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Official portrait of Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]

Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]

United States · Official source

Records

1,152 records where Sen. Allen, George [R-VA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 593 (108th)open

Reservists Pay Security Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Reservists Pay Security Act of 2003 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated. Makes this Act retroactive to September 11, 2001.

Bill· SS. 589 (108th)referred

Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to: (1) establish a pilot program under which specified Federal agencies may agree to repay the student loans of their employees in national security positions; and (2) coordinate the program with such agencies to recruit employees for those positions. Requires the Director to establish a program for awarding National Security Fellowships to eligible graduate students who agree to employment with the Government in national security positions. Establishes a National Security Service Board to: (1) develop criteria for awarding such Fellowships; (2) provide for the wide dissemination of information regarding assisted activities; (3) work with the Director in hiring and placing fellows in national security positions; and (4) develop and provide to Congress a strategic plan that identifies the skills needed by the Federal national security workforce. Requires 20 percent of such Fellowships to be set-aside for Federal employees who are working in such positions to enhance their education and training in areas important to national security. Creates a National Security Service Corps, under the direction of the Board, to provide rotational opportunities for mid-level employees in national security positions within and between specified agencies. Requires agencies' annual strategic and performance plans and program performance reports to evaluate the role of specific skills in accomplishing or failing to accomplish such agencies' goals.

Bill· SS. 596 (108th)open

Invest in the U.S.A. Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Invest in the U.S.A. Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a U.S. corporation doing business abroad to elect to have its foreign earnings taxed in the United States for one year at a rate equal to 5.25 percent of the excess qualified foreign distribution and the amount attributable to such corporation as controlled foreign-earned dividends in lieu of being taxed under alternative minimum tax or corporate rates, if dividends received are reinvested in the United States in an approved plan. Limits foreign tax credits with respect to dividends taxed at such 5.25 percent rate.

Bill· SS. 595 (108th)referred

Housing Bond and Credit Modernization and Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Housing Bond and Credit Modernization and Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the required use of certain principal repayments on mortgage subsidy bond financings to redeem bonds; (2) modify the purchase price limitation under mortgage subsidy bond rules based on median family income; and (3) define the term "area median gross income" for low-income housing credit projects.

Bill· SS. 582 (108th)referred

Coal Energy Research Development and Demonstration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2003

Coal Energy Research Development and Demonstration Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that identifies cost and performance goals of technologies permitting continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and the years after 2020; and (2) implement a technology research, development, and demonstration program to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power through methods and equipment under designated statutes. Prescribes conditions and criteria for the authorization of appropriations for a clean coal power initiative program. Instructs the Secretary to award competitive, merit-based grants to universities for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish income tax credits for investment in and for production from a qualifying advanced clean coal technology facility. Prescribes guidelines for the treatment of persons not able to use the entire credit relating to clean coal technology.

Bill· SS. 554 (108th)open

A bill to allow media coverage of court proceedings.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court or U.S. district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court proceedings over which that judge presides. Directs: (1) a district court, upon the request of any witness in a trial proceeding other than a party, to order the face and voice of the witness to be disguised or otherwise obscured to render the witness unrecognizable to the broadcast audience of the trial proceeding; and (2) the presiding judge in a trial proceeding to inform each witness who is not a party of his or her right to make such request. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate advisory guidelines to which a presiding judge may refer in making decisions regarding the management and administration of photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising described in this Act.

Law· SS. 570 (108th)enacted

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the qualifications of foreign schools.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements for the qualification of foreign medical or veterinary schools to participate in title IV part B Federal Family Education Loan Program. Exempts graduate medical schools or veterinary schools located outside the United States from a requirement that they be a public or other nonprofit institution in order to qualify. Retains certain requirements for foreign medical schools, but no longer applies these to foreign veterinary schools. Requires the students of a foreign veterinary institution that is neither public nor nonprofit to complete their clinical training at an approved veterinary school located in the United States. (Current law applies the latter requirement to all foreign veterinary schools.)

