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United States · Official source
5,925 records where Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Blind Empowerment Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.S. Thresher on April 10, 1963.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2004. Amends Federal law to permit the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to provide bonuses to enlisted members who complete training in a critical skill. Increases the limits to the number of active duty commissioned officers (except commissioned warrant officers) and the percentages of commanders and lieutenant commanders on the active duty promotion list. States that in time of war or national emergency the Secretary shall establish the total number of active duty commissioned officers (excluding commissioned warrant officers). Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans to eligible entities for the acquisition or construction of military housing units. Authorizes the Coast Guard Auxiliary to exercise dominion over personal property, subject to the Commandant's approval. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to permit the Secretary to cooperate with a public or private entity for Marine vessel traffic services. Amends Federal law to revise suspension criteria, and the bases for suspension and revocation of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document. Increases civil penalties for violations of bridge statutes and failure to comply with established safety standards. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the amount of funds available to the President for the removal of a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance. Amends Federal law to authorize members of the Coast Guard, subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, to carry firearms, make arrests, and seize property. Amends the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 to require the Secretary oversee the conveyances of lighthouses. Authorizes appropriations for capital expenses related to Loran-C navigation infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in a bird-fighting venture. Revises enforcement provisions. Permits euthanasia for an animal in extreme pain. Includes the Internet or any technology as interstate instrumentality.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Expresses the outrage of Congress at the flagrant violations by the Government of Iraq of the customary international law of war and the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, dated at Geneva August 12 1949, and entered into force October 21, 1950. Supports in the strongest terms the President's warning to Iraq that the United States will hold the Government of Iraq, its officials, and military personnel involved accountable for any and all such violations. Expects Iraq to comply with the requirements of the international law of war and the explicit provisions of the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which afford prisoners of war the proper and humane treatment to which they are entitled. Expects that Iraq will afford prisoners of war access to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, as required by the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike such gold medal and to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals; and (2) deposit sums received from the sale of the bronze medals into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Passenger Van Safety Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) develop a dynamic test on rollovers by 15-passenger vans for the purposes of a consumer information program, and carry out a program of conducting such tests; and (2) require the testing of 15-passenger vans at various load condition levels as part of the rollover resistance program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program. Directs the Secretary to test and evaluate various technological systems (including electronic stability control systems, rear-view mirror-based rollover warning systems, traction systems, lane departure systems, and antilock brakes) to determine their effectiveness in assisting drivers of 15-passenger vans to control them under conditions that cause vehicle rollover. Requires the Secretary to issue a final rule initiated pursuant to a specified proposed rulemaking on the application of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to the commercial operation of 15-passenger vans. Amends the Federal transportation code to prohibit any person from purchasing, renting, or leasing any motor vehicle designed or used to transport nine to 15 passengers that the person knows or reasonably should know will be used significantly to transport preprimary, primary, and secondary school students to or from school or an event related to school, unless the motor vehicle complies with the certain motor vehicle standards prescribed for schoolbuses. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of this prohibition, or for manufacture, sale, offer for sale, introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce, or importation, of a schoolbus or related equipment that fails to meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a former member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on March 26, 2003, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Moynihan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Postmaster Equity Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to declare that the Postal Service's employment policy shall provide for compensation, working conditions, and career opportunities that will assure the attraction and attention of qualified and capable postmaster personnel. Grants postmaster organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits and other postmaster programs. Authorizes, under specified conditions, a postmasters organization to request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to convene a fact-finding panel if the organization disagrees with the decision of the Service's proposal to change pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters that shall be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Prescribes guidelines for establishing the panel. Requires the panel to recommend standards for pay policies and schedules and fringe benefit programs affecting the members of the postmasters organizations for the period covered by the collective bargaining agreement and, consistent with such standards, make appropriate recommendations concerning the differences between the parties on such policies, schedules, and programs within 30 days after its appointment, unless the Service and the postmasters organization agree to a longer period. Authorizes the Service or the postmasters organization, three years after enactment of this Act, to request FMCS and the other party to create a panel to review the effectiveness of the procedures and other provisions of this Act and the Postal Service's employment policy.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Commends and supports the efforts and leadership of the President, as Commander in Chief, in the conflict against Iraq. Commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) and the civilian employees who support their efforts, as well as the men and women of civilian national security agencies who are participating in the military operations in the Persian Gulf region, for their professional excellence, dedicated patriotism and exemplary bravery. Commends and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to the family members of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians serving in operations against Iraq who have borne the burden of sacrifice and separation from their loved ones. Expresses the deep condolences of the Senate to the families of brave Americans who have lost their lives in this undertaking, over many years, against Iraq. Joins all Americans in remembering those who lost their lives during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, those still missing from that conflict, including Captain Scott Speicher, USN, and the thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks over the years, and in the Global War on Terrorism. Expresses sincere gratitude to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government for their courageous and steadfast support, as well as gratitude to other allied nations for their military support, logistical support, and other assistance in the campaign against Saddam Hussein's regime.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 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 · 19 March 2003
