Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA]

Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA]

United States · Official source

Records

3,868 records where Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 418 (108th)referred

Pregnancy Discrimination Act Amendments of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003

Pregnancy Discrimination Act Amendments of 2003 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include breast-feeding (including expression of milk by a lactating woman) within the definitions of "because of sex" or "on the basis of sex" for purposes of the discrimination prohibitions of such Act.

Bill· SS. 419 (108th)referred

Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003

Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include coverage of bone mass measurements under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for all individuals, including estrogen-deficient women, at clinical risk for osteoporosis.

Bill· SS. 416 (108th)referred

Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003

Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2003 - 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.

Bill· SS. 415 (108th)referred

Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003

Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Cancer Institute, to the extent practicable, to increase the involvement of people who are accountable to, represent, and report back to organizations that represent those affected by breast cancer in decision making at the Institute regarding breast cancer.

Bill· SS. 392 (108th)referred

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 401 (108th)referred

SBP Benefits Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003

SBP Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 - 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 2007; (3) 45 percent, for months beginning after September 2007; and (4) 55 percent, for months beginning after September 2013. 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.

Bill· SS. 387 (108th)referred

Geriatric Care Act of 2003

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.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 7 (108th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the sharp escalation of anti-Semitic violence within many participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is of profound concern and efforts should be undertaken to prevent future occurrences.

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.

Bill· SS. 382 (108th)referred

Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003

Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of cardiovascular screening tests under the Medicare program.

Bill· SS. 377 (108th)referred

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins emblematic of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Requires that: (1) all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $10 per coin; and (2) all surcharges from coin sales be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Library of Congress for purchasing and maintaining materials associated with the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bill· SS. 381 (108th)referred

LEGACY Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2003

Living Equitably: Grandparents Aiding Children and Youth Act of 2003 (Legacy Act of 2003) - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out: (1) a five-year pilot program in connection with the supportive housing program to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations for expanding the supply of intergenerational dwelling units for intergenerational families (families headed by an elderly person); and (2) a five-year demonstration program for section 8 rental assistance to families headed by a grandparent or relative who is raising a child. Makes grandparent-headed and relative-headed families eligible for: (1) family unification assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) Home program ECHO units under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; and (3) fair housing initiatives education, counseling, and outreach under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to provide Department of Housing and Urban Development personnel with related training. Directs the Secretary and the Director of the Bureau of the Census to conduct a joint study of such families' housing needs.

Bill· SS. 363 (108th)referred

Government Pension Offset Reform Act

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.

Bill· SS. 349 (108th)referred

Social Security Fairness Act of 2003

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 52 (108th)passed

A resolution recognizing the social problem of child abuse and neglect, and supporting efforts to enhance public awareness of the problem.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2003

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; (2) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give these victimized children hope for the future; and (3) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist these abused and neglected children; (4) the Senate supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope," which was initiated by Childhelp USA and will be observed on April 2, 2003, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month; and (5) the Senate commends Childhelp USA for all of its efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States.

Bill· SS. 333 (108th)open

John Breaux Elder Justice Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2003

Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Elder Justice) to establish: (1) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Elder Justice; (2) within HHS an Intra-Agency Elder Justice Steering Committee to coordinate HHS elder justice programs and policy; (3) the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to make recommendations for the coordination of activities to HHS, the Department of Justice, and other relevant Federal, State, local, and private agencies and entities; and (4) the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Outlines provisions with respect to uniform collection, maintenance, and dissemination of national data relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award various grants, including grants for: (1) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) five Centers of Excellence nationwide that shall specialize in research, clinical practice, and training relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (3) six diverse communities to examine various types of elder shelters and to test various models for establishing safe havens; (4) nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations to encourage such organizations to establish or continue volunteer programs that focus on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, or that provide related services; and (5) various multidisciplinary elder justice activities. Provides for: (1) reporting to law enforcement of crimes occurring in Federally-funded long-term care facilities; (2) revising the quality of long-term care; and (3) increasing consumer information about long-term care. Amends: (1) SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish programs to prevent abuse of skilled nursing facility and nursing facility residents; (2) the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of health care professionals with geriatric training; (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965 with respect to the long-term care ombudsman program; (4) part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to establish in HHS the Office of Adult Protective Services; and (5) SSA titles XVIII and XIX to assure safety of residents when nursing facilities close. Establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of Elder Justice. Amends the: (1) Federal criminal code to provide for a cause of action for elder abuse and neglect; and (2) Internal Revenue Code to provide for a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.

