United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Declares the right, title, and interest of the United States in certain tracts of land in Rio Arriba County and in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties, New Mexico, to be held in trust for the Pueblo of Santa Clara and the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, respectively (including mineral rights). Directs the Office of Cadastral Survey to conduct a survey of the boundary lines between the properties. Declares the lands held in trust to be part of the Santa Clara Indian Reservation and the San Ildefonso Indian Reservation and directs that they be administered in accordance with any law (including regulations) or court order generally applicable to property held by the U.S. Government in trust for Indian tribes. Subjects the trust lands and other lands in the Santa Clara Pueblo Grant and the San Ildefonso Pueblo Grant that are held by the respective tribes or subsequently acquired by them to the Pueblo Lands Act of 1924. Requires trust lands to be used only for traditional or customary uses or stewardship conservation. Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) affect any person's (other than the United States') existing right-of-way, lease, permit, mining claim, grazing permit, water right, or other right or interest in or to the trust lands; (2) affect any existing right or claim of either Pueblo to any lands or interest in lands based upon Aboriginal or Indian title; or (3) constitute the reservation of water or water rights in the trust lands or any change in status of water rights of either Pueblo.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, from knowingly: (1) performing or attempting to perform human cloning; (2) participating in such an attempt; (3) shipping or receiving an embryo produced by human cloning or any product derived from such an embryo; or (4) importing such an embryo. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties. Provides that nothing in this Act restricts areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited above, including research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans. Directs the General Accounting Office to assess the need for amendment of such prohibition, including through: (1) a discussion of new developments, the need for somatic cell transfer to produce medical advances, current public attitudes and prevailing ethical views concerning its use, and potential legal implications of somatic cell transfer research; and (2) a review of any technological developments that may require technical changes to such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, which shall include the counties of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos, in New Mexico. Designates Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Inc., as the Area's management entity which: (1) shall develop, submit, and implement a management plan that includes recommendations for conservation, funding, management, development, and interpretation of the Area; (2) may provide assistance to tribal and local governments and other entities to carry out the plan; and (3) may not use Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to develop and implement the management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Albuquerque Biological Park Title Clarification Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a quitclaim deed conveying any right, title, and interest the United States may have in and to Tingley Beach and San Gabriel Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the City of Albuquerque. Provides that the City shall not be required to pay any additional costs for the value of such Park and Beach.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
High Plains Aquifer Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, working through the United States Geological Survey, to establish and carry out the High Plains Aquifer Comprehensive Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Program. Requires the Program to: (1) undertake mapping of the hydrogeological configuration of the Aquifer; (2) perform analyses of the current and past rates at which groundwater is being withdrawn and recharged, the net rate of decrease or increase in Aquifer storage, the factors controlling the rate of horizontal and vertical migration of water, and the current and past rate of change of saturated thickness within the Aquifer; and (3) develop regional databases and groundwater flow models. Requires the Program to include a Federal component and a State component and lists priorities of each, including (respectively): (1) coordinating Federal, State, and local data, maps, and models into an integrated physical characterization of the Aquifer; and (2) hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling, and monitoring activities in areas of the Aquifer that will assist in addressing issues relating to groundwater depletion and resource assessment of the Aquifer. Provides for the establishment of a Federal Review Panel to: (1) evaluate the proposals submitted for funding under the State component; and (2) review and coordinate the Federal component priorities, the Federal interdisciplinary studies, and the State component priorities. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to prepare a plan for the Program to address overall priorities, a management structure, and Program operations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark Act - Designates the Fort Bayard Historic District in Grant County, New Mexico, as the Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with and provide assistance to public or private entities to protect historic resources at Fort Bayard and to provide educational and interpretive facilities and programs for the public. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any agreements or providing assistance to any activities affecting Fort Bayard State Hospital without the concurrence of the State of New Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Guaranteeing a United and Resolute Defense Act of 2003 or GUARD Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funds to the governor of a State who submits, and receives approval of, a plan for the use of personnel and equipment of the State's National Guard in homeland security activities. Provides authorizes uses of such funding, including: (1) pay, allowances, and clothing; (2) equipment and facilities operation and maintenance; and (3) procurement of related services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2003
Medicaid Safety Net Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase the allowed Federal Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment in "extremely low-DSH" States from one percent to three percent of the State's Medicaid program costs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2003
Digital and Wireless Network Technology Program Act of 2003 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Digital and Wireless Network Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement. Prohibits an institution that receives assistance exceeding $2.5 million from receiving further assistance until every other eligible institution has received assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003
