United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize qualified law enforcement officers (including certain qualified retired officers) carrying the photographic identification issued by their governmental agency, notwithstanding State or local laws, to carry a concealed firearm. Provides that such authorization shall not supersede State laws that: (1) permit private entities to prohibit the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or (2) prohibit the possession of firearms on State or local government property. Excludes from the definition of "firearm" any machine gun, firearm silencer, or destructive device.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003
CARE Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to charitable giving, charitable organizations, and social services to, among other things: (1) allow a deduction for a portion of charitable contributions to individuals who do not itemize; (2) allow tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) allow for the exclusion of 25 percent of gain on sales or exchanges of land or water interests to eligible entities for conservation purposes; (4) exclude mileage reimbursements to charitable volunteers from gross income; (5) increase oversight of tax-exempt organizations; (6) suspend the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations; (7) modify the excise tax on unrelated business taxable income of charitable remainder trusts; (8) repeal the grassroots expenditure limit for charitable organizations; (9) modify the definition of convention or association of churches to state that no such grouping shall fail to qualify merely because individuals are members or because individuals have voting rights in such organization; (10) count certain payments made by charitable organizations to victims in the war against terrorism as related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for such organizations' exemptions; (11) restore funds for the Social Services Block Grant; and (12) restore authority to transfer up to ten percent of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds to the Social Services Block Grant. Savings for Working Families Act of 2003 - States as a purpose of this Act to provide for the establishment of individual development account programs that will provide individuals and families with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets and to enter the financial mainstream. Provides procedures for opening and maintaining such an account and qualifying for matching funds. Authorizes appropriations for the: (1) Savings for Working Families Act of 2003; and (2) administration of exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Service.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA, which is subchapter B of MLSA) 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. Entitles subchapter C of MLSA as the Museum Services Act. 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. Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act with respect to contributions and membership. Repeals requirements 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. Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to increase maximum limits on liability amounts. Designates the Capital Children's Museum in Washington, D.C., as the National Children's Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to adjustments to the base price used to establish "export price" (at which the subject merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be sold) before the date of its importation by the merchandise producer or exporter outside the United States to an unaffiliated purchaser in the United States (or an unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United States)) and "constructed export price" (at which the subject merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be sold) in the United States before or after the date of its importation by or for the account of the merchandise producer or exporter or by a seller affiliated with the producer or exporter, to a purchaser not affiliated with the producer or exporter). Revises the adjustment formula to reduce the base price by an amount attributable to any countervailing duties imposed under such Act which are incident to bringing the merchandise from the original place of shipment in the exporting country to the place of delivery in the United States. Applies this Act to goods from Canada and Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2003 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA) to entitle eligible individuals in all States to a total of 26 weeks of TEUC compensation (13 weeks beyond the current 13 weeks). Makes such additional benefits also available to individuals who exhausted their TEUC benefits before January 1, 2003. Provides for a transition period of continuing payments to individuals with amounts remaining in their TEUC account, for weeks beginning before December 31, 2003. Directs the Secretary of Labor to deem second tier benefit amounts deposited in an individual's account (TEUC-X amounts, which currently provide an extra 13 weeks of benefits in high-unemployment States) as deposited in such account, by reason of the amendments made by this Act, as single tier benefit amounts (TEUC amounts, the basic benefits in all States). Sets forth requirements relating to applicability of this Act to those who have exhausted their benefits under TEUCA, as well as to current beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Guaranteeing a United and Resolute Defense Act of 2003 or GUARD Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funds to the governor of a State who submits, and receives approval of, a plan for the use of personnel and equipment of the State's National Guard in homeland security activities. Provides authorizes uses of such funding, including: (1) pay, allowances, and clothing; (2) equipment and facilities operation and maintenance; and (3) procurement of related services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2003
