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United States · Official source
7,990 records where Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Designates March 3, 2003, as Read Across America Day. Honors Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Encourages parents to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Designates: (1) April 25, 2003, as DNA Day in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the description of the double-helix structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick; and (2) April 2003 as Human Genome Month to celebrate that anniversary, the essential completion of the sequence of the human genome, and the development of a plan for the future of genomics.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide that a public safety officer who dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack or stroke suffered while on duty or not later than 24 hours after participating in a training exercise or responding to an emergency situation shall be presumed to have died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty, for purposes of survivor benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Establishes a Commission on Children's Access to Care. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2003 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Amends the Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to provide for an entitlement to leave for addressing domestic violence for Federal employees. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project that assists families by providing paid leave for eligible Federal employees who are responding to: (1) caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter; or (2) other family caregiving needs. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Federal civil service law to provide for entitlement to school involvement leave of eligible individuals, including Federal employees. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for optional FamilyCare coverage of targeted low-income parents and their children. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Amends the Head Start Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reserve specified funds for programs for infants and toddlers, especially programs to improve access to child care. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as for child care services for Federal employees. Amends the Early Learning Opportunities Act to extend the authorization of appropriations. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. Amends the Higher Education Act regarding student loan forgiveness for teachers. America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing and expanding child opportunity zone family centers. Amends the IRC to increase the child tax credit and to make the credit partially refundable. Tax Relief for Working Families Act - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county low-income families with children programs. Child Support Distribution Act - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the IRC concerning: (1) parity for part-time workers, fair counting of wages, and use of improved technology for making wage data available; (2) ensuring unemployment compensation for individuals that are separated from employment due to domestic violence; and (3) loss of child care as good cause for leaving employment. Amends the TANF program concerning: (1) disregard of months engaged in work for purposes of the five year TANF assistance limit; (2) replacement of case load reduction credit with employment credit; (3) elimination of limit on number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the work participation requirement; (4) elimination of separate work participation rate for two parent families; and (5) strengthening of TANF individual responsibility plans. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the treatment of aliens under the TANF program. Amends the TANF program to provide for the reauthorization and extension of TANF State family assistance grants. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning: (1) prevention of hunger among families with children; (2) encouragement of collection of child support; and (3) periodic redetermination of eligibility. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes in the Treasury the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2003 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to: (1) serve children who have been exposed to domestic violence; and (2) encourage the development and use of multisystem intervention models that respond to the needs of children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to establish a program through which the Secretary may make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist States and youth development consortia in mobilizing and supporting communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable for strategies that link community-based organizations, local government, volunteer centers, schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, businesses, parks and recreation agencies, libraries and museums, arts and cultural organizations, other youth-serving organizations, and other segments of the community to ensure that all youth have access to, and participate in, the full array of described core resources. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Coordinating Council for National Youth Policy. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; and (2) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Organic Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003, to repeal the provision permitting a farm to be certified as organic with respect to livestock produced on such farm if it uses non-organically produced feed under certain cost-based circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 and older, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months before October 2004; (2) 40 percent for months during FY 2005; (3) 45 percent for months during FY 2006; (4) 50 percent for months during FY 2007; and (5) 55 percent for months after FY 2007. Adjusts similarly percentage amounts with respect to survivors of reserve personnel and survivors of persons who die while on active duty. Provides a corresponding phased elimination of the SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided to such surviving spouses. Requires periodic recomputation of: (1) annuity amounts beginning in October 2004; and (2) retired pay reductions for supplemental survivor annuities. Provides a one-year open enrollment period for SBP participation, commencing October 1, 2004, for those currently not participating, those electing to increase current coverage, and those wishing to participate in the supplemental SBP. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require appropriate premiums for SBP participation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, should be recognized for his outstanding leadership of the Federal Reserve, his exemplary conduct as Chairman, and his commitment as a public servant.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Designates the second week in May each year as National Visiting Nurse Association Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2003
