United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
United States Security (USA) Act of 2001 - Sets forth "Buy America" provisions permitting, subject to exception, Federal financial assistance under this Act for a project only if steel and manufactured goods used in the project are of U.S. origin. Authorizes appropriations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) design, construct, and equip new facilities and renovate existing facilities for defending against and combating bioterrorism and other public health threats; (2) establish a Scientific Communication Center; and (3) improve security at CDC facilities. Amends the: (1) Atomic Energy Act to provide for sufficient potassium iodide tablet stockpiles; and (2) Public Health Service Act to provide for a contingency bone marrow donor program. Requires national standards for the implementation of quarantines. Authorizes appropriations for sequencing the genomes of biological pathogens. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants to units of local government and emergency response units to plan, train, and equip emergency responders. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide staffing for adequate fire and emergency response. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies and institutions of higher learning to enhance security and emergency preparedness. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs to: (1) address the lack of security on critical highway infrastructure; (2) improve interagency training for and communication among first responders to a terrorist attack; (3) provide real-time information and guidance for the traveling and non-traveling public; and (4) address the lack of adequate security for locks and dams, the lack of cargo information, and the inability to share information in a timely fashion with agencies such as the Coast Guard. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to assess the vulnerability of the 50 busiest U.S. seaports and establish: (1) in the Coast Guard the position of Assistant Commandant for Maritime Security; (2) a sea marshal program; (3) a national port security task force; (4) a maritime security institute; and (5) terrorism response plans for responding to a maritime terrorist attack. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for specified passenger rail and freight rail protection projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation with respect to public transit security, including installation of communications, surveillance, detection systems, and personal protective and detection equipment at public transit facilities. Requires a National Academy of Sciences energy pipeline security study. Authorizes appropriations for upgrading and expanding the current infrastructure of the Aviation Safety Reporting System of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out pilot projects with air carriers for real-time transmission to the FAA of cockpit voice and flight data and cabin video data from aircraft. Establishes a pilot program to deploy commercially available fuel cells at public use airports to ensure a reliable energy supply for new and emerging aviation security technologies, airport control towers, airport terminals, and other airport facilities. Requires the following officials to submit risk management assessment reports to Congress: (1) the Secretary of Energy regarding oil refineries, natural gas, and liquid natural gas storage facilities; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding chemical manufacturing facilities; (3) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding nuclear facilities; (4) the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the domestic electric power grid; (5) the Secretary of Commerce regarding the Nation's fiber optic infrastructure; and (6) the Administrator of the General Services Administration regarding Federal buildings. Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist attacks against high-level nuclear waste transportation facilities and infrastructure, interim storage facilities, intermodal transfer facilities, and central repositories. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and develop a plan to ensure that Federal, State, and local governments can respond adequately to the consequences of a terrorist attack against the transportation or storage of high-level nuclear waste. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the NRC to: (1) establish a system to ensure that transportation of nuclear materials under its jurisdiction meets certain requirements; and (2) commence a rulemaking to consider changes to the design basis threat for NRC-licensed facilities. Authorizes the President, whenever a state of war or national emergency exists, to: (1) deploy either the Armed Forces or the National Guard to defend NRC-licensed facilities from terrorist attack or threat from any foreign power; and (2) restrict air space in the vicinity of such facilities. Requires each Federal agency to take certain steps to enhance cyber security. Authorizes appropriations for State and local governments to do the same. Requires the Attorney General to update a specified study assessing the vulnerability of Federal facilities. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of Central Intelligence to investigate whether existing computer knowledge assessment technologies meeting specified criteria can be used to detect individuals with terrorist training. Directs the Attorney General to create a pilot program for establishing civilian supplemental incident response teams. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service to enhance its ability to detect and neutralize, or otherwise respond to, any dangerous matter entered into the mails without authorization. Directs the United States Customs Service to expedite the development and deployment of pulsed fast neutron analysis technology and authorizes appropriations for the development of scanners capable of sensing biological and chemical contaminants in microscopic airborne quantities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) take specified measures for identifying individuals crossing U.S. Borders; and (2) increase to specified levels the number of U.S. Border Patrol personnel, U.S. marshals, and Immigration and Naturalization Service and Customs Service inspectors at ports of entry by 2003. Requires the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization to establish a border health inspectors corps to inspect individuals who may be intending to infect others for infectious disease. Requires the Director of Homeland Security to consider a program to improve aerial reconnaissance activities at U.S. borders, to include the use of unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Directs the President, acting through the Office of Homeland Security, to oversee the appropriate sharing of information among Federal, State, and local agencies involved in intelligence collection and law enforcement. Directs the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to develop within such Office an entity to develop a system-wide information network to integrate existing watch lists of suspected terrorists. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the prompt assignment of specified channels for public safety purposes. Requires the Attorney General to establish regional emerging threat workspaces. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to maintain a secure database on select biological agents that pose a threat to public health by terrorist attack. Directs the President to establish within the Office for Homeland Security a center to develop an interagency clearinghouse for new counterterrorism technologies. States the policy of the United States to work with other nations, especially Russia, to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the proliferation of necessary materials and expertise. Authorizes appropriations for cooperative threat reduction programs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an integrated plan for the use of technology to combat terrorism. Creates within the Executive Office of the President a Director of Homeland Security who shall conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of threat to the United States and develop a five-year homeland security strategy in response.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2002. Authorizes end-of-year strength for the Coast Guard. Maritime Policy Improvement Act of 2001 - Provides for: (1) certificates of documentation and other provisions concerning named vessels; (2) grants to the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee, Inc.; (3) governing agricultural cargo discharges; (4) revising the method for recording and discharging certain maritime liens. Coast Guard Personnel and Maritime Safety Act of 2001 - Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) Coast Guard personnel management; (2) marine safety; (3) advisory groups; (4) law enforcement; (5) user fees; and (6) entry into U.S. waters. Omnibus Maritime Improvements Act of 2001 - Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) Coast Guard housing authorities; (2) cable laying vessels: (3) vessel escort and towing; (4) search and rescue; (5) communications; (6) lower Columbia River marine, fire, oil, and toxic spill response communications, training, equipment, and program administration activities; (7) promotion and retirement; (8) lighthouses; (9) drug interdiction jurisdiction; (10) authorization for the Oil Spill Recovery Institute; (11) liability of Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service pilots for damages related to their official assistance; and (12) recreational vessel and associated equipment recalls.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
National Rural Development Partnership Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the National Rural Development Partnership composed of the National Rural Development Coordinating Committee (established by this Act) and State development councils (authorized by this Act). Includes among Partnership purposes: (1) enhancement of State and local rural development capacities; and (2) engagement of Federal, State, local, tribal, and private and nonprofit sectors in such efforts. Provides for State rural development council matching requirements. Terminates the Partnership five years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) remain a signatory to the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty; (2) not encourage Russia to withdraw from the ABM Treaty to validate U.S. efforts to build a national missile defense system; and (3) continue to work cooperatively with Russia and other nuclear powers to prevent nuclear proliferation, reduce the number of weapons in current arsenals, and facilitate nuclear disarmament.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Amends Federal transportation law to establish in the Department of Transportation (DOT) an Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to provide leadership in the development of policy for DOT, supervise the policy activities of Assistant Secretaries with primary responsibility for aviation, international, and other transportation policy development, and carry out other powers and duties prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation. Sets the basic pay rate of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at Level III of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to impose a fee of $0.25 for each bus trip of a passenger if the cost of the trip is more than $5 to pay for the cost of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign promoting stroke prevention and immediate treatment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse, including conducting and/or making available research concerning best practices for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; (2) make grants to States to establish statewide stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems; and (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel. Sets forth requirements for the State grant program, including matching funds, standards for care and facilities, central data reporting and analysis, special consideration for geographic areas with high rates of disability from stroke or significant need, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to develop and implement education programs for appropriate medical personnel with regard to newly developed diagnostics, technologies, and therapies for stroke prevention and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Employment Contract Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code with respect to priority of claims to revise the third level of priority (allowed unsecured claims) to repeal the limitation of claims to $4,000 of wages, salaries, or commissions earned by an individual or corporation within 90 days before the filing date of debtor's petition in bankruptcy or the debtor's cessation of business (thus allowing any such claim earned before petition filing or business cessation). Revises the fourth level of priority, allowed unsecured claims for contributions to an employee benefit plan, to: (1) repeal the limitation to claims arising from services rendered within 180 days before petition filing or business cessation, thus allowing any claim for services rendered before such date; and (2) reduce the current deduction from such amount to a deduction of only the aggregate amount paid by the estate in bankruptcy on behalf of such employees to any other employee benefit plan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - 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 · 14 November 2001
