United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
American 5-Cent Coin Design Continuity Act of 2002 - 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 commemoration of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase. 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 Coin Design Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on: (1) design proposals relating to circulating coinage and numismatic items, including congressional gold medals; and (2) any other issues relating to items produced by the U.S. Mint that the Secretary may request.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2002
Stock Option Fairness and Accountability Act - Instructs the Securities and Exchange Commission to analyze, and report recommendations to certain congressional committees on, the accounting treatment of stock options including: (1) the adequacy of current disclosure requirements to investors and shareholders on stock options; (2) the adequacy of corporate governance requirements, including shareholder approval of stock option plans; and (3) the accuracy of available stock option pricing models.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Small Business Drought Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to include drought within its definition of disaster (thus qualifying small businesses suffering economic harm from droughts for assistance under such Act).
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Afghanistan through 2005 for the following activities: (1) urgent humanitarian needs; (2) repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (3) counternarcotics efforts; (4) reestablishment of food security, rehabilitation of the agriculture sector, improvement in health conditions, and the reconstruction of basic infrastructure; (5) reestablishment of Afghanistan as a viable nation-state through support for the development and expansion of democratic and market-based institutions; and (6) support for the establishment of a market economy, private financial institutions, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure, and trade and commercial links. Urges the President to: (1) designate within the Department of State a coordinator for such assistance and U.S. interests in Afghanistan; (2) utilize the expertise of Afghan-Americans; (3) encourage the donation of manufacturing equipment by U.S. businesses for the reconstruction of Afghanistan; and (4) utilize research conducted by U.S. land grant universities and the technical expertise of professionals at such institutions, particularly in the agricultural and rural development areas. Expresses the sense of Congress that, during the transition to fully representative government, the U.S. should support: (1) the development of a civilian-controlled and centrally-governed standing Afghanistan army that respects human rights and prohibits the use of children as soldiers; (2) the creation and training of a professional civilian police force that respects human rights; and (3) a multinational security force in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to provide and direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education to the Government of Afghanistan. Prohibits U.S. involvement in poppy cultivation or illicit narcotics growth, production, or trafficking in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Reaffirms: (1) the language of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, including the phrase "one Nation under God"; and (2) the national motto "In God we trust."
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2002- Extends Federal recognition to: (1) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe of Virginia; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division of Virginia; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., of Virginia; (5) the Monacan Tribe of Virginia; and (6) the Nansemond Tribe of Virginia. Sets forth the service areas of the various Tribes and requirements for the Tribes with respect to submission of a membership roll, adoption of a constitution, and election of officials. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain land transfers, to take specified lands into trust for the various Tribes' benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance or on U.S. currency shall not be construed as affecting the establishment of religion under the first article of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Pilot Program Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program of matching grants for developing, demonstrating, or disseminating information on practices, methods, or techniques relating to environmental education and training in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Makes eligible for such grants public elementary or secondary schools and nonprofit environmental or educational organizations located in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $500 the maximum above-the-line deduction allowed for classroom supply expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers, effective after December 31, 2001. Expands such deduction to include qualified professional development expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Stability and Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize appropriations to the Combined Fund and the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan to: (1) pay any benefit or administrative costs of unassigned beneficiaries of the Combined Fund; (2) pay any benefit or administrative costs of unassigned beneficiaries of the 1992 UMWA Plan; and (3) eliminate any annual deficit in any premium account of the Combined Fund as certified by the Trustees of the Combined Fund. Makes other related revisions, including: (1) providing for refunds to certain operators; and (2) reductions in annual health benefit premiums to the Fund in the event of a surplus. Redefines a coal wage agreement as: (1) the 1988 agreement, meaning the collective bargaining agreement between the settlors which became effective on February 1, 1988; and (2) the coal wage agreement, meaning the 1988 agreement and any predecessor to the 1988 agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation National Historical Park Act - Establishes the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation National Historical Park as a unit of the National Park System. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire from willing sellers: (1) land or interests within the Park's boundaries and associated personal property for interpretation of the Park; (2) conservation easements to protect the scenic, natural, and historic resources on adjacent lands and preserve the Park's natural or historic setting; and (3) up to 50 acres of land outside the Park to develop facilities for visitors, administrative functions, museums, curatorial functions, and/or maintenance. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a Park management plan which addresses the needs of non-Federal landowners, including independent nonprofit organizations. Establishes the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to receive and expend funds from an endowment to be established with the National Park Foundation. Allows the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for: (1) preserving historic structures; (2) maintaining the Park's natural or cultural landscape; (3) local preservation planning, interpretation, and management of public visitation; and (4) furthering the goals of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and the National Historic District Management Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Congratulates: (1) the Government and people of Colombia for the successful completion of democratic elections held on May 26, 2002; (2) President-elect Alvaro Uribe Velez and Vice President-elect Francisco Santos Calderon; and (3) Colombian President Andres Pastrana for his commitment to democracy. Commends all Colombian citizens and political parties for working together to take risks for democracy, to pursue national reconciliation, and to strengthen democratic traditions. Supports Colombian attempts to: (1) ensure democracy, national reconciliation, and economic prosperity; (2) support human rights and the rule of law; and (3) abide by all the essential elements of representative democracy. Encourages such Government and people to continue: (1) their struggle against narcotics and terrorism; and (2) to promote the professionalism of the Colombian Armed Forces and National Police and judicial and legal reforms. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to encouraging and supporting democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and peaceful development throughout the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Ballistic Imaging Evaluation and Study Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences to study the effectiveness of ballistic imaging technology. Prohibits a State from using Federal funds for ballistic imaging technology until the NRC report is transmitted to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, at a State's request, to waive such prohibition upon a showing that the use would be in the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Arming Pilots Against Terrorism and Cabin Defense Act of 2002 - Amends federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize volunteer qualified pilots of commercial cargo or passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers. Authorizes flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Directs the Under Secretary to prescribe requirements for an air carrier cabin crew training program and its instructors. Shields an air carrier liability for actions or omissions of training instructors or cabin crew in defending an aircraft. Shields training instructors and cabin crew from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Directs the Under Secretary to form an Aviation Crew Self-Defense Division within the Transportation Security Administration to develop and implement the program for training cabin crew members. Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to study and report to Congress on whether possession of a nonlethal weapon by a member of an air carrier's cabin crew would aid the flight deck crew in combating air piracy and criminal violence on commercial airlines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Calls for Americans to observe a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, 2002, for members of the armed forces and civilian national security agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
Expresses support for the constitutional right of Cuban citizens who have signed the Varela Project to petition the Cuban National Assembly for a national referendum on civil liberties. Calls on the Cuban Government to accept the petition and hold such referendum and to provide its citizens with internationally accepted standards for civil and human rights and the opportunity to vote in free and fair elections. Urges the President to: (1) take steps to support the Project and any future efforts by the Cuban people to assert their constitutional right to petition the National Assembly in support of a referendum; and (2) pursue an action-oriented policy of directly assisting the Cuban people and independent organizations to strengthen the forces of change and to improve human rights in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2002 - Establishes the National Drought Council which shall: (1) develop a national drought policy action plan; (2) evaluate Federal drought-related programs; (3) coordinate and prioritize enhancement of the national drought monitoring network; and (4) provide for the development of a drought information delivery system, drought planning models, and drought preparedness plans. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the National Drought Council to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness. Establishes within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to: (1) assist State, local, tribal, and critical service entities with drought-related activities; and (2) expand the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies. Requires: (1) the Director to publish guidelines for administering a national technical and financial drought assistance program; and (2) the Director, the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Army, and other appropriate Federal agency heads to implement integrated drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, and regional, water providers to develop and implement drought preparedness plans. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the Director of FEMA to reimburse States for qualifying costs incurred in prepositioning wildfire suppression resources.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Expresses profound gratitude for the faithful service provided by flight attendants to make air travel safe and honors their courage and dedication. Supports all flight attendants who continue to display heroism on a daily basis, as they had been doing before, during, and after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facility services for determining updates for FY 2003 and for FY 2004 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize qualified law enforcement officers (including qualified retired officers) carrying the photographic identification issued by the governmental agency for which the individual is, or was, employed as a law enforcement officer, notwithstanding State or local laws, to carry a concealed firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede or limit the laws of any State that: (1) permit private persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or (2) prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any State or local government property, installation, building, base, or park.