United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Fairness to All Fallen Vietnam War Service Members Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to Congress: (1) to identify veterans who died after October 31, 1955, as a result of military operations in southeast Asia whose names are not eligible for inscription on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and (2) on the feasibility and equitability of revising the eligibility requirements to be more inclusive of such veterans or of creating an alternative means for recognizing them.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Protecting America's Pensions Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to set forth requirements for disclosure, diversification, account access, and accountability under defined contribution plans that are individual account plans (IAPs) (401(k) and similar plans). Allows IAPs either to permit employees' elective deferrals to be invested in employer securities, or to make the employer's contribution in employer securities; but prohibits an IAP from doing both. Exempts from such limitation any employer who maintains a certain kind of defined benefit plan (DBP) coverage besides the IAP. Requires IAPs to offer at least three investment options in addition to an option to invest in employer securities or real property. Requires IAPs to grant a participant or beneficiary the right to reinvest in any other option provided by the IAP any assets that are in employer securities or real property within certain time limits. Exempts IAP sponsors from fiduciary liability for IAP investments only if they designate independent investment advisors, who shall be fiduciaries with respect to such investments. Requires IAPs to furnish quarterly pension benefit statements with certain information to plan participants if they and beneficiaries have rights to direct investments. Requires sponsors and administrators of IAPs to provide all material investment information to participants and beneficiaries in an accurate form, and treats misleading investment information as a violation. Requires same day electronic disclosures of insider trading to the Securities Exchange Commission, to the public through the Commission, on the issuer's internal corporate website, and, in appropriate form, to any employees of the issuer who do not have access to such website. Requires disclosure on paper within seven calendar days after any electronic disclosure. Requires IAPs to give 30 days notice to participants and beneficiaries before a period (lockdown) in which their ability to divest or diversify assets control over their account assets will be limited. Provides that, during such lockdowns, employers are not exempt from liability for failing in fiduciary duty with respect to IAP investments. Requires fiduciaries of IAPs which cover more than 100 participants to have adequate insurance to protect the interests of participants and beneficiaries. Requires joint boards of trustees, representing interests of employers and those of employee participants and beneficiaries, to hold in trust the assets of single-employer IAPs which cover more than 100 participants. Establishes an Office of Pension Participant Advocacy in the Department of Labor (DOL). Requires studies: (1) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation on IAP insurance system feasibility; and (2) by DOL on fees charged by IAPs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to collectively bargained 401(k) plans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system, as specified. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, and environmental and Americans With Disabilities Act compliance. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2002
Buffalo Soldier Commemoration Act of 2002 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial to honor the Buffalo Soldiers (African-American soldiers). Establishes in the Treasury a fund to be used by the Commission to pay the expenses incurred in establishing such memorial. Authorizes the head of any agency to provide to the Louisiana State Museum appropriate military artifacts to memorialize, and educate the public regarding, the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2002
Enhanced Penalties for Enabling Terrorists Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to modify provisions regarding fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents and information to: (1) provide for a mandatory fine and imprisonment for up to 25 years (currently, a fine, imprisonment, or both) if the offense is committed to facilitate an act of international terrorism; and (2) provide for such penalties for acts of domestic terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Safe Explosives Act - Rewrites Federal criminal code provisions regarding the purchase of explosives to create a new "limited permit" category. Prohibits a holder of a limited permit from: (1) transporting, shipping, causing to be transported, or receiving in interstate or foreign commerce explosive materials; or (2) receiving explosive materials from a licensee or permittee whose premises are located within the holder's State of residence on more than six separate occasions. Requires license, user permit, and limited permit applicants to include the names of and identifying information regarding all employees who will possess explosive materials, including fingerprints and a photograph. Makes each limited permit valid for no longer than one year. Prohibits certain categories of individuals from being approved for licenses or permits. Requires an applicant for a limited permit to certify in writing that he or she will not receive explosive materials on more than six separate occasions during the period for which the limited permit is valid. Prohibits: (1) the distribution of explosive materials to persons committed to a mental institution; and (2) the distribution to, or possession of explosive materials by, certain categories of individuals. Requires: (1) licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and those who manufacture or import explosive materials or ammonium nitrate to furnish samples and relevant information when required by the Secretary; and (2) a holder of a limited permit to report explosive materials thefts within 24 hours after discovery. Sets penalties for the destruction of property of institutions receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Safe and Fair Deposit Insurance Act of 2002 - Mandates that the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) established by this Act. