United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Family Abduction Prevention Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to States for projects involving: (1) the extradition of individuals suspected of committing a family abduction back to the State from which the child was taken; (2) investigation by law enforcement agencies of family abduction cases; (3) training for law enforcement agencies in responding to family abductions and recovering abducted children; (4) outreach and media campaigns to educate parents on the dangers of family abductions; and (5) notifying law enforcement authorities of the name and address of anyone requesting the school records of an abducted child. Requires that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a project for which a grant is made be provided by non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the outrage and shock of the people of the United States over the terrorist attacks that occurred in and around Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004; (2) joins with President Bush in expressing its deepest condolences and pledges to remain shoulder to shoulder with the people of Spain in the war on terrorism; (3) expresses its strong solidarity with the people of Spain during their difficult hour, and its deep condolences to the families of the victims of these despicable terrorist attacks; (4) calls on all nations to join with the United States in condemning the monstrous attacks on the innocent people of Spain and in attempting to identify the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to account; (5) expresses its readiness to consult with representatives of King Juan Carlos, President Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish government, the Spanish Cortes, and other public authorities about joint efforts to combat terrorism more effectively; (6) commends the United States Embassy in Madrid for its prompt offers of assistance to the Government of Spain, and for its efforts to determine the welfare and whereabouts of United States citizens who may have been affected by the terrorist attacks; and (7) urges the executive branch to continue to provide all possible assistance to Spain in order to identify and bring to account the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks that occurred on March 11, 2004, in Madrid and of other terrorist attacks against the people of Spain.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2004
HRIFA Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA) to remove document fraud as a ground of inadmissibility for qualifying Haitians who apply for adjustment of status under HRIFA. Requires determinations regarding derivative status for the children of such qualifying Haitians to be made using the age of the child as of the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes parents or guardians of children seeking derivative status to file an adjustment application on the child's behalf if the child is physically present in the United States on the date of filing. Permits qualifying Haitians seeking benefits pursuant to this Act to file new status adjustment applications and motions to reopen. Extends to those who file such new applications or motions the same protection from exclusion, deportation, removal, or enforcement of a voluntary departure order as currently applies to HRIFA beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal in commemoration of the Reverend Oliver L. Brown (the lead plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education) in recognition of his and his fellow plaintiffs' enduring contributions to civil rights and American society.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
People-to-People Engagement in World Affairs Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate encouraging the active engagement of Americans in world affairs and urging the Secretary of State to coordinate with implementing partners in creating an online database of international exchange programs and related opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
States that the Senate designates April 2004 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may be associated with a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2004
Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Expansion Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities that: (1) develop and implement statewide youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) collect and analyze data on statewide youth suicide early intervention and prevention services to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (3) assist States in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Provides for preferential treatment in the award of grants for entities that engage in certain specified activities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award technical assistance grants and cooperative agreements to State agencies to conduct assessments of the development of such intervention and prevention strategies; (2) conduct research and development on the efficacy of new and existing youth suicide early intervention techniques and technology; (3) promote the sharing of this research and development with relevant Federal and State agencies and statewide entities for the purpose of applying and integrating new techniques and technology into existing intervention systems; (4) collaborate with specified agencies, organizations, and individuals to carry out this Act; and (5) conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2004
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2004 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-Federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires rates charged to reasonably and equitably reflect the costs of the benefits provided. Permits rates and premiums to vary based on age but not on health status factors. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2004
States that the Senate: (1) condemns the detention of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for his immediate and unconditional release; (2) condemns the violations of freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process afforded to individuals in Vietnam; and (3) urges the Government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader relationship with the United States, including the United States-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) make the immediate release of Father Ly a top concern; (2) reiterate its deep concern regarding the violation of Father Ly's and other prisoners' human rights; and (3) make it clear to the Government of Vietnam that the religious or political detention and human rights violations of Father Ly and other persons create obstacles to improved bilateral relations with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2004
