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United States · Official source
3,789 records where Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Designates the week beginning September 15, 2002, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
Amends the Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 to revise the special pay adjustments for (percentage differentials payable to) Federal law enforcement officers in specified consolidated metropolitan statistical areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Prescription Drug Benefit Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for Medicare coverage of outpatient prescription drugs; and (2) require the revision of Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) policy benefit packages to replace the currently available outpatient prescription drug coverage with coverage that complements but does not duplicate the coverage otherwise available under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2002
White-Collar Crime Penalty Enhancement Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase penalties for: (1) conspiracy to commit an offense against, or to defraud, the United States; and (2) mail and wire fraud. Amends the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 to increase criminal penalties for violations of such Act. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines and related policy statements to: (1) ensure that they reflect the serious nature of the offenses and penalties set forth in this Act, the growing incidence of serious fraud offenses, and the need to deter, prevent, and punish such offenses; and (2) consider whether a specific offense characteristic should be added in order to provide stronger penalties for fraud committed by a corporate officer or director. Requires that each periodic report containing financial statements filed by an issuer with the Securities Exchange Commission be accompanied by a written statement by the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer certifying: (1) the appropriateness of the financial statements and disclosures; and (2) that those financial statements and disclosures fairly present the operations and financial condition of the user. Sets penalties of: (1) up to $500,000 and five years imprisonment for recklessly and knowingly violating this Act; and (2) up to $1,000,000 and ten years imprisonment for willfully violating this 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 · 28 June 2002
Recognizes the accomplishments of Ignacy Jan Paderewski as a musician, composer, statesman, and philanthropist, and acknowledges his efforts in forging close Polish-American ties, on the tenth anniversary of the return of his remains to Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Amends rule XLII (employment practices) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit employment discrimination in the Senate based on sexual orientation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Designates the week of November 10-16, 2002, as National Veterans Awareness Week to emphasize educational programs for elementary and secondary school students regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
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 · 19 June 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the status quo on Cyprus must end and the island and its people must be reunited in a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal Cyprus, on the basis of United Nations Security Council resolutions; (2) the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) would act as a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem without such solution being a precondition for accession; (3) membership of Cyprus to the EU should be strongly supported; (4) all Cypriots should be urged to support and encourage efforts to bring Cyprus into the EU; and (5) U.S. agencies should pursue initiatives that will help promote and achieve reunification, reconciliation, stability, and prosperity on Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act of 2002 or RAVE Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit knowingly leasing, renting, or using, or intentionally profiting from, any place (as well as opening, maintaining, leasing, or renting any place, as provided under current law), whether permanently or temporarily, for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using a controlled substance. Subjects violators to: (1) a civil penalty of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross receipts derived from each violation; and (2) declaratory and injunctive remedies. Authorizes the court to apportion the penalty between multiple violators, but makes each violator jointly and severally liable. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and consider amending the Federal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving gamma hydroxybutyric acid to provide for increased penalties. Authorizes appropriations to the Drug Enforcement Administration for: (1) a Demand Reduction Coordinator in each State; and (2) educating youth, parents, and other interested adults regarding drugs associated with raves.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to be known as the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration Program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) produce and distribute to the public educational materials relating to the American Revolution, such as handbooks, maps, and interpretive guides; (2) provide technical assistance to other Federal agencies, States, local governments, private entities, and the governments of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada; (3) assist in the protection of resources associated with the American Revolution; (4) enhance communications, connections, and collaboration among the National Park Service (NPS) units and programs relating to the American Revolution; (5) expand the research base for interpretation of and education on the American Revolution; and (6) adopt an official symbol or device for the theme "Lighting Freedom's Flame: American Revolution, 225th Anniversary." Requires that such Program include: (1) all NPS units and programs relevant to the American Revolution; (2) other governmental and nongovernmental sites, facilities that are documented to be directly related to the American Revolution, and educational, research, and interpretive programs relating to the American Revolution; and (3) the participation of such foreign governments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Amends the Federal criminal code to define vehicle, for purposes of criminal penalties relating to terrorist attacks and other acts of violence against mass transportation systems, as "any carriage or other contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on land, water, or through the air."
