United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Medicare+Choice Consumer Protection Act of 2001 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for continuous open enrollment and disenrollment in Medicare+Choice plans; (2) permit enrollment in the Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) program when Medicare+Choice plans reduce benefits or when a provider leaves a Medicare+Choice plan; and (3) limit Medicare+Choice cost-sharing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Public Transit Authority Pilot Procurement Authorization Act of 2001 - Directs the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the Department of Transportation to carry out a pilot program to facilitate and accelerate procurement of certain buses by State, local, and regional authorities in cases where Federal funds form the majority of the funding for the procurement. Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to reopen bids for companies to supply such vehicles to relevant State, local, and regional authorities. Directs that not later than December 31, 2003, the GSA and the FTA shall publish a multiple award schedule which shall allow affected State, local, and regional authorities, Federal agencies or other ordering entities to acquire such vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Recognizes and honors the National Guard on the 365th anniversary of the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia and recognizes the critical importance of the National Guard to U.S. national security. Salutes members of the National Guard for their service on September 11, 2001, and their continued role in homeland defense and military operations against the al Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Expresses support for providing the National Guard with necessary resources to ensure its continued readiness.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) are serving on National Guard duty during the emergency; (3) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (4) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2001
White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should establish the White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month to make recommendations to the President on the proclamation of National Military Appreciation Month to be celebrated in May of each year; and (2) any such Commission should be composed of specified members. Expresses the sense of Congress that if such Commission is established, the President should also establish the Spirit of America Alliance to assist the Commission: (1) in the planning, organization, and conduct of an annual White House Conference on National Military Appreciation and other similar events; (2) in the promotion of the observance of such Month and other military commemorative events through appropriate means, subject to any guidelines developed by the Commission; (3) in the establishment of necessary incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance; (4) in the evaluation of the effectiveness of efforts by the Commission and the Alliance in carrying out this Act; and (5) by the performance of any other related duties that are assigned by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Authorizes the burial in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, of any individual (and establishes eligibility for his or her surviving spouse) who: (1) died as a direct result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) would have been eligible for such burial by reason of service in a reserve component but for the fact that the individual was less than 60 years of age at the time of death.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, to furnish assistance to individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign countries. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) conduct programs in foreign countries related to individuals with disabilities, including victims of land mines and other victims of civil strife and warfare; and (2) provide grants to nongovernmental organizations for carrying out research, prevention, public awareness, and assistance programs for such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide: (1) advice and expertise on prosthetics, orthotics, physical and psychological rehabilitation and treatment, and disability assistance to other Federal agencies with respect to assistance programs for such individuals; and (2) technical assistance to private voluntary organizations with respect to the planning, development, operation, and evaluation of such land mine assistance, research, and prevention programs. Directs the Secretary of State to establish and chair an interagency group to coordinate all Federal programs that furnish assistance to such individuals and conduct land mine research, demining, and prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Energy Policy Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth an energy delivery and production scheme that includes: (1) electric reliability standards; (2) electric utility mergers; (3) market-based rates; (4) transmission interconnections; and (5) open access transmission. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2002 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) adopt real-time pricing standards; (2) terminate mandatory cogeneration and small power production purchase and sale requirements; and (3) mandate net metering service. Provides for renewable energy and rural construction grants. Sets forth alternative mandatory conditions for hydroelectric relicensing on Federal reservation lands. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish within the Department of Energy (DOE) an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2002 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide permanent DOE contractor indemnification authority and to revise liability limits. Prescribes guidelines for domestic oil production and transportation, including Federal onshore oil and gas leasing programs, and full capacity for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2002 - Prescribes guidelines for expedited approval, construction, and Federal loan guarantees for Alaska natural gas transportation and delivery systems into the contiguous United States. Amends Federal transportation law to mandate increased Federal fleet vehicle fuel efficiency. Establishes the National Motor Vehicle Efficiency Improvement Program to provide assistance for State programs to retire fuel-inefficient motor vehicles. Prescribes guidelines for increased use of alternative and renewable fuels. Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit the use of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for methyl tertiary butyl ether (MBTE) remediation purposes. Amends the Clean Air Act to revise guidelines pertaining to: (1) water quality protection from fuels; (2) oxygen content requirements for reformulated gasoline; and (3) public health and environmental impacts of fuels and fuel additives. Provides increased funding for: (1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; (2) weatherization assistance; and (3) State energy conservation plans. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) revise energy performance and management requirements for Federal buildings; and (2) mandate procurement of energy efficient products. Establishes the Federal Energy Bank to make loans to assist Federal agency implementation of energy conservation measures in Federal buildings. Amends Federal housing laws to provide further support for energy efficient, affordable housing, including: (1) FHA mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing; and (2) grants for energy-conserving improvements for assisted housing. Climate Change Strategy and Technology Innovation Act of 2002 - Establishes the National Office of Climate Change Response within the Executive Office of the President. Establishes related bodies, including: (1) the Office of Climate Change Technology in DOE to manage an energy technology research and development program that directly supports the Strategy; and (2) the United States Climate Change Response Strategy Review Board. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the National Greenhouse Gas Database. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Database as an advisory body. Energy Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2002 - Sets forth a national energy research, development, demonstration, and technology deployment program that operates as an integral part of the national climate change strategy in partnership with industry, the national laboratories, and institutions of higher learning. Includes within such program: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) fossil energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fundamental energy science; and (6) critical energy infrastructure protection research and development. Establishes: (1) a Clean Energy Technology Exports Program to focus upon transferring clean energy technology to countries expected to experience the most significant growth in energy production and associated greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20 years; (2) an International Energy Technology Deployment Program to construct an energy production facility outside the United States to implement specified greenhouse gas reduction; and (3) in the Office of Science and Technology Policy an integrated program for the global change research program. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) submit to Congress a plan of action for a National Climate Service under the National Climate Program; and (2) initiate a program to develop innovative standards and measurement technologies to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Mandates establishment of: (1) an integrated ocean and coastal observing system; (2) a global climate change standards and processes research program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (3) a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Program for regional impacts related to increased greenhouse gas concentrations; (4) a NASA pilot project exploration of remote sensing and other geospatial information in order to forecast a plan for adaptation to coastal zone and land use changes. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish national energy research and development advisory boards to exercise external technical review of DOE research and development programs. Creates a coordination and management framework within DOE for civilian science and technology programs, including: (1) an Under Secretary for Energy and Science to serve as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary and monitor the DOE research and development programs; (2) an Assistant Secretary of Science for fundamental DOE science and engineering research functions, including policy and management; (3) a Technology Transfer Coordinator; (4) a Technology Partnership Working Group; (5) a Technology Transfer Infrastructure Program; and (6) appointment of a small business advocate in connection with each National Laboratory. Authorizes the Secretary to establish security enhancement programs for critical energy infrastructure. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Energy Infrastructure Security Program to: (1) provide financial assistance for State security plans against threats to critical OCS energy infrastructure facilities; and (2) support public service or transportation activities needed to maintain the safety and operation of critical energy infrastructure activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Microbicide Development Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the Office of AIDS Research to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with respect to research on the development of microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to research on microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Urban Indian Health Medicaid Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include medical assistance furnished through an urban Indian health program operated by an urban Indian organization pursuant to a grant or contract with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in the 100 percent Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to the Indian Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 - Directs the Attorney General to waive Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) personnel limits. Authorizes appropriations for INS, Border Patrol, United States Customs Service, and consular personnel, training, facilities, and security-related technology. Provides for machine-readable visa fees. Directs U.S. law enforcement and intelligence entities to share alien admissibility- and deportation-related information with INS and the Department of State. Directs the President to develop and implement an interoperable law enforcement and intelligence data system (with name-matching and linguistic capacity) for visa, admissibility, or deportation determination purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to require a consular officer issuing a visa to provide INS with an electronic version of the alien's visa file prior to the alien's U.S. entry. Sets forth technology standard and interoperability requirements respecting development and implementation of the integrated entry and exit data system and related tamper-resistant, machine-readable documents containing biometric identifiers. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to: (1) establish a Terrorist Lookout Committee at each U.S. mission in which there is a consular post; and (2) provide consular staff with visa screening training. Prohibits the admission of an alien from a country designated to be a state sponsor of terrorism until a determination has been made that such individual does not pose a risk to the United States. Conditions participation in the visa waiver program upon a country's timely reporting to the United States of its stolen blank passports. Requires the Attorney General to enter stolen passport identification numbers into the interoperable data system.. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of INS to study the feasibility of establishing a North American Perimeter National Security Program (United States, Canada, Mexico), including consideration of alien preclearance and preinspection. Amends the Act to require commercial aircraft or vessels arriving at, or departing from, the United States to provide immigration officers with specified passenger and crew manifest information. Authorizes such provisions' extension to land carriers. Requires electronic manifest transmission by a specified date. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to revise and specify vessel prearrival message requirements. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Attorney General to develop an electronic means of verifying and monitoring the foreign student information program, including aspects of documentation and visas issuance, and registration and enrollment. Increases student data requirements. Specifies information required for foreign student visa applications. Sets forth transitional monitoring requirements, including a requirement that an educational institution report student failure to enroll information to INS. Provides for INS and Department of State review of institutions authorized to enroll foreign students and exchange visitors. Amends Federal law to treat INS immigration inspectors as law enforcement officers for Federal retirement purposes. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the deadline for presentation of biometric border crossing identification cards. Directs: (1) the Comptroller General to determine the feasibility of requiring each nonimmigrant alien to report annually to INS respecting his or her address and employer's address; and (2) the Secretary and INS to study alternative approaches to international electronic data cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Native American Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Technical Amendment Act of 2001 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000, to include in the optional Medicaid eligibility category for such illnesses Indian women with breast or cervical cancer who are eligible for health services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Medicare Appeals, Regulatory, and Contracting Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) timelines for publication of final regulations and compliance with substantive changes after notice; (2) timeframes for the completion of the record in the appeals process; (3) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors for determining payment amounts, making payments, and providing certain provider services; (4) coordination of funding for education of service providers; and (5) standardization of random prepayment review and recovery of overpayments from Medicare administrative contractors. Grants a one-year delay in the lock-in procedures for Medicare+Choice plans under SSA title XVIII part C. Provides a temporary moratorium on the requirement that home health agencies collect Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data from non-Medicare patients.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments with a factor that more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Independent Investment Advice Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to deem to have satisfied certain requirements (provide a safe harbor for) retirement plan sponsors and fiduciaries who designate, according to specified criteria, and monitor investment advisers for workers managing their own retirement income assets.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Medicare Beneficiary Liability Reduction Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to accelerate from 35 percent in 2007 to 20 percent in 2010 and afterwards the rate of reduction of beneficiary copayment liability under the Medicare hospital outpatient department prospective payment system.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Korean War Veterans Recognition Act of 2001 - Adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the United States should be displayed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments with a factor that more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to identify specified routes in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor of the National Highway System.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2001 - Establishes a Veterans' Memorial Restoration Fund to repair, restore, and maintain veterans' memorials. Provides criminal and civil penalties for desecrating veterans' memorials. States that a veterans cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) or title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program for eligible entities and individuals (including Indian tribes) to expand the availability of primary dental care services where necessary. Offers retention bonuses for eligible dental officers of the Indian Health Service. Revises the process for designating dental health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas; (2) an oral health initiative to reduce disparities in oral health, targeting low-income children and including community water fluoridation and dental sealants; and (3) a Chief Dental Officer for the Medicaid and State children's health insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to annually collect data on the dental, craniofacial, and oral health of residents of at least one State and one Indian tribe from each region. Requires the Secretary to identify populations at high risk for early childhood caries and provide for the development of prevention programs. Revises the eligibility requirements for the school-based dental sealant program to include Indian tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Subjects a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage to interest penalties on clean claims not timely paid as required by the Social Security Act. Permits beneficiaries or health care providers to bring such a group health plan or a health insurance issuer to court for unpaid bills, after arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Children's Health Equity Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve not more than four waiver applications to allow a State to use its allotment under the State children's health insurance programs (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act to increase the enrollment of children eligible for medical assistance under the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Medicare Dialysis Benefit Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) payment under the Medicare Program for four hemodialysis treatments per week for specified patients; and (2) an increased update in the composite payment rate for renal dialysis treatments for FY 2002. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to restore a specified exception to renal dialysis composite rate under rate update provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Water Infrastructure Security and Research Development Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program of grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, research institutions to improve the protection and security of public water supply systems by: (1) carrying out eligible projects concerning technologies and processes that address physical and cyber threats to water supply systems (including projects for security assessment; protection from potential threats; development of technologies and processes for addressing biological, chemical, and radiological contamination; implementation of a specified Presidential Decision Directive regarding information sharing; and technology evaluation); (2) improving information sharing and analysis efforts among research institutions; and (3) providing technical assistance and training to such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as the Secretary deems necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (3) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2001