Law· SS. 330 (108th)enacted

Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2003

Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003 - Establishes criminal penalties for willfully injuring or destroying or attempting to injure or destroy any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person(s) in the U.S. armed forces. Requires that veterans' cemeteries be treated as sites permitting supplemental guide signs on Federal-aid highways.

Bill· SS. 323 (108th)referred

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in Louisiana. Designates the Atchafalaya Trace Commission as the local coordinating entity of such Area which shall develop and implement an Area management plan for the protection, interpretation, and enjoyment of such Area, subject to the Secretary of the Interior's approval. Prohibits the use of Federal funds to acquire real property.

Bill· SS. 318 (108th)referred

Small Business Drought Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Small Business Drought Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Small Business Act to include within the definition of "disaster," for purposes of disaster loans provided to small businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA), droughts and below average water levels in the Great Lakes or any other U.S. body of water that supports commerce by small businesses. Authorizes such loan assistance for farm- and nonfarm-related small businesses affected by droughts. Limits the amount that may be used during fiscal year 2003 to provide drought disaster loans to non-farm related concerns. Requires the SBA to respond in writing to a State Governor regarding its determination concerning the provision of disaster loan assistance within 30 days after receiving such Governor's certification that small businesses in that State have suffered economic injury as a result of a disaster.

Bill· SS. 310 (108th)referred

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Includes coverage of: (1) certain mental health services provided in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers; and (2) certain marriage and family therapist services provided in hospices.

Bill· SS. 316 (108th)referred

Chance to Succeed Act of 2003

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 45 (108th)passed

A resolution commemorating the Columbia Astronauts.

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.

Law· SS. 286 (108th)enacted

Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 300 (108th)open

A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Jackie Robinson (posthumously), in recognition of his many contributions to the Nation, and to express the sense of Congress that there should be a national day in recognition of Jackie Robinson.

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.

Bill· SS. 282 (108th)referred

High School Sports Information Collection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

High School Sports Information Collection Act of 2003 - Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (PL107-279) to direct the Statistics Commissioner (of the National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences in the Department of Education) to collect information from coeducational secondary schools with respect to equality in their athletic programs. Requires such information to include total budget and expenditures for each team, season and postseason schedules and successes, as well as identification of: (1) each participant's gender, race, and ethnicity; and (2) each coach's gender and qualifications.

Bill· SS. 289 (108th)referred

Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish special tax provisions applicable to the uniformed services and the Foreign Service, including an extension of time to exclude gain from the sale of a principal residence, exclusion from income of certain death gratuity benefits, extending combat zone filing rules to contingency operations, excluding certain dependent care assistance from income, and the deduction overnight travel expenses for National Guard and Reserve members. Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization. Establishes IRS service user fee authority through September 30, 2013. Revises IRC expatriation tax provisions.

Bill· SS. 269 (108th)open

Captive Wildlife Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Captive Wildlife Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to define "prohibited wildlife species" as any live lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar. Declares it a prohibited act for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any prohibited wildlife species. Exempts from this prohibition licensed zoos, circuses, accredited sanctuaries, federally-licensed breeders, State entities (universities, wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians), any incorporated humane society, animal shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, persons transporting prohibited wildlife species to any such facility, and specified related organizations.

Bill· SS. 249 (108th)open

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran after age 55 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Provides that the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after age 55 shall not bar the payment of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation to which such spouse was previously entitled.

