United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Corporate Governance and Market Integrity Commission Act - Establishes the Market Integrity Commission to study and report to Congress and the President on: (1) issues related to corporate governance; (2) the impact of corporate governance practices on the development, growth, and regulation of interstate and foreign commerce, including the effect of such practices on the market economy and on consumers; and (3) recommendations for legislation to improve the problems identified.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Financial Accounting Standards Board Act - States that the duty of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is to establish and improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. Cites general principles and operating objectives to be followed when establishing financial accounting and reporting standards. Instructs the FASB to develop additional standards relating to: (1) off-balance-sheet accounting practices and standards, and accounting requirements for special-purpose entities, in a manner that is based on principles for determining bona fide economic control; and (2) marked-to-market accounting, including consideration of fair value to agreements involving commitments on the part of an issuer. Instructs the FASB to complete work on: (1) the project entitled "Measuring All Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value;" and (2) the proposal entitled "Proposal for new agenda project: Issues relating to the recognition of revenues and liabilities."
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Pledge of Allegiance, including the phrase "One Nation, under God," reflects the historical fact that a belief in God permeated the founding and development of our Nation; (2) the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals's ruling is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's First Amendment jurisprudence that the Pledge and similar expressions are not unconstitutional expressions of religious belief; (3) such phrase should remain in the Pledge; and (4) the Ninth Circuit should agree to rehear this ruling en banc in order to reverse this constitutionally infirm and historically incorrect ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2002
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (HLS), as an executive department of the United States, headed by a Secretary of Homeland Security who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the primary mission of HLS is to: (1) prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; (2) reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and (3) minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that occur within the United States. Includes as HLS's primary responsibilities: (1) information analysis and infrastructure protection; (2) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related countermeasures; (3) border and transportation security; (4) emergency preparedness and response; and (5) coordination (including the provision of training and equipment) with other executive agencies, with State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, with the private sector, and with other entities. Places responsibility with HLS for carrying out other functions of entities transferred to it as provided by law. Creates: (1) a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall be the Secretary's first assistant for purposes of details; (2) an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection; (3) an Under Secretary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures; (4) an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; (5) an Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (6) an Under Secretary for Management; and (7) not more than six Assistant Secretaries. Establishes an Inspector General (to be appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978), and enlists the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Director of the Secret Service as well, to assist the Secretary in the performance of his functions. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection: (1) receiving and analyzing law enforcement information, intelligence, and other information in order to understand the nature and scope of the terrorist threat to the American homeland and to detect and identify potential threats of terrorism within the United States; (2) comprehensively assessing the vulnerabilities of the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (3) integrating relevant information, intelligence analyses, and vulnerability assessments (whether provided or produced by the Department or others) to identify protective priorities and support protective measures by the Department, other executive agencies, State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, the private sector, and other entities; (4) developing a comprehensive national plan for securing the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (5) taking or seeking to effect necessary measures to protect the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (6) administering the Homeland Security Advisory System, exercising primary responsibility for public threat advisories, and providing specific warning information to State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, the private sector, other entities, and the public, as well as advice about appropriate protective actions and countermeasures; and (7) reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations for improvements in the policies and procedures governing the sharing of law enforcement, intelligence, and other information relating to homeland security within the Federal government and between it and State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the National Infrastructure Protection Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (other than the Computer Investigations and Operations Section); (2) the National Communications System of the Department of Defense; (3) the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office of the Department of Commerce; (4) the Computer Security Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (5) the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center of the Department of Energy; and (6) the Federal Computer Incident Response Center of the General Services Administration. Gives the Secretary access to all reports, assessments, and analytical information relating to threats of terrorism in the United States and to other areas of HLS responsibility, and to all information concerning infrastructure or other vulnerabilities of the United States to terrorism, whether or not it has been analyzed, that