United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Crane Conservation Act of 2002 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for approved projects relating to the conservation of cranes, using amounts in the Crane Conservation Fund established by this Act. Allows a project proposal to be submitted by: (1) any wildlife management authority of a country that is located in the African, Asian, or North American range of a species of crane and carries out at least one activity that affects crane populations; (2) the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; and (3) any person or organization with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of cranes. Establishes the Crane Conservation Fund in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2002 - 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. 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. 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, absent material and knowing misrepresentation by those submitting required approval or clearance information to the FDA. 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. .
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Pay Equity and Reform Act of 2002 - Excludes availability pay for Federal criminal investigators from premium pay limitations. Requires a study by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding the need for, and potential benefits of, the establishment of a separate pay, evaluation, and promotion system for Federal law enforcement officers. Authorizes OPM to implement a demonstration project for such a system. Directs OPM to report to Congress on the definition of a Federal law enforcement officer for pay and benefit purposes. Requires such report to include recommendations of applying pay and benefit provisions (including retirement and premium pay provisions) to Federal employees who are not defined as law enforcement officers under those provisions. Directs the President to establish an employee exchange program between Federal agencies that perform law enforcement functions and State and local government agencies that perform such functions.
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
Reaffirms: (1) the language of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, including the phrase "one Nation under God"; and (2) the national motto "In God we trust."
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Designates the week of November 10-16, 2002, as National Veterans Awareness Week to emphasize educational programs for elementary and secondary school students regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Declares that the Senate strongly disapproves of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Newdow v. U.S. Congress. Authorizes and instructs the Senate Legal Counsel to seek to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Federal Workforce Improvement Act of 2002 - Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 - Directs each executive agency to appoint or designate a Chief Human Capital Officer to: (1) advise and assist agency officials in selecting, developing, and managing a high-quality, productive workforce in accordance with merit system principles; and (2) implement the rules and regulations of the President and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and civil service laws. Establishes a Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Directs OPM to design a set of systems, including metrics, for assessing the management of human capital by Federal agencies. Requires each agency's: (1) performance plan to describe how its performance goals and objectives are to be achieved; and (2) program performance report to include a review of the goals and evaluation of the plan relative to the agency's strategic human capital management. Authorizes the President to prescribe rules which grant authority for agencies to appoint candidates directly to certain positions for which there exists a severe candidate shortage or a critical hiring need. Modifies authorities regarding voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement. Repeals recertification requirements for senior executives. Adjusts the limitation on total annual compensation. Expands the senior executive service's limited appointment authority. Revises agency training programs and academic degree training criteria. Allows accrual of leave for certain qualified non-Federal service. Modifies: (1) the National Security Education Program; and (2) definitions and requirements regarding personnel management demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Early Care and Education Act - Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to: (1) allot incentive grants to States to develop or enhance high-quality systems of early child care and early education; (2) award bonus grants to States for demonstrated improvement in such care and education; and (3) establish an information clearinghouse on such care and education.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Authorizes the President to award to Dr. Dorothy Height, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Calls for Americans to observe a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, 2002, for members of the armed forces and civilian national security agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to Congress regarding oversight of Remedial Action Plans for the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Administrator, acting through the Great Lakes National Program Office, to make grants for projects that: (1) monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment; (2) remediate contaminated sediment; or (3) prevent further or renewed contamination of sediment. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern in the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Program Office to carry out a public information program through grants. Extends funding for Great Lakes programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Commends the Republic of Croatia for its progress during the past decade and encourages its democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the free market. Expresses support for Croatia's aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and recommends its acceptance into the Membership Action Plan at the NATO Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland, in May 2002. Encourages Croatia's contributions in bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the South Central Europe region, including its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recognizes the important role of the Croatian-American community in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2002
Commends government employees for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation and salutes their unyielding dedication and spirit for public service, particularly during Public Service Recognition Week, May 6-12, 2002. Honors those public servants who have given their lives in service to their country and calls upon a new generation of workers to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse to be constructed at 10 East Commerce Street in Youngstown, Ohio, as the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2002
