United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Chief Martin Congressional Gold Medal Act - 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 Chief Phillip Martin in recognition of his leadership of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for over 45 years and for his contributions to the American Indian community, particularly to the native and non-native communities of Mississippi.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2007 the authorization of appropriations for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program (a matching grant program which helps State, tribal, and local jurisdictions purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers).
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Blind Empowerment Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
American Indian Welfare Reform Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) reauthorize and extend tribal family assistance grants; (2) replace grants for Indian tribes under the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program with tribal human services program infrastructure improvement and other tribal TANF improvement grants; (3) reauthorize and extend the bonus to reward high performance States; (4) reauthorize and extend the contingency fund for State Welfare Programs; and (5) provide for payments to Indian tribes with approved tribal family assistance plans that are operating in situations of increased economic hardship. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit Indian tribes to issue tax-exempt qualified Indian private activity bonds. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to establish a set-aside for job access and reverse commute grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for grants for: (1) improving the access of Indian families with children to dependable, affordable automobiles to improve their employment opportunities and access to training; and (2) tribal employment services program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to benefits of Indian children. Amends SSA title IV part A to ensure equitable State plan benefits and services access for each member of an Indian tribe or tribal organization domiciled in the State who is not eligible for tribal family assistance. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for parity in treatment of Alaska natives with Indian tribes under the TANF program. Gives Indian tribes authority to receive funds under SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to make an Indian tribe or tribal organization that administers a social services program eligible for block grant payments. Amends SSA title IV part A to direct the Secretary to conduct research on tribal family assistance programs and on efforts to reduce poverty among Indians.
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 · 27 March 2003
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in a bird-fighting venture. Revises enforcement provisions. Permits euthanasia for an animal in extreme pain. Includes the Internet or any technology as interstate instrumentality.
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
Urges the President to designate the week of October 12 through 18, 2003, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. Declares that the Senate commits to increasing the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis by promoting public knowledge and understanding in a manner that will result in earlier diagnoses, more fund-raising efforts for research, and increased levels of support for those with cystic fibrosis and their families.
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 · 25 March 2003
Belarus Democracy Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President to support primarily indigenous Belarusian groups that are committed to the support of democratic processes in various activities that may include: (1) observation of elections and the promotion of free and fair electoral processes, including the development of democratic political parties; (2) development of independent media supported by nonstate-controlled printing facilities; (3) support of human rights; and (4) establishment of international exchanges and advanced professional training programs for leaders and members of democratic forces that foster the growth of civil society. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year for Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) for radio broadcasting to the people of Belarus in languages spoken in that country. Places economic sanctions on Belarus and bars senior Belarusian leaders and their immediate relations from entering the United States. Allows sanctions to be lifted only if the Belarusian Government meets specific democratic conditions. Affirms solidarity with the democratic forces in Belarus and calls upon the Government of Belarus to permit basic freedoms and allow free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections. Calls upon the Russian Government to use its influence to encourage democratic development in Belarus so that it can become an independent state that is integrated into Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Boundary Revision Act of 2003 - Amends the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of 1999 to revise the boundaries of the Park and the Conservation Area to add specified lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer such land to the Park. Provides that, if land authorized for the grazing of livestock is exchanged for private land under this Act, the Secretary shall transfer any grazing privileges to the private land acquired. Permits grazing with respect to permits or leases issued to specified partnerships. Requires acquisitions of land or interest in land acquired under this Act to be made in accordance with such Act. Provides that the Commissioner of Reclamation shall retain administrative jurisdiction over, and access to Bureau of Reclamation land, facilities, and roads in the East Portal and Crystal Dam areas for the maintenance, construction, replacement, and operation of water delivery facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Commends and supports the efforts and leadership of the President, as Commander in Chief, in the conflict against Iraq. Commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) and the civilian employees who support their efforts, as well as the men and women of civilian national security agencies who are participating in the military operations in the Persian Gulf region, for their professional excellence, dedicated patriotism and exemplary bravery. Commends and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to the family members of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians serving in operations against Iraq who have borne the burden of sacrifice and separation from their loved ones. Expresses the deep condolences of the Senate to the families of brave Americans who have lost their lives in this undertaking, over many years, against Iraq. Joins all Americans in remembering those who lost their lives during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, those still missing from that conflict, including Captain Scott Speicher, USN, and the thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks over the years, and in the Global War on Terrorism. Expresses sincere gratitude to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government for their courageous and steadfast support, as well as gratitude to other allied nations for their military support, logistical support, and other assistance in the campaign against Saddam Hussein's regime.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits any qualified civil liability action from being brought in any State or Federal court and requires pending actions to be dismissed. Defines such an action to: (1) include an action brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers, for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm; and (2) exclude an action brought against persons who transfer a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime; an action brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; an action in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm willfully violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; an action for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or an action for physical injuries or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Calls for Congress to assemble in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on a date to be determined to declare to the Nation and the world that the American people will never forget our veterans or those who served our Nation on the home front during the Korean War. Designates 2003 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran. Urges the chief executives of the States and local governments to issue a proclamation calling upon their citizens to "Pause to Remember" our Korean War veterans and their families and next of kin with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2003
Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Trail of the Ancients, extending approximately 710 miles through Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona, as a national historic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Veterans' New Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects at the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, that may include inpatient and outpatient facilities providing acute, sub-acute, primary, and long-term care services. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Air Force to undertake appropriate joint activities to address the health care needs of veterans and members of the Air Force on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to seek a genuine democratic government in Iran that will restore freedom to the Iranian people, abandon terrorism, and live in peace and security with the international community.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to seek a genuine democratic government in Iran that will restore freedom to the Iranian people, abandon terrorism, and live in peace and security with the international community.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
David Jayne Medicare Homebound Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the definition of homebound for purposes of determining Medicare eligibility for home health services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from disqualifying from consideration as confined to the home, based on the purpose, frequency, or duration of the absences from the home, any individual who: (1) has been certified by a physician as having a permanent and severe condition that will not improve which requires the individual to receive assistance from another individual with at least three out of five activities of daily living for the rest of the individual's life; and (2) requires one or more described home health services to achieve a functional condition giving the individual the ability to leave the home.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funding for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design. Permits a tribe to use amounts received through a bond issue to enter contracts: (1) for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals who would be able to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds. Makes any tribal school modernization bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $30 million each fiscal year into a tribal school modernization escrow account beginning in FY 2004 from amounts made available for school replacement under the construction account of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Requires the Secretary to use any amounts deposited to make payments to trustees or for advance planning and design. Declares that no bond shall be an obligation of, nor shall payment of the principal be guaranteed by, the United States, the tribes, or their schools. Exempts from Federal income tax any earnings through the investment of funds under the control of a trustee. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to individuals who hold such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Housing Bond and Credit Modernization and Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the required use of certain principal repayments on mortgage subsidy bond financings to redeem bonds; (2) modify the purchase price limitation under mortgage subsidy bond rules based on median family income; and (3) define the term "area median gross income" for low-income housing credit projects.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2003
Tribal Government Amendments to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include the participation of Indian tribes with respect to activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security, including information analysis and infrastructure protection, science and technology, the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, emergency preparedness and response, treatment of charitable trusts for members of the Armed Forces and other governmental organizations, coordination with non-Federal entities, and training of law enforcement officers by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms of the Department of Justice. Amends the Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA Patriot Act), and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to include Indian tribes among the participating entities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2003
Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, organizations that demonstrate potential to become Organizations, or a consortia of such organizations, colleges, or tribal governments to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students below the age of seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with such Organizations, colleges, or governments to operate, expand, and increase Native American Language Survival Schools throughout the United States and its territories for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts to establish three specified demonstration programs that will provide assistance to Schools and Nests at: (1) Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani College of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, in consortium with the 'Aha Punana Leo, Inc., and with other entities if deemed appropriate by such college; (2) Piegan Institute of Browning, Montana; and (3) the Alaska Native Language Center of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, in consortium with other entities deemed appropriate by such center. Authorizes such programs to: (1) establish endowments for furthering their activities relative to the study and preservation of Native American languages; and (2) use funds to provide for the rental, purchase, construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Health to facilitate advocacy for the development of appropriate Indian health policy, and promote consultation on matters related to Indian health, in a manner consistent with the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. Elevates the position of Director of the Indian Health Service to such Assistant Secretary position. Makes the Indian Health Service an agency of the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Reauthorization of 2003 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law). Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with an Office for Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bi-Partisan Indian Health Care Entitlement Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress for providing health services for Indians as an entitlement. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY 2015.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Southern Ute and Colorado Intergovernmental Agreement Implementation Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to treat the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a State for purposes of implementing and enforcing air quality control programs for their Reservation, as developed in the Intergovernmental Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 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 and restricted Indian lands. Repeals the limitation of any devise of an interest in trust or restricted land to a decedent's Indian spouse or any other Indian person. 