Proclaims the week of March 14 through March 20, 2004 as National Safe Place Week. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to promote awareness of and volunteer involvement in the Safe Place Program and to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2004
National Sex Offender Registry Act of 2004 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a national sex offender registry that: (1) makes publicly available, via the Internet, information about sexually violent predators and persons convicted of a sexually violent offense or a criminal offense against a minor; and (2) allows users to determine which registered sex offenders are currently residing within a specified area. Requires States and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to submit to the Attorney General specified information regarding convicted persons who are required to register with a sexual offender registration program, including: (1) that person's name, address, date of birth, physical description, and photograph; (2) the nature and date of commission of the offense; and (3) the date on which that individual is released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation. Requires: (1) any State that provides for a civil commitment proceeding to notify the State attorney general of any impending release of a sexually violent predator or of anyone who has been deemed by the State to be at high-risk for recommitting specified sexual or violent offenses; (2) the State attorney general to consider whether or not to institute a civil commitment proceeding; and (3) each State to intensively monitor, for at least a year, any such person who has been unconditionally released by the State and who has not been civilly committed. Makes a State that fails to submit the required information or to implement Act requirements ineligible to receive 25 percent of funds that would otherwise be allocated to it under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2004
Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) allow pancreases procured for use in islet cell transplantation or research to be counted for certification purposes for qualified organ procurement organization grants; and (2) require the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to include in its annual report an assessment of the Federal activities and programs related to pancreatic islet cell transplantation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2004
Service Workers Fairness Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend, under specified conditions, trade adjustment assistance to service workers in a firm or its subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2004
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins emblematic of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Requires that: (1) all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $10 per coin; and (2) all surcharges from coin sales be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Library of Congress for purchasing and maintaining materials associated with the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
End Racial Profiling Act of 2004 - Prohibits any law enforcement agent or agency from engaging in racial profiling. Authorizes the United States or an individual injured by racial profiling to bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief in State court or U.S. district court. Makes proof that the routine or spontaneous investigatory activities of law enforcement agents in a jurisdiction have had a disparate impact on racial, ethnic, or religious minorities prima facie evidence of a violation. Authorizes the court to allow a prevailing plaintiff attorney's fees under specified circumstances. Directs Federal law enforcement agencies to: (1) cease practices that encourage racial profiling; and (2) maintain policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling, including the collection of data on routine investigatory activities, procedures for responding meaningfully to complaints alleging racial profiling, and procedures to discipline agents who engage in racial profiling. Requires that an application by a State, local , or Indian tribal government for funding under the Byrne, Cops on the Beat, or Local Law Enforcement Block Grant program include a certification that such government: (1) maintains adequate policies and procedures designed to eliminate racial profiling; and (2) has ceased any practices that encourage racial profiling. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States and specified entities to develop and implement best practice devices and systems to ensure the racially neutral administration of justice.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2004
Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define certain self-created musical works or copyrights in musical works as capital assets eligible for capital gains tax treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that negotiations on access to critical segments of the U.S. automobile market should not take place on a piecemeal basis, but only as part of: (1) negotiations that include all major automobile producing nations; and (2) comprehensive negotiations that address both tariff and nontariff barriers specific to the automobile industry, with progress on eliminating tariff barriers explicitly linked to concrete progress on eliminating nontariff barriers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Authorizes the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate, and instruct the U.S. delegation to implement, a plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual World Health Assembly summit in May 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland; and (2) introduce a resolution in support of observer status for Taiwan at such summit.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Fairness and Individual Rights Necessary to Ensure a Stronger Society: Civil Rights Act of 2004 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to set forth requirements for: (1) establishing discrimination based on disparate impact; and (2) rights of action and recovery for unlawful discrimination (intentional or based on disparate impact) and harassment. Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to provide that a State's receipt or use of Federal financial assistance for a State program or activity shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity to a suit under such Acts by a program employee. Amends the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 to authorize civil actions in Federal court for discrimination based on disability. Settlement Encouragement and Fairness Act - Modifies the definition of "prevailing party" for purposes of provisions governing the recovery of attorney's fees to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. Preservation of Civil Rights Protections Act of 2004 - Makes arbitration clauses in employment contracts unenforceable, with exceptions. Authorizes recovery of expert fees by prevailing parties in civil rights actions. Equal Remedies Act of 2004 - Repeals provisions limiting the amount of compensatory and punitive damages that may be awarded in cases of intentional discrimination in employment. Paycheck Fairness in Employment - Amends FLSA to revise provisions governing discrimination in the payment of wages, including equal pay requirements. Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit denying back-pay or other monetary relief for unlawful employment practices against undocumented immigrant workers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Internet Tax Ban Extension and Improvement Act - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend the ban on State taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce until November 1, 2005. Makes such tax ban inapplicable to a tax on Internet access that was generally imposed and enforced prior to October 1, 1998, if, before that date, the tax was authorized by statute and either: (1) a provider of Internet access services had a reasonable opportunity to know that an agency has interpreted and applied such tax to Internet access services; or (2) a State or political subdivision generally collected such tax on charges for Internet access. Applies the same rule for a tax on Internet access that was generally imposed and enforced as of November 1, 2003. Changes the definition of "Internet access service" to exclude telecommunications services (current law), except to the extent such services are purchased, used, or sold by an Internet access provider to connect a purchaser of Internet access to the Internet access provider. Changes the definition of "tax on Internet access" to: (1) mean a tax on Internet access regardless of whether such tax is imposed on a provider of Internet access or a buyer of Internet access and regardless of the terminology used to describe the tax; and (2) exclude a tax levied upon or measured by net income, capital stock, net worth, or property value. Permits subjecting Internet access charges to taxation if they are aggregated with telecommunications service charges and the provider cannot identify them from regular business records.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Jobs for America Act of 2004 - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to provide protections for employees relating to the offshoring of jobs. Revises the definition of mass layoff to mean a reduction in force which is not the result of a plant closing and results in an employment loss at the single site of employment for a 30-day period for at least 50 employees. Defines offshoring of jobs as any action taken by an employer the effect of which is to create, shift, or transfer work or facilities outside the United States and which results in an employment loss during any 30 day period for 15 or more employees. Revises notice requirements. Sets forth requirements for notices for offshoring of jobs. Establishes requirements for posting of notice of rights by employers and for contents of annual reports by the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2004
Mutual Fund Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to: (1) reduce from 60 percent to 25 percent the maximum number of interested persons serving on the board of directors of a registered investment company; and (2) prohibit an interested person of such company from serving as chairman of such board of directors. States that a fiduciary duty is owed by: (1) the board of directors to act with loyalty and care in the best interests of shareholders; and (2) an investment adviser to supply material information necessary for independent directors to review and govern the company. Revises guidelines governing independent accounting and auditing. Directs the SEC to require adoption of a code of ethics by a registered investment company and by its investment advisers and principal underwriters. Directs the SEC to require each senior executive officer of an investment adviser to certify in periodic reports to shareholders that specified procedures are in place to verify compliance with transparency and specified ethical considerations. Grants whistleblower protection for employees of publicly traded companies and registered investment companies. Directs the SEC to develop standardized disclosures for: (1) expense and transaction cost ratios; (2) cost structures; (3) investment adviser compensation; (4) point of sale; and (5) additional disclosures of broker compensation. Repeals Rule 12b-1 fees (asset-based distribution expenses paid by investors). Prohibits: (1) revenue sharing; (2) directed brokerage fees; (3) soft dollar arrangements; (4) short-term trading; and (5) joint management of mutual funds and hedge funds.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that rates of pay for civilian employees of the United States should be adjusted at the same time, and in the same proportion, as are rates of pay for the uniformed services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2004
Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to extend through January 10, 2005 (currently May 27, 2004), the date for submission of the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Earmarks specified funds made available for FY 2004 for the National Foreign Intelligence Program for transfer to the Commission for Commission activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Flu Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Act to require: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct annual public influenza awareness campaign and education and outreach (including Medicare outreach) efforts preceding the flu season; (2) the Director to contract with influenza vaccine manufacturers to ensure the availability of additional doses of flu vaccine; (3) the Director to encourage States to develop a contingency immunization plan for high-risk populations in the event of a vaccine delay or shortage; and (4) the Secretary, through the Director, to establish a protocol to attempt to prevent, prepare for, and respond to an influenza epidemic or pandemic. Requires a manufacturer of a vaccine that receives Federal authority to distribute such vaccine to provide the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with advance notice of such manufacturer's intent to stop marketplace distribution of the vaccine. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a vaccine manufacturing facilities investment tax credit (20 percent of qualifying property per year) for property placed in service by December 31, 2008; and (2) define "vaccine manufacturing facilities property."
