Defence

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act of 2003 - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

Honoring the service and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces military working dog teams for the part they have played in the Nation's military history.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Honors the service and sacrifice of military working dog teams that served during World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and Bosnia peacekeeping operations and those serving during current operations in the global war on terrorism.

Urging the President to request the United States International Trade Commission to take certain actions with respect to the temporary safeguards on imports of certain steel products, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Recognizes that a strong domestic steel industry and strong domestic manufacturing base are vital to national defense and economic security. Urges the President to request the United States International Trade Commission, in addition to monitoring and reporting on certain enumerated items in section 204 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the tariff increases and tariff rate quotas proclaimed by the President on March 5, 2002, on certain steel imports, to also monitor and report on the impact of the temporary safeguards on domestic steel consuming industries.

To authorize the Pyramid of Remembrance Foundation to establish a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to soldiers who have lost their lives during peacekeeping operations, humanitarian efforts, training, terrorist attacks, or covert operations.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

Authorizes the Pyramid of Remembrance Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in part of the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations, humanitarian efforts, training, terrorist attacks, or covert operations. Prohibits use of Federal funds for such memorial, except as provided by the Commemorative Works Act.

Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Defense of Privacy Act - Requires Federal agencies: (1) when publishing a general notice of proposed rulemaking for any proposed rule or for an interpretative rule involving the internal revenue laws, to prepare, make available for public comment, and publish an initial analysis describing the rule's impact on the privacy of individuals; and (2) when promulgating the final rule, to prepare, make publicly available, and publish a final privacy impact analysis that includes a summary of the significant issues raised by and changes made pursuant to public comments on the initial analysis. Requires the head of an agency promulgating a rule that may have a significant privacy impact on individuals or on a substantial number of individuals to use specified techniques to assure that individuals have been given an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking. Requires each agency to: (1) carry out a periodic review of promulgated rules that have such impact to determine whether each such rule can be amended or rescinded in a manner that minimizes such impact while remaining in accordance with applicable statutes; (2) carry out such review in accordance with a plan that provides for the review of each rule every ten years after the rule was published as a final rule; and (3) publish annually a list of the rules to be reviewed. Sets forth provisions governing judicial review of agency compliance with this Act.

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2003 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war to repeal the currently required: (1) 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation; and (2) 90-day minimum period of internment prior to eligibility for dental care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Adds the following to the listed diseases under (1), above: heart disease, stroke, liver disease, diabetes (type 2), and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act - Allows the remains of the following persons to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery: (1) any member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty; (2) any retired member of the armed forces; (3) any member or former member of a reserve component of the armed forces who served on active duty, who was honorably discharged from active duty, who was under 60 years of age, and who, but for such age, would have been eligible for retired pay; (4) any former member who was separated for physical disability before October 1, 1949, who served on active duty, and who would have been eligible for disability retirement if such provisions had been in effect on such date; (5) any former member whose last active military service was terminated honorably and who has been awarded one of a number of specified military decorations; (6) any former prisoner of war who dies on or after November 30, 1993; (7) any reserve member who dies while on active duty for training or inactive duty training; (8) the President or any former President; (9) the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, in the discretion of the Cemetery's Superintendent, unmarried adult child of an interred member (but only if buried in the same gravesite); (10) the spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member on active duty if such person dies while the member is on active duty; (11) the individual whose spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) is eligible under (10), above, but only if buried in the same gravesite; (12) the parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child whose remains, based on the parent's eligibility, are already buried in the Cemetery, but only if buried in the same gravesite; (13) the surviving spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member who was lost, buried at sea, or officially determined to be permanently absent in a status of missing or missing in action; and (14) the surviving spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member buried in a cemetery under the jurisdiction of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Authorizes the President to deem an otherwise ineligible individual as eligible for such burial for extraordinary acts, services, or contributions to the armed forces.

To provide for a pilot program to be conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the benefits of providing for pharmacies of the Department of Veterans Affairs to fill prescriptions for drugs and medicines written by private physicians.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a two-year pilot program to assess the advantages and disadvantages of furnishing to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacies drugs and medicines ordered on prescription of any duly licensed physician in the treatment of any illness or injury of a veteran. Requires copayments for such drugs and medicines.

National Naval Force Structure Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

National Naval Force Structure Policy Act - 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.

Jumpstart Broadband Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Jumpstart Broadband Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate no less than an additional 255 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 5 gigahertz band for unlicensed use by wireless broadband devices while ensuring that Department of Defense devices and systems are not compromised. Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish standards for interference protection which enable incumbent Federal government agency users of such allocated spectrum to continue such use. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt minimal technical and device rules for efficient use of such allocated spectrum by wireless broadband devices; and (2) amend its rules to require that all wireless broadband devices manufactured after such rules amendment that operate in such allocated spectrum be capable of two-way digital communications and meet the interference protection standards.