may be collected, possessed, or prepared by any executive agency, except as otherwise directed by the President. Requires all executive agencies promptly to provide to the Secretary: (1) all reports, assessments, and analytical information relating to threats of terrorism in the United States and to other areas of HLS responsibility; (2) all information concerning infrastructure or other vulnerabilities of the United States to terrorism, whether or not it has been analyzed; (3) all information relating to significant and credible threats of terrorism in the United States, whether or not it has been analyzed, if the President has granted the Secretary such access; and (4) such other material as the President may further provide. Requires the Secretary to ensure: (1) that any such material is protected from unauthorized disclosure and handled and used only for the performance of official duties; and (2) that any shared intelligence information shall be transmitted, retained, and disseminated consistent with the authority of the Director of Central Intelligence to protect intelligence sources and methods, or appropriate similar authorities of the Attorney General concerning sensitive law enforcement information. Exempts from the Privacy Act any information in the Department's possession provided voluntarily by non-Federal entities or individuals with respect to infrastructure vulnerabilities or other vulnerabilities to terrorism. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures: (1) securing the people, infrastructures, property, resources, and systems in the United States from acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons or other emerging threats; (2) conducting a national scientific research and development (R&D) program to support the mission of HLS; (3) establishing priorities for, directing, funding, and conducting national research, development, and procurement of technology and systems for preventing the importation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related weapons and material, and for detecting, preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks that involve such weapons or material; and (4) establishing guidelines for State and local government efforts to develop and implement countermeasures to threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism, and other emerging terrorist threats. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the select agent registration enforcement programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center of the Department of Defense; and (4) the Plum Island Animal Disease Center of the Department of Agriculture. Transfers to the Secretary the following programs and activities of the Department of Energy: (1) the chemical and biological national security and supporting programs and activities of the non-proliferation and verification R&D program; (2) the nuclear smuggling programs and activities, and other programs and activities directly related to homeland security, within the proliferation detection program of the non-proliferation and verification R&D program; (3) the nuclear assessment program and activities of the assessment, detection, and cooperation program of the international materials protection and cooperation program; (4) the energy security and assurance program and activities; (5) certain life sciences activities of the biological and environmental research program related to microbial pathogens; (6) the Environmental Measurements Laboratory; and (7) the advanced scientific computing research program and activities, and the intelligence program and activities, at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Directs the Secretary to carry out his civilian human health-related biological, biomedical, and infectious disease defense R&D (including vaccine R&D) responsibilities, with authority to set priorities, through HHS (including the Public Health Service), under agreements with the Secretary of HHS. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds to the Secretary of HHS in connection with such agreements. Provides that nothing in this Act, except as specifically provided, shall confer upon the Secretary any authority to engage in warfighting, the military defense of the United States, or other traditional military activities. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security: (1) preventing the entry of terrorists and the instruments of terrorism into the United States;(2) securing the borders, territorial waters, ports, terminals, waterways, and air, land, and sea transportation systems of the United States, including managing and coordinating governmental activities at ports of entry; (3) administering the immigration and naturalization laws of the United States, including establishing rules for the granting of visas, parole, or other forms of permission to enter the United States to individuals who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents; (4) administering Federal customs laws; and (5) in carrying out the foregoing responsibilities, ensuring the speedy, orderly, and efficient flow of lawful traffic and commerce. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury; (2) the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice; (3) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; (4) the Coast Guard of the Department of Transportation, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within HLS; (5) the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Transportation, including related functions of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security; and (6) the Federal Protective Service of the General Services Administration. Grants the Secretary: (1) exclusive authority, through the Secretary of State, to issue regulations with respect to, administer, and enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act and all other immigration and nationality laws relating to the functions of diplomatic and consular officers of the United States in connection with the granting or refusal of visas; and (2) authority to confer or impose upon any officer or employee of the United States, with the consent of the executive agency under whose jurisdiction such officer or employee is serving, any of these specified functions. Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse a visa to an alien if the Secretary of State deems such refusal necessary or advisable in the interests of the United States. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response: (1) helping to ensure the preparedness of emergency response providers for terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies; (2) establishing standards for the Nuclear Incident Response Team, conducting joint and other exercises and training; (3) providing the Federal government's response to terrorist attacks and major disasters; (4) aiding recovery from terrorist attacks and major disasters; (5) building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal, State, and local governments to respond to such attacks and disasters; (6) consolidating existing Federal government emergency response plans into a single, coordinated national response plan; and (7) developing comprehensive programs for interoperative communications technology, and their acquisition by emergency response providers. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2) the Office for Domestic Preparedness of the Office of Justice Programs; (3) the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the FBI; (4) the Domestic Emergency Support Teams of the Department of Justice; (5) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (including the Office of Emergency Preparedness, the National Disaster Medical System, and the Metropolitan Medical Response System) of HHS; and (6) the Strategic National Stockpile of HHS. Provides that at the direction of the Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency), the Nuclear Incident Response Team (including certain entities of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy) shall operate as an organizational unit of HLS under the Secretary's authority and control. Directs the Secretary to carry out through HHS (including the Public Health Service), under agreements with the Secretary of HHS, all biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear preparedness-related construction, renovation, and enhancement of security for research and development or other facilities owned or occupied by HHS. Directs the Secretary to carry out specified HHS public health-related activities assisting State and local government, non-Federal public and private health care facilities and providers, and public and non-profit health and educational facilities to prepare for, prevent, and respond to biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear events and public health emergencies, by means including direct services, technical assistance, communications and surveillance, education and training activities, and grants. Places the HLS Inspector General under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary with respect to audits or investigations, or the issuance of subpoenas, that require access to information concerning various specified matters including intelligence, counterintelligence, or counterterrorism matters. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Secret Service, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Department. Authorizes the Secretary, in regulations prescribed jointly with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to establish a human resources management system for the organizational units of HLS which shall be flexible, contemporary, and grounded in the public employment principles of merit and fitness. Grants the Secretary limited authority to: (1) reorganize HLS by allocating or reallocating functions within HLS and by establishing, consolidating, altering, or discontinuing organizational units within HLS; and (2) transfer funding between appropriations accounts upon 15 days notice to congressional appropriations committees. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center whose mission is to develop countermeasures to potential attacks by terrorists using weapons of mass destruction.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Congratulates the Detroit Red Wings for winning the 2002 Stanley Cup Championship and for their outstanding performance during the entire 2001-2002 National Hockey League season. Commends the Carolina Hurricanes for a valiant performance during the playoff finals and for showing their strength and skill as a team.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician or other individual from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion, except when necessary to save the life of a mother that is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage by electing to enroll: (1) in a plan that provides qualified prescription drug coverage under the Medicare+Choice program under SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) (M+C); or (2) in a prescription drug plan (PDP) under part D if the individual is not enrolled in a M+C plan providing qualified prescription drug coverage. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages for FY 2005. Includes for the standard package an annual deductible of $250, and requires insurers under such package to cover 80 percent of enrollees drug costs from $251 to $1,000, then 50 percent of such costs between $1,001 and the initial coverage limit of $2,000. Requires enrollees to cover all costs between $2,001 and $4,500, and Medicare to cover the entire cost once the beneficiary has reached the $4,500 catastrophic limit. Prescribes a formula for adjustment of the deductible and thresholds for years after 2005. Establishes a competitive bidding process for negotiating the terms and conditions of PDP sponsors. Provides for full premium subsidy and reduction of cost-sharing for individuals with incomes below 150 percent of the Federal poverty level. Contains subsidy payments for qualifying entities to promote the participation of PDP sponsors. Amends SSA title XVIII part C to: (1) provide for the offering of qualified prescription drug coverage under M+C; and (2) create a competitive bidding program for M+C organizations. Sets out a new Medicare prescription drug discount card endorsement program under Medicare. Makes a number of other changes with regard to Medicare: (1) part A concerning rural health care, inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospices; (2) part B concerning physicians services and other services; and (3) part A and B concerning home health services, direct graduate medical education, and other provisions. Amends SSA title XVIII part E (Miscellaneous) (previously part D) to include a number of regulatory, contracting, and administrative changes. Establishes the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicaid. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add requirements for interstate Internet sellers of prescription drugs. Establishes within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the Office of Rare Diseases. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make specified health-care related tax changes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the definition of speech-language pathology services to add a definition for the term "outpatient speech-language pathology services."