Declares that the Senate: (1) stands in solidarity with Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas; (2) remains committed to Israel's right to self-defense; and (3) will continue to assist Israel in strengthening its homeland defenses. Condemns Palestinian suicide bombings. Demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas. Urges: (1) all Arab states, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to declare their unqualified opposition to all forms of terrorism, particularly suicide bombing, and to act in concert with the United States to stop the violence; and (2) all parties in the region to pursue vigorous efforts to establish comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Racial Profiling Education and Awareness Act of 2002 - Directs the Attorney General to establish an education and awareness program on racial profiling and its negative effects on individuals and law enforcement, to be offered at regional centers to State and local law enforcement agencies. Directs the Department of Justice to: (1) evaluate the performance of programs implemented under this Act to assist State and local law enforcement agencies in developing and implementing internal training programs to combat racial profiling and to foster enhanced community relations; (2) identify the programs that represent the best practices and that may be replicated and used to provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies; and (3) assist those State and local law enforcement agencies that would most benefit from the education program and materials developed in implementing a racial profiling prevention plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002
Municipal Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a facility that received municipal solid waste (MSW) before this Acts's enactment from receiving out-of-State MSW for disposal unless the waste is received pursuant to a new or existing host community agreement or certain other State authorization. Sets forth requirements regarding the effect of host community agreements and receipt of waste by other facilities. Bars the receipt of such waste at any time the State determines that a facility is not in compliance with specified laws and regulations. Authorizes States in which facilities received more than 650,000 tons of out-of-State MSW in 1993 to establish limits on the quantity of such waste authorized to be received by facilities receiving such waste in 1993 in declining percentages of the 1993 quantity. Requires notification of such limits by a State to each State from which MSW was received in 1993. Prohibits a State from exercising the authority for general MSW limits if it exercises the authority for limits provided under this paragraph. Allows States to impose cost recovery surcharges on the processing of out-of-State MSW in the State. Imposes requirements regarding temporary waste storage. States conditions for: (1) permit denial; (2) State-imposed annual limitations, including on construction and demolition waste; and (3) the exercise of State or local flow control authority (directing materials to particular facilities). Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any person to transport such waste or materials to any active portion of an MSW landfill if its contamination is a basis for listing on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the person has been indemnified by the government or the owner-operator against all liability with respect to such materials. Provides for the enforceability of certain legally binding interim contracts that obligate the delivery of a minimum quantity of MSW or recyclables to a designated facility and obligate the government to pay or be liable for such materials.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002
Highway Funding Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to require that obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2003: (1) meet a specified minimum level; and (2) be distributed in accordance with that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2002
Digital Tech Corps Act of 2002 - Establishes an information technology exchange program between the Government and the private sector. Provides for one-year assignments of executive agency information technology management employees to private sector organizations, and of private sector information technology management employees to executive agencies. Sets forth administrative provisions governing such assignments, including provisions concerning pay, creditable service, life and health insurance coverage, reimbursement, liability, and Federal employee status.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2002
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Prohibits any person or entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, from knowingly: (1) performing or attempting to perform human cloning; (2) participating in such an attempt; (3) shipping or receiving an embryo produced by human cloning or any product derived from such embryo; or (4) importing such an embryo or product. Directs the General Accounting Office to assess the need for amendment of such prohibition, including through: (1) a discussion of new developments, the need for somatic cell transfer to produce medical advances, current public attitudes and prevailing ethical views, and potential legal implications; and (2) a review of technological developments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002
Recognizes that America has lost one of its most dedicated and hardest working advocates for adoption, and honors Rex David "Dave" Thomas in his devotion to family, life, and business. Expresses the Senate's deep and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dave Thomas on their loss.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Amends the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Act of 1999 to extend the definition of a steel company qualified for a loan guarantee to include one that has placed on hot idle status any steel mill facilities used in steel production or manufacture. Increases the individual guarantee limit under the loan guarantee program. Requires the Loan Guarantee Board to utilize a form of unconditional and unqualified guarantee that U.S. commercial banks would typically require from a nongovernmental guarantor in a similar commercial loan transaction. Revises loan guarantee requirements to: (1) replace "reasonable assurance" of loan repayment with "fair likelihood" of repayment; and (2) include a Board determination that the applicant company's business plan maximizes job retention and capacity consistent with its long-term economic viability. Repeals the requirement that loan securities be guaranteed. Authorizes the Board, in lieu of such requirement, to: (1) require security in either existing or after-acquired assets for the guaranteed portion of the loan; and (2) provide the