United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Home Health Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase payment by ten percent for home health services furnished in a rural area on or after April 1, 2001; but prohibits the Secretary from reducing the standard PPS amount (or amounts) applicable to such services furnished during a period to offset the payment increase resulting from such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Supports the goals and ideas of National Donor Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation and to discuss such donations with their families and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Building Health Promotion and Disease Prevention into the National Agenda Resolution of 2001 - Calls on the Federal Government to: (1) increase resources to enhance the science base required to further develop the field of health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) explore strategies to integrate life-style improvement programs into national policy, health care, schools, workplaces, families, and communities in order to promote health and prevent disease.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should work with the Government of Mexico to advance bilateral cooperation and should seek to: (1) encourage economic growth and development to benefit both the United States and Mexico; (2) strengthen cooperation between the United States and Mexican military and law enforcement entities for the purpose of addressing common threats to security; (3) provide assistance to Mexico, upon request, in support of President Vicente Fox's plan to reform Mexico's judicial system and combat corruption and to strengthen democratic institutions; (4) develop a common strategy to address undocumented and documented immigration and to fight the illicit drug trade by reducing demand; (5) encourage bilateral and multilateral environmental protection activities; (6) obtain the support of the Mexican Government to assist the Government of Colombia in achieving a peaceful political resolution to the conflict in Colombia; and (7) review the current illicit drug certification process and consider other evaluation mechanisms.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to abused and neglected children. Supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope," the first Wednesday in April. Commends Childhelp USA for its efforts on behalf of such children.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Family Opportunity Act of 2001 or Dylan Lee James Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment of part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage of up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (regarding a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group insurance through a group plan) the Public Health Service Act (regarding such a plan or issuer, and with regard to an issuer offering health insurance in the individual market), the Internal Revenue Code (regarding a group health plan), and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (regarding Medicare supplemental policies) to prohibit, with respect to genetic information: (1) discriminating in individual enrollment; (2) discriminating in group eligibility or group premium or contribution rates; (3) requesting or requiring test performance; and (4) requesting, requiring, collecting, purchasing, or disclosing information, unless authorized by the individual. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate because of protected genetic information, including making it unlawful to request, require, collect, or purchase such information. Allows an employer to request, require, collect, or purchase such information: (1) where used for genetic monitoring of biological effects of workplace toxic substances; or (2) with consent of the employee, if results are received only by the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Strong Character for Strong Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities in partnerships to design and implement State and local character education programs incorporating the elements of caring, civic virtue and citizenship, justice and fairness, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness, as well as any other elements deemed appropriate by the members of the eligible entity, and any additional elements defined after consultation with the schools and communities served.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the price of heating fuel. Prohibits any such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the applicant is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Requires, for such assistance: (1) a declaration of a disaster by the President or the SBA Administrator; or (2) a certification from the governor of the State that its small businesses have suffered such economic injury and are in need of assistance which is not otherwise available.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Giving Incentives for Taxpayers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a non-itemizer to deduct up to $500 ($1,000 on a joint return) annually in charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Student Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) that receive ESEA funds to: (1) develop policies regarding in-school commercialization activities in consultation with parents; and (2) provide notice to parents regarding such policies and any changes to such policies, including locally developed exceptions. Prohibits such SEAs and LEAs, unless they have given an explanation and obtained parents' written permission, from: (1) disclosing data or information gathered from a student to persons or entities that seek such disclosure to benefit their commercial interests; or (2) assisting or permitting by contract such persons or entities in gathering such information for such purpose. Allows locally-developed exceptions to such consent requirements. Allows SEAs and LEAs to use certain ESEA funds to enhance parental involvement in areas affecting children's in-school privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act - Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a temporary education center for educating people about the Memorial. Requires the center to remain for ten years, after which Congress may reevaluate the continuing need for the center. Sets forth conditions for the use of excess coin funds under the United States Veterans Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 in the construction of such center, including that the Fund provide detailed information with respect to the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001 - - Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) with respect to Archer Medical Savings Accounts, increase the number of permitted account participants, increase the permitted size of a "small employer" from 50 to 100 or fewer employees, and extend, by two years, the cut-off year; (2) allow an eligible small employer a limited health insurance expenses credit; and (3) consider a "qualified health benefit purchasing coalition" (a non-profit corporation selling health insurance for small employers through licensed insurers) distribution as a distribution for a charitable purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award demonstration grants to States to allow States to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative ways to increase access to health insurance through market reforms and other innovative means. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2002; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning January 1, 2003. