for urbanized areas that, for the first time, exceeded 200,000 in population according to the 2000 census, to the amount apportioned for FY 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
Plant Breeders Equity Act of 2002 - Amends Federal patent law to declare that no plant patent application shall be denied, nor shall any issued plant patent be invalidated, on the grounds that the invention was described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year before the date of the U.S. patent application, unless the invention was described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country more than ten years before the date of the U.S. patent application.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2002
Honors the outstanding accomplishments of Ted Williams and expresses the deepest sympathies and condolences of the House of Representatives to the family of Ted Williams on his passing.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Senior Nutrition Act of 2002 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program (program) if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Authorizes permanent program appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Urges the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the Postmaster General that a commemorative postage stamp be issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Charles Hamilton Houston, the first African American to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Harvard University and to serve as editor of the Harvard Law Review.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Corporate Executive Responsibility Act of 2002 - Mandates that every national securities exchange and national securities association adopt rules requiring qualitative listing standards for corporate governance of the exchange or association that prohibit loans or other extensions of credit to any corporate insider exceeding $50,000 in the aggregate. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to initiate proceedings to add such rules to the rules of such entities if they have not been adopted and made effective nine months after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Liver Research Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center on Liver Disease Research in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Establishes the Liver Disease Research Advisory Board to help the Director of the Center develop the Liver Disease Research Action Plan identifying scientific opportunities and priorities of liver disease research. Requires the Director to coordinate the Plan's implementation by the national research institutes, which shall allocate adequate funds for same.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Yellowstone Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the final rule to phase out snowplane use in Grand Teton National Park and snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park, the John. D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, and Grand Teton National Park. Prohibits the Secretary from modifying or superseding any provisions of that final rule.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or eligible to enroll under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages for FY 2005. Includes for the standard package a monthly premium of $25, an annual deductible of $100, a coinsurance of 20 percent and an annual out-of-pocket spending limit of $2,000. Directs the Secretary to negotiate fair prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Provides for accelerated generic drug competition. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to: (1) inclusion of the costs of certain military services to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of Medicare+Choice payment rates; (2) specialized Medicare+Choice plans for special needs beneficiaries; and (3) continuous open enrollment and disenrollment at any time. Revises requirements for Medicare: (1) part A concerning rural health care, inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospices; (2) part B concerning physicians services and other services; and (3) part A and B concerning home health services and direct graduate medical education. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to certain Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment adjustments and the Q-I1 program. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add requirements for interstate Internet sellers of prescription drugs. Establishes within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the Office of Rare Diseases. Amends the Public Health Services Act with respect to promotion of the pharmacist profession.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
No Tax Breaks for Corporations Renouncing America Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a foreign entity any reduced rate of withholding tax on any deductible foreign payment under any income tax treaty between the United States and the entity's country unless the entity is predominantly owned by residents of such country. Excepts specified conduit payments. Specifies what constitutes predominant ownership.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
Expresses concern about the efforts by Kazakhstan's President Nazarbaev to remain in power indefinitely and his willingness to manipulate constitutions, elections, and legislative and judicial systems to do so. Urges: (1) the President of the United States and other U.S. officials to make a stronger effort to raise with President Nazarbaev concern about serious human rights violations; and (2) President Nazarbaev to bring Kazakhstan into compliance with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe commitments on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law by ensuring free and fair elections and allowing all citizens to participate equally in the political process, without intimidation or fear of reprisal. Calls on the Government of Kazakstan to make possible the return of exiled political leaders, most notably former Prime Minister Kazhegelden, as well as other activists and journalists. Expresses support for independent organizations which are qualified to review the Constitution of Kazakhstan and recommend amendments which would protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Calls on President Nazarbaev to establish conditions for independent and opposition media to function without constraint, limitation, or fear of harassment. Urges the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to expand broadcasting into Kazakhstan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include demonstration, education, and other programs concerning cancer survivorship among the activities of the National Cancer Institute (Institute) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires the Director of NIH to: (1) expand and coordinate NIH activities related to cancer survivorship; and (2) establish an Office on Survivorship within the Institute. Creates the position of Associate Director for Survivorship. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, to: (1) study the health challenges associated with cancer survivorship and carry out projects and interventions; and (2) make grants for the monitoring and evaluation of cancer care and survivorship.