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend funding for the mammography facilities certification program through FY 2007. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a temporary certificate to facilities seeking reaccreditation and awarded an accreditation extension for specified reasons, including inability of accrediting body to complete the process in time and unforeseen situations which cause the facility to be unable to meet the reaccreditation timeframes, but do not compromise the quality of mammography. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the Mammography Quality Standards Act, including the demonstration program's frequency of inspections, accessibility of services, and the role of States as both accreditation and certification bodies. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study health professional training in the area of mammography.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2002
Citizen Service Act of 2002 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to reauthorize appropriations and revise requirements for national volunteer service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Includes among NCSA programs: (1) Learn and Serve America (Service-Learning); (2) AmeriCorps (AC) Grants; (3) AC-National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (2). Includes among DVSA programs: (1) AC-Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA); and (2) Senior Corps, including Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Authorizes grants to: (1) America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth; and (2) the Points of Light Foundation. Revises provisions for CNCS administration of national volunteer service programs and for accountability of recipients of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth that a plan or other arrangement shall not cease to count as a cafeteria plan solely because qualified benefits under such plan include a health flexible spending arrangement under which not more than $500 of unused health benefits may be carried forward to the next year or paid as compensation. Sets forth rules for determining whether or not such benefits shall be included or excluded from income.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2002 - Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award state family assistance grants. Authorizes States to use grants for marriage promotion activities and requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each state that has achieved formulated employment goals. Revises requirements for the consideration of certain child care expenditures in determining State compliance with contingency fund requirements. Revises State work participation requirements, incorporating a 40-hour work week standard, and creating a State superachiever participation rate credit. Revises requirements for the use of TANF grants. Repeals the Secretary's authority to make loans to State welfare programs and revises State work participation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish TANF performance goals and plans. Makes appropriations for research, demonstrations, and technical assistance. Repeals waiver continuation authority. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2002 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act to authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit community entities for demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of various approaches to create a Fatherhood Program. Permits States the option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Caring for Children Act of 2002 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Amends income tax benefits and reporting requirements. Reauthorizes funding for State child care entitlement programs and revises State requirements for child support payments. Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to eliminate specified limitations on the Secretary's authority to approve demonstration projects and grant waivers. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations. Authorizes the administering Secretary to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, employment security, and other programs to support working families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to States to provide food assistance and funds to operate employment and training programs for needy individuals. Extends abstinence education funding and reauthorizes transitional medical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within 15 days after the enactment of this Act, to return to the winning bidders of spectrum auction 35 the full amount of all deposits and down payments made for licenses that the FCC has not delivered by such date. Frees each winning bidder that elects within such period to relinquish a license not yet delivered of all license obligations such bidder would otherwise have had, including the obligation to pay the full amount of its winning bid upon license delivery.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act - Prohibits an agent from: (1) directly or indirectly recruiting or soliciting a student athlete to enter into an agency contract by giving false or misleading information or making a false promise or representation or by providing anything of value to the athlete before entering into such a contract; (2) entering into an agency contract with a student athlete without providing the required disclosure document; or (3) predating or postdating an agency contract. Requires an agent, in conjunction with the signing of an agency contract, to provide to the athlete a separate disclosure document that includes notice that if the athlete signs the contract he or she may lose eligibility to compete as a student athlete in that sport. Requires the student athlete to sign such document before signing the agency contract. Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes civil actions by State attorneys general under specified circumstances. Requires the agent and the athlete, within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next athletic event in which the athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, to provide notice to the educational institution that the athlete has entered into an agency contract. Grants an educational institution a right of action against an agent for damages caused by such agent's failure to provide such notice. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact the Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2000 drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws to protect student athletes and the integrity of amateur sports from unscrupulous sports agents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government, and any State or local government that receives Federal financial assistance, from discriminating against any health care entity because (in addition to current prohibited reasons) the entity refuses to provide coverage of, or pay for, induced abortions. Expands the definition of "health care entity" to include (in addition to physicians) other health professionals, a hospital, a provider sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, and any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2002 - Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award state family assistance grants. Authorizes States to use grants for marriage promotion activities and requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each state that has achieved formulated employment goals. Revises requirements for the consideration of certain child care expenditures in determining State compliance with contingency fund requirements. Revises State work participation requirements, incorporating a 40-hour work week standard, and creating a State superachiever participation rate credit. Revises requirements for the use of TANF grants. Repeals the Secretary's authority to make loans to State welfare programs and revises State work participation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish TANF performance goals and plans. Makes appropriations for research, demonstrations and technical assistance. Repeals waiver continuation authority. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit community entities for demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of various approaches to create a Fatherhood Program. Permits States the option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Caring for Children Act of 2002 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Amends income tax benefits and reporting requirements. Reauthorizes funding for State child care entitlement programs and revises State requirements for child support payments. Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to eliminate specified limitations on the Secretary's authority to approve demonstration projects and grant waivers. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations. Authorizes the administering Secretary to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, employment security, and other programs to support working families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to States to provide food assistance and funds to operate employment and training programs for needy individuals. Extends abstinence education funding and reauthorizes transitional medical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2002 - Requires data collection organizations, under specified conditions, to notify consumers: (1) at the time of collection that their personally identifiable information may be used for an unrelated transaction purpose; and (2) of any material change in the organization's privacy policy statement immediately after each change. Requires the organizations to establish a privacy policy with respect to the collection, sale, disclosure for consideration, or use of the consumer's information. Requires an organization to provide consumers, without charge, the opportunity to preclude the sale or disclosure of their information to any organization that is not an information-sharing partner. Allows a consumer an opportunity to limit other information practices of the organization. Directs an organization to prepare and implement an information security policy that prevents the unauthorized disclosure or release of a consumer's information. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to presume that an organization is in compliance with this Act if it participates in an approved self-regulatory program for an eight-year period. Directs the FTC to: (1) facilitate electronic and promote the use of common identity theft affidavits; (2) require the timely resolution of identity theft disputes; (3) utilize the Identity Theft Clearinghouse to transmit information to appropriate entities for protective action and to mitigate losses; and (4) provide change of address protection for consumers. Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to analyze the impact on U.S. interstate and foreign commerce of information privacy laws, regulations, or agreements enacted, promulgated, or adopted by other nations, and whether the enforcement mechanisms or procedures of them result in discriminatory treatment of U.S. entities; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce, based on such results, to take steps to mitigate against such discriminatory impact. Directs the Secretary to seek harmonization of this Act with other international privacy laws, regulations, and agreements for the advancement of transnational and electronic commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2002
Expresses regret and sympathy to the families of the four Canadian soldiers who lost their lives and others who suffered injury on April 17, 2002, in a friendly-fire incident in southern Afghanistan and to the Government and people of Canada. Reaffirms appreciation for Canada's strong support and commitment to the war against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize qualified volunteer pilots of passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers. Directs the Under Secretary to authorize flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) making a visual depiction that is a computer image or computer-generated image of, or that appears virtually indistinguishable from an image of, a minor engaging in specified sexually explicit conduct; (2) offering, agreeing, attempting, or conspiring to provide, sell, receive, or purchase a visual depiction of a minor engaging in such conduct; (3) producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing with intent to distribute, or possessing a visual depiction that is, or is virtually indistinguishable from, that of a pre-pubescent child engaging in such conduct; (4) showing a minor obscene material or child pornography; (5) providing obscene material, child pornography, or other material assistance to facilitate offenses against minors; or (6) employing or coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct outside of the United States for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Includes the prohibition on the use of materials to facilitate offenses against minors within the scope of enhanced penalties provisions. Authorizes a provider of electronic communication or remote computing services that reasonably believes it has obtained knowledge of facts and circumstances indicating a violation of provisions regarding child pornography to report to the Cyber Tip Line at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which shall forward that report to designated law enforcement agencies. Directs the Attorney General to establish and supervise the development and operation of a comprehensive computerized database to facilitate the identification of child pornography produced with actual children and to facilitate the identification of perpetrators.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2002 - Makes changes to the health care liability system, including compensation for injured patients and other issues arising out of health care law suits. Requires a suit to be brought within three years of the date of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs first. Sets forth requirements and permissible recovery amounts for compensating patient injury, including: (1) the full amount of economic loss without limitation; (2) noneconomic damages as specified; and (3) a fair share rule. Requires the court to supervise payment-of-damage arrangements, limiting contingency fees. Permits the introduction of evidence of collateral source benefits. Limits the availability of punitive damages, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malicious intent to injure or a deliberate failure to avoid substantially certain, unnecessary injury. Prohibits their award for products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, absent material and knowing misrepresentation by those submitting required approval or clearance information to the FDA. Authorizes periodic payment of future damages to claimants. Excludes suits for vaccine-related death or injury from the requirements of this Act if otherwise covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Preempts State law unless such law imposes greater protections for health care providers and organizations from liability, loss, or damages. .
