United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2002
Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2002 - Mandates the merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into the Deposit Insurance Fund. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act to: (1) increase the amount of deposit insurance coverage; (2) couple such increase with an inflation adjustment; and (3) double the amount of deposit insurance for certain retirement accounts. Amends the FDIA to increase the amount of deposit insurance coverage for municipal deposits. Expands the range of authorized investments for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to include Federal agency obligations or comparable obligations authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Repeals: (1) independent treatment of each deposit insurance fund with respect to assessments and designated reserve ratio; (2) minimum risk-based assessments for certain at-risk deposit insurance funds; (3) limitations on assessments on deposit insurance funds that fail to meet the designated reserve ratio; and (4) the special rule for recapitalizing undercapitalized funds. Instructs the FDIC Board of Directors to establish annually a designated reserve ratio that falls within a prescribed range. Replaces refund guidelines with rebates to insured depository institutions that are predicated upon DIF balances in excess of specified percentages. Instructs the FDIC to establish a Deposit Insurance Fund Restoration Plan to ensure adequate reserves whenever the actual ratio in the DIF falls below certain criteria. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on FDIC administrative structure, expenses, and certain activities, and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2002
Ten Commandments Public Display Resolution of 2002 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol to prominently display the Ten Commandments in the chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2002
Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Benefits Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include as a "public safety officer" for purposes of provisions governing death benefits a volunteer civilian member of the Civil Air Patrol engaged in: (1) active service rendered in performance or support of operational missions of the Patrol under the direction of the Department of the Air Force and performed consistent with written authorization that specifies a finite assignment; or (2) travel to or from such service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2002
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers, Farmers, Fishermen, Communities, and Firms Act of 2002 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements with respect to: (1) agreements between the United States and cooperating States for certain services for workers adversely affected by import competition; (2) eligibility certification of a group of adversely affected workers for trade adjustment assistance; (3) payment to them of trade adjustment allowances; (4) training programs for them; and (5) the maximum amount of job search and relocation allowances payable to an adversely affected worker. Provides for the eligibility certification for such assistance of adversely affected secondary workers employed at a downstream producer (a firm that performs additional, value-added production processes to articles produced by another firm) or a supplier. Establishes a self-employment training pilot program to be administered by the Small Business Administration for adversely affected workers. Reauthorizes the trade adjustment assistance program for firms adversely affected by import competition. Revises eligibility requirements for certification of communities for trade adjustment assistance. Establishes trade adjustment assistance programs for adversely affected groups of agricultural commodity producers and commercial fishermen or U.S. fish processors. Establishes a program to provide 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation health coverage for workers (and their families) eligible for trade adjustment assistance. Allows a State to elect to provide temporary coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for: (1) certain uninsured workers; and (2) for the unsubsidized portion of COBRA continuation premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Employee Savings Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit certain knowing misrepresentations by pension plan fiduciaries to participants or beneficiaries relating to the present or expected valuation of employer securities, in the case of individual account plans that include cash or deferred arrangements under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Makes a fiduciary exemption liable (by removing an exemption) for any loss resulting from any exercise of control by participants or beneficiaries over assets in their accounts undertaken in reliance on such a misrepresentation. Applies this Act to misrepresentations made on or after January 1, 2000. Amends Federal law relating to bankruptcy to protection of unsecured claims by employees under such ERISA provisions for liability of fiduciaries for such misrepresentations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Pipeline Infrastructure Protection to Enhance Security and Safety Act - Amends Federal transportation law "one-call notification system" provisions concerning notification to underground facility operators of excavations to: (1) require participation by government operators; and (2) encourage the adoption of the "Common Ground" report. Revises pipeline safety provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation: (1) when assessing the security and safety of pipeline facilities, to assess the vulnerabilities of such facilities to terrorist attacks; (2) when prescribing minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and for pipeline facilities, to include in such standards a requirement that pipeline facility operators participate in a public safety program; and (3) to establish pipeline public education and safety standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to develop and implement a cooperative program of research, development, and demonstration to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. Requires the establishment of a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee to develop a cooperative pipeline facility integrity program. Establishes a pipeline controller certification qualification program. Requires a pipeline facility operator to provide: (1) geospatial data appropriate for use in the National Pipeline Mapping System; (2) identification of the person with primary operational control; (3) develop and implement terrorism security programs; and (4) with a condition deemed potentially unsafe condition to take necessary corrective actions. Authorizes to pipelines: (1) technical assistance; and (2) security recommendations. Requires a coordinated environmental review process for pipeline repair and rehabilitation projects. Permits withholding from the public certain pipeline information that could reveal the systemic vulnerability of a pipeline to attack.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Twenty-First Century Water Policy Commission Establishment Act - Establishes the Twenty-First Century Water Policy Commission to: (1) study all aspects of water management by Federal, State, and local agencies and by private sector entities; and (2) develop recommendations for a specified comprehensive water policy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to identify specified routes in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor of the National Highway System.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