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) small business participation is vital to U.S. defense and should play an active role in assisting the military, Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and State and local police to combat terrorism through the design and development of innovative products; and (2) Federal, State, and local governments should aggressively seek out and purchase innovative technologies and services from, and promote research opportunities for, American small businesses to help in homeland defense and the fight against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Teaching Hospital Preservation Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to maintain the indirect medical education adjustment percentage at 6.5 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Anti-counterfeiting Amendments of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit trafficking in an "illicit authentication feature." Defines that term to mean an authentication feature that: (1) without the authorization of the respective copyright owner, has been tampered with or altered so as to facilitate the reproduction or distribution of a phono-record, a copy of a computer program, a copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or documentation or packaging, in violation of the rights of the copyright owner; (2) is genuine, but has been distributed, or is intended for distribution, without the authorization of the respective copyright owner; or (3) appears to be genuine but is not. Authorizes a copyright owner who is injured by a violation of this Act or is threatened with injury to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court. Sets forth remedies for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 205 South Main Street in Culpeper, Virginia, as the D. French Slaughter, Jr. Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Amends the Organic Act establishing the Department of Commerce to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of each person that notifies the Secretary that it is a manufacturer or seller that is: (1) licensed to engage in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm (including antique firearm) or ammunition product; or (2) is a trade association representing such manufacturers or sellers. Declares that any lawful conduct carried out by a manufacturer or seller in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition product, or lawful conduct carried out by a trade association in the course of representing such manufacturers or sellers, shall not be the basis for imposing a restriction on such commerce (the award of civil damages, equitable relief, or any other specified limitation) as a result of harm caused by the criminal or other unlawful misuse of such firearm or ammunition product by any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2002
Declares that the Senate: (1) stands in solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas; (2) remains committed to Israel's right to self-defense; and (3) will continue to assist Israel in strengthening its homeland defenses. Condemns Palestinian suicide bombings. Demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas. Urges: (1) all Arab states, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to declare their unqualified opposition to all forms of terrorism, particularly suicide bombing, and to act in concert with the United States to stop the violence; and (2) all parties in the region to pursue vigorous efforts to establish comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the parsonage allowance exclusion from gross income cannot exceed the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities. Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Syria Accountability Act of 2002 - Prohibits the President from exporting any item on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations, providing any U.S. assistance to U.S. businesses with respect to investment or other activities, or conducting Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Trade Development Agency programs in or with respect to Syria. Directs the President to impose two or more specified sanctions against Syria. Requires maintenance of such prohibition and sanctions until the President certifies that Syria meets specified requirements, including that it: (1) does not support international terrorist groups; (2) has withdrawn all of its military personnel from Lebanon: (3) has ceased the development and deployment of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons; and (4) is no longer in violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2002
Cyber Security Research and Development Act - Authorizes appropriations, to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to establish new programs and to increase funding for certain current programs for computer and network security research and development and research fellowships. Requires the NSF Director to award grants for computer and network security through the following: (1) basic research in innovative approaches to the structure of their hardware and software; (2) multidisciplinary research centers, through institutions of higher education (IHEs) or their consortia which may partner with government laboratories or for-profit institutions; (3) undergraduate and master's degree programs, as well as education-related grants under the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992; (4) graduate traineeships; and (5) graduate research fellowships. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to include among NSF functions leading in supporting research and education activities to improve networked information systems' security. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the NIST Director to establish a program of assistance to IHEs that enter into partnerships with for-profit entities to support research to improve the security of computer systems. Requires NIST to carry out specified types of intramural computer security research. Requires the NIST Director to arrange with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on critical infrastructure weaknesses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2002
