United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) survey each law enforcement jurisdiction to assess the backlog of DNA testing of rape kit samples and other sexual assault evidence; and (2) make grants to eligible entities to carry out sexual assault examiner training and certification, develop sexual assault examiner programs, acquire or improve forensic equipment, and train law enforcement personnel in the handling of sexual assault cases. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) ensure that DNA testing and analysis of samples from rape kits and non-suspect cases are carried out in a timely manner; (2) reauthorize grants; (3) authorize local governments to apply for and receive grants; (4) direct the Attorney General to give priority in awarding grants to a State or local governmental unit that has a significant rape kit or non-suspect case backlog; (5) expand the scope of DNA samples subject to privacy protections; and (6) authorize appropriations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the collection and use of DNA identification information from certain Federal offenders. Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize "John Doe" DNA indictments for sexual abuse (allows describing a person as an unknown individual who has a particular DNA profile if the identity of the accused or defendant is unknown); and (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations to the FBI to carry out a redesign of the Combined DNA Index System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Expresses profound gratitude for the faithful service provided by flight attendants to make air travel safe and honors their courage and dedication. Supports all flight attendants who continue to display heroism on a daily basis, as they had been doing before, during, and after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2002
Cultural Bridges Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to establish an international exchange visitor program under which eligible students from the Islamic world would: (1) attend public secondary school in the United States; (2) live with an American host family; and (3) participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding of American and Islamic values and cultures. Requires the Secretary of State (Secretary) to carry out this program with U.S. sponsoring organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to use the authorities of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to establish new programs and expand existing programs to increase the number of educational and cultural activities involving persons from the Islamic world. Prohibits the participation of individuals who are nationals of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop State-wide lifespan respite care programs. Defines "lifespan respite care" to mean a coordinated system of accessible community-based respite care services for family caregivers regardless of the individual's age, race, ethnicity, or special need. Requires the Administrator to establish a review panel to make recommendations on applicants. Permits the use of funds for respite care services and training programs. Limits grants to five years. Directs the Associate Administrator to provide for the establishment of a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care to maintain a national database and provide training, technical assistance, and information.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facility services for determining updates for FY 2003 and for FY 2004 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2002 - 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 · 2 May 2002
Recognizes the American Society of Civil Engineers on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its founding and encourages it to continue its tradition of excellence in service to the profession of civil engineering and to the public. Commends the many achievements of the Nation's civil engineers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Safe Motherhood Act for Research and Treatment or SMART Mom Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Office of Woman's Health, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the Centers for Disease Control, to address the health issues of pregnant women. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Safe Motherhood to evaluate and coordinate Federal research and information efforts and establish and implement the national Safe Motherhood Campaign. Requires the development and maintenance of a single Internet website. Requires expanded and intensified research activities concerning pregnancy-related illness, injury, and death and the impact of chronic conditions, physical impairments, and mental health problems on the health of women during pregnancy. Requires the establishment of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit Network. Awards research and demonstration project grants to address racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Requires: (1) studies of the quality of maternal health care (from a patient's perspective) and the effects of pregnancy on women's health; and (2) surveillance of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity data. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to address issues concerning certain drugs and medical devices and their appropriate use by or effects on pregnant or lactating women and/or fetuses, through: (1) identification and study; (2) pharmacoepidemiological data bases; (3) biennial review and prioritization (drugs); (4) labeling; and (5) the Women's Health: Take Time to Care (or a new) program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2002
Instructional Materials Accessibility Act of 2002 - Directs Secretary of Education to: (1) develop and publish instructional materials accessibility standards for the national electronic file format to be used by publishers of instructional materials in the preparation of electronic files suitable for efficient conversion into specialized formats; (2) establish a National Instructional Materials Accessibility Advisory Committee to provide technical expertise and guidance in creating such national electronic file format; (3) periodically review and amend such standards to reflect technological advances or changes; and (4) establish a National Instructional Materials Access Center. Requires State educational agencies, as a condition for receiving Federal financial assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to develop and implement statewide plans and make contracts with publishers to ensure that instructional materials for classroom use in elementary and secondary schools are made available in specialized formats to individuals who are blind or have other print disabilities at the same time such materials are provided to individuals without such disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to provide or improve their capacity to prepare or obtain instructional materials in specialized formats, including the national electronic format. Provides for enforcement of rights of children and parents under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2002
Prescription Drug Price Parity for Americans Act - Amends provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act set forth in the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drugs from Canada (currently, from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, or other countries designated by the Secretary); and (2) exclude an infused or intravenously injected drug or a drug that is inhaled during surgery. Prohibits discrimination in the sale of prescription drugs by manufacturers to pharmacists or wholesalers, requiring: (1) terms as favorable as those provided to foreign purchasers; and (2) full access to drugs permitted to be imported. Continues the requirement that exported donated prescription drugs may only be reimported by the manufacturer. Permits the Secretary to waive the prohibition against importing a prescription drug or device on a case-by-case basis, particularly those from Canada that are FDA-approved and for limited personal use. Requires a study and report by the: (1) Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences on the regulatory compliance of importers of drugs; and (2) Comptroller General on how drug prices were affected.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2002
Medicare Equity for Veterans Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and of Veterans Affairs (VA), under a new Medicare Subvention Project for Veterans, to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for Medicare health care services furnished to targeted Medicare-eligible veterans who volunteer for such project. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted at up to ten sites jointly designated by the Secretaries. Directs the VA Secretary to establish and operate coordinated care health plans to provide benefits to the enrolled veterans consistent with the program under SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice).
