United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such eligible persons for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE (Department of Defense managed health care plan) network pharmacy in the same manner as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such benefits received from a TRICARE network pharmacy. Requires such persons, in order to receive such reimbursement, to submit a certification from their physician stating that the person does not have access to a TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical constraints. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Recognizes the importance of motorsports and its evolution over the past century. Honors those who have helped create and build this great American pastime.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003
Congratulates: (1) the Florida Marlins for winning the 2003 Major League Baseball World Series championship and for their outstanding performance during the 2003 Major League Baseball season; and (2) Florida Marlins pitcher Josh Beckett for winning the 2003 World Series Most Valuable Player Award.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003
Congratulates the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on its 30th anniversary. Honors DEA employees who have given their lives or been injured in serving the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2003
Authorizes the President to award congressional gold medals posthumously, to their next of kin, on behalf of Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson, in recognition of their contributions to the Nation as pioneers in South Carolina in the effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark desegregation case of Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al. Directs that amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2003
Regional Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Coordination Act of 2003 - Requires each regional council to convene all local governments and Federal, State, and private sector stakeholders within its region to coordinate the development of a regional emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery coordination plan. Directs the Governor, in States that do not have regional councils, to work with local officials to organize a regional approach involving local elected officials and establish a homeland defense regional planning advisory committee. Sets forth minimum elements of regional plans, including: (1) disaster, response equipment and personnel, and equipment needs assessments; (2) development of a regional communication system and a secure information repository; (3) emergency coordination information; and (4) specified elements regarding support facilities, infrastructure, transportation facilities, at-risk populations, potential targets, and debris disposal. Directs that planning activities include: (1) analyzing and documenting the possibility of a disaster and the potential consequences or impacts upon life, property, and the environment; and (2) planning for utilization of geographic information systems to assess hazards and evaluate the consequences of potential emergencies or disasters. Sets forth provisions regarding approval and updating of regional plans, the security of mapping and infrastructure information, and funding apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to withhold, reduce, or deny an apportionment if the Secretary determines that the State or regional council has not complied, or provided adequate assurances that it will comply, with this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2003
Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one dollar coins emblematic of the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin (not more than 250,000 bearing his image as a young statesman and not more than 250,000 with his image as an older numismatist). Directs that all sales include a $10 per coin surcharge, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission, to be used to educate people about Franklin's legacy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003
District of Columbia Personal Protection Act - Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that the D.C. Council's regulatory authority regarding firearms, explosives, and weapons in the District shall not be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise permitted to possess firearms under Federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by Federal law nor regulated by the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) prohibition on registration of pistols (handguns); (3) prohibition on possession of handgun ammunition; (4) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked; (5) related firearm registration requirements such as applicant qualifications and filing deadline. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm. Amends Federal law to eliminate criminal penalties for carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Celia Cruz Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 300,000 one dollar silver coins and 500,000 half dollar clad coins emblematic of Celia Cruz (known as the "Queen of Salsa") and her legacy. Establishes surcharges of ten dollars per coin for the dollar coin and three dollars per coin for the half dollar coin, which shall be paid to the Celia Cruz Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act - Makes the standard for access to care for a veteran seeking primary care from the Department of Veterans Affairs 30 days from the date the veteran contacts the Department. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe an appropriate standard for waiting times at Department health-care facilities as measured from the time a visit is scheduled until the time the veteran is seen. Directs the Secretary to periodically review the performance of Department health-care facilities in meeting such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for health care services in non-Department facilities in a case in which the Secretary is unable to meet access standards. Prohibits such contracting-out with respect to a Department geographic service area that has a compliance rate in meeting such standards of 90 percent or more. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on the Department's experience with respect to waiting times.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 - Extends Federal highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and transit programs for six months, and authorizes appropriations, through March 31, 2004. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion funds made available for Federal-aid highway programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to each State according to the ratio of the State's FY 2003 obligation authority to the FY 2003 obligation authority for all States; and (2) ensure that each State is apportioned funds for the Interstate maintenance program, the National Highway System program, the bridge program, the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system program, and the minimum guarantee. Sets forth provisions: (1) for reducing future apportionments, and for recovering funds not apportioned, under a law reauthorizing the Federal-aid highway program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; (2) prohibiting States from obligating any Federal-aid highway program funds after March 31, 2004, until the earlier of the date of enactment of a multi-year law reauthorizing such program or June 30 2004; and (3) directing the Secretary of Transportation, on the earlier of such enactment date or June 1, 2004, to distribute to each State any remaining amounts of obligation authority for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs by allocation as provided in an Act making appropriations for the Department of Transportation for FY 2004 Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and TEA-21, respectively, to set related discretionary spending limits and obligation limitations for FY 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 2055 Siesta Drive in Sarasota, Florida, as the Brigadier General (AUS-Ret.) John H. McLain Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Right to Life Act - States that Congress declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. Defines "human person" and "human being" as including each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify any motorsports entertainment complex asset as 7-year property for purposes of the accelerated cost recovery system.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi, who painted and decorated the interior of the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
USA Jobs Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise L-1 nonimmigrant visa provisions (intracompany transfers). Prohibits the admission of an L-1 worker unless the employer files an application with the Secretary of Labor stating that the employer will: (1) not place the worker with another employer; (2) make the L-1 application available for public examination and compilation by the Secretary; (3) provide wage comparability; and (4) not displace U.S. workers during the period of 180 days before and after the L-1 hiring. Requires an employer, prior to petitioning for admission of a specialized knowledge L-1 worker, to file an application with the Secretary stating that good faith steps have been taken to recruit U.S. workers for the job for which the L-1 worker is sought. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult annually with the Secretary respecting the use and effect of blanket L-1 petitions. Increases the L-1 prior employment abroad requirement. Reduces the period of L-1 admission. Establishes an L-1 employer petition fee. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to initiate an L-1 employer investigation. Revises H-1B nonimmigrant visa provisions (temporary workers) to: (1) subject all H-1B employers (currently H-1B dependent employers) to such provisions; (2) lengthen U.S. worker displacement protection; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor to initiate an H-1B employer investigation. Directs the General Accounting Office to investigate the implementation and impact of amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Government Accountability and Streamlining Act of 2003 - Requires the Comptroller General, to the extent practicable, to prepare for public bills and joint resolutions (measures) reported by congressional subcommittees or committees, and submit to such subcommittees or committees, determinations of whether: (1) new Federal entities, programs, or functions are authorized by the measure; and (2) an existing entity or program carries out functions that are similar to those authorized by the measure and such existing entity or program may more effectively and efficiently perform the functions and carry out the purposes of the measure than the proposed entity or program. Requires such statements to accompany reports on legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2003
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from taking any action proposed under the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) unless the Secretary has notified Congress of the intention to take such action; and (2) until the later of the expiration of a 60-day period, or 30 days of continuous congressional session, after such notification.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to extend Federal preemption to State law enacted after January 1, 2004, that declares explicitly that it is intended to supplement the FCRA and grant greater protection to consumers than is provided under Federal law. (Thus repeals the protection from Federal preemption granted to more stringent State consumer protection laws). Sets forth measures to address identity theft prevention, including: (1) credit card issuer responsibility to investigate cardholder change of address; and (2) truncation of credit and debit card account numbers. Places an affirmative duty upon a consumer reporting agency to: (1) make notification of fraud alert; (2) provide a summary of rights to identity theft victims; and (3) block information resulting from identity theft. Directs the Federal banking agencies to establish procedures for depository institutions to identify possible instances of identity theft. Instructs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules for coordination of consumer complaint investigations. Requires a consumer reporting agency to take specified actions to reconcile discrepancies pertaining to a consumer address. Prohibits furnishing information to a consumer reporting agency that is known to include identity theft activity. Repeals limitations attached to mandatory free annual credit report disclosures that are furnished upon consumer request. Requires a consumer reporting agency, when fulfilling a consumer request for all information in the consumer's file, to include a summary of how any individual consumer credit score was derived and how it might be improved. Excludes from FCRA consumer disclosure requirements certain communications pertaining to employee misconduct investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Amends the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002 to exempt a country that has concluded a protocol for its accession to NATO from the prohibition against the provision of U.S. military assistance to a country that is a party to the International Criminal Court.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to the city of St. Augustine, Florida, and the Colonial St. Augustine Preservation Foundation for land acquisition, design and planning, and construction of an educational center for the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Requires matching contributions from the City and the Foundation. Requires the Secretary, before making such grants, to enter into a cooperative agreement with the City and the Foundation regarding center planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2003 - Declares that the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall not apply to Title V: Estate, Gift, and Generation-skipping Transfer Tax Provisions of such Act. (Makes the repeal of estate and generation-skipping taxes under the Internal Revenue Code, and certain reductions of the gift tax, permanent.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (the first recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in World War II, and the only enlisted Marine in that war to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart).