Jumpstart Broadband Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Jumpstart Broadband Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate no less than an additional 255 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 5 gigahertz band for unlicensed use by wireless broadband devices while ensuring that Department of Defense devices and systems are not compromised. Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish standards for interference protection which enable incumbent Federal government agency users of such allocated spectrum to continue such use. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt minimal technical and device rules for efficient use of such allocated spectrum by wireless broadband devices; and (2) amend its rules to require that all wireless broadband devices manufactured after such rules amendment that operate in such allocated spectrum be capable of two-way digital communications and meet the interference protection standards.

To provide wage parity for certain Department of Defense prevailing rate employees in Alabama.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Mandates wage parity for certain Department of Defense prevailing rate employees in Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama.

Iraqi Scientists Immigration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003

Iraqi Scientists Immigration Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the nonimmigrant admission of an alien (and accompanying family members or relatives) who the Attorney General determines, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Director of Central Intelligence and other appropriate officials, and in the Attorney General's unreviewable discretion, is an individual: (1) who has worked at any time in an Iraqi weapons of mass destruction program; (2) who is in possession of critical and reliable information concerning any such Iraqi program; (3) who is willing to provide, or has provided, such information to the United States or to United Nations or International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors; (4) who will be or has been placed in danger as a result of providing such information; and (5) whose admission would be in the public interest or in the interest of national security. Limits such entrants to 500 aliens. Requires such an alien, in order to be admitted and remain in the United States, to: (1) report to the Attorney General concerning his or her whereabouts and activities; (2) not be convicted of any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of one year or more after the date of admission or grant of status; (3) have waived rights to contest, other than on the basis of an application for withholding of removal or for protection under the Convention Against Torture, any action for removal instituted before the alien obtains lawful permanent resident status; and (4) cooperate fully with all information requests, including information concerning any Iraqi program to produce or deliver weapons of mass destruction. Authorizes the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of Central Intelligence, to adjust the status of such an alien (and family members) to permanent resident status. Authorizes the Attorney General to waive the inadmissability of such an alien for reasons of public interest or national security. Amends the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 to revise the definition of "weapon of mass destruction" to replace "disease organism" with "biological agent, toxin, or vector."

GUARD Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003

Guaranteeing a United and Resolute Defense Act of 2003 or GUARD Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funds to the governor of a State who submits, and receives approval of, a plan for the use of personnel and equipment of the State's National Guard in homeland security activities. Provides authorizes uses of such funding, including: (1) pay, allowances, and clothing; (2) equipment and facilities operation and maintenance; and (3) procurement of related services.

Big Horn Bentonite Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2003

Declares open to locatable mineral development for bentonite mining certain withdrawn lands in Big Horn County, Wyoming. Permits the Secretary of the Army to close such land upon determination that closure is required by reason of a national emergency or for the purpose of national defense or security.

Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2003

Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a business or trade deduction the expenses of a member of the reserve component of the U.S. armed forces in connection with such service. Makes such deduction available to itemizers and non-itemizers. Establishes related reserve component business-related employment and self-employment credits.

Radiation Detection for Dirty Bomb Material in Containers and Bulk Cargo Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2003

Radiation Detection for Dirty Bomb Material in Containers and Bulk Cargo Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to: (1) maintain and expand ongoing seaport and land radiation detection system projects; (2) use existing laboratory relationships and expertise in large-scale radiation monitoring systems; (3) evaluate radiation detection systems for use at seaports and places of entry by land in the United States; and (4) select at least one system for demonstration at a seaport and at a place of land entry. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an evaluation of existing state-of-the-art systems that provide the highest degree of detection capability for radioactive sources hidden in sea freight containers or cargo crossing land borders; (2) emphasize the rapid development of existing technology and systems on completion of the evaluation; (3) develop standard procedures and protocols for detection and reporting of data collected from radiation collection systems; and (4) develop a national technical assistance program to share and propagate the experiences gained in conducting the program. Requires the Secretary to solicit the views of stakeholders, including the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, local port authorities, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc., and the Health Physics Society; and (2) provide student internships to universities in States with significant seaports that focus on academic programs pertaining to radiation detection and radiation health physics.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Service should issue commemorative postage stamps honoring Americans who distinguished themselves by their service in the armed forces.

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that : (1) commemorative postage stamps should be issued by the United States Postal Service honoring Americans who distinguished themselves by their service in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, respectively; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such stamps be issued.