Help America Vote Act of 2001 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish programs under which the Administrator makes payments to each eligible State or local government to: (1) replace a punch card voting system with a voting system which does not use punch cards; or (2) make technical enhancements to the performance of its punch card voting system. Establishes: (1) an independent Election Assistance Commission to serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections; and (2) the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors to review any of the voluntary standards for engineering and procedural performance, for maintenance and enhancement of the accessibility and privacy of registration facilities, polling places, and voting methods, and for election management practices recommended by the Commission. Establishes the Technical Standards Development Committee to assist the Executive Director of the Commission by recommending standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of voting systems and voting equipment. Directs the Commission to: (1) provide for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories; (2) make payments to States for voting system improvements, grants to entities for voting equipment and technology research and development, and grants for pilot programs to try out new voting systems and equipment technologies; and (3) develop the Help America Vote College Program to encourage college students to assist State and local governments in election administration. Amends Federal law to create the Help America Vote Foundation as a nonprofit charitable corporation to mobilize secondary school students to participate in the election process in a nonpartisan manner as poll workers or assistants. Outlines minimum standards for State election systems. Sets forth provisions regarding voting rights of military members and overseas citizens. Amends Federal postal service law to replace reduced rates for voter registration purposes with reduced rates for official election mail.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Fairness in Antitrust in National Sports (FANS) Act of 2001 - Amends the Clayton Act to provide that the conduct, acts, practices, or agreements (conduct) of persons in the business of organized professional major league baseball directly relating to or affecting the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise are subject to the antitrust laws to the same extent that such conduct would be subject to such laws if engaged in by persons in any other professional sports business affecting interstate commerce. Declares that: (1) no court shall rely on the enactment of this Act as a basis for changing the application of the antitrust laws to any other conduct; and (2) this Act does not create, permit, or imply a cause of action by which to challenge under the antitrust laws, or otherwise apply the antitrust laws to, any conduct that does not directly relate to or affect the elimination or relocation of a major league baseball franchise. Grants standing to bring action under this Act based on such violation to any person (including any major league or minor league baseball player; any Federal, State, or local government, and any stadium authority) injured by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to subject the transportation of infectious substances to the Secretary of Transportation's general regulatory authority. Exempts owner-authorized action from the prohibition against tampering with the labeling of hazardous materials. Repeals current law regarding: (1) inspections of motor vehicles transporting highly radioactive material; (2) the Secretary's authority to prescribe criteria for handling hazardous material; (3) the requirement for Federal motor carrier safety permits; (4) the requirement that certain rail tank cars comply with specified air brake equipment support attachment standards; and (5) the mandate for 30 hazardous material safety inspectors more than the total authorized for FY 1990. Revises current law with respect to: (1) hazardous material (hazmat) employee training requirements and grants; (2) hazmat transporter registration; (3) three-year retention of shipping papers; (4) unsatisfactory safety ratings; (5) the public sector training curriculum; (6) exclusive monitoring by the Secretary of public-sector hazmat emergency response planning and training; (7) establishment of an Emergency Preparedness Fund account in the Treasury for planning and training grants; (8) special permits and exclusions; (9) exclusive authority of the Secretary to establish uniform forms and procedures for a State to register and issue permits; (10) general requirements for inspections, investigations, and emergency orders; and (11) increased civil penalties and criminal penalties for aggravated and willful offenses. Authorizes appropriations. Amends Federal postal service law to make hazardous material nonmailable and subject to specified civil penalties if mailed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Merchant Marine Cost Parity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create an alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities in U.S. foreign trade. Sets forth a formula for determining taxable income from such activities. Provides for the allocation of taxable income among all persons considered operators on the basis of their ownership and charter interests in a qualifying vessel. Sets forth the terms and conditions under which qualifying entities may make and revoke qualifying shipping tax elections, including the effects of temporarily ceasing to operate such a vessel or temporarily operating such a vessel in the U.S. domestic trade. Sets forth exclusions from gross income for electing entities. Allows a depreciation deduction for qualifying shipping assets for non-operating owners only. Disallows credits and deductions (including those for net operating loss) against tax imposed or income for electing corporations, as specified. Permits the sale and subsequent replacement of qualifying shipping assets without recognized gain, as specified. Treats certain income of merchant seaman as foreign earned income and therefore excludable from gross income. Makes qualified vessels eligible for a certificate of inspection, as specified. Authorizes crews and operators of such vessels to make superceding agreements concerning controlling liability and damages for a crew member's injury or death when such owner/operator has approved evidence of financial responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Bioterrorism Protection Act (BioPAct) of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants, scholarships, and loans in order to strengthen the nursing profession. Establishes the National Nursing Service Corps Scholarship Program. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) increase hospital and provider capacity, training, and resources for treating bioterrorism victims; (2) increase and improve vaccine and antibiotic supplies for attack victims; and (3) provide for the coordination, training, and equipping of bioterrorism emergency responders. Authorizes appropriations for Department of Agriculture activities to: (1) reduce agricultural pathogen and insect pest threats; and (2) increase Department information systems security. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand the Food and Drug Administration's capacity to ensure the safety of the food supply system, including imported food, and protect against the threat of bioterrorism. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) permit debarment for repeated or serious food import violations; (2) deem as misbranded imported food without country-of-origin labeling; (3) deem as adulterated a food item imported by a debarred person; and (4) require registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) undertake public water systems vulnerability assessments and review related emergency response plans; and (2) provide such systems with assistance for basic security enhancements and information systems protection. Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for possessing a select agent known to be a biological agent, with reckless disregard for the public health and safety. Authorizes appropriations for neutron scanner technology and technology to detect biological or chemical agents and for increased numbers of border patrol and immigration officers. Directs the Attorney General to develop or carry out various programs, including programs to improve identification of those appearing on law enforcement "watch lists" and to mandate better tracking of visas. Requires the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to: (1) assess terrorist threats within the United States and its territories and possible responses to such threats; (2) implement a public education campaign concerning appropriate response to a terrorist attack; and (3) coordinate the deployment of chemical and biological detection capabilities. Requires the President to: (1) establish a database of information concerning terrorist activity; and (2) reduce barriers to the sharing of such information among Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) increase military capability to respond to domestic crises involving chemical or biological weapons; (2) implement interagency crisis response and consequence management; and (3) accelerate response research and development. Requires the Secretary of Energy to increase efforts relating to nonproliferation verification of chemical and biological materials in countries other than the United States. Urges the President to seek to establish a United States-Russian Federation Biological-Chemical Working Group.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Spirit of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the tragic events that occurred at the Pentagon, in New York City, and in Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of September 11th Fund which shall consist of amounts from surcharges received from the sale of such coins transferred to the Office for Victims of Crime for individuals who were injured, and to the families of individuals who were killed or injured, in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the trade and economic development policies of the United States toward Africa should respect and support the rights of African farmers with respect to their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies, and the provisions of the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act of 2001 - SAFER Act of 2001 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants for up to 75 percent of the costs of projects to hire firefighters to eligible States, local governments, tribal organizations, or other public entities, or multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Paget's Cancer Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate information to health professionals and the public on the symptoms and treatment for Paget's disease of the breast. Requires the Secretary to study aspects of the disease concerning the range of symptoms, time lapse between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis and treatment, and demographic distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Encourages the American people and all levels of government, as the Nation marks the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to recognize and celebrate the Nation's accomplishments under, and to recommit to achieving the goals of, that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2001
Rebuild America: Financing Infrastructure Renewal and Security for Transportation Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Requires Secretary of Transportation approval of qualified Amtrak projects funded by such bonds. Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize appropriations to the Secretary for Amtrak capital expenditures, including specified tunnel life safety projects, bridges, tracks, and other improvements, and equipment, including acquisition of trainsets and rolling stock. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads (or with the concurrence of such railroads, to a State or local government) to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve certain railroad track. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to set forth additional requirements with respect to cohorts of direct loans and loan guarantees for certain railroad rehabilitation and improvement projects. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under this Act. Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality. Provides for an extended repayment period and additional subsidization with respect to loans from revolving funds to financially distressed communities. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to increase the Federal-Aid Highway program obligation ceiling for FY 2002. Authorizes additional appropriations from the Mass Transit Account and the Highway Trust Fund for FY 2002 for certain formula grants for mass transportation projects, including projects for special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities and non-urbanized areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $100 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to $175. Amends Federal aviation law to increase appropriations from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for FY 2002 for airport planning and airport development, including airport noise compatibility planning and programs. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 2002 and 2003 for guaranteed loans for ferries using a streamlined process. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to U.S. port or maritime cargo terminal operators to acquire the best available technology, equipment, or infrastructure. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize additional FY 2002 appropriations, respectively, for public works and economic development, Appalachian regional development, and Delta, Mississippi regional development. Authorizes additional FY 2002 appropriations to: (1) carry out construction, operation, and maintenance activities (including security measures) for Corps of Engineers projects; and (2) enhance the security of General Services Administration properties. Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize additional appropriations for FY 2002 to enhance the security of: (1) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (2) the Smithsonian Institution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit a State from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the State on August 1, 2001, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a State from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the National Highway System (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under State law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by State law on August 1, 2001; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such State on or before August 1, 2001. Permits a commercial motor vehicle combination authorized in a State to continue to operate on System highways provided it is in compliance with State law, including routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions in force in the State on August 1, 2001. Amends Federal highway law to prohibit a State from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to State (grandfather) law. Subjects such vehicles and combinations to all routing-specific, commodity-specific, and weight-specific designations in force in such State on August 1, 2001. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the operation of vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided (nondivisible loads) on the Federal-aid highway system as they relate to Interstate weight limitations; and (2) waiver of weight limitations for vehicles that operate on the Federal-aid highway system during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the National Highway System, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower State weight limits; or (2) a State allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the National Highway System that could be so operated lawfully on August 1, 2001. Requires establishment of a model schedule of fines for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for payment for ambulance services concerning: (1) the establishment of a fee schedule; and (2) the coding system specifying the medical condition of the individual transported by an ambulance and the appropriate level of transportation service. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) (including part C (Medicare+Choice) of the Medicare program) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish a prudent layperson standard for justification of emergency ambulance services under Medicare and Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Transportation Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish in the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Transportation Security Administration, to be headed by an Under Secretary of Transportation for Security responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including: (1) civil aviation security; and (2) security responsibilities over nonaviation modes of transportation that are exercised by Administrations of DOT (other than the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)). Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) assume responsibility for the screening of passengers and property that will be carried in an aircraft in air transportation or intrastate air transportation; and (2) carry out such responsibility using employees of the Transportation Security Administration who are U.S. citizens, or employees of other Federal agencies. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) the Under Secretary to develop a personnel system for screeners, including matters covering compensation and the authority of the Administration to suspend or terminate them; (2) airport operators to establish air transportation security programs that also require the presence of law enforcement at airports where passengers are screened; (3) the application of certain employment standards and training requirements to airport security personnel, including (Federal) screeners of passengers and property; (4) deployment of Federal air marshals on passenger flights; (5) specified enhanced aviation-related security measures, including restricting access to the aircraft's cockpit; and (6) imposition on passengers of $2.50 on a one-way trip to cover costs of screening passengers and property. Establishes the Transportation Security Oversight Board to review Under Secretary issued transportation security-related regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2001
True American Heroes Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to the next of kin or other representation of each officer, emergency worker, or employee of a State and local government agency, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and of the Federal Government, who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, and perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (including those who are missing and presumed dead).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
COBRA Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for employer-provided COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage for covered employees and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Travel America Now Act of 2001-Amends the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily: (1) allow a credit for qualified personal travel expenses; (2) restore full deductibility for business entertainment expenses; and (3) extend the carry-back period for travel or tourism industry losses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
General Aviation Small Business Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration to make grants to general aviation small business concerns in amounts equal to direct losses sustained since September 11, 2001, as a result of any Federal ground stop order(s) related to the terrorist attacks. Authorizes loans to assist such a business that has suffered, as a result of such attacks, substantial economic injury that is not incidental to the business's revenue and that is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Extends the due date for excise tax deposits for general aviation small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Displaced Workers Assistance Act - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal to Sargent Shriver to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Peace Corps, and to recognize his incomparable contribution as its first Director.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2001
