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Bill· HRH.R. 5710 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2002
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Establishes in DHS the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, headed by an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 - Exempts from the Freedom of Information Act and other Federal and State disclosure requirements critical infrastructure information voluntarily submitted to a covered Federal agency for its use regarding the security of critical infrastructure and protected systems, analysis, warning, interdependency study, recovery, reconstitution, or other informational purpose. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for sharing information; and (2) appoint a senior Privacy Officer to assume primary responsibility for privacy policy. Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines and otherwise address crimes involving fraud in connection with computers and access to protected information, protected computers or restricted data in interstate or foreign commerce or involving a computer used by or for the Federal Government. Exempts from criminal penalties any emergency disclosures to a governmental entity by an electronic communication service and specified disclosures made in good faith. Abolishes the Office of Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice and transfers its functions to an Office of Science and Technology hereby established within the Department of Justice. Requires the Director of the Office to operate and support National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Directorate of Science and Technology, headed by an Under Secretary for Science and Technology; (2) a Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency; (3) a Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee; (4) a Homeland Security Institute; (5) a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, headed by an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; and (6) the U.S. Customs Service (transferred from the Department of the Treasury, but with certain customs revenue functions remaining with the Secretary of the Treasury). Transfers to DHS certain agricultural inspection functions of the Department of Agriculture. Maintains the Transportation Security Administration, transferred to DHS from the Department of Transportation, as a distinct entity. Vests in the Secretary of DHS all authority relating to U.S. consular officials to grant or refuse visas for entry into the Unite States. Establishes in DHS an Office for Domestic Preparedness to prepare the United States for acts of terrorism. Transfers to Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security from the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization (INS Commissioner) all functions performed under the Border Patrol, detention and removal, intelligence, investigations, and inspections programs. Establishes in DHS: (1) a Bureau of Border Security, headed by an Assistant Secretary; (2) a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, headed by a Director; and (3) a Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. Transfers from the INS Commissioner to the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) functions under Federal immigration law with respect to the care of unaccompanied alien children. Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Department of Justice. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary to: (1) make voluntary separation incentive payments to employees of the INS, the DHS Bureau of Border Security, and the DHS Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; and (2) conduct a demonstration project to determine whether changes in the policies or procedures relating to methods for disciplining employees would result in improved personnel management. Establishes within the Office of Deputy DHS Secretary a Director of Shared Services to coordinate resources for the Bureau of Border Security and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Establishes in DHS a Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response, headed by an Under Secretary. Declares that, at the direction of the DHS Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency in the United States), the Nuclear Incident Response Team shall operate as an organizational unit of DHS. Provides for Johnny Micheal Spann Patriot Trusts for surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents, grandparents, or siblings of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, certain personnel (including contractors) of elements of the intelligence community, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees, and Federal officers, employees, or contract employees whose deaths occur in the line of duty and arise out of terrorist attacks, military operations, intelligence operations, or law enforcement operations or accidents connected with activities occurring after September 11, 2001, and related to domestic or foreign efforts to curb international terrorism. Specifies the duties of the DHS Under Secretary for Management. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assess information alleging abuses of civil rights, civil liberties, and racial and ethnic profiling by DHS employees and officials. Establishes within the Office of the DHS Secretary an Office for State and Local Government Coordination to oversee and coordinate departmental programs for and relationships with State and local governments. Subjects the DHS Inspector General to the Secretary's authority with respect to audits or investigations, or issuance of subpoenas, that require access to sensitive information concerning specified matters the disclosure of which would constitute a serious threat to national security. Specifies the law enforcement powers of Inspector General agents. Transfers the United States Secret Service to DHS. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts with any foreign incorporated entity treated as an inverted domestic corporation (corporate expatriate). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a human resources management system for the organizational units of DHS. Declares that no agency or agency subdivision transferred to DHS shall be excluded from coverage of Federal civil service labor-management relations law unless: (1) the agency's (or subdivision's) mission and responsibilities materially change; and (2) a majority of the employees within such agency (or subdivision) have as their primary duty intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative work directly related to terrorism investigation. Prescribes requirements, including expedited procedures, for procurements for defense against or recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002' or the SAFETY Act - Authorizes the Secretary to designate anti-terrorism technologies that qualify for protection under a prescribed system of risk management (including mandatory liability insurance). Creates a Federal cause of action for claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism when qualified anti-terrorism technologies have been deployed in defense against or response or recovery from such act and such claims result or may result in loss to the Seller. Directs the Secretary to appoint a senior DHS counternarcotics officer to coordinate policy and operations within DHS and between it and other Federal agencies with respect to interdicting the entry of illegal drugs into the United States, and tracking and severing connections between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of International Affairs. Prohibits all Federal activities to implement the proposed component program of the Citizen Corps known as Operation TIPS (Terrorism Information and Prevention System). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office for National Capital Region to oversee and coordinate Federal programs for and relationships with State, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region Coordination. Requires DHS to comply with Federal laws protecting equal employment opportunity and providing whistleblower protections. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a permanent Joint Interagency Homeland Security Task Force composed of representatives from military and civilian Federal agencies to anticipate terrorist threats and prevent terrorist attacks against the United States. Declares the sense of Congress reaffirming the continued importance and applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act prohibiting the use of the Armed Forces as a posse comitatus to execute the law except as expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress. Transfers the Coast Guard to DHS, but prohibits the Secretary from substantially or significantly reducing the missions of the Coast Guard or its capability to perform them, except as specified in subsequent Acts. Homeland Security Information Sharing Act - Directs the President to prescribe and implement procedures under which relevant Federal agencies: (1) share relevant and appropriate homeland security information with other Federal agencies, including DHS, and appropriate State and local personnel; (2) identify and safeguard homeland security information that is sensitive but unclassified; and (3) to the extent such information is in classified form, determine whether, how, and to what extent to remove classified information, as appropriate, and with which such personnel it may be shared after such information is removed. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize the disclosure of grand jury information: (1) to personnel of a foreign government; and (2) to appropriate Federal, State, local, or foreign government officials to prevent or respond to specified hostile foreign power or domestic or international terrorist threats or actions, or foreign intelligence gathering activities. Authorizes Federal investigative or law enforcement officers to share electronic, wire, and oral interception information with foreign investigative or law enforcement officers. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a National Homeland Security Council to: (1) assess U.S. objectives, commitments, and risks in the interest of homeland security; (2) oversee and review Federal homeland security policies; and (3) make recommendations to the President. Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 - Amends Federal law to revise requirements for the coordination of Federal information policy to require: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oversee agency information security policies and practices; and (2) each Federal agency head to provide information security protections. Requires the Director to prescribe standards for Federal information systems based on proposals by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Renames the Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board. Transfers the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice. Establishes within ATF an Explosives Training and Research Facility at Fort AP Hill, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Safe Explosives Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for $50 one-year limited permits to receive explosive materials no more than six times during the permit period, and only from licensees or permittees whose premises are located in the State where the limited permittee resides. Prohibits limited permit holders from transporting, shipping, or receiving explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce. Prohibits knowing distribution of explosive materials to or possession by: (1) certain illegal aliens; (2) persons with a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; or (3) anyone who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Authorizes the Secretary to grant relief from specified prohibitions, depending on the relief applicant's record and reputation. Extends through calendar 2003 the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to declare an air carrier a victim of terrorism not liable for third party claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to extend through calendar 2003 the termination date of any insurance policy issued to an air carrier. Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002 - Amends Federal civil service law to require the heads of specified agencies to appoint or designate Agency Chief Human Capital Officers to set agency workforce development strategy. Establishes a Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Requires OMB to design a set of systems for assessing the management of human capital by Federal agencies. Amends Federal civil service law to authorize OMB to establish alternative ranking and selection procedures for the competitive service hiring process. Provides for permanent extension and revision of authorities for use of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement. Amends Federal civil service law to repeal recertification requirements of the Senior Executive Service. Revises requirements with respect to employee academic degree training and the National Security Education Program. Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to deputize volunteer pilots of passenger air carriers as Federal law enforcement officers to defend the aircraft flight decks with firearms or less-than-lethal weapons against acts of criminal violence or air piracy (Federal flight deck officers). Provides for flight crew training. Requires the President to transmit a DHS reorganization plan to the appropriate congressional committees within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Revises Federal transportation law with respect to airline transportation security. Allows U.S. nationals, as well as U.S. citizens, as airport screeners. Transfers to the DHS Secretary the mandate to protect Federal Government officers, employees, and property. of certain security and law enforcement functions and authorities. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center. Amends Federal transportation law to extend certain requirements with respect to railroad and hazardous materials (hazmat) safety to railroad and hazmat security.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 596 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2002
Recognizes Senator Henry M. Jackson for having introduced the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which the House of Representatives credits with having helped millions of refugees flee Communist rule and having hastened the end of the Cold War. Commemorates the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to combating human rights violations and promoting tolerance and freedom throughout former Communist nations and worldwide. Congratulates Mrs. Helen Jackson and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for continuing Senator Jackson's vision and passion for dialogue, understanding, and human freedom.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 348 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2002
Recognizes Senator Henry M. Jackson for having introduced the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which the Senate credits with having helped millions of refugees flee Communist rule and having hastened the end of the Cold War. Commemorates the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to combating human rights violations and promoting tolerance and freedom throughout former Communist nations and worldwide. Congratulates Mrs. Helen Jackson and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for continuing Senator Jackson's vision and passion for dialogue, understanding, and human freedom.
