United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn Crime Victims' Rights Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that a crime victim has the following rights: (1) to be reasonably protected from the accused; (2) to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused and to not be excluded from any such proceeding; (3) to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding involving release, plea, or sentencing; (4) to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case; (5) to full and timely restitution as provided in law; (6) to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and (7) to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy. Directs: (1) the court to ensure that a victim is afforded these rights; (2) officers and employees of Federal agencies engaged in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime to make their best efforts to see that victims are notified of, and accorded, these rights; and (3) the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to enforce victims' rights and to ensure compliance by responsible officials with the obligations respecting crime victims. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime to make grants to: (1) develop, establish, and maintain programs for the enforcement of victims' rights; and (2) develop and implement state-of-the-art systems for notifying victims of important dates and developments relating to criminal proceedings. Requires: (1) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the number of times such victims' rights are asserted and the relief requested is denied; and (2) the Comptroller General to evaluate the effect of this Act on the treatment of victims.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2004
Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an entity of Federal, State, or local government or an officer or agent of such government by reason of that entity's, officer's, or agent's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
Military Reserve Mobilization Income Security Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the National Guard or the Ready Reserve who have been activated for military duty a refundable income tax credit for the lesser of: (1) the excess of such reservist's daily civilian compensation over the reservist's daily military pay while on active duty or full-time National Guard duty; or (2) $54.80 per day. Includes the amount of such credit in the reservist's gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program's authorization through September 30, 2008. Establishes a pilot program for mitigation of severe repetitive loss properties. Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance to States and communities for taking actions to mitigate flood damage to such properties and losses to the National Flood Insurance Fund from such properties. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligible activities (activities to reduce flood damages and to purchase such properties); and (2) matching fund requirements. Provides for increased premiums of up to 150 percent of the current chargeable rate in cases of refusal to mitigate. Authorizes the Director to provide funding for mitigation actions that reduce flood damages to individual properties for which one or more claim payments for losses have been made under flood insurance coverage where such activities are determined to be in the best interest of the Fund. Requires: (1) the Director to develop specified supplemental and acknowledgment forms and a flood insurance claims handbook; and (2) the Comptroller General of the United States to study the adequacy of the scope of coverage provided under flood insurance policies, the adequacy of payments to flood victims, and the practices of FEMA and insurance adjusters in estimating losses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Federal Marriage Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of war, Federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) Federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20 percent of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses the outrage and shock of the people of the United States over the terrorist attacks that occurred in and around Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004; (2) joins with President Bush in expressing its deepest condolences and pledges to remain shoulder to shoulder with the people of Spain in the war on terrorism; (3) expresses its strong solidarity with the people of Spain during their difficult hour, and its deep condolences to the families of the victims of these despicable terrorist attacks; (4) calls on all nations to join with the United States in condemning the monstrous attacks on the innocent people of Spain and in attempting to identify the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to account; (5) expresses its readiness to consult with representatives of King Juan Carlos, President Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish government, the Spanish Cortes, and other public authorities about joint efforts to combat terrorism more effectively; (6) commends the United States Embassy in Madrid for its prompt offers of assistance to the Government of Spain, and for its efforts to determine the welfare and whereabouts of United States citizens who may have been affected by the terrorist attacks; and (7) urges the executive branch to continue to provide all possible assistance to Spain in order to identify and bring to account the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks that occurred on March 11, 2004, in Madrid and of other terrorist attacks against the people of Spain.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2004
Proclaims the week of March 14 through March 20, 2004 as National Safe Place Week. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to promote awareness of and volunteer involvement in the Safe Place Program and to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2004
Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an element of Federal, State, or local government or officer of such government by reason of that element's or officer's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2004
Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to extend through January 10, 2005 (currently May 27, 2004), the date for submission of the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Earmarks specified funds made available for FY 2004 for the National Foreign Intelligence Program for transfer to the Commission for Commission activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Communications Commission should: (1) reconsider a specified decision of its Enforcement Bureau in light of the public policy considerations in protecting children from indecent broadcasting material; (2) return to enforcing its own standard for indecency in broadcast media as established under a specified declaratory order; (3) undertake new efforts to sanction broadcast licensees that refuse to adhere to the standards established by such order; (4) protect children from the degrading influences of indecent programming; (5) use its authority to protect the public from indecent broadcasts; (6) expeditiously resolve all indecency complaints and consider reviewing all such complaints at the full Commission level; and (7) aggressively investigate and enforce all indecency allegations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution, or State or Federal law, from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2003
