United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003
Cord Blood Stem Cell Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to enter into contracts with qualified cord blood stem cell banks to assist in the establishment, provision, and maintenance of a National Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank Network of at least 150,000 units of human cord blood stem cells. Lists the purposes of qualifying donor banks and requirements qualifying donor banks must meet. Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator, to establish as part of the Network a National Cord Blood Stem Cell Registry. Sets forth the functions of the Registry, which shall include: (1) operating a system for identifying, acquiring, and distributing donated units or cord blood; (2) maintaining a database with certain information, including the clinical outcomes of all transplantations related to the Network; and (3) providing transplant physicians and other health care professionals with the ability to search for donor matches.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to permit States to use funds from grants for nonpoint source management programs for projects or activities relating to phase II storm water program implementation, including management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003
Security and Freedom Ensured Act of 2003 (SAFE Act) - Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to modify provisions regarding roving wiretaps under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to require that: (1) an order approving an electronic surveillance specify either the identity of the target or the place to be wiretapped; and (2) surveillance be conducted only when the suspect is present at the place to be wiretapped. Revises provisions governing search warrants authorized under the USA PATRIOT ACT to: (1) limit the authority to delay notice of the issuance of such a search warrant to circumstances where providing immediate notice of the warrant will endanger the life or physical safety of an individual, result in flight from prosecution, or result in the destruction of or tampering with the evidence sought under the warrant; and (2) require such delayed notification to be issued not later than seven days (currently, within a "reasonable period") after execution, with extensions by the court for additional periods of up to seven days each time that the court finds reasonable cause to believe that notice of the execution of the warrant would have such consequences. Requires the Attorney General, every six months, to report to Congress summarizing the requests made by the Department of Justice for delays of notice and extensions of delays. Sunsets the delayed notice authority and reporting requirement on December 31, 2005. Amends FISA to require, with respect to access by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to business records for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, that there be specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the person to whom the records pertain is a foreign power or an agent thereof. Provides that libraries shall not be treated as wire or electronic communication service providers under provisions granting counterintelligence access to provider subscriber information, toll billing records information, or electronic communication transactional records.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003
Domestic Partner Health Benefits Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to health insurance, to provide for the treatment of domestic partners on an equal basis with spouses by designating as a dependent any individual who is an eligible beneficiary under an employer's health insurance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2003 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs). Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares this Act inapplicable to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for remedies to the same extent as under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003
Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003 - Rape Kits and DNA Evidence Backlog Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends: (1) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize the Act; (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 (Identification Act) to expand the scope of DNA samples to be included in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); and (3) the Violence Against Women Act to authorize grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of dating violence. DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2003 - Amends the Identification Act to require that CODIS include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories that: (1) have been accredited by a nationally recognized nonprofit professional association of forensic scientists within two years; and (2) undergo external audits at least every two years that demonstrate compliance with specified standards. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) DNA training and education; (2) sexual assault forensic examination programs; (3) research and development; (4) using DNA technology to identify missing persons; and (5) tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Expands and reauthorizes the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program. Innocence Protection Act of 2003 - Sets forth conditions under which a Federal prisoner may obtain post-conviction DNA testing of specific evidence. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to States to improve the quality of legal representation in State capital cases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2003
Adoption Promotion Act of 2003 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements with respect to States eligible to receive adoption incentives payments. Reauthorizes the adoption incentive payments program. Provides additional incentives for adoptions of older children (nine years of age and up). Modifies requirements with respect to determination of numbers of special needs adoptions that are not older children as well as adoptions of older children. Revises the formula for adoption incentive payments to States to provide a payment for: (1) special needs adoptions that are not older child adoptions; and (2) older child adoptions. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Health and Human Services provide supplemental grants to incentive-eligible States. Authorizes the Secretary to impose specified penalties against a State for failure to provide necessary data to the Secretary for the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003