Bill· SS. 257 (108th)open

Veterans Benefits and Pensions Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Veterans Benefits and Pensions Protection Act of 2003 - Includes as a prohibited assignment of veterans' benefits any agreement entered into by a beneficiary under which another person acquires for consideration the right to receive any compensation, pension, or dependency and indemnity compensation of such beneficiary. Provides criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an outreach program to inform veterans and other potential recipients of such compensation or pension of the prohibition against the assignment of such benefits, including information on various schemes to evade the prohibition and means of avoiding such schemes.

Bill· SS. 253 (108th)open

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize qualified law enforcement officers (including certain qualified retired officers) carrying the photographic identification issued by their governmental agency, notwithstanding State or local laws, to carry a concealed firearm. Provides that such authorization shall not supersede State laws that: (1) permit private entities to prohibit the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or (2) prohibit the possession of firearms on State or local government property. Excludes from the definition of "firearm" any machine gun, firearm silencer, or destructive device.

Bill· SS. 272 (108th)referred

CARE Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2003 or the CARE Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to charitable giving, charitable organizations, and social services to, among other things: (1) allow a deduction for a portion of charitable contributions to individuals who do not itemize; (2) allow tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) allow for the exclusion of 25 percent of gain on sales or exchanges of land or water interests to eligible entities for conservation purposes; (4) exclude mileage reimbursements to charitable volunteers from gross income; (5) increase oversight of tax-exempt organizations; (6) suspend the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations; (7) modify the excise tax on unrelated business taxable income of charitable remainder trusts; (8) repeal the grassroots expenditure limit for charitable organizations; (9) modify the definition of convention or association of churches to state that no such grouping shall fail to qualify merely because individuals are members or because individuals have voting rights in such organization; (10) count certain payments made by charitable organizations to victims in the war against terrorism as related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for such organizations' exemptions; (11) restore funds for the Social Services Block Grant; (12) restore authority to transfer up to ten percent of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds to the Social Services Block Grant. Savings for Working Families Act of 2003 - States as a purpose of this Act to provide for the establishment of individual development account programs that will provide individuals and families with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets and to enter the financial mainstream. Provides procedures for opening and maintaining such an account and qualifying for matching funds. Authorizes appropriations for the: (1) Savings for Working Families Act of 2003; and (2) administration of exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Service. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to and enter into cooperative agreements to support nonprofit community-based organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits requiring a nongovernmental social service organization to: (1) remove religious art, icons, or scripture; (2) alter its charter; or (3) alter religious qualifications for board membership. Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to provide for maternity group homes and evaluation of such homes.

Bill· SS. 262 (108th)referred

Education Works Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 250 (108th)referred

Global CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Global Coordination of HIV/AIDS Response Act or Global CARE Act - Establishes an interagency working group to coordinate Federal programs related to the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS in foreign countries and to conduct global HIV/AIDS activities. Establishes the International HIV/AIDS Prevention and Capacity Development Initiative to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections through specified measures. Establishes the International AIDS Care and Treatment Access Initiative. Authorizes appropriations to the following Federal agencies for such purposes: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (5) the Food and Drug Administration; (6) the United States Agency for International Development; and (7) the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce, including the Global Health Fund. States that the United States should make contributions to such Fund consistent with the general principles outlined in the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a (HIV/AIDS) Global Physician Corps using international assignment of physicians to provide care, train host country physicians, and establish or adapt clinical protocols for prevention and treatment. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorizes funds for injection safety. AIDS Orphans Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to communities affected by AIDS, including microcredit programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a pilot program concerning the use of antiretroviral drugs in resource-poor settings.

Bill· SS. 267 (108th)referred

Telecommunications Ownership Diversification Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Telecommunications Ownership Diversification Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an electing taxpayer to treat a qualified telecommunications business sale to an eligible purchaser as an involuntary conversion. Places limits on the ensuing tax benefit. Defines an eligible purchaser as: (1) an economically and socially disadvantaged business; or (2) a corporation or partnership which, following the purchase, has substantially all of its assets in the telecommunications business and is at least five percent owned by the Telecommunications Development Fund. Provides a limited tax credit to a local exchange carrier that is not a Bell operating company and is headquartered in an empowerment zone. Provides for the exclusion from income of 50 percent of the gain on any sale or exchange of stock in an eligible purchaser engaged in a telecommunications business held for more than five years. Directs the Comptroller General to biennially audit the administration of the provisions of this Act and issue a report.