Deplores the development by Iran of a nuclear weapons program and the failure of the Government of Iran to report material, facilities, and activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in contravention of its obligations under Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Concurs with the conclusion of the Department of State that Iran is pursuing a program to develop nuclear weapons. Calls on the President to use all appropriate means to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with particular attention to the needs of the IAEA for information and access, including information concerning gas centrifuges and the conduct of uranium conversion experiments. Calls on Russia to suspend all nuclear cooperation with Iran until Iran fully complies with a specified IAEA resolution, with particular attention to spent fuel. Calls on the United Nations Security Council to consider immediately the passage of a Security Council resolution or the taking of other actions that may be necessary to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions against Iran if it fails to meet its obligations to the IAEA. Calls on the Government of Iran to cease all efforts to acquire nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and to end the enrichment and processing of uranium until it is able to provide specific, verifiable assurances that it is not engaged in a clandestine nuclear weapons program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2003
Historically Women's Public Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to historically women's public colleges and universities for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures on their campuses. Specifies seven institutions to receive such grants in FY 2004 through 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003
Art and Collectibles Capital Gains Tax Treatment Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide art and collectibles with the same capital gain rates as other assets held long-term. Establishes a (limited) fair market value deduction for qualifying literary, musical, artistic, or scholarly charitable contributions created and donated by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2003
Designates October 27, 2003, as International Religious Freedom Day. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling for a renewed commitment to eliminating violations of the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion and protecting fundamental human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003
National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend through 2004: (1) the authority under which the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may issue notes and other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of carrying out the national flood insurance program; (2) the authority to enter into new flood insurance contracts; (3) requirements for carrying out emergency implementation of the flood insurance program; and (4) the authorization of appropriations for carrying out studies under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003
National Consumer Credit Reporting System Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency, upon consumer request, to: (1) include a fraud alert in the consumer's file for a seven-year period; and (2) refer such fraud alert to other consumer reporting agencies. Mandates truncation of credit card and debit card numbers. Requires Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to establish identification procedures for identity theft incidents. Increases the Federal criminal penalty for identity fraud. Requires the FTC to: (1) prepare a model summary of rights for identity theft victims; and (2) implement a public education campaign on identity theft. Requires a consumer reporting agency to block the reporting of information that the consumer alleges resulted from identity theft. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) coordination of consumer complaint investigations; (2) prevention of repollution of consumer reports; (3) debt collector communications regarding identity theft; (4) free annual credit reports; (5) free disclosures in connection with fraud alerts; (6) summary of consumer rights to obtain and dispute information in consumer reports and to obtain credit scores; (7) consumer reporting agency disclosure of credit scores; (8) enhanced disclosure of the means available to opt out of prescreened lists; and (9) a special disclosure and consumer opt-out rule on affiliate sharing of consumer report information for marketing solicitations. Directs the Federal banking agencies, NCUA, and the FTC to establish and update periodically guidelines for persons furnishing information to consumer reporting agencies regarding accuracy and completeness of consumer information. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to conduct ongoing audits of the accuracy and completeness of consumer reports prepared or maintained by consumer reporting agencies. Prohibits the use and sharing of medical information by consumer reporting agencies unless specified requirements are met. Prescribes confidentiality guidelines for medical contact information in consumer reports. Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act - Establishes the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to: (1) improve Federal financial literacy and education programs, grants, and materials; (2) establish a toll-free telephone number for the public; and (3) develop a national strategy to promote basic financial literacy and education.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2003
Defense Production Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to: (1) extend its expiration date and authorization of appropriations through FY 2008; (2) include in its declaration of policy that its authorities should be used to ensure the national security of the United States and its infrastructure against hostile attack and against other man-caused and natural hazards; (3) make permanent its provisions indemnifying persons for any act resulting from compliance with a rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to such Act; and (4) define ''critical infrastructure" as systems and assets, whether physical or cyber-based, so vital to the United States that their degradation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic security, and/or national public health or safety. Authorizes the President to take action to correct an industrial resource shortfall for radiation-hardened electronics to the extent that such action does not cause the aggregate outstanding amount of all such actions for industrial resource shortfalls to exceed $200 million. Requires a report from the Secretary of Defense to specified congressional committees on the state of the domestic industrial base for, and Department of Defense requirements, intentions, and plans for, radiation-hardened electronics. Authorizes the President: (1) in allocating resources or requiring priority in the performance of contracts to promote the national defense, to directly assist a private sector critical infrastructure owner or operator in furtherance of critical infrastructure protection or restoration; and (2) to obtain information in order to perform industry studies assessing capabilities of the U.S.industrial base to support the national defense. .