Declares that the Federal Trade Commission is authorized under the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to compile and implement a national do-not-call registry. Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2003
Transportation Extension Act of 2003 - Extends Federal highway, highway safety, and transit programs for five months, and authorizes appropriations, through February 29, 2004. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion funds made available for Federal-aid highway programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to each State according to the ratio of the State's FY 2003 obligation authority to the FY 2003 obligation authority for all States; and (2) ensure that each State is apportioned funds for the Interstate maintenance program, the National Highway System program, the bridge program, the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system program, and the minimum guarantee. Sets forth provisions: (1) for reducing future apportionments, and for recovering funds not apportioned, under a law reauthorizing the Federal-aid highway program that is enacted after enactment of this Act; (2) prohibiting States from obligating any Federal-aid highway program funds after February 29, 2004, until the date of enactment of a multi-year law reauthorizing such program; and (3) directing the Secretary of Transportation to restore certain funds that a State transferred for a project that was ineligible to receive the funds except by operation of this Act. Makes specified funds available from the Highway Trust Fund for administrative expenses of the Federal-aid highway program for FY 2004. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to extend funding through February 29, 2004, for its National Outreach and Communications Program and to pay Coast Guard expenses for personnel and activities directly related to carrying out the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2003
Temporary Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for October 1, 2003, through March 31, 2004, for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including: (1) air navigation facilities and equipment; (2) airport and noise compatibility planning and development; (3) aviation programs; and (4) aviation research. Extends authority for the apportionment of funds for the same period for: (1) the Contract Air Traffic Control Tower Program; and (2) airport improvement projects (AIP) at primary airports. Increases to 95 percent the Federal share of allowable AIP costs for a grant made during such period. Authorizes the Secretary to decide that the costs of revenue producing aeronautical support facilities, including fuel farms and hangars, are allowable for an AIP at a nonprimary airport if: (1) the Federal share of such costs is paid only with funds apportioned to the airport sponsor; and (2) the sponsor has made adequate provision for financing airside needs of the airport. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a reimbursable agreement with the Secretary of the Interior to fund airport development at Midway Island Airport between for October 1, 2003, and March 31, 2004. Makes the sponsors of airports in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau eligible for grants during the same period. Authorizes during the same period essential air service and small community air service. Prohibits the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security from implementing, except on a test basis, the proposed computer assisted passenger prescreening system (CAPPS2) before providing to Congress a specified certification. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to specified congressional committees on the potential impact of CAPPS2 on the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. citizens. Revises requirements for flight training operators with respect to aliens or others specified by the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security), including mandatory training applicant information (including fingerprints), notifications, expedited processing of information and background checks, assessment of investigation fees, and exemption from all such procedures and processes of certain foreign military pilots. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from authorizing the privatization of the air traffic separation and control functions or any functions related to certification of national airspace systems and services (except certain contract traffic control towers) currently operated by the FAA. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the FAA plan to revamp the flight service station program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend Airport and Airway Trust Fund expenditure authority until October 1, 2004. Prescribes a special rule for air transportation tax paid for domestic segments beginning after 2002. Declares that, if an amount is paid during a calendar year for a domestic segment beginning in a later calendar year, then the rate of tax shall be the rate in effect for the calendar year in which such amount is paid.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2003
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those killed and a day for recommitment to our national purpose. Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their families and friends. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, and others who aided the victims. Extends gratitude to the members of the armed forces who are defending the United States from future attack. Praises the people of the United States for donating time and money to support the victims and their families and friends. Expresses gratitude to the leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Reaffirms that the Senate will honor the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of those attacks and will act to defend U.S. citizens in all future challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for a limited period of time: (1) a biodiesel fuels credit business credit; and (2) as a credit against the gasoline and diesel fuel excise tax, a credit equal to the sum of the alcohol fuel mixture credit plus the biodiesel mixture credit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2003 - Requires the head of each Federal department or agency that is engaged in any activity to use or develop data-mining technology to report annually to Congress on all such activities. Defines "data-mining" as a query, search, or other analysis of one or more electronic databases, where: (1) at least one of the databases was obtained from or remains under the control of a non-Federal entity, or the information was acquired initially