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 · 6 December 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should make the U.S. flag available to the immediate family members of deceased recipients of the Medal of Honor and to veterans service organizations and other parties responsible for the maintenance of private gravesites of Medal recipients, for placement on such gravesites.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Extends the tax benefits available under the Internal Revenue Code for services performed in a combat zone to duty performed by a member of the U.S. armed forces in the Republic of Korea from July 1 to December 31, 2000, during which such member was entitled to hardship duty pay.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2001 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Act to include an emphasis on ocean and coastal resources conservation and management and collaboration between academia and the scientists and programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Excludes grants to assist coastal and ocean research from the two-thirds limitation otherwise applicable. Revises and expands the terms of membership for the sea grant review panel. Authorizes appropriations for zebra mussel, oyster, harmful algal bloom, and coastal ocean research.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to state that amounts received from charitable sources shall not be used as a collateral source for purposes of reducing the amount of compensation provided under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to an individual (or relatives of a deceased individual) who was physically injured or killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Nuclear Security Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to instruct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to: (1) establish a nuclear security force to provide for the security of sensitive nuclear facilities against the design basis threat; (2) develop and implement a security plan to ensure such facilities' security; and (3) periodically revise the design basis threat to address specified threats. Establishes the Nuclear Security Fund to administer such programs. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish the Operation Safeguards and Response Unit to: (1) conduct operation safeguards and response evaluations; (2) conduct emergency response exercises; and (3) establish a Mock Terrorist Team comparable to special operations forces of the Armed Forces. Mandates establishment of: (1) an operation safeguards and response evaluation program to assess periodically the ability of each sensitive nuclear facility to defend against the design basis threat; and (2) an emergency response program to evaluate emergency response personnel ability to respond to a radiological emergency within a 50-mile radius of a sensitive nuclear facility. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Commission to ensure sufficient stockpiles of potassium iodide tablets to provide adequate protection to the affected population within a 50-mile radius of a sensitive nuclear facility.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should use his authority under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to release emergency funds to States immediately to ease the additional financial burden that job loss and depressed consumer confidence have placed on low-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that Veterans Day should continue to be observed on November 11 and separate from any other Federal holiday or day for Federal elections or national observances.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Firefighters Affordable Housing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to qualified volunteer firefighters. Ends such assistance upon termination of: (1) use as primary residence; or (2) firefighter duties within ten years of the mortgage's execution. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments (and deferral and reduction of up-front premium) for Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans for qualified professional firefighters to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing public fire service or rescue or ambulance agency. (Requires the mortgagor to not have had an ownership interest in a principal residence within such jurisdiction during the 12-month period ending upon the mortgage's insurance.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Delays until at least January 1, 2003, any changes in Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) regulations that modify the Medicaid upper payment limit for certain services of non-State government-owned or operated hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing or modifying the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments such that the factor used more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Putting Americans First Act - Sets forth provisions for a temporary unemployment compensation (UC) program. Permits any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor for such program under which States receive Federal payments and State agencies pay: (1) modified regular UC to individuals; and (2) temporary supplemental UC to individuals who have otherwise exhausted their rights to regular (or extended) UC. Requires the modified regular UC to: (1) have an alternative base period; (2) not be denied to individuals who can show good cause for seeking or being available for only part-time employment; and (3) include increased benefits. Requires temporary supplemental UC accounts for eligible individuals who file applications for such UC. Limits such agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before January 1, 2003. Sets forth health insurance coverage options for recently unemployed individuals and their families. Requires establishment of a temporary program under which 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage for Medicaid be provided for an individual who: (1) at any time during the period that begins on September 11, 2001, and ends on December 31, 2002, is separated from employment; and (2) is eligible for, and has elected coverage under, COBRA continuation coverage. (COBRA refers to title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and concerns employee group health plan coverage under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of1974.) Permits a State to elect to provide temporary Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) for individuals who: (1) are separated from employment at any time during the period that from September 11, 2001, through December 31, 2002; (2) are not eligible for COBRA continuation coverage; (3) are uninsured; and (4) do not have assets, resources, and earned or unearned income that exceed limitations set by the State. Permits a State to pay the entire COBRA premium for individuals whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line and who are receiving COBRA premium assistance under this Act. Provides for temporary increases in the Medicaid Federal Medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for FY 2002. Amends the Social Security Act title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to: (1) reauthorize TANF supplemental grants for population increases for FY 2002; and (2) extend and increase TANF contingency fund grants through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Designates the headquarters and visitors center at Humboldt Bay National Wild Life Refuge located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta, California, as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center.