World War II Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress (where appropriate, posthumously) a congressional gold medal to named Comanche Code Talkers of World War II in recognition of their contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
International Student Responsibility Act - Provides for: (1) foreign country assistance in ensuring that prospective foreign students are eligible for U.S. admission; and (2) U.S. entry prohibition of foreign students from a country that fails to provide such assistance, or from a country from which a substantial number of foreign students fail to comply with foreign student status conditions. Prohibits foreign student admissions from a country deemed a state sponsor of international terrorism unless it has been determined that an individual alien does not pose a threat to U.S. security. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to notify an institution of higher education of the U.S. entry of a foreign student admitted to study at such institution. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to set forth additional requirements for educational institutions under the foreign student monitoring program, including providing notification of alien students who fail to register. Authorizes appropriations for operation of, and related enforcement activities under, the student and exchange visitors information system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Fairness to All Vietnam Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress: (1) to identify veterans who died after October 31, 1955, as a result of military operations in southeast Asia whose names are not eligible for inscription on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and (2) on the feasibility and equitability of revising the eligibility requirements to be more inclusive of such veterans or of creating an alternative means for recognizing them.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Revised Statutes of the United States to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, from making a determination that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is an activity that is either financial in nature or incidental to any financial activity, or is complementary to a financial activity.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign promoting stroke prevention and immediate treatment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse, including conducting and/or making available research concerning best practices for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; (2) make grants to States to establish statewide stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems; and (3) develop a model curriculum for training emergency medical services personnel. Sets forth requirements for the State grant program, including matching funds, standards for care and facilities, central data reporting and analysis, special consideration for geographic areas with high rates of disability from stroke or significant need, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to develop and implement education programs for appropriate medical personnel with regard to newly developed diagnostics, technologies, and therapies for stroke prevention and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2001 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war to repeal the currently required: (1) 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation; and (2) 90-day minimum period of internment prior to eligibility for dental care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Adds the following to the listed diseases under (1), above: heart disease, stroke, liver disease, diabetes (type 2), and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
State Budget Relief Act of 2001 - Requires the Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for: (1) a State for FY 2001 to be substituted for the State's FMAP for FY 2002 if the FY 2002 FMAP would otherwise be less than the FY 2001 FMAP; and (2) each eligible State for each calendar quarter in FY 2002 to be increased by two percentage points. Mandates specified FMAP increases for States with high unemployment rates, and a specified Medicaid payment cap increase for territories. Prohibits application of the FMAP increases for a State under this Act with respect to: (1) disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicaid; and (2) payments under SSA titles IV and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP).
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) a regular timeline for the publication of final regulations; and (2) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors. Outlines requirements for provider education and technical assistance under Medicare. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Provider Ombudsman to: (1) assist confidentially service providers and suppliers with respect to grievances and requests for information; and (2) submit recommendations to the Secretary for improvement in Medicare administration. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman to assist Medicare beneficiaries with respect to grievances and requests for information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program making certain technical assistance available, upon request on a voluntary basis, to small providers of services or suppliers to evaluate their billing and related systems for compliance with the applicable Medicare requirements. Outlines requirements with respect to provider appeals and recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for expedited access to judicial review. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to: (1) the Medicare Integrity Program to provide for the recovery of overpayments; and (2) agreements with service providers to direct the Secretary to establish a process for enrollment of Medicare service providers and suppliers. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any documentation guidelines for evaluation and management physician services under Medicare unless the Secretary has, among other things, established a plan with specific goals and a schedule for improving the use of such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Firefighters Affordable Housing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to qualified volunteer firefighters. Ends such assistance upon termination of: (1) use as primary residence; or (2) firefighter duties within ten years of the mortgage's execution. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments (and deferral and reduction of up-front premium) for Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans for qualified professional firefighters to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing public fire service or rescue or ambulance agency. (Requires the mortgagor to not have had an ownership interest in a principal residence within such jurisdiction during the 12-month period ending upon the mortgage's insurance.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing or modifying the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments such that the factor used more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Designates the headquarters and visitors center at Humboldt Bay National Wild Life Refuge located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta, California, as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Medicare Physician Protection Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to specify the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