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2003
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those killed and a day for recommitment to our national purpose. Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their families and friends. Honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement personnel, and others who aided the victims. Extends gratitude to the members of the armed forces who are defending the United States from future attack. Praises the people of the United States for donating time and money to support the victims and their families and friends. Expresses gratitude to the leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism. Reaffirms that the Senate will honor the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of those attacks and will act to defend U.S. citizens in all future challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2003
Transportation, Treasury, and General Government Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2004 to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Office of the Secretary; (2) the Federal Aviation Administration; (3) the Federal Highway Administration; (4) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Federal Transit Administration; (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (9) the Maritime Administration; (10) the Research and Special Programs Administration; (11) the Office of Inspector General; and (12) the Surface Transportation Board. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 to the Department of the Treasury for: (1) Departmental Offices; (2) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (3) the Financial Management Service; (4) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; (5) the U.S. Mint; (6) the Bureau of the Public Debt; and (7) the Internal Revenue Service. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 to the Executive Office of the President and to the President for: (1) compensation of the President and the White House Office; (2) the Executive Residence at the White House; (3) Special Assistance to the President and the Official Residence of the Vice President; (4) the Council of Economic Advisers; (5) the Office of Policy Development; (6) the National Security Council; (7) the Homeland Security Council; (8) the Office of Administration; (9) the Office of Management and Budget; (10) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (11) Federal Drug Control Programs; and (12) unanticipated needs. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 to: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (2) the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (3) the Election Assistance Commission; (4) the Federal Election Commission; (5) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (6) the Federal Maritime Commission; (7) the General Services Administration; (8) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (9) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (10) the National Archives and Records Administration; (11) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (12) the National Transportation Safety Board; (13) the Office of Government Ethics; (14) Office of Personnel Management; (15) the Office of Special Counsel; (16) the United States Postal Service; (17) the United States Tax Court; and (18) the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. Sets forth general provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2003
Religious Liberties Restoration Act - States that the following powers are reserved to the States or their political subdivisions on property owned or administered by them: (1) to display the Ten Commandments; (2) to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all "; and (3) to recite the national motto as "In God we trust". States that such powers are excepted from the jurisdiction of Federal courts inferior to the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Designates the month of September 2003 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that the Federal Government has a responsibility to: (1) raise awareness about the importance of screening methods and treatment of prostate cancer; (2) increase research funding that is commensurate with the burden of the disease so that the causes of, and improved screening, treatments, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) continue to consider ways for improving access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer. Requests the President to call upon Americans, interested groups, and affected persons to promote awareness of prostate cancer, to take an active role in ending the devastating effects of prostate cancer on individuals, their families, and the economy, and to observe the month of September 2003 with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
District of Columbia Personal Protection Act - Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that the D.C. Council's regulatory authority regarding firearms, explosives, and weapons in the District shall not be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise permitted to possess firearms under Federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by Federal law nor regulated by the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Repeals the definition of machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) prohibition on registration of pistols (handguns); (3) prohibition on possession of handgun ammunition; (4) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked; (5) related firearm registration requirements such as applicant qualifications and filing deadline. Eliminates criminal penalties for: (1) possessing an unregistered firearm; or (2) carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Reforestation Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to a taxpayer who has a qualified timber gain in an amount equal to the qualified percentage of such gain. Allows a deduction, for qualified timber property, for reforestation expenditures and terminates current provisions allowing for the amortization of such expenditures. Provides for the application of passive activity loss limitations to timber activity of an individual who is a member of a closely held entity if management of such activity is less than 100 hours annually.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2003
