United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Commends the bravery and professionalism of members of the U.S. armed forces and its coalition partners. Extends sympathies to the families of such members who are killed, wounded, missing in action, or taken prisoners of war in Iraq. Condemns the failure of Iraqi authorities to treat prisoners of war in strict conformity with Geneva Convention. Demands that Iraqi authorities: (1) abide by the principles and obligations of such Convention; and (2) permit the Red Cross to visit any and all American and any other prisoners of war at the earliest possible time. Joins the President in warning all Iraqi authorities that any individual who mistreats such prisoners of war shall be considered a war criminal and prosecuted to the fullest extent of U.S. and international law. Expresses support for the President in: (1) committing the U.S. Government to the repatriation of all prisoners of war at the earliest possible moment; and (2) seeking the fullest possible accounting, at the earliest possible time, of all members of the U.S. armed forces who are in a missing status as a result of operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of and reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening tests covered under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) increase reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests; (2) cover an outpatient office visit or consultation for the purpose of beneficiary education before a colorectal cancer screening test consisting of a screening colonoscopy or in conjunction with the beneficiary's decision to obtain such a screening, regardless of whether such screening is medically indicated with respect to the beneficiary; and (3) waive the deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Honors and recognizes: (1) the 350th anniversary of the American Jewish community; and (2) the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History (formed by the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives) and its efforts to plan, coordinate, and execute commemorative events. Expresses support for designation of American Jewish History Month.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Recognizes: (1) the achievements of the Ford Motor Company on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; (2) the Company's impact on the lives of Americans and people of all nations; and (3) that Ford will continue to have an even greater impact and will enhance personal mobility for generations to come.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Access to Cancer Therapies Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend Medicare coverage to all oral drugs prescribed for use as an anticancer agent for a medically accepted indication.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Amendment Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with cardiovascular diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Asbestos Compensation Act of 2003 - Establishes in the Department of Justice the Office of Asbestos Compensation (OAC) with exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings to determine if a claimant is entitled to compensation for an asbestos claim and the amount of such compensation. Excludes any claim brought under any workers' compensation law or veterans' benefits program. Establishes within OAC: (1) an Asbestos Compensation Fund to make payments to claimants under this Act; and (2) an Office of Administrative Law Judges for expedited administrative adjudication of asbestos claims.. Requires the OAC to implement a legal assistance program to provide legal representation to claimants. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) medical eligibility; (2) damages; (3) come back rights; (4) class actions; (5) core claims; (6) eligible medical categories; (7) fiscal and financial management of the Asbestos Compensation Fund; and (8) transitional civil actions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
American History and Civics Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to award competitive grants to nonprofit educational institutions to establish: (1) Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics to offer workshops for teachers of American history and civics; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics to offer workshops for outstanding students of American history and civics. Directs the NEA Chairperson to award a grant to an organization for the creation of a national alliance of elementary school and secondary school teachers of American history and civics.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Recognizes the bicentennial of the admission of Ohio into the Union, and the residents of Ohio for their important contributions to the economic, social, and cultural development of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 111 West Washington Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, as the Delbert L. Latta Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits any qualified civil liability action from being brought in any State or Federal court and requires pending actions to be dismissed. Defines such an action to: (1) include an action brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers, for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm; and (2) exclude an action brought against persons who transfer a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime; an action brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; an action in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm willfully violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; an action for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or an action for physical injuries or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe consumer protection guidelines for rental-purchase transactions, including: (1) the determination of rental-purchase cost; (2) disclosure requirements; (3) prohibitions against confessions of judgment, wage assignments, and waiver of consumer claims or defenses; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures. Establishes civil and criminal liability for violations of this Act. Grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission and to State attorneys general.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Access to Innovation for Medicare Patients Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of self-injected biologicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration that are prescribed as a complete replacement for a drug or a biological that otherwise cannot be self-administered.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to accelerate the following previously enacted tax reductions: (1) the 10-percent individual income tax rate bracket expansion: (2) the reduction in individual income tax rates; (3) the 15-percent individual income tax rate bracket expansion for married taxpayers filing joint returns; (4) the increase in the standard deduction for married taxpayers filing joint returns; and (5) the increase in the child tax credit. Triples the small business expensing limit. Excludes from gross income the excludable portion of dividends. Sets forth definitions and rules concerning such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Establishes the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Advisory Board and authorizes it to establish a memorial to victims who died as a result of terrorist attacks against the United States or its people, at home or abroad, except those individuals identified by the Attorney General as participating or conspiring in terrorist-related activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Patient Safety Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D (Patient Safety Improvements) to provide for voluntary reporting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services of patient safety data. Prescribes confidentiality and peer review protections for such data. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on State laws that relate to patient safety data peer review systems. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety supports public and private sector initiatives to improve patient safety for items and services furnished through health care providers. Charges the Center with: (1) providing for the certification and recertification of patient safety organizations; and (2) establishing a Patient Safety Database to collect, support, and coordinate the analysis of non-identifiable information concerning patient safety that is reported. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop voluntary, national standards that promote the interoperability of health care information technology systems across all health care settings; and (2) encourage health care providers to adopt appropriate evidence-based methods to improve patient safety. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Medical Information Technology Advisory Board to advise and make recommendations on medical information technology.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a member of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 180 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 150 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for five years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes the above provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from such provisions is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. Excludes from gross income as a qualified military benefit the amount of the death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10 of the United States Code, effective with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001. Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization (as defined by this Act). Denies: (1) deductions for contributions made to such an organization; and (2) administrative or judicial challenge to such suspension or denial. Provides for refund or credit in a case of erroneous designation. Provides a deduction, not to exceed $500, for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. States that the amounts transferred to any trust fund under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be determined as if this Act had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Recognizes: (1) the achievements of the Ford Motor Company on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; (2) the Company's impact on the lives of Americans and people of all nations; and (3) that Ford will continue to have an even greater impact and will enhance personal mobility for generations to come.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a community homeownership tax credit based upon an applicable percentage of each qualified residence's eligible basis. Makes such credit available to residences located: (1) in a census tract with a median gross income not exceeding 80 percent of the greater area or statewide median gross income; (2) in a rural area; (3) on an Indian reservation; or (4) in an area of chronic economic distress. Prohibits a buyer's income from exceeding 80 percent (70 percent for families of less than three) of the area gross median income and requires owner occupancy. Specifies that the aggregate homeownership credit dollar amount which a homeownership credit agency (an "agency") may disburse is the portion of the "State homeownership credit ceiling" (the "ceiling") allocated to such agency. Allows "unused homeownership credit carryovers" to be allocated among qualified States. Sets aside at up to 90 percent least ten percent of a State's ceiling for certain housing projects in which a qualified nonprofit organization owns an interest and materially participates in the given project's development and operation throughout the credit period. Requires allocation of credit to residences to be in accordance with a "qualified allocation plan" of the agency issuing credit. Lists certain specified criteria such a plan must include and specifies that the plan must be approved by the governmental unit of which such agency is a part.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2003 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) a regular timeline for the publication of final regulations; and (2) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors. Outlines requirements for provider education and technical assistance under Medicare. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Provider Ombudsman to assist confidentially service providers and suppliers with respect to grievances and requests for information. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman to assist Medicare beneficiaries with respect to grievances and requests for information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program making certain technical assistance available, upon request on a voluntary basis, to small providers of services or suppliers to evaluate their billing and related systems for compliance with the applicable Medicare requirements. Outlines requirements with respect to provider appeals and recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for expedited access to judicial review. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to: (1) the Medicare Integrity Program to provide for the recovery of overpayments; and (2) agreements with service providers to direct the Secretary to establish a process for enrollment of Medicare service providers and suppliers. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any documentation guidelines for evaluation and management physician services under Medicare unless the Secretary has, among other things, established a plan with specific goals and a schedule for improving the use of such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out environmental cleanup and remediation programs involving specified lands that are contaminated with hazardous substances associated with illegal methamphetamine manufacture. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate as hazardous certain byproducts of the methamphetamine production process and expand penalties against laboratory operators; (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to list byproducts likely to cause long-term environmental harm; (3) the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to provide grants to State and local law enforcement for specified training and equipment acquisition; (4) the EPA Administrator to study the impact of methamphetamine laboratory operation on the environment; and (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study contamination issues. Amends: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants for educational programs; (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment; (3) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include among permissible grant projects under the "cops on the beat" program hiring personnel and purchasing equipment; and (4) the Controlled Substances Act to set penalties for promoting, for commercial purposes, an entertainment event where the promoter knows that a controlled substance will be used or distributed in violation of specified law. Urges the President to seek commitments from the Canadian Government regarding the availability of pseudoephedrine.