United States Consensus Council Act of 2001 - Establishes the United States Consensus Council to: (1) promote and advance programs based on consensus building as a complement to the current deliberative processes used by Congress and the executive branch in addressing national public policy issues; (2) enter into formal and informal relationships with other public and private institutions for purposes not inconsistent with this Act; (3) receive referrals from Congress, the President, executive departments, agencies, private groups, or organizations that request the Council's expertise in building a consensus on a particular public policy issue; (4) coordinate with, and make referrals to and receive them from, other consensus building instrumentalities of the United States, including the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution or the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; and (5) develop and apply assessment plans for reviewing such referrals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Importance of Health Care Coverage Month should be established and the President should issue a proclamation calling on the public and private sectors to conduct promotional programs and events.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Help America Vote Act of 2001 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish programs under which the Administrator makes payments to each eligible State or local government to: (1) replace a punch card voting system with a voting system which does not use punch cards; or (2) make technical enhancements to the performance of its punch card voting system. Establishes: (1) an independent Election Assistance Commission to serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections; and (2) the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors to review any of the voluntary standards for engineering and procedural performance, for maintenance and enhancement of the accessibility and privacy of registration facilities, polling places, and voting methods, and for election management practices recommended by the Commission. Establishes the Technical Standards Development Committee to assist the Executive Director of the Commission by recommending standards to ensure the usability, accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of voting systems and voting equipment. Directs the Commission to: (1) provide for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories; (2) make payments to States for voting system improvements, grants to entities for voting equipment and technology research and development, and grants for pilot programs to try out new voting systems and equipment technologies; and (3) develop the Help America Vote College Program to encourage college students to assist State and local governments in election administration. Amends Federal law to create the Help America Vote Foundation as a nonprofit charitable corporation to mobilize secondary school students to participate in the election process in a nonpartisan manner as poll workers or assistants. Outlines minimum standards for State election systems. Sets forth provisions regarding voting rights of military members and overseas citizens. Amends Federal postal service law to replace reduced rates for voter registration purposes with reduced rates for official election mail.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Recognizes and commends the efforts of State and local governments and community, religious, and charitable organizations to support military and civilian personnel engaged in the war on terrorism. Encourages the people of the United States: (1) to support such personnel through a united effort to be known as Operation Enduring Support; and (2) as part of such Operation, to support military families, stage patriotic send-off and welcome-home rallies and parades; and volunteer and contribute financial assistance to the Red Cross, United Way, and similar organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Spirit of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the tragic events that occurred at the Pentagon, in New York City, and in Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of September 11th Fund which shall consist of amounts from surcharges received from the sale of such coins transferred to the Office for Victims of Crime for individuals who were injured, and to the families of individuals who were killed or injured, in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 - Requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, in conjunction with specified other entities, to establish and supervise a single computerized database (lookout database) to screen and identify inadmissible or deportable aliens. States that such information shall be available to immigration, Customs, law enforcement, and intelligence personnel. Sets forth required database and related information. Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to establish a Terrorist Lookout Committee at each embassy; (2) the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to develop a "SmartVisa" system which shall include machine-readable visas containing biometric information; and (3) that issued U.S. passports contain standard biometric identifiers. Conditions participation in the visa waiver program upon a country's: (1) issuance of U.S. machine-readable, tamper resistant passports containing biometric data; and (2) reporting of its stolen passports to the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General to terminate a country from program participation for reasons of national security. Requires air, land, or sea carriers arriving from a foreign country to provide the United States with specified crew and passenger manifest information prior to departure for the United States. Sets forth requirements for fraud-resistant Federal and federally-regulated documents. Prohibits, with exceptions, issuance of a foreign student visa to a national of a country on the Department of State's list of state sponsors of international terrorism. Provides for the implementation and expansion of the foreign student monitoring program, including provisions respecting: (1) submission of certain Immigration and Naturalization service (INS) forms; (2) background checks; and (3) educational institution reporting data on foreign students, including student failure to enroll. Provides for additional consular Customs, and INS investigative personnel. Amends Federal law to include in the category of identification document-related fraud the knowing possession of a stolen or illegally produced foreign identification document. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the feasibility of requiring each nonimmigrant alien to report annually to the INS respecting his or her status.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Day of Appreciation for Emergency Response and Rescue Workers should be established.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should award and present a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to those public safety officers who were killed and to those select public safety officers who have earned special recognition for outstanding valor above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a memorial within the District of Columbia in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Commission to raise funds to design, construct, and maintain the memorial.