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Brownfield Site Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Allows inclusions of sites otherwise excluded from consideration if: (1) financial assistance will protect human health and the environment, promote economic development or enable the creation of parks, greenways, or other property used for nonprofit purposes, or promote eco-industrial development; (2) they were contaminated by a controlled substance; (3) they are certain low-risk petroleum-contaminated sites; or (4) they are mine-scarred. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2002 - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified documents as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2002 - Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide that, in any action under the antitrust laws, the conduct of a standards development organization (SDO) while engaged in a standards development activity shall be subject to a rule of reason standard. Limits the amount recoverable and attorney's fees with respect to standards development activity engaged in by an SDO. States that an SDO may, not later than 90 days after commencing activity for the purpose of developing or promulgating voluntary consensus standards or 90 days after enactment of the Standards Development Advancement Act of 2002, whichever is later, file simultaneously with the Attorney General and the Commission a written notification disclosing: (1) the name and principal place of business of the SDO; and (2) documents showing the nature and scope of such activity. Allows an SDO to file additional disclosure notifications as appropriate to extend protections under this Act to standards development activities that are not covered by, or that have changed significantly since, the initial filing. Includes standards development activity within notice, disclosure, and withdrawal from notification requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Acknowledges the tremendous accomplishments of the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 102nd Fighter Wing in response to the terrorist attacks on the Nation on September 11, 2001. Commends the members of the 102nd Fighter Wing for their extraordinary performance, leadership, and dedication to duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle, and in providing combat air patrols during and immediately following such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
Establishes a National Commission on Terrorist Acts Upon the United States. Directs the Commission to: (1) investigate facts and circumstances relating to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and (2) evaluate lessons learned regarding the abilities of the Federal Government, and, if appropriate, of State and local governments and nongovernmental entities to detect, prevent, and respond to such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
Our Lady of Peace Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require (currently, authorizes) the Attorney General, at least quarterly, to secure directly from any U.S. department or agency such information on persons for whom receipt of a firearm would violate specified Federal provisions regarding excluded individuals or State law as is necessary to enable the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to operate. Directs the head of such department or agency, at the Attorney General's request, to furnish such information to the System electronically. Sets forth requirements regarding the transmittal of State records, including (with exceptions) State mental health records, to the System. Directs the Attorney General to work with State and local law enforcement and the mental health community to establish protocols for protecting the privacy of information provided. Sets penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Attorney General to make grants to each State: (1) to establish or upgrade information and identification technologies for firearms eligibility determinations; and (2) for use by the State's chief judicial officer to improve the handling of proceedings related to criminal history dispositions and temporary restraining orders as they relate to disqualification from firearms ownership under State and Federal laws. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to study and evaluate the operations of the System and to report on grants and on best practices of States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Declares that Congress should: (1) commit and provide substantially increased Federal funding and resources for combined sewer overflow control; (2) increase funding for such control to levels sufficient to cover at least 80 percent of the costs incurred by economically disadvantaged communities; (3) provide the Environmental Protection Agency with additional resources to improve nationwide tracking of progress in combined sewer overflow control programs; and (4) expressly authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to assist municipalities with assessment and design work associated with combined sewer system upgrades.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Social Security Widow's Benefit Guarantee Act of 2002 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for an increase in widow's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) repeal the seven year restriction on eligibility for widow's and widower's insurance benefits based on disability; (3) waive the two-year waiting period for a divorced spouse's benefits upon the other spouse's remarriage; and (4) disregard months ending after a deceased individual's death in applying early retirement rules with respect to the deceased individual for purposes of the limitation on widow's and widower's benefits. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to provide that an eligible widow or widower who is entitled to a widow's or widower's insurance benefit for any month under OASDI, but is not eligible for benefits under SSI in that month, shall be deemed for purposes of SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to be an individual with respect to whom SSI benefits are paid in that month, if he or she: (1) has been continuously entitled to such widow's or widower's insurance benefits from the first month for which the increase in widow's or widower's insurance benefits resulting from this Act is reflected in such benefits through the month involved; and (2) would be eligible for benefits under SSI in the month involved if the amount of the increase in his or her widow's or widower's insurance benefits were disregarded.