Defence

Civil Service and National Security Personnel Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003

Civil Service and National Security Personnel Improvement Act - National Security Personnel System Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish and periodically adjust a human resources management system for some or all organizational or functional units of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) offer to DOD employees early retirement, separation incentive pay, or both; (2) carry out a program to attract highly qualified experts in needed occupations; (3) appoint older Americans to certain positions in the excepted service; and (4) provide special pay and benefits for certain DOD employees outside the United States. Authorizes Cabinet secretaries, secretaries of military departments, and heads of executive agencies to be paid on a biweekly basis. Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission to appoint accountants, economists, and securities compliance examiners in accordance with provisions and regulations governing appointments in the excepted service. Establishes separate workforce authorities and personnel provisions for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Authorizes NASA to: (1) pay recruitment, redesignation, and relocation bonuses; (2) make term appointments and take related personnel actions; (3) fix basic rates of pay; and (4) extend intergovernmental personnel act assignments. Requires: (1) the NASA Administrator to submit a written workforce plan to the Office of Personnel Management for approval; and (2) the plan to be submitted to all NASA employees in advance of its implementation. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) conduct employee exchanges with private entities; (2) carry out a scholarships for employment exchange program; (3) appoint distinguished scholars as employees; (4) pay travel, transportation, and relocation expenses of new appointees; (5) deem periods of certain non-Federal service as Federal service for annual leave qualification purposes; and (6) provide superior qualifications pay to certain employees. Limits the number of NASA limited emergency appointees to ten percent of total Senior Executive Service positions. Establishes the Human Capital Performance Fund for providing funds to executive agencies for human capital performance payments to employees based on exceptional performance contributing to the achievement of an agency's mission.

National Security Readiness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003

National Security Readiness Act of 2003 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (or the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate) from designating as critical habitat any land or geographical area controlled by the Department of Defense, or designated for its use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management plan for a military installation under the Sikes Act, if the Secretary determines that the plan addresses special management considerations or protections. Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to: (1) redefine the term "harassment" as it relates to marine mammals; and (2) authorize the Secretary of Defense , after conferring with the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, to exempt any action undertaken by the Department of Defense from requirements of the Act, if the Secretary of Defense determines that the action is necessary for national defense. Exempts the Secretary of the Interior (or, as appropriate, the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating) from the requirement to publish notice (except in the Federal Register) with respect to incidental takings of marine mammals and marine mammal products while engaged in military readiness activities authorized by the Secretary of Defense. (Currently, the appropriate Secretary is required to publish notice also in newspapers of general circulation, and through electronic media, in the coastal areas that may be affected.)

Paul Morgan Longsworth, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, vice Linton F. Brooks.

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2003

Defense Transformation for the 21st Century Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2003

Defense Transformation for the 21st Century Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish and periodically adjust a human resources management system for some or all organizational or functional units of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) offer to DOD employees early retirement, separation incentive pay, or both; (2) carry out a program to attract highly qualified experts in needed occupations; (3) appoint older Americans to positions in the excepted service lasting up to two years; and (4) provide special pay and benefits for certain DOD employees outside the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish policies and procedures for the effective management of persons serving in DOD acquisition, technology, and logistics positions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a DOD acquisition corps; (2) a Defense Acquisition University; and (3) programs to promote employment stability of DOD civilian employees affected by changing mission requirements. Establishes auxiliaries within the military departments for coordinating volunteers. Provides, with respect to certain military personnel positions, for: (1) equivalency pay; (2) revised service periods; (3) extension of certain officer age limits; and (4) elimination of certain mandatory retirement requirements and retired pay limits. Provides additional service requirements for members of the reserves and Selected Reserve. Repeals requirements for major defense acquisition programs. Authorizes the Secretary to waive domestic source or content requirements in certain cases. Revises Buy American requirements. Directs the Secretary to annually establish DOD-wide goals for procurement contracts awarded to certain small businesses. Outlines a military readiness and range preservation and restoration initiative. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake certain DOD reorganizations. Repeals: (1) the ballistic missile defense system; and (2) various DOD reporting requirements. Authorizes the overhaul and repair of ships on extended deployments. Authorizes the Secretary to provide military assistance or support to foreign nations assisting U.S. military operations or other activities to combat global terrorism.

Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2003

Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 - Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of Syria should immediately and unconditionally halt support for terrorism, permanently and openly declare its total renunciation of all forms of terrorism, and close all terrorist offices and facilities in Syria, including the offices of Hamas, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command; (2) the Government of Syria should take other specified steps to withdraw its armed forces from Lebanon, halt development of certain weapons, halt illegal imports and transshipments of Iraqi oil and illegal sales and supplies of weapons and military-related equipment to Iraq; (3) the Government of Lebanon should deploy the Lebanese armed forces to all areas of Lebanon, including South Lebanon, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 520 (September 17, 1982) (Security Council Resolution 520); (4) the Governments of Lebanon and Syria should enter into serious unconditional bilateral negotiations with the Government of Israel in order to realize a full and permanent peace; (5) the United States should continue to provide humanitarian and educational assistance to the people of Lebanon only through appropriate private, nongovernmental organizations and appropriate international organizations, until such time as the Government of Lebanon asserts sovereignty and control over all of its territory and borders and achieves full political independence; and (6) being in violation of several key United Nations Security Council resolutions and pursuing policies which undermine international peace and security, Syria should not have been permitted to join the United Nations Security Council or serve as the Security Council's President, and should be removed from the Security Council. Declares that it is U.S. policy: (1) Syria will be held responsible for attacks committed by Hizballah and other terrorist groups with offices or other facilities in Syria, or bases in areas of Lebanon occupied by Syria; (2) the United States shall impede Syria's ability to support acts of international terrorism and efforts to develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction; (3) the Secretary of State will continue to list Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism until it ends support for terrorism, including its support of Hizballah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon and its hosting of terrorist groups in Damascus, and comes into full compliance with U.S. law relating to terrorism and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (September 28, 2001); (4) efforts against Hizballah will be expanded given the recognition that Hizballah is equally or more capable than al Qaeda; (5) the full restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity is in the U.S. national security interest; (6) Syria is in violation of Security Council Resolution 520 through its continued occupation of Lebanese territory and its encroachment upon its political independence; (7) Syria's obligation to withdraw from Lebanon is not conditioned upon progress in the Israeli-Syrian or Israeli-Lebanese peace process but derives from Syria's obligation under Security Council Resolution 520; (8) Syria's acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs threaten the security of the Middle East and U.S. national security interests; (9) Syria is in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 (August 6, 1990) and subsequent relevant resolutions through its continued purchase of oil from Iraq and shipments of weapons and other military equipment to Iraq; (10) Syria will be held accountable for any harm to Coalition armed forces of Operation Iraqi Freedom caused by shipments of military supplies from Syria to Iraq; and (11) the United States will not provide any assistance to Syria and will oppose multilateral assistance for Syria until Syria withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon, halts the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction and medium and long range surface to surface ballistic missiles, and complies with Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions. Sets forth the following penalties against Syria until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Syria meets the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to prohibit the export to Syria of any item, including the issuance of an export license, on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations. Requires the President, at the same time, to impose two or more of the following sanctions: (1) prohibit the export to Syria of U.S. products (other than food and medicine); (2) prohibit U.S. businesses from investing or operating in Syria; (3) restrict Syrian diplomats in Washington, D.C., and at the United Nations in New York City, to travel only within a 25-mile radius of Washington, D.C., or the United Nations headquarters building, respectively; (4) prohibit aircraft of any air carrier owned or controlled by Syria to take off from, land in, or overfly the United States; (5) reduce U.S. diplomatic contacts with Syria (other than those required to protect U.S. interests or carry out the purposes of this Act); and (6) block transactions in any property in which the Government of Syria has any interest, by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for one or more six-month periods if the President determines that it is in the vital national security interest of the United States to do so and reports his reasons to Congress. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 if he certifies to Congress that: (1) Syria meets the requirements of this Act; (2) substantial progress has been made both in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Syria and in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and (3) the Government of Syria is strictly respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon through the Lebanese army throughout Lebanon, as required under Security Council Resolution 520. Requires annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees on Syria's progress in complying with the requirements of this Act.

