United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services, building upon core public health capabilities, to carry out health-related activities to prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Requires collaboration with States and local governments to ensure a national bioterrorism and public health emergency preparedness plan. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories. Provides for: (1) the education of health care personnel regarding recognition and identification of bioweapons; and (2) grants to train health professionals and register volunteers. Requires the maintenance of a national stockpile or stockpiles of drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and other supplies adequate to meet the health security needs of the United States in the event of a bioterrorist attack or other public health emergency. Provides for countermeasure research, development, and evaluation. Provides for the waiver of certain Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP requirements during national emergencies. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of dangerous biological agents and toxins. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the protection of the food and drug supply against intentional adulteration. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the water supply against terrorist and other intentional acts.
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 · 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 · 30 November 2001
National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2001 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Act to include an emphasis on ocean and coastal resources conservation and management and collaboration between academia and the scientists and programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Excludes grants to assist coastal and ocean research from the two-thirds limitation otherwise applicable. Revises and expands the terms of membership for the sea grant review panel. Authorizes appropriations for zebra mussel, oyster, harmful algal bloom, and coastal ocean research.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Extends by one year the deadlines for compliance by health care providers, health plans other than small health plans, and health care clearinghouses with the standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets adopted under part C (Administrative Simplification) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) by the Secretary of Health and Human Services only if, before the current deadline, such entity submits to the Secretary a plan for compliance with such standards. Amends part C of SSA title XI to include the Medicare+Choice program as a health plan (thus applying administrative simplification requirements to Medicare+Choice organizations). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a specified administrative fee for the submission of a claim in a paper or non-electronic form for items or services for which payment is sought under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Reasonable Right-of-Way Fees Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require a holder of a right-of-way to pay in advance the fair market value of the holder's use of the land encumbered by the right-of-way (currently, the fair market value of the right-of-way) as determined by the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way). Prohibits the fair market value of a use of land encumbered by a right-of-way granted issued or renewed from exceeding the lowest amount determined using the following valuation methods: (1) the value to the Secretary of the land encumbered by the right-of-way; (2) the diminution in the value of the land to the Secretary as a result of the right-of-way; and (3) the amount necessary to restore the land to its use immediately before the initial grant or issuance of the right-of-way. States that fair market value and related rents shall be determined from the perspective of the Government as a land holder and willing seller of the right-of-way. Provides that right-of-way uses that have similar initial or potential physical impacts on the land or adjacent lands, including the disturbance necessary to establish the right-of-way and directly related ancillary facilities (including points of access, substations, compressor stations, and regeneration facilities), shall be valued based on the fee value of the underlying land, regardless of the technology present or related commercial values of those facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Foreign Government Ownership Act of 2001 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any broadcast license, permit, or operating authority from being granted to or held by a corporation, joint venture, partnership, other business organization, trust, or other entity controlled by a foreign government or its representatives. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from waiving the application of such prohibition. Sets forth: (1) tests for determining foreign control; and (2) enforcement mechanisms, including revocation and reassignment.
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 · 31 October 2001
Disaster Relief Charities Accountability Act - Establishes the Charity Accountability Board which shall: (1) request information from and make recommendations to qualifying charitable organizations regarding the amount of disaster relief funds collected and dispersed by such organizations, administrative costs incurred, and the criteria used in dispersing disaster relief funds; (2) provide information about disaster relief funds to disaster victims and those wishing to contribute to such funds; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the status of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2001
Bioterrorism Prevention Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) possessing a "select agent" (as listed pursuant to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) in a manner constituting reckless disregard for the public health and safety, knowing the agent to be a biological agent or toxin; (2) causing bodily injury in the course of a violation; (3) possessing such agents without registration; (4) transferring such agents to an unregistered person; and (5) "restricted persons" possessing select agents. Directs the Secretary to provide standards and procedures governing the possession and use of biological agents. Prohibits certain disclosures under the Freedom of Information Act regarding biological agents..
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2001
United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an annual tax credit for 25 percent of up to the first $25,000 of qualified wages paid or incurred per qualified U.S. independent film and television production. Increases the credit to 35 percent if the production is located in an area eligible for designation as a low-income community or eligible for designation by the Delta Regional Authority as a distressed county or isolated area of distress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Medicare Regulatory, Appeals, Contracting, and Education Reform Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) timelines for publication of final regulations and compliance with substantive changes after notice; (2) timeframes for the completion of the record in the appeals process; (3) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors for determining payment amounts, making payments, and providing certain provider services; (4) coordination of funding for education of service providers; and (5) standardization of random prepayment review and recovery of overpayments from Medicare administrative contractors.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) an alien nonimmigrant student tracking system to provide centralized information which shall be available to Federal agencies involved with national security; and (2) a related nonimmigrant student fee.
