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United States · Official source
2,475 records where Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2004
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Allied landing at Normandy, France, during World War II on June 6, 1944.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Allied landing at Normandy, France, during World War II on June 6, 1944.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Designates May 2004 as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Expresses support for the goals of: (1) 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; (2) encouraging increased resources for research; and (3) increasing levels of support for people who have cystic fibrosis and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; (2) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give victimized children hope for the future; and (3) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected children. Declares that the Senate: (1) supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope" which will be observed on April 7, 2004, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month; and (2) commends the individuals working on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
Commemorates the life of of former Delaware Senator William V. Roth, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Oglala Sioux Tribe Angostura Irrigation Project Rehabilitation and Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) carry out the rehabilitation and improvement of the irrigation unit facilities at the Angostura Project; and (2) provide for the delivery of water saved through the rehabilitation and improvement of such facilities to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, and the use of that water for purposes of environmental restoration on the Reservation. Establishes the Oglala Sioux Tribal Development Trust Fund. Requires the governing body of the Tribe to prepare a plan for the use of payments to the Tribe out of the Fund. Prohibits a portion of any payment from being distributed to any member of the Tribe on a per capita basis. States that no payment made to the Tribe shall result in the reduction or denial of any service or program with respect to which, under Federal law: (1) the Tribe is otherwise entitled because of the status of the Tribe as a federally recognized Indian tribe; or (2) any individual who is a member of the Tribe is entitled because of the status of the individual as a member of the Tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003
Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Makes technical amendments to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, the Indian Financing Act of 1974, the Indian Tribal Justice Technical and Legal Assistance Act, the Crow Boundary Settlement Act of 1994, the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Indian Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990, the California Indian Land Transfer Act, and other specified Federal law with regard to: (1) replacing "American Indian Education Foundation" with "National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education"; (2) loan guaranties and insurance with respect to eligible borrowers and loan approval; (3) Indian trust land; (4) Indian tribal justice technical and legal assistance; (5) tribal justice systems; (6) authorization of 99-year leases for the Prairie Band of Potawatomi; (7) certain Navajo Healthcare contracting; (8) distribution of capital gains and any other noninterest income received on funds in the Crow Tribal Trust Fund; (9) use of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Settlement Fund; (10) deeming of specified lands in Alaska under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to a Native Corporation; and (11) certain lands to be held in trust for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, Benton Paiute Reservation. Cowlitz Indian Tribe Distribution of Judgment Funds Act - Specifies the required distribution and use of funds awarded in Indian Claims Commission Docket No. 218 to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe of Washington. Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2003 - Specifies the required distribution and use of funds awarded to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation in the case of Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation v. United States of America, Docket No. 773-87-L.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Employee Free Choice Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board to certify a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other individual or labor organization currently certified or recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees in the unit. Sets forth special procedural requirements for reaching an initial collective bargaining agreement following certification or recognition. Revises enforcement requirements with respect to unfair labor practices during union organizing drives. Provides, under injunction provisions, for priority to be given to preliminary investigation of charges of violations by employers or other entities. Adds to remedies for such violations: (1) back pay plus liquidated damages; and (2) additional civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Rural Teacher Housing Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to make grants or loans to a school district located within a qualified community for: (1) construction of new housing units within the community, and the purchase and rehabilitation of existing structures to be used as such; (2) rehabilitation or leasing of housing units within a qualified community and the purchase or lease of real property on which such housing units will be constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated; (3) repayment of a loan used for such purposes or any other activities normally associated with them; and (4) funding of any remaining costs not financed by loans or other sources of funding. Defines qualified community as a home rule or general law city incorporated under the laws of Alaska, or an unincorporated community situated outside the city limits, which: (1) has a population of 6,500 or fewer individuals; (2) is situated within or near a Native Village that includes the Metlakatla Indian Community of the Annette Islands Reserve, as determined by the Corporation; and (3) is not connected by road (except the Alaska Marine Highway System or a road through Canada) or railroad to the municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. Requires occupants of such housing units, with certain exceptions, to be teachers, administrators, other school staff, and members of their households.