Technology Talent Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to increase the number of students studying and receiving associate's or bachelor's degrees in established or emerging fields within science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Provides that an institution receiving such a grant shall be known as a National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Talent Expansion Center.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
High Plains Aquifer Conservation, Monitoring, and Coordination Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey and in cooperation with the State Geologists of the High Plains Aquifer States (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming), to develop and carry out a hydrogeologic mapping, modeling, and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a High Plains Aquifer Coordination Council to: (1) ensure that mapping, modeling, and monitoring efforts relating to the Aquifer are in place to provide information on the water resources of the Aquifer, including sustainability; (2) facilitate coordination of Federal, State, and local programs relating to the groundwater resources of the Aquifer; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of Federal and State programs in addressing present and anticipated groundwater resources issues relating to the Aquifer; and (4) provide recommendations to the Secretaries and the Governors of such States regarding programs, policies, and changes in Federal and State law to address such issues. Requires the Secretary, working in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to provide financial assistance to such States to provide educational programs related to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture in FY 2002 through 2011 to provide cost-share payments, incentive payments, and technical assistance to eligible producers (persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production) who enter into contracts with the Secretary through a High Plains Aquifer Groundwater Conservation Incentives Program. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance, including modeling and engineering design to States, tribes, and counties, conservation districts, and other political subdivisions recognized under State law for the development of groundwater conservation plans within the High Plains. Requires the creation of a certification process for such plans developed under this program or developed independently by such entities. Provides that, to be certified, a plan must achieve significant per acre savings of groundwater from the Aquifer and must meet the criteria specified by this Act. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make available specified amounts in FY 2002 through 2011 to carry out such Program. Requires that lands eligible for the Environmental Conservation Acreage Reserve Program which would result in significant per acre savings of groundwater resources of the Aquifer if removed from agriculture production be awarded 90 Program bid points, to be designated as groundwater conservation points, in addition to any other ratings such lands may receive.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001
Protecting America's Children Against Terrorism Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a Task Force on Children and Bioterrorism; (2) establish a Children and Terrorism Information Network; (3) provide for the inclusion of supplies, equipment, and instructions as are appropriate for use with respect to children in push packs and Vendor Management Inventories under the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Program; (4) award grants concerning the implementation, development, expansion or increase in the capacity of 2-1-1 call centers, or other universal hotlines; (5) develop and maintain a secure and confidential list of drugs and biologics that may be used to prevent and treat illnesses and injury caused by biological or chemical agents; (6) award contracts for the conduct of pediatric clinical trials and studies concerning drugs and biologics that are used to prevent and treat illnesses and injuries caused by biological or chemical agents; and (7) award grants concerning training for pediatric issues surrounding biological and chemical agents used in warfare and terrorism. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to: (1) school evacuations, safe places and parental notifications; and (2) mental health services for children. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to assisting children who have lost parents in a disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Second Chance Homes Promotion Act of 2001 Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants on a competitive and matching-funds basis to enable eligible entities to establish, expand, or enhance a community-based, adult-supervised group home that provides mothers age 23 or under and their children with a supportive and supervised living arrangement in which such mothers are required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition, and other skills to promote their long-term economic independence and the well-being of their children.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a National Character Counts Week should be established to promote character education; and (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to embrace the elements of character identified by their local schools and communities such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