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to establish the DIF. Mandates that all assessments against insured depository institutions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) be deposited into the DIF. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to borrow from the Federal home loan banks funds necessary for DIF use. Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2002 - Amends the FDIA to: (1) prohibit an undercapitalized insured depository institution from accepting employee benefit plan deposits; (2) increase the amount of Federal insurance coverage (including an inflation adjustment); and (3) include retirement accounts and municipal deposits within such coverage. Requires the FDIC Board of Directors, before the beginning of each calendar year, to designate the reserve ratio applicable to the DIF. Prohibits the Board from modifying its information collection requirements if such modification is done solely to change assessment risk classifications and results in placing greater regulatory or reporting burdens upon an insured depository institution. Allows credits based upon past contributions to the DIF.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Supports the goals and ideas of National Donor Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation and to discuss such donation with their families and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2002
Military Tribunal Authorization Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to establish tribunals for the trial of individuals who: (1) are not U.S. persons; (2) are members of the al Qaeda organization or other terrorist organizations who cooperated with the al Qaeda in planning, authorizing, committing, or aiding in the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States or who aided or abetted such members in such activities; (3) are apprehended in or fleeing from Afghanistan or any other place outside the United States where U.S. armed forces are involved; and (4) are not prisoners of war. Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of Defense to detain individuals subject to such tribunals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should seek the cooperation of U.S. allies and other nations in conducting investigations and prosecutions of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2002
Military Commission Procedures Act of 2002 - Authorizes each military commission established by the President to try an individual who is not a U.S. citizen if the President determines that there is reason to believe that the individual: (1) is or was a member of the al Qaeda organization; (2) has engaged in, aided or abetted, or conspired to commit acts of international terrorism that have caused or threatened to cause injury to, or adverse effects on, the United States or its citizens, national security, foreign policy, or economy; or (3) has harbored one of more of such individuals. Allows each commission to adjudicate only violations of the international law of war. Requires each such individual to be represented by counsel. Outlines trial procedures. Requires the prosecution to have the burden of proving guilt. Entitled convicted individuals to a review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Military Commissions (established under this Act).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2002
Ending the Double Standard for Stock Options Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the amount of deductions taken for property transferred in connection with a stock option to the amount treated as an expense by taxpayer in ascertaining income, profit, or loss. Requires Secretary to formulate rules where the stock option is granted by a parent or subsidiary corporation. Excludes from the definition of "wages," for purposes of the research tax credit, the amount of property transferred in connection with a stock option and required to be included in a report or statement until such amount is so included. Limits the portion of the amount to be treated as wages to no more than the amount of the deduction taken with respect to such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2002
Investor Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding liability standards in private securities litigation to repeal: (1) the scienter requirement limiting joint and several liability for damages to covered persons who knowingly committed a violation of the securities laws; and (2) the allowance of proportionate liability, under which a covered person is liable solely for the portion of a judgment that corresponds to the person's percentage of responsibility for a securities violation. (Thus makes any covered person against whom a final judgment is entered in private securities litigation liable for one hundred percent of damages jointly and severally, even if the securities violation was not committed knowingly.) Deems any person that recklessly provides substantial assistance to (aids or abets) another person in violation of Federal securities laws to be in violation of such laws to the same extent as the person to whom such assistance is provided. Establishes a statute of limitations for an implied private right of action of: (1) five years after an alleged violation occurred; or (2) three years after it was discovered. Repeals the prohibition against all but specified types of private class actions alleging either misrepresentation or omission of a material fact or manipulative or deceptive practices in connection with securities sales or purchases (thus permitting private class actions without limitation).