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require an issuer of registered securities to show as an expense in its mandatory annual report the fair value of all stock purchase options granted to certain of its senior executive officers after December 31, 2004. Exempts small business issuers from such requirement. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require reporting of: (1) stock option expenses as a reduction of the total expense in the fiscal year in which they expire or are forfeited; and (2) as income any excess by which such reduction exceeds total option expenses for any fiscal year. Requires any accounting principle recognized as "generally accepted" by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the expensing of stock purchase options to comply with this Act. Denies recognition to any such accounting principle until the Secretaries of Commerce and of Labor complete a joint study on the economic impact of mandatory expensing of all employee stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should address Mexico's failure to fulfill its obligations under the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States, signed at Mexico City May 4, 1978, by renegotiating the treaty or by taking other action to ensure that criminal suspects from Mexico facing capital punishment or life imprisonment are unconditionally and timely extradited to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003
Recognizes the evolution of motorsports. Honors those who have helped create and build this great American pastime.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003
Denver Federal Center Redevelopment Act - Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to enter into leases of Federal real property, including improvements thereon, with totally nonfederal entities to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, operation, maintenance, or use of all, or portions of, the Denver Federal Center. Lists terms and conditions for such a lease (master lease), including that it: (1) have as its primary purpose enhancing the value of the Center; (2) be negotiated pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator considers necessary to ensure the integrity of the selection process and to protect U.S. interests; (3) be for a term not to exceed 50 years; and (4) provide that all development risk remain with the nonfederal entity. Directs that a master lease be for fair consideration. Requires that net proceeds from a master lease be deposited into, administered, and expended, subject to appropriations Acts, as part of the Federal Building Fund. Authorizes the Administrator to retain from the proceeds of a master lease amounts necessary to recover the expenses incurred by the Administrator with respect to such lease.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003
Art and Collectibles Capital Gains Tax Treatment Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide art and collectibles with the same capital gain rates as other assets held long-term. Establishes a (limited) fair market value deduction for qualifying literary, musical, artistic, or scholarly charitable contributions created and donated by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2003
Intermodal Equipment Safety and Responsibility Act of 2003 - Subjects controllers of interchangeable intermodal equipment to commercial motor vehicle safety regulation and liability, including systematic inspection, maintenance, and repair requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to conduct inspections. Prohibits a controller from retaliating against any motor carrier in response to a request for safety maintenance or repair of equipment intended for interchange, including failing to provide requested safe equipment in a timely fashion. Prohibits controller delegation of this maintenance responsibility. Directs the Secretary to issue implementing regulations as part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003
Indian Money Account Claim Satisfaction Act of 2003 - Establishes the Indian Money Account Claim Satisfaction Task Force: (1) to complete an analysis of records, data, and other historical information with regard to the conduct of an historical accounting submitted by the parties in the class action to the district court in January 2003 (Cobell v. Norton (No. 96cv01285, D.D.C.)); and (2) after such completion to hold meetings with representatives of the plaintiffs in the civil action, the Departments of Justice and of the Interior and any other parties that, in the discretion of the Task Force, are necessary to carryout out its duties. Requires the Task Force to develop appropriate methodologies or models to conduct an accounting to determine in current dollars the balances of: (1) all individual Indian money accounts opened in or after 1985; (2) all individual Indian money accounts opened on or after the enactment of a certain Act of June 24, 1938, regarding deposit, care, and investment of Indian moneys, and before 1985; and (3) all individual Indian money accounts opened before such enactment. Establishes the Indian Money Claims Tribunal to serve as arbitrator if an eligible individual elects to have the amount of the balance in the individual Indian money account determined through arbitration. Binds the individual and the United States to any determination made by the Tribunal. Requires payments made pursuant to this Act to be derived from the permanent judgment appropriation (commonly known as the Judgment Fund), without further appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the interests of Indians and the United States would best be served by a voluntary alternative claims resolution process that will lead to a full, fair, and final settlement of potential individual Indian money account claims; and (2) legislation is necessary to establish the process and achieve such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003
Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the head of each executive agency that issues and uses purchase cards and convenience checks to establish and maintain specified safeguards and internal controls. Requires the Inspector General of each executive agency to: (1) periodically conduct risk assessments of the agency's purchase card program and associated internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses and the frequency of improper activity; (2) perform periodic audits of purchase cardholders; (3) report to the agency head on the results of such audits; and (4) report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Comptroller General on implementation of recommendations made to the agency head to address findings during audits. Prohibits applying all such requirements above to the Department of Defense (DOD). Amends Federal law provisions relating to management of purchase cards issued to DOD personnel to require the Inspector General of DOD, Inspector General of the Army, Naval Inspector General, and Inspector General of the Air Force to perform risk assessments of DOD's purchase card program and associated internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses and the frequency of improper activity in order to develop a plan for using such risk assessments to determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of purchase cardholders. Amends the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 to direct each executive agency head that has employees that use travel charge cards to establish and maintain specified safeguards and internal controls. Requires the Inspector General of each executive agency to: (1) periodically conduct risk assessments of the agency's travel card program and associated internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses and the frequency of improper activity; (2) perform periodic audits of travel cardholders; (3) report to the agency head the results of such audits; and (4) report to the OMB Director and the Comptroller General on implementation of recommendations made to the agency head to address findings during audits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003
Higher Education Loan Plan Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for variable interest rates on student (Stafford) loans, consolidation loans (which currently have fixed rates), and parent (PLUS) loans. Revises formulas for determining such variable interest rates for student loans, consolidation, loans, and parent loans based on the bond equivalent rate for 91-day Treasury bills and specified additional percentages. Caps at specified levels interest rates for new loans during an interim period from October 1, 1998, up to the enactment of this Act. Caps the interest rates for new loans on or after such enactment date for: (1) student loans and consolidation loans at 7.75 percent; and (2) parent loans at 8.5 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003
Designates the week beginning October 19, 2003, as National Character Counts Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2003
Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2003 - Criminal Street Gang Abatement Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit various criminal street gang-related offenses, including participating in a criminal street gang by committing two or more predicate gang crimes in furtherance of the activities of such gang to gain entrance to, or to maintain or increase position in, the gang. Amends: (1) the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit murder and other violent crimes committed during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize the use of grants by the Attorney General to fund programs that enable prosecutors to more effectively address gang violence, to fund technology and training for prosecutors, and to create and expand witness and victim protection programs. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate high intensity interstate gang activity areas. Prohibits travelling in, or causing another to travel in, interstate or foreign commerce with intent that two or more murders be committed in violation of State or Federal law. Expands the scope of predicate crimes for authorization of interception of wire, oral, and electronic communications to cover violations relating to criminal street gangs. Modifies code provisions regarding the treatment of Federal juvenile offenders. Provides that, in any case in which a juvenile is tried as an adult in Federal court, that juvenile's criminal record shall be made available in the same manner as is applicable to the Federal criminal records of adult defendants.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2003
American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Land Consolidation Act to revise the requirements for testamentary and nontestamentary disposition of interests in trust, restricted lands, and personal property of an Indian. Repeals the limitation of any devise of an interest in trust, restricted land, or personal property to a decedent's Indian spouse. Retains permission to devise such an interest to the Indian tribe with jurisdiction over the land. Adds permission to devise such an interest to any lineal descendant of the testator or any person who owns a preexisting undivided trust or restricted interest in the same parcel of land in trust or restricted status. Considers such a devise as the devise of the interest in trust or restricted status, unless: (1) language in the will clearly evidences the testator's intent that the interest is to vest in the devisee as a fee interest without restrictions; or (2) the interest devised is a life estate. Limits the order of the devise of an interest in trust or restricted land as a life estate or in fee for an interest not devised according to the general rule. Permits the owner of an interest in trust or restricted personal property to devise such an interest to any person or entity. States that if a testator devises interests in the same parcel of trust or restricted (currently, restricted) lands to more than one person, in the absence of express language (currently, language) in the devise to the contrary, the devise shall be presumed to create joint tenancy with the right of survivorship in the interests (currently, land) involved. Provides for the partition and purchase of highly fractionated Indian land by eligible Indian tribes. Prescribes means by which co-owners of trust or restricted interests in a parcel of land may enter into surface leases of such parcel without the Secretary of the Interior's approval. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the application of any Federal law requiring the Secretary to approve mineral leases or other agreements for the development of the mineral interest in trust or restricted land. Allows interests in a parcel of trust or restricted land in the decedent's estate, under specified conditions, to be purchased at probate in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a tribal probate code that prevents the devise of an interest in trust or restricted land by an Indian lineal descendant of the original allottee, or an Indian who is not a member of the tribe with jurisdiction over the interest, unless it provides for the renouncing of interests, the reservation of life estates, and payment of fair market value. Provides that the authority available to an Indian tribe to acquire an interest in trust or restricted land devised by the owner to a non-Indian shall not apply if the interest is part of a family farm that is devised to a member of the decedent's family, and the devisee agrees that the Indian tribe will have the opportunity to acquire the interest for fair market value if it is offered for sale to an entity that is not a member of the family of the owner of the land. Makes the fractional interest acquisition program permanent. Sets forth procedures with respect to the sale of interests to Indian landowners. Requires the Secretary to place a lien on any revenue accruing to an acquired fractional interest until the Secretary provides for the removal of the lien under specified conditions, and upon payment into the Acquisition Fund of an amount equal to the purchase price of that interest. Provides that the rules of intestate succession under the Indian Land Consolidation Act or a tribal probate code approved under such Act or regulations promulgated under it shall apply to that land for which patents have been executed and delivered. Requires the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit entities to provide legal assistance services for Indian tribes, individual owners of interests in trust or restricted lands, or Indian organizations pursuant to Federal poverty guidelines. Requires the Secretary to notify each Indian landowner of specified information concerning each tract of trust or restricted land in which the Indian landowner has an interest. Prohibits such individual from being denied access to the information. Directs the Secretary to develop a pilot project for the creation and management of private and family trusts for interests in trust or restricted lands. Presumes an undivided trust, restricted interest in a parcel of land owned by a person, or such related property to be abandoned after a specified six-year period, and subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) written notifications to all heirs before holding a hearing to determine the heirs to trust or restricted property, or making a decision determining such heirs; and (2) an annual notice, response form, and a change of name and address form to owners of interests in trust or restricted land.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003
Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to revise tribal self-governance requirements. Establishes a tribal self-governance demonstration project for certain programs of the Department of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003
Designates November 7, 2003, as National Native American Veterans Day. Honors the service of Native Americans in the armed forces and the contribution of Native Americans to the defense of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003
Designates November 2003 as National American Indian Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003
Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003 - Rape Kits and DNA Evidence Backlog Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends: (1) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize the Act; (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 (Identification Act) to expand the scope of DNA samples to be included in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); and (3) the Violence Against Women Act to authorize grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of dating violence. DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2003 - Amends the Identification Act to require that CODIS include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories that: (1) have been accredited by a nationally recognized nonprofit professional association of forensic scientists within two years; and (2) undergo external audits at least every two years that demonstrate compliance with specified standards. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) DNA training and education; (2) sexual assault forensic examination programs; (3) research and development; (4) using DNA technology to identify missing persons; and (5) tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Expands and reauthorizes the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program. Innocence Protection Act of 2003 - Sets forth conditions under which a Federal prisoner may obtain post-conviction DNA testing of specific evidence. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to States to improve the quality of legal representation in State capital cases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003
Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Self-Governance Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to revise Indian self-determination requirements. Establishes a tribal self-governance demonstration project for certain programs of the Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003
Good Samaritan Abandoned and Inactive Mine Remediation Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the head of an authorized State program to issue an abandoned or inactive mine remediation permit for the conduct of remediation activities on abandoned or inactive mine land from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants to U.S. bodies of water. Requires those applying for a remediation permit to develop a remediation plan that includes: (1) reasonable efforts to identify the current owners of the mine in question; (2) the bodies of water affected; (3) proposed practices to mitigate adverse impacts on water quality; (4) a timetable; and (5) monitoring or other forms of assessment so that the success of the plan can be evaluated. Requires any profits from the sale of minerals taken from these mines during remediation to be deposited in a remediation fund. States that remediators are not to be considered owners or operators under specified environmental acts (thereby excluding them from liability for environmental clean up.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003