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to health care coverage. Requires group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage, to conduct utilization review activities in connection with the provision of benefits under such plans or coverage only in accordance with an approved utilization review program. Requires health plans and insurers to offer consumers: (1) more care options; and (2) greater access to patient information. Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Requires health plans and insurers to comply with patient protection requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit (to be included in gross income as interest) to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds issued by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Requires, with exceptions, State matching contributions for qualifying projects, which shall be used to redeem project-specific bonds, and if amounts remain, to fund other projects or bonds. Treats such contributions as tax-exempt facility bonds. Eliminates, for tax exemption for purposes, the governmental ownership requirement for mass commuting facility bonds. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allocate bond funds for Alaska Railroad issuances. Requires the Corporation to annually submit a multi-year capital spending plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
Downed Animal Protection Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to make it unlawful for any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer to buy, sell, give, receive, transfer, market, hold, or drag any nonambulatory livestock unless such livestock has been humanely euthanized.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
El Salvador Homebuilding Relief Act of 2001 - Authorizes the President to provide international disaster assistance for the construction and reconstruction of permanent single family housing for those who are homeless as a result of the earthquake in El Salvador on January 13, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
Expresses: (1) sympathy for the people of El Salvador and other Central American countries for the losses suffered as a result of the January 13, 2001, earthquake; and (2) support for disaster assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other relief agencies. Encourages a continued commitment by the United States and other countries to the long-term, sustainable development of El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2001
Justice for the Victims of Pan Am 103 Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of Libya and its leader, Moammar Gaddafi, should be condemned for support of international terrorism, including the bombing of Pan Am 103; (2) the Government of Libya should make a full apology for the bombing of Pan Am 103 and provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims; and (3) the President, the Secretary of State, and other Government officials should encourage other countries to maintain international sanctions (including United Nations (UN) sanctions) against Libya until the requirements of this Act are met. Declares it shall be U.S. policy to oppose the removal of UN sanctions, U.S. sanctions, the travel ban, and all other U.S. restrictions on Libya until certain conditions with respect to Libya and international terrorism and Pan Am 103 are met. Prohibits U.S. assistance to the Government of Libya until the President certifies to specified congressional committees that such conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2001
Cuba Food and Medicine Access Act of 2001 - Exempts from the embargo on trade with Cuba (including prohibitions under the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 against the unloading at a U.S. port of vessels that previously entered a Cuban port to engage in trade) the export of any agricultural commodities, medicines, or medical devices, or any travel incident to the delivery of such items. Declares that such exemption shall not apply to certain restrictions imposed under the Export Administration Act of 1979 or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to Congress on existing U.S. agricultural export promotion and credit programs to determine how they can be carried out to promote the consumption of U.S. agricultural commodities in Cuba. Repeals a specified section of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 prohibiting travel incident to the commercial sale of agricultural commodities to, or tourist travel by U.S. citizens to or from, Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish an international education policy to enhance national security and significantly further U.S. foreign policy and global competitiveness. Lists policy objectives, including invigorating citizen and professional international exchange programs, ensuring that college graduates have knowledge of a second language and of a foreign area, and capturing 40 percent of the international student market for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001- Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Prescribes procedural guidelines for both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and State access to records of a holding company (including subsidiaries, associates, and affiliates) of a public utility or natural gas company. Instructs FERC to promulgate a final rule to exempt specified holding companies from such access requirements. Requires FERC to exempt any person or transaction from such access requirements if it finds that regulation of such person or transaction is irrelevant to the jurisdictional rates of a public utility or natural gas company. Retains the jurisdiction of FERC and State commissions to determine whether a public utility company or natural gas company may recover in rates any costs of affiliate transactions. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) the United States; (2) a State or its political subdivision; and (3) a foreign governmental authority not operating in the United States. Grants FERC certain Federal Power Act enforcement powers. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal its conflict of jurisdiction guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Mandates a two-year moratorium on certain annual certifications made to Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that allow a major drug-transit country or major illicit drug producing country to expend withheld bilateral assistance and multilateral development assistance provided such country has cooperated fully with the United States to achieve full compliance with the goals and objectives established by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, or it is in the vital national interests of the United States that such assistance be provided. Declares that a certain required international narcotics control strategy report which is a part of such certifications shall continue to apply for the two preceding fiscal years in which such country has received assistance under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $65 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to an amount ($175) that equals the amount permitted for qualified parking (thus providing for a uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits). Revises provisions concerning Federal employee parking benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for a limited time period, deductions and credits for commercial and residential properties using specified energy efficient construction or reconstruction materials or technologies, including solar energy. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) allocation of deductions for public property; and (2) property financed by subsidized energy financing. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish specified certification and compliance procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