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Declares that the Senate: (1) supports the goals of National Night Out (an event during which participants are urged to light up their homes and neighborhoods between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on August 6, 2002, to highlight the importance of community participation in crime prevention efforts); (2) recognizes that the fight against neighborhood crime and terrorism requires individuals, neighborhood crime watch organizations, schools, and community policing groups and other law enforcement officials to work together; (3) encourages neighborhood residents, crime watch organizations, and schools to participate in National Night Out activities; and (4) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to participate and to make neighborhood crime prevention, community policing, and reduction of school crime important priorities of the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be established a National Community Health Center Week for the week beginning on August 18, 2002, to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2002
Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program to protect the environmental integrity of undeveloped coastal and estuarine areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make program grants to coastal States for the purpose of acquiring property interests. Prohibits any more than 75 percent of the grant funding from being derived from Federal sources. Authorizes the Secretary to provide $5 million for a regional watershed protection demonstration project that: (1) leverages land acquisition funding from other Federal conservation or acquisition programs; (2) involves partnerships with Federal, State, and non-governmental entities; (3) creates conservation corridors; (4) protects habitats under imminent threat of development or conversion; (5) provides water quality protection for areas under the National Estuarine Research Reserve program; and (6) provides a model for future regional watershed protection projects. Reserves 15 percent of program funds for acquisitions benefitting the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Specifies that when property is acquired under this program: (1) title will be held by the grant recipient; (2) property will be managed consistent with the purpose of the program; and (3) funds will be returned to the Secretary if the property is sold, exchanged, or divested.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Toxic Clean-up Polluter Pays Renewal Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until January 1, 2013, and reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as of October 2, 2002, to give a higher priority in the provision of hospital care and medical services under the veterans' patient enrollment system to veterans who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for the area in which the veterans reside, regardless of whether such veterans are otherwise treated as single person families or families under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 2002 - Extends through FY 2013 the authority of a program for testing and improving the responses of Federal, State, and local governments to emergencies involving nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapons and related materials. Directs the Administrator for Nuclear Security to carry out a program on technology for protection from nuclear or radiological terrorism. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to: (1) expand the International Materials Protection, Control, and Accounting program of the Department of Energy to include countries outside the Russian Federation and the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and (2) provide technical assistance to the Secretary of State in assisting other nuclear weapons states (countries) to review and improve their nuclear materials safeguards programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) build on efforts to accelerate the conversion or return to the country of origin of all weapons-usable nuclear materials located in research reactors and other facilities outside the country of origin; and (2) establish a program on the protection, control, and accounting of materials usable in radiological dispersal devices. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program to pursue, with the Russian Federation and any other nation that possesses highly enriched uranium, options for blending such uranium so that the uranium's concentration of U-235 is below 20 percent. Authorizes the Secretary to assist the Russian Federation with its plutonium disposition program. Authorizes the Secretary to pursue in appropriate international areas options for accelerating programs to improve domestic export control programs for materials, technology, and expertise relating to the construction or use of a nuclear or radiological dispersal device. Requires the Secretary to work cooperatively with the Russian Federation to update and improve the Joint Action Plan for materials protection, control, and accounting programs. Provides for the utilization of Department of Energy national laboratories and sites in support of Federal, State, or local antiterrorism activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2002
Reducing Crime and Terrorism at America's Seaports Act of 2002 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to: (1) increase civil and criminal financial penalties for noncompliance with manifest requirements; and (2) apply them to owners of vehicles as well as operators. Prescribes criminal penalties for intentional falsification of a certificate of origin for exports. Requires persons in charge of land, air, or vessel carriers, including their agents, who must by law present a manifest to transmit certain specified identification and inventory information pursuant to an electronic data interchange system information before lading of cargo or clearance and loading of cargo. Requires shippers of waterborne cargo loading in a U.S. port (including an ocean transportation intermediary that is a nonvessel-operating common carrier) to submit a complete set of shipping documents within 72 hours before vessel departure. Subjects undocumented goods to search, seizure and forfeiture. Directs the Customs Service to develop a uniform system of securing or sealing at loading all containers originating in or destined for the United States. Prescribes a fine and a prison sentence for endangering safety at a seaport by committing an act of violence against a person at such a location or damaging the facilities. Increases penalties for theft from customs and for theft of funds earmarked for payment of customs duties, taxes, or fees. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend its exemption from certain prohibitions against transactions with countries supporting international terrorism to any transaction by a U.S. law enforcement agent determined by the President to be essential to U.S. national security interests or relating to an imminent threat of harm to a U.S. person or property (especially undercover investigations into unlawful arms trafficking). Directs the Attorney General to: (1) issue regulations to require carriers and port owners or operators to report certain information about cargo thefts; and (2) create a database for such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2002 - Requires the President to establish a comprehensive, integrated, five-year strategy to combat the global spread of HIV and AIDS. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a comprehensive plan to empower women to protect themselves against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Establishes within the Department of State a presidentially appointed Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally. Authorizes the United States to participate in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and increases financial assistance for vaccine contributions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to conclude an agreement with the Paris Club of Official Creditors and other specified multilateral development institutions to modify the Enhanced HIPC Initiative with respect to debt cancellation for eligible countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance and coordination between international organizations for the global prevention, treatment, monitoring, and control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the President to establish a program to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating services of American health care professionals in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world severely affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the Secretary of Defense to expand the Department of Defense program of HIV/AIDS prevention educational activities in sub-Saharan African countries. Requires the Administrator of USAID to establish a program of assistance that would demonstrate the feasibility of providing care and treatment to orphans, other children, and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in foreign countries. Sets forth principles for U.S. firms operating in countries affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Designates October 13 through 19, 2002, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. Commits to increasing the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis by promoting public knowledge and understanding in a manner that will result in earlier diagnoses, more fund raising efforts for research, and increased levels of support for cystic fibrosis sufferers and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) survey each law enforcement jurisdiction to assess the backlog of DNA testing of rape kit samples and other sexual assault evidence; and (2) make grants to eligible entities to carry out sexual assault examiner training and certification, develop sexual assault examiner programs, acquire or improve forensic equipment, and train law enforcement personnel in the handling of sexual assault cases. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) ensure that DNA testing and analysis of samples from rape kits and non-suspect cases are carried out in a timely manner; (2) reauthorize grants; (3) authorize local governments to apply for and receive grants; (4) direct the Attorney General to give priority in awarding grants to a State or local governmental unit that has a significant rape kit or non-suspect case backlog; (5) expand the scope of DNA samples subject to privacy protections; and (6) authorize appropriations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the collection and use of DNA identification information from certain Federal offenders. Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize "John Doe" DNA indictments for sexual abuse (allows describing a person as an unknown individual who has a particular DNA profile if the identity of the accused or defendant is unknown); and (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations to the FBI to carry out a redesign of the Combined DNA Index System.
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
Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2002 - Provides for: (1) the establishment of a fellowship program to award fellowships to eligible nationals of developing countries to pursue in the United States a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology, advanced public health training in epidemiology for public health professionals from such countries, and courses on diagnosis and containment of likely bioterrorism agents; and (2) short courses in-country (not the United States) to train laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from developing countries in laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to eligible developing countries (with priority to certain countries) to purchase and maintain certain public health laboratory equipment, including communications equipment and information technology and supporting equipment to effectively collect, analyze, and transmit public health information. Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to assign to a U.S. mission or organization a public health employee to enhance disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Provides for: (1) a laboratory-to-laboratory exchange program between the United States and a eligible developing country; and (2) the expansion of the number of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense personnel assigned to laboratories in eligible developing countries that conduct research with respect to infectious diseases, including the operations of those laboratories, especially with respect to the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and activities affecting neighboring countries. Provides assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for the World Health Organization and regional health networks and for the expansion of foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Designates the U.S. courthouse located at 100 Federal Plaza in Central Islip, New York, as the Alfonse M. D'Amato United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Commends the Republic of Croatia for its progress during the past decade and encourages its democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the free market. Expresses support for Croatia's aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and recommends its acceptance into the Membership Action Plan at the NATO Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland, in May 2002. Encourages Croatia's contributions in bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the South Central Europe region, including its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recognizes the important role of the Croatian-American community in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Confidence in Criminal Justice Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the suspension of execution of a death sentence under specified circumstances upon notice by a party that has filed a motion for a stay of execution or for certiorari with, or that has been granted certiorari by, the United States Supreme Court. Treats a motion for a stay of execution as a petition for certiorari. Requires a U.S. justice or judge before whom a habeas corpus proceeding that involves the death sentence is pending to stay the execution until the proceeding is completed. Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth provisions: (1) allowing and governing motions by imprisoned individuals for post-conviction DNA testing on specified evidence; and (2) regarding testing and reporting of test results. Prohibits the Government, for a specified period, from destroying biological material preserved if the defendant is serving a term of imprisonment following conviction in a case, with exceptions. Directs the Attorney General to establish a system for reporting and tracking motions under this Act. Prohibits a State from denying an application for DNA testing made by a prisoner in State custody who would be eligible for such testing under Federal provisions pursuant to this Act. Entitles a defendant in a criminal action in a State court that may result in punishment by death, who is financially unable to obtain adequate representation or investigative, expert, or other reasonably necessary services before or after judgment, to the appointment of one or more attorneys and the furnishing of such services. Prescribes minimum experience requirements for such defense counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Mychal Judge Police and Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers' Benefit Act of 2002 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include police and fire department chaplains killed in the line of duty among persons who qualify to receive public safety officer death benefits. Provides that if there is no surviving spouse or surviving child any such benefits shall be paid to the person designated by such officer as beneficiary under that officer's most recently executed life insurance policy, provided that such individual survived such officer. (Current law restricts such beneficiaries to the spouse, child, or parent.)
