United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
National Coal Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that identifies cost and performance goals of technologies permitting continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and the years after 2020; and (2) implement a technology research, development, and demonstration program to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power through methods and equipment under specified Federal law. Prescribes conditions and criteria for the authorization of appropriations for a clean coal power initiative program. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) fund coal energy generation projects that advance efficiency, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond the level of technologies in operation as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) award competitive, merit-based grants to universities for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prescribe credits against tax for: (1) production from a qualifying clean coal technology unit; and (2) production from and for investment in a qualifying advanced clean coal technology unit. Prescribes guidelines for the treatment of persons not able to use the entire credit relating to clean coal technology.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike such gold medal and to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals; and (2) deposit sums received from the sale of the bronze medals into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on March 26, 2003, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Moynihan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2003 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
Declares the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Senate strongly supports the nonproliferation programs of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State (Federal nonproliferation programs), which are intended to reduce the worldwide threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that remain unsecured in the Russian Federation and elsewhere; (2) the Russian Federation should continue to improve U.S. access to key facilities, and the sharing of information with the United States, so as to bring a successful and timely conclusion to various nonproliferation programs and activities; and (3) the United States should redouble its efforts to achieve full implementation of the Federal nonproliferation programs under effective management, and make full use of all funds that Congress appropriates or otherwise makes available for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Restoration of Freedom of Information Act of 2003 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit a record pertaining to the vulnerability of and threats to critical infrastructure that is furnished voluntarily to the Department of Homeland Security from being made available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act if: (1) the provider would not customarily make the record available to the public; and (2) the record is designated and certified by the provider as confidential and not customarily made available to the public. Prohibits other Federal agencies in receipt of such a record furnished to the Department from making the record publicly available. Allows a provider to withdraw the confidential designation of a record at any time.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Water Quality Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations through FY 2005 for grants for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to control or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. Extends the requirements for a report on funding levels.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises provisions relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. Provides for association health plans with respect to: (1) enforcement; (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities; and (3) treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the grave threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction demands that the United States develop a comprehensive and robust nonproliferation strategy that includes: (1) a broad international coalition; (2) prevention of theft or diversion of chemical weapons; (3) reinforcement of systems for export controls and interdiction; (4) talks with North Korea; (5) elimination of excess nuclear weapons in Russia and security of nuclear materials in Russia and the former Soviet states; (6) expansion of the Cooperative Threat Reduction program; (7) adequate funding for homeland security; and (8) the pursuit of transparency measures to enhance capabilities to detect nuclear weapons activity.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
American History and Civics Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to award competitive grants to nonprofit educational institutions to establish: (1) Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics to offer workshops for teachers of American history and civics; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics to offer workshops for outstanding students of American history and civics. Directs the NEH Chairperson to award a grant to an organization for the creation of a national alliance of elementary school and secondary school teachers of American history and civics.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Authorizes the President to award on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Joseph De Laine, Jr., to honor posthumously his father, Rev. Joseph Anthony De Laine (civil rights activist), for his contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit certain employee group health plans or related insurances providing both medical-surgical and mental health benefits from imposing mental health treatment limitations or financial requirements unless comparable limitations and requirements are imposed upon medical-surgical benefits. States that the foregoing shall not be construed as requiring a group health plan (or related insurances) to: (1) provide any mental health benefits; (2) prevent the medical management of mental health benefits; or (3) require the provision of specific mental health services, except to the extent that failure to provide such services would result in a disparity between the coverage of mental health and medical-surgical benefits. Exempts specified small employers from such requirements. Requires that, in the case of a group health plan that offers a participant or beneficiary two or more benefit package options, the coverage requirements shall be applied separately with respect to each such option. Provides that, in the case of a plan or insurance providing in-network mental health benefits, out-of-network mental health benefits need not be provided at parity to medical-surgical benefits, as long as in-network mental health benefits are provided at parity with medical-surgical benefits and the plan or insurance provides reasonable access to in-network providers and facilities. Requires a General Accounting Office study of such requirements' effects upon health insurance costs, access, and quality and a cost estimation of extending such requirements to the treatment of substance abuse and chemical dependency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Declares that the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy shall not dissuade or discourage this Nation from venturing ever farther into space. Restates the commitment