WISEWOMAN Expansion Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through a competitive review process, to award grants to States to provide additional specified preventive health services, screenings, education, and referrals under PHSA provisions concerning preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Expresses sympathy to the citizens of India for the losses suffered as a result of the January 26, 2001, earthquake. Expresses support for the people of India, for the efforts of the World Bank, for continuing and substantially increasing the amount of disaster assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other relief agencies, and for providing future economic assistance. Encourages assistance from other nations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2001
Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines within which the Postal Service shall propose changes in pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters which are to be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Grants certain qualified postmasters' organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2001 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals a special compensation program for certain severely disabled military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Violence Against Women Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) a Violence Against Women Office. Specifies the duties of the Office Director, including carrying out DOJ functions under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and on matters relating to violence against women.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the U.S. Postal Service in honor of the U.S.S. Wisconsin and all those who served aboard her; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
SBP Benefits Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal provisions concerning the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to adjust the basic SBP annuity amount for surviving spouses age 62 or over of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent, for months beginning on or before the enactment of this Act (current law); (2) 40 percent of such pay, for months beginning after such date and before October 2004; (3) 45 percent, for months beginning after September 2004; and (4) 55 percent, for months beginning after September 2011. Adjusts similarly the authorized percentage amounts of SBP supplemental annuity authorized for such spouses. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate adjustments in the computation of retired pay deductions for such supplemental annuities made necessary by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit: (1) a national committee of a political party from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (3) a candidate or an incumbent for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office, or disbursing funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Requires the filing of additional statements on electioneering communications with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Sets out provisions with regard to electioneering communications, including rules prohibiting corporate and labor disbursements for such communications. Adds requirements for reporting certain independent expenditures to the FEC. Prohibits a committee of a political party from making both independent and coordinated expenditures for a nominee. Requires coordinated activities to be considered as contributions to and expenditures by a candidate. Lists the permitted and prohibited uses of amounts contributed by a candidate or an incumbent. Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against campaign fundraising on Federal property. Amends FECA concerning contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with Federal, State, or local elections. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to codify the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make revisions under which: (1) a husband and wife may make a combined return with separate rates; (2) estate taxes will be reduced; (3) there will be a deduction for qualified higher education expenses; (4) greater benefits will be applicable towards child care expenses; (5) there will be a credit for givers of long-term care to family members; (6) the earned income credit will be increased for two or more qualified children and other modifications will be made to the credit; (7) 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed will be deductible; (8) credits for pension plans will be increased; and (9) the adoption credit will be expanded.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a special rule allowing a charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Social Security and Medicare Off-Budget Lockbox Act of 2001 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that the receipts and disbursements of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal or congressional budgets or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) (thus, making it off-budget). Provides for related points of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate to enforce such requirement. Amends the Social Security Act to provide the same budgetary treatment for the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund as is provided to the Federal Disability and Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Funds. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide a point of order in the House or the Senate against consideration of any budget resolution or legislation that would cause or increase an on-budget deficit for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages (such FLSA provisions are also known as the Equal Pay Act) to: (1) add nonretaliation requirements; (2) increase penalties; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Directs the Secretary to provide for certain studies, information, national summit, and guidelines, awards, and assistance for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria. Establishes the Alexis Herman National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect certain pay information.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Broadband Internet Access Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the broadband credit which shall be the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines terms.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Federal Elections Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit: (1) a national committee of a political party from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (3) a candidate or an incumbent for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office, or disbursing funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Adds requirements for reporting certain independent expenditures to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Prohibits a committee of a political party from making both independent and coordinated expenditures for a nominee. Requires coordinated activities to be considered as contributions to and expenditures by the candidate. Authorizes the FEC to conduct random audits to ensure voluntary FECA compliance. Prohibits false representation to solicit contributions. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to codify the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al. Lists the permitted and prohibited uses of contributions received by a candidate or an incumbent. Amends Federal postal law to limit congressional use of the franking privilege. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit campaign fundraising on Federal property. Amends FECA to: (1) increase penalties for certain violations; (2) revise restrictions on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in Federal, State, or local elections; and (3) protect equal participation of eligible voters in campaigns and elections. Establishes within FEC a clearinghouse of public information regarding the political activities of foreign principals and their agents. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to condition the receipt of amounts from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund in a presidential election upon the candidate's certification not to solicit any funds for influencing such election unless the funds are subject to FECA. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit use of White House meals and accommodations for political fundraising. Amends FECA to require reimbursement for certain political fundraising involving use of Federal property. Amends IRC to ban coordination of soft money for issue advocacy by presidential candidates receiving public financing. Establishes the Commission on Voting Rights and Procedures to study and make recommendations on matters such as election technology and systems, designs and uniformity of ballots, and voter education. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to implement the Commission's recommendations. Military Voting Rights Act of 2001 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, with respect to voting, to require that a person absent from a State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence, be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence or domicile in that State; (2) acquired a residence or domicile in any other State; or (3) become resident in or a resident of any other State. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require States, with respect to elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee voting by uniformed services members.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Educational Excellence for All Learners Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise and reauthorize certain ESEA programs. School Improvement Accountability Act - Revises ESEA title I programs for helping disadvantaged schoolchildren, with respect to: (1) reservations of funds for schools identified for corrective action or improvement; (2) accountability for yearly progress under State plans, assessments, and improvement aid; and (3) financial incentives for comprehensive school reform. Revises teacher professional development programs to require: (1) State plans to include goals for increasing numbers of fully qualified teachers; and (2) local educational agencies (LEA) to notify parents of their right to information about teacher qualifications. Revises innovative education programs to add requirements for State plans, sanctions, reports, standards, and assessment enhancements. Requires performance objectives for States and LEAs receiving funds for programs to assist limited English proficiency students. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) grants to States for annual State, LEA, and school report cards on elementary and secondary educational quality; and (2) awards to States for high performance in education. Extends the authorization of appropriations for ESEA title I programs for helping disadvantaged schoolchildren. Directs the Secretary annually to review how such funds are allocated to ensure that LEAs with the highest need are receiving funds in proportion to that need as compared to other LEAs. Establishes the Opportunities to Improve Our Nation's Schools (OPTIONS) program, under which the Secretary may make grants to States and LEAs to support programs that promote innovative approaches to high-quality public school choice. Sets forth parental involvement requirements for State plans for improving basic programs operated by LEAs. Establishes a program for Parental Assistance and Child Opportunity (which replaces current provisions relating to programs for children and youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out). Authorizes the Secretary, under such program, to make: (1) grants to nonprofit organizations, and such organizations in consortia with LEAs, to establish school-linked or school-based parental information and resource centers; and (2) grants to and contracts with local nonprofit parent organizations to support local family information centers to help ensure that parents of students in schools assisted under State plans for improving basic programs have training, information, and support they need to participate effectively in helping their children to meet challenging State standards. Revises, and reauthorizes appropriations for, ESEA title II teacher quality under professional development programs. Renames and revises such programs to emphasize provision of a qualified teacher in every classroom. Authorizes the Secretary to make: (1) grant allotments to States for State- and local-level teacher professional development, mentoring, and recruitment activities, including subgrants to LEAs, recruiting partnerships using teacher corps programs, and partnerships of higher education institutions and LEAs; and (2) grants to and contracts with various entities for national activities for the improvement of teaching and school leadership, including the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, Transition-to-Teaching programs, Hometown Teacher programs, and Early Childhood Educator Professional Development. Establishes a program of grants for school renovation. Directs SEAs to reserve certain amounts for grants to LEAs for repair and renovation and for technology and activities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Amends the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2001 to revise the authorization of appropriations for a charter school credit enhancement initiative program. America's Better Classrooms Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a limited tax credit for: (1) qualified public school modernization bonds (construction and zone academy bonds); and (2) qualified tribal school modernization bonds. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities. Reauthorizes appropriations for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program under ESEA. Establishes an ESEA program of grants for class size reduction. Reading Excellence Act - Revises, renames, and reauthorizes appropriations for certain reading excellence programs under ESEA. Repeals ESEA provisions for tutorial assistance grants. Training for Technology Act of 2001 - Revises ESEA title III technology for education provisions. Requires local applications for school technology resource grants to demonstrate how LEAs will use portions of such funds for in-service teacher training. Establishes a program authorizing the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Technology, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible consortia for developing or redesigning teacher preparation programs to enable prospective teachers to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Allows technology-specific professional development grant funds to be used to provide incentives, including bonus payments, to teachers who achieve certain technology standards or information-technology certification. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 for assistance for education of all children with disabilities (part B of IDEA). Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding full funding of IDEA. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the maximum Pell grant should be increased under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Establishes an IRC tax deduction for higher education expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Financial Information Privacy Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide that the customer's affirmative consent is a prerequisite to financial institution disclosure to affiliates of customer nonpublic personal information, including information about personal spending habits (currently such consent is only required for financial institution disclosure to nonaffiliated third parties). Emphasizes that this Act neither modifies, limits, nor supersedes standards established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with respect to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information. Sets forth limits upon redisclosure and reuse of nonpublic consumer personal information received by an affiliated or nonaffiliated third party from a financial institution. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) consumer rights to access and correct information; and (2) Federal and State enforcement powers under this Act. Revises requirements for the timing of a financial institution's disclosure to consumers of its privacy policies and practices, including a new requirement that the disclosure first occur before a customer relationship is established (currently, when it is established). Prohibits a financial institution from disclosing to either an affiliate or nonaffiliated third party its customer's account number or comparable access number or code. Permits financial institution disclosure of nonpublic personal information: (1) in connection with performing services or functions solely on such institution's behalf regarding its own customers, including marketing of the institution's own products or services to its customers; and (2) in order to facilitate certain customer services. Directs specified Federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, to prescribe implementing regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Right Start Act of 2001 - Extends authorizations of appropriations for: (1) the Head Start Act; (2) the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (3) funding for child care under the Social Security Act; and (4) the Early Learning Opportunities Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the formula to increase the dependent care income tax credit for certain taxpayers, indexed for inflation, with an even greater credit for employment-related dependent care expenses; (2) allow a minimum dependent care income tax credit for stay-at-home parents; (3) provide for advance payment by the employer of an employee's dependent care income tax credit; and (4) allow a business-related tax credit for employer-provided child care expenditures. Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Time for Schools Act of 2001 - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for Federal employees. Amends FMLA and Federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program) (OPDBP) to provide Medicare coverage of certain outpatient prescription drugs and biological products for individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for an outpatient prescription drug benefit program for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Outlines premiums and cost-sharing provisions, including those for a $250 deductible waivable for generic drugs, as well as coinsurance provisions. Sets out patient protections. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement an Employer Incentive Program that encourages sponsors of employment-based health care coverage to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals. Establishes a Medicare Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Committee. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) to require each Medicare+Choice plan, with specified exceptions, to provide enrolled members items and services for which benefits are available under new part D. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to exclude Medicare part D costs from determination of the part B monthly premium. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) include in Medicare cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries premiums under OPDBP; and (2) provide for expanding medical assistance with regard to OPDBP coinsurance and deductible. Sets at 100 percent the Federal Medicaid percentage with respect to such medical assistance. Amends SSA title XI to increase Medicaid payments to territories. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise requirements for benefit packages for Medicare supplemental policies, and with regard to comprehensive immunosuppressive drug coverage for transplant patients. Directs the Secretary to study whether to: (1) establish a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries by eligible entities under OPDBP; and (2) develop systems to transfer prescriptions electronically under OPDBP from the prescriber to the pharmacist. Outlines provisions for General Accounting Office and Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) studies involving OPDBP.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Enhancing Economic Security for America's Working Families Act - Amends various Federal laws relating to the economic security of workers and their families. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2002; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning on January 1, 2003. Makes Federal minimum requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends FLSA to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages (such FLSA provisions are also known as the Equal Pay Act) to: (1) add nonretaliation requirements; (2) increase penalties; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Directs the Secretary to provide for certain studies, information, national summit, and guidelines, awards, and assistance for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria. Establishes the Alexis Herman National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect certain pay information. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration programs or projects to provide technical skills training for workers, including both employed and unemployed workers, through grants to local or regional public-private partnerships. FamilyCare Act of 2001 - Renames the State Children's Health Insurance program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) as the FamilyCare program to provide for: (1) FamilyCare coverage of parents under Medicaid (SSA title XIX) as well as new SSA title XXI; (2) optional FamilyCare coverage of parents of targeted low-income children; (3) automatic eligibility for FamilyCare coverage of children born to a parent on FamilyCare assistance; (4) optional coverage of legal immigrants and of children through age 20 under both Medicaid and FamilyCare; (5) application of simplified FamilyCare procedures under Medicaid; (6) increased welfare-to-work transition under FamilyCare; (7) elimination of the 100 hour rule (eligibility requirement that a dependent child be deprived of parental support or care by reason of the parent's death, incapacity, unemployment, or continued absence from home) and other SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) related eligibility restrictions under FamilyCare; (8) limitations on specified conflicts of interests under SSA titles XIX and XXI; (9) increased FamilyCare allotment for FY 2002 through 2004; (10) authority to pay Medicaid expansion costs from the FamilyCare appropriation; and (11) appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to a limited number of States to conduct innovative programs designed to improve outreach to homeless individuals and families under specified programs. Makes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the earned income credit to: (1) increase it for an eligible individual with two or more children; (2) revise definitions of earned income and child dependent credit; and (3) modify joint return requirements and rules where there are two or more eligible individuals. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to restore eligibility for food stamp benefits for legal immigrants and their families.
![Official portrait of Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000388_200.jpg)