Bill· SS. 3122 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Considers North Korean nationals not to be nationals of South Korea for purposes of refugee or asylee status.
Bill· HRH.R. 5649 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2002
Considers North Korean nationals not to be nationals of South Korea for purposes of refugee or asylee status.
Bill· HRH.R. 5320 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2002
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) administration of employment and training programs, including welfare-to-work grants; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; and (19) the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP); (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to States for child support enforcement and family support programs, low income home energy assistance, refugee and entrant assistance, payments to States for child care and development block grants, social services block grants, children and families services programs, promoting safe and stable families, and payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (10) the Administration on Aging; (11) the Office of the Secretary, for general departmental management; (12) the Office of Inspector General; (13) the Office for Civil Rights; (14) policy research; (15) medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care for dependents and retired personnel; (16) health facilities construction and management funds for CDCP and NIH; and (17) the public health and social services emergency fund, for expenses related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) English language acquisition; (6) special education; (7) rehabilitation services and disability research; (8) certain special institutions for persons with disabilities; (9) vocational and adult education; (10) certain student financial assistance programs; (11) specified higher education programs; (12) Howard University; (13) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (14) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (15) education research, statistics, and assessment; (16) departmental management; (17) the Office for Civil Rights; (18) the Office of the Inspector General; and (19) student aid administration. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Council on Disability; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Railroad Retirement Board; (13) Social Security Administration; and (14) U.S. Institute of Peace. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 309 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Commends Bosnia and Herzegovina for its progress during the past decade on implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constituent Peoples' Decision of its Constitutional Court. Calls for further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and its free market economy. Urges Bosnia and Herzegovina to make all national institutions and state-level governmental bodies mandated by the Dayton Agreement fully operational. Expresses support for: (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina's aspiration to become a member of the Partnership for Peace; and (2) creating a joint military command as soon as possible. Urges Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate the return of refugees and displaced persons and to intensify its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague, in particular with regard to surrendering to the Court individuals indicted for war crimes. Reaffirms the importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future of participation in the European integration process and welcomes the improvement in mutual cooperation among the successor states of the former Yugoslavia and the strengthening of cooperation within the region. Recognizes the important role of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-American community in improving bilateral relations.
Bill· SS. 2766 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) administration of employment and training programs, including welfare-to-work grants; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; and (19) the Office of Inspector General. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (5) the National Institutes of Health; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to States for child support enforcement and family support programs, low income home energy assistance, refugee and entrant assistance, payments to States for child care and development block grants, social services block grants, children and families services programs, promoting safe and stable families, and payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (10) the Administration on Aging; (11) the Office of the Secretary, for general departmental management; (12) the Office of Inspector General; (13) the Office for Civil Rights; (14) policy research; (15) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers; and (16) the public health and social services emergency fund, for expenses related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) English language acquisition; (6) special education; (7) rehabilitation services and disability research; (8) certain special institutions for persons with disabilities; (9) vocational and adult education; (10) certain student financial assistance programs; (11) specified higher education programs; (12) Howard University; (13) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (14) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (15) education research, statistics, and improvement; (16) departmental management; (17) the Office for Civil Rights; (18) the Office of the Inspector General; and (19) student aid administration. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board; (14) Social Security Administration; and (15) U.S. Institute of Peace. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act.