Displaced Workers Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes certain groups of workers who have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation) from employment with the airline industry as a result of reductions in service by an air carrier or closure of an airport due to a terrorist action or security measures to petition the Secretary of Labor for a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance (similar to trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974). Provides certain benefits (employment services, job training, and readjustment allowances) to eligible workers meeting certain eligibility requirements. Provides eligible workers who do not meet certain requirements for State unemployment compensation with a limited readjustment allowance under this Act. Provides for payment of premiums for COBRA health care continuation coverage of eligible workers. Authorizes a State to elect to provide medical assistance under its Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible workers who are not eligible for COBRA health care continuation coverage, and who are uninsured.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
September 11th Families Stamp Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (first-class postage stamp sold at a premium) with the proceeds from its sale going to the September 11th Families Fund to provide assistance, through the Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice, to the families of individuals who were killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Establishes the September 11th Families Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Authorizes the President to take certain limited actions to compensate U.S. certificated air carriers for losses sustained by them as a result of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, including to: (1) suspend, delay, or modify quarterly payments or other Federal financial obligations of such carriers to the United States; (2) extend credit or guarantees or issue loans to the air carriers; and (3) compensate for direct losses sustained by the carriers as a result of such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
Debbie Smith Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out sexual assault nurse examiner programs and to train law enforcement personnel and first responders in the handling of sexual assault cases and the collection and use of DNA samples for forensic evidence. Provides that for a State to be eligible to receive a grant, the chief executive officer of the State shall submit to the Attorney General an application which shall include a certification that the State shall comply with specified quality assurance standards. Sets forth provisions regarding restrictions on the use of funds and expenditure records. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to require the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to issue (and revise periodically) standards for collecting and processing, for use as forensic evidence, samples on which DNA analysis may be carried out. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes for inclusion in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System. Sets forth provisions regarding State eligibility, restrictions on uses of funds, and expenditure records.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
International Students Reporting Act- Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to eliminate the information collection program respecting foreign students and other exchange program participants.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Transitional Medical Assistance Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the program commonly referred to as the transitional medical assistance (TMA) program. Authorizes States to: (1) extend the eligibility for TMA of low-income individuals for up to 12 additional months; and (2) allow another six months of eligibility, in certain circumstances, in the case of family eligible for or receiving Medicaid for less than three of the previous six months. Repeals the sunset date for TMA (thus making the program permanent).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Stop Westward Aquatic Threats Act - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) provide the public with information and education on the threat of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species and how to prevent their westward advance; (2) work with States that contain aquatic nuisance species (including zebra mussels) that threaten western States to develop and implement a prevention action plan that includes inspections of vessels at boat launches and elsewhere (including vessels involved in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Expedition); and (3) prevent westward movement of aquatic nuisance species by monitoring and preventing westward movement of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species beyond the 100th meridian, monitoring water bodies, educating boaters leaving waters infected by aquatic nuisance species, and providing rapid response capacity in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Authorizes the Director of the of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to make grants to States to develop management plans which identify those areas or activities within the State for which assistance is needed to eliminate or reduce the environmental, public health, and safety risks associated with aquatic nuisance species, particularly the zebra mussel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Support for Harbor Investment Program Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the harbor maintenance tax. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for activities formerly funded with revenues from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, including eligible operations and maintenance costs: (1) of those portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway operated and maintained by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; and (2) assigned to commercial navigation of all harbors and inland harbors within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act of 2001 - Amends Federal postal law to provide that any limitation in the Semipostal Authorization Act relating to whether more than one semipostal (a postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service, at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a national public interest) may be offered for sale at the same time, shall not apply to the breast cancer research special stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Extends the Service's authority to issue such stamps through July 29, 2008. Revises the differential amount of the special rate of postage for the breast cancer research stamp to not less than 15 percent of the regular first-class rate (currently, not to exceed 25 percent of first-class). Requires the special rate to be evenly divisible by five.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2001 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs). Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares this Act inapplicable to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act is inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for remedies to the same extent as under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Bruce Vento Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Extension Act - Amends the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 to extend naturalization application and fee deadline provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2001
