United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Directs the National Science Foundation to: (1) identify opportunities for collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and other Federal agencies to increase the utilization and deployment of new technologies for the detection and prevention of, and improved response to, potential terrorist acts; (2) identify new research opportunities to advance the detection and prevention of, and response to, such acts; and (3) give priority to such research.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services should cooperate to ensure that the Nation receives safe food, and ensure that all agencies, regardless of agency jurisdiction, are used to maximize food inspection capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Significant Regulation Oversight Act of 2001 - Prohibits a significant rule from taking effect before the enactment of a joint resolution described in this Act comprising solely of the text of such rule. Calls for congressional reporting and review of significant rules before they take effect as final rules. Provides that, if Congress fails to enact a joint resolution approving the proposed rule, no court or agency may infer any intent of Congress from any action or inaction with regard to such rule or any related statute. Sets forth: (1) the congressional approval procedure for significant rules; and (2) provisions with respect to revising or revoking an existing rule. Exempts from this Act rules concerning monetary policy proposed or implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Water Infrastructure Security and Research Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program of research, development, and demonstration activities to achieve improvements to technologies and related processes for the security of water supply systems. Requires the program to be carried out through grants to, or cooperative agreements with, research organizations to be used for matters including the following: (1) research regarding vulnerability assessment and physical asset and information system protection technologies; (2) dissemination of research results to the public and to managers of water supply systems; (3) demonstration and assessment of upgraded security technologies; (4) development of security standards and procedures; and (5) research and development related to real-time monitoring to protect against, and technologies and processes to address, chemical, biological, and radiological contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
Technology Talent Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to increase the number of students studying and receiving associate's or bachelor's degrees in established or emerging fields within science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Provides that an institution receiving such a grant shall be known as a National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Talent Expansion Center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that if at any time 25 percent or more of the Members of the House of Representatives are unable to carry out their duties because of death or incapacity, each Governor of a State represented by such Member shall appoint an otherwise qualified individual to take the place of the Member as soon as practicable (but in no event later than seven days) after certification of the Member's death or incapacity. Requires an individual appointed to take the place of the Member to serve until a Member is elected to fill the vacancy by a special election to be held at any time during the 90-day period which begins on the date of the individual's appointment, in accordance with the applicable laws regarding special elections in the State involved; except that if a regularly scheduled general election for the office will be held during such period or 30 days thereafter, no special election shall be held and the Member elected in such regularly scheduled general election shall fill the vacancy upon election. Allows such appointed individual to be a candidate in such a special election or in such a regularly scheduled general election.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001
Capital Gains Tax Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide that solely for purposes of determining gain on the sale or other disposition by a taxpayer (other than a corporation) of an indexed asset acquired after December 31, 2001, which has been held for more than three years, the indexed basis of the asset shall be substituted for its adjusted basis. Provides that the preceding shall not apply to: (1) the deductions for depreciation, depletion, and amortization; or (2) to any disposition of a principal residence. Defines the terms indexed asset and indexed basis. Repeals the maximum capital gains rate provisions of the IRC.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001
Condemns the terrorists who planned and carried out the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States, as well as their sponsors. Reaffirms the importance of joint efforts between the United States and the Russian Federation to provide the fullest possible level of cooperation on antiterrorism activities. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate to seek to enter into negotiations with appropriate officials of the State Duma and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation for the establishment of a joint task force on antiterrorism to provide for increased cooperation between the U.S. Congress and the Russian Federation Parliament on issues relating to antiterrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the depreciation deduction for tangible property placed in service after 2001 be computed using neutral cost recovery ratios.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Republic of Slovakia should be commended for its progress toward political and economic liberty and for its efforts to meet the guidelines for prospective North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members; (2) the Republic would make significant contributions to NATO; (3) extension of NATO to include the Republic would significantly benefit the security and peace of Europe and the region as a whole; and (4) the Republic should be invited to become a full NATO member at the earliest opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Authorizes the President to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who helped resist the hijackers and caused their plane to crash prematurely on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Enterprise Integration Act of 2001 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish an initiative for advancing enterprise integration within the United States, to: (1) begin with product data management and build upon ongoing efforts of NIST and the private sector; (2) involve consortia that include government and industry; and(3) be designed to permit enterprise integration in each U.S. major manufacturing industry at the earliest possible date. Authorizes the Director, with respect to major manufacturing industries, to: (1) work with industry representatives and organizations currently engaged in enterprise integration activities and others to identify all enterprise standardization and implementation activities underway that impact that industry and to assess the current state of enterprise integration within such