United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Energy Emergency Response Act of 2001 - Amends the following Acts to provide increased funding through FY 2005 for energy programs: (1) the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981(for home energy grants); (2) the Energy Conservation and Production Act (for weatherization assistance); and (3) the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (for State energy conservation grants). Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize, during FY 2001 only, State payments to households with incomes up to and including 200 percent of the poverty level for such State. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to: (1) mandate that each Federal agency undertake a comprehensive review of practicable measures for increasing energy and water conservation, and for using renewable energy sources; (2) allow as an approved benefit ancillary to an energy savings or performance contract those savings resulting from reduced operation and maintenance costs at replacement facilities; and (3) repeal the termination dates governing the authority to enter into energy savings performance contracts (thus extending such authority indefinitely).
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide for grant programs for inventorying, characterizing, assessing, remediating, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release and bona fide prospective purchasers. Provides for grants to States or Indian tribes for establishing or enhancing response programs. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
East Timor Transition to Independence Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should facilitate East Timor's transition to independence, support democracy and economic recovery there, and strengthen its security. Sets forth requirements with respect to the provision to East Timor of bilateral assistance, multilateral assistance, Peace Corps assistance, certain trade and investment assistance, scholarships for East Timorese students, and security assistance. Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to further the communication of information and ideas through increased use of audio broadcasting to East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Amends the Animal Welfare Act to eliminate the provision permitting interstate movement of live fighting birds if the fighting venture is to take place in a State allowing such fights.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Federal Election Modernization Act of 2001 - Establishes the National Commission on the Modernization of Federal Elections to study current and alternate voting methods and issues involving voter accessibility, Federal election administration, and Federal assistance to State and local authorities to improve such administration. Directs the Commission, after such study, to develop specific recommendations for a report to the President and Congress on which methods of voting and administering elections would: (1) be most convenient, accessible, and easy to use for voters in Federal elections, including members of the Armed Forces, blind and disabled voters, and elderly voters; (2) yield the most accurate and expeditious results in Federal elections; (3) afford all voters an equal opportunity to vote; and (4) be most efficient and cost-effective for use in Federal elections. Requires the Commission also to recommend how the Federal Government can, on a permanent basis, best provide ongoing assistance to State and local authorities to improve administering elections, which existing or new Federal agency should provide such assistance, and what levels of funding will be necessary. Directs the Attorney General to develop and publish a plan to award and disburse annual Federal Election Modernization Grants to States and localities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President and Congress should prepare and enact a supplemental appropriations bill for low-income home energy assistance, weatherization grant assistance, and State energy conservation grant assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization of 2001 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to any coastal State without an approved coastal zone management program if such State demonstrates that its grant will be used to develop a management program consistent with the Act's requirements. Allows grants to States for administering the State's coastal zone management program to be used for developing and implementing coastal nonpoint pollution control program components. Revises provisions respecting: (1) resource management improvement grants; (2) loan repayments; and (3) coastal zone enhancement grants. Authorizes grants to coastal States to assist in specified community and local activities. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a cooperative program to develop and apply innovative coastal and estuarine environmental technology and methodology. Allows (currently, requires) the conducting of the "Walter B. Jones Awards" program to promote excellence in coastal zone management by identifying and acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in the field. Revises National Estuarine Research Reserve System provisions. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere should reevaluate shoreline mileage calculations used in the distribution of funding under the coastal zone management program to ensure equitable treatment of all regions, including Southeastern and Great Lakes States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Breast Reconstruction Implementation Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides mastectomy-related medical and surgical benefits to ensure that, if a mastectomy patient elects breast reconstruction, coverage is provided for: (1) all stages of reconstruction of the affected breast; (2) surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and (3) prostheses and physical complications of mastectomy, including lymphedemas, as determined appropriate by attending physician and patient. States that such coverage may be subject to deductible and coinsurance provisions consistent with other benefits of the plan. Prohibits a plan from: (1) denying a patient new or renewed enrollment in order to avoid such requirements; or (2) limiting reimbursement or providing incentives to induce an attending provider to provide care inconsistent with such requirements. States that in the case of a group health plan maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, any plan change to comply with such requirements shall not be treated as terminating the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Home Health Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase payment by ten percent for home health services furnished in a rural area on or after April 1, 2001; but prohibits the Secretary from reducing the standard PPS amount (or amounts) applicable to such services furnished during a period to offset the payment increase resulting from such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Supports