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Steel Industry Legacy Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a steel industry retiree benefits protection program administered by the Secretary of Commerce and the Board of Trustees of the Steel Industry Legacy Relief Trust Fund (created by this Act) to provide specified medical benefits to eligible steel retirees and beneficiaries. Prescribes qualifying events (acquisition, closing, election, or bankruptcy transfer) as a result of which the United States shall assume liability for the provision of steel retiree benefits for each eligible retiree and eligible beneficiary certified for participation in the retiree benefits program. Requires transfer to the Trust Fund by a qualified steel company and any applicable acquiring company of all assets which, under the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, were required to be set aside under an employee benefit plan or otherwise for the provision of the steel retiree benefits. Requires contributions to the Trust Fund by such companies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act of 2002 - Establishes the Department of National Homeland Security to: (1) develop policies and plans for homeland security; (2) develop a National Strategy for Combating Terrorism and Homeland Security Response to counter terrorist threats; (3) plan, coordinate, and integrate Government border security, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness activities and act as the focal point regarding crises and emergency planning and response; (4) annually update a Federal response plan for homeland security and emergency preparedness; and (5) implement a coordinating center with representatives from other Federal agencies with security responsibilities. Transfers to the Department the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Customs Service, specified portions of the Immigration and Naturalization Service responsible for law enforcement and border management, the Coast Guard, the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office, the National Infrastructure Protection Center and the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a specified portion of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes: (1) within the Department Directorates of Prevention, Critical Infrastructure Protection, and Emergency Preparedness and Response and an Office of Science and Technology; (2) an Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies; (3) within the Executive Office of the President the National Office for Combating Terrorism; (4) a National Combating Terrorism and Homeland Security Council; and (5) a National Homeland Security Panel. Requires development of an annual consolidated proposed National Terrorism Prevention and Response Program Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act of 2002 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and administer: (1) a national greenhouse gas emissions information system to collect annual lists required to be submitted under this Act of an entity's greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) a national greenhouse gas registry (included in such system) to collect voluntarily reported information on emissions reductions. Specifies factors for adjustment of emissions records by a reporting entity. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy to develop greenhouse gas emissions quantification and verification protocols, electronic reporting methods, and accounting and reporting standards. Requires verification of reported emissions information. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual national greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Joseph Moakley Memorial Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 2002 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prescribe fire safety standards for cigarettes to reduce the risk of ignition presented by cigarettes (including a proscription against the stockpiling of cigarettes to which the fire safety standards will apply). Sets forth general test requirements. Denies the Commission any jurisdiction over tobacco or tobacco products except as provided in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, should conduct or support research on the effectiveness of medical screening techniques for ovarian cancer, including the use of proteomic patterns in blood serum in combination with other techniques. Requires a report to Congress and the inclusion of such technique in Federal health care programs and group and individual health plans if it proves effective.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Rural Community Hospital Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for establishment of the rural community hospital (RCH) program; (2) remove certain barriers to establishment of distinct part units by RCH and Medicare critical access hospital (CAH) facilities; and (3) revise the CAH program, making various specified payment-related changes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Calls for the governments of Europe to: (1) protect the safety and well-being of their Jewish communities; and (2) cultivate an atmosphere of cooperation and reconciliation among Jewish and non-Jewish residents.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Crackdown on Deadbeat Dealers Act of 2002 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to increase the number of allowed inspections for compliance with record-keeping requirements by firearms dealers to not more than three times (currently, once) during any 12-month period. Increases penalties for: (1) willfully engaging in an illegal firearms business; and (2) in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm or ammunition, knowingly making false statements or furnishing false or misrepresented identification regarding any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines for violations related to illegal firearms and ammunition businesses. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend a firearms dealer's license and to assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for firearms violations, including failure to have secure gun storage or safety devices (current penalties are limited to license revocation). Permits any licensed firearms dealer who is indicted for a felony to continue to operate until the date of conviction (currently, until the conviction becomes final).
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt State and local committees of candidates and of political parties from specified notification requirements. Exempts certain "exempt State or local political organizations" from specified reporting requirements. Defines "exempt State and local political organizations." Modifies characteristics of political organizations obligated to complete an informational return, such that specified political organizations with $25,000 or more in annual gross receipts must file, as well as "exempt state and local political organizations" with annual gross receipts of $100,000 or more. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review the components of such returns. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain penalties for notification and reporting violations. Obligates political organizations to inform the Secretary whether they plan to seek exemptions from financial or informational returns.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Equity Act - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to treat as military service National Guard service under a call to active service for more than 30 days if such service is prescribed by the Secretary of the Army or Air Force and is supported by Federal funds for a contingency operation authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense.
![Official portrait of Rep. Meehan, Martin T. [D-MA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000627_200.jpg)