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Assistant United States Attorneys Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2003 - Makes applicable to Assistant United States Attorneys the provisions of the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System that apply to Federal law enforcement officers. Directs the Department of Justice to provide notice to incumbent Assistant U.S. Attorneys as to their election rights under this Act and the effects of making or not making a timely election under this Act. Allows such incumbents to elect the option to be treated either: (1) in accordance with the amendments made by this Act; or (2) as if this Act had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2003
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act prohibit the admission of an intracompany transferee (L visa) nonimmigrant alien unless the employer has filed with the Secretary of Labor an application stating that the employer will not place such alien with another employer where: (1) such alien performs duties in whole or in part at one or more worksites owned, operated, or controlled by such other employer; and (2) there are indicia of an employment relationship between such alien and such other employer. Sets forth related requirements of the Secretary respecting such aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2003
Aviation Security Technical Corrections and Improvements Act of 2003 - Restates and recodifies provisions of Federal transportation law relating to the administrative and aviation security functions of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that were transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Creates an Office of Small Business Ombudsman within the TSA. Directs the Under Secretary of Border and Transportation Security in DHS to give priority to developing, testing, improving, and deploying technology at passenger screening checkpoints that will detect non-metallic weapons and explosives on passengers or in their carry-on luggage. Prohibits aircraft from flying within a certain distance of sport stadiums unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Under Secretary to establish a program to certify explosives detection canine and handler teams. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) make grants to airport sponsors for airport security improvement projects; and (2) complete a security review and audit of foreign aircraft repair stations. Directs the Administrator of Federal Aviation Administration to issue an order amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking an air carrier certificate if notified by the Under Secretary that the certificate holder poses, or is suspected of posing, a risk of air piracy or terrorism or a threat to airline or passenger safety. Increases certain civil penalties for violations of aviation security laws. Exempts certain charter airline operations that provide transportation for the armed forces from provisions of this Act and the Aviation and Transportation Security Act . Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) allow non-scheduled air carriers to operate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport under an approved security plan; (2) conduct a pilot program for cargo security; (3) implement a trusted traveler program; (4) report to Congress on security threats faced by U.S. airports and on blast-resistant cargo container technology; and (5) reimburse air carriers and airports for the cost of certain screening activities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to President Jose Maria Aznar of Spain in recognition of his contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medal and authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a judicial officer from declaring forfeited a bail bond for violation of specified collateral release conditions other than failing to appear in court. Makes forfeiture of a bail bond for violation of such collateral release conditions unavailable as a sanction. Amends rule 46 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to provide that if the defendant fails to appear physically before the court (currently, if there is a breach of condition of a bond), the district court shall declare a forfeiture of the bail.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Flight 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2007 for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including: (1) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (2) airport and noise compatibility planning and development. Extends the current authority of the Secretary of Transportation to provide air carrier insurance and reinsurance through calendar 2007, after which limits are imposed. Airport Streamlining Approval Process Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated review process for airport capacity enhancement projects at congested airports. Directs the FAA Administrator to convert the Air Traffic Services Subcommittee of the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council into an independent Air Traffic Services Board. Establishes in the FAA a Small Business Ombudsman. Revises requirements with respect to airline service improvements, involving among other things: (1) data on incidents and complaints involving passenger and baggage security screening; (2) conversion of ground support equipment or airport-owned vehicles to low-emission technology; (3) the passenger facility fee program; (4) overflights of national parks; (5) a collaborative decision-making pilot program; (6) availability of aircraft accident site information; (7) slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; (8) small community air service and the essential air service program, including a community and regional choice alternate essential air service pilot program; (9) action for de novo review in U.S. district court of a discrimination complaint by an employee providing air safety information; (10) agreements to permit use of type certificates by other persons; (11) design organization certificates; (12) runway safety standards; (13) availability of maintenance information; (14) flight attendant certification; (15) a civil penalty for closure of an airport without providing sufficient notice; (16) improvement of curriculum standards for aviation maintenance technicians; (17) a task force on future of air transportation system; (18) air quality in aircraft cabins; (19) a task force on enhanced transfer of applications of technology for military aircraft to civilian aircraft; (20) reimbursement for losses incurred by general aviation entities; (21) impasse procedures for national association of air traffic specialists; (22) FAA inspector training; (23) a prohibition on air traffic control privatization; and (24) reduced airfares for members of the Armed Forces on commercial U.S. flights. Revises requirements relating to airport development and involving among other things: (1) security costs at small airports; (2) runway safety areas; (3) proceeds from disposition of land acquired for noise compatibility purposes; (4) hangar construction grant assurances; (5) costs of construction or modification of public parking facilities for security purposes; (6) formulae for apportionments to primary airports and cargo airports; (7) considerations in making discretionary grants; (8) flexible funding for nonprimary airport apportionments; (9) use of apportioned amounts for noise mitigation projects; (10) increased funding for the military airport program and air traffic control contract towers; (11) 100 percent Federal share of the cost of airport safety data collection by a private contractor; (12) the use of revenues in the airport privatization pilot program; (13) further limitations on innovative financing techniques for airport development projects; (14) emission credits for air quality projects and an airport ground support equipment emissions retrofit pilot program; (15) compatible land use planning and projects by State and local governments; and (16) funding for Midway Island Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 1905 West Blue Heron Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the Judge Edward Rodgers Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2003
