United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2001
Reasonable Search Standards Act - Prohibits U.S. Customs Service personnel from subjecting travelers to detention or searches based upon race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation, except when acting upon specific information that a particular traveler suspected of engaging in illegal activity is described by one or more of such characteristics. Requires Customs Service personnel, before a pat down or intrusive nonroutine search, to document reasons to support a belief that an individual may be carrying contraband in violation of Federal law. Waives such requirement with respect to anyone suspected of carrying a weapon. Instructs the Commissioner of Customs to require Customs Service personnel to undergo periodic training on identification, detention, and search procedures, with particular emphasis on profiling proscriptions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2001
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Prohibits any person or entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, from: (1) performing or attempting to perform human cloning; (2) participating in such an attempt; (3) shipping or receiving the product of human cloning; or (4) importing such a product. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Federal Government should advocate for and join an international effort to prohibit human cloning; and (2) the President should commission a study by the National Bioethics Advisory Commission or a successor group of the arguments for and against the use of cloning to produce human embryos solely for research.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2001
Congratulates Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the tenth anniversary of the restoration of their full independence. Calls on the President to continue to build the close and mutually beneficial relations the United States has enjoyed with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania since the restoration of their full independence.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2001
Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) with respect to pensions. (All the following are amendments to the Code, except where the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, is mentioned.) Increases: (1) annual dollar Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contribution limits; and (2) benefit and contribution limits, with indexes for inflation. Amends the Code and ERISA to deem certain voluntary employee contributions to accounts and annuities as IRAs rather than pension plans. Provides for tax-free distributions from IRAs for charitable purposes. Modifies adjusted gross income limits for Roth IRAs. Revises requirements relating to: (1) plan loans for subchapter S owners, partners, and sole proprietors; and (2) specified top-heavy rules. Provides that elective deferrals shall not be taken into account for purposes of limits on certain plan contributions. Repeals specified coordination requirements for deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Revises certain deduction limits for stock bonus and profit sharing trusts and for defined contribution plans. Provides for optional treatment of elective deferrals as after-tax contributions. Establishes nonrefundable tax credits for elective deferrals and IRA contributions. Establishes refundable tax credits for: (1) qualified pension plan contributions of small employers; and (2) the pension plan startup costs of small employers. Allows individuals age 50 or older to make additional contributions to an applicable employer plan (section 401(k) or similar plan). Sets forth requirements relating to equitable treatment for contributions of employees to defined contribution plans. Provides for faster vesting of certain employer matching contributions under the Code and ERISA. Revises: (1) minimum distribution rules; and (2) requirements relating to tax treatment of division of section 457 plan benefits upon divorce. Sets forth provisions: (1) relating to hardship distributions; and (2) for waiver of a tax on nondeductible contributions for domestic or similar workers. Permits, under certain conditions, rollovers: (1) from and to various types of plans; (2) of IRAs into workplace retirement plans; and (3) of after-tax contributions in an exempt trust. Sets forth a hardship exception to the 60-day rule. Sets forth requirements for treatment of forms of distribution available under transferor and transferee plans under the Code and ERISA. Revises restrictions on distributions, including the same desk exception. Allows trustee-to-trustee transfers to purchase permissive service credit with respect to governmental defined benefit plans. Allows employers to disregard rollovers for purposes of cash-out amounts, under retirement plan provisions of the Code. Revises minimum distribution and inclusion requirements for section 457 plans. Repeals, for plan years beginning in 2004 and following years, the current liability full funding limit under the Code and ERISA. Revises maximum contribution deduction rules, and applies them to all defined benefit plans. Allows an employer, in determining the amount of nondeductible contributions for any taxable year, to elect not to take into account any contributions to a defined benefit plan except to the extent they exceed the full-funding limitation. Makes certain compensation limitations for defined benefit plans inapplicable to governmental and multiemployer plans. Prohibits combining or aggregating a multiemployer plan with any other plan maintained by the employer for the purpose of applying such limitations. Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to protect the investment of employee contributions to 401(k) plans by providing that specified requirements apply to elective deferrals for plan years beginning after December 31, 1998. Requires that pension benefit statements be furnished annually (once every three years for defined benefit plans) or on request. Establishes an excise tax for certain prohibited allocations of stock in an S corporation ESOP. Provides for automatic rollovers of certain mandatory distributions. Establishes an excise tax for the failure of a defined benefit plan or an individual account plan (except governmental, church, and other specified plans), subject to minimum funding standards to meet specified notice requirements, under the Code and ERISA, for plan amendments which significantly reduce benefit accruals. Revises Code and ERISA requirements relating to timing of plan valuations. Allows applicable dividends of ESOPs to be reinvested without loss of dividend deduction. Repeals a transition rule relating to certain highly compensated employees under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify specified regulations with respect to certain plan participation by employees of tax-exempt entities. Treats the provision of certain retirement planning services by an employer for an employee as a de minimis fringe benefit to the extent it is not treated as a working condition fringe. Directs the Secretary to provide simplified annual filing requirements