unguaranteed portion of the loan different payment preference or different terms than those provided to the guaranteed portion of the loan. Increases the maximum principal loan amount to be guaranteed from 85 percent to 95 percent, plus the amount of any unpaid interest on the loan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments made by a Federal agency to discharge a student loan when such discharge was a recruiting and/or retention incentive offered to highly qualified personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Presidential Appointments Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to set forth separate, revised financial disclosure reporting requirements for executive branch personnel that eliminate, raise the thresholds for, or reduce the categories of value under specified current requirements. Requires a person to file a financial disclosure report within 30 days of taking the oath of office of President or Vice President, unless the person is the incumbent in such position. Requires disclosure of the source, description, and category of income from any source aggregating more than $500 in a year. Revises, for disclosure purposes, the categories of value for reporting income investment, assets, and liabilities and the thresholds for reporting interests in property or in a trade or business. Raises from: (1) $10,000 to $20,000 the threshold for the reporting of liabilities; and (2) $5,000 to $25,000 the threshold for the reporting by non-elected individuals of compensation received for personal services. Requires reports to include the sources of income earned by the spouse which exceeds $500 (currently $1,000). Requires the Executive Clerk of the White House, within 15 days after a major party nominates its candidate for President, to transmit to that candidate an electronic record on presidentially appointed positions. Requires each Federal agency to submit to the President and specified congressional committees a plan providing for the reduction of the number of positions and the levels of positions within that agency that require an appointment by the President. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to review the conflict of interest laws relating to Federal employment and to report recommendations for legislation to improve coordination, uniformity, and efficiency in their administration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish a pilot program under which specified Federal agencies may agree to repay the student loans of their employees employed in national security positions. Requires the Director to coordinate such program with such agencies to recruit employees to serve in such positions. Requires the Director to establish a program for awarding National Security Fellowships to eligible graduate students who agree to employment with the Federal Government in national security positions. Establishes a National Security Service Board to: (1) develop criteria for awarding such Fellowships; (2) provide for the wide dissemination of information regarding the activities assisted under the program; (3) work with the Director in hiring and placing fellows in national security positions; and (4) develop and provide to Congress a strategic plan that identifies the skills needed by the Federal national security workforce. Provides that 20 percent of such Fellowships be set-aside for Federal employees who are working in such positions to enhance their education and training in areas important to national security. Creates a National Security Service Corps, under the direction of the Board, to provide rotational opportunities for mid-level employees in national security positions within and between specified agencies. Requires agencies' annual strategic and performance plans and program performance reports to evaluate the role of specific skills in accomplishing or failing to accomplish such agencies' goals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Homeland Security Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to forgive interest payments on guaranteed and student loans for selected borrowers in repayment status who have obtained undergraduate degrees in science (except the social sciences), mathematics, engineering, or specified foreign languages, as an incentive for study of such subjects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary to establish a demonstration program of grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) for building or expanding mathematics and science programs, upgrading laboratories, and purchasing equipment. Directs the Secretary and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to assess long-term mathematics and science needs of the national security workforce and the larger Federal workforce. Amends ESEA to authorize the Secretary to make grants to eligible partnerships for various authorized activities to encourage early foreign language studies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that develop innovative programs for teaching foreign languages. Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to direct the Secretary of Defense, through the National Security Education Trust, to make grants to IHEs to produce graduates in a range of disciplines with advanced proficiency in languages most critical to U.S. national security. Directs the National Research Council to study the feasibility of establishing a National Language Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Converts existing temporary judgeships for the eastern district of California, the central district of Illinois, the northern district of New York, and the eastern district of Virginia to permanent judgeships. Extends a temporary judgeship for the northern district of Ohio.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires, under the Public Health Service Act, the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to food presenting a serious threat to humans or animals. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Medicare Appeals, Regulatory, and Contracting Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) timelines for publication of final regulations and compliance with substantive changes after notice; (2) timeframes for the completion of the record in the appeals process; (3) contracts with Medicare administrative contractors for determining payment amounts, making payments, and providing certain provider services; (4) coordination of funding for education of service providers; and (5) standardization of random prepayment review and recovery of overpayments from Medicare administrative contractors. Grants a one-year delay in the lock-in procedures for Medicare+Choice plans under SSA title XVIII part C. Provides a temporary moratorium on the requirement that home health agencies collect Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data from non-Medicare patients.