United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2002
Foreign and Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) restore the full exclusion from gross income of the death gratuity payment; (2) permit a suspension of residency rules governing the exclusion of gain from sale of a principal residence for members of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on qualified official extended duty; (3) exclude from gross income qualified military base realignment and closure fringe benefits; (4) extend tax filing delay provisions to military personnel serving in contingency operations; (5) allow as a business or trade deduction the expenses of a member of the reserve component of the U.S. armed forces in connection with such service (available to itemizers and non-itemizers); (6) include ancestors and lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces when determining whether a veterans' organization is exempt from tax; and (7) fully exclude from gross income certain dependent care assistance programs sponsored by the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Reaffirms support of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Commemorates the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987 (the Proxmire Act) on November 4, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Employee Abuse Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to authorize the bankruptcy trustee to avoid fraudulent transfers and obligations of the debtor: (1) made within four years (currently one year) before the bankruptcy filing date; and (2) if the debtor was insolvent on the date or became insolvent as a result of an excess benefit transfer or an excess benefit obligation incurred to an insider, general partner, or other affiliate. Authorizes the court to recharacterize a transaction as a secured loan if its material characteristics are substantially similar to those of a secured loan. Permits the bankruptcy trustee to avoid transfers of property or obligations of the debtor that are voidable by a good faith purchaser that gave value in reliance on incorrect information contained in any public registry of security interests or liens. Prohibits retention bonuses and severance pay made for the benefit of an insider of the debtor unless certain requirements are met. Allows as a fourth priority any unsecured claim with respect to a right or interest in equity securities of the debtor, or an affiliate of the debtor, that are held in an employee pension plan, without regard to when services were rendered or limitation in amount, and measured by the market value of the stock at the time the stock was contributed to, or purchased by, the plan. Increases from $4,000 to $13,500 the maximum aggregate claim amount to recover employee wages and benefits that have priority ranking among unsecured creditor claims. Includes as an administrative expense with first priority status any claim arising out of the breach of any fiduciary duty regarding an employee pension plan maintained by the debtor. Directs the court to order reinstatement of retiree benefits if it finds that they were modified in contemplation of bankruptcy and were not essential to the viability of debtor's business.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2002
Armed Forces Filing Fairness Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the tax filing delay provisions to military personnel serving in contingency operations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
Amends the Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 to revise the special pay adjustments for (percentage differentials payable to) Federal law enforcement officers in specified consolidated metropolitan statistical areas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Small Business Drought Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to include drought within its definition of disaster (thus qualifying small businesses suffering economic harm from droughts for assistance under such Act).
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for the legislative branch for FY 2003. Congressional Operations Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for the Senate for: (1) expense allowances; (2) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders; (3) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees (including the Committee on Appropriations); (4) agency contributions for employee benefits; (5) inquiries and investigations; (6) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (7) the Offices of the Secretary and of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (8) miscellaneous items; (9) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; (10) official mail costs; and (11) the preparation of statements of appropriations. Makes appropriations for salaries and/or expenses of: (1) the Joint Economic and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; (3) the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office; (4) the Capitol Police Board; (5) the Office of Compliance; (6) the Congressional Budget Office; (7) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), including for the care and operation of Capitol buildings and grounds, Senate office buildings, the Capitol power plant, and the Capitol Police buildings; (8) the Library of Congress for the Congressional Research Service; and (9) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Botanic Garden for salaries and expenses; (2) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, and Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (3) AOC for Library buildings and grounds; (4) GPO for the Office of Superintendent of Documents; (5) the General Accounting Office; and (6) a payment to the Foreign Leadership Development Center Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2002
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to instruct the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to maintain a liaison with one another. Places transactions in certain energy or metal commodities within the regulatory and enforcement framework governing futures trading and foreign transactions (including a proscription against market price manipulation of any commodity in either interstate commerce or on the contract market for future delivery). Places electronic trading facilities (bilateral dealer markets) under the regulatory oversight of the CFTC, including filing, recordkeeping, reporting and capital requirements. Prohibits contracts designed to defraud or mislead. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to mandate that the following agencies hold quarterly meetings to discuss conditions in energy trading markets and any changes in Federal law needed to regulate them: FERC, CFTC, the Securities Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (which is title II of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, PL107-147) to extend temporary extended unemployment compensation (TEUC) program agreements through weeks of unemployment ending before June 30, 2003 (currently January 1, 2003). Revises the formula for determining the amount in an eligible individual's TEUC account. Sets such amount at the lesser of: (1) the total (currently half of the total) amount of regular compensation, including dependents' allowances, payable to the individual during the individual's benefit year; or (2) 26 (currently 13) times the individual's average weekly benefit amount for the benefit year. Increases an individual's account by half (currently all) of the amount originally established in that account if it is exhausted at the time a State is in an extended benefit period.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Small Employer Tax Assistance for Health Coverage Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small employers a limited credit for employee health insurance expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to extend from 39 to 52 the number of weeks of unemployment assistance to be made available to eligible individuals (after the President's declaration of the major disaster resulting from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001).