Anti-Terrorism Military Sniper Weapon Reclassification Act of 2003 - Amends Chapter 53 (Machine Guns, Destructive Devices, and Certain Other Firearms) of the Internal Revenue Code to include in the definition of the term "firearm" a 50 caliber sniper weapon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals provisions providing for special compensation for certain severely disabled military retirees and certain combat-related disabled uniformed services retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Geriatric Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to payments to hospitals, rural health clinics, or Federally qualified health centers for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs and the limitation on the number of full-time-equivalent residents in allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Provides for the disregard of up to three geriatric residents in applying such limitation. Extends the eligibility period for GME payment for geriatric fellowship training. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare coverage of care coordination and assessment services to an individual with a serious and disabling chronic condition.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Calls on executive branch officials and Members of Congress to raise the issue of anti-Semitism in their bilateral contacts with other countries and at multilateral fora, including meetings of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the July 2003 Twelfth Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Calls on participating OSCE States to: (1) condemn anti-Semitism, racial and ethnic hatred, xenophobia, and discrimination, as well as persecution on religious grounds whenever it occurs; (2) ensure effective local and national law enforcement to prevent and counter criminal acts stemming from anti-Semitism, xenophobia, or racial or ethnic hatred, including maintaining mechanisms for the thorough investigation and prosecution of such acts; (3) promote the creation of educational efforts throughout the region to counter anti-Semitic stereotypes and attitudes among younger people, increase Holocaust awareness programs, and help identify the necessary resources to accomplish this goal; (4) play a leading role in combating anti-Semitism and ensure that the resolution adopted at the 2002 meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Berlin is followed up by a series of concrete actions at the national level; and (5) organize a separately designated human dimension event on anti-Semitism as early as possible in 2003, consistent with the Porto Ministerial Declaration adopted by the OSCE at the Tenth Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in December 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by determining that acquiring corporations in"corporate expatriation transactions" shall be considered domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group." Applies similar rules to partnership transactions. Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to place limitations on mandatory overtime for nurses, protect nurses against retaliation in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment, and provide for civil money penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on standards to establish for the maximum number of hours that a nurse may work without compromising the safety of their patients. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to Congress on the extent to which federally operated medical facilities have in effect practices and policies with respect to overtime requirements for nurses that are inconsistent with the overtime requirements added by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003
Clean Power Act of 2003 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to achieve specified reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and mercury from certain electric generation facilities by January 1, 2009 (January 1, 2008, for mercury emissions). Directs the Administrator to establish an emission allowance tracking and transfer system. Makes a special rule for mercury emissions. Directs the Administrator to study the impact of emission allowance trading. Limits the trading of allowances with facilities other than electricity generating facilities to certain carbon dioxide emission control programs. Provides an allocation to: (1) dislocated workers; (2) disproportionately adversely impacted communities; (3) electricity generating facilities; (4) renewable electricity generating units; (5) efficiency projects; (6) cleaner energy sources; and (7) biological carbon sequestration activities. Directs the Administrator to establish and annually review emission limitations for mercury. Requires that captured or recovered emissions not be re-released into the environment. Requires the Administrator to request information from owners/operators about hazardous air pollutants other than mercury. Directs the Administrator to then propose and promulgate emission standards. Requires facilities to achieve specified emission standards should the regulations not be promulgated. Requires an assessment and identification of sensitive ecosystems and the objectives necessary for their protection, including the Adirondack, the mid-Appalachian, Rocky, and southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Includes as well the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, Long Island Sound, and the Chesapeake Bay.