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Class Action Fairness Act of 2001 - Establishes a consumer class action bill of rights, including provision for: (1) judicial review and approval of noncash settlements; (2) protection against loss by class members because of payments to class counsel; (3) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for greater payments to class members because they are located in closer geographic proximity to the court; (4) a prohibition against court approval of a proposed settlement providing for payment of a greater share of the award to a class representative serving on behalf of a class; (5) standardized settlement notification information; and (6) specific requirements regarding proposed settlement notifications to Federal and State officials. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $2 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is a class action in which any member of a class of plaintiffs is: (1) a citizen of a State different from any defendant; (2) a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a State; or (3) a citizen of a State and any defendant is a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Lists exceptions, such as where a class action brought by shareholders solely involves a claim concerning a covered security or relating to the internal governance of a corporation. Sets forth procedures for removal of interstate class actions to U.S. district court and for review of orders remanding class actions to State courts. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees on class action settlements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set the conversion factor (update) for payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2002 at 0.9 percent less than the conversion factor for 2001. Declares that this conversion factor and a specified update adjustment factor for a year after 2002 shall be applied as if this Act had not been in effect. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on replacing the use of the sustainable growth rate as a factor in determining the update for such payments with a factor that more fully accounts for changes in the unit costs of providing physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add provisions granting additional authorities to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning bioterrorism preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan which includes the development of specific criteria enabling measurements to be made of the progress made at the national, State, and local levels toward achieving the national goal of bioterrorism preparedness. Requires the maintenance of an adequate national pharmaceutical stockpile of vaccines (including a smallpox vaccine), therapies, and medical supplies for use at the Secretary's discretion in the event of a biological threat or attack or other public health emergency. Expands the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a coordinated network of public health laboratories to assist with the detection of and response to a biological threat or attack. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness who shall head the Office for Emergency Preparedness. Provides for a National Disaster Medical System to provide appropriate health and social services to respond to a public health emergency, if the Secretary activates the System. Provides for enhanced regulatory control of biological agents and toxins. Establishes a State Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Block Grant Program to improve State and local preparedness and response capabilities. Amends the Clayton Act to provide for a limited antitrust exemption with respect to the development of new countermeasures against bioterrorism. Requires the development of a crisis communications and education strategy with respect to bioterrorist threats to the food supply. Expands animal and plant health inspection service activities and authorities. Directs the Secretary to expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to: (1) increase inspections to ensure the safety of the food supply; and (2) improve linkages between the Agency and other regulatory agencies of the Federal Government, the States, and Indian tribes with shared responsibilities. Provides for food manufacturing, processing, and distribution biosecurity, agricultural biosecurity and biosecurity upgrades at the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Requires the registration of food manufacturing, processing, and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize existing authorities to expand Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service programs to protect the food supply of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2001 - Establishes a Veterans' Memorial Restoration Fund to repair, restore, and maintain veterans' memorials. Provides criminal and civil penalties for desecrating veterans' memorials. States that a veterans cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Federal Employee Management Reform Act of 2001 - Sets forth provisions governing voluntary separation incentive payments. Requires each agency to develop a plan setting forth the positions and functions affected, the timing and amounts of payments, and how the agency will subsequently operate. Reduces the number of employee positions by the number accepting such payments, except as specified. Continues existing voluntary separation incentives authority. Revises eligibility criteria for voluntary early retirement. Revises Federal employee recruitment, relocation, and retention bonus provisions, increasing the amount which may be paid for critical need employees. Revises and expands criteria for providing employees academic degree training, to include accomplishment of an agency's strategic plan. Authorizes an agency to pay for employee credentials. Revises provisions governing special pay authority, including by placing such authority with the Office of Personnel Management and by providing for pay conversion upon geographic movement. Revises annuity computation for part-time service. Permits all Federal employees, including members of the armed services, to keep their frequent travel program benefits resulting from U.S. paid travel. Makes certain student volunteers eligible under agency programs to encourage commuting by means other than single-occupancy motor vehicles. Establishes a separate annual pay cap applicable to certain senior-level and senior executive positions (not to exceed the total annual compensation of the Vice President). Repeals the senior executive recertification requirement. Authorizes an annual leave credit for certain senior level and senior executive employees. Revises provisions concerning personnel management demonstration projects, permitting their modification and/or conversion to an alternative personnel system. Authorizes an agency to implement and modify an alternative personnel system according to an approved plan which includes how such system is consistent with merit system principles and relates to carrying out the strategic plan. Authorizes agencies to appoint certain critical employees outside the competitive service. Authorizes the use of a quality category rather than a numerical ratings selection system.