United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to expand the Act's coverage by reducing from 50 to 25 the threshold minimum number of employees of an employer necessary for the Act to apply. Allows employees covered by FMLA to take up to four hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's or grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same parental involvement leave allowance to Federal employees. Provides that leave under FMLA may be taken to meet: (1) routine family medical needs, including transportation of children or grandchildren for medical and dental appointments for annual checkups and vaccinations; and (2) the routine medical care needs of elderly relatives of the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Urges the President, consistent with specified Federal law and the passage of specified House and Senate resolutions, to call upon the United Nations to establish an international criminal tribunal for the purpose of indicting, prosecuting, and imprisoning Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi officials who are responsible for crimes against humanity, genocide, and other criminal violations of international law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar E. Chavez, founder of the National Farm Workers of America. Calls for: (1) establishment of a legal public holiday in his honor; and (2) public schools to provide classroom instruction on his life and work.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that Althea Gibson should be recognized for her groundbreaking athletic achievements and for continuing to serve as a role model for the Nation's youth.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Expresses support for the goals of International Women's Day. Recognizes and honors the women who have fought and continue to struggle for gender equality and women's rights. Reaffirms the commitment to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, to ensuring their safety and welfare, and to pursuing policies that guarantee their basic rights. Encourages the President to: (1) affirm his commitment to pursue policies to protect the health and rights of women and girls; and (2) issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe International Women's Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of African-American scientists, mathematicians, and inventors end expresses support for establishment of a special day in their honor.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Arthur Ashe; and (2) the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act - 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 · 26 February 2003
Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Establishes a Commission on Children's Access to Care. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2003 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Amends the Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to provide for an entitlement to leave for addressing domestic violence for Federal employees. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project that assists families by providing paid leave for eligible Federal employees who are responding to: (1) caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter; or (2) other family caregiving needs. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Federal civil service law to provide for entitlement to school involvement leave of eligible individuals, including Federal employees. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for optional FamilyCare coverage of targeted low-income parents and their children. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Amends the Head Start Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reserve specified funds for programs for infants and toddlers, especially programs to improve access to child care. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as child care services for Federal employees. Early Learning Linkages Act of 2003 - Repeals the Early Learning Opportunities Act to replace it with a program of grants by the HHS Secretary to State and Local Councils to provide funds to early childhood learning providers to: (1) increase the number of full-day full-year Head Start programs, and the number of children served by Early Head Start and State prekindergarten education programs; and (2) develop linkages among such programs within a community and between them and health care services for young children in ways that facilitate greater access to such programs. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. Amends the Higher Education Act regarding student loan forgiveness for teachers. America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing and expanding child opportunity zone family centers. Amends the IRC to increase the child tax credit and to make the credit partially refundable. Tax Relief for Working Families Act - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county programs for low-income families with children. Child Support Distribution Act - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the IRC concerning: (1) parity for part-time workers, fair counting of wages, and use of improved technology for making wage data available; (2) ensuring unemployment compensation for individuals that are separated from employment due to domestic violence; and (3) loss of child care as good cause for leaving employment. Amends the TANF program concerning: (1) disregard of months engaged in work for purposes of the five-year TANF assistance limit; (2) replacement of case load reduction credit with employment credit; (3) elimination of limit on number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the work participation requirement; (4) elimination of separate work participation rate for two parent families; and (5) strengthening of TANF individual responsibility plans. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the treatment of aliens under the TANF program. Amends the TANF program to provide for the reauthorization and extension of TANF State family assistance grants. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning: (1) prevention of hunger among families with children; (2) encouragement of collection of child support; and (3) periodic redetermination of eligibility. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes in the Treasury the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2003 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to: (1) serve children who have been exposed to domestic violence; and (2) encourage the development and use of multisystem intervention models that respond to the needs of children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to establish a program through which the Secretary may make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist States and youth development consortia in mobilizing and supporting communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable for strategies that link community-based organizations, local government, volunteer centers, schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, businesses, parks and recreation agencies, libraries and museums, arts and cultural organizations, other youth-serving organizations, and other segments of the community to ensure that all youth have access to, and participate in, the full array of described core resources. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Coordinating Council for National Youth Policy. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; and (2) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Recruitment and Diversity in Nursing Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program in which nontraditional nursing students shall contract to serve at least two years at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses after attending an accredited school of nursing on a Federal scholarship. Requires the program to run from FY 2004 to 2005, and permits the Secretary to extend the program thereafter. Sets a maximum figure of 25 percent of the number of scholarships that may be used for training in advanced degree programs. Allows a recipient to complete a period of service on a part-time basis under certain conditions. Applies certain provisions applicable to the National Health Service Corps Program to the nursing scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to give preference in entering into contracts in such program to individuals in financial need. Requires the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out nursing awareness and recruitment programs in elementary schools and secondary schools. States that the program shall run from FY 2004 to 2005, and permits the Secretary to extend the program thereafter. Requires that of the schools in which a beneficiary conducts awareness and recruitment programs, at least half must have a high percentage of nontraditional students. Prohibits any grant for nursing awareness and recruitment programs from lasting for a period of more than three years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Establishes the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Advisory Board and authorizes it to establish a memorial to victims who died as a result of terrorist attacks against the United States or its people, at home or abroad, except those individuals identified by the Attorney General as participating or conspiring in terrorist-related activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan. Declares that such benefit reductions shall be equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount by which the total amount of the combined monthly benefit (before reduction) and monthly pension exceeds $2,000, adjusted for inflation; or (2) an amount equal to two-thirds of the amount of any such monthly pension plan payment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Full Funding for IDEA Now Act of 2003 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to specify a mandatory minimum level of Federal grant payments to States for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. Sets such level at 40 percent of the average current per-pupil expenditure in public and secondary schools in the United States multiplied by the number of children with disabilities in the State who are receiving special education and related services: (1) aged three through five if the State is eligible for an IDEA preschool grant; and (2) aged six through 21.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Water Quality Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations through FY 2005 for grants for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to control or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. Extends the requirements for a report on funding levels.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a community homeownership tax credit based upon an applicable percentage of each qualified residence's eligible basis. Makes such credit available to residences located: (1) in a census tract with a median gross income not exceeding 80 percent of the greater area or statewide median gross income; (2) in a rural area; (3) on an Indian reservation; or (4) in an area of chronic economic distress. Prohibits a buyer's income from exceeding 80 percent (70 percent for families of less than three) of the area gross median income and requires owner occupancy. Specifies that the aggregate homeownership credit dollar amount which a homeownership credit agency (an "agency") may disburse is the portion of the "State homeownership credit ceiling" (the "ceiling") allocated to such agency. Allows "unused homeownership credit carryovers" to be allocated among qualified States. Sets aside at up to 90 percent least ten percent of a State's ceiling for certain housing projects in which a qualified nonprofit organization owns an interest and materially participates in the given project's development and operation throughout the credit period. Requires allocation of credit to residences to be in accordance with a "qualified allocation plan" of the agency issuing credit. Lists certain specified criteria such a plan must include and specifies that the plan must be approved by the governmental unit of which such agency is a part.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
National Center for Social Work Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Social Work Research (and a related advisory council) to conduct, support, and disseminate targeted research on social work methods and outcomes related to problems of significant social concern. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Veterans Outreach Protection Act - Rescinds a Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum dated July 18, 2002, from the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and management which requires directors of Department health service networks to ensure that no marketing activities for the enrollment of new veterans occur within their networks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2003 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether State law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the FLRA to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such FLRA regulations and authority through appropriate State courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Environmental Health Research Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of not more than six centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, develop training protocols, conduct training, develop model continuing education programs, and disseminate information to professionals and the public, with priority to prevention activities. Requires each center to: (1) collaborate with community organizations; and (2) use the facilities of a single institution or be formed from a consortium of institutions. Limits support to five years but allows extensions under specified circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive research program on the impact and occurrence of hormone disrupting chemicals as they affect human, ecological, and wildlife health. Requires the program to: (1) compile scientifically valid information, with an emphasis on the effect of low doses during critical life stages and the extent of human and wildlife exposure; (2) research the mechanisms by which such chemicals interact with biological systems as well as their screening and tracking; and (3) include the participation of the U.S. Geological Survey. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel within the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Student Medical Access Raising Test Scores Health Act - SMARTS Health Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make demonstration grants to expand school-based health programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such grants program with other specified health programs. Limits the making of such grants to the following eligible entities, for expansion of the following school-based health programs: (1) the University of Maryland, for its program in the Baltimore, Maryland, vicinity; (2) the local educational agency for its program in an independent school district in the Dallas, Texas, vicinity; (3) the University of New Mexico for its program in New Mexico; (4) the University of California, Los Angeles, for its program in the Los Angeles, California, vicinity; (5) the Child Study Center Outpatient Clinic, Yale University, for its program in the New Haven, Connecticut, vicinity; and (6) the University of Illinois at Chicago, for its program in the Chicago, Illinois, vicinity. Directs the Secretary, in making such a grant, to establish goals for the program in terms of health outcomes for the children served.