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 · 4 October 2001
Congratulates Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on a half century of effort in promoting democratic values, particularly freedom of the press and freedom of expression in certain areas of the world. Recognizes such organization's major contribution to the growth of democracy throughout the world and its continuing efforts to advance vital U.S. interests in building a more peaceful, democratic, free, and stable world community.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) possessing a "select agent" (as listed pursuant to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) in a manner constituting reckless disregard for the public health and safety, knowing the agent to be a biological agent or toxin; (2) causing bodily injury in the course of a violation; (3) possessing such agents without registration; (4) transferring such agents to an unregistered person; and (5) "restricted persons" possessing select agents. Directs the Secretary to provide standards and procedures governing the possession and use of biological agents. Prohibits certain disclosures under the Freedom of Information Act regarding biological agents.. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish guidelines for governmental access to personally identifiable information collected and maintained by a multichannel video programming distributor for purposes of Federal criminal code provisions governing interception of and access to electronic communications. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to allow licensed or certified guards at certain facilities to carry and use weapons and to make arrests without a warrant, under specified circumstances. Directs the NRC to: (1) assess the vulnerability of licensed nuclear facilities to potential terrorist attacks; (2) commence a rulemaking to consider changes to the design basis threat for licensed facilities; and (3) issue a final rule revising the design basis threat and associated regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 16th amendment (granting Congress the power to tax income). Prohibits Congress from having the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, except in time of war declared by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a two year recovery period for depreciation of computers and other technological equipment. Reduces the recovery period from five to two years under the alternative depreciation system for certain property ( tax-exempt use property, etc.). Reduces the useful life for depreciation of computer software from 36 to 24 months. Establishes a seven year useful life for depreciation of certain auction-acquired telecommunications licences.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns any price gouging with respect to motor fuels during the hours and days after the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001; and (2) urges the appropriate Federal and State agencies to investigate any incidents of such price gouging, and prosecute any violations of law discovered as a result of the investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2001
Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from income taxes and the additional estate tax any individual who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, unless the individual was a perpetrator of the attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act - Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than specified amounts. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable legal costs if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Revises conditions for de minimis settlements. Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001 - Provides grants for inventorying, characterizing, assessing, remediating, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Includes certain petroleum- or controlled substance-contaminated sites and mine-scarred land. Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release that is not owned by such persons. Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case for which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. Deems a person, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to have undertaken appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person demonstrates that inquiries were undertaken in accordance with specified requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to States or Indian tribes for response programs comprised of elements including survey and inventory of brownfield sites, public participation opportunities, oversight and enforcement authorities, and certification mechanisms. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan. Authorizes the President to bring enforcement actions in certain instances where there is migration of contamination across State lines or onto Federal property, or there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment and additional response actions are likely to be necessary. Makes restrictions on the President's authority to take such actions applicable only at sites in States that maintain and publicize a record of sites at which response actions have been completed in the previous year and are planned to be addressed under the State response program in the upcoming year. Applies enforcement action requirements only to response actions conducted after February 15, 2001. Provides conditions for deferral by the President of final listing of an eligible NPL response site.