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Homeland Security Information Sharing Act - Directs the President to: (1) prescribe procedures for Federal agencies for sharing homeland security information with State and local personnel and for declassifying such information; and (2) ensure that such procedures apply to each element of the intelligence community and that the requisite technology is available. Requires each intelligence community element, under procedures prescribed by the Director of Central Intelligence and the Attorney General, to share homeland security information, with credibility assessments, with State and local personnel. Directs that: (1) such procedures include existing information sharing systems; and (2) each element of the Federal intelligence and law enforcement communities, as well as specified congressional committees, have access to each information sharing system and the information within it. Directs the President to prescribe procedures under which Federal agencies may share classified homeland security information with appropriate State and local personnel, including through security clearance investigations, non-disclosure agreements, and increased use of information-sharing partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Recognizes the devastating impact of fragile X on thousands of people in the United States and their families. Calls for increased research. Supports National Fragile X Research Day and associated activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Honors the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Nation's first charter school. Commends the charter school movement and charter schools, teachers, parents, and students across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening the Nation's public school system. Supports the goals of National Charter Schools Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2002
Auction Reform Act of 2002 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and other Federal law to repeal current deadlines for licenses for and auctioning of electromagnetic spectrum used by analog television broadcasters (which includes spectrum in the general 700 megahertz range). Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from commencing or conducting spectrum auctions 31 and 44, currently scheduled for June 19, 2002. Requires the FCC to report to Congress: (1) specifying when it intends to reschedule such auctions; and (2) describing progress made in the transition from analog to digital television and in the assignment and allocation of additional spectrum for advanced mobile communications services that warrants the scheduling of such auctions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Syria Accountability Act of 2002 - Prohibits the President from exporting any item on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations, providing any U.S. assistance to U.S. businesses with respect to investment or other activities, or conducting Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Trade Development Agency programs in or with respect to Syria. Directs the President to impose two or more specified sanctions against Syria. Requires maintenance of such prohibition and sanctions until the President certifies that Syria meets specified requirements, including that it: (1) does not support international terrorist groups; (2) has withdrawn all of its military personnel from Lebanon; (3) has ceased the development and deployment of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons; (4) is no longer in violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions; (5) has made substantial progress in negotiations aimed at a peace agreement with Israel and a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and (6) is respecting the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon as required under UN Security Council Resolution 520. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon if these six requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Expresses: (1) solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas; and (2) commitment to Israel's right to self-defense and support for additional U.S. assistance. Condemns the recent wave of Palestinian suicide bombings and the ongoing support and coordination of terror by Yasir Arafat and other members of the Palestinian leadership. Demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas. Expresses concern that Arafat's actions are not those of a viable partner for peace. Urges all Arab states to declare their unqualified opposition to all forms of terrorism, particularly suicide bombing, and all parties in the region to pursue peace in the Middle East. Commends the President for his leadership in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Approves the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the development of a repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2002
Declares that Congress expresses its deepest gratitude for the service of the District of Columbia Army National Guard in protecting Congress and increasing security around the Capitol complex. Congratulates the National Guard and Capitol Police on the fine work they have done to increase security around the Capitol grounds since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Working Toward Independence Act of 2002 - Amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to amend State work participation requirements. Revises work or alternative self-sufficiency requirements for a parent or caretaker receiving TANF assistance. Directs States to establish for each recipient family a family sufficiency plan (in lieu of the currently required State Individual Responsibility Plans). Authorizes States to design activities and develop methods for monitoring and reviewing such plans. Revises State plan requirements and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish TANF performance measures. Requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each State that has achieved formulated employment goals. Caring for Children Act of 2002 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Requires States to certify to child care service quality and demonstrate: (1) child care services coordination; (2) encouragement of partnerships with private and other public entities; and (3) how the State is addressing child care for children with special needs. Specifies State required activities to improve the quality of child care services and authorizes States to determine family income level eligibility requirements for such services. Authorizes the Secretary, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, workforce development, and other programs to support working families.