National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2003 - Requires the Attorney General to assign an AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice to act as the national Coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. Requires the coordinator to: (1) seek to eliminate gaps in the network; (2) work with States to encourage the development of additional network elements and to ensure regional coordination; and (3) act as the nationwide point of contact for network development and for regional coordination of alerts on abducted children through the network. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) notify and consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning each child abduction for which an AMBER Alert is issued; and (2) establish minimum standards for the issuance of alerts and for the extent of their dissemination (limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the recovery of the abducted child). Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted children. Includes among permissible activities the development or enhancement of electronic message boards, and the placement of additional signage, along highways. Directs the Attorney General to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert communications plans.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
The Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; and (2) assist the Institutes to promote such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2002
Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in calculating the Federal cost for guaranteeing small business loans under the Small Business Act during FY 2003, to use: (1) the most recently approved subsidy cost model and methodology in conjunction with the program and economic assumptions; and (2) historical data included in the FY 2003 budget. Requires the Small Business Administration (SBA), after written notification to Congress, to implement the validated, OMB-approved rate for FY 2003. Amends the Department of Defense and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States Act, 2002 to allow funds appropriated to the SBA for emergency expenses to also be used for such loan guarantee subsidies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2002
Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award a grant to Neighborhood House of St. Paul, Minnesota, to finance the construction of a new community center in St. Paul, to be known as the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2002 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to award non-renewable grants to eligible applicants to prepare a comprehensive plan for and implement an adult or juvenile collaboration program, which targets adults or juveniles with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders in order to promote public safety and public health. Directs that grants be used to create or expand: (1) mental health courts; (2) programs that offer specialized training to the officers and employees of a criminal or juvenile justice agency and mental health personnel in procedures for identifying the symptoms of mental illness; and (3) programs that support cooperative efforts by criminal, juvenile justice, and mental health agencies to promote public safety by offering mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Requires the Attorney General: (1) to develop a procedure under which applicants may apply simultaneously for a planning grant and an implementation grant; (2) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency task force to identify policies which hinder or facilitate local collaborative initiatives; and (3) to develop a list of best practices for appropriate diversion from incarceration of adult and juvenile offenders. Requires applicants for an implementation grant to meet specified requirements, including ensuring individualized, needs-based assessments and access to community-based mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Hibben Center for Archaeological Research Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) construct and occupy a portion of the Hibben Center for Archaeological Research at the University of New Mexico; (2) provide a grant to the University to pay the Federal share of construction and related costs for the Center; and (3) furnish specified tenant improvements to the portion of the Center leased to the National Park Service (NPS). Requires the University, before funds available under this Act may be expended for construction or tenant improvement costs, to offer to enter into a long-term lease with the United States that: (1) provides to NPS space in the Center for storage, research, and offices; and (2) is acceptable to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to encourage collaborative management of the Chacoan archaeological objects associated with northwestern New Mexico, to enter into cooperative agreements with the University, other NPS units, other Federal agencies, and Indian tribes for: (1) the curation and conduct of research on artifacts in the research museum collection and archive at the University; and (2) the development, use, management, and operation of the portion of the Center leased to NPS.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to five countries under which each country would provide temporary secured storage for orphaned, unused, surplus, or other radioactive material sources other than special nuclear material, nuclear fuel, or spent nuclear fuel. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make U.S. voluntary contributions to the IAEA for a program to provide radioactive source discovery, inventory, and recovery; (2) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar power sources to replace radioisotope thermal generator powered units operated by the Federation and other independent states of the former Soviet Union in applications such as lighthouses, remote weather stations, unattended sensors, and remote electricity; and (3) conclude an agreement under which a foreign country would train first responders in the detection and characterization of radioactive material and contaminated areas. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish a Special Representative for Inspections of Nuclear and Radiological Materials for negotiating international agreements that ensure inspection of cargoes of nuclear and radiological materials destined for the United States. Establishes a program of research and development grants concerning the detection and identification of fissile and radioactive materials. Requires a study of the use of radioactive sources in industry and of potential substitutes for those sources.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2002