industry; and (2) assist such industry representatives and organizations in the development of roadmaps that identify the remaining steps needed to ensure that the standards, application protocols, and support for suppliers are in place to permit supply chains to operate as an integrated electronic enterprise. Requires NIST to develop milestones and anticipated costs by fiscal year for Government activities in support of such roadmaps and to make those milestones and anticipated costs known to industry. Authorizes the Director to: (1) work with companies and trade associations to raise awareness of enterprise integration activities; (2) work with an industry on the development of roadmaps; (3) support the development, testing, promulgation, and adoption of standards; (4) support the integration and upgrading of standards related to enterprise integration; (5) support pilot projects that include small and medium-sized businesses for new standards and enterprise integration; (6) ensure the training and regular upgrading of skills of Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) employees; (7) develop tool kits and training materials to permit small and medium-sized businesses to participate in an integrated enterprise; and (8) set up legal and financial mechanisms to permit groups of MEP centers to work collectively on modernizing and integrating a company's or industry's supply chain.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
21st Century Retirement Security Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish an individual security account (ISA) for each eligible individual in the Individual Security Fund (ISF); and (2) credit the contributions transferred from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (Trust Fund) that result from reduced Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax rates (provided for in this Act), as well as other specified contributions involving certain tax overpayments treated as contributions and certain rollovers. Requires investment of an ISA in a manner similar to that under the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees. Establishes in the Treasury an Individual Security Fund composed of all established ISAs, and managed by an Individual Security Fund Board established in the Social Security Administration. Provides for an alternative ISA privately-administered by a certified institution. Prescribes rules for: (1) distribution of an eligible individual's ISA's funds; (2) off-budget treatment of the ISF and any federally-administered ISAs within it; and (3) privately-administered ISAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce FICA tax rates on the income of every eligible individual, and to impose an ISA contribution on such income for crediting to the eligible individual's ISA. Entitles each eligible individual to a specified limited ISA tax credit for the taxable year involved, treated as a tax overpayment, to be transferred by the Secretary for crediting by the Commissioner, as a contribution equal to the tax overpayment, to such eligible individual's ISA for its sole use. Specifies related contribution incentives. Amends SSA title II to establish a new minimum monthly Social Security benefit for certain low-income beneficiaries. Amends SSA title II to prescribe formula changes for computation of the primary insurance amount, including cost-of-living increases, bend points, adjustments for changes in life expectancy, and coverage of disabled beneficiaries. Makes appropriations to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics for specified research on the Consumer Price Index. Phases-in an increase in the Social Security normal retirement age to 67. Amends SSA title VII (Administration) to prescribe a mechanism for ensuring solvency in the Social Security trust funds.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State to initiate a U.S. plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual week-long summit of the World Health Assembly in May 2002 in Geneva, Switzerland, and to instruct the U.S. delegation there to implement such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2005. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Establishes the National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification to review: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Code; (2) whether the tax systems of other countries could provide more efficient and fair methods of funding government revenue requirements; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Requires a Commission report to Congress on review results, with recommendations for Code reform and simplification. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations (with interim funding). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be approved by Congress in its final form before July 4, 2005, and, if not, Congress should be required to vote to reauthorize the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Bring Our Children Home Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that a contestant may bring an action in district court to determine which of conflicting State court child custody determinations shall prevail. Directs the Attorney General (AG) to establish a registry for all custody orders entered by State courts. Authorizes law enforcement officers of a State or local government to hold, for no more than 24 hours, any child listed as missing for proper disposition under the latest valid custody determination. Requires the Secretary of State to prepare a report on progress made by the United States in negotiating and entering into bilateral treaties relating to international child abduction with countries that are not contracting parties under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require information on each country's efforts to prohibit international child abduction. Requires the AG to prepare a report describing the status of each case involving a request for extradition in cases involving international kidnaping by parents.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Consumer Product Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the placement of a writing (defined as any form of representation or communication, including handbills, notices, or advertising, that contains letters, words, graphic, or pictorial representations) in or on a consumer product prior to its sale to any consumer without the consent of the product manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Salmon Planning Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) providing for peer review of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion regarding the Operation of the Federal Columbia River power system, issued December 21, 2000, and any subsequent modification of it (opinion) and submission of a report on the results. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to publish a determination of whether implementation of the salmon recovery measures in the opinion are sufficient to achieve recovery, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, of the salmon and steelhead populations; and if not, whether partially removing the four lower Snake River dams (the dams) are necessary to restore Snake River salmon and steelhead populations; (2) the Secretary of the Interior to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet treaty obligations; and (3) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a determination of whether partially removing the dams are necessary to meet Federal Water Pollution Control Act requirements. Directs the Comptroller General to study the potential effects of partially removing the dams. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to partially remove the dams if the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the EPA Administrator finds that such action is necessary to meet the aforementioned requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Army to undertake such preliminary engineering, design, construction, and other activities as necessary to remove the dams.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers to: (1) develop capabilities in basic plant genome research; (2) extend basic plant genomics research through plant breeding programs and accelerate its application to development and testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops and crops that can be used as alternative energy sources; (3) develop alternative uses of agricultural crops; and (4) serve as centers for scientific and safety information on plant genomics.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
Plant Pathogen Genome Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a joint research program within the Agricultural Research Service and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's National Research Initiative Grants Program to: (1) sequence the genomes of plant pathogens that have a significant agricultural, environmental, or health impact; (2) determine the function of individual genes and associated metabolic pathways for such sequenced plant pathogens; (3) enhance bioinformation capabilities in plant pathogen genomics; and (4) ensure that the information developed is accessible to the broader scientific, agricultural, and industrial communities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001
PAC Limitation Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) ban political action committees from making any contribution to any candidate or to any authorized committee of the candidate with respect to any election for Federal office; (2) prohibit a candidate for the House of Representatives from accepting contributions from all sources outside the congressional district involved greater in total than all contributions from individual residents of the district; (3) place a limit on the amount of soft money that a national and congressional campaign committee of a political party may accept in any calendar year; and (4) require radio stations, television stations, and cable systems to report to the Federal Election Commission with respect to each Federal political advertisement they carry.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
Comprehensive Energy Research and Technology Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the balance of funding priorities among programs authorized by this Act should remain as provided in this Act, regardless of the total amount of funding made available for this Act. Establishes an authorization of appropriations statutory scheme to fund the Department of Energy technology research and development programs designated below. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acceleration Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) establish an alternative fuel vehicle energy demonstration and commercial application of energy technology competitive grant pilot program for State and local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities; (2) develop an implementation program for research, demonstration and commercial application to ensure reliability efficiency, and environmental responsibility of distributed energy resources, including advanced energy technologies and advanced grid reliability technologies. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 2001 - Cites limitations placed upon appropriations authorized by this Act for the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation. Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001- Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program to: (1) accelerate wider application in foreign countries; (2) increase the global market for hydrogen technologies; and (3) foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems. Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) bioenergy research and development programs; (2) biofuels energy systems; and (3) integrated bioenergy research and development. Department of Energy (DOE) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary to: (1) support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering; and (2) provide for designated university research and training reactor infrastructure maintenance and research activities. Authorizes appropriations that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) a university reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research within the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (DOE) to coordinate the participation of national laboratories, DOE facilities, universities and the commercial nuclear industry in research and development of technologies for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Instructs the Secretary to conduct: (1) an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to promote the availability of proliferation-resistant fuel recycling technologies; (2) a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative for nuclear energy research grants; (3) jointly with industry, a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization research and development program; and (4) a study of Generation IV nuclear energy systems. National Electricity and Environmental Technology Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary to implement research and development programs pertaining to the commercial application of : (1) clean coal technologies; (2) petroleum-oil technology; (3) natural gas technologies; (4) unconventional and ultra-deepwater natural gas and petroleum exploration and production technologies; and (5) fuel cells. Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary to develop a plan for: (1) U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment (and authorizes development of a plan for U.S. participation in an international burning plasma experiment); and (2) the Fusion Energy Sciences Program and to enable such experiments. Authorizes appropriations for the Spallation Neutron Source (at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee). Sets forth parameters within which the Secretary is instructed to develop and implement a least cost nonmilitary energy laboratory facility and an infrastructure strategy for such facilities. Mandates establishment of an Advisory Panel on the Office of Science.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Deems Hillsdale County, Michigan, to be located in the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Michigan, Metropolitan Statistical Area for purposes of reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) of disproportionate share hospitals in Hillsdale County, Michigan, with respect to the operating costs of inpatient hospital services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress applauding the U.S. Congressional Philharmonic Society for its choral society and orchestra, and for its promotion of: (1) cultural communication and understanding in performances throughout the District of Columbia, the United States, and the world; and (2) musical excellence at all levels of the educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act of 2001 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized; and (4) report to Congress on all legislation introduced that would establish a new agency or a new program to be carried out by an existing agency. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline for abolishing an agency to be extended for an additional two years by legislation enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to conduct environmental research and development, scientific and energy research, development, and demonstration, and commercial application of energy technology programs, projects, and activities related to bioenergy, including biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development (including biofuels). Authorizes appropriations for biopower energy systems, biofuels energy systems, and integrated bioenergy research and development. Mandates specified cost-sharing commitments from non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Patient Access, Choice, and Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things: (1) establish a credit for the health insurance costs of an individual and his or her family; (2) provide for qualified health insurance credit amount payments by the Secretary of the Treasury to an employer or health insurance issuer for an employee or individual covered by qualified health insurance; (3) establish, in the case of an employer, a former health insurance exclusion credit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Dairy Promotion Fairness Act - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to define "imported dairy product" and "importer" for purposes of the dairy promotion program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint up to two qualifying dairy importers to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Requires dairy importers to contribute to the dairy promotion program. Makes both importers and producers (currently, limited to producers) eligible to vote in referendums.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that biotechnology has been responsible for breakthroughs and achievements that have benefitted people for centuries and has contributed to increasing the quality of life for the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001
Calls for U.S. corporations to make greater contributions to faith-based organizations battling societal challenges. Expresses the sense of Congress that such corporations: (1) are important partners with government in efforts to overcome social problems; and (2) should not adopt policies that prohibit contributions to faith-based organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001
Tribal and Local Communities Relationship Improvement Act - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to make invalid any tribal-State compact entered into after the date of enactment of this Act unless it is approved by the Governor and legislature of the State with which the compact was negotiated (with an exception for compact renewals that do not expand covered gambling operations). Requires similar approval of Indian gaming as regulated under such Act on lands acquired in trust by the Secretary of the Interior after October 17, 1988. Prohibits the conduct of class III gaming on more than one parcel of land of an Indian tribe. Directs the President to establish the Advisory Committee on Minimum Regulatory Requirements and Licensing Standards for Indian Gaming. Requires Committee recommendations to be submitted to specified congressional committees, the National Indian Gaming Commission, and each federally recognized Indian tribe. Establishes the Commission on Native American Policy to complete a study regarding living standards in Indian country, including health, infrastructure, economic development, educational opportunities, and housing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001
Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration activities leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Repeals as a purpose the development of renewable energy resources as a primary source of energy for hydrogen production. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries, increase the global market for hydrogen technologies, and foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects; and (3) enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to establish an advisory board to replace the current Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Bridges to the Cuban People Act of 2001 - Exempts from the embargo on trade with Cuba (including prohibitions under the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 against the unloading at a U.S. port of vessels that previously entered a Cuban port to engage in trade) the export of any agricultural commodity, farm machinery or equipment, medicine, or medical device, or any travel incident to the delivery of such items. Prohibits the President from prohibiting or regulating travel to or from or within Cuba by U.S. nationals or lawful resident aliens, including specified transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, financial or otherwise. Authorizes the President to provide scholarships for Cuban nationals who seek to undertake graduate study in public health, public policy, economics, law, or other field of social science. Authorizes the President to waive certain sanctions against, and restrictions on assistance to, Cuba, including the exclusion from the United States of certain aliens who have confiscated property in Cuba of U.S. nationals or who traffic in such property, if he determines that it will promote the peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba or will further U.S. national economic interests. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that any U.S. person may make. Authorizes the import into the United States of a Cuban originated medical article if the Secretary of Health and Human Services makes a determination that there is a medical need in the United States for such article that is not being met by any medicine or medical device in commercial distribution in the United States. Prohibits the use of funds to enforce unilateral sanctions on the export of goods and services intended for the exclusive use of children in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to extend loan deficiency payment eligibility for agricultural producers who are ineligible for marketing assistance loans but produce contract commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Authorizes the National Science Foundation to make grants for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers to: (1) develop capabilities in basic plant genome research; (2) extend basic plant genomics research through plant breeding programs and accelerate its application to development and testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops and crops that can be used as alternative energy sources; (3) develop alternative uses of agricultural crops; and (4) serve as centers for scientific and safety information on plant genomics.