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2002
National Beverage Producer Responsibility Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require beverage brand owners (trademark owners, manufacturers, distributors, or importers of beverages sold in containers) to implement effective redemption, transportation, processing, marketing, and reporting systems for the reuse and recycling of their used beverage containers. Prohibits the sale of a beverage in a beverage container unless a clear refund value statement prominently appears on the container. Requires each beverage container agency (the brand owner or an entity acting as its agent) to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a recycling management plan subject to the Administrator's approval and a fee to cover administrative costs. Requires sellers of beverages to collect from each purchaser at the time of sale a deposit no greater than a specified minimum refund value and pay the refund value upon container returns either in cash or in the form of a voucher. Establishes a recovery rate performance standard and penalties for failure to achieve such rate. Requires arbitration to settle disputes between a beverage container agency and a return site. Imposes penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2002
Steve Grissom Relief Fund Act of 2002 - 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 · 17 April 2002
Directs the Secretary of Labor, in accordance with specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, to issue a final rule relating to ergonomics.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2002
Rural Hospital Access and Improvement Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the authorization for appropriations through FY 2007 for rural hospital flexibility grants with respect to rural health care plans, rural health networks, critical access hospitals, rural emergency medical services, and assistance to eligible small rural hospitals in meeting the costs of implementing Medicare-required data systems.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2002
Uterine Fibroids Research and Education Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations for National Institutes of Health uterine fibroid research. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a related public awareness program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Access to High Quality Child Care Act - 2002 ACCESS Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations, and to revise or set forth provisions relating to: (1) lead agency; (2) State plan requirements; (3) activities to improve the quality of child care; (4) parent access to quality child care; (5) child care research and data; (6) child care provider development; (7) activities for infants and toddlers; (8) technical and financial assistance grants; and (9) quality child care, development, and education incentive grants. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Establishes requirements for enhancing security at child care centers in Federal facilities. Directs the Administrator of General Services to: (1) establish health, safety, and facility standards and compliance requirements for child care in executive branch facilities; (2) issue regulations requiring any child care facility sponsor to comply with standards of a child care accreditation entity; (3) establish an interagency council to facilitate cooperation and sharing of best practices; and (4) confirm that at least 50 percent of aggregate enrollment in Federal child care centers Government-wide are children of Federal employees or on-site Federal contractors, or dependent children who live with such employees or contractors. Authorizes a Federal agency without a child care program, or the Administrator upon identifying a need for child care at a Federal agency, to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal, licensed, and accredited child care facility, or a planned facility that will become licensed and accredited. Permits a Federal agency to conduct a pilot project to test innovative approaches to providing more cost-effective alternative forms of child care assistance for Federal employees. Amends the Social Security Act's title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) with respect to child care assistance for TANF recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
POPS Implementation Act of 2002 - 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. Requires a certification statement to accompany each POPs substance or mixture distributed in commerce. 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 information collection by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires international cooperative efforts by EPA. Subjects exports of substances or mixtures regulated under this Act to TSCA. Imposes penalties for export and import violations. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a research program in support of the POPs Convention. Requires reports to Congress concerning final exposure and health reassessment of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin and related compounds and describing a strategy to reduce exposure to persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances. 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 · 22 March 2002
Children First Act of 2002 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) exclude child care assistance from the determination of the five year limit on assistance under TANF; (2) increase funding for child care; and (3) require State TANF plans to include a certification of procedures to ensure that child care providers comply with applicable State or local health and safety standards. Raises from six years to 13 years the age of a child whose single custodial parent may refuse to engage in required work without incurring a reduction or termination of TANF under the State program. Subjects to the individual and case data reporting requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 any TANF funds expended for child care, whether or not transferred to that Act, and exempts such funds from SSA reporting requirements. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to increase the set-aside for child care quality.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002
Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Advancement Act of 2002 - Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund. Requires a specified amount to be used for grants or other arrangements to pay for services provided in a neutral manner relating to, and to support the participation of non-Federal entities in, environmental conflict resolution proceedings involving Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002
Improved Vaccine Affordability and Availability Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize additional appropriations for grants to States to increase influenza immunization rates in high risk populations, including medically underserved adults and adolescents, and extend vaccine availability. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a program of research, demonstration projects, and education to ensure that immunizations are routinely offered to adults and adolescents by public and private health care providers. Requires such program to collect data on adverse impacts associated with immunizations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and disseminate information concerning certain diseases and their vaccines, including bacterial meningitis and hepatitis A and B; and (2) maintain a 6 months supply of prioritized vaccines. Revises provisions governing the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, including provisions regarding: (1) equitable relief; (2) third party petitions; (3) jurisdiction to dismiss improperly brought claims; (4) vaccine-unrelated injury; (5) an increase in the award for pain and suffering in the case of a vaccine-related death; (6) the basis for calculating projected lost earnings; (7) compensation for family counseling and establishing guardianship expenses; (8) payment of interim costs; (9) procedures for paying attorney's fees; (10) extending the statute of limitations; (11) the composition and meeting schedule of the Advisory Committee on Childhood Vaccines; and (12) standards of responsibility and the definitions of manufacturer, vaccine-related injury or death, and vaccine. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science to conduct an ongoing, comprehensive review of new scientific data on childhood vaccines.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002
Removes, for months beginning on or after October 1, 2002, the requirement that qualifying offsetting legislation be enacted before a member or former member of the armed forces may be paid military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation concurrently without deduction. Repeals, as of such date, a special compensation program for certain severely disabled military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Health Plan Purchasing Alliance Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program to facilitate State-based or directed health plan purchasing alliances to increase access to and lower costs of health benefits for small employer groups and individuals. Makes State agencies and specified nonprofits or cooperatives eligible for participation in such grant program. Authorizes Governors of nonparticipating States to request that the Secretary establish a Federal Employees' Health Benefit Program alliance for part or all of such State. Provides for State certification of small group health plan purchasing alliances, including interstate alliances. Sets forth a governance structure and requirements for such alliances, including marketing area and conflict of interest rules. Prohibits such alliances from involvement in the licensing of health plan issuers, assumption of financial risk on behalf of members of such alliance, or for-profit operations. Provides for a limited preemption of otherwise restrictive State laws concerning groups organizing to purchase health insurance and premium rate reductions. Treats such alliances as employee welfare benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for enforcement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2002
Clean Diamond Trade Act - Directs the President to prohibit the import of rough diamonds from countries that do not take measures meeting the requirements of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on trade in conflict diamonds. Excludes imports for personal use and previously exported and reimported diamonds. Authorizes the President to prohibit the import of polished diamonds on the same basis. Directs the President to prohibit the entry of polished diamonds and jewelry containing them if there is credible evidence such diamonds are conflict diamonds. Subjects diamonds imported in violation of these requirements to the seizure and forfeiture laws as well as all criminal and civil laws. Earmarks proceeds for the Leahy War Victims Fund and other specified purposes. Requires periodic reports on the effectiveness of the U.N. requirements and the requirements of this Act in preventing the importation of conflict diamonds. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should negotiate an international arrangement to eliminate the conflict diamond trade and seek U.N. resolutions concerning the diamond trade in additional countries; (2) this Act should not impede the legitimate diamond trade; and (3) companies in diamond extraction and trade should contribute financially to countries seeking to implement effective measures to stop trade in conflict diamonds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include associated development costs in the basis of any building which is part of a low-income housing project when calculating the low-income housing credit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2002
Designates March 8, 2002, as International Women's Day. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to ending discrimination and violence against women, ensuring their safety and welfare, and pursuing policies that guarantee their basic rights both in the United States and in the world. Calls upon the U.S. people to observe International Women's Day with appropriate programs and activities.