Recognizes the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for acknowledging individuals who live exemplary lives as Americans while preserving the values of their particular heritage groups.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as feasible (but not later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Local Emergency Health Services Reimbursement Act of 2002 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to appropriate $200,000,000 for each of FY 2003 through 2007 for allotments to States for reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (presently such appropriations end after FY 2001). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use $134,000,000 of such amount to compute an allotment, according to a specified formula, for each of the 17 States with the highest number of undocumented aliens. Directs the Secretary to use $66,000,000 to compute an allotment for each of the six States with the highest number of undocumented alien apprehensions. Permits a State to receive funds on both accounts. Allows funds to go to States, local governments, hospitals, or other providers in a State, including providers of services received through an Indian Health Service facility (presently funds go only to States). Declares that this Act constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2002
Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Elder Justice) to establish: (1) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Elder Justice, headed by a Director who shall develop objectives, priorities, policy, and a long-term plan for elder justice programs; (2) within HHS an Intra-Agency Elder Justice Steering Committee to coordinate HHS elder justice programs and policy; (3) the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to make recommendations for the coordination of activities, relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and other crimes against elders, to HHS, the Department of Justice, and other relevant Federal, State, local, and private agencies and entities; and (4) the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Outlines provisions with respect to uniform collection, maintenance, and dissemination of national data relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award various grants, including grants for: (1) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) five Centers of Excellence nationwide that shall specialize in research, clinical practice, and training relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (3) six diverse communities to examine various types of elder shelters and to test various models for establishing safe havens; (4) nonprofit organizations to encourage such organizations to establish or continue volunteer programs that focus on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, or that provide related services; and (5) various multidisciplinary elder justice activities. Provides for: (1) reporting to law enforcement of crimes occurring in Federally-funded long-term care facilities; (2) revising the quality of long-term care; and (3) increasing consumer information about long-term care. Amends: (1) SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish programs to prevent abuse of skilled nursing facility and nursing facility residents; (2) the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of health care professionals with geriatric training; (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965 with respect to the long-term care ombudsman program; (4) part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to establish in HHS the Office of Adult Protective Services; and (5) SSA titles XVIII and XIX to assure safety of residents when nursing facilities close. Establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of Elder Justice. Amends the: (1) Federal criminal code to provide for a cause of action for elder abuse and neglect; and (2) Internal Revenue Code to provide for a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Honoring the Passengers and Crew of United Flight 93 Act - Authorizes the President to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the passengers and crew of United Airlines flight 93 in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
Recognizes the essential role tribal colleges and universities play in American Indian communities. Honors the vision and commitment of the founders of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Celebrates 30 successful years of implementing that vision for the benefit of American Indian peoples across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Declares the right, title, and interest of the United States in certain tracts of land in Rio Arriba County and in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties, New Mexico, to be held in trust for the Pueblo of Santa Clara and the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, respectively (including mineral rights). Directs the Office of Cadastral Survey to conduct a survey of the boundary lines between the properties. Declares the lands held in trust to be part of the Santa Clara Indian Reservation and the San Ildefonso Indian Reservation and directs that they be administered in accordance with any law (including regulations) or court order generally applicable to property held by the U.S. Government in trust for Indian tribes. Subjects the trust lands and other lands in the Santa Clara Pueblo Grant and the San Ildefonso Pueblo Grant that are held by the respective tribes or subsequently acquired by them to the Pueblo Lands Act of 1924. Requires trust lands to be used only for traditional or customary uses or stewardship conservation. Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) affect any person's (other than the United States') existing right-of-way, lease, permit, mining claim, grazing permit, water right, or other right or interest in or to the trust lands; (2) affect any existing right or claim of either Pueblo to any lands or interest in lands based upon Aboriginal or Indian title; or (3) constitute the reservation of water or water rights in the trust lands or any change in status of water rights of either Pueblo.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark Act - Designates the Fort Bayard Historic District in Grant County, New Mexico, as the Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with and provide assistance to public or private entities to protect historic resources at Fort Bayard and to provide educational and interpretive facilities and programs for the public. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any agreements or providing assistance to any activities affecting Fort Bayard State Hospital without the concurrence of the State of New Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) complete a program of research on a method of controlling salt cedar and other nonnative phreatophytes (control method) for use in the Rio Grande watershed and the Pecos River in New Mexico and other affected bodies of water in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah; and (2) commence a demonstration program of the most effective control methods. Requires the Secretary to carry out at least ten demonstration projects, of which: (1) not less than two shall be carried out in each State specified above; (2) at least one shall use primarily one or more herbicides; (3) at least one shall use primarily mechanical means; (4) at least one shall use a biocontrol such as goats or insects; and (5) the others shall use any one or more control methods. Requires each project to: (1) be designed to measure all costs and benefits associated with each control method used, including water savings; and (2) be monitored and maintained for a period of at least five years, at a cost of not more than $100,000 per project per year, after completion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to establish spending caps (discretionary spending) for FY 2003. Extends spending caps and budget flexibility among defense programs through FY 2007. Extends other deficit elimination provisions through FY 2011. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to extend budget enforcement mechanisms in the Senate, including supermajority requirements, allocations filings, and points of order concerning advanced appropriations and pay-as-you-go (PAYGO). Prohibits diversions from the Crime Victims Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
High Plains Aquifer Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, working through the United States Geological Survey, to establish and carry out the High Plains Aquifer Comprehensive Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Program. Requires the Program to: (1) undertake mapping of the hydrogeological configuration of the Aquifer; (2) perform analyses of the current and past rates at which groundwater is being withdrawn and recharged, the net rate of decrease or increase in Aquifer storage, the factors controlling the rate of migration of water, and the current and past rate of loss of saturated thickness within the Aquifer; and (3) develop necessary regional databases and groundwater flow models. Requires the Program to include a Federal component and a State component and lists priorities of each, including (respectively): (1) coordinating Federal, State, and local data, maps and models into an integrated physical characterization of the Aquifer; and (2) hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling, and monitoring activities in areas of the Aquifer that will assist in addressing issues relating to groundwater depletion and resource assessment of the Aquifer. Provides for the establishment of a Federal Review Panel to evaluate the funding proposals submitted by entities of the High Plains Aquifer States. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, to prepare a plan for the Program to address overall priorities for the Program and a management structure and Program operations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2002
Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act - Designates specified archaeological sites in New Mexico as the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Protection Sites. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) continue to search for additional Native American and Spanish colonial sites in the Galisteo Basin area; and (2) submit to the Congress recommendations for additions to, deletions from, and modifications of the boundaries of such sites. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the identification, research, protection, and public interpretation of the archaeological protection sites located on Federal lands, and those sites located on private and State lands for which the Secretary has entered into discretionary Cooperative Agreements with their owners for the protection, preservation, maintenance, and administration of their archaeological resources and associated lands. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire lands and interests within the boundaries of the archaeological protection sites, and access to them, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or by exchange. Limits to donation or exchange the Secretary's acquisition authority for lands or interests owned by the State of New Mexico or a local government, except that State trust land may be acquired only by exchange. Withdraws all Federal lands within the sites, subject to valid existing rights, from: (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. States that this Act shall not: (1) authorize regulation of privately owned lands within an archaeological protection site; or (2) restrict or limit an Indian tribe from protecting cultural or religious sites on tribal land.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers to delay the inclusion in income of the amount earned from the sale of excess livestock due to Federal land management policy or action or to severe weather conditions until the year following two years in which the condition does not exist (present law allows for inclusion of such income in the year following a year of severe weather). Sets forth new rules for drought designations. Modifies rules for replacement of involuntarily converted livestock, including to prescribe that an heir to an estate may replace such property within the required time frame.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Border Commuter Student Act of 2002 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish as a category of nonimmigrant alien student a national of Canada or Mexico who commutes to study (including vocational or nonacademic studies) in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Death Penalty Integrity Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize an individual who, after trial, was convicted of a Federal crime and is serving a term of imprisonment as a result, to file a motion for the performance of forensic DNA testing on evidence that was secured in relation to the investigation or prosecution but not subject to DNA testing because the technology was not available at the time of trial. Prohibits the Government from destroying certain biological evidence over a 60 month period. Declares that no statute of limitations shall extend to any person identified by means of a DNA database prior to identification. Directs the Attorney General to establish a system for reporting and tracking motions for DNA testing. Authorizes appropriations to defray State costs associated with post-conviction DNA testing. Amends: (1) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 regarding the definition of "qualifying Federal offense"; (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to include juveniles in CODIS (the Combined DNA Indexing System); (3) the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 to authorize grant awards to States for training of counsel representing defendants charged with capital offenses in State and local courts; and (4) the code and the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit an attorney who has been disciplined relating to a criminal case, or where that attorney has been found to have rendered ineffective assistance of counsel in another criminal case, from being eligible to represent an accused.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2002