by another Federal department or agency for purposes other than intelligence or law enforcement; (2) the search does not use a specific individual's personal identifiers to acquire information concerning that individual; and (3) a Federal department or agency is conducting the query, search, or other analysis to find a pattern indicating terrorist or other criminal activity. Mandates annual updates, including any new data-mining technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Chief Justice John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Pathways to Independence Act of 2003 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act to give States the option to: (1) treat an individual with a disability, including a substance abuse problem, who is participating in rehabilitation services as being engaged in work; and (2) count as a work activity certain care provided to a child with a physical or mental impairment or to an adult dependent with a physical or mental impairment. Limits to three months in any 24-month period the length of time an individual may be deemed as being engaged in work under this Act. Permits an additional three-month extension only if the individual engages in specified work activity for a State-determined appropriate number of hours per month.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
National Clean and Safe Water Fund Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a National Clean and Sage Water Fund to carry out water quality projects. Grants priority to projects located in a watershed in a State where there has been a violation of that Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act. Permits the use of civil penalties assessed under that Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act to be used for these remedial projects.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Permanent Partners Immigration Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include permanent partners (as defined by this Act) within the scope of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Library, Bookseller, and Personal Records Privacy Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 and the Federal criminal code with respect to applications by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (or a designee) for an order requiring production of any tangible things (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items) for an investigation to obtain foreign intelligence information not concerning a U.S. person or to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities. Requires such applications, any resulting ex parte orders, and requests to booksellers and libraries to specify that there are specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the person to whom the records pertain is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. Amends the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 to terminate as of December 31, 2005, specified authority for FBI investigative requests for telephone toll and transactional records as well as financial records and consumer reports.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Steve Grissom Relief Fund Act of 2003 - Establishes the Steve Grissom Relief Fund in the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make single payments to individuals infected with HIV or diagnosed with AIDS as a result of HIV- contaminated blood, blood components, human tissue or organs. Includes lawful spouses, as specified. Sets forth documentation, petition, determination, and payment procedures. States that such payments do not create or admit any claim or constitute income for income tax, supplemental security income benefits, and other purposes. Prohibits the assignment or transfer of rights under this title. Limits petitions to one per victim. Terminates the program after five years. Excludes payments from consideration as compensation or reimbursement for a loss as it concerns insurance or worker's compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Recognizes Hiram Powers (a native of Woodstock, Vermont, who was commissioned by Congress to execute the statues of John Marshall, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson that stand today in the United States Capitol) for his enduring contributions to American sculpture.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority; and (2) October should be designated as National Work and Family Month.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2003
(NOTE - S.1940 & S.1483, unlike H.R.2210, do not provide for State demonstration programs that allow States to administer their allotment of Federal Head Start funds.) Head Start Coordination and School Readiness Act - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize through FY 2008 and revise Head Start programs. Requires expanded coordination and collaboration among Head Start and other agencies. Requires States that receive Head Start quality improvement and collaboration grants (currently collaboration grants) to establish: (1) State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration Offices; and (2) State advisory councils on collaboration on early care and education activities for children. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations requiring Head Start agencies to implement certain policies and procedures for enrollment of eligible homeless children. Revises requirements for the Secretary's designation of Head Start agencies, as well as those for quality standards. Requires annual Head Start program self-assessments, reports, and improvement plans. Requires Head Start agencies to have: (1) a program meeting all quality standards; (2) capacity to serve eligible children with scientifically based curricula and other interventions and support services that promote school readiness; (3) outreach to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), local businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries; and (4) coordination with LEAs, particularly on ways to increase participation of underserved populations. Revises requirements for Early Head Start grant programs to include: (1) consideration of homeless infants and toddlers; (2) migrant and seasonal Head Start programs; (3) grants to applicants in communities which have experienced a large percentage increase in limited English proficient (LEP) children and families; and (4) professional development to increase program participation for underserved populations. Establishes increased staff qualification requirements for Head Start programs. Requires individuals receiving financial assistance under the Act to pursue a degree to qualify as Head Start staff to: (1) teach or work in a Head Start program for at least three years after receiving the degree; or (2) repay the assistance received. Requires every Head Start agency and program to create a professional development plan for employees providing direct services to children. Establishes programs to: (1) attract and retain high-quality Head Start classroom teachers; and (2) improve literacy in Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Board on Children, Youth, and Families of the National Research Council and the Board on Testing and Assessments of the National Academy of Sciences to establish expert, independent panels to study, report, and make recommendations on: (1) the assessment of school readiness in young children; and (2) the Head Start reporting system.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2003