Medicaid Safety Net Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase the allowed Federal Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment in "extremely low-DSH" States from one percent to three percent of the State's Medicaid program costs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act - Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Research Program. Requires such Program, through appropriate Federal agencies, councils, and the National Coordination Office, to: (1) establish goals, priorities, grand challenges (fundamental problems in science and engineering that will require the application of nanotechnology), and metrics for evaluating Federal nanotechnology research, development, and other activities; (2) invest in Federal research and development (R&D) programs in nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; and (3) provide for coordination of Federal nanotechnology activities. Requires the Program, through its participating agencies, to develop, fund, and manage Federal research programs concerning: (1) long-term basic nanoscience and engineering research; (2) essential grand challenges and interdisciplinary research and education teams; (3) interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers; (4) research infrastructure and equipment; (5) the Center for Ethical, Societal, Educational, Legal, and Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology to be established by the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); (6) technology transition; and (7) research areas identified by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) which are not being adequately addressed by the agencies' current research programs. Directs NSTC to: (1) oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program; (2) establish an Information Services and Applications Council; and (3) submit an annual report to Congress on the Program.. Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel and a National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. Provides for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a triennial evaluation of the Program. Requires the NSF Director to: (1) collect and disseminate studies on the societal, ethical, educational, and workforce implications of nanotechnology; and (2) collect data on the size of the anticipated nanotechnology workforce needed and assess the adequacy of the trained talent pool to fill such needs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2003
Toxic Clean-up Polluter Pays Renewal Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until January 1, 2014, and reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit any qualified broadband expenditure which is paid or incurred by the taxpayer to be treated as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account; and (2) any expenditure so treated to be allowed as a deduction. Defines terms and sets forth rules.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2003
Noxious Weed Control Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with appropriate consultation, to establish a program to provide to eligible weed management entities financial assistance for use in controlling or eradicating noxious weeds through States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (States). Lists factors the Secretary shall consider in decisions to allocate funding to States, including the severity or potential severity of the noxious weed problem to be addressed by a State. Requires the Secretary to provide special consideration for States that have approved weed management entities established by Indian tribes. Sets forth eligible activities funds disbursed under this Act can be used for, including: (1) applied research to solve locally significant weed management problems; and (2) projects and activities relating to the control or eradication of noxious weeds, including education. Lists selection criteria by which States shall choose projects to which to award funds under this Act. Sets the maximum Federal share of the cost of any project approved by a State or Indian tribe under this Act at 50 percent, with certain exceptions. Sets limitations on the use of funds disbursed under this Act, including that none be used for projects to control or eradicate animals, pests, or submerged or floating noxious aquatic weeds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2003
Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend to certain Head Start teachers student loan forgiveness under both the Federal Family Education Loan program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Educational Excellence for All Learners Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 should be fully funded. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) title I (improving academic achievement of the disadvantaged) part A (grants for basic programs of local educational agencies, LEAs); (2) education of migratory children; and (3) advanced placement incentive program grants. Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each State's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Specifies what each system must provide. America's Better Classrooms Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited tax credit for qualified public school modernization bonds (construction and zone academy bonds) and tribal school modernization bonds. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Gear Up programs, Federal TRIO programs, and programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant or seasonal farmwork; and (2) Indian tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, challenge grants to eligible institutions, the minority science and engineering improvement program, and Hispanic-serving institutions. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Organization Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NTIA's Technology Opportunities Program a digital network technologies program to award educational instruction grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to: (1) historically Black colleges or universities; (2) Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institutions; (3) tribally controlled colleges or universities; or (4) institutions with a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under HEA. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 to eliminate the prohibition against provision of postsecondary education benefits based on State residency to an illegal alien unless a U.S. citizen or national is eligible for similar benefits without regard to such residency. Expresses the sense of the Senate that an individual Pell Grant's maximum amount should be: (1) increased to $4,500; and (2) the amount eligible students receive. Makes appropriations for an emergency additional amount for FY 2003, available through FY 2004, for the Pell Grant program. Amends HEA title IV to provide for a phase-out of student loan origination fees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the Hope and Lifetime Learning credits refundable.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Veterans Health Care Funding Guarantee Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2005 120 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2002; and (2) adjust the amount provided after FY 2005 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of others eligible for and provided care and the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Repeals provisions which: (1) prohibit the appropriation, obligation, or use of funds for any Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility project or lease unless such funds have been specifically authorized by law; (2) require the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a prospectus of a proposed medical facility involving an expenditure of more than $4 million or facility lease with an average annual rental of more than $600,000; and (3) require the Secretary to give Congress notice before obligating an amount of funds for a major medical facility project that would cause the total amount obligated to exceed the amount specified in the law for that project by more than 10 percent, and when proposing that funds be used for a purpose other than the purpose for which such funds were appropriated.