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2002
Global Coordination of HIV/AIDS Response Act or Global CARE Act - Establishes an interagency working group to coordinate Federal programs related to the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS in foreign countries and to conduct global HIV/AIDS activities. Establishes the International HIV/AIDS Prevention and Capacity Development Initiative to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections through specified measures. Establishes the International AIDS Care and Treatment Access Initiative. Authorizes appropriations to the following Federal agencies for such purposes: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (5) the Food and Drug Administration; (6) the United States Agency for International Development; and (7) the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce, including the Global Health Fund. States that the United States should make contributions to such Fund consistent with the general principles outlined in the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a (HIV/AIDS) Global Physician Corps using international assignment of physicians to provide care, train host country physicians, and establish or adapt clinical protocols for prevention and treatment. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorizes funds for injection safety. AIDS Orphans Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to communities affected by AIDS, including microcredit programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a pilot program concerning the use of antiretroviral drugs in resource-poor settings.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2002
National Fuel Savings and Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal law to revise provisions concerning fuel economy to require that the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall prescribe annual fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks starting in model year 2005. Dictates that by 2013, there shall be an average combined fuel economy standard for such cars and trucks of at least 35 miles per gallon. Sets minimum annual fuel economy standards that manufacturers of cars and trucks must meet and levels they must reach by 2010. Allows States to permit vehicles occupied by one person to use HOV lanes if a vehicle is a hybrid or runs totally on alternative fuel. Directs the Secretary, with technical assistance from the Administrator, to devise a system in which manufacturers can sell credits earned for cars and trucks exceeding fuel economy standards. Requires that trucks, as well as cars, display a label with environmental information such as fuel economy and annual fuel cost. Requires manufacturers to add a logo to the existing label or to add a separate green label detailing a vehicle's performance in meeting criteria developed by the Administrator on fuel economy and greenhouse gas and other emissions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002
Highway Funding Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to require that obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2003: (1) meet a specified minimum level; and (2) be distributed in accordance with that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2002
Fully Informed Investor Act of 2002 - Declares that any disclosure required by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the sale of any securities by an affiliated person of the issuer of those securities shall be made available in electronic form: (1) to the Commission by the affiliated person before the end of the calendar day on which the transaction occurs; (2) to the public by the Commission no later than the end of the business day on which the disclosure is received; and (3) in any case in which the issuer maintains a corporate website that is accessible only internally, on that internal website before the end of the calendar day on which the transaction occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002
Recognizes that America has lost one of its most dedicated and hardest working advocates for adoption, and honors Rex David "Dave" Thomas in his devotion to family, life, and business. Expresses the Senate's deep and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dave Thomas on their loss.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Establishes a National Commission on Terrorist Acts Upon the United States. Directs the Commission to: (1) investigate facts and circumstances relating to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and (2) evaluate lessons learned from the such attacks regarding the Federal Government's abilities to detect, prevent and respond to such attacks. Empowers the Commission to hold hearings, collect relevant materials and subpoena witnesses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Telemarketing Intrusive Practices Act of 2001 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish, maintain, and periodically update for each State a list of consumers who request not to receive telephone sales calls; and (2) notify consumers of the establishment of the lists. Makes the consumer responsible for requesting the Commission to be included on such list. Mandates: (1) deletion of consumer information from such list upon consumer request; and (2) maintenance of a no call list by a telephone solicitor. Prohibits telephone solicitations to a consumer: (1) who has previously requested inclusion in the solicitor's no-call list; (2) who is included in the then current quarterly lists made available by the Commission; and (3) between specified evening hours. Provides for a civil cause of action by the Commission, and a private right of action by a person or entity, for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Safe From the Start Act of 2001 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act 2000 to direct the Attorney General to award grants to eligible State entities that shall award grants to community coalitions throughout the State to design and implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach to identify, respond to, and serve young children who have been witnesses to or victims of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