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 · 2 August 2001
Individual Tax Freedom Act of 2001 - Repeals the income, estate, gift, and certain excise tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 15 percent tax on the use, consumption or enjoyment in the U.S. of any property or service produced or rendered within or without of the United States. Prohibits, subject to exception, imposing a tax on any property or service purchased for: (1) a business purpose in an active trade or business; or (2) export from the United States for use or consumption outside of the Unites States, provided that the purchaser provided the seller with either an intermediate sales certificate or an export sales certificate. Sets forth provisions concerning credits and refunds. Allows for general credits against the tax, including: (1) a used property credit; (2) a business use conversion credit; (3) an administration credit; (4) a compliance equipment cost credit; (5) a bad debt credit; (6) an insurance proceeds credit; and (7) a transition inventory credit. Provides for installment payments of the tax on the purchase of a principal residence. Allows an eligible family unit to receive a sales tax rebate. Directs an administering State to administer, collect, and remit to the U.S. Treasury the tax on gross payments for the use, consumption or enjoyment of taxable property or services within the State. Prohibits the authorizing of any appropriations for the Internal Revenue Service after FY 2005. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer any excise taxes not repealed by this Act; and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. Authorizes the Social Security Administration to collect and administer self-employment income and employment taxes. Requires a supermajority in the House of Representatives or the Senate to raise rates.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001
Securing America's Future Energy Act of 2001, or the SAFE Act of 2001 - Energy Advancement and Conservation Act of 2001 - Reauthorizes federal energy conservation programs with respect to Federal energy savings performance contracts, automobile fuel economy, nuclear energy, high ozone season reformulated gasoline and gasoline blendstock requirements, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) contamination from underground storage tanks, oil and gas pipeline routes, the burning of post-consumer carpet in cement kilns as an alternative energy source, and other specified matters. Comprehensive Energy Research and Technology Act of 2001 - Sets goals for energy research, development, and commercial application programs. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acceleration Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish a competitive grant pilot program for State and local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities to implement an alternative fuel vehicle acquisition program. Clean Green School Bus Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary to establish grant and cooperative agreement programs for alternative fuel, ultra-low sulfur diesel, and fuel cell-powered school buses. Next Generation Lighting Initiative Act - Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Next Generation Lighting Initiative. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 2001 - Earmarks funds 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 direct the Secretary to conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program to increase the global market for hydrogen technologies. Bioenergy Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for bioenergy research and development programs and biofuels energy systems. Department of Energy (DOE) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Directs the Secretary to support or conduct: (1) a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering; (2) an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to promote the availability of proliferation-resistant fuel recycling technologies; (3) a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative; and (4) a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization research and development program. Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2001- Directs the Secretary to implement research and development programs pertaining to unconventional and ultra-deepwater natural gas and petroleum exploration and production technologies in areas currently available for Outer Continental Shelf leasing. Fusion Energy Sciences Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for: (1) U.S. construction of a magnetic fusion burning plasma experiment; and (2) the Fusion Energy Sciences Program. Authorizes appropriations for the "Spallation Neutron Source" (at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee). Energy Tax Policy Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to specified energy conservation credits and deductions. Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2001- Directs the Secretary to implement a prescribed program of cost and performance goals for specified five-year periods entailing research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of clean coal technologies. Energy Security Act - Mandates: (1) Federal agency reports on whether rights-of-way for transportation across Federal lands of energy supplies or transmission of electricity can be authorized for new or additional capacity; and (2) an inventory review of the wind, solar, coal, and geothermal power production potential of Federal lands. Royalty Relief Extension Act of 2001 - Mandates use of a specified bidding system for certain oil and gas lease sales located in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Demonstration Program Act of 2001 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prescribe guidelines for: (1) the payment in kind of oil and gas royalties to the United States; and (2) royalty rate reductions for certain oil and gas wells production declines in order to spur marginal well production. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to: (1) prescribe royalty reductions; and (2) waive royalty requirements for certain geothermal energy leases. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the exploration and production of oil and gas resources of the Arctic Coastal Plain.
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
Energy Advancement and Conservation Act of 2001 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to reauthorize Federal Energy Conservation Programs and revise requirements with respect to: (1) Federal energy savings performance contracts; (2) State energy conservation plans, including energy conservation programs for schools and hospitals, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, and establishment of a High Performance Public Buildings grants program; (3) establishment of an Energy Star Program to promote energy efficient consumer products and buildings; and (4) energy-efficient vehicles. Establishes a Federal Energy Bank to make loans to Federal agencies to finance energy efficiency projects. Prescribes requirements for automobile fuel economy. Moves the Nuclear Waste Fund off-budget. Revises the Atomic Energy Act with respect to combined construction and operating licenses and depleted uranium hexafluoride. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to use certain funds: (1) to implement cold standby status and plan hot restart for the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant; and (2) for the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Prohibits Federal commercial sales of uranium (with certain exceptions) until 2009. Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize alternative hydroelectric project conditions and fishway prescriptions. National Electricity and Environmental Improvement Act - Prescribes guidelines for a clean coal power production program that incorporates cost and performance goals and establishes a Department of Energy (DOE) clean coal power initiative. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax credits (refundable for specified organizations and governmental units) with respect to emission reductions and efficiency improvements in existing coal-based electricity generation facilities and investment in and production from qualifying clean coal technology, including advanced technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence a rulemaking to determine the need for modified regulations regarding high ozone season reformulated gasoline and gasoline blendstock requirements. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prohibit the Secretary from establishing criteria or procedures governing renewable energy production incentives that effectively assigns a different priority to incentive payment applications on the basis of the energy source proposed. Directs the Secretaries of Transportation and of Energy to implement an accelerated cooperative research and development program to ensure the integrity of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. Prohibits Federal approval of a certain pipeline route that would: (1) transport natural gas from lands within the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas lease area; and (2) traverse specified submerged lands.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Energy Security Act - Mandates : (1) a review and report by certain Federal agencies regarding whether rights-of-way for transportation across Federal lands of energy supplies or transmission of electricity can be authorized for new or additional capacity: (2) an inventory review of the energy production potential of Federal lands with respect to wind, solar, coal, and geothermal power production; (3) Federal agency review of regulations to determine barriers for emerging energy-efficient technologies; and (4) establishment of an administrative interagency task force to develop an interagency agreement to expedite environmental review and permitting of natural gas pipeline projects. Royalty Relief Extension Act of 2001 - Mandates: (1) use of a specified bidding system for certain oil and gas lease sales located in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) a Federal assessment of existing Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas resources, including recommendations for their increased production. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Demonstration Program Act of 2001 - Mandates a study of regulatory impediments to oil and natural gas leases and operations on Federal onshore lands, including the elimination of restrictions on such lease issuance and operations. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize granting requests for the suspension of lease operations in order to further drilling objectives pertaining to offshore subsalt development. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the payment in kind of oil and gas royalties to the United States; (2) the establishment of regional United States Geological Survey Oil and Gas Technology Centers; (3) royalty rate reductions for certain oil and gas wells production declines in order to spur marginal well production incentives. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to mandate Federal reimbursement of costs incurred by private entities to comply with documentation requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to: (1) prescribe royalty reductions; and (2) shield certain geothermal energy leases from royalty requirements (including certain leases for development and utilization of low temperature geothermal resources). Opens public lands under military jurisdiction for geothermal steam and associated resources development and utilization without the need for further Federal action. Mandates a Federal report to Congress on: (1) the applicability of moratoria and withdrawals from leasing in connection with geothermal resource areas; and (2) increasing the electric power production capability of existing facilities. Authorizes Federal installation of a powerformer at the Bureau of Reclamation Folsom power plant in Folsom, California. Prescribes implementation guidelines for: (1) a pump replacement program; (2) increased operational efficiencies in hydroelectric power projects; and (3) a shift of electric power consumption loads to off-peak periods. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Prescribes implementation guidelines for the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the exploration and production of oil and gas resources of the Arctic Coastal Plain.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001
Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a church to participate or intervene in a political campaign and maintain its tax-exempt status as long as such participation is not a substantial part of its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001
Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 2001 - 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. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things: (1) provide for review and appeal of health plan decisions; (2) provide penalties for health plans failing to provide benefits; (3) provide for patient protection standards; (4) repeal the limitation on the number of Archer Medical Savings Accounts and increase the deduction for contributions to such accounts; and (5) set forth rules governing association health plans.
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 · 19 June 2001
Models of Safety and Health Excellence Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish voluntary protection programs to promote and recognize the achievement of worksites that demonstrate excellence in workplace health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary, in limited situations, to alter program application requirements to include nonstandard worksites such as short-term construction sites and mobile worksites. Directs the Secretary to encourage: (1) program participants to share occupational safety and health expertise with other employers; (2) the participation of small business in the programs, through outreach and assistance initiatives and program requirements that address the needs of small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for development of equivalent programs in State-plan States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). Sets forth program requirements for applications, on-site evaluations, information, and reevaluations. Exempts worksites participating in the program from inspections or investigations under OSHA, except inspections or investigations arising from employee complaints, fatalities, catastrophes, or significant toxic releases. Requires decisions regarding acceptance into, and continued participation in, the program to be based on the applicant's superior safety and health performance, as determined by, and in the sole discretion of, the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Increases from $300 to $500 the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases from $300 to $500 the plot allowance for a veteran who dies in a Department of Veterans Affairs facility or a facility providing Department-contracted care.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
National Monument Fairness Act of 2001 - Revises Federal law with respect to a presidential proclamation that, during one calendar year, either creates a national monument that is more than 50,000 acres or that adds more than 50,000 acres to an existing national monument. Prohibits the issuance of such a proclamation until 30 days after the President has transmitted the proposed proclamation to the Governor of the State or States in which such acreage is located, soliciting written comment. Makes any such proclamation ineffective two years after its issuance unless Congress has approved it by law. Requires the President: (1) to solicit public participation and comment in the development of a monument proclamation; (2) to consult with the Governor and entire congressional delegation of the State or territory in which such lands are located at least 60 days before any national monument proclamation; and (3) before issuing it, to consider any information, including public comments, made available in the development of existing plans and programs for the management of the lands under consideration. Requires any management plan for a national monument developed subsequent to a proclamation made under this Act to comply with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress: (1) a gold medal to the family of Andrew Jackson Higgins in recognition of his contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II; (2) an identical medal to the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for public display; and (3) a gold medal to the Museum in honor of the World War II employees of Higgins Industries and in recognition of their contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates.