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician or other individual from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion, except when necessary to save the life of a mother that is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury. Defines a "partial-birth abortion" as an abortion in which the person performing the abortion: (1) deliberately and intentionally vaginally delivers a living fetus until, in the case of a head-first presentation, the entire fetal head is outside the mother's body, or, in the case of a breech presentation, any part of the fetal trunk past the navel is outside the mother's body; and (2) performs the overt act, other than completion of delivery, that kills the partially delivered living fetus. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003 - Makes changes to the health care liability system, including compensation for injured patients and other issues arising out of health care law suits. Requires a suit to be brought within three years of the date of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs first. Specifies exceptions when a suit may be brought later than three years after the date of injury. Sets forth requirements and permissible recovery amounts for compensating patient injury, including: (1) the full amount of economic loss without limitation; (2) noneconomic damages as specified; and (3) a fair share rule. Requires the court to supervise payment-of-damage arrangements, limiting contingency fees. Permits the introduction of evidence of collateral source benefits, except that this section shall not apply to provisions of the Social Security Act pertaining to State plans for medical assistance and Medicare as secondary payer. Limits the availability of punitive damages, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malicious intent to injure or a deliberate failure to avoid substantially certain, unnecessary injury. Prohibits their award for products that comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, except if the manufacturer or distributor of a particular medical product or the supplier of a component or raw material of such a product causes harm by failing to comply with a specific requirement of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes periodic payment of future damages to claimants. Excludes suits for vaccine-related death or injury from the requirements of this Act if otherwise covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Preempts State law unless such law imposes greater protections for health care providers and organizations from liability, loss, or damages. Expresses the sense of Congress that a health insurer should be liable for damages for harm caused when it makes a decision as to what care is medically necessary and appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003
Authorizes the President to award a gold medal to each of the seven crew members who perished aboard the space shuttle Columbia: Rick D. Husband; Michael P. Anderson; Laurel Clark; David M. Brown; William C. McCool; Kapana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Gary Lee McKiddy of Miamisburg, Ohio, for acts of valor while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, notwithstanding otherwise application time limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 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 · 8 January 2003
National Aviation Heritage Area Act - Establishes within the States of Ohio and Indiana the National Aviation Heritage Area. Directs the Area's management entity, the Aviation Heritage Foundation, Incorporated (AHFI), to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a Management Plan for the Area and to assist government and nonprofits in developing the Area in specified ways. Requires the Plan to provide for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the Area. Directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove the proposed Plan and to make recommendations. Prohibits appropriated funds from being expended to implement any changes made by a substantial amendment to the Plan without the Secretary's approval. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial or technical assistance to the Area to develop and implement the Plan upon request by the AHFI. Requires any Federal agency involved in activities affecting the Area to consult with the AHFI and the Secretary and to act in ways the AHFI determines will not have an adverse affect on the Area. Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the appropriate Secretary coordinate decisions affecting the Area. Specifies the sunset of grants and assistance from the Secretary for the Area 15 years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct an updated special resource study detailing alternatives for incorporating the Wright Company factory as a unit of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street, in Dayton, Ohio, as the Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Fairness, Simplification and Competitiveness for American Business Act of 2003 - Revises Internal Revenue Code rules relating to U.S. businesses operating abroad. Revises provisions concerning treatment of controlled foreign corporations, including: (1) expanding the de minimis rule; (2) excluding from the definition of "foreign base company oil related income" the pipeline transportation of oil or gas within such foreign country; (3) repealing rules applicable to foreign personal holding companies and foreign investment companies; (4) amending the definition of foreign personal holding company income to include income from certain personal services contracts and sale of such contracts; (5) repealing controlled foreign corporation rules on foreign base company sales and service income; (6) reducing foreign tax credit baskets; and (7) not treating interest, dividends, rents, and royalties from a related controlled foreign corporation as foreign personal holding company income. Sets forth provisions concerning foreign tax credit, including: (1) extending the period in which excess foreign taxes may be carried; (2) defining overall domestic loss and setting forth provisions for determining taxable income for any taxpayer sustaining such a loss; (3) issuing special rules relating to financial services income; (4) dictating rules for the treatment of dividends from certain corporations and extending the look-through treatment for such corporations; (5) extending the carryforward period for foreign tax credits; (6) repealing the limitation of such credits under the alternative minimum tax; and (7) eliminating limitation on such credits with regard to oil or gas extraction taxes. Exempts certain foreign corporations from uniform capitalization rules. Sets forth provisions concerning airline mileage awards to certain foreign persons. Repeals the special capital gains tax on certain nonresident aliens. Exempts dividends paid by a foreign corporation to a nonresident alien from 30 percent taxation. Permits, for interest allocation rule purposes, treating each electing worldwide affiliated group as an affiliated group, subject to exceptions. Makes permanent the subpart F exception for active income financing (presently, the exception expires for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006).