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 Indian person in trust or restricted status or as a passive trust interest. Limits the order of the devise of an interest in trust or restricted land for: (1) an interest not devised according to the general rule; and (2) an interest held as a passive trust interest. Permits the owner of an interest in trust or restricted land to request that it be held in a passive trust. Provides for the partition and purchase of Indian land by eligible Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a tribal probate code that prevents the devise of an interest in trust or restricted land to: (1) an Indian lineal descendant of the original allottee; or (2) an Indian who is not a members of the tribe unless it provides for the renouncing of interests, 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. Provides that the rules of intestate succession under the Indian Land Consolidation Act or a tribal probate code approved under such Act shall apply after patents issued in the name of the allottees (or their heirs) have been executed and delivered. Restricts the devise of interest in trusts or restricted Indian lands within reservations that is less than 2.5 acres.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Native American Health and Wellness Foundation Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Specifies the purpose of the Foundation as to: (1) encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of real and personal property and any income from or interest in such gifts, for the benefit of, or in support of, the mission of the Indian Health Services of the Department of Health and Human Services; and (2) participate with and assist Federal, State, and tribal governments, agencies, entities, and individuals in undertaking and conducting activities that will further the health and wellness activities and opportunities of Native Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (the Secretaries) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on Federal land using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources. Directs the Secretaries to establish a program to increase public awareness about the significance of paleontological resources. Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from Federal land without a permit issued under this Act by one of the Secretaries. Authorizes the Secretaries to allow casual collecting of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for scientific, educational, and recreational uses, without a permit, on certain Federal lands where not inconsistent with laws governing management of such lands and this Act. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Prohibits: (1) excavating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on Federal lands, except in compliance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving such a resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource to have been illegally removed from Federal lands; (3) selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource to have been illegally removed from Federal lands; or (4) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from Federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act. Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretaries for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore the paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward. Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other Federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Commercial Driver's License Devolution Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle solely within the borders of a State (intrastate) if such individual: (1) meets State-prescribed minimum standards for fitness for operating a commercial motor vehicle; and (2) has passed written and driving tests meeting those same standards. Requires States to test the fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators who operate intrastate, including with written and driving tests, consistent with either the minimum standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation or State-prescribed minimum standards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Native American Capital Formation and Economic Development Act of 2003 - Establishes the Native American Capital Development Corporation (Corporation). Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) assist in the planning, establishment, and organization of Native American financial institutions; (2) develop and provide financial expertise and technical assistance to Native American financial institutions; (3) develop and provide specialized technical assistance on overcoming barriers to primary mortgage lending on Native American land; (4) provide mortgage underwriting assistance; (5) work with participants in the secondary market for home mortgage instruments in identifying and eliminating barriers to purchase Native American mortgage loans; (6) obtain capital investments in the Corporation; and (7) act as an information clearing house. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to the Corporation to provide technical assistance and other services to Native American financial institutions. Requires the Corporation Board of Directors to establish an Advisory Council to advise it on policy matters and provide information from all sectors of the Native American Community. Specifies the capitalization of the Corporation. Subjects it to the regulatory authority of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the formation of a new corporation after ten years and merger of the Corporation into it. Establishes within the Corporation: (1) the Native American Economies Diagnostic Studies Fund to be used to strengthen Indian tribal economies by supporting investment policy reforms and technical assistance to eligible Indian Tribes; and (2) the Native American Economic Incubation Center Fund to ensure that resources dedicated to Native American economic development are provided to their intended destinations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2003 - Makes technical amendments to the Bosque Redondo Memorial Act, the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act, and other specified Federal law with regard to: (1) the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (oil shale reserve); (2) the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians; (3) the Pueblo de Cochiti (modification of settlement); (4) the Chippewa Cree Tribe (modification of settlement); (5) the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; (6) the Barona Band of Mission Indians (facilitation of construction of pipeline to provide water for emergency fire suppression and other purposes); (7) the conveyance of Native Alaskan objects; (8) the Oglala Sioux Tribe (waiver of repayment of expert assistance loans); (9) the Pueblo of Acoma (land and mineral consolidation); (10) the Pueblo of Santo Domingo (waiver of repayment of expert assistance loans); (11) the Quinault Indian Nation (water feasibility study); (12) the Santee Sioux Tribe (study and report); (13) the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma (waiver of repayment of expert assistance loans); (14) the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; (15) the trust for the Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; (16) the trust for the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico; (17) survey and legal descriptions; (18) administration of trust land; and (19) distribution of judgment funds. Specifies the required distribution and use of funds appropriated on September 19, 1989, in satisfaction of an award granted to the Quinault Indian Nation under Dockets 772-71, 773-71, 774-71, and 775-71 before the United States Claims Court.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Flag Memorial Act of 2003 - Allows the family of a law enforcement officer or paid or volunteer firefighter who dies in the line of duty to request, and the Attorney General or the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide, a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the officer or firefighter.