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Round II EZ/EC Flexibility Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for specified urban empowerment zones; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture for specified rural empowerment zones and rural enterprise communities. Permits: (1) use of such funds for zone or community strategic plan implementation; and (2) use of Federal funds to pay matching fund requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Competition in Radio and Concert Industries Act of 2002 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke any broadcast station license or construction permit for: (1) willful and repeated unfair or deceptive acts or practices that significantly hinder or prevent the broadcast of programming or content produced, promoted, or created by a person independent of the licensee or permittee; or (2) conviction or final adjudication of an antitrust unfair trade practice violation regarding concert venues or promotion. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations which address: (1) improperly influencing the sale of satellite cable programming or content to any other radio station or unaffiliated concert venue, or of any song, work, or sound recording, programming, concert performance, or concert promotion to persons not affiliated with the licensee, permittee, or affiliate thereof; (2) discrimination against unaffiliated musicians or content providers; and (3) the making of exclusive contracts with musicians or providers which prevent other licensees or permittees from obtaining programming or content from such musicians or providers. Requires the FCC to: (1) designate for hearing any radio broadcasting application that would result in the applicant owning, operating, or controlling radio stations having a national audience reach exceeding 60 percent; (2) review the use of privately-controlled audience measurement systems for the determination of local markets of radio stations; (3) modify its rules concerning attributable interests in radio stations and limitations on local marketing agreements; and (4) prohibit the licensee of any radio station from using its control over broadcasting matter to extract money or other valuable consideration from a record company, artist, concert promoter, or related entity.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Amends rule XLII (employment practices) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit employment discrimination in the Senate based on sexual orientation.
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 · 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 · 26 June 2002
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment in the United States and other countries; (2) recognizes the United Nations International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture and expresses support for all victims of torture who are struggling to overcome the physical scars and psychological effects of such practices; and (3) encourages training law enforcement personnel and others in the prevention of torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. Encourages the Secretary of State to seek the adoption of a commitment to: (1) treat confessions and other evidence obtained through torture or other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, as inadmissible in any legal proceeding; and (2) prohibit, in law and in practice, incommunicado detention.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
Peace Corps Charter for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to require all recruiting of volunteers to be undertaken solely by the Peace Corps. Conditions the President's authority to detail or assign Peace Corps volunteers to certain Federal and State agencies and other entities upon a determination that such a detail or assignment does not contradict the standing of such volunteers as being independent from foreign policy-making and intelligence collection. Requires the Director of the Peace Corps, before implementing any new initiative, to consult with the Peace Corps National Advisory Council and to report to Congress on: (1) the initiative's objectives and costs, and any impact it may have on existing programs and the safety of volunteers; (2) the status of security procedures in any country in which the Peace Corps operates programs or is considering doing so; (3) student loan forgiveness programs currently available to Peace Corps volunteers; and (4) initiatives the Peace Corps intends to pursue in order to solicit requests from eligible countries where the presence of volunteers would facilitate a greater understanding of the world and of diverse cultures and systems of government, including peoples from countries with substantial Muslim populations. Requires the Director to develop a training program for all Peace Corps volunteers in the education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases. Increases Peace Corps volunteer readjustment allowances to $275 a month. Establishes a program to award grants to private nonprofit corporations in the District of Columbia to serve as incubators for returned Peace Corps volunteers seeking to use their knowledge and expertise to undertake community-based projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business employers a credit against income tax for employee health insurance expenses the employer pays or incurs. Sets forth formula for deriving amount of credit. Specifies that no amount paid or incurred for health insurance coverage pursuant to a salary reduction arrangement shall be taken into account for purposes of determining the credit. Limits such credit to expenses paid for employees whose total annual wages exceed $5,000 but not $25,000, indexed for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received after December 31, 2001, as loan repayments under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program established under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Access for Afghan Women Act - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan women, including: (1) incorporating the perspectives and advice of Afghan women's organizations and leaders in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Afghanistan; (2) promoting the inclusion of a significant number of women in the Loya Jirga and future legislative bodies to ensure that women's human rights are included in any constitution for Afghanistan; (3) ensuring a significant portion of U.S. assistance is channeled to local and U.S.-based Afghan organizations, particularly Afghan women's organizations, and to high-quality comprehensive health care programs and education and training programs in Afghanistan; (4) training on the protection, rights, and the particular needs of women with respect to training for military and police forces in Afghanistan; and (5) ensuring that women refugees and those internally displaced in camps, urban areas, and villages are receiving food aid, health and medical services, and are free from sexual exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
