United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that the Governments of Syria, Lebanon, and Iran shall be held responsible for the well-being of Elchanan Tannenbaum, who is being held hostage in Lebanon by the terrorist organization Hizballah. Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that the Governments of Syria, Lebanon, and Iran shall immediately and unconditionally: (1) provide a complete medical accounting of Elchanan Tannenbaum's present state of health to the International Committee of the Red Cross; (3) take all necessary measures to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross with ongoing access to Elchanan Tannenbaum; and (4) take all necessary measures to secure the release of Elchanan Tannenbaum from captivity.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2003 - Establishes the National Drought Council which shall: (1) develop a national drought policy action plan; (2) evaluate Federal drought-related programs; (3) coordinate and prioritize enhancement of the national integrated drought system; and (4) provide for the development of a drought information delivery system, drought planning models, and drought preparedness plans. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to: (1) assist State, local, tribal, and critical service entities with drought-related activities; and (2) expand the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies. Requires: (1) the Secretary to publish guidelines for administering a national technical and financial drought assistance program; and (2) the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Army, and other appropriate Federal agency heads to implement integrated drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, and regional, water providers to develop and implement drought preparedness plans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Andean Adjustment Act of 2003 - Provides for the adjustment to permanent resident status of a national of Colombia or Peru (and spouse, children, and certain unmarried sons or daughters) who: (1) was physically present in the United States on December 31, 1999; and (2) is physically present in the United States on the date of application for such status adjustment. Provides for a stay of removal during such process unless the Secretary of Homeland Security has rendered a final administrative order denying such application.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Protecting Children from Peer-to-Peer Pornography Act of 2003 - Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute peer-to-peer file trading software, or to authorize or cause such software to be distributed by another person, in interstate commerce in a manner that violates regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under this Act. Requires inclusion in such regulations of: (1) an appropriate definition of such software; and (2) requirements that any person who distributes such software provide notice that its use may expose the user to pornography, illegal activities, and computer security and privacy threats. Requires the FTC to develop and make readily available to the public functional requirements for standard "do not install" beacons that allow parents to record on their computers their desire that users not install such software on their computers. Authorizes enforcement actions through the FTC or by States. Directs the FTC to conduct a study concerning such software, including the availability of child pornography using such software, security and privacy threats posed by such software, use of such software by juveniles, and the ability of parents to control access to and use of such software by juveniles.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Urges the European Union to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organization for purposes of: (1) prohibiting funding from the European Union to Hezbollah; and (2) recognizing it as a threat to international security. Condemns the continuous terrorist attacks by Hezbollah, and Hezbollah's continuous support of other Palestinian terrorist organization such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Sportfishing and Boating Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the transfer of motorboat fuel taxes into the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Directs: (1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to the family of the late Raul Julia in recognition of his dedication to ending world hunger and his great contributions to the Latino community and the performing arts; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer half of the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received and any proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals exceeds the costs incurred in carrying out this Act to the New York Public Theater and half to the New York Shakespeare Festival.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Honors the life and dedicated service of former Congressman Dalip Singh Saund of California. Remembers his achievements as the only Indian American to serve in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003- Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Program to assist eligible educational institutions in acquiring, and augmenting use of, digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services at such institutions. Defines as eligible institutions: (1) historically Black colleges or universities, (2) a Hispanic-, Alaskan Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution with a sufficient enrollment of needy students as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Outlines authorized assistance activities. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology to: (1) establish an advisory council to advise on the best approaches toward maximum Program participation by eligible institutions; and (2) ensure that grant awards are made to all types of eligible institutions. Requires Program assessment every three years by the National Academy of Public Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2003
Reiterates the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994, and honors its victims. Urges the Government of Argentina to fulfill its international obligations and its promise to the Argentine people by pursuing the local and international connections to this act of terrorism, wherever it may lead, and to properly punish all those involved. Welcomes Argentine President Nestor Kirchner's political will to pursue the investigation of the bombing of the AMIA to its ultimate conclusions. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) raise this issue in bilateral discussions with Argentine officials; and (2) underscore the U.S. concern regarding the past delay in the resolution of this case. Recommends that the President of the United States create more mechanisms for intra-regional information sharing and, where needed, joint counter-terrorism operations. Encourages the President of the United States to provide democratic governments in South America and Central America with the necessary financial resources as well as equipment and training for intelligence and security forces. Recommends that the U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States seek support from the countries composing the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist, if needed, in the investigation of this terrorist attack. Calls on all governments in the Western Hemisphere to pursue an anti-terrorism campaign based on unity of purpose, dedication of resources, constant vigilance, and cooperation. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to: (1) respond favorably to the Argentine arrest warrant for five Iranian citizens believed to be responsible for the 1994 attack on the AMIA; and (2) cease any and all assistance to terrorist organizations, and renounce any and all involvement with terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Calls on the Government Saudi Arabia to: (1) uphold its international commitments by respecting and protecting the human rights of citizens and foreigners of both sexes in Saudi Arabia; (2) ratify and comply fully with international human rights instruments and cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and to sign, ratify, and implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (3) implement immediately promised judicial, political, economic, and educational reforms; (4) permit the establishment of independent nongovernmental organizations to advance human rights and promote tolerance, and to take action to create an independent human rights commission for the same purposes; (5) safeguard the freedom of non-Muslims, and of those Muslims who do not follow the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, to worship in private; (6) permit non-Wahhabi places of worship, such as churches, to function openly in special compounds or zones for foreigners or in unadorned buildings designated for this purpose; and (7) permit the broadcasting of Radio Sawa throughout the country. Urges the U.S. Government to: (1) to raise concerns at the highest levels, in both public and private fora, with the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding its ongoing and repeated human rights violations; (2) designate Saudi Arabia a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for its systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom; (3) encourage the Government of Saudi Arabia to implement expeditiously its publicly stated plans for judicial, political, economic, and educational reform; (4) develop and expand specific initiatives and programs in Saudi Arabia to advance human rights, including religious freedom, the rights of women, and the rule of law; and (4) report publicly to Congress on its efforts to raise concerns regarding human rights, including religious freedom, with the Government of Saudi Arabia, including the results of those efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Air Line Pension Act of 2003 - Sets forth special funding requirements for certain pension plans maintained by commercial passenger air carriers (plans), notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Provides for such plans, if they have a funded percentage of less than 80 percent as of January 1, 2003, the following: (1) modifications of funding rules, including funded percentage, assumed interest rate for determining current liability, and estimation of current liability; (2) a moratorium on the deficit reduction contribution, under specified conditions; (3) a one-time amortization of 2008 unfunded current liability; and (4) recognition of a waiver in the deficit reduction contribution. Provides for such plans, if they are maintained for benefit of the carrier's employees pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement and if they terminated during calendar year 2003, the following: (1) restoration by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to the plan's pre-termination status and transfer of control of plan assets and liabilities to the employer, unless the collective bargaining agreement provides that the plan should not be restored; (2) exclusion of any expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during each plan year; (3) amortization of unfunded amounts under the restoration payment schedule; (4) inapplicability of certain contribution requirements to a restored plan until a plan year beginning on the initial post-restoration valuation date, with modified required annual payments; and (5) resetting of funding standard account balances. Limits PBGC liability with respect to certain plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to ensure that its review of its education curriculum is thorough, objective, and public. Urges the Government of Saudi Arabia to reform its education curriculum so as to promote tolerance, develop civil society, and encourage functionality in the global economy. Expresses extreme disappointment with the slow pace of education reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Applauds the public statements by Crown Prince Abdullah; and urges him to implement policies that are consistent with his statements. Urges the U.S. Department of State and other appropriate Federal agencies to work closely with the Government of Saudi Arabia on efforts to address issues related to education curriculum, textbooks, and teacher training. Supports expanding and creating more cultural, academic, visitor, and other exchanges between the United States and Saudi Arabia, subject to appropriate security checks. Requests the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to encourage UNESCO to examine the educational system in Saudi Arabia and monitor the progress of the efforts to reform the education curriculum.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow, Coretta Scott King, in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to direct the President to establish programs of border interdiction by providing grants to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that provide for transit shelters operating at key border crossings, and help train survivors of trafficking in persons to educate and train border guards, officials, and other law enforcement officials to: (1) identify traffickers and victims of severe forms of trafficking; (2) treat such victims appropriately; and (3) monitor the implementation of border interdiction programs, including helping in the identification of such victims to stop the cross-border transit of victims. Requires the President to establish programs supporting the production of television and radio programs to inform vulnerable populations overseas of the dangers of trafficking, as well as the public in countries of destination. Directs the President to require airlines to develop and disseminate materials alerting travelers that sex tourism is illegal. Directs the President to ensure that any Federal grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under which certain assistance funds relating to international affairs are to be provided to a private entity, in whole or in part, shall include a condition that authorizes the Federal department or agency involved to terminate the grant, contract, or agreement, without penalty, if the grantee or any subgrantee, or the contractor or any subcontractor: (1) engages in specified severe forms of trafficking in persons or has procured a commercial sex act during the period of time that the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement is in effect; or (2) uses forced labor in the performance of the grant, contract, or agreement. Extends to nonimmigrant alien family members the same benefits and services available to a trafficking victim. Revises the benefits and services eligibility criteria for trafficking victims to consider a victim's willingness to assist with a State or local investigation as well as with a Federal investigation. Allows a victim of criminal trafficking offenses to bring a civil action in any appropriate U.S. district court. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the minimum age at which a trafficking victim is required to assist in investigations and prosecutions to be eligible for a "T" visa. Adds unmarried siblings under age 18 to the family members of a trafficking victim eligible for a "T" visa. Amends the Federal criminal code to extend jurisdiction of sex trafficking offenses to acts of trafficking in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Amends the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA) to require the Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, acting through the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking (OMCT) of the Department of State, to report to specified congressional committees on Federal agencies implementing such Act. Declares that the Director of OMCT shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, with the rank of Ambassador-at-Large. Establishes within the Task Force a Senior Policy Operating Group. Amends the VTVPA to direct the President, acting through specified entities, to carry out research on trafficking. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Rachel Granger Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to authorize waivers by the Commissioner of Social Security of the five-month waiting period for entitlement to benefits based on disability in cases in which the Commissioner determines that such waiting period would cause undue hardship to terminally ill beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Honors the following areas on receiving the National Civic League 2003 All-America City Award: Laurinburg, North Carolina; Tempe, Arizona; New Haven, Connecticut; Miami, Florida; Des Moines, Iowa; Marquette County, Michigan; Wilson, North Carolina; South Sioux City, Nebraska; Corpus Christi, Texas; and the Greater Racine Area, Wisconsin.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Combat Merchant Mariners Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 - Provides that: (1) qualifying service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans' benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Downed Animal Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Provides that an entity shall: (1) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious; and (2) humanely euthanize such livestock. Prohibits an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock through inspection. Defines "covered entity," and "humanely euthanize."
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Redesignates the Federal building located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, commonly known as the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Building, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Building.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Condemns any restriction of the freedom of thought, expression, or association in Hong Kong, consistent with the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. Recognizes that because Hong Kong exercises considerable influence in international affairs, as a developed economy, financial center, trading entrepot and shipping center, reductions in the existing freedom of the Hong Kong people would be of global significance. Urges the Hong Kong Government and the People's Republic of China to withdraw the proposed implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law insofar as it would reduce the basic human freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Calls upon the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress, and any other groups appointed by the Government of China to leave all revisions of Hong Kong law to a legislature elected by universal suffrage. Urges immediate elections for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong according to rules approved by the Hong Kong people through an election-law convention, referendum, or both. Calls upon the Government of China to fully respect the autonomy and independence of the chief executive, the civil service, the judiciary, the police of Hong Kong, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Calls upon the U.S. Government, other governments, the people of the United States, and the people of the world to support freedom in Hong Kong by: (1) making clear statements against any limitations on existing human freedoms in Hong Kong; and (2) transmitting those statements to the people and the Government of the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
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 · 12 June 2003
Millennium Challenge Account Authorization and Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President, acting through the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, to provide assistance to eligible low income and lower middle income countries to support policies and programs that advance their progress in: (1) achieving lasting economic growth and poverty reduction; and (2) promoting specified objectives fostering democratic societies, human rights, the rule of law, investment in education and health infrastructure and systems, economic freedom, broad-based economic growth, and free market systems. Requires recipient contries to enter into a Millenium Challenge Compact with the United States establishing a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives. Specifies conditions for suspension or termination of assistance. Establishes the Millenium Challenge Corporation to carry out such assistance program, and a Millenium Challenge Advisory Council. Sets forth elements of a framework for U.S. economic assistance. Reauthorizes the Peace Corps through FY 2007. Makes the Peace Corps responsible for recruiting all of its volunteers. Urges the Director to utilize the services of returned Peace Corps volunteers and former Peace Corps staff who have relevant language and cultural experience and may have served previously in countries with substantial Muslim populations, in order to open or reopen Peace Corps programs in such countries. Requires the Director to expand the training program for Peace Corps volunteers in the areas of education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases prevalent in host countries in order to ensure that the Peace Corps increases its contribution to the global campaign against such diseases. Urges the Director to designate a Peace Corps officer or employee located in the United States to coordinate all HIV/AIDS activities within the Peace Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2003 - Declares that the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall not apply to Title V: Estate, Gift, and Generation-skipping Transfer Tax Provisions of such Act. (Makes the repeal of estate and generation-skipping taxes under the Internal Revenue Code, and certain reductions of the gift tax, permanent.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (the first recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in World War II, and the only enlisted Marine in that war to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart).