Proposing a tax limitation amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2003

Constitutional Amendment - Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security, and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.

Military Citizenship Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Military Citizenship Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting naturalization through service in the armed forces to: (1) reduce the required service from three years to two years; and (2) prohibit the imposition of a naturalization fee. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a policy that facilitates the finalization of naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces, including priorities for emergency leave and air transportation.

Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team Implementation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team Implementation Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to fully implement, by September 30, 2004, requirements under the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 that the Secretary: (1) establish 23 additional Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams, for a total of 55; and (2) ensure that at least one such team is established in each State and territory. Increases the authorized end strengths for full-time Army and Air National Guard personnel as of September 30, 2004, in order to meet such requirements. Provides funding through the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.

Naturalization and Family Protection for Military Members Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Naturalization and Family Protection for Military Members Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting naturalization through service in the armed forces to: (1) reduce the required service from three years to two years; (2) prohibit the imposition of a naturalization fee; and (3) qualify the Selective Reserve of the Ready Reserve for such benefits. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces. Retains immediate relative status for the alien spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen who died from injury or disease incurred while serving honorably on active military service. (Requires petition filing within two years of such death.) States that an application for status adjustment by the alien spouse, child, or parent of an alien member of the armed forces who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship may be adjudicated as if the death had not occurred. (Requires application filing prior to such death.) Treats the spouse, child, or parent of a lawful permanent resident who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship as a valid petitioner for immediate family status. (Requires parent filing within two years of such death.) Permits such aliens to apply for permanent resident status adjustment. Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility.

National Naval Force Structure Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

National Naval Force Structure Policy Act of 2003 - States that it is U.S. policy to rebuild as soon as possible the size of the U.S. Navy fleet to no fewer than 375 vessels in active service, including 15 aircraft carrier battle groups and 15 amphibious ready groups.

State and Local Reservist First Responders Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

State and Local Reservist First Responders Assistance Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to reimburse any State, local government, or Indian tribe for costs incurred as a result of a call or order to active duty of armed forces reserves who are first responder personnel, including: (1) costs of hiring first responder personnel to replace such reserves; and (2) overtime pay costs for other first responder personnel. Permits: (1) reimbursement only if the State, local government, or tribe would not have incurred such costs but for the absence of first responder personnel; (2) costs to be reimbursed only for a reserve who serves at least six consecutive months on active duty at any time during the two years preceding the application for the grant; and (3) reimbursable costs to include any costs in connection with such reserve's active duty.

A concurrent resolution expressing support for the celebration of Patriot's Day and honoring the Nation's first patriots.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Expresses support for the annual celebration of Patriot's Day on April 19. Recognizes the dedication to freedom demonstrated by the Nation's first patriots during the earliest days of the Battle for Independence in April 1775. Honors those first patriots who lost their lives in defense of liberty and freedom.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the Blue Star Service Banner and the Gold Star.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Honors, and calls on all Americans to honor, the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families. Encourages those families to proudly display the Blue Star Service Banner (symbolizing military service of a family member) or, if a family member has died during such service, the Gold Star. Calls upon the media to recognize the importance and symbolism of the Banner.

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent penalty on early distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans, withdrawals made by military reservists or national guardsmen called to active duty for a period in excess of 179 days or for an indefinite period. Permits reimbursement of such withdrawals within two years after the end of the active duty period. Applies the provisions of this Act to individuals ordered or called to active duty after September 11, 2001, and before September 12, 2005, for retirement plan distributions made after September 11, 2001.

Fallen Heroes Immigrant Spouse Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Fallen Heroes Immigrant Spouse Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive the two-year marriage requirement for an alien spouse to self-petition for immediate relative status in the case of a spouse of a citizen who dies while on active service in the armed forces. Prohibits any fees relating to posthumous citizenship for aliens killed while on active duty service during periods of military hostilities.