New Homestead Economic Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to repay a specified percentage (up to $3,000 per year) of certain education loans to an individual who completes a degree and both resides and is employed in a qualifying county outside a metropolitan statistical area which for 20 years has a net out-migration of inhabitants of at least ten percent of the county population. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a specified portion of the purchase price of a qualified residence in such a rural county. Allows a capital loss deduction with respect to sale or exchange of principal residence in certain rural areas. Provides for the creation of tax-exempt individual homestead accounts, which shall receive matching Federal contributions according to a specified formula, whose tax-free distributions after five years are used for qualified higher education or medical expenses, first-time homebuyer or business capitalization costs, or rollovers. Establishes a rural investment tax credit of 70 percent of the present value of new buildings (including rehabilitation projects) or 30 percent of the present value of existing buildings. Provides for accelerated depreciation of property in rural investment projects. New Homestead Venture Capital Fund Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide for establishment of new homestead venture capital funds, owned by private investors, which shall generate and provide equity capital to rural businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Expedited Remedy for Persistent Dumping Act of 2001 - Revises federal tariff law provisions concerning monitoring cases of suspected persistent dumping to: (1) provide for an expedited antidumping investigation of merchandise from an additional supplier country if the Commerce Department discerns imports of merchandise from the additional supplier country have increased by 15 percent or more during a period of 90 days or longer; and (2) establish Department Commerce and International Trade Commission procedures and deadlines for making determinations as to whether or not dumping and injury have occurred. Adds specific conditions for reducing the price used to establish export price or "constructed export price," meaning the amount at which the merchandise is first sold or agreed to be sold in the United States by or for the producer or exporter.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Posthumous Citizenship Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend until two years after the later of the date of enactment of this Act or the date of the person's death the deadline for the Attorney General to approve a request to grant posthumous citizenship to individuals who die while on active-duty military service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Federal Prosecutors Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2001 - Amends Federal civil service law to include Federal prosecutors within the definition of "law enforcement officer" (LEO). Extends LEO benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to Federal prosecutors, including Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), and such other attorneys in the Department of Justice (DOJ) as may be designated by the Attorney General. Exempts Federal prosecutors from mandatory retirement provisions for LEOs under the civil service laws. Requires DOJ to provide notice to incumbent Federal prosecutors of their rights under this Act. Allows incumbents to opt out of the LEO retirement program. Sets forth provisions governing the crediting of prior service by incumbents. Provides for make-up contributions for prior service of incumbents to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Gives incumbents the option of either contributing to their own share of any make-up contributions or receiving a proportionally lesser retirement benefit. Allows the Government to contribute its share of any make-up contribution ratably over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Reservist Pay Security Act of 2001 - Entitles a person who is absent from his or her position of Federal employment to perform service in the uniformed services or the National Guard to receive from his or her agency an amount that, when added to the pay and allowances for such service, equals the basic pay which would have been payable to such employee for such period of service for which such employee is not otherwise compensated.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Presidential Appointments Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to set forth separate, revised financial disclosure reporting requirements for executive branch personnel that eliminate, raise the thresholds for, or reduce the categories of value under specified current requirements. Requires a person to file a financial disclosure report within 30 days of taking the oath of office of President or Vice President, unless the person is the incumbent in such position. Requires disclosure of the source, description, and category of income from any source aggregating more than $500 in a year. Revises, for disclosure purposes, the categories of value for reporting income investment, assets, and liabilities and the thresholds for reporting interests in property or in a trade or business. Raises from: (1) $10,000 to $20,000 the threshold for the reporting of liabilities; and (2) $5,000 to $25,000 the threshold for the reporting by non-elected individuals of compensation received for personal services. Requires reports to include the sources of income earned by the spouse which exceeds $500 (currently $1,000). Requires the Executive Clerk of the White House, within 15 days after a major party nominates its candidate for President, to transmit to that candidate an electronic record on presidentially appointed positions. Requires each Federal agency to submit to the President and specified congressional committees a plan providing for the reduction of the number of positions and the levels of positions within that agency that require an appointment by the President. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to review the conflict of interest laws relating to Federal employment and to report recommendations for legislation to improve coordination, uniformity, and efficiency in their administration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Home and Farm Wind Energy Systems Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for amounts paid for qualified wind energy property from which at least 50 percent of the energy produced is consumed on site.