Bill· SS. 569 (108th)referred

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy cap.

Bill· SS. 557 (108th)referred

Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received by a claimant on account of claims based on unlawful discrimination (as defined). Permits income averaging for backpay and frontpay awards received on account of such claims.

Bill· SS. 518 (108th)open

Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include pancreases procured by an organ procurement organization and used for islet cell transplantation or research to be counted toward organ procurement organization certification. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Islet Cell Transplantation within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Committee to study related issues, including Federal research funding, the effect of specified policies on transplantation, and data collection. Instructs the Secretary of HHS to request the Institute of Medicine to provide a study of the impact of islet cell transplantation on juvenile diabetes patients, including their health and the treatment's cost-effectiveness. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish a demonstration project to assess the efficacy of pancreatic cell islet transplantation for individuals who: (1) have Type I diabetes; and (2) have end-stage renal disease; and (3) are Medicare beneficiaries. Limits to six the number of eligible facilities that can participate in the project. Directs the Secretary to conduct an evaluation of the outcomes under the project and report to Congress. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirements of titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act as are necessary to carry out the project. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 516 (108th)open

Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that a flight deck crew member of a cargo aircraft should be armed with a firearm to defend such aircraft against attacks by terrorists that could use the aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction or for other terrorist purposes. Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the training and arming of flight deck crew members (pilots) of all-cargo air transportation flights to prevent acts of criminal violence or air piracy.

Bill· SS. 534 (108th)referred

Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2003 - Allows the Representative (Member of Congress, including Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress) of the immediate family of a deceased fire fighter, law enforcement officer, emergency technician, or other rescue worker who died in the line of duty to provide the family, at their request, with a Capitol-flown flag, together with a certificate, signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Representative providing the flag, which contains an expression of sympathy for the family.

Bill· SS. 525 (108th)open

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for vessels (including towed vessels) operating in U.S. waters. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations for ballast water management standards and certification procedures. Directs the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to establish a priority pathway management program that identifies those pathways that pose the highest risk for the introduction of aquatic invasive species unless further managed. Prohibits the importation of live aquatic organisms not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to construct and maintain a national dispersal barrier program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in U.S. waterways. Provides for expansion of the Brown Tree Snake Control Program and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program information, education, and outreach activities. Requires the Task Force to establish a national subcommittee on nutria for its control. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey (Administering Agencies) to develop and conduct a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates of, patterns of, and conditions surrounding introductions of nonnative aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems and efforts to prevent the introduction of, and detect and eradicate, such species. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of vessel pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by vessels. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry out research in systematic and taxonomy. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate Federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to ensure that international efforts to prevent, detect, monitor, assess, and control aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 71 (108th)passed

A resolution expressing the support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003

Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress and the decision of the full court not to reconsider the case en banc. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel either to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, or if unable to intervene, to file an amicus curiae brief in support of such constitutionality.

Bill· SS. 481 (108th)referred

A bill to amend chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that certain Federal annuity computations are adjusted by 1 percentage point relating to periods of receiving disability payments, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Provides that the percentage otherwise applicable for a Federal Employees' Retirement System annuity computation that includes, in the aggregate, at least two months of credit for any period of receiving disability compensation benefits shall be increased by one percentage point.

Bill· SS. 472 (108th)referred

Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area to be comprised of: (1) the part of eastern coastal Virginia between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers; (2) Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, King George, and Lancaster Counties, Virginia; and (3) other areas adjacent to or in the vicinity of those areas that have similar heritage aspects.