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Amends: (1) title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend the abstinence education funding through FY 2007; and (2) SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to extend grants to States for the transitional medical assistance program through FY 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Quality Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the Federal survey and certification process of skilled nursing facilities. Revises requirements for nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs and for nurse aide competency evaluation programs to state that the prohibition on approval of a program offered by or in a skilled nursing facility which is operating under a waiver, subject to an extended survey, or has been assessed a civil penalty shall not be continued when the facility involved through on-site verification demonstrates compliance with the applicable standards. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive the skilled nursing survey and certification process in order to test and implement innovative alternatives to the otherwise applicable survey process; and (2) continue payments for up to one year under certain conditions, pending remediation, to a nursing facility that no longer meets the specified requirements. Requires each State to establish an informal and independent dispute resolution process to allow facilities to settle disputes involving compliance with nursing facility requirements. Requires surveyors to defer to the diagnosis and treatment decisions of the resident's attending physician and of the facility's medical director and requires the Secretary to implement programs to monitor and correct instances of failure of surveyors to do so. Declares that nothing shall be construed as precluding members of survey teams from providing information to faculty and staff on best or innovative practices for assuring quality care in nursing facilities. Requires the Secretary to provide incentives for operators with histories of good compliance to acquire facilities with poor compliance histories. Permits nursing facilities to appeal deficiency determinations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program that rewards skilled nursing facilities that provide the highest quality of care.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Permanent Investment in American Workers and Workplace Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code as it relates to a special allowance for certain property acquired after September 10, 2001. Strikes the deadline of September 11, 2004 for acquiring such property, thereby permanently extending the bonus depreciation available under the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002
Housing Affordability for America Act of 2002 - Amends specified housing-related Acts with respect to: (1) home investment partnerships; (2) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance for single and multifamily housing, and health care facilities; (3) supportive housing for elderly and disabled families; (4) section 8 rental housing assistance; (5) public housing; (6) Hope VI revitalization assistance; (7) homeless housing programs; (8) Native American housing; (9) housing impact analysis; (10) community development block grants; (11) housing counseling programs; (13) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; and (14) Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) guarantee fees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should condemn the practice of execution by stoning and should call upon the international community to recognize such practice as a gross violation of human rights. Calls for the President to: (1) formally communicate this sense of Congress to governments imposing such punishment; and (2) urge Nigerian President Obasanjo to suspend the sentence of death by stoning imposed on Safiya Hussaini and take steps to ensure that Nigeria acts in accordance with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Secretary of Transportation should issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes; (2) the Great Lakes States should develop and implement a mechanism that provides a common conservation standard for making decisions concerning the withdrawal and use of water from the Great Lakes Basin; and (3) the Secretary of State should work with the Canadian Government to encourage and support the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in the development and implementation of a consistent mechanism and standard. Encourages: (1) Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas; (2) Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and Ontario to enact a prohibition of such drilling; and (3) Ontario to require the cessation of any such drilling and any production resulting from such drilling. Calls for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) make grants to States, Indian tribes, regional agencies, and local governments to carry out projects in areas of concern to monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment, to remediate such sediment, and to prevent further or renewed contamination; and (2) conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques to remediate sediment. Calls for a specified increase in appropriations for sewer overflow control grants for FY 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2002
Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act of 2002 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to assign to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) responsibility for providing for the establishment, and overseeing operation, of a second-level Internet domain within the U.S. country code domain that provides access only to materials suitable for, and not harmful to, minors. Directs NTIA to require the same registry selected to operate and maintain the U.S. country code to establish, operate, and maintain such second-level domain. Requires the selected registry, as a condition of contract renewal, to provide and implement written content standards for the new domain and a process for the removal of content that does not meet such standards. Requires the NTIA to publicize the availability of the new domain and to educate parents of minors regarding the process for utilizing such domain in coordination with filtering or blocking technologies. Provides for Comptroller General review of the registry selected and the domain content.