to exploring the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system and beyond. Expresses condolences to the families of the seven astronauts and to friends and allies in Israel over the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) United Nations (UN) weapons inspectors should be given sufficient time to carry out the inspections that are necessary for an assessment of the level of compliance by the Government of Iraq with UN Security Council Resolution 1441 (2002); (2) the United States and other member nations of the UN Security Council should work together to exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic means for disarming Iraq before launching an invasion of Iraq; (3) international emissaries (including European and Arab leaders) should be given time to persuade Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq voluntarily and avert war; (4) before initiating any offensive military operations in Iraq to enforce Resolution 1441, the United States should seek authorization for the use of force from the UN Security Council; (5) the United States should re-engage in the Middle East peace process in an effort to end the violence between Israel and the Palestinians; and (6) the United States should redouble its efforts to secure the U.S. homeland in light of the growing number of intelligence assessments highlighting U.S. vulnerability for further terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that, before the President uses military force against Iraq without broad international support, the President should: (1) provide full support to the United Nations weapons inspectors to facilitate their ongoing disarmament work; and (2) obtain approval by Congress of new legislation authorizing the President to use all necessary means, including the use of military force, to disarm Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Commends Arthur J. Rynearson for his more than 26 years of faithful and exemplary service to the United States Senate and the nation. Expresses the Senate's deep appreciation and gratitude for his long, faithful, and outstanding service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.90 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; and (2) $6.65 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.90 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; and (2) $6.65 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Prescription Drug Benefit and Cost Containment Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish: (1) a Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program under new part D; (2) a Prescription Drug Account in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund; and (3) a Medicare Prescription Drug Advisory Committee. Provides for: (1) part D benefits under Medicare+Choice plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice); and (2) Medicare cost-sharing and other assistance for low-income individuals. Revises requirements for Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) benefit packages to conform to changes made by this Act. Provides for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for all Medicare beneficiaries under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries. Expands the membership and duties of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise provisions concerning the timing of generic drug availability. Requires applicants (pharmaceutical companies) to register their patents with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within 30 days of approval (or issuance for subsequently issued patents). Makes failure to timely register a bar to civil actions for patent infringement. Requires applications for new drugs (NDA) or abbreviated new drug applications (ANDA) which rely upon investigations not conducted by or for the applicant and which concern a patent that claims both the drug and a method of use or more than one method of use to include a certification on a claim-by-claim basis that the patent is invalid or will not be infringed (known as a Paragraph IV filing/certification) by the new drug's (generic) manufacture and a statement regarding the method(s) of use claim. Prohibits (for subsequently issued patents) an extension of the 30-month stay of FDA approval for any new drug where an ANDA or NDA contains a Paragraph IV filing/certification and the patent holder indicates an intention to bring a patent infringement suit against the new (generic) drug's manufacturer. Makes failure to timely file a civil action for infringement a bar to later action. Requires the first generic applicant with a Paragraph IV filing to forfeit the 180 day marketing exclusivity period to a subsequent generic applicant if the first generic applicant engages in certain behaviors (forfeiture events) which delay or prevent the marketing of the generic drug. Adds provisions on importation of prescription drugs and pediatric labeling of drugs and biological products.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2002
Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award a grant to Neighborhood House of St. Paul, Minnesota, to finance the construction of a new community center in St. Paul, to be known as the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2002
Authorizes the printing as a Senate document of a compilation of materials entitled "Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, 135th Anniversary, 1867-2002".
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2002
Encourages the Senate Committee on Appropriations to report 13 fiscally responsible and bipartisan appropriations bills to the Senate by July 31, 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Honors the achievements of Ted Williams and expresses the deepest sympathies and condolences of the Senate to the family of Ted Williams on his passing.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2002
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management (including $110 million for emergency rehabilitation and wildfire suppression); (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Park Service; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; (5) the Minerals Management Service; (6) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; (7) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (8) departmental offices for insular affairs; (9) departmental management; (10) the Office of the Solicitor; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians; and (13) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Tribal School Construction Demonstration Program to provide grants to Indian tribes for the construction of tribally controlled schools. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service (including $290 million for emergency rehabilitation, pre-suppression, and wildfire suppression activities); (2) the Department of Energy for specified activities, including fossil energy research and development activities and energy conservation activities; and (3) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (3) the Smithsonian Institution; (4) the National Gallery of Art; (5) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (6) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (7) the National Endowment for the Arts; (8) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (9) the Commission of Fine Arts; (10) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (11) the National Capital Planning Commission; (12) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (13) the Presidio Trust.
