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 · 10 April 2002
Combat Pay for Combat Risk Act of 2002 - Dictates that a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is entitled to special pay for being subject to hostile fire or imminent danger as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (or any successor operation) shall be treated in the same manner as if the individual were in a combat zone for the following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code: (1) those relating to the special rule where a deceased spouse was missing in action; (2) those pertaining to exclusion of certain combat pay for soldiers; (3) those relating to income taxes of members of the Armed Forces upon death; (4) those pertaining to members of the Armed Forces dying in combat zone or by reason of wounds suffered in the combat zone; (5) those defining wages relating to combat pay (to apply to remuneration paid after the passage of the Act); (6) those dealing with taxation of phone service for soldiers from a combat zone; (7) those pertaining to a joint tax return where an individual is missing in action; and (8) those relating to time for performing certain acts postponed due to service in a combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Makes title IX (relating to sunset provisions) of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 inapplicable to title III (relating to marriage penalty relief) of such Act, thus making title III permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Powder-Crack Cocaine Penalty Equalization Act of 2002 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine, with regard to trafficking, possession, importation, and exportation of such substances, by changing the applicable amounts for powder cocaine to those currently applicable to crack cocaine.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2002
Captain Jack Punches Memorial Act - Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish Government markers for the private cemetery graves of veterans dying on or after September 11, 2001 (currently December 27, 2001) who: (1) would have been eligible for burial in a national cemetery; or (2) would have been eligible for military retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002
Community Economic Development Expertise Enhancement Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to increase the capacity and expertise of qualifying community-based economic development organizations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an assessment of such organizations' capability needs; and (2) establish the Advisory Council on Community Economic Development. Directs the President to include with each annual budget request a report regarding Federal financial support for community economic development.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002
Commends the great work that the Pentagon Renovation Program and its contractors have completed thus far, in reconstructing the portion of the Pentagon that was destroyed by the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Flight 93 National Memorial Act - Establishes a memorial at the September 11, 2001, crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in the Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93. Establishes a Flight 93 Advisory Commission to assist with consideration and formulation of plans for such a memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to baseball and the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002
Recognizes the significance of Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions of Black Americans in the Nation's history. Encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all U.S. people to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation. Expresses the sense of Congress that Black American contributions are a significant part of U.S. history and the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Museum and Library Services Act of 2002 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) to extend authorizations of appropriations and revise programs under such Acts. Amends MLSA to establish the National Museum and Library Services Board, within the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Eliminates a National Museum Services Board.) Requires the IMLS Director to: (1) ensure coordination with certain activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), and other Federal activities; and (2) conduct and publish analyses of museum and library services impact. Revises requirements for annual national awards to outstanding libraries and museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes specified entities under the term museum, for MLSA purposes. Revises museum services activities. Amends LSTA to provide for: (1) an increased portion for administrative costs; (2) an increased alternative minimum allotment to States under certain conditions; (3) State plans once every five years, as determined by the IMLS Director; (4) additional uses of grants to States for library programs; and (5) recruitment of library and information science personnel under the program of national leadership grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Repeals requirements under the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act relating to Commission responsibilities to: (1) advise the IMLS Director; and (2) meet with the National Museum Services Board, which is eliminated by this Act.