Child Support Distribution Act of 2003 - Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for: (1) denial of assistance to families that do not assign certain support rights to the State; and (2) the distribution of child support collected by States on behalf of children receiving certain welfare benefits. Reduces from $5,000 to $2,500 the amount of child support arrearage which shall trigger denial of a passport. Revises requirements for the use of the tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of non-minor children. Prohibits garnishment of certain compensation for a service-connected disability paid to a former member of the Armed Forces for: (1) alimony; or (2) child support less than 60 days in arrears. Permits no more than 50 percent of such compensation to be garnished to pay for such child support. Provides for mandatory review and adjustment of child support orders for families receiving TANF. Requires the Secretary to disclose new hire information to a State to assist in the administration of unemployment compensation programs. Provides for a payment rate increase to States for short term training of staff of State-licensed or State-approved child welfare agencies providing services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Access to Hospitals Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal specified reductions after FY 2000 and thereby extend certain modifications to disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments provided under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000. Increases the Medicaid DSH allotment for the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Medicare Safety Net Access Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) provide for coverage of Medicare-covered ambulatory services by Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs); and (2) ensure FQHC reimbursement under hospital and skilled nursing facility prospective payment systems. Amends SSA title XI with respect to criminal penalties for acts involving Federal health care programs, particularly illegal remunerations (kickbacks). Exempts from the prohibition against such remunerations any remuneration: (1) between a certain kind of public or nonprofit private health center entity and any individual or entity providing goods, items, services, donations, loans, or a combination, to such health center entity pursuant to an agreement, if such agreement contributes to the ability of the health center entity to maintain or increase the availability, or enhance the quality, of services provided to a medically underserved population served by the health center entity; and (2) between a FQHC (or an entity controlled by such a health center) and a Medicare+Choice organization pursuant to a specified written agreement. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards relating to the exception for health center entity arrangements to specified anti-kickback penalties. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the payment for certain FQHC services furnished to an individual enrolled with a Medicare+Choice organization under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice), allowing for supplemental reimbursement, among other changes. Amends Medicare+Choice to add additional Medicare+Choice contract requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Rural Fire Department Equipment Priority Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Agriculture to enter into an agreement to utilize the Federal Excess Personal Property program of the Forest Service to transfer excess personal property of the Department of Defense to the Forest Service for reutilization by firefighting agencies in rural areas. Requires the priority given to such transfers by the Department of Defense to be at least equal to that given for transferring such property to military departments and defense agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or Dylan Lee James Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment of part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain Supplemental Security Income (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) Federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis; and (2) a deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums and enrollment fees. Sets an implementation deadline of the first open enrollment period beginning not less than 90 days following enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act of 2003 - Amends part B (Child Welfare- Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible State and Indian tribe applicants to promote joint activities among Federal, State, and local public child welfare and alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment agencies that focus on families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Requires such activities to: (1) increase the capacity of both the child welfare system and the alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment system to address the needs of such families to improve child safety, family stability, and permanence; and (2) promote recovery from alcohol and drug abuse problems.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government and the States should make it a priority to ensure a stable, quality direct support workforce for individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities that advances national commitment to community integration for such individuals and personal security for them and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Act of 2003 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to give States that receive a TANF grant the option to: (1) use the grant to establish a program, including an undergraduate post-secondary or vocational education program, under which an eligible participant may be provided certain support services although the State may not use Federal TANF grant funds to pay the participant's tuition; and (2) credit months of program participation for disregard in calculation of the five-year TANF assistance limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2003 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether State law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the FLRA to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such FLRA regulations and authority through appropriate State courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes, or sickouts, work slowdowns, or other actions designed to compel agreement to a proposed contract which will measurably disrupt the delivery of emergency services. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
David Jayne Medicare Homebound Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the definition of homebound for purposes of determining Medicare eligibility for home health services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from disqualifying from consideration as confined to the home, based on the purpose, frequency, or duration of the absences from the home, any individual who: (1) has been certified by a physician as having a permanent and severe condition that will not improve which requires the individual to receive assistance from another individual with at least three out of five activities of daily living for the rest of the individual's life; and (2) requires one or more described home health services to achieve a functional condition giving the individual the ability to leave the home.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Housing Bond and Credit Modernization and Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the required use of certain principal repayments on mortgage subsidy bond financings to redeem bonds; (2) modify the purchase price limitation under mortgage subsidy bond rules based on median family income; and (3) define the term "area median gross income" for low-income housing credit projects.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Designates March 9 through 15, 2003, as National Girl Scout Week.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strive to prevent teen pregnancy by encouraging teens to view adolescence as a time for education and maturing and by educating teens about the negative consequences of early sexual activity. Calls on the President to designate May 7, 2003, as "National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy."