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish a pilot program under which specified Federal agencies may agree to repay the student loans of their employees employed in national security positions. Requires the Director to coordinate such program with such agencies to recruit employees to serve in such positions. Requires the Director to establish a program for awarding National Security Fellowships to eligible graduate students who agree to employment with the Federal Government in national security positions. Establishes a National Security Service Board to: (1) develop criteria for awarding such Fellowships; (2) provide for the wide dissemination of information regarding the activities assisted under the program; (3) work with the Director in hiring and placing fellows in national security positions; and (4) develop and provide to Congress a strategic plan that identifies the skills needed by the Federal national security workforce. Provides that 20 percent of such Fellowships be set-aside for Federal employees who are working in such positions to enhance their education and training in areas important to national security. Creates a National Security Service Corps, under the direction of the Board, to provide rotational opportunities for mid-level employees in national security positions within and between specified agencies. Requires agencies' annual strategic and performance plans and program performance reports to evaluate the role of specific skills in accomplishing or failing to accomplish such agencies' goals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Homeland Security Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to forgive interest payments on guaranteed and student loans for selected borrowers in repayment status who have obtained undergraduate degrees in science (except the social sciences), mathematics, engineering, or specified foreign languages, as an incentive for study of such subjects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary to establish a demonstration program of grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) for building or expanding mathematics and science programs, upgrading laboratories, and purchasing equipment. Directs the Secretary and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to assess long-term mathematics and science needs of the national security workforce and the larger Federal workforce. Amends ESEA to authorize the Secretary to make grants to eligible partnerships for various authorized activities to encourage early foreign language studies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that develop innovative programs for teaching foreign languages. Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to direct the Secretary of Defense, through the National Security Education Trust, to make grants to IHEs to produce graduates in a range of disciplines with advanced proficiency in languages most critical to U.S. national security. Directs the National Research Council to study the feasibility of establishing a National Language Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Converts existing temporary judgeships for the eastern district of California, the central district of Illinois, the northern district of New York, and the eastern district of Virginia to permanent judgeships. Extends a temporary judgeship for the northern district of Ohio.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2001
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway redesign plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating approval, funding, construction, and implementation of such plan and suburban airport. Requires all environmental reviews, analyses, and opinions related to issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals relating to such plan or airport to be conducted on an expedited and coordinated basis. States that approval by the Administrator of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan shall: (1) provide that any runway located more than 2500 feet south of existing runway 9R-27L shall not begin construction before January 2011; and (2) be subject to the condition that noise impact of aircraft operations at O'Hare after the year in which the first new runway is first used will be less than that in 2000. Prohibits the consideration of such a plan unless it includes public roadway access through the western boundary of O'Hare to passenger terminal and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to a letter of intent application submitted by the State of Illinois (or a political subdivision thereof) for construction of the suburban airport. Sets forth requirements regarding the construction of the runway redesign plan as a Federal project on or after July 1, 2004. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2001
Use NICS in Terrorist Investigations Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to authorize the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to access National Instant Check System (NICS) audit log records for the purpose of responding to an inquiry from any Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency in connection with a civil or criminal law enforcement investigation. Requires firearms transaction records relating to the person or the transfer to be destroyed consistent with the Attorney General's responsibility to ensure privacy of the system and to prevent system fraud and abuse, but in no fewer than 90 days after the date on which the firearms licensee first contacts the system with respect to the transfer, if the receipt of the firearm would not violate such Act. Directs: (1) the Department of Justice (DOJ), including the FBI, during the period that such records are maintained, to make such records available to the Department of the Treasury (DOT), including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, for the purpose of conducting system audits to detect fraud and misuse, and to protect the privacy and security, of the system; and (2) DOT to maintain and destroy those records in accordance with all statutory requirements imposed on DOJ.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2001
