United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Sudan Peace Act - Declares that Congress condemns violations of human rights on all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan), the ongoing slave trade there, the Government's use and organization of "murahalliin" (or "mujahadeen"), Popular Defense Forces (PDF), and regular Sudanese Army units into raiding and slaving parties in Bahr al Ghazal, the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile regions, and its aerial bombardment of civilian targets. Recognizes that the use of raiding and slaving parties is a tool for creating food shortages as a systematic means to destroy the societies, culture, and economies of the Dinka, Nuer, and Nuba peoples in a policy of low-intensity ethnic cleansing. Urges the President to make certain funds available for humanitarian assistance to the National Democratic Alliance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to utilize Department of State personnel for the support of ongoing negotiations, and eventual implementation of a peace settlement, between the Government of Sudan and opposition forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United Nations (UN) should be used as a tool to facilitate peace and recovery in Sudan. Prohibits business entities engaged in commercial activities in Sudan from trading their securities in any U.S. capital market unless they offer public disclosure of their activities in Sudan. Directs the President to develop a contingency plan to provide, outside UN auspices, the greatest amount of U.S. Government and privately donated relief to all affected areas in Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and the Blue Nile regions, in the event the Government of Sudan imposes a ban on Operation Lifeline Sudan air transport relief flights. Directs the Secretary to collect information about possible war crimes by all parties to the conflict in Sudan, including slavery, rape, and aerial bombardment of civilian targets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of providing Medicaid coverage for certain low-income HIV-infected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Erik Weihenmayer's achievement of becoming the first blind person to climb Mount Everest demonstrates the abilities and potential of all blind people and other individuals with disabilities; and (2) such individuals can overcome almost any obstacle if they are provided with the appropriate resources.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI) that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals aged 62 years or older. Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the use of such new CPI in the computation of cost-of-living increases for social security and Medicare benefits under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
English Language Unity Act of 2001 - Amends specified Federal law to declare English to be the official language of the United States. Requires the official functions of the United States (meaning, in this case, the States and the District of Columbia) to be conducted in English. Requires a uniform English language rule for U.S. naturalization, and all naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English. Sets forth exceptions to and rules of construction for such requirements. Amends specified Federal law to declare, as a general rule of construction, that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the Laws of the United States. Requires the Department of Justice to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization, based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
International Civil Rights Center and Museum Study Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of designating the International Civil Rights Center and Museum located in Greensboro, North Carolina, as a National Park System unit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Leave No Child Behind Act of 2001 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2001 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2001 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2001 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2001 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as for child care services for Federal employees. Early Learning Linkages Act of 2001 - Repeals the Early Learning Opportunities Act to replace it with a program of grants by the HHS Secretary to State and Local Councils to provide funds to early childhood learning providers to: (1) increase the number of full-day full-year Head Start programs, and the number of children served by Early Head Start and State prekindergarten education programs; and (2) develop linkages among such programs within a community and between them and health care services for young children in ways that facilitate greater access to such programs. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. America's Better Classroom Act of 2001 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships for child opportunity zone family centers. Tax Relief for Working Families Act of 2001 - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county low-income families with children programs. Child Support Distribution Act of 2001 - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act of 2001 - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2001 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Amends SSA title IV part B (Child and Family Services) for expansion of the promoting safe and stable families program. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act of 2001 - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to encourage domestic violence models using multisystem partnerships to address the needs of children exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Revises the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy, an Office of National Youth Policy in the Executive Office of the President, and a Council on National Youth Policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist State agencies, community boards, and area agencies on youth to assure that all youth have access to the full array of core resources. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Juvenile Justice and Accountability Act - Amends the JJDPA to establish grants to States for juvenile accountability block grants. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; (2) State and local gun prosecutors; and (3) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2001 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use funding under COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community policing efforts; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for the costs associated with seeking a college or graduate school education. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for units of local government with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted specifically for retention of police officers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service to recommend and the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor Paul Leroy Robeson (an advocate for African-American rights).