Bill· SS. 471 (108th)referred

American 5-Cent Coin Design Continuity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

American 5-Cent Coin Design Continuity Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to change the design on the obverse and the reverse of the 5-cent coin for coins issued in 2003, 2004, and 2005 in recognition of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Amends Federal law governing coins and currency to mandate that: (1) the obverse of any 5-cent coin issued after December 31, 2005, bear an image of Thomas Jefferson; and (2) the reverse of any such coin bear an image of the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Establishes the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the selection of themes and designs for coins (including circulating and bullion coinage) and for congressional and national medals. Abolishes the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 11 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the Republic of Korea's continuing unlawful bailouts of Hynix Semiconductor Inc., and calling on the Republic of Korea, the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, and the President to take actions to end the bailouts.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the actions of the Republic of Korea with respect to the bailouts of Hynix Semiconductor Inc. are severely detrimental to the bilateral friendship and economic relationships between the United States and Korea. Calls on the Republic of Korea immediately to cease any further bailouts of Hynix, and comply with all of its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, including those regarding subsidies. Calls on the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to: (1) take necessary actions immediately to end any further bailouts of Hynix, including the self-initiation of further trade cases, the initiation of a further government investigation of the financial impact of these bailouts, and the calling of a special subsidies code meeting to raise the legal concerns with this issue; and (2) begin consultations with Congress regarding appropriate legislative action to deal fully with the impact of the bailouts of Hynix. Calls on the President to consult with the European Union regarding joint action with respect to the unlawful subsidies to Hynix that are harming the international DRAM, semiconductor, and electronics markets.

Bill· SS. 460 (108th)referred

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Reauthorization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize appropriations for the State criminal alien assistance program.

Bill· SS. 457 (108th)referred

Organic Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003

Organic Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003, to repeal the provision permitting a farm to be certified as organic with respect to livestock produced on such farm if it uses non-organically produced feed under certain cost-based circumstances.

Bill· SS. 451 (108th)referred

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003

Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 and older, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months before October 2004; (2) 40 percent for months during FY 2005; (3) 45 percent for months during FY 2006; (4) 50 percent for months during FY 2007; and (5) 55 percent for months after FY 2007. Adjusts similarly percentage amounts with respect to survivors of reserve personnel and survivors of persons who die while on active duty. Provides a corresponding phased elimination of the SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided to such surviving spouses. Requires periodic recomputation of: (1) annuity amounts beginning in October 2004; and (2) retired pay reductions for supplemental survivor annuities. Provides a one-year open enrollment period for SBP participation, commencing October 1, 2004, for those currently not participating, those electing to increase current coverage, and those wishing to participate in the supplemental SBP. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require appropriate premiums for SBP participation.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 62 (108th)passed

A resolution calling upon the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Union, and human rights activists throughout the world to take certain actions in regard to the human rights situation in Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2003

Calls upon the Organization of American States Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to: (1) continue its reporting on the human rights situation in the Republic of Cuba; and (2) request a visit to Cuba to review and report to the international community on the human rights situation there. Calls upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and his newly appointed personal representative to vigorously pursue the implementation of the 2002 Resolution regarding the situation of human rights in Cuba. Calls upon the European Union to: (1) build upon its recognition of Cuban dissidents; and (2) request to visit Cuba to review the human rights situation there and report on it to the international community. Calls upon human rights organizations throughout the world to issue statements of solidarity with the Cuban human rights activists, political dissidents, prisoners of conscience, independent journalists, and other Cubans seeking to secure their internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Law· SS. 3 (108th)enacted

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 - 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 whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury. Defines a "partial-birth abortion" as an abortion in which the person performing the abortion: (1) deliberately and intentionally vaginally delivers a living fetus until, in the case of a head-first presentation, the entire fetal head is outside the mother's body, or, in the case of a breech presentation, any part of the fetal trunk past the navel is outside the mother's body; and (2) performs the overt act, other than completion of delivery, that kills the partially delivered living fetus. 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.

Bill· SS. 398 (108th)referred

A bill to provide that members of the Armed Forces performing services at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, and in the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom shall be entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

Entitles military personnel eligible for special pay for hostile fire or imminent danger for services at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, and in the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or any successor operation to specified tax benefits as if such services were performed in a combat zone.