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2003
Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to day care centers, camps, educational entities, prisons, and other entities that provide dorm-like housing, information concerning bacterial meningitis and the meningitis vaccine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Milk Import Tariff Equity Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or any quantitative limitation. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Water Quality Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations through FY 2005 for grants for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to control or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. Extends the requirements for a report on funding levels.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received by a claimant on account of claims based on unlawful discrimination (as defined). Permits income averaging for backpay and frontpay awards received on account of such claims.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises provisions relating to treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. Provides for association health plans with respect to: (1) enforcement; (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities; and (3) treatment of certain existing health benefit programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Designates March 25, 2003, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants or cooperative agreements to an agency or organization capable of operating on a statewide basis to develop coordinated respite care programs. Defines "respite care" to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of such child or adult. Instructs the Secretary to work cooperatively with existing Federal respite program officers to ensure coordination of services for family caregivers. Directs the Secretary to establish a review panel to make recommendations on applicants. Gives priority to applicants with the greatest likelihood of implementing or enhancing lifespan respite care statewide. Permits the use of funds for respite care services and training programs once a statewide program is in place and evaluated. Limits grants to five years. Requires funding to supplement, not supplant, existing government funds. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care to maintain a national database and provide training, technical assistance, and information. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that a flight deck crew member of a cargo aircraft should be armed with a firearm to defend such aircraft against attacks by terrorists that could use the aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction or for other terrorist purposes. Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the training and arming of flight deck crew members (pilots) of all-cargo air transportation flights to prevent acts of criminal violence or air piracy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to require the establishment of an office within the United States Fire Administration to administer the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Firefighter grant program under this Act. Authorizes the U.S. Fire Administrator to make direct four-year grants to State career, volunteer, and combination fire departments for staff increases in order to provide protection from terrorism and hazards. Specifies Federal grant contribution levels. Requires grantees to retain hired career firefighters for at least one year after grant termination. Terminates program authority ten years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) give preferential hiring to career firefighters where non-federal contributions exceed the minimums provided for by this Act; and (2) provide technical assistance to States, local governments, Indian tribes, and other public entities. Requires project evaluations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received as loan repayments under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program established under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Efficient Energy through Certified Technologies (EFFECT) Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to energy use in buildings, to establish: (1) a deduction for certain energy efficient property used in business; (2) a credit for the construction of a new energy efficient home; and (3) a credit for certain nonbusiness energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the State of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the State of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary of Transportation; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting From Advanced Car Technologies (CLEAR ACT) Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual alternative motor vehicle credit equal to the sum of: (1) the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit; (2) the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit; and (3) the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit. Sets forth credit termination dates. Extends and revises the credit for qualified electric vehicles. Makes leased vehicles eligible for the credit. Allows a limited credit for installation of alternative fueling stations. Allows a limited credit for the retail sale of alternative fuels as motor fuel. Mandates studies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress and the decision of the full court not to reconsider the case en banc. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel either to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, or if unable to intervene, to file an amicus curiae brief in support of such constitutionality.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Authorizes the President to award on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Joseph De Laine, Jr., to honor posthumously his father, Rev. Joseph Anthony De Laine (civil rights activist), for his contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program for gifted and talented students. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award such grants to State educational agencies to make subgrants to local educational agencies to develop or expand gifted and talented education programs, and provide direct educational services and materials. Requires such grants to be made on a competitive basis if appropriations are within certain minimum and maximum amounts, and on a formula basis if appropriations exceed such specified maximum. Sets forth authorized State and local uses of grant funds and authorized activities. Prohibits use of such funds for purchase or upgrading of technological hardware. Directs the Secretary to ensure, where appropriate, that provision is made for the equitable participation of students and teachers in private nonprofit elementary schools and secondary schools, including the participation of teachers and other personnel in professional development programs serving such children.