White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should establish the White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month to make recommendations to the President on the proclamation of National Military Appreciation Month to be celebrated in May of each year; and (2) any such Commission should be composed of specified members. Expresses the sense of Congress that if such Commission is established, the President should also establish the Spirit of America Alliance to assist the Commission: (1) in the planning, organization, and conduct of an annual White House Conference on National Military Appreciation and other similar events; (2) in the promotion of the observance of such Month and other military commemorative events through appropriate means, subject to any guidelines developed by the Commission; (3) in the establishment of necessary incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance; (4) in the evaluation of the effectiveness of efforts by the Commission and the Alliance in carrying out this Act; and (5) by the performance of any other related duties that are assigned by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
International Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, to furnish assistance to individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign countries. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) conduct programs in foreign countries related to individuals with disabilities, including victims of land mines and other victims of civil strife and warfare; and (2) provide grants to nongovernmental organizations for carrying out research, prevention, public awareness, and assistance programs for such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide: (1) advice and expertise on prosthetics, orthotics, physical and psychological rehabilitation and treatment, and disability assistance to other Federal agencies with respect to assistance programs for such individuals; and (2) technical assistance to private voluntary organizations with respect to the planning, development, operation, and evaluation of such land mine assistance, research, and prevention programs. Directs the Secretary of State to establish and chair an interagency group to coordinate all Federal programs that furnish assistance to such individuals and conduct land mine research, demining, and prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
American Field Service Recognition Act of 2001 - Considers as active duty, for purposes of veterans' benefits eligibility, service performed before August 15, 1945, by enlisted members of the American Field Service ambulance corps who reported for overseas duty during World War II and were honorably discharged. Authorizes the award of a campaign or service medal for such service.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Commends the staffs of Members of Congress, the Capitol Police, the Office of the Attending Physician and his health care staff, and other members of the Capitol Hill community for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to serving the public in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks and the release of anthrax in Senator Daschle's office. Recognizes congressional leadership, congressional employees, the Capitol Police, and the Office of the Attending Physician and the health care professionals in his office, in particular, who by their quick actions and early intervention prevented actual cases of anthrax within the Capitol Complex. Requests that the President recognize the courage and professionalism of congressional staff, the Capitol Police, and other members of the Capitol Hill community for their public service in continuing to do the public's business in defiance of terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Condemns the terrorist murders of 26 innocent people in Israel within 14 hours during December 1-2, 2001, and extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to Israel and to the families of the victims. Expresses outrage at the ongoing Palestinian terrorist campaign and insists that the Palestinian Authority take all necessary steps to end it. Urges the President to suspend all relations with Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority if they fail to take specified action to stop Palestinian terrorist groups from committing acts of terrorism. Urges the President to insist that countries harboring or materially supporting Palestinian terrorist groups end their support, dismantle the groups, and bring them to justice. Expresses U.S. solidarity with Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of cholesterol and other blood lipid screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2001
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation for the purpose of human cloning in the United States or elsewhere; and (3) using funds made available under Federal law for any such activity. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enjoin a violation. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical and agricultural research or practices not expressly prohibited, including nuclear transplantation to produce human stem cells or to create nonhuman animals. Subjects to forfeiture any real or personal property derived from or used to commit a violation. Directs the Attorney General, upon request, to render binding advisory opinions regarding the applicability of such prohibition with respect to specific research projects or practices. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should cooperate with foreign countries to enforce mutually supported restrictions on such prohibited activities. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance with applicable Federal standards for the protection of human subjects.