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to revise requirements for: (1) national clearinghouse dissemination of information on child abuse programs, including community-based programs; (2) related research and assistance activities; (3) grants for additional demonstration projects, including enhanced linkage between child protective service agencies and public health, mental health, and developmental disabilities agencies; (4) additional discretionary grants; and (5) development and operation grants to the States. Repeals the authority for existing grants under: (1) the Community-based Family Resource programs; (2) the Family Support Center programs; (3) the Emergency Child Abuse Prevention Services grant program; and (4) programs under the Temporary Child Care for Children with Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries act of 1986. Includes parents with disabilities within the eligibility and performance guidelines governing community-based grants for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the implementation of programs that increase the number of older foster care children placed in adoptive families, with a special emphasis on child-specific recruitment strategies, including a grants program to eliminate barriers to placing children for adoption across jurisdictional boundaries. Amends the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 to prohibit the Secretary from making a grant unless the grantee agrees to give priority to abandoned infants and young children who: (1) are infected with, or have been perinatally exposed to, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have a life-threatening illness or other special medical need; or (2) have been perinatally exposed to a dangerous drug. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to instruct the Secretary to award grants for: (1) projects to address the needs of children who witness domestic violence; and (2) operation of an Internet website providing links to a national domestic violence shelter network.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Medical Malpractice Insurance Antitrust Act of 2003 - Provides that: (1) nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act shall be construed to permit commercial insurers to engage in any form of price fixing, bid rigging, or market allocations in connection with the conduct of the business of providing medical malpractice insurance; and (2) such provision shall not apply to the information gathering and rate setting activities of any State insurance commissions or any other State regulatory body with authority to set insurance rates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Government Pension Offset Reform Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan. Declares that such benefit reductions shall be equal to the amount by which two-thirds of the total amount of the combined monthly benefit (before reduction) and monthly pension exceeds $1,200, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Social Security Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) pension offset provisions applicable to husband's and wife's insurance benefits, widow's and widower's insurance benefits, and mother's and father's insurance benefits with respect to Old-Age and Survivors insurance benefit payments; and (2) windfall elimination provisions with respect to computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003
Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit charging membership or other incidental fees, or requiring purchase of items or services not covered by Medicare, as a prerequisite for provision of a Medicare-covered item or service to a Medicare beneficiary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2003
Safe and Secure Skies Act - Bars the use of funds to privatize the functions of the air traffic control system in the United States (effectively requiring that air traffic control remain a Government function under the control of the Federal Aviation Administration).
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Animal Drug User Fee Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess and collect fees for an animal drug or a supplemental animal drug application (if it requires safety or effectiveness data). Requires payment upon submission or the application will be considered incomplete and not accepted. Excepts from payment applications which were previously filed but withdrawn or not approved without a waiver or refund. Assesses annual fees on animal drug products, establishments, and sponsors. Establishes a fee schedule for FY 2004 through 2007, including total fee revenues for animal drug products, establishments, and sponsors. Adjusts fees to reflect inflation, review workload, and operating reserves of carryover user fees (in the final year). Directs the Secretary to establish before each fiscal year, based on the fee schedule revenue amounts and the adjustments, the following: (1) animal drug application and supplement fees; (2) animal drug sponsor fees; (3) animal drug establishment fees; and (4) animal drug product fees. Reduces or waives fees: (1) in excess of administrative costs; (2) that present a significant barrier to innovation; (3) if an animal drug application or supplemental animal drug application is intended solely for use of an animal drug in specified types of feed; (4) if an animal drug application or supplemental animal drug application is intended solely to provide for minor uses or use in minor species; or (5) for first applications by a small business. Makes fees available for obligation only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Offsets any excess fees against subsequent appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Improvement Act - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions regarding the National Foundation for Biomedical Research. Modifies the provision concerning funding for the Foundation to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to transfer $500,000 to the Foundation annually from amounts appropriated to NIH.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the special rule for the redistribution and availability of unexpended FY1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments, including to: (1) extend the availability of FY 1998 and 1999 reallocated funds through FY 2004; and (2) permit 50 percent of the total amount of unexpended FY 2000 and 2001 SCHIP allotments that remain available to a State through the end of FY 2002 and 2003 to remain available for expenditure by the State through the end of FY 2004 and 2005, respectively. Makes this amendment effective as though it had been enacted on September 30, 2002. Grants authority to qualifying States, with respect to FY 1998 through 2001 SCHIP allotments, for fiscal years in which such allotments are available, to elect to use not more than 20 percent of them (instead of for expenditures under SCHIP) for Medicaid medical assistance payments with respect to certain children under SSA title XIX.