for retirement plans with assets below a specified amount, if they cover: (1) one participant (an owner and spouse); or (2) fewer than 25 employees. Directs the Secretary to continue to update and improve the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, or any successor program. Repeals a multiple use test. Allows certain alternative ways of satisfying nondiscrimination, coverage, and line of business rules. Exempts plans maintained by any governmental entity from certain nondiscrimination rules. Directs the Secretary to modify specified regulations relating to the notice and consent period regarding distributions. Directs the Secretary to study and report on pension coverage and preretirement use of benefits. Revises ERISA provisions relating to: (1) annual report dissemination; (2) the National Summit on Retirement Savings; (3) missing participants; (4) Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) reduction of premiums for new plans of small employers and of additional premiums for new and small plans; (5) PBGC authority to pay interest on premium overpayment refunds; (6) substantial owner benefits in terminated plans; (7) civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility; and (8) benefit suspension notices. Prescribes time requirements for plan amendments or annuity contract amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001
Amateur Sports Integrity Act - Athletic Performance-Enhancing Drugs Research and Detection Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a program to support research into the use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes, and methods of detecting their use. Requires the Director to: (1) consider research proposals involving performance-enhancing substances banned from use by competitors in events sanctioned by organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. Requires the Director in carrying out such program to: (1) fund research on the detection of naturally-occurring steroids, such as testosterone, and other testosterone precursors (e.g., androstendione), and other substances, such as human growth hormone and erythropoietin for which no tests are available but for which there is evidence of abuse or abuse potential; (2) fund research that focuses on population studies to ensure that tests are accurate for men, women, all relevant age, and major ethnic groups; and (3) not fund research on drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, phencyclidine, marijuana, morphine/codeine, and methamphetamine/amphetamine. Requires the Director to develop a grant program to fund educational substance abuse prevention and intervention programs related to the use of such banned performance-enhancing substances by high school and college student athletes. Amends the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to make it unlawful for a governmental entity to sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license, or authorize by law or compact, or for a person, to sponsor, operate, advertise, or promote, a lottery, sweepstakes, or other betting, gambling, or wagering scheme based on a competitive game at the Summer or Winter Olympics, a competitive game in which high school or college athletes participate, or a performance of high school or college athletes in a competitive game.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001
Expresses the Senate's regret at the damage and loss of life occasioned by the accidental collision of a U.S. military EP-3E Aries II reconnaissance aircraft and an F-8 jet fighter from the Air Force of the People's Republic of China. Calls for the Chinese Government to release the crew members of the EP-3E and return the aircraft and its equipment to the United States. Supports the President's continuing efforts to ensure the safe return of the crew and aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to increase benefits to railroad employees and their beneficiaries and to revise financing of the pension part (tier II) of the railroad retirement system. Establishes a Railroad Retirement Trust Fund and a Railroad Retirement Investment Trust to manage and invest Fund assets. Abolishes the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Annuity Account and provides for transfer of its funds to the Fund. Provides for transfer to the Fund of certain portions of the Railroad Retirement Account and of Social Security Equivalent Benefit account funds. Transfers to the disbursing agent from the Dual Benefits Payments Account the amount necessary to make dual benefit payments. Requires the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) to calculate the ratio of assets to benefits to determine annual tier II tax rates for employers, employee representatives, and employees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt the Fund from taxation. Repeals a supplemental annuity tax that railroad employers pay to finance a benefit for long-time rail employees. Provides for adjustments to railroad employers, employee representatives, and employee tier II tax rates.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2001
Housing Bond and Credit Modernization and Fairness Act of 2001 - 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 · 29 March 2001
Makes marked (currently, only unmarked) graves of certain veterans eligible for the provision of a headstone or marker through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Allows such headstone or marker to be placed at another area appropriate for commemorating the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001
Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2001 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prescribe parameters for block grants to States and territories to implement at their option media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with a nonprofit fatherhood promotion organization to: (1) develop and distribute a media campaign that addresses the issue of responsible fatherhood to States, local governments, public agencies, and private entities; and (2) develop a national clearinghouse to assist States and community efforts to promote and support responsible fatherhood by disseminating information regarding media campaigns and programs instituted by States using grant funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2001
Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) with respect to pensions. (All the following are amendments to the Code, except where the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, is mentioned.) Increases: (1) annual dollar Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contribution limits; and (2) benefit and contribution limits, with indexes for inflation. Revises requirements relating to: (1) plan loans for subchapter S owners, partners, and sole proprietors; and (2) specified top-heavy rules. Provides that elective deferrals shall not be taken into account for purposes of limits on certain plan contributions. Repeals specified coordination requirements for deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Revises certain deduction limits for stock bonus and profit sharing trusts and for defined contribution plans. Provides for optional treatment of elective deferrals as after-tax contributions. Allows individuals age 50 or older to make additional contributions to an applicable employer plan (section 401(k) or similar plan). Sets forth requirements relating to equitable treatment for contributions of employees to defined contribution plans. Provides for faster vesting of certain employer matching contributions under the Code and ERISA. Revises: (1) minimum distribution rules; (2) requirements relating to tax treatment of division of section 457 plan benefits upon divorce; and (3) provisions for safe harbor relief for hardship withdrawals from 401(k) plans. Permits, under certain conditions, rollovers: (1) from and to various types of plans; (2) of IRAs into workplace retirement plans; and (3) of after-tax contributions in an exempt trust. Sets forth a hardship exception to the 60-day rule. Sets forth requirements for treatment of forms of distribution available under transferor and transferee plans under the Code and ERISA. Revises restrictions on distributions, including the same desk exception. Allows trustee-to-trustee transfers to purchase permissive service credit with respect to governmental defined benefit plans. Allows employers to disregard rollovers for purposes of cash-out amounts, under retirement plan provisions of the Code. Revises minimum distribution and inclusion requirements for section 457 plans. Repeals, for plan years beginning in 2004 and following years, the current liability full funding limit under the Code and ERISA. Revises maximum contribution deduction rules, and applies them to all defined benefit plans. Allows an employer, in determining the amount of nondeductible contributions for any taxable year, to elect not to take into account any contributions to a defined benefit plan except to the extent they exceed the full-funding limitation. Establishes an excise tax for the failure of a defined benefit plan or an individual account plan (except governmental, church, and other specified plans) subject to minimum funding standards to meet specified notice requirements, under the Code and ERISA, for plan amendments which significantly reduce benefit accruals. Makes certain compensation limitations for defined benefit plans inapplicable to governmental and multiemployer plans. Prohibits combining or aggregating a multiemployer plan with any other plan maintained by the employer for the purpose of applying such limitations. Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to protect the investment of employee contributions to 401(k) plans by providing that specified requirements apply to elective deferrals for plan years beginning after December 31, 1998. Requires that pension benefit statements be furnished annually (once every three years for defined benefit plans) or on request. Establishes an excise tax for certain prohibited allocations of stock in an S corporation ESOP. Revises Code and ERISA requirements relating to timing of plan valuations. Allows applicable dividends of ESOPs to be reinvested without loss of dividend deduction. Repeals a transition rule relating to certain highly compensated employees under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Directs the Secretary to modify specified regulations with respect to certain plan participation by employees of tax-exempt entities. Treats the provision of certain retirement planning services by an employer for an employee as a de minimis fringe benefit to the extent it is not treated as a working condition fringe. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide simplified annual filing requirements for retirement plans with assets below a specified amount, if they cover: (1) one participant (an owner and spouse); or (2) fewer than 25 employees. Directs the Secretary to continue to update and improve the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, or any successor program. Repeals a multiple use test. Allows certain alternative ways of satisfying nondiscrimination, coverage, and line of business rules. Exempts plans maintained by any governmental entity from certain nondiscrimination rules. Directs the Secretary to modify specified regulations relating to the notice and consent period regarding distributions. Revises ERISA provisions relating to: (1) annual report dissemination; (2) the National Summit on Retirement Savings; (3) missing participants; (4) Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) reduction of premiums for new plans of small employers and of additional premiums for new and small plans; (5) PBGC authority to pay interest on premium overpayment refunds; (6) substantial owner benefits in terminated plans; (7) civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility; and (8) benefit suspension notices. Prescribes time requirements for plan amendments or annuity contract amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2001
Government Pension Offset Reform Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan. Declares that such benefit reductions shall be equal to the amount by which two-thirds of the total amount of the combined monthly benefit (before reduction) and monthly pension exceeds $1,200, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2001
Ready to Learn, Ready to Teach Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise title III (Technology for Education) part C as Ready-to-Learn Digital Television. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible public telecommunications entities to: (1) develop educational programming, and related support materials and services, for preschool and elementary school children; (2) develop programming and digital content designed for nationwide distribution over public television stations' digital broadcasting channels and the Internet, containing Ready-to-Learn-based children's programming and resources for parents and caregivers; and (3) disseminate and distribute such programs to the widest possible appropriate audience by the most appropriate distribution technologies. Establishes the New Century Program for Distributed Teacher Professional Development. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a nonprofit telecommunications entity, or partnership of such entities, for a national telecommunications-based program designed to assist elementary school and secondary school teachers in preparing all students in core curriculum areas to achieve State content standards. Establishes a Digital Education Content Collaborative. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible local public television communications entities to develop, produce, and distribute educational and instructional video programming based on State standards and designed for use by kindergarten through grade 12 schools.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
Recognizes May 15, 2001, as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2001
Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a business or trade deduction the expenses of a member of the reserve component of the U.S. armed forces in connection with such service. Makes such deduction available to itemizers and non-itemizers. Establishes related reserve component business-related employment and self-employment credits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2001