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 · 15 November 2001
American Small Business Recovery Act of 2001 - Limits the interest rate on disaster loans made during the year after this Act's enactment to any small business concern which suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) make grants to such concerns during that same period; and (2) undertake payments (guaranteed loans) or discharge indebtedness (direct loans) for previous SBA loans made to such concerns.
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
Cleanup and Reconstruction Assistance Act of 2001 - Requires the President, if and when he vests and liquidates assets frozen pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, or subsequent Executive orders issued as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to: (1) deposit such assets in a separate account in the Treasury; and (2) distribute amounts in the account to the State of New York, the State of Pennsylvania, and the Department of Defense to cover costs associated with the removal of debris left as a result of the damage caused by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the crash of the hijacked airliner in Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001, including reconstruction on the damaged sites.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
Comprehensive Energy Conservation Act for the 21st Century - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, weatherization assistance, and State energy grants, respectively. Increases funding for the Energy Star program. Raises average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to set forth a Federal renewable portfolio standard that requires every retail electric supplier to submit Renewable Energy Credits to the Secretary of Energy according to prescribed annual percentages of the total electric energy sold by the supplier to electric consumers during the calendar year. Amends Federal transportation law to mandate: (1) certain tire rating standards; and (2) a national tire fuel efficiency program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow credits against the income tax for specified percentages of: (1) purchases of Energy Star products; and (2) the purchase of fuel-efficient American-made passenger vehicles. Imposes an excise tax upon the windfall profit on sale of any electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, coal, or other taxable product. Establishes the Windfall Profits Fund as the depository for such tax. Establishes the Reasonable Profits Board to make profit determinations relating to windfall profit on the sale of electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, coal, and products thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Veterans' Small Business Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to exempt small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans who were discharged or released from military service for less than five years from loan guarantee fees.
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 · 8 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that television and radio stations should recognize veterans through a public service announcement or a moment of silence on November 11 at 11 a.m. each year and that the day should be used as an occasion to recognize and educate children about the contributions of veterans in defending freedom and democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Reservists Education Protection Act of 2001 - Restores, as of September 11, 2001, veterans' basic educational and vocational assistance eligibility for retired or reserve military personnel ordered to active duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (the war on terrorism).
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 · 7 November 2001
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) recognizes the grave humanitarian crisis that existed in Afghanistan before the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and that has since been exacerbated; (2) commends the heroic work of organizations led by Afghan women that have persevered during this time of crisis to assist vulnerable Afghan women and their families; (3) urges the Secretary of State to support, and the United Nations to provide funding to, these organizations in order to strengthen their ability to deliver services during this humanitarian crisis and to enhance their role in fostering a more civil society; (4) urges the President to direct the international coalition engaged in combating terrorism in Afghanistan to protect women's rights as it attempts to provide humanitarian relief to the Afghani people; and (5) urges the President to encourage any new government established in Afghanistan to include women as leaders and as full and active participants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Accidental Shooting Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit any person from manufacturing or importing, or any Federal firearms licensee from transferring possession of or title to, a pistol manufactured on or after January 1, 2004, unless the pistol includes: (1) a plainly visible device in a contrasting color that clearly indicates whether the pistol is loaded; and (2) a mechanism that prevents any semiautomatic pistol that has a detachable ammunition magazine from being fired when the magazine is not attached. Specifies that compliance with such provision shall not relieve any person from liability at common law or under State statutory law to any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Anthrax Victims Assistance Act - Directs the Attorney General to expand the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (title IV of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act) to include individuals diagnosed with anthrax between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2001.
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 · 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 · 23 October 2001
Municipal Preparation and Strategic Response Act - Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants to local governments and emergency response units for use for: (1) developing strategic response plans that provide for a unified, coordinated response to a terrorist attack or other catastrophe; (2) preparing and issuing reports to local governments, State legislatures, and Congress; and (3) conducting public forums or other appropriate activities to educate the public about potential threats and steps they can take to prepare for them, the contents of such plans, how to communicate with authorities in an emergency; and emergency shelters. Requires the Director to designate for each State a FEMA representative to: (1) assist local governments with the development of strategic response plans; (2) act as a liaison between such governments and the Federal Government; and (3) coordinate the sharing of information about Government initiatives and protocol. Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the Director to make grants to fire departments, and amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, other public and private entities, and multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof, to fund counterterrorism training and provide related equipment. Exempts such grants from matching requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2001
September 11 Surviving Spouse Student Loan Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to discharge or cancel the Federal student loan indebtedness of spouses of individuals who died (or die) or who became (or become) permanently and totally disabled from injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the life and achievements of Antonio Meucci should be recognized, and his work in the invention of the telephone should be acknowledged.