United States · United States Congress · 7 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 10 East Commerce Street in Youngstown, Ohio, as the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2002
Recognizes: (1) the 350th anniversary of the American Jewish community; and (2) the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History (formed by the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives) and its efforts to plan, coordinate, and execute commemorative events. Supports designation of American Jewish History Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2002
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Establishes in DHS the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, headed by an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 - Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act and other Federal and State disclosure requirements critical infrastructure information voluntarily submitted to a covered Federal agency for its use regarding the security of critical infrastructure and protected systems, analysis, warning, interdependency study, recovery, reconstitution, or other informational purpose. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for sharing information; and (2) appoint a senior Privacy Officer to assume primary responsibility for privacy policy. Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines and otherwise address crimes involving fraud in connection with computers and access to protected information, protected computers or restricted data in interstate or foreign commerce or involving a computer used by or for the Federal Government. Exempts from criminal penalties any emergency disclosures to a governmental entity by an electronic communication service and specified disclosures made in good faith. Abolishes the Office of Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice and transfers its functions to an Office of Science and Technology hereby established within the Department of Justice. Requires the Director of the Office to operate and support National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Directorate of Science and Technology, headed by an Under Secretary for Science and Technology; (2) a Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency; (3) a Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee; (4) a Homeland Security Institute; (5) a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, headed by an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; and (6) the U.S. Customs Service (transferred from the Department of the Treasury, but with certain customs revenue functions remaining with the Secretary of the Treasury). Transfers to DHS certain agricultural inspection functions of the Department of Agriculture. Maintains the Transportation Security Administration, transferred to DHS from the Department of Transportation, as a distinct entity. Vests in the Secretary of DHS all authority relating to U.S. consular officials to grant or refuse visas for entry into the Unite States. Establishes in DHS an Office for Domestic Preparedness to prepare the United States for acts of terrorism. Transfers to Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security from the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization (INS Commissioner) all functions performed under the Border Patrol, detention and removal, intelligence, investigations, and inspections programs. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Bureau of Border Security, headed by an Assistant Secretary; (2) a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, headed by a Director; and (3) a Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. Transfers from the INS Commissioner to the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) functions under Federal immigration law with respect to the care of unaccompanied alien children. Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Department of Justice. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary to: (1) make voluntary separation incentive payments to employees of the INS, the DHS Bureau of Border Security, and the DHS Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; and (2) conduct a demonstration project to determine whether changes in the policies or procedures relating to methods for disciplining employees would result in improved personnel management. Establishes within the Office of Deputy DHS Secretary a Director of Shared Services to coordinate resources for the Bureau of Border Security and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Establishes in DHS a Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response, headed by an Under Secretary. Declares that, at the direction of the DHS Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency in the United States), the Nuclear Incident Response Team shall operate as an organizational unit of DHS. Provides for Johnny Micheal Spann Patriot Trusts for surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents, grandparents, or siblings of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, certain personnel (including contractors) of elements of the intelligence community, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees, and Federal officers, employees, or contract employees whose deaths occur in the line of duty and arise out of terrorist attacks, military operations, intelligence operations, or law enforcement operations or accidents connected with activities occurring after September 11, 2001, and related to domestic or foreign efforts to curb international terrorism. Specifies the duties of the DHS Under Secretary for Management. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assess information alleging abuses of civil rights, civil liberties, and racial and ethnic profiling by DHS employees and officials. Establishes within the Office of the DHS Secretary an Office for State and Local Government Coordination to oversee and coordinate departmental programs for and relationships with State and local governments. Subjects the DHS Inspector General to the Secretary's authority with respect to audits or investigations, or issuance of subpoenas, that require access to sensitive information concerning specified matters the disclosure of which would constitute a serious threat to national security. Specifies the law enforcement powers of Inspector General agents. Transfers the United States Secret Service to DHS. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts with any foreign incorporated entity treated as an inverted domestic corporation (corporate expatriate). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a human resources management system for the organizational units of DHS. Declares that no agency or agency subdivision transferred to DHS shall be excluded from coverage of Federal civil service labor-management relations law unless: (1) the agency's (or subdivision's) mission and responsibilities materially change; and (2) a majority of the employees within such agency (or subdivision) have as their primary duty intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative work directly related to terrorism investigation. Prescribes requirements, including expedited procedures, for procurements for defense against or recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002' or the SAFETY Act - Authorizes the Secretary to designate anti-terrorism technologies that qualify for protection under a prescribed system of risk management (including mandatory liability insurance). Creates a Federal cause of action for claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism when qualified anti-terrorism technologies have been deployed in defense against or response or recovery from such act and such claims result or may result in loss to the Seller. Directs the Secretary to appoint a senior DHS counternarcotics officer to coordinate policy and operations within DHS and between it and other Federal agencies with respect to interdicting the entry of illegal drugs into the United States, and tracking and severing connections between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of International Affairs. Prohibits all Federal activities to implement the proposed component program of the Citizen Corps known as Operation TIPS (Terrorism Information and Prevention System). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office for National Capital Region to oversee and coordinate Federal programs for and relationships with State, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region Coordination. Requires DHS to comply with Federal laws protecting equal employment opportunity and providing whistleblower protections. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a permanent Joint Interagency Homeland Security Task Force composed of representatives from military and civilian Federal agencies to anticipate terrorist threats and prevent terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares the sense of Congress reaffirming the continued importance and applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act prohibiting the use of the Armed Forces as a posse comitatus to execute the law except as expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress. Transfers the Coast Guard to DHS, but prohibits the Secretary from substantially or significantly reducing the missions of the Coast Guard or its capability to perform them, except as specified in subsequent Acts. Homeland Security Information Sharing Act - Directs the President to prescribe and implement procedures under which relevant Federal agencies: (1) share relevant and appropriate homeland security information with other Federal agencies, including DHS, and appropriate State and local personnel; (2) identify and safeguard homeland security information that is sensitive but unclassified; and (3) to the extent such information is in classified form, determine whether, how, and to what extent to remove classified information, as appropriate, and with which such personnel it may be shared after such information is removed. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize the disclosure of grand jury information: (1) to personnel of a foreign government; and (2) to appropriate Federal, State, local, or foreign government officials to prevent or respond to specified hostile foreign power or domestic or international terrorist threats or actions, or foreign intelligence gathering activities. Authorizes Federal investigative or law enforcement officers to share electronic, wire, and oral interception information with foreign investigative or law enforcement officers. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a National Homeland Security Council to: (1) assess U.S. objectives, commitments, and risks in the interest of homeland security; (2) oversee and review Federal homeland security policies; and (3) make recommendations to the President. Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 - Amends Federal law to revise requirements for the coordination of Federal information policy to require: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oversee agency information security policies and practices; and (2) each Federal agency head to provide information security protections. Requires the Director to prescribe standards for Federal information systems based on proposals by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Renames the Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board. Transfers the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice. Establishes within ATF an Explosives Training and Research Facility at Fort AP Hill, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Safe Explosives Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for $50 one-year limited permits to receive explosive materials no more than six times during the permit period, and only from licensees or permittees whose premises are located in the State where the limited permittee resides. Prohibits limited permit holders from transporting, shipping, or receiving explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce. Prohibits knowing distribution of explosive materials to or possession by: (1) certain illegal aliens; (2) persons with a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; or (3) anyone who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Authorizes the Secretary to grant relief from specified prohibitions, depending on the relief applicant's record and reputation. Extends through calendar 2003 the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to declare an air carrier a victim of terrorism not liable for third party claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to extend through calendar 2003 the termination date of any insurance policy issued to an air carrier. Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 - Amends Federal civil service law to require the heads of specified agencies to appoint or designate Agency Chief Human Capital Officers to set agency workforce development strategy. Establishes a Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Requires OMB to design a set of systems for assessing the management of human capital by Federal agencies. Amends Federal civil service law to authorize OMB to establish alternative ranking and selection procedures for the competitive service hiring process. Provides for permanent extension and revision of authorities for use of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement. Amends Federal civil service law to repeal recertification requirements of the Senior Executive Service. Revises requirements with respect to employee academic degree training and the National Security Education Program. Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to deputize volunteer pilots of passenger air carriers as Federal law enforcement officers to defend the aircraft flight decks with firearms or less-than-lethal weapons against acts of criminal violence or air piracy (Federal flight deck officers). Provides for flight crew training. Requires the President to transmit a DHS reorganization plan to the appropriate congressional committees within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Revises Federal transportation law with respect to airline transportation security. Allows U.S. nationals, as well as U.S. citizens, as airport screeners. Transfers to the DHS Secretary the mandate to protect Federal Government officers, employees, and property. of certain security and law enforcement functions and authorities. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center. Amends Federal transportation law to extend certain requirements with respect to railroad and hazardous materials (hazmat) safety to railroad and hazmat security.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to allow a correction period for certain security and commodity transactions under the prohibited transaction rules.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2002
Protecting America's Savings Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to accelerate increases to: (1) the $5,000 deductible individual retirement account (IRA) contribution limit; and (2) the $15,000 elective deferral and the State, local, and tax-exempt organizations' plan limits, the $10,000 SIMPLE plan limit, and catch-up contribution limits. Increases dollar amount eligibility for IRA and Roth IRA deductibility. Amends Federal law to permit Federal employee Thrift Savings Fund catch-up contributions. Amends the Code to expand and make permanent the credit for elective deferrals and IRA contributions for certain individuals. Increases incrementally, from the current of age 70 1/2 to age 75 the required beginning date for distributions from qualified plans. Establishes: (1) $300,000 amounts not subject to minimum distribution requirements for defined contribution and individual retirement plans; and (2) $0 for defined benefit plans. Permits exempt trust and IRA rollovers to a spouse's retirement plan. Permits rollovers by nonspouse designated beneficiaries for the following retirement plans: (1) State and local government or tax-exempt organization deferred compensation plans; (2) employer-purchased employee annuity plans; and (3) certain tax-exempt organization or public school employee annuities. Provides for certain tax-free changes of "equal periodic payment" annuity determinations. Permits certain nonelective employer contributions to be made for qualifying employee "simple retirement accounts." Imposes a golden parachute excise tax on excessive employee remuneration paid by a corporation after bankruptcy. Provides for a study of defined contribution plan losses due to market volatility.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2002
Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Expresses support for the President's efforts to: (1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq; and (2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions. Authorizes the President to use the U.S. armed forces to: (1) defend U.S. national security against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and (2) enforce all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Directs the President, prior to or as soon as possible (but no later than 48 hours) after exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) reliance on further diplomatic or peaceful means alone will not achieve the above purposes; and (2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization for use of the armed forces, consistent with requirements of the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress at least every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that each State should examine its existing statutes, practices, and procedures governing special elections so that, in the event of a catastrophe, vacancies in the House of Representatives may be filled in a timely fashion.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2002
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 111 West Washington Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, as the Delbert L. Latta Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2002
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should complete action in the 107th Congress on the Pension Security Act of 2002 and present it to the President for his signature before adjournment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2002
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their freedom, and to each other. Extends deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims. Expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist attacks and their sponsors until they are discovered and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2002