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (which is title II of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, PL107-147) to extend the temporary extended unemployment compensation (TEUC) program for five months, through weeks of unemployment ending before June 1, 2003 (currently January 1, 2003). Provides for a transition period of continuing payments to individuals with amounts remaining in their TEUC account after May 31, 2003, for weeks beginning before August 30, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Veterans and Military Personnel Fairness Act of 2003 - Removes, for months beginning on or after October 1, 2003, 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. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2005 120 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2003; and (2) adjust the amount provided after FY 2005 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of others eligible for and provided care and the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income as a qualified military benefit the amount of the death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10 of the United States Code, effective with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001. Authorizes a member of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on "qualified official extended duty" to extend for ten years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from: (1) inclusion as gross income; and (2) consideration as wages for Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax purposes (including Medicare). Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. Provides a deduction for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel as part of their official duties. States that all property of a "covered expatriate" shall be treated as sold on the day before the "expatriation date" for its fair market value. Permits an individual to make an irrevocable decision to be taxed as a U.S. citizen with respect to all property otherwise covered by the expatriation provisions. Excludes certain U.S. real property interests from the provisions of this Act. Subjects retirement plans to the provisions of this Act. Includes in a recipient's gross income the value of property received by gift or bequest from a covered expatriate, with exceptions. Establishes IRS service user fee authority through September 30, 2012. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny a former citizen reentry into the United States for noncompliance with the provisions of this Act. (Current law denies reentry based upon tax-motivated expatriation.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers (without regard to Federal crop insurance coverage) who have incurred qualifying 2001 and/or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and/or 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2003 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA, which is title II of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, PL107-147) to extend the TEUCA program through weeks of unemployment ending before June 1, 2003. Provides for a transition period of continuing payments to individuals with amounts remaining in their TEUC account after May 31, 2003, for weeks beginning before December 31, 2003. Entitles eligible individuals in all States to a total of 26 weeks of TEUCA compensation (13 weeks beyond the current 13 weeks). Makes such additional benefits also available to individuals who exhausted their TEUCA benefits before January 1, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2002
Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to revise the rule for redistribution and extended availability of FY1998 and 1999 allotments to States, permitting and extending retention of half of the FY 2000 allotment, and permitting and extending retention of half of the FY 2001 allotment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2002
Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award a grant to Neighborhood House of St. Paul, Minnesota, to finance the construction of a new community center in St. Paul, to be known as the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2002
Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make technical corrections to the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 concerning: (1) the special depreciation allowance for certain property acquired after September 10, 2001 and before September 11, 2004; (2) the application of the temporary suspension of the 90 percent alternative minimum taxable income limit on certain carrybacks of net operating losses; (3) certain tax benefits for areas of New York City which sustained damage from the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001; (4) the interest rate range for certain additional funding requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); and (5) a technical correction to the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Makes technical corrections to the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 concerning: (1) modifications to educational individual retirement accounts (IRAs); (2) an increase in benefit and contribution limits for defined benefit plans; and (3) a waiver of tax for nondeductible contributions to domestic and similar workers. Makes technical corrections to the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001 concerning the disclosure of tax information in terrorism and national security investigations. Makes technical corrections to the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 concerning the tax treatment of securities futures contracts. Makes technical corrects to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 concerning constructive sales treatment for appreciated financial positions and the extension and modification of taxes funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Redefines valid taxpayer identification number for the earned income credit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to address issues concerning the fuel excise tax. Requires that fuel be transferred by registered pipeline or vessel to qualify for the fuel tax exemption of bulk transfers to registered terminals or refineries. Imposes civil penalties for the carrying of taxable fuels by nonregistered