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Official portrait of Rep. Watts, J. C., Jr. [R-OK-4]

Rep. Watts, J. C., Jr. [R-OK-4]

United States · Official source

Memberships

  • R · R · present
  • · House of Representatives · present

Votes

No stored named vote for this person. House roll-calls come from Congress.gov; Senate member lists come from senate.gov LIS XML.

Bill· HRH.R. 5710 (107th)open

Homeland Security Information Sharing Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2002

Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Establishes in DHS the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, headed by an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 - Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act and other Federal and State disclosure requirements critical infrastructure information voluntarily submitted to a covered Federal agency for its use regarding the security of critical infrastructure and protected systems, analysis, warning, interdependency study, recovery, reconstitution, or other informational purpose. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for sharing information; and (2) appoint a senior Privacy Officer to assume primary responsibility for privacy policy. Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines and otherwise address crimes involving fraud in connection with computers and access to protected information, protected computers or restricted data in interstate or foreign commerce or involving a computer used by or for the Federal Government. Exempts from criminal penalties any emergency disclosures to a governmental entity by an electronic communication service and specified disclosures made in good faith. Abolishes the Office of Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice and transfers its functions to an Office of Science and Technology hereby established within the Department of Justice. Requires the Director of the Office to operate and support National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Directorate of Science and Technology, headed by an Under Secretary for Science and Technology; (2) a Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency; (3) a Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee; (4) a Homeland Security Institute; (5) a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, headed by an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; and (6) the U.S. Customs Service (transferred from the Department of the Treasury, but with certain customs revenue functions remaining with the Secretary of the Treasury). Transfers to DHS certain agricultural inspection functions of the Department of Agriculture. Maintains the Transportation Security Administration, transferred to DHS from the Department of Transportation, as a distinct entity. Vests in the Secretary of DHS all authority relating to U.S. consular officials to grant or refuse visas for entry into the Unite States. Establishes in DHS an Office for Domestic Preparedness to prepare the United States for acts of terrorism. Transfers to Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security from the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization (INS Commissioner) all functions performed under the Border Patrol, detention and removal, intelligence, investigations, and inspections programs. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Bureau of Border Security, headed by an Assistant Secretary; (2) a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, headed by a Director; and (3) a Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. Transfers from the INS Commissioner to the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) functions under Federal immigration law with respect to the care of unaccompanied alien children. Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Department of Justice. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary to: (1) make voluntary separation incentive payments to employees of the INS, the DHS Bureau of Border Security, and the DHS Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; and (2) conduct a demonstration project to determine whether changes in the policies or procedures relating to methods for disciplining employees would result in improved personnel management. Establishes within the Office of Deputy DHS Secretary a Director of Shared Services to coordinate resources for the Bureau of Border Security and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Establishes in DHS a Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response, headed by an Under Secretary. Declares that, at the direction of the DHS Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency in the United States), the Nuclear Incident Response Team shall operate as an organizational unit of DHS. Provides for Johnny Micheal Spann Patriot Trusts for surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents, grandparents, or siblings of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, certain personnel (including contractors) of elements of the intelligence community, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees, and Federal officers, employees, or contract employees whose deaths occur in the line of duty and arise out of terrorist attacks, military operations, intelligence operations, or law enforcement operations or accidents connected with activities occurring after September 11, 2001, and related to domestic or foreign efforts to curb international terrorism. Specifies the duties of the DHS Under Secretary for Management. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assess information alleging abuses of civil rights, civil liberties, and racial and ethnic profiling by DHS employees and officials. Establishes within the Office of the DHS Secretary an Office for State and Local Government Coordination to oversee and coordinate departmental programs for and relationships with State and local governments. Subjects the DHS Inspector General to the Secretary's authority with respect to audits or investigations, or issuance of subpoenas, that require access to sensitive information concerning specified matters the disclosure of which would constitute a serious threat to national security. Specifies the law enforcement powers of Inspector General agents. Transfers the United States Secret Service to DHS. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts with any foreign incorporated entity treated as an inverted domestic corporation (corporate expatriate). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a human resources management system for the organizational units of DHS. Declares that no agency or agency subdivision transferred to DHS shall be excluded from coverage of Federal civil service labor-management relations law unless: (1) the agency's (or subdivision's) mission and responsibilities materially change; and (2) a majority of the employees within such agency (or subdivision) have as their primary duty intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative work directly related to terrorism investigation. Prescribes requirements, including expedited procedures, for procurements for defense against or recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002' or the SAFETY Act - Authorizes the Secretary to designate anti-terrorism technologies that qualify for protection under a prescribed system of risk management (including mandatory liability insurance). Creates a Federal cause of action for claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism when qualified anti-terrorism technologies have been deployed in defense against or response or recovery from such act and such claims result or may result in loss to the Seller. Directs the Secretary to appoint a senior DHS counternarcotics officer to coordinate policy and operations within DHS and between it and other Federal agencies with respect to interdicting the entry of illegal drugs into the United States, and tracking and severing connections between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of International Affairs. Prohibits all Federal activities to implement the proposed component program of the Citizen Corps known as Operation TIPS (Terrorism Information and Prevention System). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office for National Capital Region to oversee and coordinate Federal programs for and relationships with State, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region Coordination. Requires DHS to comply with Federal laws protecting equal employment opportunity and providing whistleblower protections. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a permanent Joint Interagency Homeland Security Task Force composed of representatives from military and civilian Federal agencies to anticipate terrorist threats and prevent terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares the sense of Congress reaffirming the continued importance and applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act prohibiting the use of the Armed Forces as a posse comitatus to execute the law except as expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress. Transfers the Coast Guard to DHS, but prohibits the Secretary from substantially or significantly reducing the missions of the Coast Guard or its capability to perform them, except as specified in subsequent Acts. Homeland Security Information Sharing Act - Directs the President to prescribe and implement procedures under which relevant Federal agencies: (1) share relevant and appropriate homeland security information with other Federal agencies, including DHS, and appropriate State and local personnel; (2) identify and safeguard homeland security information that is sensitive but unclassified; and (3) to the extent such information is in classified form, determine whether, how, and to what extent to remove classified information, as appropriate, and with which such personnel it may be shared after such information is removed. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize the disclosure of grand jury information: (1) to personnel of a foreign government; and (2) to appropriate Federal, State, local, or foreign government officials to prevent or respond to specified hostile foreign power or domestic or international terrorist threats or actions, or foreign intelligence gathering activities. Authorizes Federal investigative or law enforcement officers to share electronic, wire, and oral interception information with foreign investigative or law enforcement officers. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a National Homeland Security Council to: (1) assess U.S. objectives, commitments, and risks in the interest of homeland security; (2) oversee and review Federal homeland security policies; and (3) make recommendations to the President. Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 - Amends Federal law to revise requirements for the coordination of Federal information policy to require: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oversee agency information security policies and practices; and (2) each Federal agency head to provide information security protections. Requires the Director to prescribe standards for Federal information systems based on proposals by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Renames the Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board. Transfers the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice. Establishes within ATF an Explosives Training and Research Facility at Fort AP Hill, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Safe Explosives Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for $50 one-year limited permits to receive explosive materials no more than six times during the permit period, and only from licensees or permittees whose premises are located in the State where the limited permittee resides. Prohibits limited permit holders from transporting, shipping, or receiving explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce. Prohibits knowing distribution of explosive materials to or possession by: (1) certain illegal aliens; (2) persons with a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; or (3) anyone who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Authorizes the Secretary to grant relief from specified prohibitions, depending on the relief applicant's record and reputation. Extends through calendar 2003 the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to declare an air carrier a victim of terrorism not liable for third party claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to extend through calendar 2003 the termination date of any insurance policy issued to an air carrier. Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 - Amends Federal civil service law to require the heads of specified agencies to appoint or designate Agency Chief Human Capital Officers to set agency workforce development strategy. Establishes a Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Requires OMB to design a set of systems for assessing the management of human capital by Federal agencies. Amends Federal civil service law to authorize OMB to establish alternative ranking and selection procedures for the competitive service hiring process. Provides for permanent extension and revision of authorities for use of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement. Amends Federal civil service law to repeal recertification requirements of the Senior Executive Service. Revises requirements with respect to employee academic degree training and the National Security Education Program. Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to deputize volunteer pilots of passenger air carriers as Federal law enforcement officers to defend the aircraft flight decks with firearms or less-than-lethal weapons against acts of criminal violence or air piracy (Federal flight deck officers). Provides for flight crew training. Requires the President to transmit a DHS reorganization plan to the appropriate congressional committees within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Revises Federal transportation law with respect to airline transportation security. Allows U.S. nationals, as well as U.S. citizens, as airport screeners. Transfers to the DHS Secretary the mandate to protect Federal Government officers, employees, and property. of certain security and law enforcement functions and authorities. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center. Amends Federal transportation law to extend certain requirements with respect to railroad and hazardous materials (hazmat) safety to railroad and hazmat security.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 510 (107th)referred