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Indian Land Leasing Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to permit, upon approval of the Secretary of the Interior and for public, religious, educational, recreational, residential, or business purposes, the leasing of restricted Indian lands for terms of up to 99 years (subject to specified conditions) for: (1) land located on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation or on the Burns Paiute Reservation; and (2) land held in trust for the Yurok Tribe or for the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of the Hopland Rancheria. Permits (under specified conditions) the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation (Tribes) to lease to the Northern Border Pipeline Company tribally-owned land on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation for interstate gas pipelines. Authorizes the Tribes, upon approval of the Secretary, to enter into a lease or other temporary conveyance of water rights recognized under the Fort Peck-Montana Compact for the purpose of meeting water needs of the Dry Prairie Rural Water Association, Incorporated. Amends Federal law to exempt Indian Tribes from the requirement to obtain approval of the Secretary to enter into leases of specified restricted lands (except mineral leases) for terms that do not exceed 99 years, if the Tribe provides written notice in the original leasing documents that stipulates the Tribe has the unilateral right to terminate such a lease in any case in which the tribe does not waive sovereign immunity from civil action brought by a party of the lease for just compensation resulting from such a termination. Authorizes any party to such a lease to bring a civil action to enforce it.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Native American Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2003 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) establish an Indian Energy Resource Development Program to revise the program of grants and low-interest loans to Indian tribes and tribal consortia to develop the managerial and technical capacity to develop energy resource on Indian lands and promote the vertical integration of such resources. Repeals the Indian tribes energy assistance demonstration program. Authorizes Indians or Indian tribes to enter into leases or business agreements for the purpose of energy development. Authorizes Indian tribes to grant rights-of-way over tribal land for pipelines or electric transmission or distribution lines without specific approval by the Secretary under specified conditions. Specifies that Federal employees on the Indian Energy Resource Commission are to serve the Commission without additional compensation. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Commission to: (1) appoint and terminate an executive director and other personnel as necessary; and (2) set compensation for such personnel within specified limitations. (Currently, the Commission appoints the executive director, who appoints other personnel; and compensation is specified according to the Federal Executive Schedule.) Revises specified detail requirements for Federal employees on the Commission. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in cooperation with Indian tribes or tribally-designated housing entities of Indian tribes, to provide to eligible nonprofit and community organizations, technical assistance to initiate and expand the use of energy saving technologies in housing construction and rehabilitation. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review and report to the Secretary (who shall report to specified congressional committees) on all activities being conducted under the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on energy development potential on Indian land.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that a flight deck crew member of a cargo aircraft should be armed with a firearm to defend such aircraft against attacks by terrorists that could use the aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction or for other terrorist purposes. Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the training and arming of flight deck crew members (pilots) of all-cargo air transportation flights to prevent acts of criminal violence or air piracy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Code Talkers Recognition Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal: (1) to persons, including specified individuals, who served as Sioux or Comanche Code Talkers during World War II; (2) honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I; and (3) to any other Native American member of the armed forces, identified by the Secretary of Defense, who served as a Code Talker in any foreign conflict in which the United States was involved during the 20th Century. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under this Act and to deposit the proceeds in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Recognizes May 15, 2003, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress and the decision of the full court not to reconsider the case en banc. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel either to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, or if unable to intervene, to file an amicus curiae brief in support of such constitutionality.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Buffalo Soldier Commemoration Act of 2003 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial in New Orleans, Louisiana, to honor the Buffalo Soldiers. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to include the Commission on the list of agencies eligible for participation in each Combined Federal Campaign until fund raising for the memorial is concluded. Establishes the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Fund to be used by the Commission to pay the expenses of establishing the memorial. Authorizes the Commission, one year after the memorial's establishment, to transfer any remaining Fund amounts and responsibility for future operation and maintenance of the memorial to the National Park Service or another appropriate governmental agency or other entity.
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
Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to terminate the authority for the establishment of a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in the District of Columbia, on November 12, 2006.
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 · 26 February 2003
Organic Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003, to repeal the provision permitting a farm to be certified as organic with respect to livestock produced on such farm if it uses non-organically produced feed under certain cost-based circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or health insurance issuer from denying benefits otherwise provided for the treatment of an injury solely because such injury resulted from the participation of the participant or beneficiary in a legal transportation and recreational activity such as motorcycling or skiing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Lumbee Acknowledgment Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law designating a certain group of Indians as the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina to acknowledge the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Declares the Tribe and its members eligible for all programs, services, and benefits (including privileges and immunities) provided by the Federal Government to Indian tribes and their members. Permits any Indian group located in or adjoining Robeson County, North Carolina, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) a petition for acknowledgment. Deems Robeson County, North Carolina, to be the Tribe's reservation for the purposes of Federal law. Requires the Secretary to verify the population of the Tribe and determine those eligible to receive Federal programs, services, and benefits. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the needs of the Tribe and recommend a budget required to serve it.
![Official portrait of Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000077_200.jpg)