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street, in Dayton, Ohio, as the Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Tax Simplification Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the alternative minimum tax. Amends the definitions of dependent and of head of household. Modifies provisions concerning: (1) the dependent care credit; (2) the child tax credit; (3) the earned income credit; and (4) the deduction for a personal exemption for dependents. Accelerates the repeal of the phaseout of personal exemptions and of the overall limitation on itemized deductions. Repeals certain phaseout provisions, including with regard to the child tax credit. Modifies provisions dealing with the capital gains tax (including, allowing the deduction for nonitemizers) and providing for a deduction for points on a home mortgage. Provides for the partial exclusion of dividends and interest. Increases the exclusion for group-term life insurance purchased for employees. Combines the Hope and Lifetime Learning credits. Repeals provisions regarding collapsible corporations. Sets forth special rules dealing with the active business test for certain corporate reorganizations. Provides rules for determining the transferor's basis of intangible property to a corporation. Repeals the ability of partnerships to elect to apply large partnership rules, effective after December 31, 2003. Repeals the personal holding company tax. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to prescribe the class life of any property, except for residential rental property and nonresidential real property. Repeals the occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer. Converts the failure to pay one's estimated income tax penalty to an interest charge on the accumulated unpaid balance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
National Aviation Heritage Area Act - Establishes within the State of Ohio (and other areas as appropriate) the National Aviation Heritage Area (the "Area"). Directs the Area's management entity, the Aviation Heritage Foundation, Incorporated (the AHFI, an Ohio nonprofit) to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior (the "Secretary") a Management Plan (the "Plan") for the Area and to assist government and nonprofits in developing the Area in specified ways. Requires the Plan to provide for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the Area, and to include recommendations for inclusion within the Area of suitable and feasible sites. Directs the Secretary to approve the Plan or to disapprove it, and to provide recommendations in the latter instance. Prohibits appropriated funds from being expended to implement any changes made by a substantial amendment to the Plan until the Secretary approves of such amendment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial or technical assistance to the Area to develop and implement the Plan upon request by the AHFI. Requires any Federal agency involved with activities affecting the Area to consult with the AHFI and the Secretary and, to the maximum extent practicable, act in ways the AHFI determines will not adversely affect the Area. Provides for the coordination of decisions with regard to the Area by the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Specifies the sunset of grants and assistance from the Secretary for the Area after September 30, 2017. Requires an updated study and report concerning incorporating the Wright Company factory as a unit of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a community homeownership tax credit based upon an applicable percentage of each qualified residence's eligible basis. Makes such credit available to residences located: (1) in a census tract with a median gross income not exceeding 80 percent of the greater area or statewide median gross income; (2) in a rural area; (3) on an Indian reservation; or (4) in an area of chronic economic distress. Prohibits a buyer's income from exceeding 80 percent (70 percent for families of less than three) of the area gross median income and requires owner occupancy. Specifies that the aggregate homeownership credit dollar amount which a homeownership credit agency (an "agency") may disburse is the portion of the "State homeownership credit ceiling" (the "ceiling") allocated to such agency. Allows "unused homeownership credit carryovers" to be allocated among qualified States. Sets aside at up to 90 percent least ten percent of a State's ceiling for certain housing projects in which a qualified nonprofit organization owns an interest and materially participates in the given project's development and operation throughout the credit period. Requires allocation of credit to residences to be in accordance with a "qualified allocation plan" of the agency issuing credit. Lists certain specified criteria such a plan must include and specifies that the plan must be approved by the governmental unit of which such agency is a part.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2002 - Authorizes the establishment of the District of Columbia Scholarship Corporation as a private, nonprofit corporation to administer, publicize, and evaluate a District scholarship program and determine elementary and secondary student and school eligibility. Establishes a District of Columbia Scholarship Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides for a seven-member Corporation Board of Directors, with six members appointed by the President from House and Senate nominees, and one member appointed by the District Mayor. Authorizes the Corporation to award tuition scholarships and enhanced achievement scholarships to District students in kindergarten through grade 12 with family incomes not exceeding 185 percent of the national poverty line. Allows scholarships to be used for tuition, fees, and appropriate transportation to public, private, or independent schools (or beyond-school-hours enhancement programs) in the District and specified neighboring counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia. Requires the following order of scholarship award priorities to students who: (1) have received such a scholarship in a previous year (in the program's second and subsequent years); (2) District school or kindergarten enrollees; (3) victims of school violence; and (4) other eligible students. Requires use of a lottery whenever amounts are insufficient to provide a scholarship for each student in one of these categories. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the District scholarship program. Provides for expedited judicial review of challenges to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Pledge of Allegiance, including the phrase "One Nation, under God," reflects the historical fact that a belief in God permeated the founding and development of our Nation; (2) the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals's ruling is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's First Amendment jurisprudence that the Pledge and similar expressions are not unconstitutional expressions of religious belief; (3) such phrase should remain in the Pledge; and (4) the Ninth Circuit should agree to rehear this ruling en banc in order to reverse this constitutionally infirm and historically incorrect ruling.
![Official portrait of Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000449_200.jpg)