Declares that the Federal Trade Commission is authorized under the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to compile and implement a national do-not-call registry. Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2003
Hearing Health Accessibility Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for direct access to qualified audiologists for Medicare beneficiaries and the coverage of audiology services as a Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) medical service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003
Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, upon completion of specified agricultural work and residency requirements, to adjust the status of a qualifying alien agricultural worker (and spouse and minor children) to that of a: (1) lawfully admitted temporary nonimmigrant; and (2) permanent resident nonimmigrant. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) adjustment of status applications, including penalties for false statements; (2) waiver of numerical limitations and certain grounds for inadmissibility; (3) temporary stay of removal and work authorization; (4) administrative and judicial review; and (5) dissemination of program information. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the correction of such aliens' social security records. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth registry application requirements for H-2A employers and employer associations, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is temporary or seasonal, and is not the result of a labor dispute, (2) that attempts have been made to hire U.S. workers; and (3) respecting required wages and benefits, and compliance with labor laws. Sets forth employment requirements with respect to: (1) wages; (2) housing; and (3) transportation reimbursement. Establishes the Commission on Agricultural Wage Standards under the H-2A program. Revises provisions respecting the admission and extension of stay of temporary H-2A workers. Provides special rules for alien sheepherders. Sets forth worker protection and labor standards enforcement provisions for such aliens
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to award a grant to each State to carry out a program for making available throughout that State the 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services. Requires a participating State to ensure that at least 50 percent of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources. Requires a State seeking a grant to carry out its activities through a lead entity to be known as a 2-1-1 Collaborative. Requires grant amounts to be used solely to make available to a State 2-1-1 telephone service for community information and referral on human services, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking services and the service providers. Requires grant recipients to: (1) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers; and (2) collaborate with human service organizations to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing the 2-1-1 service.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Exempts from the requirement to pay subsistence charges while hospitalized in a military facility an officer or former officer, or an enlisted member or former enlisted member not entitled to retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay, who is hospitalized in a military facility because of an injury or disease incurred: (1) as a direct result of armed conflict; (2) while engaged in hazardous service; (3) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or (4) through an instrumentality of war.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2003
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those killed and a day for recommitment to our national purpose. Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their families and friends. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, and others who aided the victims. Extends gratitude to the members of the armed forces who are defending the United States from future attack. Praises the people of the United States for donating time and money to support the victims and their families and friends. Expresses gratitude to the leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Reaffirms that the Senate will honor the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of those attacks and will act to defend U.S. citizens in all future challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Designates October 17, 2003, as National Mammography Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Reauthorizes the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (the Act). Amends the Act to define "child abuse" as any case in which a child is subjected to family violence. Requires the local law enforcement agency to report immediately the occurrence to the State law enforcement agency if: (1) a report of abuse or family violence involves an alleged abuser who is a non-Indian; and (2) a preliminary inquiry indicates a criminal violation has occurred. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to identify and report to Congress on impediments to the reduction of child abuse on Indian reservations. Repeals the mandate for a study on the feasibility of, and need for, establishment of a Central Register for reports or information on the abuse of children in Indian country. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Health and Human Services (Secretaries) to include contracted and volunteers in background checks, based on fingerprints, with respect to personnel who have regular contact with, or control over, Indian children. Requires similar but no less stringent character investigations by certain Indian tribes or tribal organizations regarding a volunteer or contractor who is employed, or is being considered for employment, with the same duties and responsibilities. Extends the scope of the Indian Child Abuse Treatment Grant Program to treatment programs for Indians who have been victims of child abuse (currently, only child sexual abuse). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to facilitate the development of a culturally-sensitive traditional healing treatment program for child abuse and family violence to be operated by an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or inter-tribal consortium. Requires the Secretary to establish within each Regional (currently, area) office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs an Indian Child Resource and Family Services Center. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretaries (currently, only the Secretaries) to enter into a memorandum of agreement to provide staffing for such Centers. Modifies the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Program to include in the duties of designated agencies and officials regarding investigation, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and family violence: (1) coordination and reporting as well as investigation of reported cases of child abuse and child neglect; and (2) treatment and prevention of incidents of child abuse. Modifies the: (1) uses of funds under the Program; and (2) specify matters to be examined in the Secretary's evaluation of a program for which an award is made.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2003