American Small Business Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to a small business concern that has been directly affected and suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including injury due to closure or suspension of its business for national security purposes by the Federal Government. Authorizes the SBA, during the year after enactment of this Act, to make loans to small business concerns that have suffered or are likely to suffer economic harm to or disruption of operations as a result such attacks. Waives guarantee fees and increases the guarantee percentage on such loans for one year after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) waive development company debenture guarantee loan fees for financings made after enactment of this Act for one year; and (2) authorize small business investment companies to issue leverage to assist small business concerns adversely impacted by the terrorist attacks. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize special, individualized assistance to small business concerns adversely impacted by the terrorist attacks through the following programs; (1) small business development centers; (2) Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); (3) microloan program (women, low-income, veterans, minority); and (4) women's business center program. Directs the Office of Advocacy of the SBA to conduct annual studies on the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on small business concerns, and the effects of assistance provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for promoting safe and stable families, including objectives, allotments to States, rigorous evaluation methodologies for research and technical assistance, authorization of appropriations, and grants for programs for mentoring children of incarcerated parents. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 with respect to entitlement funding for State courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to: (1) revise State plan requirements to eliminate the authority of States to opt-out of the requirement to conduct criminal background checks on prospective foster or adoptive parents; (2) modify adoption assistance program requirements concerning the eligibility for such assistance payments of special needs children voluntarily relinquished to private nonprofit agencies; and (3) provide for educational and training vouchers for youths aging out of foster care under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001
Honors and congratulates Cal Ripken, Jr. for his contributions to both baseball and America as an exemplar of endurance, professionalism, and the American work ethic. Wishes Cal Ripken, Jr. the best for what will undoubtedly be a productive and giving retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001
Biological and Chemical Weapons Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a coordinated plan to achieve the following biological or chemical preparedness goals by 2010: (1) first responders (law enforcement, fire, and medical services) will have adequate response capacity, training, and technology; (2) sophisticated electronic disease surveillance and information exchange; and (3) development of the health care and public health workforce in key biopreparedness priority areas. Requires such plan to include specific benchmarks and outcome measures. Funds activities through block grants to States. Includes Indian tribes in this program at their request. Requires each participating States' public health agency to develop (with the recommendations of a State Bioterrorism Preparedness Advisory Committee) a certifiable plan. Sets forth uniform data collection and reporting requirements. Requires fiscal controls on the use of such funds, including audits, repayments, and withholding (after investigation). Requires compliance with specified nondiscrimination acts. Establishes criminal penalties for fraudulently collecting payments. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants with an emphasis on building emergency surge capacity, biocontainment, and decontamination capabilities. Authorizes additional appropriations for programs concerning; (1) vaccine, antibiotic, and therapeutic research and development; (2) protecting the food supply (including interdiction); and (3) research by specified federal agencies and departments. Requires the Secretary to review Federal counterterrorism efforts in light of unique rural community requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001
Declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Sikh-Americans, should be protected. Condemns bigotry and acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Sikh-Americans. Calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to: (1) work to prevent hate crimes against all Americans; and (2) prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all those who commit hate crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2001
Amends the Reclamation Recreation Management Act of 1992 to provide for criminal penalties for any person who violates any regulation issued pursuant to such Act regarding protection of reclamation lands and projects. Allows any person charged with a violation to be tried and sentenced by any U.S. magistrate judge. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) authorize law enforcement personnel of the Department of the Interior, other Federal agencies that have law enforcement authority, or any State or local government, including Indian tribes, to act as law enforcement officers within a reclamation project or on reclamation lands; (2) cooperate with any State or local government in the enforcement of the laws or ordinances of that State or local government; and (3) provide reimbursement to a State or local government for expenditures incurred in connection with law enforcement activities within reclamation projects or lands.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2001
Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to accept the election of a qualified magistrate judge (i.e., any person who retired as a magistrate judge before November 15, 1988, and who, on the date of filing the election, is serving as a recalled magistrate judge on a full-time basis and has completed at least five years of full-time recall service) to receive an annuity and to provide for survivor annuities. Provides that full-time recall service performed by a qualified magistrate judge shall be credited for service in calculating an annuity elected under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2001
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow Coretta Scott King in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2001
Puppy Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to: (1) include among humane standards for animal treatment provisions respecting socialization of dogs to facilitate contact with other dogs and people, and breeding initiation and frequency of female dogs; (2) revise temporary license suspension provisions; and (3) establish mandatory suspension provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) because of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the limit on the number of Public Safety Officer Medals of Valor should be waived and a medal should be awarded under the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001 to any officer who was killed in the line of duty; and (2) the Medal of Valor Review Board should give strong consideration to the acts of bravery by other officers in responding to these events.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000468_200.jpg)