21st Century Medicare Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish: (1) a Voluntary Prescription Drug Delivery Program under a new part D; and (2) a Prescription Drug Account in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) within the Department of HHS the Medicare Competitive Agency, headed by an Administrator charged with carrying out Medicare parts D and C (Medicare+Choice); and (2) within the Agency an Office of Beneficiary Assistance to carry out functions relating to Medicare beneficiaries. Creates a Medicare Ombudsman in such Office. Establishes within the Medicare Competitive Agency the Medicare Competitive Policy Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator of the Medicare Competitive Agency to study and report to Congress on the need for rules relating to permitting individuals who are enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) but are not entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) to buy into the Medicare voluntary prescription drug delivery program. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to require the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund to submit to Congress a combined report on the operation and status of the Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, including the Prescription Drug Account within such Trust Fund. Expands the membership and duties of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary to establish procedures under which each eligible beneficiary shall be entitled to elect to receive enhanced Medicare benefits under a new Medicare part E (Enhanced Medicare Benefits) instead of the benefits under Medicare parts A and B. Sets forth rules relating to Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) policies that provide prescription drug coverage, such as prohibiting the sale, issuance, and renewal of policies that provide prescription drug coverage to part D enrollees. Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for competition under the Medicare+Choice program and part D and E benefits under competitive Medicare+Choice plans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) carry out critical restoration projects along the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico, from Cochiti Dam to the headwaters of the Elephant Butte Dam; and (2) consult with certain local environmental groups in carrying out such projects. Requires non-federal interests to pay 25 percent of project costs. Prohibits recreational features of a project from comprising more than 30 percent of the total project cost.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Reaffirms: (1) the language of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, including the phrase "one Nation under God"; and (2) the national motto "In God we trust."
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Designates the week of November 10-16, 2002, as National Veterans Awareness Week to emphasize educational programs for elementary and secondary school students regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Recognizes the unique role of the Indian Tribes and their members in the United States. Commemorates the vision and leadership of President Nixon, and every succeeding President, in fostering the policy of Indian Self-Determination.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the fiscal year number of foreign residence waivers that a State may request for foreign medical graduate aliens working in U.S. health shortage areas. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to make such program permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2002
Wildfire Prevention Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems; and (2) provide assistance to the Institutes to promote the use of such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2002
Community-Based Forest and Public Lands Restoration Act - Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish a collaborative community-based restoration program for National Forest System (NFS) and public lands. Authorizes the Secretaries to make cooperative agreements with specified entities and to hire additional outreach specialists to protect such lands. Directs the Secretaries to provide cost-share grants, cooperative agreements, or both to establish Restoration and Value-Added Centers to provide technical assistance to non-profit organizations, small or micro-enterprises, and persons forming natural-resource small or micro-enterprises. Specifies certain regions that must have at least one Center, including northern California and eastern Oregon. Directs the Secretaries to limit competition for special salvage timber sales and other timber-related contracts and agreements such that natural-resource related small or micro-enterprises and other specified entities receive a specified percentage of the contracts and agreements each year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of applied research to identify restoration methods and treatments and to test and develop value-added products created from the by-products of restoration.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Working Toward Independence Act of 2002 - Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award state family assistance grants. Authorizes States to use grants for healthy marriage promotion activities and requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each State that has achieved formulated employment goals. Revises requirements for the consideration of certain child care expenditures in determining State compliance with contingency fund requirements. Revises State work participation requirements, incorporating a 40-hour work week standard. Revises requirements for the use of TANF grants. Repeals the Secretary's authority to make loans to State welfare programs and revises State work participation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to develop TANF performance measures. Makes appropriations for research, demonstrations, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit community entities for demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of various approaches to create a Fatherhood Program. Permits States the option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Reauthorizes funding for State child care entitlement programs and revises State requirements for child support payments. Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to eliminate specified limitations on the Secretary's authority to approve demonstration projects and grant waivers. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations. Authorizes the administering Secretary to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, employment security, and other programs to support working families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to States to provide food assistance and funds to operate employment and training programs for needy individuals. Extends abstinence education funding and reauthorizes transitional medical assistance.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)