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
Bomb Threat Responsibility Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish minimum penalties for initial and subsequent offenses of using an instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce to threaten, or to maliciously convey false information concerning an attempt, to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy property by means of fire or an explosive.
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 · 12 October 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Veterans' Pension Improvement Act of 2001 - Makes veterans of a period of war who are 65 or older eligible for the same pension as those from such a period who are permanently and totally disabled from a non-service connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Day of Appreciation for Emergency Response and Rescue Workers should be established.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001
Business Retained Income During Growth and Expansion Act of 2001 or the BRIDGE Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an eligible small business to elect to pay its tax in four equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of tax which may be paid in installments for any taxable year to whichever of the following is the least: (1) the tax imposed for the taxable year; (2) the amount contributed by the taxpayer into a BRIDGE Account during such year; or (3) the excess of $250,000 over the aggregate amount of tax for which an election was made by the taxpayer for all prior taxable years. Limits the above provisions to taxes imposed for taxable years beginning after enactment and before January 1, 2006. Sets forth provisions: (1) defining an eligible small business; (2) setting dates for installment payments and interest payments; (3) establishing BRIDGE accounts; and (4) providing for a study and report.
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 · 5 October 2001
Puppy Protection Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to: (1) include among humane standards for animal treatment provisions respecting socialization of dogs to facilitate contact with other dogs and people, and breeding initiation and frequency of female dogs; (2) revise temporary license suspension provisions; and (3) establish mandatory suspension provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 89 River Street in Hoboken, New Jersey, and known as the Hoboken Main Post Office, as the Frank Sinatra Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Electric System Benefits Board, which in turn shall establish the" National Electric System Benefits Fund" to provide matching funds to States for the support of State system benefit programs relating to: (1) renewable energy sources; (2) assistance to low-income households in meeting home energy needs; (3) energy conservation and efficiency; or (4) research and development. Requires each retail electric supplier to submit annually to the Secretary renewable energy credits equal to the required annual percentage of the supplier's total kilowatt-hour sales to end-use customers in the preceding calendar year. Prescribes the amount of electricity which each supplier shall generate each year by renewable energy sources according to a mandatory renewable energy timetable. Prescribes guidelines for a program to issue, monitor the sale or exchange of, and track renewable energy credits. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to mandate that a retail electric supplier, upon request, shall make net metering service available to any retail electric consumer that it currently serves or solicits for service. Instructs the Secretary to establish and promulgate a disclosure system that enables retail consumers to compare retail electric service offerings knowledgeably. Grants the Secretary full access to the records of all generation facilities, electricity wholesalers, and retail companies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Office of Homeland Security Act of 2001 - Establishes the Office of Homeland Security within the Executive Office of the President. Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) create a national strategy for homeland security, to include all aspects of prevention and response to terrorist activities; (2) develop a national budget for homeland security; (3) review Federal activities to insure effective implementation of such strategy; (4) coordinate Federal homeland security activities to remove duplication and gaps; (5) certify Federal agency counterterrorism budgets; (6) direct development of a comprehensive national assessment of the threat to homeland security; (7) oversee interagency information sharing; and (8) establish a center within the Office to disseminate information learned from homeland security exercises. Establishes a Homeland Security Advisory Council to advise the President and Director on the creation and implementation of the national strategy, and the Director on the operation of the Office. Requires the Director to review additional legal authorities needed to prevent and respond effectively to terrorist threats, including the role of the Department of Defense and the imposition of regulations on civilian populations and private entities during a state of emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Sikh-Americans, should be protected. Condemns bigotry and acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Sikh-Americans. Calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to: (1) work to prevent hate crimes against all Americans; and (2) prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all those who commit hate crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should award and present a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to those public safety officers who were killed and to those select public safety officers who have earned special recognition for outstanding valor above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Act-Amends the Public Health Services Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Health (Institute) to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with regard to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_nj_9_pascrell_bill_200.jpg)