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Permanent Partners Immigration Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include permanent partners (as defined by this Act) within the scope of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - Prohibits a person from: (1) slaughtering a horse for human consumption; (2) importing to, or exporting from, the United States horseflesh or horses for human consumption; (3) selling, bartering, transferring, receiving, or distributing horseflesh or horses for human consumption; or (4) soliciting or knowingly causing any such actions. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) criminal and civil penalties; (2) enforcement authority of the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) placement of confiscated horses; (4) euthanasia of unplaceable or severely injured or diseased horses; (4) funding of animal rescue facilities; and (5) exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Local Emergency Health Services Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to appropriate $1,450,000,000 for each of FY's 2004 through 2008 for allotments to States for reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (presently such appropriations end after FY 2001). Sets forth formulas for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Declares that $957,000,000 shall be allotted based on a percentage of undocumented aliens and $493,000,000 shall be allotted based on numbers of undocumented alien apprehensions (in the six States with the highest number of such apprehensions). Permits a State to receive funds on both accounts. Allows funds to go to States, local governments, hospitals, or other providers in a State, including providers of services received through an Indian Health Service facility (presently funds go only to States). Permits reimbursement to providers for the uncompensated provision of emergency health services to aliens who have been allowed to enter the United States for the sole purpose of receiving such services. Directs the Secretary to ensure that fraudulent payments are not made from allotments under this Act. Allows for the reallotment of unused funds. Declares that this Act constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Assure Access to Mammography Act of 2003 - Provides that, with respect to payment for a screening or diagnostic mammography furnished to a Medicare beneficiary, the amount of payment made to a hospital-based facility in which such screening or diagnostic mammography is performed during the applicable period is equal to 200 percent of the amount of payment that would otherwise apply under the Medicare fee schedule established under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the technical component of such screening or diagnostic mammography. Provides for not counting certain radiological residents against graduate medical education limitations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an arrangement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Secretary on Medicare reimbursement for gender-specific services. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress on Medicare reimbursement for screening services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and their families. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a broadband credit equal to the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines: (1) the current generation broadband credit for any taxable year as ten percent of the qualified expenditures incurred with respect to qualified equipment providing current generation broadband services to qualified subscribers and taken into account with respect to such taxable year; and (2) the next generation broadband credit for any year as twenty percent of the qualified expenditures incurred with respect to qualified equipment providing next generation broadband services to qualified subscribers and taken into account with respect to such taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Morris K. Udall Arctic Wilderness Act - Designates specified lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
State Budget Relief Act of 2003 - Requires the Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for: (1) a State for FY 2002 to be substituted for the State's FMAP for each of such covered calendar quarters if the FMAP determined for a State for a covered calendar quarter would otherwise be less than the FY 2002 FMAP; and (2) each eligible State for each covered calendar quarter to be increased by two percentage points. Mandates specified FMAP increases for States with high unemployment rates, and a specified Medicaid payment cap increase for territories. Prohibits application of the FMAP increases for a State under this Act with respect to: (1) disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicaid; and (2) payments under SSA titles IV and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $400 the maximum above-the-line deduction allowed for classroom supply expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers, effective after December 31, 2002. Expands such deduction to include qualified professional development expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Acknowledges historically Black colleges and universities and their presidents, faculties, staff, and trustees for their efforts in support of equal opportunity in higher education. Commends the students of such institutions for their pursuit of academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Recognizes the significance of historically Black colleges and universities, which have been educating students for more than 100 years, and of title III of the Higher Education Act, which helps strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and financial stability. Commends them for their commitment to academic excellence for all students, including low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Urges their presidents, faculty, and staff to continue their efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students who might otherwise not pursue a post-secondary education. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the Nation and interested groups to demonstrate support for historically Black colleges and universities with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on April 30, 2003, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Recognizes: (1) African descendants for their contributions to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the countries in the Americas, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean societies; and (2) that as a result of their skin color and ancestry, such descendants have wrongfully experienced economic, social, and political injustices. Urges the President to encourage the celebration and remembrance of the achievements of African descendants in the Americas and a resolution of such injustices. Urges the United States and the international community to: (1) work to ensure that extreme poverty is eradicated, universal education is achieved, quality healthcare is made available, sustainable environmental resources are provided, and equal access to justice and representation under the law is granted in Afro-descendant communities in Latin American and the Caribbean; and (2) achieve these goals by promoting research on identifying and eradicating racial disparities in economic, political, and social spheres; promoting, funding, and creating development programs that focus on such communities; providing technical support and training to Afro-descendant advocacy groups that work to uphold basic human rights in the region; promoting the creation of an international working group on problems of such communities; and promoting trade and other bilateral and multilateral agreements that take into account the needs of such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for child welfare workers employed by child protection agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Clean Water Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to define "fill material" to mean any pollutant which replaces portions of waters of the United States with dry land or which changes the bottom elevation of a water body for any purpose and to exclude any pollutant discharged into the water primarily to dispose of waste.