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2004
Afghan Women Security and Freedom Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the international community should commit substantial resources, including peacekeeping forces, for protecting the rights of women, reestablishing democracy, and eliminating terrorism in Afghanistan; (2) the United States should strongly support the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission; (3) international peacekeeping forces and reconstruction teams should be authorized to stop violations of human rights and women's rights; (4) U.S. foreign policy should ensure restoration of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, assist in their recovery from the repression of the Taliban and prolonged warfare, and strengthen Afghan institutions led by women; and (5) assistance to Afghanistan should be conditioned on the Afghan Government's adherence to international standards for women's rights and human rights. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for women and children in Afghanistan for the purpose of promoting women's rights and human rights and providing health care, education, training, security, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2004
Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate it after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. Prohibits a governmental entity from: (1) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (2) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in its regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity in a civil action. States that this Act applies to every Federal, State, and local statute, ordinance, regulation, administrative order, decision, policy, practice, or other action enacted, adopted, or implemented before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2004
Domestic Defense Fund Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to award grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes for homeland security development. Requires grant awardees, among other requirements, to develop a homeland security plan identifying both short- and long-term homeland security needs. Provides authorized uses of grant assistance, including: (1) funding additional law enforcement, fire, and other emergency response resources and equipment; and (2) improving cyber and infrastructure security. Requires one percent of grant funds to be reserved for Indian tribes. Requires 70 percent of grant funds to be allocated among metropolitan cities and urban counties based on the Secretary's calculations of various infrastructure vulnerabilities and threats such as proximity to international borders, nuclear or other energy facilities, air, rail or water transportation, and national icons and Federal buildings. Requires the remaining percentage to be allocated among the States for use in non-qualifying communities (not a metropolitan city, urban county, or Indian tribe). Requires certifications and annual reports with respect to grant uses. Provides for grant reallocations for failure to comply with use requirements. Allocates funds to States, regional cooperations, and units of local government for: (1) homeland defense planning; (2) increased security through additional first responder personnel; (3) purchasing and refurbishing protective equipment for such personnel; (4) the development and maintenance of Statewide training facilities and homeland security best practices clearinghouses; and (5) the development and maintenance of communications systems that can be used between and among first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel. Allocates funds for discretionary grants to high-threat, high-density urban areas, and for the protection of critical infrastructure. Earmarks funds for a flexible emergency assistance fund for States and local governmental units that incur extraordinary homeland security costs. Directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop national homeland security preparedness, first responder training, and equipment standards, and best practices for the use of funds authorized and allocated under this Act. Mandates a ten percent matching funds requirement from grant recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 2004 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA) to extend the TEUC program through weeks of unemployment ending before June 30, 2004. Terminates individual payments for weeks beginning after September 30, 2004. Revises trigger requirements for determining high-unemployment States (TEUC-X), where individuals are eligible to receive additional weeks of program payments. Provides for temporary State authority to waive application of certain look-back provisions under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
BSE and Other Prion Disease Prevention and Public Health Protection Act - Prohibits the importation of a covered article that: (1) if containing animal-derived material, does not state in English that the covered article contains animal-derived material and the name of the derivative animal, and if a ruminant, identifies the country of origin and states whether specified risk material from the ruminant is or may be part of the covered article; (2) if not containing animal-derived material, does not state in English that the covered article does not contain animal-derived material; and (3) contains animal-derived material from a ruminant that was in any country at a time at which there was a transmission risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to promulgate compliance standards. Prohibits the introduction into interstate or foreign commerce of a covered article that contains: (1) specified risk material from a ruminant, or any material from a ruminant that was in any foreign country when there was a BSE transmission risk; or (2) any material from a ruminant exhibiting signs of a neurological disease. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate compliance standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop an enforcement plan for the regulatory ban of certain animal proteins in ruminant feed; (2) promulgate regulations prohibiting same-farm admixing of ruminant and nonruminant feed; (3) annually assess prion disease prevalence and cattle testing in the United States; and (4) in conjunction with the National Prion Disease Pathology Research Center at Case Western Reserve University, expand survey efforts for prion diseases in humans. Directs the Secretary to establish a ruminant identification program capable of tracing, within 48 hours, the movements of disease-exposed animals from birth to slaughter. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture develop programs to: (1) fund the development of the national animal health laboratory network, and expand the network to include all certified Federal, State, and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories; (2) require rapid prion disease screening tests on nonambulatory ruminants, and on cattle and bison 30 months of age and older and on sheep, goats, deer, and elk 12 months of age and older intended for human consumption; (3) exclude BSE-tested ruminants from animal feed use until test confirmation; (4) expand animal collection by Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing; (5) require CWD herd certification and interstate movement restrictions for farm raised deer and elk; and (6) increase import inspections. Directs the Secretaries to jointly establish a prion disease task force. Defines: (1) covered article; (2) prion disease; and (3) specified risk material.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