pipelines. Requires registered operators and dealers in aviation fuel to file electronically for fuel tracking purposes. Requires that the tax imposed on the sale of diesel fuel be imposed whether or not the fuel is suitable for use in a diesel-powered vehicle or train. Imposes a civil penalty for each refusal of entry (inspection) relating to the transport and distribution of untaxed adulterated fuel mixtures or dyed diesel for taxable use. States that any person required to be registered for the sale of fuels must display that registration. Requires that the fuel tax be imposed at the point of entry when the importer is not registered. Increases the tax on vehicles at or above a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds, permitting proration of the tax only as specified. Requires information on returns concerning such vehicles to be available as necessary for law enforcement purposes. Requires copies of records to be furnished to inspectors, upon request. Permits the inspection of books and records to determine who is selling or purchasing taxable fuel. Prohibits administrative review of any penalty imposed for taxable use of dyed diesel fuel used on the highway, absent proof of fraud or mistake in chemical analysis or mathematical calculation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Highway Funding Part II Act or the MEGA Fund Part II Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for six years the availability of funds in the Highway Trust Fund authorized under specified provisions of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Makes such funding available to the Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Highway Funding Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Rural Transportation Investment Act or MEGA Rural Act - Establishes a program of Federal funds to assist States that face certain economic and demographic barriers in meeting transportation needs. Allocates funds for FY 2004 through 2009 to low-income States, high-growth States, low- and high-population-density States, and States with extensive road ownership. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a rural local roads safety pilot program. Allocates funds to States under a specified formula. Makes the Federal cost share 100 percent. Provides minimum funding levels to States for FY 2004 through 2009 for: (1) transportation services for the elderly and disabled; (2) financial assistance for other than urbanized areas; and (3) financial assistance for urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which States provide essential bus service between rural areas and primary airports, and between rural areas and stations for intercity passenger rail service, and appropriate intermediate or nearby points. Provides the Federal share of eligible transit project or operating costs for FY 2004 and thereafter. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the crediting of interest to the Mass Transit Account within the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Highway Funding Act (MEGA Fund Act) - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for various programs, including the Interstate Maintenance Program, the National Highway System, the Bridge Program, the Surface Transportation Program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, the Appalachian Development Highway System Program, the Recreational Trails Program, and the High Priority Projects Program. Requires deductions from program apportionments for a future strategic highway research program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the provisions of budget legislation pertaining to the highway program should be amended to: (1) improve predictability and stability in the levels of highway program obligation authority; (2) facilitate the expenditure of funds in the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account); and (3) eliminate the possibility of reductions in the levels of highway program obligation authority being imposed automatically so that any reductions are solely the prerogative of Congress. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Act reauthorizing highway, highway safety, and transit programs for fiscal years beginning with FY 2004 should include appropriate budgetary protections for highway safety and transit programs. Establishes a program to assist States that face certain economic and demographic barriers in meeting transportation needs. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA Act) to provide certain minimum allocations to border States. Establishes the cooperative Federal lands transportation program for projects on highways that: (1) are State owned or maintained; and (2) cross, are adjacent to, or lead to federally owned land or Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Libby Health Care Act - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the "Montana Asbestos Related Disease Health Care Trust Fund" (the "Trust Fund"), to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. States that the Trust Fund shall consist of: (1) appropriated sums; (2) transfers from certain payments to the United States; and (3) contributions from individuals, businesses, or non-profit organizations. Permits funds to be disbursed from the Trust Fund only for medical benefit payments. Declares as eligible to receive funds an individual who: (1) has an asbestos-related disease or illness and an expense related to services for the diagnosis or treatment of such disease or illness; and (2) either was a worker at the vermiculite mining and milling facility in Libby, Montana, or lived, worked, or played in Libby, Montana, for at least 6 consecutive months before December 31, 1990. Limits to $100,000 the aggregate amount that can be disbursed to an individual from the Trust Fund. Allows individuals who obtain medical benefits payments under this Act to receive other benefits, including specified benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Clean Air Planning Act of 2002 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require integrated air quality planning for the electric generating sector. Establishes national pollutant tonnage limitations for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide. Provides for review and revision of annual tonnage limitations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish trading programs for nitrogen oxide and mercury allowances. Requires equitable treatment of facilities that either use more than one energy source to produce electricity or that produce electricity in addition to another service or product. Directs the Administrator to establish reserves of nitrogen oxide and mercury allowances as set asides for new units. Establishes a nitrogen oxide and mercury allowance transfer system, requiring certification and monitoring. Regards transfers as part of the federally enforceable permit of the affected unit, requiring no further revision. Directs the Administrator to establish a carbon dioxide allowance trading program, setting aside a reserve of allowances for use by new units and new renewable energy units. Makes allowances available to projects certified by a newly established independent review board. Requires board guidelines to include certifying geological and incremental carbon sequestration. Permits the trading of allowances under any U.S. or internationally recognized carbon dioxide reduction program. Establishes a carbon dioxide allowance transfer system, requiring certification and monitoring. Revises the new source review program to cover unit changes after 2007 and to permit the lowest achievable emission rate standard to take cost into account. Revises the sulfur dioxide allowance program to establish an allowance reserve for new units and to establish maximum emissions for states in the Western Regional Air Partnership.