Law· SS. 2712 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Afghanistan through 2005 for the following activities: (1) urgent humanitarian needs; (2) repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (3) counternarcotics efforts; (4) reestablishment of food security, rehabilitation of the agriculture sector, improvement in health conditions, and the reconstruction of basic infrastructure; (5) reestablishment of Afghanistan as a viable nation-state through support for the development and expansion of democratic and market-based institutions; and (6) support for the establishment of a market economy, private financial institutions, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure, and trade and commercial links. Urges the President to: (1) designate within the Department of State a coordinator for such assistance and U.S. interests in Afghanistan; (2) utilize the expertise of Afghan-Americans; (3) encourage the donation of manufacturing equipment by U.S. businesses for the reconstruction of Afghanistan; and (4) utilize research conducted by U.S. land grant universities and the technical expertise of professionals at such institutions, particularly in the agricultural and rural development areas. Expresses the sense of Congress that, during the transition to fully representative government, the U.S. should support: (1) the development of a civilian-controlled and centrally-governed standing Afghanistan army that respects human rights and prohibits the use of children as soldiers; (2) the creation and training of a professional civilian police force that respects human rights; and (3) a multinational security force in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to provide and direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education to the Government of Afghanistan. Prohibits U.S. involvement in poppy cultivation or illicit narcotics growth, production, or trafficking in Afghanistan.
Bill· HRH.R. 5013 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Securing America's Freedom through Enforcement Reform Act of 2002 (SAFER Act) - Sets forth provisions, and amends specified Acts, with respect to: (1) prevention and punishment of alien smuggling, and transporting and harboring of aliens; (2) border patrol increases; (3) use of the military along the border; (4) visas, including the visa waiver program, and consular interviews of applicants; (5) alien terrorist removal, deportability, and asylum requests; (6) alien criminal removal; (7) alien human rights violator removal, deportability, and bar to status adjustment, including criminal penalties for reentry and aiding human rights violators to enter the United States; (8) document security (birth certificates, drivers licenses, social security cards); (9) employment eligibility verification; (10) increased Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) investigative personnel, (11) expedited exclusion; (12) criminal and civil penalties for improper entry of aliens; (13) voluntary departure; (14) detention facilities; (15) removal proceedings; (16) establishment of a Federal election-related Citizenship Verification Program; (17) establishment of an Office of Citizenship; (18) treatment of nationals of state sponsors of terrorism; (19) refugee admissions, and extended family and employment preferences; (20) elimination of diversity immigrant program; (21) temporary protected status; (22) designation of foreign terrorist organizations; (23) foreign students; (24) INS attorneys; (25) alien proof of identity; and (26) information on foreign crimes.
Bill· SS. 2647 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Access for Afghan Women Act - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan women, including: (1) incorporating the perspectives and advice of Afghan women's organizations and leaders in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Afghanistan; (2) promoting the inclusion of a significant number of women in the Loya Jirga and future legislative bodies to ensure that women's human rights are included in any constitution for Afghanistan; (3) ensuring a significant portion of U.S. assistance is channeled to local and U.S.-based Afghan organizations, particularly Afghan women's organizations, and to high-quality comprehensive health care programs and education and training programs in Afghanistan; (4) training on the protection, rights, and the particular needs of women with respect to training for military and police forces in Afghanistan; and (5) ensuring that women refugees and those internally displaced in camps, urban areas, and villages are receiving food aid, health and medical services, and are free from sexual exploitation.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 114 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002
Declares that Congress encourages the Government of China to honor its obligations under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951 by: (1) identifying and protecting the refugees among the North Korean migrants encountered by Chinese authorities; (2) allowing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to have access to all North Korean asylum seekers and refugees in China; (3) halting the forced repatriation of North Korean refugees seeking asylum; and (4) cooperating with the High Commissioner in efforts to resettle such refugees to other countries. Encourages: (1) the Chinese Government to permit access to the High Commissioner in order to evaluate the asylum claims and facilitate resettlement; and (2) the U.S. Government to consider asylum and refugee claims of North Koreans arising from a well-founded fear of persecution.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 405 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Congratulates and honors the courageous people of East Timor and their leaders. Supports the efforts of United Nations and international organizations to support reconstruction and development in East Timor, and of UN and international peacekeeping forces to safeguard East Timor's security, including continuing periodic visits by U.S. military forces. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor, and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) extend immediately to East Timor the diplomatic relations afforded to other sovereign nations, including a U.S. embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance for East Timor on specified areas; (5) strongly urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review thoroughly information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation, and use all diplomatic resources at their disposal to ensure that those officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable, and that the Indonesian Government fully cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.