Commending the Minority Business Development Agency for its history of achievement in helping to create minority businesses enterprises and in helping those enterprises effectively compete in the national and global marketplace.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002

Commends the Minority Business Development Agency for its achievements in helping to create minority business enterprises and in helping those enterprises effectively compete in the national and global marketplace. Encourages the Agency to continue its efforts to assist minority business enterprises.

Bill· HRH.R. 5566 (107th)open

American Community Renewal Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2002

American Community Renewal Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for the designation of 20 additional renewal communities; (2) permit the nonrecognition of gain on proceeds of sales of real property which are invested in qualified renewal community zone assets; and (3) provide for the local allocation of commercial revitalization expenditure amounts if a State fails to adopt a qualified allocation plan.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 573 (107th)referred

Providing that development assistance by the United States to foreign countries should be provided only to countries that work toward economic and political freedom to improve the living standards of all of its citizens.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2002

Declares that the United States should provide non-humanitarian development assistance only to countries that: (1) encourage free and open market policies, practice free and fair elections, advance democracy and the rule of law, root out corruption, and promote higher standards of living for all its citizens; and (2) make progress toward economic freedom based on such factors as protection of the right of citizens to own property, transparency in government, privatization, investment in health care and education, stable and independent monetary and wage and price policies, trade liberalization, and reduction in government corruption.

Bill· HRH.R. 5528 (107th)open

Center for International Human Rights Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002

Center for International Human Rights Act of 2002 - Declares that Congress finds that a private, nonprofit corporation known as the Center for International Human Rights has been established in the District of Columbia to: (1) establish programs to promote, monitor, and analyze the status of human rights throughout the world; (2) investigate allegations of human rights violations in conjunction with private and governmental organizations; (3) sponsor fellows to study international human rights issues at the Center; (4) carry out a conference series to bring together international human rights experts to discuss and disseminate information; and (5) make grants to and cooperative agreements with non-governmental organizations to promote human rights, giving priority to indigenous human rights organizations in countries the governments of which violate such rights. Authorizes the Secretary of State to make an annual grant to the Center.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 114 (107th)enacted

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002

Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as possible (but no later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 559 (107th)passed

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that each State should examine its existing statutes, practices, and procedures governing special elections so that, in the event of a catastrophe, vacancies in the House of Representatives may be filled in a timely fashion.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that each State should examine its existing statutes, practices, and procedures governing special elections so that, in the event of a catastrophe, vacancies in the House of Representatives may be filled in a timely fashion.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 549 (107th)passed