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Reclaiming Expatriated Contracts and Profits Act - Prohibits awarding Federal contracts or subcontracts to foreign incorporated entities treated as inverted domestic corporations (a domestic corporation 80 percent of the stock of which is controlled by the former domestic stockholders or partners after the corporation is acquired by a foreign entity) and requires adjustments to Federal contract bids from certain previously acquired entities (a price increase for bids evaluated solely on price; a quantitative evaluation reduction for bids evaluated on two or more factors) for a specified period following such acquisition. Authorizes: (1) a presidential waiver in the interest of national security; and (2) an exception to the application of this Act for entities that were not acquired to avoid Federal income taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Social Security Number Misuse Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the display, sale, or purchase of social security numbers without the affirmatively expressed consent of the individual, except in specified circumstances. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on all the uses of social security numbers permitted, required, authorized, or excepted under any Federal law. Establishes a public records exception to the prohibition. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on social security numbers in public records. Grants the Attorney General rulemaking authority. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit: (1) the use of social security numbers on checks issued for payment by governmental agencies; (2) the appearance of such numbers on driver's licenses or motor vehicle registration; and (3) inmate access to social security account numbers. Prohibits a commercial entity from requiring an individual to provide a social security number when purchasing a commercial good or service or denying an individual the good or service for refusing to provide that number, with exceptions. Establishes civil and criminal penalties. Extends civil monetary penalties for misuse of a social security number. Provides for: (1) criminal penalties under SSA title II for the misuse of a social security number; and (2) civil actions and civil penalties. Prohibits any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or limited liability company that accepts credit cards for the transaction of business from printing electronically more than the last five digits of the credit card account number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the cardholder.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Innovative Finance Act or MEGA - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to a taxpayer holding a qualified highway bond. Limits the amount of such bonds which may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) suspend the tax-exempt status of an organization designated by an Executive order as a terrorist organization; (2) prohibit taking a deduction for a contribution to any such organization; (3) prohibit challenging such a suspension or denial in any administrative or judicial proceeding relating to Federal tax liability; and (4) provide any credit or refund due (with interest), in the case of an erroneous designation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2002
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2002 - Requires that the share of the Tribe from amounts distributed to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation under the Indian Tribal Judgement Funds Use or Distribution Act (and including funds from the Fort Peck Reservation, et al. v. The United States of America, Docket No. 773-87) be made available for tribal health, education, housing and social services programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Environmental Streamlining Act (MEGA Stream Act) - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program under which States carry out Federal responsibilities with respect to one or more highway or transit projects (or classes of projects) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), provisions of this Act, or such other environmental review or decision-making authority of the Secretary as the Secretary deems appropriate. Sets conditions regarding State assumption of responsibility for projects located within the State for which environmental impact statements are required. Grants the U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action against a State for failure to carry out any State responsibility under this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct audits to ensure State compliance. Designates the Department of Transportation as the lead agency for purposes of compliance with NEPA. Sets forth provisions regarding statements of purpose and need for a highway or transit project, determination of alternatives, and public comment. Makes the Secretary responsible for: (1) developing a schedule for the NEPA process; (2) coordinating efforts to identify and resolve issues that could cause any other Federal agency to oppose or deny project approval or cause delay in completion of the process; (3) developing an agency coordination plan; (4) requesting each relevant Federal agency to participate in the process; and (5) preparing or ensuring that any required environmental impact statement is completed in accordance with the NEPA process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as feasible (but not later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2002