Congressional Responsibility for Immigration Act - Makes trade authorities procedures of the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002 and the Trade Act of 1974 inapplicable to any bill implementing a trade agreement between the United States and any other country if the bill contains any provision relating to U.S. immigration laws or the entry of aliens. Requires the Senate, upon an appropriate point of order, to cease consideration of an implementing bill that violates such requirement. Provides Senate procedures for waivers and appeals of such a point of order.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2003
POPS, LRTAP POPs, and PIC Implementation Act of 2003 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit (subject to certain exemptions and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS Convention)) the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of a Pops chemical substance or mixture. Defines "Pops chemical substance or mixture" as the following: (1) aldrin; (2) chlordane; (3) DDT; (4) dieldrin; (5) endrin; (6) heptachlor; (7) hexachlorobenzene; (8) mirex; (9) PCBs; (10) toxaphene; and (11) any other chemical substance or mixture listed in Annexes A or B to the Convention and with respect to which an amendment adding the substance or mixture to one of the Annexes has entered into force with respect to the United States. Provides for the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (PIC Convention). Prohibits (subject to certain exemptions and the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP)) the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, or use of certain LRTAP POPS chemical substances or mixtures. Establishes procedures for: (1) a citizen to petition the Administrator to commence a rulemaking for any chemical added to the Convention or Protocol; and (2) the inclusion of additional chemicals at a future date, with opportunities for public involvement. Requires international cooperative efforts by EPA. Subjects exports of PIC Convention-listed chemicals to specified restrictions and requirements. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for the regulation of POPS pesticides (the substances listed in the first paragraph, above) and LRTAP POPS pesticides, including through registration and exemptions, controls on imports and exports, international cooperative efforts, certification statements, and notice and recording by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Authorizes the President to award a congressional gold medal honoring Wilma G. Rudolph (three-time gold medal winner in the 1960 Olympics) to her family in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions to humanity and to women's athletics.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the committee of conference between the Senate and House of Representatives on H.R. 1308 should agree to a conference report before the August recess; (2) any conference report on H.R. 1308 should contain the provisions in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1308 concerning the refundability of the child tax credit; (3) any conference report on H.R. 1308 should contain the provisions in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1308 concerning the availability of the child tax credit for military families; (4) any conference report on H.R. 1308 should contain the provisions in the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003; and (5) any conference report on H.R. 1308 should contain provisions to fully offset its cost.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Upper Connecticut River Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Connecticut River Grants and Technical Assistance Program to provide grants and technical assistance to the governments of New Hampshire and Vermont, local governments, nonprofits, and the private sector to carry out projects for the conservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic and other resources in the Connecticut River watershed. Limits to a maximum of 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of any project funded by a grant under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), with respect to the child tax credit, to: (1) accelerate the increase from the 10 percent to the 15 percent rate; and (2) reduce the marriage penalty. Provides for a uniform definition of child in the Code. Establishes special tax provisions applicable to the uniformed services and the Foreign Service, including an extension of time to exclude gain from the sale of a principal residence, exclusion from income of certain death gratuity benefits, extending combat zone filing rules to contingency operations, excluding certain dependent care assistance from income, and the deduction overnight travel expenses for National Guard and Reserve members. Provides tax relief for families of the Columbia Space Shuttle by making the tax relief provisions applicable to terrorist attack victims applicable to the Columbia Space Shuttle. Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization. Establishes IRS service user fee authority through September 30, 2013. Revises IRC expatriation tax provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2003 - Establishes the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury to promote the development of affordable low-income housing through grants to States and local jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission and received by Congress on July 10, 2003, relating to broadcast media ownership.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2003
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 500,000 one dollar silver coins in commemoration of disabled American veterans, which shall be emblematic of the design selected by the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Requires: (1) all sales of the coins to include a ten dollar per coin surcharge; and (2) the surcharges received to be paid to the Foundation to establish an endowment to support the construction of an American Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2003