the goals and ideas of National Donor Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation and to discuss such donations with their families and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Family Opportunity Act of 2001 or Dylan Lee James Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment of part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage of up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (regarding a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group insurance through a group plan) the Public Health Service Act (regarding such a plan or issuer, and with regard to an issuer offering health insurance in the individual market), the Internal Revenue Code (regarding a group health plan), and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (regarding Medicare supplemental policies) to prohibit, with respect to genetic information: (1) discriminating in individual enrollment; (2) discriminating in group eligibility or group premium or contribution rates; (3) requesting or requiring test performance; and (4) requesting, requiring, collecting, purchasing, or disclosing information, unless authorized by the individual. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate because of protected genetic information, including making it unlawful to request, require, collect, or purchase such information. Allows an employer to request, require, collect, or purchase such information: (1) where used for genetic monitoring of biological effects of workplace toxic substances; or (2) with consent of the employee, if results are received only by the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Airline Customer Service Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase Department of Transportation (DOT) resources allocated to providing: (1) airline passenger consumer protection and related services; and (2) oversight and enforcement of laws and regulations that provide protection for air travelers. Amends Federal aviation law to require each large air carrier to incorporate the provisions of the Airline Customer Service Commitment executed by the Air Transport Association on June 17, 1999, in its contract of carriage. Requires each large air carrier to institute the following specified practices, including to: (1) include fares available at the air carrier's ticket offices and airport ticket service counters (including notifying customers that lower fares may be available on the Internet) when quoting the lowest fare available to passengers; (2) disclose, without being requested, the on-time performance and cancellation rate for a chronically-delayed or canceled flight whenever a customer makes a reservation or purchases a ticket; (3) establish a plan with respect to passengers who must unexpectedly remain overnight during a trip due to flight delays, cancellations, or diversions; (4) establish a customer service quality assurance and performance measurement system; (5) establish realistic targets for reducing chronically-delayed and canceled flights; (6) establish a toll-free telephone number that passengers may use to check on the status of checked baggage that was not delivered on arrival at the passenger's destination; (7) monitor its efforts to improve services provided to passengers with disabilities and special needs; and (8) if it has a frequent flyer program, make available to the public a comprehensive report of frequent flyer redemption information in their customer literature and annual reports. Provides for improved DOT statistics with respect to missing passenger baggage and chronically delayed or canceled flights. Requires the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to amend DOT regulations to: (1) establish a uniform check-in deadline and to require air carriers to disclose their policies on how such deadlines apply to passengers making connections; and (2) increase the maximum amount of denied boarding compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily (bumped).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's Act) - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize and revise various ESEA programs. Revises and renames ESEA title I as Student Performance (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) hold States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools accountable for increased student academic performance results; and (2) facilitate improved classroom instruction. Revises and reauthorizes title I: (1) part A, LEA basic program grants (I-A); (2) part B, Even Start; (3) part C, education of migratory children; (4) part D, prevention and intervention programs for youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out; (5) provisions for capital expenses; (6) part E, Federal evaluations, demonstrations, and transition projects, including a new comprehensive school reform grants program; and (7) a part F, rural education development initiative. Revises I-A with respect to: (1) State educational agency (SEA) and LEA reservations of funds; (2) formulas for distributing funds to schools with the highest concentrations of poverty; (3) State and LEA plans; (4) priorities in providing school support and improvement assistance; (5) parental involvement; (6) qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals in I-A schools; (7) professional development; (8) LEA and Head Start services coordination; (9) reservation, allocation, and use of funds for basic, concentration, and targeted grants; and (10) school-wide programs. Penalizes States for failing to meet statutory deadlines for demonstrating that they have in place standards, assessments, a system for measuring and monitoring adequate yearly progress (AYP), and a statewide system for holding schools and LEAs accountable for making AYP with specified groups of students. Requires public school choice to be provided to families of students attending I-A schools deemed to be in need of corrective action. Requires LEAs to use I-A funds only to provide academic instruction and services directly related to instruction to students in preschool through grade 12 to assist eligible children to improve their academic achievement and to meet State achievement standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make education finance program grants to States. Revises and renames ESEA title II as Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size (currently Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program), with grants programs for: (1) Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development (II-A); and (2) Class Size Reduction (II-B). Establishes a new ESEA title III, Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States, subject to specified requirements, to help limited English proficient (LEP) students become proficient in English. Repeals the current ESEA title III, Technology for Education, including parts: (1) A, Technology for Education of All Students; (2) B, Star Schools Program; (3) C, Ready-to-Learn Television; (4) D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics; and (5) E, Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment Program. Eliminates the Foreign Language Assistance Program. Reauthorizes the Emergency Immigration Education Program and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Establishes a new ESEA title IV, Public School Choice program. Reauthorizes and redesignates certain parts of the current title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, under such new title IV. Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) Magnet Schools Assistance; and (2) Public Charter Schools. Requires SEAs to hold assisted charter schools accountable for AYP in improving student performance. Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) support and stimulate improved public school performance through increased public school competition and increased Federal financial assistance; and (2) provide parents with more choices among public school options. Establishes a new title IV part C, Development of Public School Choice Programs, providing for competitive development grants. Sets forth a new title IV part D, Report Cards. Requires States to prepare and disseminate annual report cards on all elementary and secondary schools receiving funds under ESEA I-A or II-A. Reauthorizes and transfers ESEA Impact Aid provisions to a new title V (currently title VIII). Eliminates the current title V, Promoting Equity, including Women's Educational Equity, and Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems. Establishes a new title VI, High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives grants program (eliminating Innovative Education Program Strategies). Establishes a new ESEA title VII, Accountability, with sanctions and rewards based on meeting performance objectives. Directs the Secretary to make awards to States that ensure that all teachers teaching in their public schools are fully qualified or have exceeded certain student performance objectives, for distribution among high-performing LEAs for further distribution among high-performing schools, teachers, and principals. Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the following ESEA titles: (1) V, Promoting Equity; (2) X, Programs of National Significance; (3) XI, Coordinated Services; (4) XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement; and (5) XIII, Support and Assistive Programs to Improve Education.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the price of heating fuel. Prohibits any such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the applicant is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Requires, for such assistance: (1) a declaration of a disaster by the President or the SBA Administrator; or (2) a certification from the governor of the State that its small businesses have suffered such economic injury and are in need of assistance which is not otherwise available.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act - Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a temporary education center for educating people about the Memorial. Requires the center to remain for ten years, after which Congress may reevaluate the continuing need for the center. Sets forth conditions for the use of excess coin funds under the United States Veterans Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 in the construction of such center, including that the Fund provide detailed information with respect to the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001 - - Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) with respect to Archer Medical Savings Accounts, increase the number of permitted account participants, increase the permitted size of a "small employer" from 50 to 100 or fewer employees, and extend, by two years, the cut-off year; (2) allow an eligible small employer a limited health insurance expenses credit; and (3) consider a "qualified health benefit purchasing coalition" (a non-profit corporation selling health insurance for small employers through licensed insurers) distribution as a distribution for a charitable purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award demonstration grants to States to allow States to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative ways to increase access to health insurance through market reforms and other innovative means. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2002; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning January 1, 2003. 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 · 7 February 2001
Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to health care coverage. Requires group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage, to conduct utilization review activities in connection with the provision of benefits under such plans or coverage only in accordance with an approved utilization review program. Requires health plans and insurers to offer consumers: (1) more care options; and (2) greater access to patient information. Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Requires health plans and insurers to comply with patient protection requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Includes as an employee, for purposes of Federal provisions authorizing enrollment under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: (1) a member of the armed forces who began service before June 7, 1956, and retired after a minimum of 20 years of such service or by reason of a service-connected disability; and (2) the surviving widow or widower of such member. Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide FEHB coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit (to be included in gross income as interest) to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds issued by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Requires, with exceptions, State matching contributions for qualifying projects, which shall be used to redeem project-specific bonds, and if amounts remain, to fund other projects or bonds. Treats such contributions as tax-exempt facility bonds. Eliminates, for tax exemption for purposes, the governmental ownership requirement for mass commuting facility bonds. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allocate bond funds for Alaska Railroad issuances. Requires the Corporation to annually submit a multi-year capital spending plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
Downed Animal Protection Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to make it unlawful for any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer to buy, sell, give, receive, transfer, market, hold, or drag any nonambulatory livestock unless such livestock has been humanely euthanized.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage of screening pap smears and screening pelvic exams to annual examinations regardless of whether a woman is of childbearing age or at high-risk.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2001
Help Eliminate the Levy on Locution (HELLO) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal Subchapter B (Communications) of Chapter 33 (Facilities and Services) of Subtitle D (Miscellaneous Excise Taxes).