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 · 20 September 2001
September 11th Families Stamp Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (first-class postage stamp sold at a premium) with the proceeds from its sale going to the September 11th Families Fund to provide assistance, through the Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice, to the families of individuals who were killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Establishes the September 11th Families Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) on September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 possibly averted the use of such aircraft in a further terrorist attack on the United States by attempting to overpower the hijackers; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends; and (3) a memorial plaque to the victims should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, and a copy of the plaque and this resolution sent to a designated survivor of each victim.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
Debbie Smith Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out sexual assault nurse examiner programs and to train law enforcement personnel and first responders in the handling of sexual assault cases and the collection and use of DNA samples for forensic evidence. Provides that for a State to be eligible to receive a grant, the chief executive officer of the State shall submit to the Attorney General an application which shall include a certification that the State shall comply with specified quality assurance standards. Sets forth provisions regarding restrictions on the use of funds and expenditure records. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to require the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to issue (and revise periodically) standards for collecting and processing, for use as forensic evidence, samples on which DNA analysis may be carried out. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes for inclusion in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System. Sets forth provisions regarding State eligibility, restrictions on uses of funds, and expenditure records.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Sound Science for Endangered Species Act Planning Act of 2001 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) give greater weight to scientific and commercial data that is empirical or that has been field-tested or peer-reviewed in determining that a species is an endangered or threatened species; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish criteria for data to be used as the basis of such a determination. Prohibits the Secretary from determining that a species is endangered or threatened unless the determination is supported by data obtained by observation of the species in the field. Requires the Secretary to accept, acknowledge receipt of, and include in the rulemaking record of such a determination data collected by landowners through observation of the species on the land. Requires the Secretary to publish with the notice of a proposed regulation a description of additional scientific and commercial data that would assist in the preparation of a recovery plan, invite any person to submit such data, and describe the steps for acquiring additional data. Directs the Secretary: (1) to solicit recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences and develop a list of qualified reviewers to participate in independent scientific review actions; (2) before any proposed action becomes final, to appoint from such list three individuals who shall report on the scientific information and analyses on which such action is based; and (3) to include such report in the official record of the proposed action. Requires the Secretary, in consulting with each Federal agency and the affected States to insure that any agency action is not likely to jeopardize any endangered or threatened species or destroy the species' habitat, to: (1) consider information provided by such States; and (2) provide any person who has sought authorization or funding from a Federal agency for an action the opportunity to submit, discuss, and receive information relevant to the draft biological opinion.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) regulations, establishing a regular timeline for the publication of final regulations; and (2) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors. Outlines requirements for provider education and technical assistance under Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program making certain technical assistance available, upon request on a voluntary basis, to small providers of services or suppliers to evaluate their billing and related systems for compliance with the applicable Medicare requirements. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Provider Ombudsman to: (1) assist confidentially service providers, physicians, practitioners, and suppliers with respect to grievances and requests for information; and (2) submit recommendations to the Secretary for improvement in Medicare administration. Outlines requirements with respect to provider appeals. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for expedited access to judicial review. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to: (1) the Medicare Integrity Program to provide for the recovery of overpayments and prepayment review; and (2) agreements with service providers to direct the Secretary to establish a process (including an appeals process) for enrollment of Medicare service providers, services, physicians, practitioners, and suppliers. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program under which Medicare specialists employed by HHS provide advice and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries at the location of existing local offices of the Social Security Administration. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any documentation guidelines for evaluation and management physician services under Medicare unless the Secretary has, among other things, established a plan that contains specific goals and a schedule for improving the use of such guidelines.