Expressing appreciation for the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his loyal support and leadership in the war on terrorism and reaffirming the strong relationship between the people of the United States and Great Britain.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2002

Expresses appreciation for Prime Minister Tony Blair's leadership in the war on terrorism and sympathy to British victims of terrorism and their families. Commends British intelligence and defense agencies for their continued efforts in the war on terrorism. Reaffirms the special relationship between the people of the United States and Great Britain.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 538 (107th)passed

Honoring Johnny Unitas and extending condolences to his family on his passing.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002

Celebrates the remarkable life of Johnny Unitas and his indelible impression on the City of Baltimore. Honors him for his leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievements on the football field. Recognizes his remarkable spirit and tireless work to improve the lives of those in need. Extends the condolences of the House of Representatives to the family of Johnny Unitas on his passing.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 476 (107th)open

Expressing support for the goals and ideas of a day of tribute to all firefighters who have died in the line of duty and recognizing the important mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in assisting family members to overcome the loss of their fallen heroes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002

Supports the goals and ideas of a day of tribute to all firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Recognizes the important mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in assisting family members to overcome the loss of their fallen heroes.

Bill· HRH.R. 5403 (107th)referred

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2002 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 or over, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months beginning on or before the enactment of this Act; (2) 40 percent of such pay, for months beginning after enactment of this Act until October 2005; (3) 45 percent of such pay for months beginning after September 2005 and before October 2012; and (4) 55 percent of such pay for months after September 2012. Adjusts similarly the percentage amounts of SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided for such surviving spouses. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate adjustments in the computation of retired pay reductions for such supplemental annuities.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 525 (107th)passed

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the 107th Congress should complete action on and present to the President, before September 30, 2002, legislation extending and strengthening the successful 1996 welfare reforms.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2002

Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that the 107th Congress should complete action on and present to the President, before September 30, 2002, legislation extending and strengthening the 1996 welfare reforms.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 464 (107th)open

Expressing the sense of the Congress on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002

Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their freedom, and to each other. Extends deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims. Expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist attacks and their sponsors until they are discovered and punished.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 523 (107th)passed

Recognizing the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002

Recognizes the significance of historically Black colleges and universities, which have been educating students for more than 100 years, and of title III of the Higher Education Act, which helps strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and financial stability. Commends them for their commitment to academic excellence for all students, including low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. Urges their presidents, faculty, and staff to continue their efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students who might otherwise not pursue a postsecondary education. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the Nation and interested groups to demonstrate support for historically Black colleges and universities during a week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 5326 (107th)open

National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002

National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2002 - Requires the Attorney General to assign an AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. Requires the coordinator to: (1) seek to eliminate gaps in the network; (2) work with States to encourage the development of additional network elements and to ensure regional coordination; and (3) act as the nationwide point of contact for network development and for regional coordination of alerts on abducted children through the network. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) notify and consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning each child abduction for which an AMBER Alert is issued; and (2) establish minimum standards for the issuance of alerts and for the extent of their dissemination (limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the recovery of the abducted child). Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted children. Includes among permissible activities the development or enhancement of electronic message boards, and the placement of additional signage, along highways. Directs the Attorney General to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert communications plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 5262 (107th)referred

Save Our Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002

Save Our Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to establish and maintain a database solely for collecting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) information with respect to violent predators against children. Authorizes Federal, State, and local agencies and other entities to submit DNA information for the database and to compare DNA information within the database. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to States to improve programs to decrease recidivism of such predators. Requires the maximum sentence to be imposed for a crime of violence, including a sex crime, against an individual under age 18 that would, in and of itself, establish the offender as such a predator, without regard to any mitigating circumstance that would otherwise apply.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 108 (107th)referred

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to guarantee the right to use and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the first article of amendment to the U.S. Constitution shall not be construed to prohibit the: (1) recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which shall be, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all;" nor (2) recitation or use of the national motto, which shall be, "In God we trust."

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