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously) and his widow Coretta Scott King in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2003
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond, former Senator and President Pro Tempore Emeritus from South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Provides an overtime hourly rate of pay of one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay, and provides that all such pay shall be premium pay, for an employee of the National Weather Service who occupies a GS-14 nonmanagerial position that involves: (1) duties that are critical to the immediate daily operation of the forecast and warning responsibilities of the Service and that directly affect public and aviation safety; and (2) overtime work that is usually unscheduled due to the vicissitudes of severe weather and is therefore unusually taxing. Exempts such an employee from the limitation on aggregate pay, including premium pay, for a pay period.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit rural mail carriers to treat qualified vehicle expenses in excess of reimbursements as miscellaneous itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Conservation Reserve Program Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat conservation reserve program payments as real estate rentals and thus excluded from consideration in self-employment net earnings. Amends the Social Security Act to treat such payments similarly for purposes of old, age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI) benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Daniel Patrick Moynihan Global Affairs Institute Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Syracuse University to establish an endowment fund to support a Daniel Patrick Moynihan Global Affairs Institute. Requires the University, to be eligible for such grant, to designate the global affairs institute within the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Global Affairs Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary of Education and the appropriate congressional committees on proposed changes to the tables used in the Federal Needs Analysis Methodology to determine a student's expected family contribution for the award year 2004-2005 under general provisions for student assistance of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Requires such study to examine the impact of such changes on students to ensure that they are not adversely affected. Amends HEA to direct the Secretary to consult with the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance before publishing any notice or promulgating any regulation with respect to updated tables to be used in such needs analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary of Education and the appropriate congressional committees on proposed changes to the tables used in the Federal Needs Analysis Methodology to determine a student's expected family contribution for the award year 2004-2005 under general provisions for student assistance of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Requires such study to examine the impact of such changes on students to ensure that they are not adversely affected. Amends HEA to direct the Secretary to consult with the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance before publishing any notice or promulgating any regulation with respect to updated tables to be used in such needs analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2003
Authorizes the President to present to Dr. Dorothy Height (President of the National Council of Negro Women) a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize appropriations through FY 2009. Revises IDEA requirements for: (1) assistance for education of all children with disabilities, including infants and toddlers, particularly the identification of such children; and (2) national activities to improve the education of such children. Includes among such national activities: (1) State personnel preparation and professional development grants; (2) scientifically based research into educational practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and progress for all students with disabilities, technical assistance, model demonstration projects, and dissemination of information; (3) supports to improve results for children with disabilities, including parent community training and information centers and community parent resource centers; and (4) interim educational settings, behavioral supports, and whole school intervention. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants related to interim educational settings, behavioral supports, and whole school intervention, as a new component of IDEA national activities. Replaces IDEA State program improvement grants for children with disabilities with grants to State education agencies for personnel preparation and professional development of both special education and regular education teachers of children with disabilities. Revises evaluation and individualized education program requirements to reduce certain meeting and paperwork burdens under IDEA. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize additional appropriations for vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities, and revise other requirements relating to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a pilot program to provide regulatory compliance assistance to small businesses through participating Small Business Development Centers (Centers). Requires the Administrator to enter into arrangements with participating Centers to provide: (1) access to regulatory information and resources; (2) training and education activities; (3) confidential counseling to owners and operators of small businesses regarding compliance with Federal regulations; (4) technical assistance; and (5) partnerships with Federal compliance programs. Requires the Administrator, giving substantial weight to the recommendations of the majority of the Centers, to select the Center programs of two States from each of ten groups of States for participation in the pilot program. Provides grant limits. Terminates the pilot program four years after disbursement of the first grant. Provides privacy requirements applicable to Centers, a consortium of Centers, or any Center contractor or agent with respect to regulatory compliance assistance provided to small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish programs of