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 · 14 June 2002
Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish: (1) a Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program under new part D; (2) a Prescription Drug Account in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund; and (3) a Medicare Prescription Drug Advisory Committee. Provides for: (1) part D benefits under Medicare+Choice plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice); and (2) Medicare cost-sharing and other assistance for low-income individuals but only as it relates to benefits provided under new part D. Revises Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) benefit packages to conform to changes made by this Act, eliminating obsolete policies with no grandfathering. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of: (1) establishing a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries; and (2) developing systems to transfer electronically prescriptions under such program from the prescriber to the pharmacist. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing study and analysis of the program established under this Act, especially: (1) the extent to which the competitive bidding process under it fosters maximum competition and efficiency; and (2) the savings to the Medicare program resulting from it, including the reduction in the number or length of hospital visits. Expands the membership and duties of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC).
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response To Terrorist Attacks on the United States - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 2002 for: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (3) the Department of Commerce and related agencies; (4) the Judiciary; (5) the Department of State and related agency; (6) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (7) the Department of Defense for military personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, and research, development, test and evaluation; (8) the District of Columbia; (9) the Department of Defense (civil); (10) the Department of Energy (atomic energy defense activities); (11) bilateral economic assistance, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and military assistance; (12) multilateral economic assistance, including international financial institutions; (13) the Department of the Interior; (14) the Smithsonian Institution; (15) the Department of Labor; (16) the Department of Health and Human Services; (17) the Department of Education; (18) the Legislative Branch; (19) the Department of Transportation, including the Coast Guard; (20) the Department of the Treasury, including the Internal Revenue Service and payments to the Postal Service Fund; (21) the Executive Office of the President; (22) the General Services Administration; (23) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (24) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (25) the Environmental Protection Agency; (26) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (27) the National Science Foundation. Rescinds specified funds appropriated in previous Acts. Requires the transfer of specified funds for specified purposes. Limits the availability of certain supplemental appropriations to the extent they are designated as emergency requirements as defined in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2002 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2003; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning January 1, 2004. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2002
Commends Suzanne D. Pearson for her almost 32 years of faithful and exemplary service to the Office of Legislative Counsel of the U.S. Senate and to the Nation, and expresses deep appreciation and gratitude for her long, faithful, and outstanding service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002
Highway Funding Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to require that obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2003: (1) meet a specified minimum level; and (2) be distributed in accordance with that Act.
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 · 13 September 2001
Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to pay (within 30 days of employing agency certification) death or permanent disability benefits to qualified beneficiaries of public safety officers who were killed or who suffered a catastrophic injury as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty in connection with the rescue or recovery efforts related to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2001
Condemns the terrorists who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, as well as their sponsors. Extends condolences to the victims and their families and commends the heroic actions of the rescue workers, volunteers, and State and local officials who responded. Declares that the United States is entitled under international law to respond to these attacks. Expresses: (1) thanks to those foreign leaders and individuals who have expressed solidarity with the United States in the aftermath of the attacks and asks them to continue to stand with the United States in the war against international terrorism; (2) a commitment to support increased resources in the war to eradicate terrorism; and (3) support for the determination of the President to bring to justice and punish the perpetrators of these attacks and their sponsors. Declares September 12, 2001, to be a National Day of Unity and Mourning.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001
Establishes in Congress the Congressional Trade Office to: (1) reassert the constitutional responsibility of Congress with respect to international trade; (2) assist Congress in providing more effective oversight of trade policy; (3) monitor compliance with major bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements; (4) provide Congress with more analytical capability on trade issues; (5) perform certain dispute resolution functions with respect to the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement; (6) participate as observers in selected bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations; and (7) perform other trade-related functions to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2001
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the week of November 11 through 17, 2001, should be designated as National Veterans Awareness Week for the purpose of emphasizing education efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001
Authorizes the Senate Office of Senator John D. Rockefeller IV to collect donations of clothing from July 13, 2001, until July 20, 2001, from concerned Members and staff to assist the West Virginia families suffering from the recent disaster of flooding and storms.
![Official portrait of Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/5d40b028cbc578dca8bae0f76cab2885_200.jpg)