Pledge Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any court established by Act of Congress to hear or determine any claim that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violates the first amendment of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003
Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 100,000 $5 gold coins and 500,000 $1 silver coins, which shall be emblematic of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia (the first permanent English settlement in America). Provides for a $35 per coin surcharge for the $5 dollar coins and $10 per coin for the $1 dollar coins. Directs that: (1) half of the surcharges be used to support programs to promote the understanding of the legacies of Jamestown (to be paid to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation); and (2) half be used to sustain the ongoing mission of preserving Jamestown, to enhance national and international educational programs relating to Jamestown, to improve infrastructure and archeological research activities relating to Jamestown, and conduct other programs to support the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown (to be distributed by the Secretary in equal shares to the Secretary of the Interior, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation).
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003
Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act , the Internal Revenue Code, and Medicare supplemental policy provisions to prohibit health plans and insurers, with respect to protected genetic information, from discriminating in enrollment, eligibility, contribution rates, and premium rates based on such information. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate because of protected genetic information.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Condemns the brutal crackdown of the Cuban Government on its people. Calls on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to recognize the resolution recently passed by the House of Representatives condemning Cuba for its human rights atrocities. Condemns the member states of the United Nations Economic and Social Council for renewing Cuba's membership on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2003
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 - Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of Syria should immediately and unconditionally halt support for terrorism, permanently and openly declare its total renunciation of all forms of terrorism, and close all terrorist offices and facilities in Syria, including the offices of Hamas, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command; (2) the Government of Syria should take other specified steps to withdraw its armed forces from Lebanon, halt development of certain weapons, halt illegal imports and transshipments of Iraqi oil and illegal sales and supplies of weapons and military-related equipment to Iraq; (3) the Government of Lebanon should deploy the Lebanese armed forces to all areas of Lebanon, including South Lebanon, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 520 (September 17, 1982) (Security Council Resolution 520); (4) the Governments of Lebanon and Syria should enter into serious unconditional bilateral negotiations with the Government of Israel in order to realize a full and permanent peace; (5) the United States should continue to provide humanitarian and educational assistance to the people of Lebanon only through appropriate private, nongovernmental organizations and appropriate international organizations, until such time as the Government of Lebanon asserts sovereignty and control over all of its territory and borders and achieves full political independence; and (6) being in violation of several key United Nations Security Council resolutions and pursuing policies which undermine international peace and security, Syria should not have been permitted to join the United Nations Security Council or serve as the Security Council's President, and should be removed from the Security Council. Declares that it is U.S. policy: (1) Syria will be held responsible for attacks committed by Hizballah and other terrorist groups with offices or other facilities in Syria, or bases in areas of Lebanon occupied by Syria; (2) the United States shall impede Syria's ability to support acts of international terrorism and efforts to develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction; (3) the Secretary of State will continue to list Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism until it ends support for terrorism, including its support of Hizballah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon and its hosting of terrorist groups in Damascus, and comes into full compliance with U.S. law relating to terrorism and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (September 28, 2001); (4) efforts against Hizballah will be expanded given the recognition that Hizballah is equally or more capable than al Qaeda; (5) the full restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity is in the U.S. national security interest; (6) Syria is in violation of Security Council Resolution 520 through its continued occupation of Lebanese territory and its encroachment upon its political independence; (7) Syria's obligation to withdraw from Lebanon is not conditioned upon progress in the Israeli-Syrian or Israeli-Lebanese peace process but derives from Syria's obligation under Security Council Resolution 520; (8) Syria's acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs threaten the security of the Middle East and U.S. national security interests; (9) Syria is in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 (August 6, 1990) and subsequent relevant resolutions through its continued purchase of oil from Iraq and shipments of weapons and other military equipment to Iraq; (10) Syria will be held accountable for any harm to Coalition armed forces of Operation Iraqi Freedom caused by shipments of military supplies from Syria to Iraq; and (11) the United States will not provide any assistance to Syria and will oppose multilateral assistance for Syria until Syria withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon, halts the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction and medium and long range surface to surface ballistic missiles, and complies with Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions. Sets forth the following penalties against Syria