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2003 - Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to make competitive grants to eligible entities to promote training and placement of individuals, including individuals who have completed a court reporting training program, as realtime writers providing closed captioning in video programming. Sets forth priorities to be awarded in making grants. Limits grants to$1.5 million for a two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Provides that the percentage otherwise applicable for a Federal Employees' Retirement System annuity computation that includes, in the aggregate, at least two months of credit for any period of receiving disability compensation benefits shall be increased by one percentage point.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Camp Ellis Beach Restoration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out a project for the mitigation of shore damages attributable to the navigation project for Saco River in Maine.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Omnibus Mercury Emission Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to establish standards for mercury and mercury compound emissions applicable to: (1) electric utility steam generating units; (2) coal- and oil-fired boiler units of a specified capacity; (3) chlor-alkali plants that use the mercury cell production process; and (4) dust from Portland cement plants. Sets forth permit requirements. Requires the Administrator to authorize methods of emissions control. Establishes mercury emission baselines for electric utility and coal- and oil-fired boiler units. Requires the regulations to ensure that recovered mercury is disposed of in a manner that ensures that: (1) mercury hazards are not transferred between environmental media; and (2) there is no release of mercury into the environment. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term disposal research and publicize emission data for each facility. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator to publish a list of mercury-containing items to be separated and removed from the waste streams that feed solid waste facilities. Requires mercury-content labeling by manufacturers. Requires persons that transfer solid waste that may contain a listed mercury-containing item to submit separation and removal plans. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning measurement of mercury emissions from solid waste combustion flue gases. Requires permits for solid waste incineration units to specify inspection, entry, monitoring, compliance certification, and reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to require incineration units that exceed the maximum emission rate to install measures that will result, within three years, in a rate below the specified maximum. Prohibits, three years after this Act's enactment, the sale of mercury-containing products unless the manufacturer has been granted an exemption. Requires reports on reductions of mercury emissions from medical and hazardous waste incinerators, military uses of mercury, the sources and extent of emissions in North America, sedimentation trends in water bodies of concern, and fish consumption advisories. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator to establish an advisory committee to report on the progress made in complying with this Act's amendments. Requires a study of mercury stockpiles and retirement. Increases funding for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program Mercury Deposition Network.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Renewable Energy Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the renewable resource credit to: (1) increase the credit rate; (2) include alternative resources (solar, open loop biomass, incremental hydropower, incremental geothermal, geothermal, and landfill gas); (3) provide an increased credit for certain co-production facilities, and for qualified facilities on Indian and Alaskan Native Indian lands; (4) allow a credit (and its subsequent transferability) for a qualified facility of a tax-exempt organization or governmental unit; (5) provide for credit transferability; (6) require facility compliance with pollution laws; and (7) eliminate the January 1, 2004, placed-in-service date for purposes of qualified facility eligibility (makes the credit permanent).
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to expand activities addressing inflammatory bowel disease, emphasizing genetic, animal model, and clinical research. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish a national program of prevention and epidemiology concerning such disease, addressing its prevalence and public and professional awareness. Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science to study public and private insurance standards for coverage of inflammatory bowel therapies. Directs the General Accounting Office to study problems inflammatory bowel disease patients have applying for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit certain employee group health plans or related insurances providing both medical-surgical and mental health benefits from imposing mental health treatment limitations or financial requirements unless comparable limitations and requirements are imposed upon medical-surgical benefits. States that the foregoing shall not be construed as requiring a group health plan (or related insurances) to: (1) provide any mental health benefits; (2) prevent the medical management of mental health benefits; or (3) require the provision of specific mental health services, except to the extent that failure to provide such services would result in a disparity between the coverage of mental health and medical-surgical benefits. Exempts specified small employers from such requirements. Requires that, in the case of a group health plan that offers a participant or beneficiary two or more benefit package options, the coverage requirements shall be applied separately with respect to each such option. Provides that, in the case of a plan or insurance providing in-network mental health benefits, out-of-network mental health benefits need not be provided at parity to medical-surgical benefits, as long as in-network mental health benefits are provided at parity with medical-surgical benefits and the plan or insurance provides reasonable access to in-network providers and facilities. Requires a General Accounting Office study of such requirements' effects upon health insurance costs, access, and quality and a cost estimation of extending such requirements to the treatment of substance abuse and chemical dependency.
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.