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should establish an international education policy to enhance national security and significantly further U.S. foreign policy and global competitiveness. Lists policy objectives, including invigorating citizen and professional international exchange programs, ensuring that college graduates have knowledge of a second language and of a foreign area, and capturing 40 percent of the international student market for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2001
National Death Penalty Moratorium Act of 2001 - Prohibits the Federal Government from carrying out the death penalty until Congress considers the final findings and recommendations of the National Commission on the Death Penalty, enacts legislation repealing this provision, and implements or rejects the guidelines and procedures recommended by the Commission. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact a moratorium on executions to allow time to review whether their administration of the death penalty is consistent with constitutional requirements of fairness, justice, equality, and due process. Establishes the National Commission on the Death Penalty to: (1) determine whether administration of the death penalty comports with such constitutional requirements; and (2) establish guidelines and procedures which ensure that death penalty cases are administered fairly and impartially in accordance with due process, minimize the risk that innocent persons may be executed, and ensure that the death penalty is not administered in a racially discriminatory manner.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $65 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to an amount ($175) that equals the amount permitted for qualified parking (thus providing for a uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits). Revises provisions concerning Federal employee parking benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for a limited time period, deductions and credits for commercial and residential properties using specified energy efficient construction or reconstruction materials or technologies, including solar energy. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) allocation of deductions for public property; and (2) property financed by subsidized energy financing. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish specified certification and compliance procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2001
Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines within which the Postal Service shall propose changes in pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters which are to be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Grants certain qualified postmasters' organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2001
Amends provisions of the Small Business Act concerning the Microloan program (a program of start-up loans to small businesses) to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to use up to $1 million of the annual appropriations for technical assistance grants to subcontract with one or more national trade associations of eligible intermediaries or other knowledgeable entities to provide peer-to-peer capacity building and training to lenders and organizations seeking to become lenders under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Microloan Program Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends provisions of the Small Business Act concerning the Microloan program (a program of start-up loans to small businesses) to: (1) remove the requirement that such loans be short-term; (2) allow up to 35 (currently 25) percent of grant funds made to intermediaries to be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses who are prospective borrowers under the program; and (3) authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to use up to $1 million of the annual appropriations for technical assistance grants to subcontract with one or more national trade associations of eligible intermediaries or other knowledgeable entities to provide peer-to-peer capacity building and training to lenders and organizations seeking to become lenders under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2001 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals a special compensation program for certain severely disabled military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Violence Against Women Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) a Violence Against Women Office. Specifies the duties of the Office Director, including carrying out DOJ functions under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and on matters relating to violence against women.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Commercial Fishermen Safety Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited fishing safety equipment credit to commercial fisherman for the purchase of qualified fishing safety equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the U.S. Postal Service in honor of the U.S.S. Wisconsin and all those who served aboard her; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the 60-month limit on student loan interest deductions; and (2) increase the student loan interest deduction income limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
SBP Benefits Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal provisions concerning the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to adjust the basic SBP annuity amount for surviving spouses age 62 or over of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent, for months beginning on or before the enactment of this Act (current law); (2) 40 percent of such pay, for months beginning after such date and before October 2004; (3) 45 percent, for months beginning after September 2004; and (4) 55 percent, for months beginning after September 2011. Adjusts similarly the authorized percentage amounts of SBP supplemental annuity authorized for such spouses. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate adjustments in the computation of retired pay deductions for such supplemental annuities made necessary by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