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 · 6 March 2002
Emergency Contraception Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to develop and disseminate to health care providers information on emergency contraception. Requires that the information disseminated to health care providers include at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2002 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit health discrimination on the basis of genetic information or services. Defines genetic information as genetic tests of an individual or family member or occurrence of a disease or disorder in family members used to predict risk of disease in asymptomatic or undiagnosed individuals. Defines genetic services as health services provided for genetic education and counseling. Prohibits group health plans or health insurers offering group coverage from using genetic information to impose enrollment restrictions or adjust group premiums. Prohibits requests for genetic testing or results except as necessary for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit such discrimination in coverage offered in the individual market. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue final regulations, coordinating with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor through an interagency memorandum of understanding. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate against an individual or deprive such individual of employment opportunities because of genetic information. Prohibits the collection of genetic information except where necessary to monitor the effects of toxic substances in the workplace when authorized by the employee, or as required by law. Requires genetic information to be treated as part of an individual's confidential medical record, limiting disclosure to the individual, the family, health researchers, or as required by law or court order. Grants enforcement powers to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
National Cancer Act of 2002 - Provides a comprehensive Federal effort relating to treatments for and the prevention of cancer. Amends the Public Health Service Act to fund prevention and treatment programs of the National Cancer Institute, including translational cancer research (research needed to transform scientific discoveries into approaches and products to treat and cure cancer). Addresses issues of cancer care, including: (1) clinical trial participation; (2) workforce needs; (3) Medicare coverage; (4) protocols and guidelines; (5) National Program of Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans; (5) the supply of researchers; (6) environmental risk factors research; and (7) a colorectal cancer screening demonstration program. Requires health insurance plans covered by the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide: (1) coverage for clinical trials; (2) coverage of cancer screening, including tobacco and nutrition counseling and genetic testing; and (3) patient access to benefit information. Addresses issues of managing physicians and quality of care for cancer patients covered by such plans, including designating a lead managing physician. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regulate tobacco products. Sets forth requirements pertaining to: (1) adulteration; (2) misbranding; (3) the submission of health information; (4) annual registration and biennial inspection of processors; (5) biannual reporting of product list changes; (6) good manufacturing practices; (7) product performance standards; (8) information, notification, and other remedies; (9) records and reports; (10) premarket review; (11) judicial review; (12) postmarket surveillance; (13) reduced risk tobacco products; (14) preservation of State and local authority; and (15) equal treatment of retail outlets. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to: (1) revise cigarette labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements; and (2) authorize the Secretary to require disclosure of tar, nicotine, and other smoke constituents on package labels and/or advertisements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to revise smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2002
Water Investment Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to increase the limit on amounts authorized for grants for development of waste management plans and sewage treatment works to serve Indians. Revises State water pollution control revolving fund provisions concerning: (1) project eligibility; (2) loan payments and subsidization; (3) community development conditions; (4) priorities; (5) strategies for technical, managerial, operations, maintenance, and capital investments and sustaining compliance with applicable laws; (6) project restructuring conditions; (7) technical assistance for small treatment works; (8) competitive bidding; (9) funding; and (10) intended use plans and progress reports. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to revise State revolving loan fund provisions concerning: (1) project restructuring conditions; (2) intended use plans; (3) uses of assistance; (4) community development conditions; (5) additional authorized activities; (6) loan subsidization for disadvantaged users; (7) capital improvement needs surveys; (8) competitive bidding; and (9) funding. Includes technology assessment among the responsibilities of small public water system technology assistance centers and imposes review requirements. Extends funding for university-based environmental finance centers. Amends FWPCA and SDWA to allow a Governor to reserve and transfer a specified percentage of capitalization grants made under each Act between the water pollution control and drinking water treatment revolving funds. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a demonstration program to promote technological innovations and alternative approaches to water quality management or water supply and to reduce municipalities' FWPCA and SDWA compliance costs. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to study public water system and treatment works rate structures of selected communities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to: (1) assess the state of the Nation's water resources; and (2) coordinate a process to develop and publish a list of water resource research priorities focusing on monitoring and improving the quality of information available to water resource managers and a process to develop an effective system to communicate water resource information.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish an interagency task force on organ donation and research; (2) award grants to carry out studies and demonstration projects to increase organ donation and recovery rates; (3) establish a public education program; and (4) support model curricula to train health care and other professionals in issues surrounding organ donation. Requires the President's Council on Bioethics to evaluate and report to the Secretary on the ethical implications of reducing economic barriers to organ donation. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants: (1) to qualified organ procurement organizations to establish programs to coordinate their efforts with hospitals; and (2) for reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses incurred by individuals toward making living organ donations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to: (1) develop scientific evidence supporting increased donation and improved recovery, preservation, and transportation of donated organs and tissues; and (2) support efforts to develop a uniform clinical vocabulary and technology and to enhance the skills of the organ procurement workforce. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to evaluate: (1) existing organ donation practices; and (2) living donation practices and procedures. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an advisory committee to study and report to Congress on existing organ donor registries; and (2) and maintain a registry of living organ donors.