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond, former Senator and President Pro Tempore Emeritus from South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Check Truncation Act of 2003 - Sets forth a statutory framework under which a substitute check is the legal equivalent of an original check for all purposes, if the substitute check: (1) accurately represents all of the information on the front and back of the original check as of the time the original check was truncated; and (2) bears the legend: "This is a legal copy of your check. You can use it the same way you would use the original check." Prescribes implementation guidelines, including: (1) substitute check warranties; (2) indemnity procedures; (3) expedited recredit claims for consumers and for banks; (4) procedures for claims; (5) measure of damages; (6) statute of limitations; and (7) consumer education materials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs. Provides that the Office for State and Local Government Coordination (OSLGC) within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Transfers administration of the firefighter assistance grant program and the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) to OSLGC. Establishes a Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse within OSLGC. Authorizes the Secretary to award homeland security grants to States. Specifies the permissible and impermissible uses for grant funds. Requires State grant applications to include certification that the State has prepared a three-year homeland security plan. Requires the Secretary to use ten percent of the funds appropriated for the Homeland Security Grant Program for discretionary grants to high threat areas. Establishes a formula for awarding the remaining funds. Requires grant recipients to use 80 percent of grant funds for local entities and first responders and to provide non-Federal matching funds. Instructs the Secretary to assist States in establishing interim performance measures and subsequently to set, and ensure State compliance with, national performance standards. Provides penalties for a grant recipient's noncompliance with any grant program provision of this Act. Requires the Director of ODP to allow any State to request approval to reallocate previously received homeland security funds among the categories of equipment, training, exercises, and planning.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2003
Tax Simplification Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 19 percent tax (17 percent after December 31, 2004) on the taxable income of every individual. Redefines "taxable income" to mean the amount by which wages, retirement distributions, and unemployment compensation exceed the standard deduction. Increases the basic standard deduction and includes an additional standard deduction for dependents. Includes in taxable income the taxable income of each dependent child under the age of 14. Replaces the current tax on corporations with a tax on every person engaged in a business activity equal to 19 percent (17 percent after December 31, 2004) of the business taxable income of such person. Makes the person engaged in the business activity liable for the tax. Imposes a tax of 19 percent (17 percent after December 31, 2004) on the value of excludable compensation provided during the year by an employer for the benefit of employees. Makes the employer liable for the tax. Repeals specified provisions: (1) relating to pension plans; and (2) imposing a tax on any employer reversion from a qualified plan. Revises requirements regarding transfers of excess pension assets. Repeals provisions respecting: (1) alternative minimum tax; (2) tax credits; (3) estate and gift taxes; and (4) subject to exception, normal taxes and surtaxes. Makes it not in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate, unless waived or suspended in the House or the Senate by a three-fifths vote of the Members, to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment thereto, or conference report thereon that includes any provision that increases an income tax rate, creates an additional tax rate, reduces the standard deduction, or provides any exclusion, deduction, credit, or other benefit that results in a reduction in Federal revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2003
Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 - Provides that: (1) any person who engages in conduct that violates specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or specified articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (conduct constituting certain Federal violent crimes), and thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury to, a child who is in utero, shall be guilty of a separate offense (but prohibits imposition of the death penalty for such offense); and (2) the punishment for that separate offense shall be the same as that provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother. Directs that if the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall be punished as provided under the Federal criminal code for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being. Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency; (2) for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home; (2) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Habitat for Humanity, and contributing organizations, should sponsor and construct two homes in the Washington, D.C., metro area each as part of the "Congress Building America" program; and (4) these and other future occasions should be used to emphasize the importance of providing decent homes for all of the people in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003
Syria Accountability Act of 2003 - Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) Syria should halt support for terrorism, withdraw armed forces from Lebanon, stop develpment of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons, and halt imports and transshipments of Iraqi oil; (2) Lebanon and Syria should enter into bilateral negotiations for peace with Israel; and (3) the United States should continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Lebanon only through private and international organizations until the Government of Lebanon asserts sovereignty over its borders. Declares U.S. policy that Syria: (1) will be listed as a state sponsor of terrorism until it stops supporting terrorism; (2) is in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 520 through its continued occupation of Lebanese territory; and (3) has violated Resolution 661 by purchasing oil from Iraq. Declares that restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty is in the U.S. national interest. Requires the President, unless the President certifies that Syria does not support international terrorist groups or allow them to maintain facilities in Syria, has withdrawn all security personnel from Lebanon, has ceased the development of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons, and is no longer violating Resolution 661, to: (1) prohibit the export to Syria of specified defense articles or services and items on the Commerce Control List; and (2) impose two or more of specified sanctions (including prohibiting U.S. exports to, or U.S. businesses investments or operations in, Syria). Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon if the President: (1) makes that certification; (2) determines that progress has been made toward negotiating peace agreements between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon; and (3) determines that Syria is strictly respecting Lebanon's sovereignty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Amends the Federal Power Act to deny the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over bundled retail sales of electric energy or to compel the unbundling of rates for bundled retail sales of electric energy. Defines bundled retail sales as sales of electric energy to retail customers in which generation, transmission, distribution, and other services necessary to supply electric energy are sold as a single delivered service by a single seller, acting under the regulatory jurisdiction of a State commission. Directs FERC to ensure that certain load-serving entities shall be entitled to use either transmission facilities or rights to firm transmission service to meet their service obligations to their customers or to their existing wholesale contractual obligations before the transmission capacity is made available for other uses. States that if a service obligation or contractual obligation is transferred to another load-serving entity, the successor shall be entitled to use the transmission facilities or firm transmission rights associated with such transfer. Declares that a transmitting utility shall not be considered to be engaging in undue discrimination or preference if it reserves transmission capacity to meet certain service obligations or firm long-term wholesale contractual obligations. Prescribes cost allocation guidelines for an applicant seeking seeking interconnection of facilities or transmission service. Declares that a standard market design rule shall not be effective except to the extent it is: (1) approved by Congress in a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) consented to in writing by the pertinent State Commission. Defines a standard market design rule as: (1) one promulgated by FERC pursuant to a specified proposed rulemaking; or (2) any rule or order of general applicability addressing transmission access or market design in which FERC asserts jurisdiction over the transmission component of bundled retail sales of electric energy or requires the transfer of ownership, operation, or control of transmission facilities to a regional transmission organization, independent transmission provider, or similar organization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include primary and secondary preventative medical strategies, treatment, and services, including genetic counseling and testing, for individuals who have Sickle Cell Disease as medical assistance under the Medicaid program. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to conduct a demonstration program for the development and establishment of systemic mechanisms, including a National Coordinating Center, to improve the prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act of 2003 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe 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, and other specified types of provisions; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures. Declares that an action for civil liability may be brought against a merchant's assignee only if the violation is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement to which it relates, including, but not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or inaccurate from the face of the agreement. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations. Provides for Federal and State enforcement of this Act. Subjects to criminal penalties any willful and knowing violation of the information disclosure requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the minor resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the minor resides, took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Protecting Children Against Crime Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that no statute of limitations shall apply for specified child abduction and sex offenses. Amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to provide for the registration in the national sex offender registry of persons who produce or distribute child pornography. Requires the Attorney General to carry out a program to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert communications plans. Directs the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study: (1) the extent to which Internet service providers can and do monitor Internet traffic to detect illicit child pornography sites; (2) the extent to which purveyors use credit cards to facilitate the sale of illegal child pornography on the Internet; (3) which credit card issuers have a system to facilitate the identification of such purveyors; and (4) options for encouraging greater reporting of such illicit transactions to law enforcement officials.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Protecting Our Children Comes First Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize officers and agents of the Secret Service, at the request of any State or local law enforcement agency or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to provide forensic and investigative assistance in support of any investigation involving missing or exploited children. Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to: (1) include among the purposes of grants under such Act coordinating the operation of a cyber tip-line to provide on-line users an effective means of reporting Internet-related child sexual exploitation in the areas of distribution of child pornography, on-line enticement of children for sexual acts, and child prostitution; (2) extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 2007; and (3) authorize increased appropriations for the annual grant to the Center for FY 2004 though 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 85 percent (second tier) taxation of Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits. Transfers from the general fund in the Treasury to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the resultant reduction in revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define: "minor species" as animals other than cattle, horses, swine, chickens, turkeys, dogs, and cats; and (2) "minor use" as use on minor species or on other species for a disease or condition that occurs infrequently or in limited geographic areas. Provides for: (1) designation of new animal drugs for minor use; and (2) three-year approval exclusivity. Provides for establishment of an index of unapproved new animal drugs for minor species, and allows marketing of such drugs that evidence no human food safety concern. Authorizes: (1) designation of new animal drugs for minor use or minor species; and (2) grants or contracts for development (and exclusivity) of designated new animal drugs. Modifies new animal drug approval requirements.
![Official portrait of Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000320_200.jpg)