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 · 7 February 2002
Election Fund Free Choice and Savings Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to designation of income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to: (1) permit designation from refund or contribution by any individual (currently only by an individual with a tax liability of at least $3); and (2) permit contribution designation for a major or minor political party.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2002
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible nonprofit community based pregnancy help medical clinics to purchase ultrasound equipment to provide free examinations to pregnant women, under the direction and supervision of a licensed medical physician. Conditions eligibility on a clinic agreeing to provide each examined woman a visual image, the age, and a physical description of the fetus and information on abortion and alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2002
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the scheduled tax relief provided for by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, passed by a bipartisan majority in Congress, should not be suspended or repealed; (2) suspending, repealing, or delaying provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 is a tax increase; (3) increasing taxes in the midst of a recession would not be helpful to the Nation's economy or American workers; and (4) instead of increasing taxes, Congress should be working with the President to promote long-term economic growth through a fair tax code that puts the least possible burden on taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, passed by a bipartisan majority, should be implemented as scheduled; (2) delaying or repealing provisions of such Act is a tax increase; and (3) Congress should work with the President to ensure a fair tax code that puts the least burden on the taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., and Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. should be recognized for their sacrifices and for their dedicated and patriotic support of the United States; (2) during the period in which the armed forces are engaged in the war on terrorism, members of the immediate family of individuals serving in the armed forces should be encouraged to display a service flag approved by the Secretary of Defense in the window of their place of residence and to wear a service lapel button approved by the Secretary; and (3) the President should issue a proclamation calling on such members to take such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Declares Lindita Idrizi Heath to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission Act of 2001 - Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Condemns the terrorist attacks resulting in the death of 26 and the wounding of at least 175 innocent people in Israel within 14 hours during December 1-2, 2001, and extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to Israel and to the families of the victims. Expresses outrage at the ongoing Palestinian terrorist campaign and insists that the Palestinian Authority take all necessary steps to end it. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Palestinian Authority takes specified actions. Urges the President to insist that countries harboring or materially supporting Palestinian terrorist groups end their support, dismantle the groups, and bring them to justice. Commends the President for his strong leadership against international terrorism. Expresses U.S. solidarity with Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Spirit of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the tragic events that occurred at the Pentagon, in New York City, and in Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Establishes the Victims of September 11th Fund which shall consist of amounts from surcharges received from the sale of such coins transferred to the Office for Victims of Crime for individuals who were injured, and to the families of individuals who were killed or injured, in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of oral drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration and prescribed to reduce serum phosphate levels in individuals with end stage renal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Combatting Illegal Gambling Reform and Modernization Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding interstate gambling. Increases the term of imprisonment for violations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly using a communication facility for the transmission: (1) of bets or wagers, or betting information, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation regarding any transmission to or from the United States,; or (2) of a communication in such interstate or foreign commerce which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or for information assisting in the placing of bets. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person engaged in a gambling business from knowingly accepting credit, an electronic fund transfer, a check, or the proceeds of certain other forms of financial transaction as the Secretary may prescribe in connection with the transmission of such a communication of information assisting the placing of bets. Lists exceptions, including certain: (1) transmissions of information assisting in the placing of bets (such as for use in news reporting); and (2) uses of communication facilities for the transmission of bets (e.g., where a State or Tribe has explicitly authorized such bets). Sets forth remedies for violations. Bars imposition of damages, penalties, or forfeiture against any person or entity for an act done in compliance with notice received from a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Anti-Hoax Terrorism Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly engaging in conduct that: (1) is likely to impart the false impression that activity that violates prohibitions regarding biological weapons, chemical weapons, nuclear materials, or weapons of mass destruction is occurring or will occur; and (2) causes an emergency response by governmental agencies. Makes any persons who engage in such conduct jointly and severally liable to any party incurring expenses incident to the investigation of such conduct, including the cost of any military or civilian agency response to protect public health or safety. Directs the court to order a defendant who has been convicted of such an offense to reimburse any party incurring such expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services should cooperate to ensure that the Nation receives safe food, and ensure that all agencies, regardless of agency jurisdiction, are used to maximize food inspection capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (3) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expands the program under which State and local governments may procure law enforcement equipment through the Department of Defense to include the procurement of counter-terrorism equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should award and present a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to those public safety officers who were killed and to those select public safety officers who have earned special recognition for outstanding valor above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a two year recovery period for depreciation of computers and other technological equipment. Reduces the recovery period from five to two years under the alternative depreciation system for certain property ( tax-exempt use property, etc.). Reduces the useful life for depreciation of computer software from 36 to 24 months. Establishes a seven year useful life for depreciation of certain auction-acquired telecommunications licences.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Honors Cal Ripken, Jr., for an outstanding career, congratulates him on his retirement, and thanks him for his contributions to baseball, to the State of Maryland, and to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Authorizes the President to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who helped resist the hijackers and caused their plane to crash prematurely on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) on September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 possibly averted the use of such aircraft in a further terrorist attack on the United States by attempting to overpower the hijackers; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends; and (3) a memorial plaque to the victims should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, and a copy of the plaque and this resolution sent to a designated survivor of each victim.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2001