Naturalization and Family Protection for Military Members Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Naturalization and Family Protection for Military Members Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting naturalization through service in the armed forces to: (1) reduce the required service from three years to two years; (2) prohibit the imposition of a naturalization fee; and (3) qualify the Selective Reserve of the Ready Reserve for such benefits. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces. Retains immediate relative status for the alien wife, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen who died from injury or disease incurred while serving honorably on active military service. (Requires petition filing within two years of such death.) States that an application for status adjustment by the alien wife, child, or parent of an alien member of the armed forces who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship may be adjudicated as if the death had not occurred. (Requires application filing prior to such death.) Treats the spouse, child, or parent of a lawful permanent resident who was granted service-related posthumous citizenship as a valid petitioner for immediate family status. (Requires parent filing within two years of such death.) Permits such aliens to apply for permanent resident status adjustment. Waives specified grounds of inadmissibility.

State and Local Reservist First Responders Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

State and Local Reservist First Responders Assistance Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to reimburse any State, local government, or Indian tribe for costs incurred as a result of a call or order to active duty of armed forces reserves who are first responder personnel, including: (1) costs of hiring first responder personnel to replace such reserves; and (2) overtime pay costs for other first responder personnel. Permits: (1) reimbursement only if the State, local government, or tribe would not have incurred such costs but for the absence of first responder personnel; (2) costs to be reimbursed only for a reserve who serves at least six consecutive months on active duty at any time during the two years preceding the application for the grant; and (3) reimbursable costs to include any costs in connection with such reserve's active duty.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to alleviate delay in the payment of the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus to members of Selected Reserve who are mobilized.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Requires payment of an awarded Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus to a member during a period of active duty to which such member is called or ordered, notwithstanding such active-duty service.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to change the requirements for naturalization to citizenship through service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for priority consideration of applications for naturalization through service in the armed forces. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting naturalization through service in the armed forces to: (1) reduce the required service from three years to one year; and (2) prohibit the imposition of a naturalization fee. Provides for overseas naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces.

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit knowingly misinforming the relative of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States that such member is deceased, injured, or missing due to an event associated with their military service.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit making a telephone call or initiating a communication with a telecommunications device in interstate or foreign commerce to knowingly misinform the relative of a member of the armed forces that such member is deceased, injured, or missing due to an event associated with his or her military service.

To provide that the income tax shall not apply for taxable years during which the taxpayer, or either spouse of a married couple, is serving in the war in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Exempts an individual, or either spouse of a married couple, from income tax in a year in which the individual serves for any portion of such year on active armed forces service in the Iraq-designated combat zone.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that France, Germany, Russia, and other nations can contribute to Iraq's reconstruction by forgiving debts owed by Iraq to those nations and by making generous pledges for Iraq's reconstruction at the International Conference on Reconstruction in Iraq to be held in Madrid.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that France, Germany, and Russia should: (1) work with the World Bank, the European Union, and other multilateral organizations to create a debt forgiveness program to assist Iraq in its reconstruction; and (2) recognize the responsibility that they bear for the transfer of military technology to a terrorist regime in Iraq and work to build stronger internal export controls so that such technology will no longer be exported to terrorist regimes, thus creating similar future debts.

Calling for the prosecution of Iraqis and their supporters for war crimes, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations constituting the coalition conducting Operation Iraqi Freedom should prosecute by tribunal persons in the Government of Iraq, persons in the armed forces of Iraq, and any other person, who orders or participates in, or supports acts in violation of the international law of armed conflict that are directed at members of the armed forces of the coalition nations or at the Iraqi people or any other nation; and (2) in the determination of the violations of the international law of armed conflict to be tried by the tribunal, particular attention should be given to specified acts and abuses that, as of the date of this resolution, have already been committed by Iraqi directed forces.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that our Nation's businesses and business owners should be commended for their support of our troops and their families as they serve our country in many ways, especially in these days of increased engagement of our military in strategic locations around our Nation and around the world.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Commends the Nation's businesses for their good work in carrying on with commerce, industry, and innovation while supporting the members of the military during challenging times.