Bill· SS. 2504 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2002
Extends through FY 2003 authority to process in-country certain unmarried sons and daughters of qualified Vietnamese nationals for U.S. admission as refugees of special humanitarian concern. Requires such an alien to be at least 21 years old, and to have been unmarried as of the date of acceptance of the alien's parent for resettlement under the Orderly Departure Program or through the United States Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate). Defines "qualified national" as a Vietnamese national who: (1) was interned in a reeducation camp by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, or is the widow or widower of such a person; (2) qualified and is or was accepted under the Orderly Departure Program or through the Consulate for U.S. admission as a refugee or immediate relative status immigrant; and (3) is presently maintaining a U.S. residence, or is awaiting departure formalities from Vietnam.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 109 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Congratulates the people and leaders of East Timor. Expresses support for: (1) United Nations (UN) and other multilateral efforts to support reconstruction and development in East Timor; and (2) UN and other multilateral peacekeeping forces safeguarding East Timor's security. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President to: (1) extend diplomatic relations to and establish an embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a robust level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance on specified areas; (5) urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation and use all diplomatic resources to ensure that officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable and that the Indonesian Government cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.
Bill· SS. 2458 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2002
Directs the Secretary of State to establish certain journalism, library, English language teaching, sister city partnership, youth ambassador, J. William Fulbright Education Exchange Program, and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship initiatives with countries with predominantly Muslim populations as part of the Department of State's educational and cultural exchange programs. Directs the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a database listing all American and foreign alumni of such program initiatives in order to encourage networking, interaction, and communication with alumni. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on implementation of certain provisions of the Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions Act of 1996 directing the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation of human rights and democracy leaders in educational and cultural exchange programs in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy (including but not limited to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tibet, and Burma).
Bill· SS. 2444 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Immigration Reform, Accountability, and Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish in the Department of Justice (Department) the Immigration Affairs Agency, which shall be headed by a Director of Immigration Affairs. States that the Agency shall perform the following functions: (1) policy, administration, and inspection; (2) service and adjudication; and (3) enforcement. Establishes within the Agency: (1) a General Counsel; (2) a Chief Financial Officer; (3) a Chief of Policy and Strategy; (4) a Chief of Congressional, Intergovernmental, and Public Affairs; (5) the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications; and (6) the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. Sets forth Agency and Bureau offices and authorities. Establishes within the Department the Office of the Ombudsman. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish within the Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics the Office of Immigration Statistics. Provides for the transfer and allocation of functions, personnel, an other resources from INS and the Department to the Agency. Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Affairs Agency Transition Account. Amends Federal law to set forth personnel flexibilities respecting the Agency, including voluntary separation incentives. Unaccompanied Child Protection Act of 2002 - Establishes within the Department the Office of Children's Services which shall: (1) not be an INS office; and (2) be responsible for coordinating and implementing law and policy, including foster care, for unaccompanied alien children. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Unaccompanied Alien Children. Sets forth: (1) procedures for unaccompanied children found within the United States, or along the border or at ports of entry; and (2) a family reunification preference order. Prohibits, with an exception for violent children, detention in adult or delinquent children facilities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Government should take efforts to ensure that alien children are not repatriated to unsafe settings. Directs the Office to provide that each unaccompanied child have counsel and guardian ad litem. Directs the Attorney General to establish a related pilot program. 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." Provides related training for immigration officers. Amends the Act to exempt unaccompanied alien children from certain removal and asylum filing provisions. Provides for: (1) establishment of an Internet-based system for accessing immigration-related benefit filings; (2) conduct an on-line filing and improved processing feasibility study; and (3) establish a Technology Advisory Committee. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the utilization of alternatives to asylee detention.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 235 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President and the Secretary of State should: (1) urge the Government of Pakistan and other governments in the region to cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in protecting Afghan refugees and to allow humanitarian assistance agencies open access to refugees; (2) call on the Governments of Pakistan and Iran to cease any forcible return of, and end mistreatment of, Afghan refugees; (3) condemn any actions by Pakistan, Iran, or other governments to prematurely return refugees to Afghanistan against their will; (4) support the provision of impartial information about human rights, the presence of land mines, and humanitarian conditions in their areas of origin to all refugees to ensure that any decision to return is truly voluntary; (5) support repatriation of Afghan refugees only when conditions in Afghanistan allow their voluntary, safe return, with full respect for their human rights and an adequate screening process in place to identify those who are still in need of protection; and (6) establish a resettlement program for Afghans whose needs for protection require resettlement in a third country.