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Microbicide Development Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the Office of AIDS Research to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with respect to research on the development of microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to research on microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 - Directs the Attorney General to waive Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) personnel limits. Authorizes appropriations for INS, Border Patrol, United States Customs Service, and consular personnel, training, facilities, and security-related technology. Provides for machine-readable visa fees. Directs U.S. law enforcement and intelligence entities to share alien admissibility- and deportation-related information with INS and the Department of State. Directs the President to develop and implement an interoperable law enforcement and intelligence data system (with name-matching and linguistic capacity) for visa, admissibility, or deportation determination purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to require a consular officer issuing a visa to provide INS with an electronic version of the alien's visa file prior to the alien's U.S. entry. Sets forth technology standard and interoperability requirements respecting development and implementation of the integrated entry and exit data system and related tamper-resistant, machine-readable documents containing biometric identifiers. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to: (1) establish a Terrorist Lookout Committee at each U.S. mission in which there is a consular post; and (2) provide consular staff with visa screening training. Prohibits the admission of an alien from a country designated to be a state sponsor of terrorism until a determination has been made that such individual does not pose a risk to the United States. Conditions participation in the visa waiver program upon a country's timely reporting to the United States of its stolen blank passports. Requires the Attorney General to enter stolen passport identification numbers into the interoperable data system.. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of INS to study the feasibility of establishing a North American Perimeter National Security Program (United States, Canada, Mexico), including consideration of alien preclearance and preinspection. Amends the Act to require commercial aircraft or vessels arriving at, or departing from, the United States to provide immigration officers with specified passenger and crew manifest information. Authorizes such provisions' extension to land carriers. Requires electronic manifest transmission by a specified date. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to revise and specify vessel prearrival message requirements. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Attorney General to develop an electronic means of verifying and monitoring the foreign student information program, including aspects of documentation and visas issuance, and registration and enrollment. Increases student data requirements. Specifies information required for foreign student visa applications. Sets forth transitional monitoring requirements, including a requirement that an educational institution report student failure to enroll information to INS. Provides for INS and Department of State review of institutions authorized to enroll foreign students and exchange visitors. Amends Federal law to treat INS immigration inspectors as law enforcement officers for Federal retirement purposes. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the deadline for presentation of biometric border crossing identification cards. Directs: (1) the Comptroller General to determine the feasibility of requiring each nonimmigrant alien to report annually to INS respecting his or her address and employer's address; and (2) the Secretary and INS to study alternative approaches to international electronic data cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Homeland Security Block Grant Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make homeland security block grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes. Requires grantees to: (1) prepare a statement of homeland security objectives and projected fund use; and (2) provide the Attorney General with a certification that they have developed a homeland security plan that meets short- and long-term security needs and that they will comply with applicable laws. Directs: (1) each grantee to submit to the Attorney General a performance and evaluation report concerning the use of funds, together with an assessment of the relationship of such use to security objectives; and (2) the Attorney General to encourage and assist national associations of eligible grantees, States, and local governments in non-qualifying areas to develop and recommend uniform record-keeping, performance reporting, evaluation reporting, and auditing requirements, to establish such requirements, and to make specified reviews and audits at least annually. Lists activities eligible for assistance under this Act, including funding additional law enforcement, fire, and emergency resources, improving cyber and infrastructure security, and devising a homeland security plan. Sets forth provisions regarding allocation and distribution of funds and matching requirements. Mandates nondiscrimination in programs and activities. Sets forth remedies for noncompliance with Act requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments with a factor that more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Directs the Secretary to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to: (1) increase inspections to ensure the safety of the food supply; and (2) improve linkages between the Agency and other regulatory agencies of the Federal Government, the States, and Indian tribes with shared responsibilities. Provides for food manufacturing, processing, and distribution biosecurity, agricultural biosecurity and biosecurity upgrades at the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Calls for a joint session of Congress in New York City, New York, during the 107th Congress at such date, time, and location as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may jointly select, for the purpose of conducting such business as the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore may consider appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide that duty performed with the National Guard mobilized by a State in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or otherwise at the request of the President shall qualify as military service under such Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)