Expressing the appreciation of the Nation to the members of the Armed Forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and encouraging communities across the Nation to prepare appropriate homecoming ceremonies to welcome the members of the Armed Forces returning from those operations and to recognize their contributions to homeland security and expansion of freedoms around the globe and to prepare days of remembrance to commemorate the brave service and selfless sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces who do not return.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003

Expresses appreciation for members of the armed forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Calls upon communities to prepare appropriate ceremonies to honor and welcome home such members and to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those killed or missing-in-action.

National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003 - Makes members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve eligible for either the Prime or Standard option of the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), allowing for either self-coverage or self-and-family coverage. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide at least one open enrollment period each year for such members; and (2) charge applicable premiums, deductibles, and copayments for such coverage. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay the applicable premium to continue in force any qualified health plan coverage for a reserve member (and his or her dependents) while the member is serving on active duty pursuant to a call or order issued during a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress. Requires the continuation of COBRA coverage during such period. Prohibits simultaneous coverage under both the qualified health plan and TRICARE.

National Guard and Reserves Child Care Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

National Guard and Reserves Child Care Relief Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make child care assistance grants to parents or guardians of dependents of members of the Armed Forces, or reserve components of the Armed Forces, to cover periods when such members are on active duty in, or in support of, specified military operations. Requires an eligible parent or guardian to: (1) have primary responsibility for the care of one or more such dependents; and (2) reside permanently at a location at least 50 miles from the nearest military installation of the Department of Defense (DOD) with available child care facilities and programs, and from the nearest available child development center or family child care home receiving DOD funds. Covers the following military operations: (1) Operation Enduring Freedom; (2) Operation Iraqi Freedom; (3) Operation Noble Eagle; or (4) any successor operation of the U.S. Armed Forces to those three operations.

Child Custody Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the minor resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the minor resides, took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Requires that priority for U.S. assistance under this Act be given to eligible developing countries that permit personnel from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) to: (1) investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases on their territories; (2) provide early notification of disease outbreaks; and (3) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. agencies in addition to international health organizations. Prohibits any foreign national participating in programs under this Act from having access, during the course of such participation, to select agents that may be used as, or in, a biological weapon, except in a supervised and controlled setting. Establishes a program under which the Secretary of State may award fellowships to eligible nationals to pursue: (1) graduate courses of study leading to a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology from an institution of higher education in the United States with a Center for Public Health Preparedness; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology to be carried out at the CDCP (or equivalent State facility), or other Federal facility (excluding the Department of Defense or United States National Laboratories), for a period of between six and 12 months. Allows each fellowship recipient also to study at the CDCP (or an equivalent facility) the diagnosis and containment of likely bioterrorism agents. Requires fellowship recipients to agree to return, upon completion of education or training, to their countries of nationality or last habitual residence (so long as it is an eligible developing country) and complete at least four years of employment in a public health position in the government or a nongovernmental, not-for-profit entity in that country or, with the Secretary's approval in an international health organization. Allows the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, and if in the U.S. national interest, to provide for participation in the program of U.S. citizens who agree, upon completion of education or training, to work at least five years in a public health position in an eligible developing country or the WHO. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) to laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from eligible developing countries in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) techniques of syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS) and other Internet-based tools. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify expeditiously a broad array of pathogens, including mutant strains, which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a Federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs the CDCP and the Department of Defense each to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct research and other activities with respect to infectious diseases; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts involving neighboring countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to: (1) enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for the WHO and existing regional health networks; and (2) develop new regional health networks. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional Foreign Epidemiology Training Programs in eligible developing countries.

Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2003 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 2003: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program. Provides a monthly stipend for approved programs of education. Increases the rates of basic educational assistance. Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance; and (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance. Excludes educational assistance payments from income for purposes of eligibility for Federal educational loans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the four-year terms specified by law for certain officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Repeals the four-year terms for the following positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) Under Secretary for Health; (2) Under Secretary for Benefits; and (3) specified officials within the Office of the Under Secretary for Health. Requires the directors of the principal geographic service areas of the Department to be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary to communicate the reasons for removing any director to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees; and (2) reassignment to a former position of an employee removed as a director for reasons other than cause, if the employee relinquished the former position to accept the director position.

Armed Forces Citizenship Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Armed Forces Citizenship Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting naturalization through service in the armed forces to: (1) eliminate the three-year service requirement; (2) prohibit the imposition of a naturalization fee; (3) provide for overseas naturalization proceedings for members of the armed forces; and (4) provide for revocation of citizenship for separation from military service under other than honorable conditions (such ground for revocation shall be in addition to any other provided by law).

Reservist Opportunities and Protection of Education Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require institutions of higher education that participate in HEA title IV student assistance programs to grant military leaves of absence, and provide refunds of or credits for tuition and fees paid, to individuals who are unable to complete a period of instruction or receive academic credit because they were called to serve on active duty in the Armed Forces, or to perform qualifying National Guard duty, during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Requires the leave of absence to be for the period of active duty or service and for one year after completion of such duty or service. Requires the refund or credit to be prorated to cover the period when the student had to leave. Provides that such leave of absence shall not be treated as a withdrawal for certain student assistance purposes.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to ensure equal treatment for members of reserve components who perform inactive-duty training in determining their entitlement for aviation incentive pay and hazardous duty pay.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Authorizes members of the reserves and National Guard, while performing inactive-duty training, to receive hazardous duty incentive pay, officer aviation career incentive pay, and career enlisted flyers incentive pay.

Veterans National Heritage Preservation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Veterans National Heritage Preservation Act of 2003 - Makes it a mission and responsibility of the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain its most significant historic buildings and to preserve them for future generations. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for the preservation and reuse of such buildings. Establishes in the Department an Office of Historic Preservation, headed by a Director with specified duties relating to the preservation of the Department's historic buildings. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Veterans Heritage Preservation Fund for the preservation, renovation, and restoration of such buildings. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements and leases, including enhanced-use leases, for restoring, rehabilitating, maintaining, interpreting, and promoting historic buildings. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a National Historic Landmark theme study at specified locations to identify sites, structures, and landscapes that best illustrate or commemorate key events at facilities managed by the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers and the United States Veterans Bureau between 1865 and 1930.