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 - Establishes in the Department of Education an Academy of Education Sciences, consisting of: (1) an Office of the Director; (2) a National Board for Education Sciences; (3) a Knowledge Utilization Office; and (4) National Education Centers, including ones for Education Research, Education Statistics, and Education Evaluation, and their respective Commissioners to be appointed by the Academy's Director. Regional Educational Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish, oversee, and coordinate a nationwide network of regional entities to provide comprehensive applied educational research, development, and technical assistance to other appropriate entities in education technology and the core academic areas of reading, math, and science. Transfers to this Act confidentiality protections from the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 (which are currently applicable only to the National Center for Education Statistics) in a revised form to cover all individually identifiable information that has been collected or retained under this Act. Transfers from such Act to this Act provisions relating to the National Assessment Governing Board and the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Repeals: (1) the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 (title IV of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994); (2) parts A through E and J through N of the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994 (title IX of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act); and (3) specified provisions under the Department of Education Organization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
National Center for Social Work Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Social Work Research (and a related advisory council) within the National Institutes of Health to conduct, support, and disseminate targeted research on social work methods and outcomes related to problems of significant social concern.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Pension Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require individual account plans, including those with cash or deferred arrangements under IRC section 401(k), to furnish quarterly pension benefit statements to plan participants and beneficiaries with rights to direct investments. Requires individual account plan administrators to give 30 days notice (except in specified circumstances) to plan participants and beneficiaries before a period (lockdown, blackout) in which their ability to divest or diversify assets control over their account assets will be limited. Provides that, during such lockdown periods, employers are not exempt from liability for failing in fiduciary duty with respect to individual account plan investments; but states that this loss of exemption from liability is not triggered by any limitations or restrictions on employee ability to divest or diversify assets, if such limitations or restrictions are disclosed to participants and beneficiaries through summary plan description or materials describing specific investment alternatives under the plan. Amends ERISA and IRC to prohibit individual account plans from acquiring or holding employer securities with respect to which there is any restriction on divestment by a participant or beneficiary after the participant has completed three years of plan participation. Exempts employee stock ownership plans (ESOPS) from this prohibition. Allows ERISA prohibited transaction exemptions under specified conditions to: (1) a fiduciary adviser's providing certain investment advice to an employee benefit plan or to a participant or beneficiary of such plan; (2) sale, acquisition, or holding of securities or other property (including any lending of money or other extension of credit associated with these) pursuant to such advice; and (3) direct or indirect receipt of fees or other compensation by the fiduciary adviser or an affiliate in connection with providing such advice. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain insider trading during pension plan transaction suspension periods.
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 · 7 February 2002
Highway Funding Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to require that obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2003: (1) meet a specified minimum level; and (2) be distributed in accordance with that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2002
Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2002- Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) or title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program for eligible entities and individuals (including Indian tribes) to expand the availability of primary dental care services where necessary. Offers retention bonuses for eligible dental officers of the Indian Health Service. Revises the process for designating dental health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas; (2) an oral health initiative to reduce disparities in oral health, targeting low-income children and including community water fluoridation and dental sealants; and (3) a Chief Dental Officer for the Medicaid and State children's health insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to annually collect data on the dental, craniofacial, and oral health of residents of at least one State and one Indian tribe from each region. Requires the Secretary to identify populations at high risk for early childhood caries and provide for the development of prevention programs. Revises the eligibility requirements for the school-based dental sealant program to include Indian tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Medical Device Amendments of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs the Office of Combination Products and Product Jurisdiction to designate the component of the Food and Drug Administration with primary or exclusive responsibility for the premarket and postmarket regulation of drugs, devices, and biological products. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish a fellowship program to augment the scientific expertise of the agency component responsible for regulating devices. Revises or sets forth requirements concerning: (1) facility inspection by nongovernment inspectors; (2) outside expert review (accredited third parties) of applications for devices subject to premarket notification; (3) designating priority devices for the treatment of serious diseases or conditions; (4) manufacturers and importers reports only for types of devices requiring malfunction reporting; (5) labeling for intended use of devices found substantially equivalent to legally marketed devices; (6) notification of false or misleading proposed labeling: (7) approving supplements to approved applications seeking to add a specification of a subpopulation under an approved condition of use; (8) using the least burdensome scientific evidence required to demonstrate a device's effectiveness; (9) investigational plans examining the safety, effectiveness or substantial equivalence of a device; (10) notification of deficiencies; (11) the guidance development process utilizing nongovernment employees; (12) modular review of applications; (13) registration; and (14) electronic labeling.
![Official portrait of Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000031_200.jpg)