Bill· HRH.R. 4108 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Immigration and Naturalization Service Reorganization Act of 2002 - Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish in the Department of Justice the Bureau for Immigration Enforcement which shall perform border patrol, inspection, removal, and other enforcement functions. States that the head of such Bureau shall be the Director for Immigration Enforcement. Establishes in the Department of State an Assistant Secretary of State for Immigration Affairs, an Assistant Secretary of State for Refugee Admissions and Asylum Affairs, and an Assistant Secretary of State for Citizenship and Passport Services. States that such Secretaries shall be under the supervision of an Under Secretary of State for Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Admissions. States that the Secretary of Labor shall be responsible for enforcement of immigration laws relating to: (1) verification of employment authorization; and (2) enforcement of terms and conditions of employment. Provides for the transfer and allocation of related appropriations and personnel.
Bill· HRH.R. 4114 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002
Global Action and Investments for New Success for Women and Girls Act of 2002 (or GAINS for Women and Girls Act of 2002) - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other specified Federal law to require administration of such law with particular attention to programs, projects, and activities which integrate women into the national economies of developing countries. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to appoint a head of the Office of Women in Development (WID) at the Deputy Assistant Administrator level or higher. Authorizes the President to establish a coordinating council to promote the advancement of women and girls in all Federal agency policies and programs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the USAID Administrator, and the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions with respect to: (1) reducing women's poverty in developing countries; (2) supporting women's businesses through access to resources and financial markets; and (3) improving the terms and conditions of women's work. Women and International Trade Act of 2002 - Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) establish a Trade, Gender, and Development Policy Advisory Committee to provide policy advice on issues involving trade, gender, and international development; and (2) review (with other specified Federal agency heads) the impacts of trade liberalization on women and their communities. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to: (1) quality education for women and girls in developing countries; and (2) tuberculosis treatment for very poor, at-risk, and affected populations. Directs the USAID Administrator to carry out programs of: (1) child survival and maternal health assistance to individuals in developing countries; (2) gender-sensitive sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention; and (3) topical microbicide development. Requires U.S. international programs to incorporate certain measures with respect to family planning and reproductive health and rights. Urges that funds for programs addressing female genital mutilation be targeted toward certain local nongovernmental organizations. Requires the USAID Administrator and other Federal agency heads to carry out projects to assist: (1) women farmers in accessing global and domestic markets; and (2) governments of developing countries to eliminate de jure discrimination against women. Expresses support for certain international conventions regarding economic, social, and cultural rights of women and girls, children, and migrant workers and their families, as well as civil and political rights. Requires the President to carry out programs in foreign countries to prevent trafficking in women and children. Access for Afghan Women Act of 2002 - Prescribes requirements relating to U.S. activities in Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries, especially with respect to women. Urges the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Requires U.S. international programs to incorporate activities and measures to: (1) prevent violence against women and girls; (2) support women's efforts in conflict prevention and resolution and post-conflict stability; (3) provide protection and assistance to refugee and internally displaced women; and (4) increase women's leadership and participation in civic life. Supports Senate ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. Authorizes the President to establish a U.S. International Fund for Women's Leadership to award grants to women's organizations in developing countries. Supports establishment of an International Museum of Women. Requires U.S. international environmental programs to take specified measures with respect to women, children, and men in developing countries. Requires the Secretary of State to take into account women's roles in natural resource management as well as the health impacts of environmental toxins on women's health when negotiating international environmental treaties and protocols. Supports Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Directs the Secretary of State to the U.S. representatives to the Global Environment Facility Council and Assembly to urge the Facility to integrate women's special needs into its programming in developing and transitional countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 4074 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Refugee Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to refugee provisions to limit summary inspection procedures to emergency migration situations in which numbers of arriving aliens substantially exceed inspection capacities. Grants the Attorney General sole authority to make such determination, which shall last 90 days unless extended after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. Revises provisions respecting inspection of aliens seeking U.S. admission, including requiring: (1) an alien to be informed of certain rights prior to removal or withdrawal of his or her admission application, and (2) review of a removal order by an immigration judge, with the right of the alien to personally appear and be represented (at his or her expense). Exempts from expedited removal procedures certain Western Hemisphere nationals or unaccompanied children. Revises the procedure used to determine whether an applicant for asylum has a credible fear of persecution. Eliminates certain: (1) limitations on judicial review of exclusion orders or asylum claims; (2) time limits on asylum applications; (3) numerical limitations on asylee adjustments; and (4) numerical limitations on population control-related refugee admissions. Makes certain mandatory asylee detention provisions discretionary. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop alternatives to detention of asylum seekers, including supervised shelters and noninstitutional settings for minors; (2) enter into contracts with nongovernmental agencies for alternative detention programs; and (3) establish a National Legal Orientation Support and Training Center. Requires asylum seekers not eligible for parole or alternative detention to be detained only in Immigration and Naturalization Service or approved facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3994 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002
Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Afghanistan through 2004 for the following activities: (1) urgent humanitarian needs; (2) repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (3) counternarcotics efforts; (4) reestablishment of food security, rehabilitation of the agriculture sector, improvement in health conditions, and the reconstruction of basic infrastructure; (5) reestablishment of Afghanistan as a viable nation-state through support for the development and expansion of democratic and market-based institutions; and (6) support for the establishment of a market economy, private financial institutions, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure, and trade and commercial links. Earmarks funds for assistance in the major opium producing regions, including areas within the Badakshan, Helmand, and Qandahar provinces. Urges the President to: (1) designate within the Department of State a coordinator for such assistance and U.S. interests in Afghanistan; and (2) utilize the expertise of Afghan-Americans. Expresses the sense of Congress that, during the transition to fully representative government, the U.S. should support: (1) the development of a civilian-controlled and centrally-governed standing Afghanistan army that respects human rights; (2) the creation and training of a professional civilian police force that respects human rights; and (3) a multinational security force in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to provide and direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education to the Government of Afghanistan. Makes other foreign countries or international organizations eligible for such assistance. Permits the provision of counter-narcotics, crime control, police training services and other specified support.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 349 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002
Declares that Congress supports the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in condemning the sexual exploitation of children by humanitarian aid workers. Urges the UN Office of Investigative Oversight Services to investigate sexual exploitation of refugees by such workers of both non-governmental organizations and government-sponsored agencies. Urges the President to: (1) affirm the U.S. commitment to protecting the well-being and human rights of women and girls; and (2) instruct the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to review the distribution of food assistance to refugee communities to ensure that the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance is respectful of the human rights of women and girls and supports young girls identified as victims of sexual exploitation.
Bill· HRH.R. 3894 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Restoration of Fairness in Immigration Act of 2002 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to due process in immigration proceedings, including due process in expedited removal proceedings, judicial review in immigration proceedings, and detention proceedings and detention alternatives. Directs the Attorney General to make periodic reports with respect to persons detained after September 11, 2001. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Board of Visa Appeals. Revises provisions with respect to: (1) removal proceedings; (2) five-year bars to admission and other grounds for exclusion; (3) family reunification-related visas and grounds of admissibility; (4) voluntary departure; (5) public charge determinations and affidavits of support; (6) asylum and refugee proceedings; (7) asset forfeiture; (8) parole authority; and (9) State personnel performing immigration functions. Directs the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to establish an Office of Border Patrol Recruitment and Retention.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 213 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the war on terrorism does not excuse, and is undermined by, abuses by Russian security forces against the civilian population in Chechnya; and (2) the Government of the Russian Federation and the elected leadership of the Chechen Government should seek a negotiated settlement. Calls for the President of the Russian Federation to: (1) act to end and to investigate human rights violations by Russian soldiers in Chechnya and to initiate prosecutions against those accused; (2) provide access into and around Chechnya by international monitors and humanitarian organizations to report on the situation, investigate alleged atrocities, and distribute assistance; and (3) ensure that refugees and displaced persons in the North Caucasus are registered in accordance with Russian and international law, receive adequate assistance, and are not forced against their will to return to Chechnya. Urges the President of the United States to: (1) ensure that no security forces or intelligence units that are the recipients of U.S. assistance or participants in joint operations, exchanges, or training with U.S. or North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces, are implicated in abuses; (2) seek information from the Russian Federation Government on investigations of reported human rights abuses in Chechnya and prosecutions against individuals accused of those abuses; (3) promote peace negotiations between the Government of the Russian Federation and the elected leadership of the Chechen Government; and (4) re-examine the status of Chechen refugees.