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
Calls for establishment of a National Importance of Health Care Coverage Month to promote education and awareness of available health care coverage options and to inform those eligible for public insurance programs about program access.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Nurse Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the service required by the Nursing Workforce Development Student Loan Repayment program to be performed in a nursing home, in a hospice, in a home health agency, in a nurse-managed health center, or in a public health department, in addition to facilities where such service may currently be performed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Nurse Corps Scholarship program to provide scholarships to individuals seeking nursing education in exchange for service from such individuals in critical nursing shortage areas or facilities upon completion of such education. Sets forth eligibility, application, payment, and reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary to award grants to schools of nursing and/or health care facilities to develop and support: (1) educational outreach programs to encourage entry into the profession, targeting primary, secondary, and other schools, the disadvantaged, underrepresented minorities, and underserved rural and urban communities; (2) career ladder programs; (3) gerontology curriculum and competencies and efforts to encourage long-term care nursing services for the elderly as a career choice; (4) nurse internship and residency programs; and (5) demonstrations of models and best practices in nursing care, including retention strategies. Requires the Secretary to develop and administer a comprehensive national multi-media public education campaign to encourage pursuit of the nursing profession. Includes grants for similar State campaigns. Requires the Secretary to award grants to area health education centers to develop models of excellence for nurses or expand existing school mentoring programs to include one for nurses. Establishes for advanced degree nursing students: (1) a fast-track nursing faculty loan program, providing loan forgiveness in exchange for teaching services; and (2) a scholarship and stipend program. Establishes a National Commission on the Recruitment and Retention of Nurses to make innovative and creative recommendations concerning recruitment, retention, and advancement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
National Child Protection Improvement Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to direct the Attorney General to establish: (1) a national center for volunteer and provider screening to provide nationwide background checks through the national criminal history background check system to determine whether a volunteer provider or provider is unfit to have responsibilities for the safety and well-being of children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities; and (2) a National Volunteer Screening Task Force to oversee such center. Amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to mandate submission of such background checks to the screening center. Mandates establishment of a model grant program in each State for the purpose of improving fingerprinting technology.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Registry Act of 2001 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and administer: (1) a national greenhouse gas emissions information system to collect annual lists required to be submitted under this Act of an entity's greenhouse gas emissions and their sources; and (2) a national greenhouse gas registry to collect voluntarily reported information on emissions reductions. Specifies factors for adjustment of emissions records by a reporting entity. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy to develop greenhouse gas emissions quantification and verification protocols, electronic reporting methods, and accounting and reporting standards. Requires verification of reported emissions information. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual national greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2001 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to distribute to States at least 80 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to pay the reasonable costs incurred under cooperative agreements of: (1) certain corrective actions and compensation programs; (2) directly related administrative expenses; or (3) enforcement of State or local requirements regulating underground storage tanks (USTs). Allows undistributed funds to be used for enforcing UST regulations. Provides for allocation and distribution of such funds to States. Requires the Administrator or a State with an approved program to require compliance inspections of USTs at least once every two years. Directs the Administrator to publish operator training guidelines and States to develop and implement a training strategy consistent with stated requirements. Authorizes the use of funds made available for the petroleum response program to carry out corrective actions with respect to methyl tertiary butyl ether releases. Authorizes the use of funds for inspections, orders, or enforcement by a State in accordance with State authorities under the petroleum response program acting under an approved prevention and compliance program or similar State requirements or by the Administrator. Sets forth requirements concerning the following: (1) State- or locally-owned USTs; (2) consideration of owner or operator performance in determinations of compliance order issuance or penalty imposition; (3) authority to prohibit deliveries to USTs; (4) record keeping by States and Indian tribes; (5) Federal facilities compliance; and (6) releases from USTs under Indian tribal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Rural Communities Hospice Care Access Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to create an exception to the Medicare 20 percent inpatient care limitation for certain rural hospice programs with 20 beds or fewer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2001
Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements of student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as necessary in connection with the national emergency declared by the President with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or any subsequent national emergency declared by reason of terrorist attacks (the emergency). Authorizes such waiver or modification of requirements in order to provide relief from certain financial and administrative burdens to affected individuals who: (1) are serving on active duty during the emergency; (2) are serving on National Guard duty during the emergency; (3) reside or are employed in a disaster area declared by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with the emergency; or (4) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the emergency, as determined under a waiver or modification issued under this Act. Authorizes waiver or modification of certain reporting requirements for institutions of higher education, lenders, guarantee agencies, and other entities participating in such programs, if such entities are located in declared disaster areas connected to the emergency. Expresses the sense of Congress that institutions offering postsecondary education should provide refunds and waivers of certain requirements to students who are members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the national emergency.