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 · 25 April 2002
Safe Motherhood Act for Research and Treatment or SMART Mom Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Office of Woman's Health, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the Centers for Disease Control, to address the health issues of pregnant women. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Safe Motherhood to evaluate and coordinate Federal research and information efforts and establish and implement the national Safe Motherhood Campaign. Requires the development and maintenance of a single Internet website. Requires expanded and intensified research activities concerning pregnancy-related illness, injury, and death and the impact of chronic conditions, physical impairments, and mental health problems on the health of women during pregnancy. Requires the establishment of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit Network. Awards research and demonstration project grants to address racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Requires: (1) studies of the quality of maternal health care (from a patient's perspective) and the effects of pregnancy on women's health; and (2) surveillance of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity data. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to address issues concerning certain drugs and medical devices and their appropriate use by or effects on pregnant or lactating women and/or fetuses, through: (1) identification and study; (2) pharmacoepidemiological data bases; (3) biennial review and prioritization (drugs); (4) labeling; and (5) the Women's Health: Take Time to Care (or a new) program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2002
Medicare Equity for Veterans Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and of Veterans Affairs (VA), under a new Medicare Subvention Project for Veterans, to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for Medicare health care services furnished to targeted Medicare-eligible veterans who volunteer for such project. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted at up to ten sites jointly designated by the Secretaries. Directs the VA Secretary to establish and operate coordinated care health plans to provide benefits to the enrolled veterans consistent with the program under SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice).
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
Debt Relief Enhancement Act of 2002 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to commence efforts immediately within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions to modify the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative so that the amount of debt stock reduction approved for a country eligible for debt relief shall be sufficient to reduce, by a specified deadline, the net present value of the outstanding public and publicly guaranteed debt of the country, and the annual payments due, to levels determined according to certain formulae. Prohibits conditioning any such debt cancellation on an agreement by an impoverished country to implement or comply with policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment. Prescribes other specified conditions and prohibitions with respect to country eligibility. Requires any country otherwise eligible to receive debt cancellation under the modifications to the Initiative made by this Act to agree to: (1) ensure that the financial benefits of debt cancellation are applied to programs to combat HIV/AIDS and poverty; and (2) implement transparent and participatory policymaking and budget procedures, good governance, and effective anticorruption measures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the options and costs associated with expanding debt relief under the Initiative to poor countries not eligible for inclusion in it.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2002
Children's Sleepwear Safety Act of 2002 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revoke the amendments to the standards for the flammability of children's sleepwear sizes 0 through 6X, and 7 through 14, contained in specified regulations issued by the Commission on September 9, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2002
Designates the week of April 21 through April 28, 2002, as National Biotechnology Week.