until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Syria meets the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to prohibit the export to Syria of any item, including the issuance of an export license, on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations. Requires the President, at the same time, to impose two or more of the following sanctions: (1) prohibit the export to Syria of U.S. products (other than food and medicine); (2) prohibit U.S. businesses from investing or operating in Syria; (3) restrict Syrian diplomats in Washington, D.C., and at the United Nations in New York City, to travel only within a 25-mile radius of Washington, D.C., or the United Nations headquarters building, respectively; (4) prohibit aircraft of any air carrier owned or controlled by Syria to take off from, land in, or overfly the United States; (5) reduce U.S. diplomatic contacts with Syria (other than those required to protect U.S. interests or carry out the purposes of this Act); and (6) block transactions in any property in which the Government of Syria has any interest, by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for one or more six-month periods if the President determines that it is in the vital national security interest of the United States to do so and reports his reasons to Congress. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 if he certifies to Congress that: (1) Syria meets the requirements of this Act; (2) substantial progress has been made both in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Syria and in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and (3) the Government of Syria is strictly respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon through the Lebanese army throughout Lebanon, as required under Security Council Resolution 520. Requires annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees on Syria's progress in complying with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation to Dr. Dorothy Height (President of the National Council of Negro Women) of a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2007 the authorization of appropriations for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program (a matching grant program which helps State, tribal, and local jurisdictions purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers).
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security, and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Pay Equity and Reform Act - Excludes availability pay for Federal criminal investigators from premium pay limitations. Amends the Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 to increase the Federal special pay differential for Federal law enforcement officers employed in specified metropolitan statistical areas. Requires a study by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding the need for, and potential benefits of, the establishment of a separate pay, evaluation, and promotion system for Federal law enforcement officers (including officers serving in or under the Federal Bureau of Investigation). Authorizes OPM to implement a demonstration project for such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Designates the historic Federal District Court Building located at 100 North Palafox Street in Pensacola, Florida, as the Winston E. Arnow Federal Building.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Citizenship Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit automatic citizenship at birth to a child born in the United States who: (1) was born in wedlock to a parent either of whom is a U.S. citizen or national, or is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who maintains such residence; or (2) was born out of wedlock to a mother who is a U.S. citizen or national, or is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who maintains such residence.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to extend the authorization of appropriations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for FY 2003 through 2006, including the NTSB Academy and an emergency fund. Requires an NTSB employee, in any case in which the employee determines that an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft constitutes an accident (except when there is loss of life), to notify the owner or operator of that aircraft of the right to appeal that determination to the NTSB. Revises requirements for the Secretary of Transportation's annual report to Congress on each transportation safety recommendation of the NTSB and the Secretary's response. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress and the NTSB on the regulatory status of each significant NTSB safety recommendation. Requires the NTSB to report to Congress any failure of the Secretary to make such a report. Relieves the NTSB of the duty to render specified assistance to families of passengers involved in an aircraft accident if the NTSB has relinquished its investigative priority to investigate it and the Federal agency to which it has relinquished such priority is willing and able to provide assistance to the victims and families of the passengers. Requires the NTSB, however, even if it has relinquished such priority, to assist, to the maximum extent possible, the agency to which it has relinquished it in assisting families with respect to the accident. Directs the NTSB and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to revise their 1977 agreement on the investigation of accidents to take into account the amendments made by this Act, and to submit such revision to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in a bird-fighting venture. Revises enforcement provisions. Permits euthanasia for an animal in extreme pain. Includes the Internet or any technology as interstate instrumentality.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes and which make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to continue to be treated as tax-exempt organizations so long as all of the active members of the recipient organization are full-time students at the college or university with which the recipient organization is associated.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike such gold medal (and authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals); and (2) deposit sums received from the sale of the bronze medals into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Ratepayer Protection Act - Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to rules under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) requiring electric utilities to offer to sell electric energy to, and purchase it from, qualifying cogeneration facilities and qualifying small power production facilities (qualifying facilities). Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate and enforce regulations to assure that no utility shall be required to absorb the costs associated with electric energy or capacity purchases from a qualifying facility pursuant to a legally enforceable obligation entered into or imposed under PURPA rules before this Act's enactment. (Thus assures that such utilities recover all costs associated with such purchases). Provides that regulations required by this Act shall be treated as rules enforceable under the Federal Power Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mica, John L. [R-FL-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000689_200.jpg)