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF), for the purpose of integrating scientific disciplines in relation to research on learning and gaining a better understanding of how such research and educational practice can be reconciled, to continue to support such research, focusing on: (1) brain research as a foundation for research on learning; (2) behavioral, cognitive, affective, and social aspects of learning; (3) science, mathematics, engineering, and technological learning in educational settings; and (4) learning in complex educational systems. Requires the Director of the NSF to review past research on learning, assess current research efforts, and develop a set of specific education research priorities to provide the strategic focus of the Centers of Research on Learning established by this Act. Requires the Director to make grants for the establishment of not more than five such Centers to integrate the work of multidisciplinary teams of researchers, education practitioners, and policymakers to support the research priorities developed, and to facilitate the incorporation of research results into educational practice. Requires the Director to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education or scientific research institutions (or consortia thereof) to provide fellowships to elementary and secondary teachers: (1) for participation in research programs at such institutions aimed at giving fellowship recipients a better understanding of the behavioral, cognitive, affective, and social aspects of human learning; and (2) to facilitate the transfer of the results of learning research into the elementary and secondary education systems. Authorizes appropriations for NSF participation in the Interagency Education Research Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF), for the purpose of integrating scientific disciplines in relation to research on learning, and gaining a better understanding of how such research and educational practice can be reconciled, to continue to support such research, focusing on: (1) brain research as a foundation for research on learning; (2) behavioral, cognitive, affective, and social aspects of learning; (3) science, mathematics, engineering, and technological learning in educational settings; and (4) learning in complex educational systems. Requires the Director of the NSF to review past research on learning, assess current research efforts, and develop a set of specific education research priorities to provide the strategic focus of the Centers of Research on Learning established by this Act. Requires the Director to make grants for the establishment of not more than five such Centers to integrate the work of multidisciplinary teams of researchers, education practitioners, and policymakers to support the research priorities developed, and to facilitate the incorporation of research results into educational practice. Authorizes appropriations for NSF participation in the Interagency Education Research Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2001
Coastal Shipping Competition Act - Amends Federal shipping law to define "coastwise trade" to mean the transportation by water of merchandise or passengers, or the towing of a vessel between points, or dredging operations (except on navigable waters included in the inland waterways trade unless they occur on mixed waters) in the United States, on the Great Lakes, on the subjacent waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, and in the noncontiguous trade. Revises certain eligibility requirements for the documentation of a vessel to engage in U.S. coastwise trade to make certain vessels that are not titled in a State eligible for documentation. Authorizes a foreign qualified vessel, or a vessel of foreign registry that engages irregularly in U.S. coastwise trade, to be issued a U.S. coastwise certificate if the governments involved extend reciprocal privileges to U.S. vessels to engage in their coastwise trades. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) certificate of documentation for inland waterways endorsement of vessels in U.S. coastwise trade; (2) transportation of merchandise in inland waterways trades; (3) penalties for transportation of passengers in vessels nondocumented with an inland waterways endorsement; (4) the towing of vessels (other than one in distress), and salvaging and dredging operations performed, by foreign registered vessels (in which the foreign country extends such reciprocal privileges to U.S. vessels) and vessels documented with an inland waterways endorsement; (5) penalties for the placing of a documented vessel, or operation of such vessel, under foreign registry; (6) district court jurisdiction over nonresident defendant employers that make use of U.S. ports with respect to personal injury and death actions by seamen; (7) application of international labor laws and environmental and certain other standards to all vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade pursuant to international agreements; and (8) certain noncitizens irregularly engaging in U.S. coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Amends the Organic Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of each person that notifies the Secretary that it is a manufacturer or seller that is: (1) licensed to engage in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product; or (2) is a trade association representing such manufacturers or sellers. Declares that any lawful conduct carried out by a manufacturer or seller in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product, or lawful conduct carried out by a trade association in the course of representing such manufacturers or sellers, shall not be the basis for imposing a restriction on such commerce (the award of civil damages, equitable relief, or any other specified limitation) as a result of harm caused by the criminal or other unlawful misuse of such firearm or ammunition product by any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a priority research program to: (1) enhance the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes; and (2) develop other such plants and legume varieties.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Working Families Flexibility Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for compensatory time for all employees. Allows an employee to receive, in lieu of monetary overtime compensation, compensatory time off at a rate not less than one and one-half hours for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required under the Act.
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
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2001 - Provides that neither a person (including any other entity) who donates re-certified fire control or fire rescue equipment, nor a State or local agency that administers the distribution of such equipment, shall be liable for personal injuries, property damage, or death proximately caused after the donation by a defect in such equipment. Waives such liability protection if: (1) the person's or agency's act or omission causing the injury, damage, or loss constitutes malice, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct; or (2) the person or agency is the manufacturer of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, as amended, to extend until October 1, 2001, the reenactment of chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income) (thereby extending family farmer bankruptcy relief). Makes this Act effective as of June 1, 2001 (the previous expiration date).
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Nick [R-MI-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000597_200.jpg)