Terrorism Victim's Access to Compensation Act of 2002 - Expresses the sense of Congress that it should be the policy of the United States: (1) to use the blocked assets of state sponsors of acts of terrorism (including their agencies and instrumentalities) under the control of the Secretary of the Treasury to pay court-ordered judgments and awards made to U.S. nationals harmed by such acts; and (2) to provide equal access to all U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism who have secured judgments and awards in Federal courts against state sponsors of terrorism, and assure that those judgments and awards be paid from such blocked assets. Makes such assets available for the satisfaction of judgments against terrorist parties. Prescribes guidelines for a Presidential waiver upon determination on an asset-by-asset basis that a waiver is necessary in the national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) religious freedom and the protection of minority rights must remain as priority issues on the bilateral agenda of both the United States and the Russian Federation; (2) any U.S. actions to "graduate" or terminate the application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment (free emigration as a condition for granting normal trade relations to non-market economies) to any individual country must take into account the progress already achieved through the application of such amendment as well as appropriate assurances regarding the continued commitment of such country to enforcing the fundamental human rights envisioned by the amendment; and (3) the U.S. Government must demonstrate how, in "graduating" individual countries, the "continued dedication of the United States" to these fundamental rights will be assured.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002
Removes, for months beginning on or after October 1, 2002, the requirement that qualifying offsetting legislation be enacted before a member or former member of the armed forces may be paid military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation concurrently without deduction. Repeals, as of such date, a special compensation program for certain severely disabled military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002
Debbie Smith Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out sexual assault nurse examiner programs and to train law enforcement personnel and first responders in the handling of sexual assault cases and the collection and use of DNA samples for forensic evidence. Provides that for a State to be eligible to receive a grant, the chief executive officer of the State shall submit to the Attorney General an application which shall include a certification that the State shall comply with specified quality assurance and proficiency testing standards. Sets forth provisions regarding restrictions on the use of funds and expenditure records. Amends the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to require the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to issue (and revise periodically) standards for collecting and processing, for use as forensic evidence, samples on which DNA analysis may be carried out. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out DNA analyses of samples from crime scenes for inclusion in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System. Sets forth provisions regarding State eligibility, restrictions on uses of funds, and expenditure records.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act - Directs the President to establish an office to mobilize technology and science experts to form a national emergency technology guard to provide technology-based assistance to Federal, State, and local emergency response agencies, nongovernmental emergency aid, assistance, and relief organizations. Requires the Director of the office to develop a procedure by which a group of individuals with technological expertise may form teams and apply for certification. Requires the Director to: (1) activate teams in an emergency; (2) provide for their access to emergency sites; (3) develop and maintain a virtual technology reserve consisting of a database of technology or scientific expertise and equipment that nongovernmental entities have volunteered to make available in an emergency; and (4) appoint a Technology Reliability Advisory Board. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a Center for Civilian Homeland Security Technology Evaluation. Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to establish an interoperable communications pilot program and to make grants to seven different States for projects under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
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 such foreign veterinary institutions, if they are not public or nonprofit, to have been certified by the Secretary of Education as eligible to participate in such program before October 1, 1999. Continues to require that such an institution's students 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.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Recognizes May 15, 2002, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Declares that the Senate expresses support for the democratically elected Government and people of Colombia and deplores the continuing criminal terrorist acts by U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations in Colombia against U.S. citizens and Colombian civilians and authorities. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the President should transmit to Congress proposed legislation, consistent with U.S. law for the protection of human rights, to assist the Colombian Government in protecting its democracy from such terrorist organizations and the scourge of illicit narcotics.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2002
Honors Milton D. Stewart for his many years of service to the U.S. small business community. Thanks Mr. Stewart for his leadership in creating a strong and dynamic Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to help carry on that service in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 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 · 28 February 2002
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude for a two-year period certain basic housing allowances of a member of the uniformed services from determination of the eligibility of the member's child for free and reduced price meals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of outpatient vision rehabilitation services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Declares that the Senate mourns the death of Daniel Pearl and expresses its condolences to his wife, unborn child, and family. Salutes Daniel Pearl for his principled and fearless pursuit of journalistic excellence.
![Official portrait of Sen. Allen, George [R-VA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000121_200.jpg)