International AIDS Treatment and Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), to carry out HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and related activities in countries with or at risk for severe HIV epidemic. Requires particular attention to resource constrained countries and the use of indigenous capacity to the degree practicable. Authorizes support and assistance relating to: (1) HIV prevention services, including post exposure prophylaxis and a safe blood supply; (2) HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, linked to prevention services; (3) infrastructure and training, including the availability of health care facilities; and (4) HIV/AIDS treatment protocols. Creates grant programs for: (1) clinical education and training in the delivery of HIV/AIDS care and treatment services; (2) activities to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV; and (3) research on innovative microbicide concepts. Requires the coordination of Department of Health and Human Services programs by the Director of the Office of International Affairs. Extends the tuberculosis prevention program, to be coordinated with the activities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Administrator of AID, to carry out workplace-based HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs in at-risk, constrained countries, with emphasis on protections against discrimination and creating supportive environments for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act of 2002 or RAVE Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit knowingly leasing, renting, or using, or intentionally profiting from, any place (as well as opening, maintaining, leasing, or renting any place, as provided under current law), whether permanently or temporarily, for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using a controlled substance. Subjects violators to: (1) a civil penalty of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross receipts derived from each violation; and (2) declaratory and injunctive remedies. Authorizes the court to apportion the penalty between multiple violators, but makes each violator jointly and severally liable. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and consider amending the Federal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving gamma hydroxybutyric acid to provide for increased penalties. Authorizes appropriations to the Drug Enforcement Administration for: (1) a Demand Reduction Coordinator in each State; and (2) educating youth, parents, and other interested adults regarding drugs associated with raves.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2002
Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish: (1) a Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program under new part D; (2) a Prescription Drug Account in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund; and (3) a Medicare Prescription Drug Advisory Committee. Provides for: (1) part D benefits under Medicare+Choice plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice); and (2) Medicare cost-sharing and other assistance for low-income individuals but only as it relates to benefits provided under new part D. Revises Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) benefit packages to conform to changes made by this Act, eliminating obsolete policies with no grandfathering. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of: (1) establishing a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries; and (2) developing systems to transfer electronically prescriptions under such program from the prescriber to the pharmacist. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing study and analysis of the program established under this Act, especially: (1) the extent to which the competitive bidding process under it fosters maximum competition and efficiency; and (2) the savings to the Medicare program resulting from it, including the reduction in the number or length of hospital visits. Expands the membership and duties of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2002
Youth Smoking Prevention and Public Health Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Food and Drug Administration, regulatory authority over tobacco products. Sets forth criteria by which tobacco products will be deemed adulterated and/or misbranded. Sets forth health information submission and annual registration requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to adopt performance standards. Provides for notification and other remedial measures, including recalls. Requires manufacturers and importers of such products to keep records as specified. Requires premarket review of new tobacco products, as specified. Provides a right of judicial review concerning the promulgation of regulations and the denial of premarket approval. Authorizes postmarket surveillance as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to designate reduced risk tobacco products, as specified. Requires all retail outlets for tobacco products to be treated equally with regard to advertising restrictions. Requires coordination with the Federal Trade Commission, specifically retaining to the Commission the authority to enforce certain laws concerning the advertising, sale, or distribution of tobacco products. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) congressional review; (2) regulations; (3) preservation of State and local authority; (4) construction of current regulations; and (5) conforming amendments. Establishes a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to revise tobacco and smokeless tobacco label and advertising warning requirements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to revise smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be established a National Community Health Center Week for the week beginning on August 18, 2002, to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2002
Provides that the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after age 55 shall not bar the payment of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation to which such spouse was previously entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Toxic Clean-up Polluter Pays Renewal Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until January 1, 2013, and reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as of October 2, 2002, to give a higher priority in the provision of hospital care and medical services under the veterans' patient enrollment system to veterans who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for the area in which the veterans reside, regardless of whether such veterans are otherwise treated as single person families or families under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2002
Holocaust Restitution Tax Fairness Act of 2002 - Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-16) to make the sunset provisions inapplicable to section 803, which excluded from income, under the Internal Revenue Code, specified restitution payments received by persons (or heirs) persecuted by Nazi Germany, its allied or controlled countries, or any other Axis regime because of race, religion, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2002
Designates June 5, 2002, as National Hunger Awareness Day. Authorizes the office of Senator Richard J. Durbin to collect donations of food from June 5, until June 14, 2002, from concerned Members of Congress and staff to assist families suffering from hunger and food insecurity in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Authorizes the President to award to Dr. Dorothy Height, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) take the lead in improving the lives of millions of mothers and children in the developing world through targeted, effective, and multifaceted health and development programs; and (2) increase its commitment to the world's mothers and children by increasing funding for basic child survival and maternal health programs by at least $500 million.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2002 - 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, 2003; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning January 1, 2004. 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 · 22 May 2002
Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to Congress regarding oversight of Remedial Action Plans for the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Administrator, acting through the Great Lakes National Program Office, to make grants for projects that: (1) monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment; (2) remediate contaminated sediment; or (3) prevent further or renewed contamination of sediment. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern in the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Program Office to carry out a public information program through grants. Extends funding for Great Lakes programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2002