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to revise the statutory formula for funding benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for U.S. Postal Service employees. Mandates that savings accruing to the Postal Service and attributable to specified years: (1) be used to reduce the postal debt as the Secretary of the Treasury shall specify; and (2) be held in escrow until Congress acts following receipt of certain reports. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of the enactment of this Act will be sufficient to allow the Postal Service to fulfill its commitment to hold postage rates unchanged until at least 2006; (2) because the Postal Service still faces substantial obligations related to postretirement health benefits for its current and former employees, some portion of those savings should be used to address the unfunded obligations; and (3) none of the savings should be used to pay bonuses to Postal Service executives. Sets a deadline for submission of a mandatory Postal Service report detailing how future savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of the enactment of this Act should be expended.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to place limitations on mandatory overtime for nurses, protect nurses against retaliation in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment, and provide for civil money penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on standards to establish for the maximum number of hours that a nurse may work without compromising the safety of their patients. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to Congress on the extent to which federally operated medical facilities have in effect practices and policies with respect to overtime requirements for nurses that are inconsistent with the overtime requirements added by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds; (2) for qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds and establish limits and allocation formulas for such bonds; and (3) corporations, a limited specialized training center credit. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Tohono O'odham Citizenship Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to recognize persons listed on the official membership roll of the Tohono O'odham Nation, a federally recognized American Indian nation located in Arizona, as U.S. citizens as of the date such listing occurs. Provides that the valid membership credential issued to such listed persons shall be considered, for all purposes subject to Federal law, equivalent to: (1) a certificate of citizenship; and (2) a State-issued birth certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT Act) - Amends the Public Health Service Act to address issues of overweight and obesity. Modifies an existing grant program funding the training of health profession personnel to include the treatment of overweight and obesity among categories to which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to give special consideration. Creates a grant program to fund the training of health professionals to: (1) treat and prevent obesity; and (2) aid people who are overweight. Creates grant programs at the local level to promote increased physical activity and improved nutrition. Targets partnerships with businesses, schools, senior centers, day care facilities and other institutions. Expands an existing coordinated school health program to include grants for the development of programs which focus on healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet and physical activity. Permits the use of preventive health and health services block grants for community education programs which promote healthy eating and exercise habits. Directs the Secretary to consider geographic diversity in issuing such grants and to ensure that such grants focus on physical activity and food-based research. Creates a Medicare demonstration project to reduce obesity and other chronic disease risks in older Americans. Makes grants available to local healthcare delivery systems for overweight and obesity treatment and prevention demonstration programs. Makes grants available for a national campaign to change children's health behaviors. Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Youth Act - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to award competitive grants to States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities for the implementation of State and community-based intervention programs to promote good nutrition, including in children and adolescents. Sets forth a sunset date for such grants of five years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an annual tax credit for 25 percent of up to the first $25,000 of qualified wages paid or incurred per qualified U.S. independent film and television production. Increases the credit to 35 percent if the production is located in an area eligible for designation as a low-income community or eligible for designation by the Delta Regional Authority as a distressed county or isolated area of distress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Recognizes that the inauguration of President Roh Moo Hyun is a momentous moment for the people of the Republic of Korea and an opportunity to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Welcomes President Roh Moo Hyun to visit the United States and communicates to him and the people of the Republic of Korea the support of the U.S. people.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Health Care for Filipino World War II Veterans Act - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital and nursing home care and medical services to any individual who is a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout (current law) and who is: (1) residing in the United States; and (2) a U.S. citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Provides a rate of payment equal to the rate provided for active-service veterans and their survivors for: (1) dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of Commonwealth Army veterans or new Philippine Scouts; and (2) veterans' disability compensation for new Philippine Scouts residing in the United States. Provides national cemetery burial benefits for new Philippine Scouts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2003 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Repeals certain provisions discounting such service as qualifying service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal provisions which make persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive student financial assistance for a certain period.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate I-710 in California between the terminus at Long Beach to State Route 60 as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the regular and new Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army Forces of the Far East Guerrillas, and members of the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines deserve recognition for their valiant service during World War II; and (2) the new Philippine Scouts and Commonwealth Army veterans deserve to receive the same veterans' benefits to which other U.S. armed forces veterans are entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Professional Educators Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of up to $1,000 in the case of professional school personnel (including librarians) for any of the grades kindergarten through 12.
![Official portrait of Rep. Millender-McDonald, Juanita [D-CA-37]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000714_200.jpg)