Broadband Deployment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the broadband credit which shall be equal to ten percent of the qualified expenditures incurred with respect to qualified equipment offering broadband services to underserved subscribers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Veterans' Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2001 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to change the amount of monthly veterans' educational assistance allowance under the Montgomery GI Bill from a fixed amount adjusted for inflation to an amount equal to the average monthly costs of tuition and expenses for commuter students at public institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees (75 percent of such amount for veterans whose initial obligated period of active duty is two years). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine such average monthly costs each year and to publish such amounts in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
United States Cruise Vessel Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with a temporary coastwise endorsement for an eligible foreign-built cruise vessel to operate in domestic itineraries in the transportation of passengers in the coastwise trade between U.S. ports if such vessel meets certain requirements, including that: (1) the operator of the vessel promises that any repairs to it will be performed in a U.S. shipyard; and (2) such operator, with a specified exception, executes a contract with one or more U.S. shipyards for the construction of two or more cruise vessels with a total combined berth or stateroom capacity equal to at least that of the operator's vessel to which a certificate of documentation has been issued. Terminates the coastwise endorsement for an eligible cruise vessel 24 months after the delivery date for the replacement vessel(s) for such eligible vessel. Authorizes the operator of an eligible cruise vessel that has been issued a certificate of documentation, or a cruise vessel that has been constructed under contract, to place such vessel under foreign registry. Prohibits eligible cruise vessels operating in domestic itineraries from operating as a ferry, regularly carrying for hire both passengers and vehicles or other cargo, or operating between or among the Hawaiian Islands. Directs the Secretary to give priority to U.S.- built cruise vessels over other eligible foreign-built cruise vessels in a comparable market that have been issued a certificate of documentation if the Secretary, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, determines that the employment in the coastwise trade of an eligible foreign-built cruise vessel will adversely affect the coastwise trade business of any person operating a vessel not documented under this Act. Makes special provision for vessels carrying passengers for hire into Glacier Bay or other National Park Service areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Employee Educational Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permanently extend the exclusion from gross income of employer-provided educational assistance; and (2) restore the exclusion for such assistance on the graduate level.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 2001 - Requires each participating manufacturer of a covered outpatient drug to make it available for purchase by each pharmacy: (1) in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the drug sold or distributed by the pharmacy to Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) at a price equal to the lower of either the lowest price paid for the drug by the Federal Government or the manufacturer's best price for the drug. Sets forth special provisions with respect to hospice programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit: (1) a national committee of a political party from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (3) a candidate or an incumbent for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office, or disbursing funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Requires the filing of additional statements on electioneering communications with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Sets out provisions with regard to electioneering communications, including rules prohibiting corporate and labor disbursements for such communications. Adds requirements for reporting certain independent expenditures to the FEC. Prohibits a committee of a political party from making both independent and coordinated expenditures for a nominee. Requires coordinated activities to be considered as contributions to and expenditures by a candidate. Lists the permitted and prohibited uses of amounts contributed by a candidate or an incumbent. Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against campaign fundraising on Federal property. Amends FECA concerning contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with Federal, State, or local elections. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to codify the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Public Safety Medal of Valor Act- Authorizes the President to award, and present in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer cited by the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. States that the Public Safety Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. Establishes a Medal of Valor Review Board to select candidates to receive the Medal from among applications received by the National Medal Office. Establishes within the Department of Justice a National Medal Office to support the Board and establish criteria and procedures for the submission of nominee recommendations for the Medal. Repeals provisions of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 establishing the President's Award for Outstanding Public Safety Service and the Secretary of Commerce's Award for Distinguished Public Safety Service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make revisions under which: (1) a husband and wife may make a combined return with separate rates; (2) estate taxes will be reduced; (3) there will be a deduction for qualified higher education expenses; (4) greater benefits will be applicable towards child care expenses; (5) there will be a credit for givers of long-term care to family members; (6) the earned income credit will be increased for two or more qualified children and other modifications will be made to the credit; (7) 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed will be deductible; (8) credits for pension plans will be increased; and (9) the adoption credit will be expanded.
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