Expresses the sorrow of Congress for the death and injuries suffered by first responders as they tried to save innocent people in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Honors and commends the first responders who participated in evacuating and rescuing the innocent people in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks. Encourages all levels of government to continue to work together to coordinate emergency preparedness effectively by providing the infrastructure, funding, and interagency communication and cooperation necessary to ensure that when another terrorist attack occurs, first responders will be as prepared as possible to respond to the attack effectively.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Day of Remembrance should be established to remember those who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and to honor the people of the United States who displayed heroism and courage during and after such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2001
Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from income taxes and the additional estate tax any individual who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, unless the individual was a perpetrator of the attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001
National Weather Service Flexible Work Scheduling Act - Provides an overtime hourly rate of pay of one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay and provides that all such pay is premium pay for an employee of the National Weather Service who occupies a nonmanagerial position in GS-14 or under: (1) the duties of which are critical to the immediate daily operation of the forecast and warning responsibilities of the Service and directly affect public and aviation safety; (2) in which overtime work is usually unscheduled due to the vicissitudes of severe weather; and (3) in which overtime work is therefore unusually taxing. Exempts such an employee from the limitation on aggregate pay, including premium pay, for a pay period. Provides for a National Weather Service employee, who works during a regularly scheduled eight-hour period of service a part of which is performed on Sunday, to be paid at his or her basic pay rate, plus premium pay at a rate equal to 25 percent of his or her basic pay rate with respect to that portion of such period of service which is performed on Sunday.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to offer to award financial assistance grants and technical assistance to the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority of Oklahoma for the development of the Native American Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Requires the Authority, to be eligible to receive such a grant, to: (1) agree to provide for continual maintenance of the Center without the use of Federal funds; and (2) demonstrate commitments from private persons or State or local government agencies for at least 66 percent of the cost of the activities to be carried out under the grant.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act of 2001 - Amends Federal postal law to provide that any limitation in the Semipostal Authorization Act relating to whether more than one semipostal (a postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service, at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a national public interest) may be offered for sale at the same time, shall not apply to the breast cancer research special stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Extends the Service's authority to issue such stamps through July 29, 2008. Revises the differential amount of the special rate of postage for the breast cancer research stamp to not less than 15 percent of the regular first-class rate (currently, not to exceed 25 percent of first-class). Requires the special rate to be evenly divisible by five.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2005. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Establishes the National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification to review: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Code; (2) whether the tax systems of other countries could provide more efficient and fair methods of funding government revenue requirements; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Requires a Commission report to Congress on review results, with recommendations for Code reform and simplification. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations (with interim funding). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be approved by Congress in its final form before July 4, 2005, and, if not, Congress should be required to vote to reauthorize the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow Coretta Scott King in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President and Congress should save Social Security as soon as possible; (2) Social Security surpluses must be vigorously safeguarded and used only for purposes of saving Social Security or reducing the publicly held debt; and (3) the President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security, recognizing the immense financial commitment of every American worker in the Social Security system, should present in its recommendations innovative ways to protect that commitment without benefit cuts or payroll tax increases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001
Posthumous Citizenship Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend until two years after the later of the date of enactment of this Act or the date of the person's death the deadline for the Attorney General to approve a request to grant posthumous citizenship to individuals who die while on active-duty military service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2001
Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 2001 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to give States, subject to specified guidelines, the authority to provide for: (1) optional coverage of pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income, uninsured pregnant women under the State's SCHIP plan; and (2) automatic eligibility and enrollment for child health assistance under such plan for children born to targeted low-income pregnant women receiving such assistance when the child is born until it attains one year of age, so long as the child is a member of the woman's household. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the transitional increased Federal matching rate for increased administrative costs related to Medicaid-eligibility determinations of individuals receiving aid or assistance under SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF).
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a small business refiner: (1) to expense a portion of the costs of complying with the Highway Diesel Fuel Sulfur Control Requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) a limited tax credit for every gallon of 15 parts per million or less sulfur diesel produced at a facility by such small business refiner.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001
Cyber Security Information Act - Prohibits the disclosure of "cyber security information" (defined to include information related to the ability of any protected system, or critical infrastructure, to resist intentional interference or incapacitation through the misuse of or unauthorized access to or use of the Internet, telecommunications systems, or similar conduct that violates Federal, State, or international law, harms U.S. interstate commerce, or threatens public health or safety) that is voluntarily provided to a Federal entity. Provides that (with exceptions) any such information voluntarily provided directly to the Government about its own cyber security, a third party's cyber security, or to an Information Sharing Organization which is subsequently provided to the Government in identifiable form shall: (1) be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; (2) not be disclosed to any third party; and (3) not be used by any Federal or State entity or by any third party in any civil action. Makes the antitrust laws inapplicable (with an exception) to conduct engaged in solely for the purpose of and limited to: (1) facilitating the correction or avoidance of a cyber security-related problem; or (2) communication of or disclosing information to help correct or avoid the effects of a cyber security-related program. Authorizes the President to establish and terminate working groups composed of Federal employees who will engage outside organizations in discussions to address or share information related to cyber security, and otherwise to serve the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Watts, J. C., Jr. [R-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000210_200.jpg)