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Calls on: (1) the Government of Iran to comply with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), verify its compliance under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, sign the Model Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency which would allow inspectors freer access to nuclear sites, and immediately and unconditionally halt support for terrorism; (2) the President to set a new direction, incorporating all available nonproliferation tools, to redirect Iranian efforts away from nuclear weapons; and (3) United Nations members to join the United States in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and reaffirm their commitment to fighting all forms of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Expresses: (1) condolences to the people of Algeria and particularly to the families of the victims and the survivors for the tragic losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of May 21, 2003; (2) support for the people and to the Government of Algeria as they continue their efforts to rebuild their cities and their lives; and (3) support for humanitarian assistance provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other American and international relief organizations. Recognizes the important role that is being played by the United States and the international community in providing assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people of Algeria. Encourages a continued commitment by the United States and other countries and international organizations to the rebuilding of the earthquake-affected areas in Algeria.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Children's Hope Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a credit ($100, $200 for joint return) which is dependent on enactment of State qualified scholarship tax credits and which is allowed against the Federal income tax for charitable contributions to education investment organizations (as defined by this Act) that provide qualifying assistance for elementary and secondary education. Excludes from gross income amounts received from an education investment organization for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Expresses support for: (1) the U.S.-Adriatic Charter; and (2) the aspirations of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join the European Union (EU). Commends: (1) those countries for their continued efforts to become full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU; and (2) Secretary of State Powell for his personal support of the Charter. Urges NATO to invite those countries to join NATO as soon as they demonstrate the ability to assume NATO member responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Expresses gratitude and appreciation to the people and Governments of Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar for their generous and steadfast support of the U.S.-led coalition in Operation Iraqi Freedom and their active partnership with the United States in the global war on terrorism following the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. Commends them for pledging their assistance to rebuilding a free, democratic, and unified Iraq. Supports them in their pursuit of democratic reforms and urges a further strengthening of relations between them and the United States on issues of mutual concern.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article that is produced, mined, manufactured, grown, or assembled in Burma (Myanmar) until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Burma has taken certain democratic and counternarcotics actions. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to direct any U.S. financial institution holding funds of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma or the assets of individuals who hold senior positions in the SPDC or its political arm, the Union Solidarity Development Association, to report those assets to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and take such action as may be necessary to secure them. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each appropriate international financial institution to oppose any extension of a loan or financial or technical assistance to Burma until the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the President to deny visas and entry to the former and present leadership of the SPDC or the Union Solidarity Development Association. Urges the Secretary of State to use all appropriate fora, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Asian Nations Regional Forum, to encourage other states to restrict financial resources to the SPDC and Burmese companies while offering support to Burma's democratic movement, including the National League for Democracy and Burma's ethnic groups. Authorizes the President to assist Burmese democracy activists dedicated to nonviolent opposition to the regime in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Excludes the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund from the Federal and congressional budgets and exempts it from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on U.S. budget outlays.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) prescribe initial and final pathogen performance standards for raw meat and raw poultry, and meat and poultry products processed in establishments inspected under such Acts; (2) identify, and publish a list of, such pathogens; (3) initiate pathogen surveys to determine existing levels of meat and poultry contamination; (4) perform microbial compliance testing at such establishments, and prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling such products as "inspected and passed "; and (5) report on the scientific feasibility of establishing health-based performance standards for pathogens in raw meat and meat products. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee for Microbiology Criteria for Foods. Directs the Secretary to enforce Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System requirements and other sanitation requirements in any official establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling any meat or meat product, or poultry or poultry product, as "inspected and passed."