Nuclear Security Initiative Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Nuclear Security Initiative Act of 2003 - Declares it is the policy of the United States to seek to cooperate with the Russian Federation and each other independent state of the former Soviet Union to: (1) effect as quickly as is reasonably practical basic security measures at each facility in the Russian Federation and each such state that is used for storing nuclear weapons or nuclear materials and is not yet protected by such measures; (2) the Russian Federation to accelerate the closure of facilities in the Russian Federation used for the production of nuclear weapons; (3) improve the security at facilities, in the Russian Federation and each such state, that contain radioactive materials that could be used in radiological dispersal devices; and (4) improve border controls and other measures to track and intercept illicit transfers of weapons of mass destruction and the materials and technologies for developing and producing such weapons. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to expand the International Nuclear Materials Protection and Cooperation program of the Department of Energy to encompass countries other than the Russian Federation and the other independent states of the former Soviet Union. Declares it is the policy of the United States to seek to: (1) cooperate with all appropriate nations to attempt to ensure that all nuclear weapons and nuclear materials worldwide are secure and accounted for according to stringent standards; (2) work with international partners to install, at critical international ports, appropriate devices to detect and intercept illicit transfers of weapons of mass destruction that are nuclear or radiological in nature and the materials and technologies for developing and producing such weapons; (3) prevent the proliferation, from the Russian Federation and the other independent states of the former Soviet Union to countries of proliferation concern, of scientists, engineers, and technicians possessing the expertise to develop and produce weapons of mass destruction; (4) establish and promote programs to prevent the proliferation, from scientists, engineers, and technicians of the Russian Federation and other independent states of the former Soviet Union to countries of proliferation concern, of expertise to develop and produce weapons of mass destruction; and (5) seek to assist independent states of the former Soviet Union that have been helpful to the United States in the war on terrorism so as to promote the creation of jobs that foster economic stability and democracy. Authorizes appropriations for accelerated disposition for highly enriched uranium. Directs the Secretary to carry out a Silk Road Initiative to develop sustainable employment opportunities in the United States and in Silk Road nations (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) for scientists, engineers, and technicians formerly engaged in activities to develop and produce weapons of mass destruction in such nations. Authorizes appropriations to assist the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Science for Peace program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) analyze and report to Congress on the effect on threat reduction and nonproliferation programs of applicable congressional oversight measures; (2) report annually to Congress on the use of funds appropriated for threat reduction and nonproliferation programs in the Russian Federation and the other independent states of the former Soviet Union. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, as amended by section 1205 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, to direct the President submit to Congress a comprehensive, detailed plan to: (1) secure and destroy all chemical and biological weapons, and the chemical and biological materials designed for use in such weapons, that are located in Russia and the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and (2) prevent the outflow from those states of the technology and scientific expertise that could be used for developing those weapons, including delivery systems. for coordination of chemical and biological weapons nonproliferation programs with states of the former soviet union. Declares it is U.S. policy to seek to establish jointly with the Russian Federation comprehensive inventories and data exchanges of Russian Federation and U.S. nuclear weapons-grade material and nuclear weapons, with particular attention to tactical warheads and warheads that are no longer operationally deployed. Urges the United States to seek to work with the Russian Federation to develop such inventories. Establishes a Duma-Congress Nuclear Threat Reduction Working Group as an interparliamentary group of the United States and the Russian Federation. Declares it is U.S. policy that the President should seek to ensure that the United States takes the lead in arranging for the United States, in conjunction with NATO, to enter into appropriate cooperative relationships with the Russian Federation with respect to the development and deployment of theater-level ballistic missile defenses. Declares it is U.S. policy: (1) to encourage joint efforts by the United States and the Russian Federation to reduce the chances of a Russian nuclear attack anywhere in the world as the result of misinformation or miscalculation by developing the capabilities and increasing the reliability of Russian ballistic missile early-warning systems, including the Russian-American Observation Satellite (RAMOS) program; and (2) to encourage other United States-Russian programs to ensure that the Russia Federation has reliable information, including real-time data, regarding launches of ballistic missiles anywhere in the world. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure interim funding of the RAMOS program pending the execution of a new agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation providing for it. Directs the Secretary of Energy to seek to enter into an agreement with the Minister of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation to carry out a cooperative venture, to be known as the (Edward) Teller-(Igor) KurchatovAlliance for Peace, to develop and promote peaceful, safe, and environmentally sensitive uses of nuclear energy. Authorizes the Administrator for Nuclear Security to award international exchange Teller-Kurchatov Fellowships in the nuclear nonproliferation sciences to scientists employed at the Kurchatov Institute of the Russian Federation and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (California). Declares the sense of Congress in favor of discussions on nuclear and radiological security and safety between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for the purpose of exploring issues of nuclear and radiological security and safety, including the creation of new sources of revenue (including debt reduction) for states to provide nuclear security; and (2) the discussions referred to in paragraph (1) should also provide a forum to explore possible sources of funds in support of the G-8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum amount of a home loan guarantee available to a veteran.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Increases from $60,000 to $81,000 the maximum amount of a home loan guarantee available to a veteran from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Earn and Learn Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Veterans Earn and Learn Act - Adjusts the Montgomery GI Bill veterans' educational assistance entitlement charges for each month that an eligible veteran is paid a job training assistance allowance through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Increases such charge for any month in which the veteran fails to complete 120 hours of such training. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a lump-sum incentive payment to an individual who successfully completes a full-time program of job apprenticeship before his or her assistance allowance is exhausted, under the educational assistance programs for: (1) the post-Vietnam era; (2) survivors and dependents; and (3) the Selected Reserve. Increases the assistance payable under such programs for each month in which an individual pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-job training is also enrolled in a course of classroom instruction related to such training. Directs the Secretary, when determining the period of a competency-based program of apprenticeship, to consider the approximate program term in registered apprenticeship program standards recognized by the Secretary of Labor. Requires the sponsor of any job training to notify the Secretary upon the successful completion of that program by the veteran or other eligible person. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program of up to three years for training Department employees to become qualified adjudicators of claims for veterans' compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pensions. Requires the Secretary of Defense to furnish to the Secretary, at the time of a member's discharge, pertinent information concerning each registered apprenticeship pursued by such member during his or her service.