Internet Tax Moratorium and Equity Act - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend, until December 31, 2005, provisions which prohibit a State or political subdivision from imposing: (1) taxes on Internet access, unless such tax was generally imposed and actually enforced prior to October 1, 1998; and (2) multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) States and localities should work together to develop a uniform streamlined sales and use tax system that addresses remote sales; and (2) a joint comprehensive study should be undertaken to determine the cost of collecting and remitting State and local sales and use taxes under such system. Authorizes States to enter into an Interstate Sales and Use Tax Compact which shall describe a uniform, streamlined sales and use tax system consistent with such system.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Nuclear Energy Electricity Supply Assurance Act of 2001 - Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend the indemnification authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with respect to licensees and nonprofit educational institutions. Makes such authority permanent with respect to Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Revises guidelines pertaining to: (1) licensee insurance premiums; and (2) liability and indemnification limits. Limits any civil penalty for a tax-exempt nonprofit contractor, subcontractor, or supplier to the amount of the performance fee paid by the Secretary. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to add two Assistant Secretaries of Energy to serve, respectively, as Director of: (1) the Office of Science; and (2) the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish or continue programs administered by the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology, including: (1) specified nuclear energy research and technology programs; (2) investments to increase electricity capacity at commercial nuclear plants; (3) continued domestic capability for uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment industries; and (4) university nuclear engineering education research and infrastructure. Amends the USEC Privatization Act to prohibit the Secretary from selling surplus natural uranium and conversion services through 2006. Requires the sale of uranium hexaflouride. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed to place the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant into cold standby condition for a five-year period. Mandates a program to: (1) demonstrate the NRC Early Site Permit process; (2) evaluate opportunities for completion of partially constructed nuclear plants; (3) assess opportunities for Generation IV reactors; and (4) research potential licensing issues associated with new reactor technologies and designs. Declares electricity generated by a nuclear plant to be an environmentally preferable product. Conditions Federal funding for a domestic or international organization that supports electricity production facilities upon inclusion of emission-free electricity production facility projects that use nuclear fuel. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research to implement a research and development program pertaining to treatment, recycling, and disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to further the availability of electrometallurgical technology as a proliferation-resistant alternative to aqueous reprocessing in support of evaluation of alternative national strategies for spent nuclear fuel and Generation IV advanced reactor concepts; and (2) establish the Advanced Accelerator Applications Program. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) revise certain commercial license requirements; (2) repeal restrictions pertaining to foreign ownership of commercial licensees; and (3) grant firearms and arrest authority to employees of NRC licensees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2001 - 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 · 5 March 2001
Medicare Education and Regulatory Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) concerning: (1) prospective application only of certain regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) certain requirements for judicial and regulatory challenges of regulations. Requires the Secretary, with respect to Medicare audits, except when clear and convincing evidence exists of fraud or similar fault, to give a physician, provider of services, or provider of ambulance services (physicians or providers) the option of entering into: (1) an arrangement to offset alleged overpayments against future payments; or (2) a repayment plan with its carrier or fiscal intermediary to recoup such an overpayment. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to recoup an overpayment or to impose a penalty during the period in which a physician or provider is appealing a determination that such an overpayment has been made or the amount of the overpayment. Prohibits carriers, absent cause, from demanding the production of records or documentation before paying a Medicare claim. Amends SSA title XI with respect to prohibited extensions of remuneration to a Medicare-eligible individual to influence a choice of provider, practitioner, or supplier. Excludes from the meaning of remuneration any waiver of copayment made in a written, mailed communication with existing patients. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) construction of hearing rights related to decisions to deny or not renew a physician enrollment agreement; (2) the post-payment audit process; (3) definitions relating to physicians or providers; and (4) the right to appeal on behalf of deceased beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XVIII to require carriers, fiscal intermediaries, and contractors to conduct education programs (funded from the Medicare Integrity Program) for physicians and providers on billing, coding, cost reporting, and documentation regulations and procedures. Outlines provisions with regard to certain information requests from physicians and providers. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the inclusion of regulatory costs in the calculation of the sustainable growth rate with respect to the costs of physicians' services. Prohibits the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) from implementing any new evaluation and management documentation guidelines under Medicare, unless it: (1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed guidelines by organizations representing physicians; (2) has established a plan that contains specific goals, including a schedule, for improving use of such guidelines; (3) has completed a minimum of four pilot projects to test such guidelines; and (4) finds that specified objectives will be met in the implementation of such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2001
Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to: (1) provide for continued appointments to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, authorize the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds for future Commission expenses, and extend Commission authority through December 31, 2005; (2) require the Secretary to include within budget justification documents a force structure plan for the armed forces through FY 2006 (currently, FY 1996); and (3) extend similarly the dates for submission of final selection criteria used for the closure or realignment of military installations, Department of Defense recommendations for such closures or realignments, Commission review and recommendations, and presidential review. Terminates on December 31, 2005 (currently, 1995), the authority to close or realign such installations. Requires base closure or realignment cost saving or return on investment selection criteria to be based on the total cost and savings to the Federal Government. Requires the Secretary, in making closure or realignment recommendations, to consider any notice received from a local government approving such closure or realignment. Allows privatization in place of a military installation recommended for closure or realignment only if privatization is a method specified in the Commission's recommendation and it is determined to be the most cost-effective method of implementation of the recommendation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2001
National Energy Security Act of 2001 - Mandates Federal studies and reports to Congress regarding specified national energy needs and resources. Prescribes research and development programs pertaining to designated energy technologies. Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water and Frontier Royalty Relief Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or eliminate the royalty or net profit share set forth in leases in the Western, Eastern and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Mandates that: (1) Federal oil or gas royalties accruing to the United States under any lease or permit be paid in kind in oil or gas; and (2) such royalty-in-kind oil be transferred to the Secretary of Energy to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 (sic) - Mandates transfer to a State, upon its request, of Federal authority over oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within the State. Directs the Secretary, when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil or natural gas reach certain levels, to grant a specified credit against the payment of royalties on oil and gas exploration and development on Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf in order to encourage those activities. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Establishes Federal grant programs for incentive payments for nuclear energy technology and research. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Prescribes leasing guidelines for the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) for private sector oil and gas exploration, development, and production, including rights-of-way and easements for oil and gas transportation. Establishes Federal grant programs for: (1) local governmental use of alternative fuel vehicles; and (2) residential renewable energy. Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 2001 - Delineates mandatory factors for consideration by Federal agencies in connection with hydroelectric power licensing procedures. National Electric Reliability Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve an Electric Reliability Organization, which shall adopt standards for the reliable operation of a bulk power system. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Practices Act of 1978 to repeal the requirement that an electric utility enter into a new contract to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to requirements governing cogeneration and small power production. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Deems State actions to support emission-free electricity sources to be control measures meeting Clean Air Act requirements and included in a State Implementation Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2001
National Energy Security Act of 2001 - Mandates Federal studies and reports to Congress regarding specified national energy needs and resources. Prescribes research and development programs pertaining to designated energy technologies. Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water and Frontier Royalty Relief Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or eliminate the royalty or net profit share set forth in leases in the Western, Eastern and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Mandates that: (1) Federal oil or gas royalties accruing to the United States under any lease or permit be paid in kind in oil or gas; and (2) such royalty-in-kind oil be transferred to the Secretary of Energy to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 (sic) - Mandates transfer to a State, upon its request, of Federal authority over oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within the State. Directs the Secretary, when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil or natural gas reach certain levels, to grant a specified credit against the payment of royalties on oil and gas exploration and development on Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf in order to encourage those activities. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Establishes Federal grant programs for incentive payments for nuclear energy technology and research. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Prescribes leasing guidelines for the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) for private sector oil and gas exploration, development, and production, including rights-of-way and easements for oil and gas transportation. Establishes Federal grant programs for: (1) local governmental use of alternative fuel vehicles; and (2) residential renewable energy. Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 2001 - Delineates mandatory factors for consideration by Federal agencies in connection with hydroelectric power licensing procedures. National Electric Reliability Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve an Electric Reliability Organization, which shall adopt standards for the reliable operation of a bulk power system. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Practices Act of 1978 to repeal the requirement that an electric utility enter into a new contract to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to requirements governing cogeneration and small power production. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Deems State actions to support emission-free electricity sources to be control measures meeting Clean Air Act requirements and included in a State Implementation Plan. Energy Security Tax Policy Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish tax incentives, including tax credits, with respect to: (1) oil and gas production; (2) offshore oil and gas vessels and structures; (3) emission reductions and efficiency improvements in coal-based electricity generation facilities; (4) early commercial applications of advanced clean coal technologies; (5) prepayments for natural gas; (6) electric power; (7) spent nuclear fuel storage; (8) energy efficiency; (9) alternative fuels; and (10) renewable energy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Mercury Reduction and Disposal Act of 2001 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) prohibit the sale or supply of mercury fever thermometers to consumers, except by prescription; and (2) require manufacturers to provide clear instructions on handling of thermometers to avoid breakage and on proper cleanup in the event of breakage. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants for a household mercury thermometer collection and exchange program. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Mercury to make recommendations on: (1) the long-term management and retirement of mercury collected from thermometers and from medical, commercial, and government sources; (2) collection of mercury from sources in cases in which the mercury is no longer needed; (3) programs to test technologies for sequestration of retired mercury; (4) storage of mercury in a manner that ensures no release into the environment; and (5) reduction of mercury produced, used, and released.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Designates the headquarters offices of the Peace Corps, wherever situated, as the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters. Amends the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Act of 2000 to require the Director of the Peace Corps to ensure that references in Peace Corps documents to the World Wise Schools Program be references to the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program. Provides funding to the University of Georgia to support the construction of the Paul D. Coverdell Building at the Institute of the Biomedical and Health Sciences at the University.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2001 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Medicare Competition and Prescription Drugs) to establish a Medicare Competition Agency, headed by a Commissioner, to administer the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program (program) created under a new SSA title XXIII part B by this Act and the Medicare+Choice program under part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare). Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part B (Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program) requiring the Commissioner to establish the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program under which an eligible beneficiary may voluntarily enroll in, and receive access to covered outpatient prescription drugs and other benefits through, a Medicare Prescription Plus plan offered by a private entity or by a Medicare+Choice plan. Amends SSA title XVIII part C to prohibit a Medicare+Choice organization from offering prescription drug coverage to a Medicare+Choice plan enrollee except as specified. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require a State, as a condition for receiving Federal financial assistance for its Medicaid plan, to make Medicare prescription drug benefit eligibility determinations for low-income premium and cost-sharing subsidies. Provides for phased-in Federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs. Prohibits: (1) any new Medigap policy covering prescription drugs from being issued, on or after January 1, 2004, to an individual unless it replaces a Medigap policy issued to that individual which provided some coverage of prescription drug expenses; and (2) a Medigap policy issuer from denying or conditioning Medigap coverage for certain individuals. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish Medigap protections for individuals who lose Medicare prescription plus plan coverage. Amends Medicare part C to establish a Medicare+Choice Competition Program. Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part C (Medicare Consumer Coalitions) authorizing the Commissioner of the Competitive Medicare Agency to establish Medicare Consumer Coalitions to conduct information programs comparing the original Medicare fee-for-service program, available Medicare+Choice plans, and available Medicare Prescription Plus plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Catholic Conference and established to recognize the vital contributions of thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should work with the Government of Mexico to advance bilateral cooperation and should seek to: (1) encourage economic growth and development to benefit both the United States and Mexico; (2) strengthen cooperation between the United States and Mexican military and law enforcement entities for the purpose of addressing common threats to security; (3) provide assistance to Mexico, upon request, in support of President Vicente Fox's plan to reform Mexico's judicial system and combat corruption and to strengthen democratic institutions; (4) develop a common strategy to address undocumented and documented immigration and to fight the illicit drug trade by reducing demand; (5) encourage bilateral and multilateral environmental protection activities; (6) obtain the support of the Mexican Government to assist the Government of Colombia in achieving a peaceful political resolution to the conflict in Colombia; and (7) review the current illicit drug certification process and consider other evaluation mechanisms.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to education individual retirement accounts (IRAs), to: (1) permit distributions for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses; (2) increase annual contribution limits from $500 to $2,000, with annual inflation adjustments as of tax year 2003; (3) waive the beneficiary age limitation (18) for contributions on behalf of special needs beneficiaries; (4) permit corporations to contribute to education IRAs; (5) permit annual contributions to be made until the filing date (not including extensions) for a tax year; (6) extend the time for return of excess contributions; and (7) provide for coordination with Hope and lifetime learning credit and qualified tuition program provisions. Renames such educational IRAs as Coverdell education savings accounts. Excludes from gross income: (1) employer contributions to such accounts on behalf of an employee or employee family member; and (2) account distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act - Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a temporary education center for educating people about the Memorial. Requires the center to remain for ten years, after which Congress may reevaluate the continuing need for the center. Sets forth conditions for the use of excess coin funds under the United States Veterans Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 in the construction of such center, including that the Fund provide detailed information with respect to the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act - Amends Federal civil service law relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide that the mandatory separation age for Federal firefighters (currently, 55) be made the same as the age that applies with respect to Federal law enforcement officers (currently, 57).