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 · 20 March 2002
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act of 2002 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and Dupage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway design plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating their approval, funding, construction, and implementation. Requires an implementation plan to be prepared by the State of Illinois under the Clean Air Act for regulating emissions associated with activity at commercial service airports. Makes the Administrator's approval of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan conditional on the meeting of specified requirements. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Health Plan Purchasing Alliance Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program to facilitate State-based or directed health plan purchasing alliances to increase access to and lower costs of health benefits for small employer groups and individuals. Makes State agencies and specified nonprofits or cooperatives eligible for participation in such grant program. Authorizes Governors of nonparticipating States to request that the Secretary establish a Federal Employees' Health Benefit Program alliance for part or all of such State. Provides for State certification of small group health plan purchasing alliances, including interstate alliances. Sets forth a governance structure and requirements for such alliances, including marketing area and conflict of interest rules. Prohibits such alliances from involvement in the licensing of health plan issuers, assumption of financial risk on behalf of members of such alliance, or for-profit operations. Provides for a limited preemption of otherwise restrictive State laws concerning groups organizing to purchase health insurance and premium rate reductions. Treats such alliances as employee welfare benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for enforcement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2002
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to expend up to $50 million for a fiscal year in Cooperative Threat Reduction funds to prevent proliferation of nuclear, chemical and other weapons outside the former Soviet Union, where allocation of such funds is currently limited to. Specifies that such expenditures may occur if determined that certain projects or activities will assist the United States in dealing with critical emerging proliferation threats or in achieving long-standing nonproliferation goals. Determines that such funds may go only to equipment, goods and services and cannot be spent directly on a project or activity. Directs the President to include in a given year's budget a request for funds distributed under the Act during the last fiscal year with a description of what projects would otherwise have been funded. Sets a time frame for the Secretary to inform Congress of what funds will be used for. Contains a provision for emergency distribution of funds to meet a critical emerging proliferation threat or a nonproliferation goal that requires such allocation. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the advisability of establishing one or more new cooperative threat reduction programs to account for projects or activities for which emergency distribution of funds were distributed under the Act or that were funded under the Act two years in a row.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) destroying, altering, or falsifying records in Federal investigations or in bankruptcy; and (2) failure of an accountant who conducts an audit of an issuer of securities to maintain all documents sent, received, or created in connection with the audit for a five year period. Amends: (1) the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act to authorize State attorneys general and the Securities and Exchange Commission (current law limits such authority to the Attorney General) to institute proceedings under the Act; (2) Federal bankruptcy law to make certain debts incurred in violation of Federal or State securities laws, or common law fraud in connection with the purchase or sale of any security, non-dischargeable in bankruptcy; and (3) the Federal judicial code to authorize a private right of action that involves a securities fraud-related claim to be brought by the earlier of five years after the date of the alleged violation or three years after its discovery. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines for obstruction of justice, and for fraud when the number of victims adversely involved is significantly greater than 50 or when it endangers the solvency or financial security of multiple victims. Authorizes a civil action to protect whistle-blowing employees against retaliation in fraud cases involving publicly traded companies. Sets forth criminal penalties for defrauding shareholders of such companies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Family Violence Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of Family Violence within the Department of Health and Human Services. Directs the Office to coordinate intra-departmental family violence programs and develop a Federal family violence prevention Internet website. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment of five family violence research and education centers through grants or contracts with public and nonprofit private entities. Requires such centers to: (1) include both professional and public education; and (2) be linked to national, State, and local resources. Requires one center to be linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and another to the National Institute of Mental Health. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to make recommendations concerning the centers' research agenda. Requires the Director to award grants to eligible entities, including healthcare delivery systems or training entities, to develop and disseminate family violence education and training curricula, programs, and strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2002
Designates March 8, 2002, as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to ending discrimination and violence against women, ensuring their safety and welfare, and pursuing policies that guarantee their basic rights both in the United States and in the world. Calls upon the U.S. people to observe International Women's Day with appropriate programs and activities.
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 · 6 March 2002
National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system, as specified. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, and environmental and Americans With Disabilities Act compliance. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2002
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United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2002
Designates March 25, 2002, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) a commemorative stamp should be issued honoring Felix Octavius Carr Darley (19th century illustrator and designer); and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2002
Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into interagency agreements with the Health Resources Services Administration (Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse Interdisciplinary Project) or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Addiction Technology Transfer Centers counselor training programs) to carry out training activities for health professionals concerning the diagnosis, intervention, treatment, treatment referral, and prevention program advocacy with respect to substance abuse. Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a substance abuse faculty fellowship program to provide assistance to enable eligible institutions to employ individuals to serve as faculty and provide substance abuse training in a multi-disciplinary manner. Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to convene an interagency oversight committee to coordinate Federal activities concerning substance abuse training for health professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Supports the goals and ideas of National Donor Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation and to discuss such donation with their families and friends.