Bill· SS. 392 (108th)referred

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals provisions providing for special compensation for certain severely disabled military retirees and certain combat-related disabled uniformed services retirees.

Bill· SS. 394 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the combat zone income tax exclusion to include income for the period of transit to the combat zone and to remove the limitation on such exclusion for commissioned officers.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to non-taxed "combat zone" compensation to: (1) include "transit to the combat zone" within such definition; and (2) eliminate the enlisted personnel compensation ceiling for commissioned officers.

Bill· SS. 393 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit against income tax with respect to employees who participate in the military reserve components and to allow a comparable credit for participating reserve component self-employed individuals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers an income tax credit with respect to employees who participate in the military reserve components, and to allow a comparable credit for participating reserve component self-employed individuals.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 7 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the sharp escalation of anti-Semitic violence within many participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is of profound concern and efforts should be undertaken to prevent future occurrences.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

Calls on executive branch officials and Members of Congress to raise the issue of anti-Semitism in their bilateral contacts with other countries and at multilateral fora, including meetings of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the July 2003 Twelfth Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Calls on participating OSCE States to: (1) condemn anti-Semitism, racial and ethnic hatred, xenophobia, and discrimination, as well as persecution on religious grounds whenever it occurs; (2) ensure effective local and national law enforcement to prevent and counter criminal acts stemming from anti-Semitism, xenophobia, or racial or ethnic hatred, including maintaining mechanisms for the thorough investigation and prosecution of such acts; (3) promote the creation of educational efforts throughout the region to counter anti-Semitic stereotypes and attitudes among younger people, increase Holocaust awareness programs, and help identify the necessary resources to accomplish this goal; (4) play a leading role in combating anti-Semitism and ensure that the resolution adopted at the 2002 meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Berlin is followed up by a series of concrete actions at the national level; and (5) organize a separately designated human dimension event on anti-Semitism as early as possible in 2003, consistent with the Porto Ministerial Declaration adopted by the OSCE at the Tenth Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in December 2002.

Law· SS. 380 (108th)enacted

Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003

Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law to revise the formula for funding benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for U.S. Postal Service employees, including Postal supplemental liability under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Mandates that savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of this Act be used to reduce the postal debt as the Secretary of the Treasury shall specify. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the savings accruing to the Postal Service as a result of this Act will be sufficient to allow the Postal Service to fulfill its commitment to hold postage rates unchanged until at least 2006; (2) because the Postal Service still faces substantial obligations related to postretirement health benefits for its current and former employees, some portion of those savings should be used to address the unfunded obligations; and (3) none of the savings should be used to pay bonuses to Postal Service executives.

Bill· SS. 374 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal specified occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer. Revises recordkeeping requirements for wholesale and retail liquor dealers. Makes it unlawful for any liquor dealer (except one selling beer exclusively) to purchase distilled spirits from any person other than a specified wholesale liquor dealer.

Bill· SS. 359 (108th)referred

Waste to Energy Utilization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003

Waste to Energy Utilization Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provision concerning allowing a credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources to add municipal solid waste to the definition of qualified energy resources.

Bill· SS. 349 (108th)referred

Social Security Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003

Social Security Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 52 (108th)passed

A resolution recognizing the social problem of child abuse and neglect, and supporting efforts to enhance public awareness of the problem.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; (2) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give these victimized children hope for the future; and (3) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist these abused and neglected children; (4) the Senate supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope," which was initiated by Childhelp USA and will be observed on April 2, 2003, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month; and (5) the Senate commends Childhelp USA for all of its efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States.

Law· SS. 330 (108th)enacted

Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2003

Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003 - Establishes criminal penalties for willfully injuring or destroying or attempting to injure or destroy any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person(s) in the U.S. armed forces. Requires that veterans' cemeteries be treated as sites permitting supplemental guide signs on Federal-aid highways.