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2001
Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the Act. Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities that have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters. Provides for an extended repayment period and additional subsidization with respect to loans made to financially distressed communities from revolving funds. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2002 through 2006 for the revolving fund program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2001
Northern Border States Council Act - Establishes the Northern Border States-Canada Trade Council, which shall: (1) advise the President, the Congress, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and other appropriate Federal and State officials with respect to the administration of U.S.-Canada trade policies, taxation of trade in goods and services, and customs and immigration matters; (2) monitor trade issues and disputes that involve one of the Council-member States and either the Canadian Government or one of Canada's provinces; and (3) make recommendations with respect to such disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $65 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to an amount ($175) that equals the amount permitted for qualified parking (thus providing for a uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits). Revises provisions concerning Federal employee parking benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
Department of Environmental Protection Affairs Act of 2001 - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection Affairs, an executive department.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act of 2001 - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of Children's Services which shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing law and policy for unaccompanied alien children. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Unaccompanied Alien Children. States that an unaccompanied alien child found in the United States shall be promptly paroled into the United States and placed under the jurisdiction of the Office. Sets forth a family reunification preference order. Prohibits, with an exception for violent children, detention in adult or delinquent children facilities. Directs the Office to develop procedures for prohibited detention practices. Prohibits an unaccompanied alien child from being repatriated to a country unless an appropriate voluntary agency has conducted an assessment of the country conditions and the Office has conducted an assessment of the suitability of the placement of the child. Directs the Office to provide that each unaccompanied child have counsel and guardian ad litem. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a special immigrant juvenile visa (J Visa). Expresses congressional commendation of the Immigration and Naturalization Service' s issuance of its "Guidelines for Children's Asylum Claims." Directs the Attorney General to provide immigration officers with related training. Amends the Act to exempt unaccompanied alien children from certain removal and asylum filing provisions. Directs the Comptroller General to report respecting the Office's effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2001 - Amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend to Head Start teachers loan forgiveness for certain student loans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Open and Accountable Campaign Financing Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to revise reporting requirements, including: (1) changing from quarterly to monthly the additional reports required to be filed with regard to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the House of Representatives or the Senate in any calendar year during which there is a regularly scheduled election for which such candidate is seeking nomination or election; (2) requiring a national committee of a political party to file the same monthly reports designated for all political committees other than authorized committees of a candidate; and (3) directing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to make report information available on the Internet and at FEC offices. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a licensee to maintain and make available for public inspection a complete record of certain requests to purchase broadcast time that are related to legally qualified candidates. Amends FECA to require the FEC to develop, and provide at no cost, software for filing FEC reports. Limits to $60,000 the aggregate amount (indexed for inflation) of soft money per calendar year, per contributor that a national committee of a political party, a congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such committee may accept. Increases individual, political committee, and multicandidate political committee contribution limits. Revises indexing provisions. Increases Senate candidate contribution limits for national party committees and senatorial campaign committees. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit solicitation of soft money in Federal buildings by an officer or employee of the United States. Amends FECA to provide for the indexing of certain penalty and other amounts under enforcement provisions. Outlines provisions for filing of Senate reports with the FEC.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
National Electricity and Environmental Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, chemical feedstocks, and transportation fuel; (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies; and (3) implement a power plant improvement initiative program demonstrating commercial applications of advanced coal-based technologies applicable to new or existing power plants including co-production plants, which must advance the effectiveness, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond that which is in operation or has been demonstrated on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for investment in: (1) a qualifying clean coal technology unit in an existing coal-based electricity generation facility; and (2) early commercial applications of qualifying advanced clean coal technologies. Sets forth formulae for determining tax credits for unit production of both kinds of technologies. Exempts the installation of a qualifying system of continuous emission control from new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act. Grants a ten-year exemption from any new or increased emission control requirements for the specific pollutant controlled by such a system to any existing coal-based electricity generating unit on which it has been installed, if the system meets or exceeds the specified standard of performance for new stationary sources. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a financial risk pool for a limited time to offset the modification costs resulting from the failure of qualifying advanced clean coal technology to achieve its design performance. Cites conditions under which credits for emission reductions and efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generating facilities of electric cooperatives or publicly owned electric utilities may be treated as offset credits. Entitles the Tennessee Valley Authority to aggregate certain clean coal technology credits and apply them as a credit against obligations for annual returns on the appropriations investment and annual repayment sums.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000
Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to oppose the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared, and to encourage other countries and international organizations to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared. Sets forth certain measures that shall be applied in the event that a Palestinian state is unilaterally declared, including: (1) to make it unlawful for the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), or any successor entities to establish an office in the United States; (2) to bar of U.S. assistance to the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority (or to any successor entity), and any programs or projects in the West Bank or Gaza (except humanitarian assistance); (3) to withhold a specified percentage of the U.S. contribution to any international organization that recognizes a unilaterally declared Palestinian state; and (4) to oppose such state's membership in any international financial institution or the extension by such institution of any loan or other financial assistance to it. Authorizes the President to suspend, for one year, the application of a specified number of such measures provided he determines and certifies to specified congressional committees that such suspensions are in the national security interests of the United States or the application of such measures would significantly hinder the prospects for a negotiated peace agreement in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2000
Declares that: (1) the period preceding the elections held in Belarus on October 15, 2000, was plagued by continued human rights abuses and a climate of fear for which the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko is responsible; (2) these elections were conducted in the absence of a democratic electoral law; (3) the Lukashenko regime purposely denied the democratic opposition access to state-controlled media; and (4) these elections were for seats in a parliament that lacks real constitutional power and democratic legitimacy. Declares the support of Congress for the Belarus' democratic opposition and commends the efforts of the opposition to boycott these illegitimate parliamentary elections. Reaffirms recognition of the 13th Supreme Soviet as the sole and democratically and constitutionally legitimate legislative body of Belarus. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should call upon Lukashenko and his regime to: (1) provide a full accounting of the disappearances of specified individuals in that country; and (2) release specified individuals imprisoned in Belarus for their political views.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2000
Honors the members of the crew of the U.S.S. COLE who died or were wounded as a result of the terrorist attack on such ship in Aden, Yemen on October 12, 2000. Extends sympathy to their families. Commends the ship's crew for their heroic damage control efforts. Condemns the attack as an unprovoked and cowardly act of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2000
Environmental Streamlining Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, taking into consideration comments submitted during certain proposed rulemaking proceedings regarding transportation projects (notice published on May 25, 2000, 65 Fed. Reg. 33922, 33960), to publish in the Federal Register for public comment revised notices of proposed rulemaking to: (1) implement the planning and environmental streamlining provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century; and (2) address the other matters covered by such notices of proposed rulemaking published on May 25, 2000. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating final rules (including interim final rules) to implement such provisions and other matters until on or after May 1, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2000
Commends the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for their courage in participating in the September 24, 2000, elections and for their decision to embrace democracy, the rule of law, and integration into the international community by rejecting dictatorship and isolationism. Reasserts the strong desire to reestablish the historic friendship between the American and Serbian people. Expresses support for a comprehensive assistance program and full economic integration for Yugoslavia once a democratic government that respects the rule of law, human rights, and a market economy is established.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2000
Authorizes Frederick Douglass Gardens, Inc., to establish a memorial and gardens on Department of the Interior lands in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and commemoration of Frederick Douglass.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2000
James Madison Commemoration Commission Act - Establishes a James Madison Commemoration Commission and an advisory committee to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison. Prescribes the duties of the Commission, including, in cooperation with the advisory committee and the Library of Congress, to: (1) direct the Government Printing Office to compile and publish a book containing a selection of James Madison's most important writings and tributes to him; and (2) plan and coordinate symposia that will be devoted to providing a better understanding of James Madison's contribution to American culture. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by February 15, 2002, on its recommendations, including regarding disposition of historically significant items donated to it.
![Official portrait of Sen. Voinovich, George V. [R-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000126_200.jpg)