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, upon determining that at least one harmful substance is being or has been released in an area that the President has declared to be a disaster area, to carry out a program for the protection, assessment, monitoring, and study of the health and safety of community members, volunteers, and responding emergency personnel in the area. Allows the President to carry out a program through a cooperative agreement with a medical or academic institution, or a consortium of such institutions that is: (1) located in close proximity to the area; and (2) experienced in environmental or occupational health and safety.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Federal Human Capital Act of 2001 - Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2001 - Places an agency Chief Human Capital Officer in specified Federal agencies. Requires such Officers to: (1) set the workforce development strategy of the agency; (2) assess current workforce characteristics and future needs based on the agency's strategic plan and mission; (3) align human resources policies with organization mission, strategic goals, and performance outcomes; (4) develop and advocate a culture of continuous learning to attract and retain employees with superior abilities; (5) identify best practices and benchmarking studies; and (6) create systems for measuring intellectual capital and identifying links of that capital to organizational performance and growth. Establishes a Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Requires a study on the feasibility and desirability of developing human capital metrics for use by the Federal Government. Permits certain agencies to evaluate applicants for competitive service positions according to a quality category rating system rather than numerical ratings. Permits appointment into the competitive service without competition under specified conditions. Authorizes voluntary separation incentive payments. Revises voluntary early retirement criteria. Provides for phased retirement for certain specialized positions. Authorizes the use of a streamlined critical pay authority. Requires expedited approval for appointments to positions classified above GS-15. Reduces the notification period for reductions in grade or removal for unacceptable performance. Requires a study on the discipline and termination process. Authorizes an agency to assign a senior executive to a private entity to perform work of mutual concern. Repeals the recertification requirements for senior executives. Permits the waiver of certain qualifications and other requirements for specially qualified scientists and professionals and persons in critical positions. Revises agency training programs to require: (1) their evaluation and modification; (2) the hiring of a training officer; (3) establishment of a comprehensive management succession program; and (4) manager training on unacceptable performance issues. Revises academic degree training criteria. Allows accrual of leave for certain qualified non-Federal service. Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to expand: (1) the national security education program to include emphasis on the quality of teaching and learning in fields critical to national interests; and (2) the National Security Education Trust Fund to include repayment of student loans and payment for professional development instruction in critical national interest fields.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2001
Tax Relief for Unemployed Workers Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement to include unemployment compensation in gross income and the provision concerning the voluntary withholding on unemployment benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Nuclear Safety and Promotion Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to reauthorize until August 1, 2012, mandatory indemnification and holding harmless of certain licensees for nuclear incidents (Price-Anderson Act). Repeals the prohibition against foreign ownership of commercial, medical therapy, and research and development licenses issued by the NRC. Provides that the duration of the operating phase of the license period for certain combined construction and operating licenses shall not be less than the duration of the operating license if application had been made for separate construction and operating licenses. Prohibits the NRC from giving any consideration to need or alternative when conducting any environmental review regarding a facility license application or renewal. Eliminates antitrust review of NRC license applications. Authorizes the NRC to prescribe regulations to ensure the availability of sufficient decommissioning funds for certain production or utilization facilities, including standards and restrictions governing former licensee control and disbursement over any facility decommissioning fund. Authorizes the NRC to eliminate the pension offset governing former NRC employees rehired as consultants if the annuitant has skills critical to the performance of NRC duties. Repeals the requirements that the NRC promulgate implementation rules governing conflicts of interest relating to contracts. Authorizes the NRC enter into a contract with a national laboratory if it takes reasonable steps to mitigate the effect of the conflict of interest. Instructs the NRC to implement a training and fellowship program to address shortages of critical safety skills.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Environmental Streamlining of Energy Facilities Act of 2001 - Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to establish an integrated review process for the environmental review required for construction, operation, and maintenance of energy facilities for which an authorization (license, permit, or other form of approval) is required to be issued under Federal law. Includes in the process the following components: (1) designation of a lead agency and delineation of lead agency and participating agency responsibilities; (2) integration of the preparation of environmental impact statements or assessments and the conduct of any other review or determination, and the issuance of any authorization, required under Federal law; (3) public participation requirements; (4) procedures for resolution of environmental concerns that have not been resolved; (5) guidelines for participation of State agencies in the review and delegation to them of authority to prepare environmental impact statements or assessments; and (6) financial assistance to States that assume responsibility for environmental review that would otherwise be conducted by the lead agency.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2001
Encourages the people of the United States and all levels of government, as the United States marks the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the United States under, and to recommit to achieving the goals of, that Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Voinovich, George V. [R-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000126_200.jpg)