Bill· SS. 318 (108th)referred

Small Business Drought Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Small Business Drought Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Small Business Act to include within the definition of "disaster," for purposes of disaster loans provided to small businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA), droughts and below average water levels in the Great Lakes or any other U.S. body of water that supports commerce by small businesses. Authorizes such loan assistance for farm- and nonfarm-related small businesses affected by droughts. Limits the amount that may be used during fiscal year 2003 to provide drought disaster loans to non-farm related concerns. Requires the SBA to respond in writing to a State Governor regarding its determination concerning the provision of disaster loan assistance within 30 days after receiving such Governor's certification that small businesses in that State have suffered economic injury as a result of a disaster.

Bill· SS. 309 (108th)referred

Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act of 2003 - Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator to develop technologies that would: (1) significantly reduce aircraft noise, harmful emissions, and fuel consumption; (2) make certain performance improvements to existing rotorcraft; and (3) enable overland flight of supersonic civil transport aircraft with certain performance characteristics. Directs the NASA Administrator to provide specified congressional committees a plan for the implementation of such initiatives. Directs the NASA Administrator to establish NASA aeronautics scholarships for U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited Masters degree programs in aeronautical engineering at institutions of higher education. Directs the Administrators of NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to participate in a national initiative to define and develop an air traffic management system that meets national long-term aviation security, safety, and capacity needs. Sets forth certain things that the system shall do, including that it ensure seamless global operations for system users. Provides for grants from the FAA Administrator for university-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training. Authorizes appropriations for certain FAA research and development projects and activities. Requires certain aviation-related studies and assessments.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 45 (108th)passed

A resolution commemorating the Columbia Astronauts.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Declares that the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy shall not dissuade or discourage this Nation from venturing ever farther into space. Restates the commitment to exploring the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system and beyond. Expresses condolences to the families of the seven astronauts and to friends and allies in Israel over the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space.

Bill· SS. 298 (108th)referred

Assistance for Families of Space Shuttle Columbia Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Assistance for Families of Space Shuttle Columbia Heroes Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make applicable to Space Shuttle Columbia victims the same provisions that are applicable to members of the Armed Forces and victims of certain terrorist attacks on death.

Bill· SS. 300 (108th)open

A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Jackie Robinson (posthumously), in recognition of his many contributions to the Nation, and to express the sense of Congress that there should be a national day in recognition of Jackie Robinson.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Authorizes the President to present a gold medal in recognition of Jackie Robinson's contributions to the Nation to his family. Calls for designation of a national day recognizing Robinson's accomplishments.

Bill· SS. 274 (108th)open

Class Action Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Class Action Fairness Act of 2003 - Establishes a consumer class action bill of rights, including provision for: (1) judicial review and approval of noncash settlements; (2) protection against loss by class members because of payments to class counsel; (3) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for greater payments to class members because they are located in closer geographic proximity to the court; (4) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for payment of a greater share of the award to a class representative serving on behalf of a class; (5) standardized settlement notification information; and (6) specific requirements regarding proposed settlement notifications to Federal and State officials. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $2 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is a class action in which any member of a class of plaintiffs is: (1) a citizen of a State different from any defendant; (2) a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a State; or (3) a citizen of a State and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Lists exceptions, such as where a class action brought by shareholders solely involves a claim concerning a covered security or relating to the internal governance of a corporation. Sets forth procedures for removal of interstate class actions to U.S. district court and for review of orders remanding class actions to State courts. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees on class action settlements.

Bill· SS. 287 (108th)open

Artist-Museum Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Artist-Museum Partnership Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a fair market value (determined at time of contribution) deduction for charitable contributions of literary, musical, artistic, scholarly compositions, or the copyright created by a qualifying donor. Exempts certain non-personal letters and memoranda from such treatment. Limits such increased deduction to the donor's artistic adjusted income (as defined by this Act).