educational loan forgiveness and scholarships to encourage qualified individuals to provide mental health services to children and adolescents. Sets forth qualifications, including education and licensing requirements. Limits the program to U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Grants priority according to financial need, methodology, and willingness to work with high priority populations in the public sector. Treats such grants as equivalent to those of the National Health Service Corps Programs. Authorizes additional grants for clinical and graduate and paraprofessional training to accredited schools and State-licensed mental health organizations, respectively. Gives priority to applicants that have: (1) a demonstrated ability to collect data on the numbers trained; (2) a familiarity with certain methodology; and (3) programs to increase the numbers of professionals and paraprofessionals serving high priority populations. Requires training to prioritize cultural competency. Amends the Social Security Act to increase the number of child and adolescent psychiatry residents permitted to be paid under the Medicare Graduate Medical Education Program. Extends the Medicare Board eligibility period for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution and need of child mental health service professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Reaffirms support for the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Anticipates the commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987 on November 4, 2003. Encourages the people and Government of the United States to rededicate themselves to ending genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to use amounts in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund to finance projects for the conservation of marine turtles. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a project that will help recover and sustain viable populations of marine turtles in the wild by assisting foreign conservation efforts. Gives preference to projects which: (1) are designed for long-term conservation of the turtles and their nesting habitats; and (2) have matching funds. Establishes the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund as a separate account in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. Permits the acceptance and use of donations. Authorizes the Secretary to convene an advisory group of individuals representing public and private organizations actively involved in the conservation of marine turtles.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article that is a product of Burma (Myanmar) until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Burma has taken certain democratic and counternarcotics actions. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to direct any U.S. financial institution holding funds of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma or the assets of individuals who hold senior positions in the SPDC or its political arm, the Union Solidarity Development Association, to report those assets to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and take such action as may be necessary to secure them. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each appropriate international financial institution to oppose any extension of a loan or financial or technical assistance to Burma until the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the President to deny visas and entry into the United States to the former and present leadership of the SPDC or the Union Solidarity Development Association. Urges the Secretary of State to use all appropriate fora, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Asian Nations Regional Forum, to encourage other states to restrict financial resources to the SPDC and Burmese companies while offering support to Burma's democratic movement, including the National League for Democracy and Burma's ethnic groups. Authorizes the President to assist Burmese democracy activists dedicated to nonviolent opposition to the regime in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards to assure the safety and accuracy of medical imaging or radiation therapy. States that such standards shall include licensure or certification, accreditation, and other requirements determined by the Secretary. Exempts the standards from applying to physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Requires individuals prior to performing or preparing such imaging or therapy to have successfully completed a national exam approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to certify private nonprofit organizations or State agencies as approved bodies with respect to the accreditation of educational programs or the administration of examinations if such organizations or agencies meet certain standards and give certain assurances. Allows the Secretary to withdraw approval from an approved body. Permits the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural areas if such action is needed to assure access to quality medical imaging.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article that is a product of Burma (Myanmar) until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Burma has taken certain democratic and counternarcotics actions. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to direct any U.S. financial institution holding funds of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma or the assets of individuals who hold senior positions in the SPDC or its political arm, the Union Solidarity Development Association, to report those assets to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and take such action as may be necessary to secure them. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each appropriate international financial institution to oppose any extension of a loan or financial or technical assistance to Burma until the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the President to deny visas and entry into the United States to the former and present leadership of the SPDC or the Union Solidarity Development Association. Urges the Secretary of State to use all appropriate fora, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Asian Nations Regional Forum, to encourage other states to restrict financial resources to the SPDC and Burmese companies while offering support to Burma's democratic movement, including the National League for Democracy and Burma's ethnic groups. Authorizes the President to assist Burmese democracy activists dedicated to nonviolent opposition to the regime in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma.
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