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2009 for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees. Eliminates the requirement that an eligible HSI provide assurances that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students are low-income students. Includes, among authorized activities under part A grants, articulation agreements and student support programs to help transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Eliminates the two-year wait-out period between any two five-year part A grants to an HSI.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Assistant United States Attorneys Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2003 - Makes applicable to Assistant United States Attorneys the provisions of the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System that apply to Federal law enforcement officers. Directs the Department of Justice to provide notice to incumbent Assistant U.S. Attorneys as to their election rights under this Act and the effects of making or not making a timely election under this Act. Allows such incumbents to elect the option to be treated either: (1) in accordance with the amendments made by this Act; or (2) as if this Act had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement an emergency telephonic alert notification system (the Responsive Emergency Alert and Dissemination of Information Call System or READICall System) to: (1) alert persons of imminent or current hazardous events caused by terrorist acts and other man-made disasters; and (2) provide information to individuals regarding measures to alleviate or minimize threats to their safety and welfare. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make use of national private sector networks, technology, personnel, and infrastructure to develop and implement the System; (2) develop coordinated infrastructure for the System that will be able to provide immediate notification and warning to all telephone subscribers in the United States in a national crisis resulting from a terrorist act and to target specific locations and warn just the affected areas; and (3) collaborate with other Federal, State, and local agencies to allow interoperability between different sources of terrorist threat information, allow the immediate dissemination of information from all levels of governmental sources, and develop standards, protocols, procedures, and terminology to minimize inconsistencies and miscommunication with intelligence information. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research and pilot programs as may be necessary for improving the effectiveness of such System.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Highway Funding Equity Act of 2003 - Revises Federal highway funding minimum guarantee provisions. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, for each of FY 2004 through 2009, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the percentage for each State of the total apportionments for the fiscal year for the National Highway System (NHS), the high priority projects program, the Interstate maintenance program, the surface transportation program, metropolitan planning, the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system, and the basic minimum guarantee equals or exceeds 95 percent of the ratio that the estimated tax payments to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) attributable to highway users in the State bears to such payments attributable to highway users in all States (with a specified exception for any State having a population density of less than 50 individuals per square mile); and (2) when HTF allocations (other than from the Mass Transit Account, for such programs, emergency relief, and the discretionary minimum guarantee) for the fiscal year have been identified, the percentage for each State of all of those allocations for the fiscal year equals or exceeds the percentage that is equal to 95 percent of such tax payments ratio. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the programmatic distribution of NHS funds exceeding $2.8 billion; (2) the apportionment of the remainder of funds to the States; and (3) required adjustments where the sum of State percentages exceeds 100.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
National Museum of African American History and Culture Act - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution (SI) 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 that encompass the period of slavery, the era of reconstruction, the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and other periods of the African American diaspora. Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council to: (1) advise and assist the SI Board of Regents on Museum planning, design, construction, operation, and budgets; and (2) have responsibility and authority with respect to the Museum's collections and work. Requires the Secretary of SI to appoint a Museum Director. Establishes the Office of Education and Liaison Programs within the Museum to work with educational institutions and museums throughout the Nation. Requires the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish specified grant, scholarship, internship, and fellowship programs relating to African American museums. Directs the Board of Regents to select the Museum's site from one of four specified sites on or adjacent to the national mall. Directs the Council and the Board of Regents, in carrying out their duties under this Act, to consider the reports and plans submitted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission under the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-106).
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Supports the goals and ideals of a National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Urges: (1) an increase in Federal funding for epilepsy research programs at the National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and (2) that initial funding be provided to the Department of Health and Human Services to create demonstration projects to serve people with epilepsy who may lack access to adequate medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Recognizes Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, and those who actively supported their efforts, for ending segregation in schools in Orange County, California, and for setting the precedent for Brown v. Board of Education (which ended segregation in U.S. schools and declared the doctrine of "separate but equal" unconstitutional).
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Children's Vision Improvement and Learning Readiness Act of 2003 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the purposes of: (1) providing comprehensive eye examinations for children identified as being at high risk of vision impairment, with priority to go to children under nine years old; (2) providing subsequent treatment or services necessary to correct vision problems; and (3) developing and disseminating educational materials with regard to the need and benefits of comprehensive eye examinations for children. Directs the Secretary to develop criteria for the collection of data related to vision assessment and the utilization of followup services. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the grant program, as appropriate, with other Federal and State programs that provide services to children. Requires a State to submit an application to the Secretary in order to receive a grant, which shall include a plan for the use of the grant. Requires a State to submit to the Secretary an annual evaluation of the operations and activities carried out under a grant.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to President Jose Maria Aznar of Spain in recognition of his contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medal and authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Immigrant Children Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that each accompanied (with written consent of the parent or accompanying adult) or unaccompanied alien child, with specified exceptions, shall be transferred from the Department of Homeland Security to the Office of Refugee Resettlement within 72 hours of apprehension, and shall be released from custody and placed into the community with a qualified relative or caretaker within 15 days of such apprehension. Includes children with special needs within the Office's responsibilities in the care and placement of unaccompanied alien children.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Social Security Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Act to increase joint return base and adjusted base amount thresholds for purposes of determining the additional amount of social security or railroad retirement benefits includable in gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 1905 West Blue Heron Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the Judge Edward Rodgers Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Supports and commends the contribution of pregnancy resource centers, their staffs and volunteers. Encourages government agencies at all levels to assist such centers and decries any attempts to prevent their use.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2003
Calls for the Government of the United Kingdom to enter into negotiations with the Government of Greece to facilitate the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece before the Olympics in 2004.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000435_200.jpg)