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Human Cloning Ban and Stem Cell Research Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation for the purpose of human cloning in the United States or elsewhere; or (3) exporting to a foreign country an unfertilized blastocyst if such country does not prohibit human cloning. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the congressional judiciary committees on: (1) actions taken to enforce such prohibitions; (2) actions of State attorneys general to enforce similar State laws; (3) the Federal-State-local government coordination of enforcement actions; and (4) international laws relating to human cloning. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance with applicable Federal standards for the protection of human subjects. Prohibits: (1) a somatic cell nucleus from being transplanted into a human oocyte (egg) that has undergone or will undergo fertilization; (2) an unfertilized blastocyst from being maintained after more than 14 days from its first cell division, not counting storage times at temperatures less than zero degrees centigrade; (3) an oocyte from being used in nuclear transplantation research unless donated voluntarily with the donor's informed consent; (4) an oocyte or unfertilized blastocyst from being acquired, received, or transferred for valuable consideration in interstate commerce; or (5) the conduct in a laboratory of nuclear transplantation in which human oocytes are subject to assisted reproductive technology treatments or procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Amends FMLA and Federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Permits the Office of Personnel Management to contract with one or more employing agencies to conduct a demonstration project that provides paid leave for eligible individuals who are responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Requires the leave to last for at least six weeks during a 12-month period. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Chance to Succeed Act of 2003 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include as a work activity satisfactory participation in services to address barriers designed to improve future employment opportunities, including substance abuse treatment, occupational therapy, physical rehabilitation, and mental health, mental retardation and developmental disabilities services. Requires the assessment for each assistance recipient to determine whether the recipient has any barriers to employment or program compliance. Prohibits a State to which a TANF grant is made from imposing a sanction against an individual or family on the basis of noncompliance with a program requirement: (1) unless the State satisfies specified notice and review requirements; or (2) if the individual whose conduct is the basis of the sanction is in the uncompleted process of being screened or assessed for a mental health problem, disability, substance abuse problem, or sexual or domestic violence situation, or if the services outlined in the service plan developed for the individual or family were not offered, available, and accessible to the individual or family at the time of the noncompliance. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting a State in compliance with the requirements of this Act from imposing a sanction for noncompliance with work requirements against an individual or family who opts to not take full advantage of the opportunity for assessment or the services and supports made available to ensure that the individual or family can comply with program requirements if such an individual or family is not complying with the State's work requirements. Requires each State receiving a State family assistance grant to establish an advisory panel to review the efficacy of each TANF-funded program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Designates April 2003 as Financial Literacy for Youth Month.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Requests the President to designate March 31, 2003, as National Civilian Conservation Corps Day.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Declares that the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy shall not dissuade or discourage this Nation from venturing ever farther into space. Restates the commitment to exploring the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system and beyond. Expresses condolences to the families of the seven astronauts and to friends and allies in Israel over the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions concerning the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to add "disabilities and health" to categories of data with regard to which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to collect, analyze, and make available. Requires the Secretary to conduct research on and promote the prevention of birth defects and disabilities and to support a National Spina Bifida Program to prevent and reduce suffering from the nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect. Modifies reporting requirements, including to require the Secretary to report to Congress on the incidence and prevalence of individuals living with developmental disabilities and the health status of such individuals. Declares that certain data and information collected under the Act shall be subject to a specified provision of the General Education Provisions Act pertaining to privacy. Requires that the members of the advisory committee appointed by the Director of the National Center for Environmental Health that have expertise in birth defects, developmental disabilities, and disabilities and health shall be transferred to and shall advise the National Center on Birth Defects on the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal in recognition of Jackie Robinson's contributions to the Nation to his family. Calls for designation of a national day recognizing Robinson's accomplishments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003
Artist-Museum Partnership Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a fair market value (determined at time of contribution) deduction for charitable contributions of literary, musical, artistic, scholarly compositions, or the copyright created by a qualifying donor. Exempts certain non-personal letters and memoranda from such treatment. Limits such increased deduction to the donor's artistic adjusted income (as defined by this Act).