Bill· SS. 261 (108th)referred

Children First Act of 2003

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 40 (108th)referred

A resolution reaffirming congressional commitment to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its critical role in guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for women and girls, particularly with respect to school athletics.

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.

Bill· SS. 239 (108th)referred

Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 238 (108th)referred

Museum and Library Services Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 234 (108th)referred

A bill to provide that members of the Armed Forces performing services on the Island of Diego Garcia shall be entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Extends the tax benefits available under the Internal Revenue Code for services performed in a combat zone to active duty performed by a member of the U.S. armed forces on the Island of Diego Garcia.

Bill· SS. 229 (108th)referred

Safe and Fair Deposit Insurance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Safe and Fair Deposit Insurance Act of 2003 - Insurance Funds Merger Act of 2003 - Mandates that the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) established by this Act. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to establish the DIF. Mandates that all assessments against insured depository institutions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) be deposited into the DIF. Authorizes the FDIC to borrow from the Federal home loan banks funds necessary for DIF use. Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the FDIA to: (1) prohibit an undercapitalized insured depository institution from accepting employee benefit plan deposits; (2) increase Federal insurance coverage (including an inflation adjustment); and (3) include retirement accounts and municipal deposits within such coverage. Requires the FDIC Board of Directors to designate the reserve ratio applicable to the DIF. Prohibits the Board from modifying its information collection requirements if such modification is done solely to change assessment risk classifications and results in placing greater regulatory or reporting burdens upon an insured depository institution. Allows credits based upon past contributions to the DIF.

Bill· SS. 245 (108th)referred

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any person or entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, from knowingly: (1) performing or attempting to perform human cloning; (2) participating in such an attempt; (3) shipping or receiving an embryo produced by human cloning or any product derived from such an embryo; or (4) importing such an embryo. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties. Provides that nothing in this Act restricts areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited above, including research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans. Directs the General Accounting Office to assess the need for amendment of such prohibition, including through: (1) a discussion of new developments, the need for somatic cell transfer to produce medical advances, current public attitudes and prevailing ethical views concerning its use, and potential legal implications of somatic cell transfer research; and (2) a review of any technological developments that may require technical changes to such prohibition.

Bill· SS. 235 (108th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the treatment of dependent care assistance programs sponsored by the Department of Defense for members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Includes dependent care assistance within the definition of a qualified military benefit which shall be excluded from gross income, thus excluding such assistance from gross income for uniformed service members and former members.

Bill· SS. 224 (108th)open

Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003

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.

Bill· SS. 227 (108th)referred

Loan Forgiveness for Certified Teachers Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

Loan Forgiveness for Certified Teachers Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the maximum amount of student loan cancellation for certified or licensed teachers who teach for five years at low-income elementary or secondary schools. Establishes a HEA grants program for promoting teacher certification and licensing. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make such grants to institutions of higher education for programs, projects, and activities to encourage professionals and other interested persons to become certified or licensed teachers. Includes among authorized activities developing curricula and support programs and recruitment strategies.

Bill· SS. 215 (108th)referred

GUARD Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003

Guaranteeing a United and Resolute Defense Act of 2003 or GUARD Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funds to the governor of a State who submits, and receives approval of, a plan for the use of personnel and equipment of the State's National Guard in homeland security activities. Provides authorizes uses of such funding, including: (1) pay, allowances, and clothing; (2) equipment and facilities operation and maintenance; and (3) procurement of related services.

Bill· SS. 202 (108th)referred

Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2003

Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a business or trade deduction the expenses of a member of the reserve component of the U.S. armed forces in connection with such service. Makes such deduction available to itemizers and non-itemizers. Establishes related reserve component business-related employment and self-employment credits.