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
Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2001 - Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to disclose to the vehicle owner, a repair facility, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the information necessary to diagnose, service, or repair the vehicle. Sets forth protections for trade secrets. States that manufacturer noncompliance with this Act constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce within the purview of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes a vehicle owner or repair facility to bring a civil action in Federal district court for violations of this Act without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties. Instructs the FTC to prescribe a uniform methodology for manufacturer disclosure in writing, and on the Internet. Prohibits the FTC from prescribing rules that interfere with the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding motor vehicle emissions control diagnostics systems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Rural Telecommunications Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans and grants to eligible (non-federal public or private) entities to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of facilities to furnish or improve broadband transmission service in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001
Agricultural Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through crop year 2011, to: (1) make fixed decoupled payments and counter-cyclical payments to eligible producers; (2) make marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments to covered commodity producers; and (3) extend programs for milk and dairy products, sugar, and peanuts. Amends specified agricultural Acts to extend the: (1) suspension of permanent price support authority; (2) farmland protection program; (3) conservation reserve program; (4) environmental quality incentives program; (5) food for progress program; (6) market access program; (7) export enhancement program; (8) foreign market development cooperator program; (9) export credit guarantee program; (10) P.L. 480 programs; (11) food stamp and related nutrition programs; (12) emergency food assistance program; (13) commodity supplemental food program; (14) surplus commodities to special nutrition project program; and (15) wildlife habitat incentives program. Establishes the: (1) congressional hunger fellows program; and (2) forest land enhancement program; and (3) sustainable forestry outreach initiative; (4) community and private land fire assistance program; (5) tree assistance program; (6) hazardous fuels to energy grant program; (7) senior farmers' market nutrition program; (8) grassland reserve program; and (9) farmland stewardship program. Revises and extends specified agricultural credit programs, rural development programs, and agricultural research programs. Revises land-grant institution provisions and other specified educational, extension, and research program provisions. Repeals certain agricultural activities and authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Social Security Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2001
Nursing Shortage Response Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a significant number of public and nonprofit private hospitals have shortages of tertiary-care nurses, to accept such nurses as National Health Service Corps members and provide for their participation in the Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Authorizes the Secretary, in establishing criteria for the designation of health professional shortage areas, to: (1) include tertiary-care nurses in determining the number of health professionals; and (2) establish criteria for otherwise considering such nurses in designating health professional shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to health care coverage. Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Sets forth provisions concerning group health plans and health insurers and the provision of certain advice and care, including: (1) emergency care; (2) obstetric and gynecological care; (3) specialists care; (4) prescription drugs; (5) participation in approved clinical trials; and (6) health plan information. Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Extends and expands provisions of the medical savings account program. Provides for: (1) the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed; and (2) a credit for the health insurance expenses of small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2001
E-Government Act of 2001 - Establishes the Office of Information Policy in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be administered by a Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) who shall provide direction, coordination, and oversight of the development, application, and management of information resources by the Government. Provides for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to retain information collection review functions. Establishes a Chief Information Officers Council as the principal interagency forum for improving agency practices related to the development, use, operation, and performance of Government information resources. Establishes in the Treasury an E-Government Fund to be used to fund interagency information technology projects and other innovative uses of information technology. Requires each executive agency to: (1) comply with standards established by the CIO and support the CIO's efforts to develop and maintain an integrated Internet-based system of delivering Government information and services to the public; (2) ensure compatibility of its methods for use and acceptance of electronic signatures; (3) publish an online agency directory; (4) establish a website and post all information required to be published on regulatory proceedings and electronic dockets for rulemakings; and (5) conduct a privacy impact assessment before developing or procuring an information system or initiating a new collection of personally identifiable information that will be processed electronically. Requires establishment of: (1) an online Federal telephone directory; (2) an online National Library; and (3) individual Federal court websites. Requires the CIO to: (1) study the feasibility of integrating Federal information systems across agencies; (2) convene an interagency task force to develop recommendations on standards for the collection and dissemination of essential information about federally funded research and development databases that address public availability and agency coordination and collaboration; (3) establish guidelines for privacy notices on agency websites; and (4) promulgate standards and criteria for agency websites. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of common protocols for geographic information systems. Provides for the use of the share-in-savings contracting approach for information technology projects. Requires studies on: (1) using information technology to enhance crisis response and consequence management of natural and manmade disasters; (2) best practices of federally funded community technology centers; and (3) disparities in Internet access across various demographic distributions. Provides for establishment of: (1) a Federal Information Technology Training Center; and (2) an Advisory Board on Government Information which shall recommend standards for establishing permanent public access to government information disseminated on the Internet, developing inventories of government information, and cataloguing and indexing government information. Requires the CIO and each agency to develop and post on the Internet a public domain directory of Government websites.
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
Renewable Fuels for Energy Security Act of 2001 - Mandates that motor vehicle fuel introduced into commerce in calendar year 2002 and beyond be composed of specified percentages of renewable fuel. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) adjustments to such percentages if the Secretary of Energy determines that an inadequate domestic supply or distribution capacity exists; and (2) a renewable fuel credit program. Empowers the Secretary to impose civil penalties and bring a civil action in Federal district court for non-compliance with this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Stenholm, Charles W. [D-TX-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000851_200.jpg)