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2003
Commemorates with deep sorrow and regret the fate of the Columbia space shuttle mission.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003
Education Works Act of 2003 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to: (1) expand the vocational educational training work activity category, removing the time limitation on such training, and adding participation in postsecondary education, an English-as-a-second-language program, or an adult basic education program; (2) eliminate the limit on the number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the State work participation requirement; and (3) provide for nonapplication of the five-year limit on TANF assistance to individuals who receive child care or transportation benefits under the State TANF program and participate in a full-time educational program or are employed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003
Economic Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA) to entitle eligible individuals in all States to a total of 26 weeks of TEUC compensation (13 weeks beyond the current 13 weeks). Makes such additional benefits also available to individuals who exhausted their TEUC benefits before January 1, 2003. Provides for a transition period of continuing payments to individuals with amounts remaining in their TEUC account, for weeks beginning before December 31, 2003. Directs the Secretary of Labor to deem second tier benefit amounts deposited in an individual's account (TEUC-X amounts, which currently provide an extra 13 weeks of benefits in high-unemployment States) as deposited in such account, by reason of the amendments made by this Act, as single tier benefit amounts (TEUC amounts, the basic benefits in all States). Sets forth requirements relating to applicability of this Act to those who have exhausted their benefits under TEUCA, as well as to current beneficiaries. Provides for a program of temporary enhanced regular unemployment compensation (TERUC) which may add the greater of 15 percent or $25 to the amount of weekly regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) under State law for which an individual is eligible (as defined under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970). Modifies eligibility requirements for regular compensation, where applicable for purposes of benefits under this Act, to: (1) set an alternative base period ending at the close of the most recently completed calendar quarter; and (2) allow individuals to seek less than full-time work or not accept full-time work. Sets forth program requirements for Federal-State agreements, formulas for determining weekly benefits, nonreduction and coordination rules, payments to States, and financing. Applies program agreements to weeks of unemployment: (1) beginning after the date on which such an agreement is entered into; and (2) ending before July 1, 2004. Makes a modification relating to alternative base periods applicable only to initial claims filed after September 11, 2001. Makes a modification relating to part-time employment and increased benefits applicable to weeks of unemployment in such agreement period, regardless of the date on which an individual's claim for benefits is filed. Revises TEUCA to provide for coordination with TERUC . Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for no reduction in unemployment compensation as a result of pension rollovers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003
Children First Act of 2003 - 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; and (2) increase funding for child care. 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 · 30 January 2003
Declares that the Senate: (1) reaffirms its commitment to ending all discrimination against women and girls in elementary, secondary, and higher education, and to equal opportunities for women and girls in athletics; (2) recognizes the continued importance of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in providing needed protections for women and girls; (3) expresses its concern that rolling back title IX regulations and compliance requirements may jeopardize the extraordinary progress of women and girl athletes; and (4) requests that the President maintain the integrity of title IX by rejecting any attempts to weaken current regulations and interpretations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect, compile, and disseminate information regarding trauma care and emergency medical services, and, in so doing, to give special consideration to the needs of rural areas. Removes provisions dealing with a National Clearinghouse on Trauma Care and Emergency Medical Services. Modifies provision pertaining to grants to improve trauma care in rural areas to allow the Secretary to make grants to entities to improve care by increasing communication and coordination with State trauma systems. Amends provisions concerning matching funds for modifications of the trauma care part of State emergency services plans, including to modify the matching requirements to not less than $1 for each $1 of Federal funds in the third year of payments and not less then $2 for each $1 of Federal funds in the fourth and fifth years. (Currently, the amount is set at not less than $1 for each $1 of Federal funding in the second year and not less than $3 for each $1 of Federal funding in the third year and subsequent years.) Amends requirements with respect to carrying out the purpose of allotments, including to require a State plan for emergency medical services to coordinate planning for trauma systems with State disaster emergency planning and bioterrorism hospital preparedness planning. Requires States to submit to the Secretary the trauma care part of their emergency services plans in FY 2004 and in following years in order to receive Federal allotments to support the modification of such part. Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, or another appropriate entity, to conduct a study on the state of trauma care and trauma research.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA, which is subchapter B of MLSA) to extend authorizations of appropriations and revise programs under such Acts. Amends MLSA to establish the National Museum and Library Services Board within the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Eliminates a National Museum Services Board.) Requires the IMLS Director to: (1) ensure coordination with certain activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), and other Federal activities; and (2) conduct and publish analyses of museum and library services impact. Revises requirements for annual national awards to outstanding libraries and museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes specified entities under the term museum, for MLSA purposes. Revises museum services activities. Entitles subchapter C of MLSA as the Museum Services Act. Amends LSTA to provide for: (1) an increased portion for administrative costs; (2) an increased alternative minimum allotment to States under certain conditions; (3) State plans once every five years, as determined by the IMLS Director; (4) additional uses of grants to States for library programs; and (5) recruitment of library and information science personnel under the program of national leadership grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act with respect to contributions and membership. Repeals requirements relating to Commission responsibilities to: (1) advise the IMLS Director; and (2) meet with the National Museum Services Board, which is eliminated by this Act. Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to increase maximum limits on liability amounts. Designates the Capital Children's Museum in Washington, D.C., as the National Children's Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) United Nations (UN) weapons inspectors should be given sufficient time to carry out the inspections that are necessary for an assessment of the level of compliance by the Government of Iraq with UN Security Council Resolution 1441 (2002); (2) the United States and other member nations of the UN Security Council should work together to exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic means for disarming Iraq before launching an invasion of Iraq; (3) international emissaries (including European and Arab leaders) should be given time to persuade Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq voluntarily and avert war; (4) before initiating any offensive military operations in Iraq to enforce Resolution 1441, the United States should seek authorization for the use of force from the UN Security Council; (5) the United States should re-engage in the Middle East peace process in an effort to end the violence between Israel and the Palestinians; and (6) the United States should redouble its efforts to secure the U.S. homeland in light of the growing number of intelligence assessments highlighting U.S. vulnerability for further terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that, before the President uses military force against Iraq without broad international support, the President should: (1) provide full support to the United Nations weapons inspectors to facilitate their ongoing disarmament work; and (2) obtain approval by Congress of new legislation authorizing the President to use all necessary means, including the use of military force, to disarm Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003
Commends Arthur J. Rynearson for his more than 26 years of faithful and exemplary service to the United States Senate and the nation. Expresses the Senate's deep appreciation and gratitude for his long, faithful, and outstanding service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.90 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; and (2) $6.65 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2003 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 (TEUCA) to entitle eligible individuals in all States to a total of 26 weeks of TEUC compensation (13 weeks beyond the current 13 weeks). Makes such additional benefits also available to individuals who exhausted their TEUC benefits before January 1, 2003. Provides for a transition period of continuing payments to individuals with amounts remaining in their TEUC account, for weeks beginning before December 31, 2003. Directs the Secretary of Labor to deem second tier benefit amounts deposited in an individual's account (TEUC-X amounts, which currently provide an extra 13 weeks of benefits in high-unemployment States) as deposited in such account, by reason of the amendments made by this Act, as single tier benefit amounts (TEUC amounts, the basic benefits in all States). Sets forth requirements relating to applicability of this Act to those who have exhausted their benefits under TEUCA, as well as to current beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Designates January 2003 as National Mentoring Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to maximum individual amounts of Federal Pell Grant for academic years 2004-05 through 2009-10. (Current law provides $5,800 for 2003-04.) Increases such amount to $6,700 for 2004-05, and by increments in each of specified subsequent academic years, up to $11,600 for 2009-10. Requires a further increase in any such maximum Federal Pell Grant amount, by an amount sufficient to achieve a five percent increase in students' purchasing power relative to the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education, if the Secretary of Education determines that the amount authorized does not increase such purchasing power by at least five percent from one academic year to the next.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2003
Toxic Clean-up Polluter Pays Renewal Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until January 1, 2014, and reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit any qualified broadband expenditure which is paid or incurred by the taxpayer to be treated as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account; and (2) any expenditure so treated to be allowed as a deduction. Defines terms and sets forth rules.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003
Chemical Security Act of 2003 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to: (1) designate certain combinations of chemical sources and substances of concern as high priority categories based on the severity of the threat posed by an unauthorized release from chemical sources; and (2) require each owner and operator of a high priority category chemical source to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of the source to a terrorist attack or other unauthorized release, identify hazards that may result from such release, and prepare a prevention, preparedness, and response plan. Sets forth: (1) certification requirements regarding assessments, and completion and review of response plans, by owners and operators of high priority chemical sources; and (2) protocols for protecting information disclosed in such certifications. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) certification by the Administrator of source assessment and plan compliance with requirements; (2) compliance assistance; and (3) compliance orders. Provides that if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that: (1) a threat of a terrorist attack exists that is beyond the scope of a submitted plan, or that plan implementation is insufficient, the Secretary shall notify each source of the elevated threat; and (2) a source has not taken appropriate action in response to the notification, the Secretary shall notify the source, the Administrator, and the Attorney General. Authorizes the Administrator or the Attorney General to then secure such relief as necessary to abate a threat. Sets forth: (1) source record-keeping requirements; (2) entry and access rights of the Administrator; and (3) civil, criminal, and administrative penalties for violations of this Act.