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 · 3 December 2001
Medical Excellence Demonstration Program Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program under which the Secretary conducts population-based demonstration projects to test the use of providing incentives to comprehensive centers for medical excellence that: (1) eliminate underuse of effective care by beneficiaries; (2) ensure the safety of care provided to such individuals; (3) reduce scientific uncertainty in the delivery of care through outcomes measurement and research; (4) encourage shared decision-making for specific treatments and the management of chronic disease and end-of-life care; (5) encourage resource allocation decisions based on efficient practice benchmarks; (6) promote the conservative delivery of care when more intensive care is wasteful if not harmful; and (7) reward such centers for improving the quality of care and achieving efficient allocation of resources. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Medicare claims-based information system that links individual sites and providers benchmarks for evaluating health care quality and efficiency; and (2) within the Department of Health and Human Services a National Steering Committee for Comprehensive Centers for Medical Excellence Demonstration Projects to recommend the design of such demonstration program and to provide a forum for coordination of Federal support for it.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Nuclear Security Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to instruct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to: (1) establish a nuclear security force to provide for the security of sensitive nuclear facilities against the design basis threat; (2) develop and implement a security plan to ensure such facilities' security; and (3) periodically revise the design basis threat to address specified threats. Establishes the Nuclear Security Fund to administer such programs. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish the Operation Safeguards and Response Unit to: (1) conduct operation safeguards and response evaluations; (2) conduct emergency response exercises; and (3) establish a Mock Terrorist Team comparable to special operations forces of the Armed Forces. Mandates establishment of: (1) an operation safeguards and response evaluation program to assess periodically the ability of each sensitive nuclear facility to defend against the design basis threat; and (2) an emergency response program to evaluate emergency response personnel ability to respond to a radiological emergency within a 50-mile radius of a sensitive nuclear facility. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Commission to: (1) ensure sufficient stockpiles of potassium iodide tablets to provide adequate protection to the affected population within a 50-mile radius of a sensitive nuclear facility; (2) develop stockpile distribution plans in the event of a release of radionuclides; and (3) in case of war or national emergency, request deployment of the National Guard and Coast Guard to such facilities, and restriction of air space in their vicinity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Medicare Appeals, Regulatory, and Contracting Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) timelines for publication of final regulations and compliance with substantive changes after notice; (2) timeframes for the completion of the record in the appeals process; (3) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors for determining payment amounts, making payments, and providing certain provider services; (4) coordination of funding for education of service providers; and (5) standardization of random prepayment review and recovery of overpayments from Medicare administrative contractors. Grants a one-year delay in the lock-in procedures for Medicare+Choice plans under SSA title XVIII part C. Provides a temporary moratorium on the requirement that home health agencies collect Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data from non-Medicare patients.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Conservation Assistance and Regional Equity Act - Provides assistance for specialty crop cost-of-production insurance. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to revise the farmland protection program. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to increase funding for assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Amends specified Acts to extend and revise: (1) the environmental quality incentives program, including livestock production and other program assistance; (2) the wildlife habitat incentives program; (3) the wetlands reserve program; (4) the conservation reserve program; (5) the private grazing land conservation program; and (6) State marketing programs, including grants for market development. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish: (1) a grassland reserve and enhancement program; (2) a water conservation program through the enrollment of eligible land for the temporary or permanent acquisition of water or water rights from eligible sellers; and (3) a conservation security program to promote soil, water, wetland, air, farm, wildlife, and flora conservation practices. Establishes in the Treasury the Organic Agriculture Research Trust Fund. Authorizes the creation in the Department of Agriculture of a National Organic Research Endowment Institute. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Farmland Stewardship Enhancement Program to integrate Department of Agriculture and State, local, and tribal agriculture and forestry conservation efforts. Sets forth: (1) conservation program performance review and evaluation provisions; and (2) State conservation fund allocations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000072_200.jpg)