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Major Drug Trafficking Prosecution Act of 2001- Requires the Attorney General's prior written approval for a Federal prosecution of an offense under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA), or for any conspiracy to commit such an offense, where the offense involves the illegal distribution or possession of a controlled substance in an amount less than that specified as a minimum for an offense under CSA or, in the case of any substance containing cocaine or cocaine base, in an amount less than 500 grams. Modifies CSA and CSIEA to delete specified mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Korea Defense Service Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue a campaign medal, to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal, to each member who served in the Republic of Korea or its adjacent waters after July 27, 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Combined Heat and Power Advancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe implementation guidelines for: (1) the interconnection of a generating facility with the distribution facilities of the local distribution utility; (2) the interconnection of a generating facility with the transmission facilities of a transmitting utility; and (3) sales of backup power by a local distribution utility and by a transmitting utility to an interconnected generating facility. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to energy property to provide an investment tax credit for such combined heat and power systems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through scholarships and loans for health professional training under the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment programs, to assure an adequate supply of medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians to provide primary health services in health professional shortage areas. Requires the Secretary to give preference, in making awards of grants and contracts to increase the number of individuals trained in allied health professions, to entities with programs training medical laboratory personnel. Directs the Secretary to make grants for training to increase the number of cytotechnologists available for screening women for cervical cancer. Directs the Secretary to support programs that train medical laboratory personnel in disciplines that recognize or identify the resistance of pathogens (in combating antimicrobial resistance) and that recognize or identify a potential biological agent (in combating bioterrorism). Revises requirements for the use of Federal payments under cooperative agreements or grants between the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and public or private nonprofit entities for the training of allied health professionals with respect to the prevention and treatment methods for heart, blood vessel, lung, or blood diseases. Requires that training emphasis be given to medical laboratory personnel in medical laboratory disciplines with respect to which there are needs for increased numbers of personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2001
Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2001 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States to enact laws prohibiting or limiting the receipt and disposal of municipal solid waste generated outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2001
Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to: (1) make it unlawful for any person to import a large capacity ammunition feeding device; (2) eliminate the exemption for the transfer of such devices lawfully possessed before enactment of the ban; and (3) expand the definition of such devices to include those manufactured on or before the date of enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
General Equivalency Diploma Reform and Improvement Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Education to study, review, and report to Congress on the relative value of General Equivalency Diplomas (GEDs) and Department of Education policies and procedures to determine how the Department can reform in order to: (1) cooperate with other Federal agencies, States, and local educational agencies to improve educational opportunities and promote high quality education for all, including pregnant teenagers and young mothers; and (2) encourage school dropouts to return to school, those working to obtain GEDs to enter colleges, and the restructuring of the GED to make it more relevant to current high educational standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Nurse of Tomorrow Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human services to make grants for: (1) nurse recruitment and retention; (2) basic nurse education; and (3) nurse education encouragement. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a refundable tax credit for certain nurses; and (2) exclude from gross income certain amounts received under the nurse loan repayment program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act of 2001 - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of Children's Services which shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing law and policy for unaccompanied alien children. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Unaccompanied Alien Children. States that an unaccompanied alien child found in the United States shall be promptly paroled into the United States and placed under the jurisdiction of the Office. Sets forth a family reunification preference order. Prohibits, with an exception for violent children, detention in adult or delinquent children facilities. Directs the Office to develop procedures for prohibited detention practices. Prohibits an unaccompanied alien child from being repatriated to a country unless an appropriate voluntary agency has conducted an assessment of the country conditions and the Office has conducted an assessment of the suitability of the placement of the child. Directs the Office to provide that each unaccompanied child have counsel and guardian ad litem. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a special immigrant juvenile visa (J Visa). Expresses congressional commendation of the Immigration and Naturalization Service' s issuance of its "Guidelines for Children's Asylum Claims." Directs the Attorney General to provide immigration officers with related training. Amends the Act to exempt unaccompanied alien children from certain removal and asylum filing provisions. Directs the Comptroller General to report respecting the Office's effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Treatment on Demand Assistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to, for the purpose of providing substance abuse treatment services: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public and private nonprofit entities, including Native Alaskan entities and Indian tribes and tribal organizations; and (2) award block grants to States. Requires giving priority in awarding grants to applicants proposing to eliminate waiting lists of treatment on demand programs. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall award grants to eligible States to enable such States, either directly or through the provision of assistance to counties or local municipalities, to provide drug treatment services to individuals who have been convicted of non-violent drug possession offenses and diverted from incarceration because of the enrollment of such individuals into community-based drug treatment programs. Requires a study by the General Accounting Office of the use funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Farmers to Africa and the Caribbean Basin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Farmers for Africa and Caribbean Basin Program to provide grants for exchange programs with African-American and other American farmers and other agricultural specialists and (sub-Saharan) African, Caribbean Basin, and other developing-nation farmers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Racial Profiling Prohibition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified apportionments of Federal-aid highway funds for a State that has failed to: (1) adopt and enforce standards that prohibit the use of racial profiling; and (2) maintain and allow public inspection of specified statistical information on each motor vehicle stop made by a law enforcement officer on a Federal-aid highway in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2001
Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting From Advanced Car Technologies (CLEAR ACT) Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual alternative motor vehicle credit equal to the sum of: (1) the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit; (2) the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit; and (3) the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit. Sets forth credit termination dates. Extends and revises the credit for qualified electric vehicles. Makes leased vehicles eligible for the credit. Allows (through 2007) an alternative fuel retail sales credit of 50 cents per gallon to a qualifying retailer. Extends and revises the deduction for certain clean fuel vehicles and refueling property. Allows (through 2007) a credit for the installation of residential or retail clean-fuel vehicle refueling property.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Energy Independence Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop and transmit to Congress a strategic plan to ensure that the United States is energy self-sufficient by the year 2011; and (2) develop a program for the acquisition of certain commercially available fuel cell power plants and power generated therefrom for use at federally owned or operated facilities. Directs the President, in coordination with designated Secretaries, to establish: (1) a demonstration program for fuel cell proton exchange membrane technology for commercial, residential, and transportation applications (including buses) within the Secretaries' respective areas of responsibility; and (2) a comprehensive proton exchange membrane fuel cell bus demonstration program to address hydrogen production, storage, and use in transit bus applications. Requires each Federal agency that maintains a motor vehicle fleet to develop a plan for fleet transition to vehicles powered by fuel cell technology. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a fuel cell technology grant program for State or local government to meet their energy requirements, including such technology as a motor vehicle power source.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act - Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) Federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Requires that such service which is performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer be treated: (1) on or after the enactment date of this Act, for all purposes, as service performed as a law enforcement officer, irrespective of how such service is treated under the following; and (2) before, on, or after such date, for purposes of CSRS and FERS, as service performed as such an officer, but only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management five years after such date or before separation from Government service, whichever is earlier. Provides that nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from Government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the involuntary separation of an officer before the end of the three-year period beginning on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Free Trade Community Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things: (1) provide for the designation of NAFTA-impacted communities; (2) establish an employment credit for such communities; and (3) provide for job training grants to such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
YMCA Teen Action Agenda Enhancement of 2001 - Directs the Attorney General to award a grant to the YMCA of the USA to make subgrants to local YMCAs for programs for at-risk teens which include specified types of activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2001 - Provides for the permanent resident adjustment of status of certain Liberian nationals present in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Congratulates Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the tenth anniversary of the restoration of their full independence. Calls on the President to continue to build the close and mutually beneficial relations the United States has enjoyed with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania since the restoration of their full independence.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Women's Health Office Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Office on Women's Health (2) within the Office of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an office to be known as the Office of Women's Health; and (3) establish within the Office of the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality an office to be known as the Office of Women's Health. Amends the Social Security Act to establish within the Office of the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration an office to be known as the Office of Women's Health. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish within the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration an office to be known as the Office of Women's Health.