Rx Flexibility for States Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to declare that nothing prohibits a State: (1) from directly entering into drug rebate agreements that are similar to a specified rebate agreement with a manufacturer to ensure the affordability of outpatient prescription drugs in order to provide access to them by residents of a State who are not otherwise eligible for medical assistance under the Medicaid program; or (2) from making prior authorization a condition of not participating in such a similar rebate agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2002
Human Tissue Transplant Safety Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide oversight by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs of entities engaged in activities relating to human tissue or human tissue-based products, requiring their registration and authorizing their inspection. Requires the reporting of any adverse incidents.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2002 - Requires the President to establish a comprehensive, integrated, five-year strategy to combat the global spread of HIV and AIDS. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a comprehensive plan to empower women to protect themselves against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Establishes within the Department of State a presidentially appointed Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally. Authorizes the United States to participate in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and increases financial assistance for vaccine contributions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to conclude an agreement with the Paris Club of Official Creditors and other specified multilateral development institutions to modify the Enhanced HIPC Initiative with respect to debt cancellation for eligible countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance and coordination between international organizations for the global prevention, treatment, monitoring, and control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the President to establish a program to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating services of American health care professionals in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world severely affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Requires the Secretary of Defense to expand the Department of Defense program of HIV/AIDS prevention educational activities in sub-Saharan African countries. Requires the Administrator of USAID to establish a program of assistance that would demonstrate the feasibility of providing care and treatment to orphans, other children, and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in foreign countries. Sets forth principles for U.S. firms operating in countries affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Designates October 13 through 19, 2002, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. Commits to increasing the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis by promoting public knowledge and understanding in a manner that will result in earlier diagnoses, more fund raising efforts for research, and increased levels of support for cystic fibrosis sufferers and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) survey each law enforcement jurisdiction to assess the backlog of DNA testing of rape kit samples and other sexual assault evidence; and (2) make grants to eligible entities to carry out sexual assault examiner training and certification, develop sexual assault examiner programs, acquire or improve forensic equipment, and train law enforcement personnel in the handling of sexual assault cases. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) ensure that DNA testing and analysis of samples from rape kits and non-suspect cases are carried out in a timely manner; (2) reauthorize grants; (3) authorize local governments to apply for and receive grants; (4) direct the Attorney General to give priority in awarding grants to a State or local governmental unit that has a significant rape kit or non-suspect case backlog; (5) expand the scope of DNA samples subject to privacy protections; and (6) authorize appropriations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the collection and use of DNA identification information from certain Federal offenders. Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize "John Doe" DNA indictments for sexual abuse (allows describing a person as an unknown individual who has a particular DNA profile if the identity of the accused or defendant is unknown); and (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations to the FBI to carry out a redesign of the Combined DNA Index System.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2002 - Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to make grants to up to 20 eligible entities to promote training and placement of individuals, including individuals who have completed a court reporting training program, as realtime writers providing closed captioning in video programming. Limits grants to a two-year period and a maximum amount of $1 million.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Expresses profound gratitude for the faithful service provided by flight attendants to make air travel safe and honors their courage and dedication. Supports all flight attendants who continue to display heroism on a daily basis, as they had been doing before, during, and after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2002
Cultural Bridges Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to establish an international exchange visitor program under which eligible students from the Islamic world would: (1) attend public secondary school in the United States; (2) live with an American host family; and (3) participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding of American and Islamic values and cultures. Requires the Secretary of State (Secretary) to carry out this program with U.S. sponsoring organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to use the authorities of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to establish new programs and expand existing programs to increase the number of educational and cultural activities involving persons from the Islamic world. Prohibits the participation of individuals who are nationals of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Fair Advertising and Increased Research Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit any drug manufacturer from taking a tax deduction for expenditures relating to the advertising, promoting, or marketing of any FDA prescription drug to the extent the aggregate amount of such expenditures exceeds the manufacturer's aggregate research and development expenditures. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to estimate amount of additional tax revenues raised by enforcement of the Act, to be allocated to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Commends the Republic of Croatia for its progress during the past decade and encourages its democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the free market. Expresses support for Croatia's aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and recommends its acceptance into the Membership Action Plan at the NATO Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland, in May 2002. Encourages Croatia's contributions in bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the South Central Europe region, including its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recognizes the important role of the Croatian-American community in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Increases, for months occurring during FY 2003 and thereafter, the rates of basic educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve. Prohibits any rate increase during FY 2003 and 2004 based on adjustments to the Consumer Price Index.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)