Child Custody Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the minor resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the minor resides, took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.

To redesignate the position of the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Redesignates the position of the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects, using funds appropriated for FY 2004 through 2006. Allows such projects to be carried out in order to improve, replace, renovate, update, or establish a new patient care facility, or to improve, replace, renovate, or update, a research facility, in order to improve: (1) seismic protection related to patient safety; (2) fire safety; (3) utility systems and ancillary patient care facilities; (4) accommodation for persons with disabilities; and (5) patient care facilities to specialized programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover from third parties costs of medical care furnished to veterans and other persons by the Department.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Includes third-party insurance providers participating in the Medicare program and any department or agency of the United States other than the Department of Veterans Affairs among the entities from which the Department shall be authorized to recover payments for the costs of providing certain non-service-connected medical care to veterans.

Truth in Trials Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Truth in Trials Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish as an affirmative defense for any person facing prosecution or a proceeding for any marijuana-related offense that the marijuana-related activities in question were in compliance with State law regarding the medical use of marijuana. Allows a finder of fact to find a defendant guilty of a lesser offense if the defendant's marijuana-related activity was found to be primarily, but not exclusively, for medical purposes. Provides for the return of any property with respect to which an individual successfully makes a defense under this Act. Amends provisions concerning the seizure and custody of marijuana to limit seizure authority of marijuana authorized for medical use and provide for the retention of seized plants pending resolution of a case involving an affirmative defense for the medical use of marijuana.

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals, as of the later of October 1, 2003, or the date of enactment of this Act, certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Provides for the recoupment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase of $250 per month in the rate of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payable to a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who dies on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability in any case in which there are dependent children.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Increases by $250 per month the dependency and indemnity compensation payable to the surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces who dies on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability in any case in which there are dependent children.

Proposing a tax limitation amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Constitutional Amendment - Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security, and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.

Expressing support for the celebration of Patriots' Day and honoring the Nation's first patriots.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Expresses support for the annual celebration of Patriot's Day (April 19). Recognizes the extraordinary dedication to freedom demonstrated by the Nation's first patriots during the earliest days of the Battle for Independence in April 1775. Honors those first patriots who lost their lives in defense of liberty and freedom.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend by five years the period for the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of noninstitutional extended care services and required nursing home care.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Extends through December 31, 2008, the period during which: (1) noninstitutional extended care services will be considered to be medical services required to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans; and (2) the Secretary shall be required to provide nursing home care to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Amends the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act to require an additional report on the extended care services.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2003, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

Justice for United States Prisoners of War Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Justice for United States Prisoners of War Act of 2003 - Requires any Federal court in which an action is brought against a Japanese national by a member of the U.S. armed forces seeking compensation for mistreatment or failure to pay wages in connection with labor performed in Japan for such national as a prisoner of war during World War II to: (1) apply the applicable statute of limitations of the State in which the action is pending; and (2) not construe a specified provision of the Treaty of Peace With Japan as a waiver by the United States of such claims. States that it is U.S. policy to ensure that any war claims settlement terms between Japan and any other country that are more beneficial than terms extended to the United States under the above Treaty are extended to the United States with respect to claims under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to secure information relating to chemical or biological tests conducted by Japan on members of the U.S. armed forces held as prisoners of war during World War II.