So No Innocent Person Ever Repeats the Sniper Tragedy Act of 2003 (SNIPER Act of 2003) - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to inspect the inventory and records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer without reasonable cause or warrant not more than four times (currently, once) during any 12-month period; and (2) require such persons to maintain records of disposition of ammunition, except on .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. Provides for enhanced penalties for violations. Subjects violators to revocation or suspension of any applicable license or a fine. Directs the Attorney General to send warning letters to alleged violators, issue notices of revocation, suspension, or imposition of a civil fine, and conduct proceedings, as appropriate. Repeals an exemption from Brady Act requirements involving gun sales to instate residents. Technological Resource to Assist Criminal Enforcement Act (TRACE Act) - Amends the Brady Act to require a licensed manufacturer or importer to: (1) test fire firearms manufactured or imported by certain licensees; (2) prepare ballistics images of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; (3) make the records available to the Attorney General for entry into an electronic database (established by this Act); and (4) store the fired bullet and cartridge casings as specified. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct mandatory ballistics testing of all firearms in the custody of Federal agencies; and (2) establish, within each Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives field division, a gun crime task force.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Witness Security and Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the establishment within the United States Marshals Service of a Short Term State Witness Protection Section to provide protection for witnesses in State and local trials involving homicide or other major violent crimes pursuant to cooperative agreements with State and local district attorneys and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia (DC). Directs the Section to give priority in awarding grants and providing services to prosecutor's offices in States with an average of at least 100 murders per year during the five-year period immediately preceding an application for protection. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to make grants to State and local district attorneys and the U.S. attorney for DC for providing such witness protection; (2) each grant recipient to use the grant to provide witness protection or to credit the grant to the Section to cover the Section's costs of providing witness protection on the recipient's behalf; and (3) grants to be awarded only in States with an average of not less than 100 murders per year during the most recent five-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003
Medicare Prescription Drug Savings Act of 2003 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to: (1) offer a Medicare operated prescription drug plan nationally that only offers standard prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices, but not any supplemental prescription drug coverage; and (2) enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs for eligible part D individuals, and encourage use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally and determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003
Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois. Designates the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition as the management entity for the Area. Allows the Coalition, using funds made available under this Act, to prepare a management plan for the Area and reports, studies, interpretive exhibits and programs, historic preservation projects, and other activities recommended in the plan. Prohibits the Coalition from using Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property. Directs the Coalition to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management plan reviewed by participating units of government within the Area's boundaries which shall, among other things: (1) contain a comprehensive program for conservation, interpretation, funding, management, and development and historical, cultural, and natural resources and recreational and educational opportunities of the Area; and (2) include a business plan detailing the functions of the local coordinating entity and of activities included in recommendations contained in the plan. Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the proposed plan not later than 90 days after receiving it. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to the Coalition for the development and implementation of the management plan. Requires the Coalition to provide assistance and encouragement to State and local governments, private organizations, and persons to protect and promote the Area's resources and values.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003
Independent Iraq Intelligence Commission Act - Establishes the National Commission on Iraq Intelligence to examine and evaluate the performance of the U.S. intelligence community with respect to the collection of intelligence, and the quality of intelligence obtained, on the weapons of mass destruction and related delivery systems capabilities of Iraq during the period from 1998 until the conclusion of military operations against Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as related intelligence matters with respect to Iraq. Directs the Commission to also conduct an investigation into the relevant facts and circumstances relating to the collection, analysis, reporting, use, and dissemination by the U.S. intelligence community, and others in the executive branch of intelligence, relating to Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 2003
Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention Act of 2003 (ART Act) - Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized recording of motion pictures in a motion picture exhibition facility. Directs the court to order the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of all unauthorized copies of motion pictures or other protected audiovisual works and of any audiovisual recording devices or other equipment used in connection with the offense. Sets forth an exception for certain lawful investigative, protective, or intelligence activity. Requires victims of the offense to be permitted, during the preparation of the presentence report, to submit to the probation officer a victim impact statement on the extent and scope of the injury and loss suffered. Sets forth conclusive presumptions pertaining to criminal and civil infringement of commercial prerelease copyrighted works with respect to a computer program, a nondramatic musical work, a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a protected sound recording Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines with respect to offenses involving the illegal reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works in violation of Federal law and, as necessary, provide for increased penalties. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Justice for FY 2005 through 2009 to prosecute violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Predatory Lending Consumer Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act guidelines for certain credit transactions secured by the consumer's principal dwelling (high-cost mortgage). Redefines a high-cost mortgage, lowering the maximum interest rates involved. Specifies additional costs, fees, and penalties included among points and fees. Defines bona fide discount points and benchmark rate. Requires additional disclosures that the consumer is contracting to pay a much higher loan than most people pay. Specifies additional prohibitions against prepayment penalties, except in certain circumstances. Prohibits all balloon payments. Prohibits the terms of a high-cost mortgage from including advance collection of a premium on a single premium basis for specified credit insurance products. Restricts the number of points and amount of fees which a creditor may finance in connection with a high-cost mortgage. Prohibits certain creditors from financing the prepayment fees or penalties due from the consumer. Prohibits a high-cost mortgage creditor from engaging in specified practices, including actions encouraging default and requiring arbitration or any other nonjudicial procedure as a method for resolving any controversy or claims arising from the transaction. Prescribes consumer counseling requirements. Declares a consumer's waiver of the right of rescission ineffective if the creditor either advised, or encouraged such waiver, or required it as a precondition for a transaction. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require that each high-cost mortgage creditor (including the successor creditor) report the debtor's complete payment history to certain consumer reporting agencies in accordance with specified regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Employee Free Choice Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board to certify a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other individual or labor organization currently certified or recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees in the unit. Sets forth special procedural requirements for reaching an initial collective bargaining agreement following certification or recognition. Revises enforcement requirements with respect to unfair labor practices during union organizing drives. Provides, under injunction provisions, for priority to be given to preliminary investigation of charges of violations by employers or other entities. Adds to remedies for such violations: (1) back pay plus liquidated damages; and (2) additional civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human and Human Services to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases, which shall: (1) study the incidence, duration, and mortality rates of digestive diseases, as well as their social and economic impacts; (2) evaluate public and private facilities and resources (including trained personnel and research activities) for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such diseases; (3) identify related disease management programs (including biological, behavioral, nutritional, environmental, and social programs); and (4) develop a long-range plan for the use and organization of national resources to effectively deal with digestive diseases. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Rural Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to make grants to rural local and tribal governments for the retention for one additional year of police officers funded through the cops on the beat (or COPS) Program; and (2) authorize the use of COPS grants on a matching funds basis to assist the police departments of such units in improving police communications, and in developing and improving access to crime-solving technologies. Directs the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to make grants to such units to: (1) establish or improve 911 service in those communities; and (2) establish restorative justice programs for juveniles, such as victim/offender mediation and family and community conferences. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to make grants to establish in rural areas substance abuse (particularly methamphetamine) prevention and treatment pilot programs and methamphetamine prevention education programs. Directs the Attorney General to provide for the cleanup of methamphetamine laboratories and related hazardous waste, and for the improvement of contract-related response time for cleanup of methamphetamine laboratories and related hazardous waste by providing additional contract personnel, equipment, and facilities, in rural areas. Establishes a Rural Policing Institute as part of the Small Town and Rural Training Program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the counting of residents in approved allopathic and osteopathic medical residency training programs for purposes of indirect medical education and direct graduate medical education payments. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse teaching hospitals for residents in nonprovider settings, when the hospital incurs all, or substantially all, the costs of training in that setting, starting from the effective date of a written agreement between the hospital and the entity owning or operating the nonprovider setting. Requires the effective date to be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Defines all, or substantially all, of the costs for the training program in that setting as the residents' stipends and benefits and other costs, if any, as determined by the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Customs Business Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law governing priority among claims and expenses to place in the tenth order of priority allowed unsecured claims for duties, taxes, or other charges paid to the U.S. Customs Service by customs brokers and sureties on behalf of the debtor arising out of the importation of merchandise entered for consumption within one year before the date of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)