Medicare Equity Act for the Blind of 2001- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide Medicare coverage of State vocational rehabilitation services for older individuals who are blind.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act - Sets forth entitlement standards and implementation guidelines for employee use of emergency leave to address domestic or sexual violence. Permits victims of domestic or sexual violence to substitute existing leave in lieu of emergency leave. Authorizes State use of funds under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits for emergency leave precipitated by domestic or sexual violence . Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to approval of State unemployment compensation laws to prohibit denial of compensation where an individual is separated from employment due to circumstances resulting from the individual's experience of domestic or sexual violence. Amends the Social Security Act to include training under this Act for unemployment compensation and TANF personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to a national victim services organization to develop and disseminate a model program for domestic and sexual violence training. Victims' Employment Sustainability Act - Prohibits certain discriminatory employer practices relating to terms or conditions of employment in connection with victims of domestic or sexual violence. Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse-related claims. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business related credit for 40 percent of an employer's costs for implementing workplace safety and education programs relating to domestic and sexual violence. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant for a clearinghouse and resource center to provide information and assistance to employers, labor organizations, and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic or sexual violence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish an international education policy to enhance national security, significantly further U.S. foreign policy and economic competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. Includes among policy objectives: (1) producing citizens with a high level of international experience; (2) promoting greater diversity of locations, languages, and subjects involved in teaching, research, and study abroad; (3) increasing participation in internships abroad; (4) invigorating citizen and professional international exchange programs; (5) supporting visas and employment policies that promote increased numbers of international students; (6) encouraging programs that begin foreign language learning in the United States at an early age; (7) promoting educational exchanges and research collaboration with American educational institutions abroad; and (8) promoting partnerships among government, business, and educational institutions and organizations to provide adequate resources for implementing this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2001
Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 2001 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States, subject to specified guidelines, the authority to provide for: (1) optional coverage of pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income, uninsured pregnant women under the State's SCHIP plan; and (2) automatic eligibility and enrollment for child health assistance under such plan for children born to targeted low-income pregnant women receiving such assistance when the child is born until it attains one year of age, so long as the child is a member of the woman's household. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the transitional increased Federal matching rate for increased administrative costs related to Medicaid-eligibility determinations of individuals receiving aid or assistance under SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF).
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
Training for Closed Captioners Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide grants to no more than 20 eligible entities (approved and accredited court reporting programs) to promote the training of students to become realtime closed captioners. Limits to $1 million the amount of a grant provided to an entity in a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001
Appalachian Regional Development Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (the Act) to direct the President to establish the Interagency Coordinating Council on Appalachia. Authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to provide technical assistance and make grants, enter into contracts, and otherwise provide funds to: (1) increase affordable access to advanced telecommunications in the region; (2) provide education and training for people, businesses, and governments in the region in the use of telecommunications technology; (3) develop relevant technology readiness programs for industry groups and businesses in the region; and (4) support entrepreneurial opportunities in information technology in the region. Eliminates the growth center criteria with respect to factors in considering programs and projects to be given assistance under the Act. Directs that, for each fiscal year, at least half of the amount of grant expenditures approved by the Commission support activities or projects that benefit counties for which distressed county designations are in effect. Modifies Act provisions to direct that not more than 75 percent, for a development district that includes one or more counties for which a distressed county designation is in effect, of the costs of any activity eligible for financial assistance be provided from funds appropriated to carry out the Act. Adds Edmonson, Hart, and Metcalfe ( Kentucky), and Grenada, Montgomery, and Panola (in Mississippi), to the counties included in the Appalachian region. Reauthorizes appropriations and extends the Act until October 1, 2006.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)