Beneficiary Access to Care and Medicare Equity Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make a variety of changes with regard to rural health care and such matters as: (1) urban and rural standardized payment amounts under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (2) disproportionate share hospital (DSH) treatment for rural hospitals and urban hospitals with under 100 beds; (3) a temporary increase in payments for certain services furnished by small rural hospitals and for hospice care furnished in a frontier area; (4) the critical access hospital program; (5) the physician fee schedule geographic adjustment factor; (6) the Medicare incentive payment program; and (7) exclusion of certain rural health clinic and federally qualified health center services from the Medicare PPS for skilled nursing facilities. Amends the Public Health Service Act to give the Secretary the authority to make and guarantee loans from the loan fund to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to revising updates and restoring payments under: (1) Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) relating to inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospice services; (2) Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) relating to physicians' and other services; and (3) both parts A and B relating to home health services, eliminating the 15 percent reduction in PPS payment rates. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to: (1) the minimum percentage increase for 2003 and 2004; (2) authority regarding disapproval of unreasonable beneficiary cost-sharing; (3) specialized Medicare+Choice plans for special needs beneficiaries; and (4) extension of new entry bonus. Revises requirements for Medicare appeals, regulatory procedures, contracting, education and outreach, prepayment review, overpayment recovery, and enforcement. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to: (1) Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments; (2) extension of Medicare cost-sharing for part B premiums for certain additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) inpatient drug prices in the best price exemptions for the Medicaid drug rebate program. Amends SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) with respect to SCHIP allotments. Amends SSA title XI on the process for the development and implementation of Medicaid and SCHIP waivers. Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for additional temporary grants for State fiscal relief. Establishes the Safety Net Organizations and Patient Advisory Commission to review health care safety net programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through Safety Improvements Act (MEGA Safe Act) - Directs the Secretary of Transportation: (1) before making an apportionment for the Interstate and National Highway System program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, or the Surface Transportation program for a fiscal year, to set aside specified funds to carry out a program to assist local governments in placing fluorescent yellow-green signs to mark school zone crossing and other pedestrian and bicycle highway crossing zones; and (2) to establish a rural local roads safety pilot program to carry out construction, improvement, and maintenance activities that provide a safety benefit. Designates the left lane of each highway on the Interstate System as a national passing lane. Directs the Secretary to provide not less than $1 million to each State and the District of Columbia to inform the public that: (1) passing lanes should be used for passing only; and (2) motor vehicle operators in the left lane should always move to the right to permit other vehicles to pass. Requires the Secretary to provide jointly to the American Trucking Association and the American Automobile Association a $1 million grant to identify the most effective means by which drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks may be educated concerning the hazards, and the safest manner, of driving in each other's presence. Directs the Secretary to require that a trained and certified person be responsible for ensuring the effective administration of any traffic control plan of a highway project that uses Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Declares the sense of Congress that the President should designate November 2002 as National Bread Month in recognition of the significance of bread in American history, culture, and daily diet.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Supports the goals and ideas of a day of tribute to all firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Recognizes the important mission of the Fallen Firefighters Foundation in assisting family members to overcome the loss of their fallen heroes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the 4-H Youth Development Program, and commends such program for service to the youth of the world. Designates October 6, 2002, through October 12, 2002, as National 4-H Youth Development Program Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2002
Quality of Care for Individuals With Cancer Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a contract to a national voluntary consensus organization, whereby the organization shall agree to identify core sets of quality of cancer care measures in consultation with a panel or an advisory group of interested parties. Expands the national program of State cancer registries funded under the Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Cancer Surveillance System to monitor such registries, and reauthorizes the national program through 2008. Modifies provision dealing with matching funds to require States pay at least one dollar for every five (currently, three) Federal dollars spent on a cancer registry. Requires the Secretary to develop partnerships to speed the pace of improvements in the quality of cancer care. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to improve the quality of cancer care. Requires the Secretary to award grants to entities to develop, implement, and evaluate: (1) cancer case management programs; (2) model programs for the delivery of palliative care for cancer sufferers; and (3) end-of-life care programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research regarding cancer survivorship. Requires the Secretary to make grants to support cancer curriculum development for health care provider training. Requires National Cancer Institute cancer control programs to include a plan to assist health professionals in professions facing the most severe shortages. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to cooperate with, and make grants to, public or nonprofit entities to conduct multidisciplinary translational cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code by: (1) reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until October 1, 2012; (2) reinstating the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate until October 1, 2012 and by prohibiting imposition of such rate if the unobligated balance in such Fund exceeds $5 (previously, $1) billion; (3) extending the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate until October 1, 2012; and (4) reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2012.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2002
Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Elder Justice) to establish: (1) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Elder Justice, headed by a Director who shall develop objectives, priorities, policy, and a long-term plan for elder justice programs; (2) within HHS an Intra-Agency Elder Justice Steering Committee to coordinate HHS elder justice programs and policy; (3) the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to make recommendations for the coordination of activities, relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and other crimes against elders, to HHS, the Department of Justice, and other relevant Federal, State, local, and private agencies and entities; and (4) the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Outlines provisions with respect to uniform collection, maintenance, and dissemination of national data relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award various grants, including grants for: (1) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) five Centers of Excellence nationwide that shall specialize in research, clinical practice, and training relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (3) six diverse communities to examine various types of elder shelters and to test various models for establishing safe havens; (4) nonprofit organizations to encourage such organizations to establish or continue volunteer programs that focus on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, or that provide related services; and (5) various multidisciplinary elder justice activities. Provides for: (1) reporting to law enforcement of crimes occurring in Federally-funded long-term care facilities; (2) revising the quality of long-term care; and (3) increasing consumer information about long-term care. Amends: (1) SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish programs to prevent abuse of skilled nursing facility and nursing facility residents; (2) the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of health care professionals with geriatric training; (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965 with respect to the long-term care ombudsman program; (4) part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to establish in HHS the Office of Adult Protective Services; and (5) SSA titles XVIII and XIX to assure safety of residents when nursing facilities close. Establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of Elder Justice. Amends the: (1) Federal criminal code to provide for a cause of action for elder abuse and neglect; and (2) Internal Revenue Code to provide for a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2002
Emergency Communications and Competition Act of 2002 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assign licenses in the 12.2 -12.7 gigahertz band for the provision of fixed terrestrial communications services. Prohibits: (1) granting such a license if operations would interfere with direct broadcast satellite service; or (2) such licenses from being used for the provision of personal communications or terrestrial telephony service. Requires licensees to begin providing services within five years after the license is granted. Requires each licensee to: (1) disseminate Federal, State, and local Emergency Alert System warnings to all subscribers; (2) provide immediate access of its services for national security and emergency preparedness personnel; and (3) adhere to all FCC-established access requirements, including the carriage of local television station signals, access for political candidates, and public interest programming and services. Directs the FCC to: (1) establish boundaries for license recipients that conform to existing television markets; and (2) redesignate the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service as the Terrestrial Direct Broadcast Service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2002
Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to: (1) expeditiously complete hazardous fuels reduction projects consistent with the Implementation Plan for the 10-year Comprehensive Strategy for a Collective Approach to Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment; (2) develop a project selection process with interested parties; and (3) establish a commission and monitoring process to evaluate project impact and effectiveness. Gives implementation priority to: (1) wildland urban interface areas; (2) municipal watersheds; or (3) forested or rangeland areas affected by disease, insects, or wind throw. Authorizes the Secretaries to temporarily exclude from environmental documentation requirements certain projects in areas (condition class 3) identified in a specified Forest Service map and report. Requires that all specified hazardous fuels operations funds be used in such areas. Sets aside specified funds for small, economically disadvantaged communities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America through Investment in Rural, Elderly, and Disabled Transit Act (or the MEGA RED TRANS Act) - Amends Federal transportation law to set forth certain minimum funding levels of amounts made available from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for: (1) formula grants and loans to States to provide mass transportation services to elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities and in non-urbanized areas; and (2) block grants to States for mass transportation service projects in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000. Establishes an essential bus service program under which States provide essential bus service between rural areas and primary airports, and between rural areas and stations for intercity passenger rail service, and appropriate intermediate or nearby points. Sets forth certain requirements regarding the Federal share of eligible project costs or eligible operating costs with respect to funds distributed for transit projects after FY 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require interest that is accrued on balances in the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to be credited to such account.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within 15 days after the enactment of this Act, to return to the winning bidders of spectrum auction 35 the full amount of all deposits and down payments made for licenses that the FCC has not delivered by such date. Frees each winning bidder that elects within such period to relinquish a license not yet delivered of all license obligations such bidder would otherwise have had, including the obligation to pay the full amount of its winning bid upon license delivery.
![Official portrait of Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000243_200.jpg)