Indian Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a uniform method, criteria, and procedures for determining, analyzing, and compiling the program and service assistance needs of Indian tribes and Indians. Requires Federal agencies to conduct Indian needs assessments to determine the actual needs of tribes and Indians eligible for programs and services administered by such departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform method, criteria, and procedures for compiling, maintaining, keeping current, and reporting to Congress all information concerning: (1) annual Federal expenditures for programs and services for which Indians are eligible; (2) services or programs specifically for the benefit of Indians; and (3) methods of delivery of services and funding. Requires Federal departments and agencies responsible for providing services or programs to or for the benefit of tribes or Indians to: (1) file annual Indian program evaluations with specified congressional committees; and (2) publish annual listings in the Federal Register of all agency programs and services for which Indian tribes may be eligible. Directs the Secretary to file a strategic plan for the coordination of Federal assistance for Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2003
Fire Safety Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems (as defined by this Act) as five-year depreciable property.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Indian Tribal Development Consolidated Funding Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to select up to 24 Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or consortia of tribes or organizations per fiscal year to participate in projects to foster community, economic, and business development in Native American communities through grants or other financial assistance provided through Federal programs or projects. Outlines procedures for processing requests for joint financing (financing by at least two Federal assistance programs). Authorizes the establishment of a joint assistance fund to ensure that amounts received from more than one Federal program or appropriation are more effectively administered. Provides for the financial management, accountability, and audits of the use of financial assistance provided. Authorizes the provision of technical assistance and personnel training under a project approved for joint financing. Authorizes the head of an executive agency to enter into an agreement with a State to extend the benefits of this Act to a project that involves assistance from at least one executive agency, the State, and at least one tribal agency or instrumentality.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2003 - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to exempt from the Gambling Devices Transportation Act class II gaming (bingo and certain card games) for which an electronic aid, computer, or other technology aid is used in connection with such gaming. Revises: (1) procedures for filling vacancies on the National Indian Gaming Commission; (2) the powers of the Chairman; (3) the powers of the Commission to include monitoring, inspecting, and accessing records of class III gaming; and (4) development of a minimum five-year strategic plan to carry out its activities. Adjusts the salary of the General Counsel to the Commission and of other staff. Revises the requirement for background investigations of the primary management officials and key employees of a class II gaming enterprise to add tribal gaming commissioners and key tribal gaming commission employees. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from approving any Tribal-State compact or other agreement that includes an apportionment of net revenues with a State, local government, or other Indian tribes unless certain requirements and limits are met. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide guidance to Indian tribes and States on the scope of allowable assessments and the apportionment of revenues negotiated under this Act. Extends such Tribal-State compacts for up to 180 days after their expiration if: (1) the Indian tribe certifies to the Secretary that it requested a new compact within 90 days before such expiration; and (2) a new compact has not been agreed upon. Allows an Indian tribe to enter into a management contract for the operation and management of a class III gaming activity, subject to specified requirements currently applicable to class II gaming management contracts. Revises the schedule of fees to be paid to the Commission by each gaming operation that conducts a class II or class III gaming activity. Replaces the current fee formula with a progressive rate structure levied on gross revenues in excess of $1.5 million from each operation, or a flat fee. Increases the total amount of all fees that may be imposed during any fiscal year. Provides for reduction of the fees under certain conditions. Establishes Indian Gaming Regulation Accounts for all fees and civil forfeitures collected by the Commission. Requires the Commission to develop procedures to negotiate and promulgate regulations relating to the: (1) monitoring and regulation of tribal gaming; (2) establishment and regulation of internal control systems; and (3) conduct of background investigations. Sets forth the use of civil fines and fees collected by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Salt Cedar Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a salt cedar and Russian olive assessment and demonstration program to assess the