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 · 25 May 2001
Entitles to an annuity under either the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee Retirement System a military reserve technician who is separated from service as a technician after either: (1) becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 (currently, 25) years of such service; or (2) completing 25 years of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than 110 gallons of liquid material or 200 pounds of solid material. Applies this exemption only to activities taking place before April 1, 2001. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable costs of defending the action if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Adds to the list of parties eligible for de minimis final settlements certain persons and businesses that demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2001
Dairy Consumers and Producers Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to include Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania within the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact. Eliminates: (1) the Compact's termination date; and (2) certain restrictive authority respecting non-Compact milk. States that only Ohio may join such Compact. Eliminates and revises specified provisions regarding Compact implementation, duration, restricting authority, and Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. States that Congress consents to the Southern Dairy Compact entered into by Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. States that only Florida, Nebraska, and Texas may join such Compact. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk unless otherwise consented to by the Congress. Provides for Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. Sets forth the Southern Dairy Compact. States that Congress consents to: (1) the Pacific Northwest Dairy Compact proposed for California, Oregon, and Washington; and (2) the Intermountain Dairy Compact proposed for Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk. Provides for Corporation compensation. States that such Compacts shall be the same as the Southern Dairy Compact with specified differences.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2002 as specified. Sets active duty strength levels and military training student loads for the Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2001
Reforestation Tax Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to a taxpayer who has a qualified timber gain in an amount equal to the qualified percentage of such gain. Decreases the amortization period for reforestation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2001
Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to define "high speed data service" as a service capable of transmitting electronic information at a rate generally not less than 384 kilobits per second in at least one direction. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and each State from regulating the rates, charges, terms or conditions for, or entry into the provision of, any high speed data service or Internet access service, or to regulate the facilities used in the provision of such service. Prohibits the FCC from requiring an incumbent (established) local exchange carrier to: (1) provide unbundled access to any network elements used in the provision of any high speed data service, other than those elements described in FCC regulations; or (2) offer for resale at wholesale rates any high speed data service. Requires each incumbent local exchange carrier to provide: (1) Internet users with the ability to subscribe to and have access to any Internet service provider that interconnects with such carrier's high speed data service; (2) any Internet service provider with the right to acquire necessary facilities and services to facilitate such interconnection; and (3) any Internet service provider with the ability to collocate equipment in order to achieve such interconnection. Includes high speed data service or Internet access service within the definition of "incidental interLATA services" permitted for a Bell operating company.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
American Wetland Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Secretary of the Army to issue mitigation bank (specified wetland resource restoration, creation, or enhancement projects or projects consisting solely of preservation of wetlands chartered by the Secretary for purposes of providing mitigation credits to offset wetland losses authorized by permits allowing activities in U.S. waters) charters. Authorizes a mitigation bank, upon receipt of its charter, to offer mitigation credits for sale and to provide compensatory mitigation for activities requiring authorization under the Act or provide required injunctive relief in an enforcement action by the Secretary or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator to establish standards and criteria applicable to the use of on-site mitigation, in lieu fees, and other off-site mitigation as compensatory mitigation that are similar to those applicable to a mitigation bank. Allows a State that operates an approved program regulating the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters to administer a wetland mitigation banking program in accordance with State procedures if such banking program is approved by the Administrator as part of the State's dredged or fill material program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
Citizen Legislature and Political Freedom Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971(FECA) to terminate limitations on Federal election campaign contributions after 2002. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate after December 31, 2001, the designation of income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Terminates the Fund itself and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account after December 31, 2002, and transfers any amounts remaining in the Fund to the general fund of the Treasury. Amends FECA, in the case of a political committee of a national political party, to require reports of all funds transferred to any political committee of a State or local political party, without regard to whether or not the funds are otherwise treated as contributions or expenditures under such Act (soft money). Requires any political committee of a State or local political party to file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a copy of any report on disbursements it is required under a State or local law, rule, or regulation to submit to the State or local government. Revises current deadlines for notification of contributions by a campaign committee. Declares that the "best efforts" exception to noncompliance with FECA shall not apply with respect to information regarding the identification of any contributor of more than $200 in the aggregate during a calendar year (thus requiring strict observance of reporting deadlines for all such contributions). Provides that, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual involved, it shall be unlawful for described labor organizations to collect from or to assess its members or nonmembers any dues, initiation fee, or other payment if any part of it will be used for political activity in which the labor organization is engaged. Changes the name of the FEC to the Federal Campaign Regulation Commission.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000058_200.jpg)