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises provisions relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. Sets forth provisions for association health plans with respect to: (1) enforcement; (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities; and (3) treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop a plan for U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment; (2) request a plan review by the National Academy of Sciences and transmit the plan and review to Congress; and (3) develop and transmit to Congress a plan for the Fusion Energy Sciences Program and for the magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a plan for U.S. participation in an international burning plasma experiment: (1) whose construction is highly likely; and (2) where Federal participation is cost effective relative to the cost and scientific benefits of a domestic experiment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence a tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price of such residence. Limits the credit to $6,500. Requires married individuals filing jointly to both be first-time homebuyers. Makes this credit applicable to a principal residence only if the taxpayer enters into, on or after June 1, 2001, and before June 1, 2002, a binding contract to purchase the residence, and purchases and occupies the residence before January 1, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Tibetan Policy Act of 2001 - Sets forth congressional declarations, including that it: (1) reaffirms that Tibet is an occupied country under the established principles of international law; (2) commends the Republic of India and the kingdom of Nepal for providing asylum and humanitarian care to the Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exile; (3) expresses concern over incidents of ill treatment of transiting Tibetans in border areas; and (4) urges continued cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kathmandu. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and the Secretary of State (as well as U.S. and European parliamentarians in the United States-European Interparliamentary Group) should initiate steps to encourage the Government of the People's Republic of China to enter into negotiations with the Dalai Lama or his representatives leading to an agreement on Tibet. Establishes within the Department of State a United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues who shall promote substantive dialogue between the Government of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives. Directs the U.S. executive director of each international financial institution, including the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Trade and Development Agency, to support projects in Tibet consistent with specified principles. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the release of, and access by humanitarian organizations to, Tibetan prisoners detained in China because of their political or religious beliefs; (2) the establishment of a U.S. branch office in Lhasa, Tibet; (3) Tibetan language training to U.S. foreign service officers assigned to the consulate in China; (4) U.S. promotion of economic development, cultural preservation, health care, and education and environmental sustainability for Tibetans inside Tibet; (5) Tibet considerations at the United Nations; and (6) the end of religious persecution in Tibet.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that it: (1) condemns election procedures that result in minority vote dilution and disfranchisement and any person acting under color of law or otherwise engaged in intimidating or denying any eligible person from voting; (2) recognizes the significance of the 15th Amendment, which guarantees American citizens the right to vote; and (3) reaffirms its commitment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Commission on Civil Rights should compile data on and investigate reports of voting irregularities arising out of the November 7, 2000, presidential election, and report on them to Congress and the Department of Justice. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, Attorney General, and Department of Justice should: (1) make the elimination of minority vote dilution and disfranchisement a top priority of the U.S. Government; (2) take all necessary steps and resources to thoroughly investigate all charges of election irregularities, minority vote dilution, and disfranchisement; (3) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by bringing suit in Federal court against racially discriminatory practices, and Federal criminal charges for voting fraud or intimidation involving racial bias in local or State elections; and (4) explore all options to prevent such disfranchisement in future elections.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2001
Public Safety Act - Provides that to be eligible to receive a grant under the violent offender incarceration and truth-in-sentencing incentive grant program, an applicant shall provide assurances to the Attorney General that if selected to receive funds the applicant shall not contract with a private contractor or vendor to provide core services related to the incarceration of an inmate. Makes this provision inapplicable to an existing contract to provide such core services, but applicable to renewals or extensions of an existing contract. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to provide that: (1) any penal or correctional facility or institution, except for nonprofit community correctional confinement (such as halfway houses), confining any person convicted of offenses against the United States shall be under the direction of the Director of the Bureau and shall be managed and maintained by Federal, State, or local government employees; and (2) the housing, safeguarding, protection, and disciplining of any person charged with or convicted of any offense against the United States (with that exception) shall be conducted and carried out by Federal, State, or local government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2001
Relief, Community Vitalization, and Emergency Readiness in India and El Salvador (RECOVERIES) Act of 2001 - Authorizes the President to provide emergency international disaster assistance for: (1) recovery from the earthquakes of January and February 2001 in the Republic of India and the Republic of El Salvador; and (2) disaster mitigation activities in such countries and other countries that contain highly disaster-prone areas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Community Forestry and Agriculture Conservation Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a bond issued to acquire land together with any renewable resources associated with the land on land subject to a conservation restriction as a tax-exempt (qualified 501(c)(3)) bond if the revenues from are used in a manner consistent with the charitable purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, using specified authority under the Agricultural Act of 1949, to provide eligible commodities and financial and technical assistance to establish and expand overseas preschool and school feeding programs, and maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs. Urges the President to engage multilateral and private sector involvement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2002 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow certain eligible individuals born after December 31, 2002, who have not attained age 23, to enroll in the MediKids Program under new SSA title XXII established by this Act for entitlement to benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among such benefits early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and prescription drugs and biologicals. Provides for: (1) cost-sharing; (2) a payment schedule for covered benefits; (3) a monthly MediKids premium and the means for payment of it; and (4) a reduction in premium for certain low-income families. Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund for collected premiums, appropriated amounts, and other revenues for use in funding the coverage provided under the MediKids Program and maintaining its financial solvency. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a care coordination services program including specified elements under which eligible individuals may elect to have health care services covered under SSA title XXII managed and coordinated by a designated care coordinator. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer (with certain exceptions) required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for 50 percent of cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids Program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, based on recommendations from the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Advisory Panel (established by this Act), to make grants, after a process of peer review and programmatic review, to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not more than eight centers for the purpose of conducting multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Improved Access to Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing under Medicare for bone mass measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
National Museum of African American History and Culture Act of 2001 - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of African American History and Culture to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans form slavery and the era of reconstruction to the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and beyond. Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council. Requires the Council to appoint a Director to manage the Museum. Authorizes the Council to plan, design, reconstruct, renovate, and expand the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Asthma Act - Authorizes appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Directs the Program coordinating committee to report concerning the scope of, and Federal programs concerned with, asthma problems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the States to expand specified asthma-related activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit private entities to carry out related outreach activities. Gives grant priorities to communities disproportionately affected by asthma or underserved by health programs and in which a significant number of low-income individuals reside. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to States to carry out activities to assist children with respect to asthma. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies in communities with significant numbers of low-income or underserved individuals for elementary and secondary school asthma-related activities. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) hospitals and managed care plans should undertake certain efforts to increase asthma-related education and training; and (2) Federal, State, and local activities should promote Public Health Service asthma diagnosis and management guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, and an insurer offering group coverage, to include coverage for bone mass measurement for individuals who: (1) are estrogen-deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis; (2) have vertebral abnormalities; (3) are receiving chemotherapy or long-term gluococorticoid (steroid) therapy; (4) have primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or excess thyroid replacement; or (5) are being monitored to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapy. Regulates frequency and cost sharing. Prohibits related denial of coverage, incentives to individuals, restrictions on provider-patient communications, and provider penalties. Allows State laws providing greater detection or prevention benefits. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Uterine Fibroids Research and Education Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for National Institutes of Health uterine fibroid research. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a related public awareness program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Generic Drugs Access Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to new drug applications to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include in an application approval a finding about whether the approved (generic) drug is the therapeutic equivalent of the listed drug involved. Prohibits a State or its political subdivision from establishing or continuing any requirement that does not conform to the therapeutic equivalence requirement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2001
National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 2001 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of certain beverages unless the containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Makes unclaimed refunds (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in a State) available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements similar to those under this Act or that have demonstrated a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 80 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2001
Volunteer Firefighters' Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an employer's gross income specified health care subsidy payments made by a local government on behalf of qualifying volunteer firefighters.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2001
Recognizes the unique obstacles that women face in ensuring retirement security and survivor and disability stability and the essential role that Social Security plays in guaranteeing inflation-protected financial stability for women throughout their entire old age. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress and the President should take these factors into account when considering proposals to reform the Social Security system.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2001
Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to eligible historically black colleges and universities, to make a grant (out of funds authorized by this Act) for a building or structure listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places only if the grantee agrees to provide funds derived from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 30 percent of the total cost of the project for which the grant is provided.
![Official portrait of Rep. Payne, Donald M. [D-NJ-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000149_200.jpg)