extent of infestation in the western United States and develop solutions for long-term management. Lists program requirements and control methods. Establishes a cost ceiling for each demonstration project and provides for Federal cost-sharing. Requires the Secretary to work cooperatively with other Federal, State, and local entities and Indian tribes in carrying out the program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to phase out reduced price lunches and breakfasts by phasing in increases in income eligibility for free lunches and breakfasts by specified increments from 130 percent of the Office of Management and Budget nonfarm income poverty guidelines for July 1, 2003, to 185 percent of such guidelines for July 1, 2008, and every subsequent school year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2003 or the DREAM Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on State residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such State residence. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States prior to his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; and (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status, including: (1) termination of status for violation of this Act; and (2) removal of conditional status to permanent status. Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirement prior to enactment of this Act to petition the Secretary for permanent status without first becoming a conditional resident. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) fee prohibitions; and (5) a General Accounting Office report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify any motorsports entertainment complex asset as 7-year property for purposes of the accelerated cost recovery system.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Tribal Government Tax-Exempt Bond Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by an Indian tribal government if: (1) at least 95 percent of the net proceeds are used to finance facilities on an Indian reservation; or (2) the obligation is part of an issue substantially all of whose proceeds are to be used in the exercise of an essential government function. Excludes an obligation used to finance a gaming facility. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt obligations issued by an Indian tribal government or subdivision from registration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2003
Bob Hope Arlington Honors Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to permit the burial of Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope of California, an honorary veteran of the armed forces, in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, upon the request of his family.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2003
Calls for the President to designate the week of November 9-15, 2003, 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 · 28 July 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the millions of innocent victims of the Soviet-engineered Ukraine Famine of 1932-33 should be solemnly remembered and honored on the 70th anniversary of the famine; (2) it condemns the callous disregard for human life, human rights, and manifestations of national identity that characterized the Stalinist policies that caused the Ukraine Famine; (3) it supports the efforts of the Government of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) to publicly acknowledge and call greater international attention to the Ukraine Famine; and (4) an independent, democratic Ukraine, in which respect for the dignity of human beings is the cornerstone, offers the best guarantee that atrocities such as the Ukraine Famine never beset the Ukrainian people again.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Rio Grande Outstanding Natural Area Act - Establishes the Rio Grande Outstanding Natural Area, which shall consist of specified land along the Rio Grande River in southern Colorado from the southern boundary of the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge to the Colorado-New Mexico State line, encompassing the River and its adjacent riparian areas. Establishes the Rio Grande Outstanding Natural Area Commission to assist Federal, State, and local authorities in the development and implementation of an integrated resource management plan for the Area, which shall coordinate existing Federal, State, and local plans. Directs the Commission, upon approval of the plan by the Secretary of the Interior, to assist the Secretary in implementing the plan by taking steps to preserve and interpret the natural resources of the Area and its surrounding area. Provides that the plan will be binding on private lands within the Area only if the landowner agrees. Permits the Secretary to acquire land within the Area from willing sellers only. Terminates the Commission ten years and six months after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary or any other Federal agency from approving or issuing any permit or providing any assistance for construction of any new dam, reservoir, or impoundment on any segment of the Rio Grande River or its tributaries within the Area's exterior boundaries. Revokes all reservations of public lands within the Area for Federal purposes that have been made by an Act of Congress or executive order and restores such lands to public land status. Withdraws all public lands within the Area from settlement, sale, location, entry, or disposal under public land laws. Prohibits any Area land or water from being designated as a wild, scenic, or recreational river.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Designates the month of September 2003 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that the Federal Government has a responsibility to: (1) raise awareness about the importance of screening methods and treatment of prostate cancer; (2) increase research funding that is commensurate with the burden of the disease so that the causes of, and improved screening, treatments, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) continue to consider ways for improving access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer. Requests the President to call upon Americans, interested groups, and affected persons to promote awareness of prostate cancer, to take an active role in ending the devastating effects of prostate cancer on individuals, their families, and the economy, and to observe the month of September 2003 with appropriate ceremonies and activities.