National Aviation Heritage Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003

National Aviation Heritage Area Act - Establishes within the States of Ohio and Indiana the National Aviation Heritage Area (the Area). Directs the Area's management entity, the Aviation Heritage Foundation, Incorporated (the AHFI, an Ohio nonprofit) to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) a Management Plan (the Plan) for the Area and to assist government and nonprofits in developing the Area in specified ways. Requires the Plan to provide for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the Area. Directs the Secretary to approve the Plan or to disapprove it, and to provide recommendations in the latter instance. Prohibits appropriated funds from being expended to implement any changes made by a substantial amendment to the Plan until the Secretary approves of such amendment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial or technical assistance to the Area to develop and implement the Plan upon request by the AHFI. Requires any Federal agency involved with activities affecting the Area to consult with the AHFI and the Secretary and, to the maximum extent practicable, act in ways the AHFI determines will not adversely affect the Area. Provides for the coordination of decisions with regard to the Area by the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Specifies the sunset of grants and assistance from the Secretary for the Area 15 years after the enactment of this Act. Requires an updated study and report concerning incorporating the Wright Company factory as a unit of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park.

Data-Mining Moratorium Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003

Data-Mining Moratorium Act of 2003 - Prohibits any officer or employee of the Departments of Defense (DOD) or Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing or carrying out for data-mining purposes any part of: (1) the DOD component of the Total Information Awareness program or any other data-mining program of DOD; or (2) any data-mining program of DHS similar or related to the Total Information Awareness program. Makes such prohibition effective from the date of enactment of this Act until the date of enactment of a law specifically authorizing data-mining by a Federal department. Requires the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, and the head of each other Federal department or agency using or developing data-mining technology to report to Congress on all such activities.

Intelligence Community Leadership Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003

Intelligence Community Leadership Act of 2003 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to be composed of: (1) a Director and Deputy Director of National Intelligence; (2) a Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Community Management; (3) a National Intelligence Council; (4) three Assistant Directors for National Intelligence for Collection, Analysis and Production, and Administration; (5) a General Counsel to the Director; (6) an Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; and (7) the Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive. Includes among the Director's responsibilities: (1) providing national intelligence to the President, the heads of Federal departments and agencies, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior military commanders, and, where appropriate, Congress; (2) developing an annual budget for intelligence and intelligence-related activities; and (3) establishing requirements and priorities to govern the collection of national intelligence by elements of the intelligence community. Recodifies provisions establishing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), designating as its lead official the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (currently, the Director of Central Intelligence) and removing provisions which established specified CIA deputy and assistant director positions. Prohibits an individual from serving simultaneously as Director of National Intelligence and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director should be a cabinet-level official. Provides Executive Schedule pay levels for the newly-established Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Director positions.

Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003

Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization 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: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education; and (2) tutorial 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; (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; and (4) provisions limiting an individual's opportunity to withdraw an election not to enroll in such assistance program.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products. Biodiesel Renewable Fuels Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit of between 3 and 20 cents per gallon for soy or specified vegetable based biodiesel fuel mixtures; and (2) make corresponding reductions to motor fuel excise taxes. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1922 to set forth Federal agency (except the Department of Defense) purchasing requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel for use in agency vehicles.

Jumpstart Broadband Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003

Jumpstart Broadband Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate no less than an additional 255 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 5 gigahertz band for unlicensed use by wireless broadband devices while ensuring that Department of Defense devices and systems are not compromised. Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish standards for interference protection which enable incumbent Federal government agency users of such allocated spectrum to continue such use. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt minimal technical and device rules for efficient use of such allocated spectrum by wireless broadband devices; and (2) amend its rules to require that all wireless broadband devices manufactured after such rules amendment that operate in such allocated spectrum be capable of two-way digital communications and meet the interference protection standards.

A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress with respect to human rights in Central Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003

Calls for the Governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to accelerate democratic reforms and fulfill their human rights obligations. Declares that increased levels of U.S. assistance to the Central Asian governments made possible by their cooperation in the war in Afghanistan can be sustained only if there is substantial and continuing progress towards meeting these goals. Calls for the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense to: (1) continue to raise specific cases of political and religious persecution with the Central Asian governments and urge greater respect for human rights and democratic freedoms; (2) consider progress in meeting such goals when determining diplomatic engagement and foreign assistance; (3) ensure that provisions of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act are fully implemented to ensure that no U.S. assistance benefits security forces in Central Asia implicated in human rights violations; (4) follow the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom by designating Turkmenistan a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and by making clear that Uzbekistan risks designation if conditions there do not improve; (5) press the Turkmenistan Government to respect the right of imprisoned opposition leader Boris Shikmuradov to due process and a fair trial and to release democratic activists and their families from prison, and to urge the Russian Government not to extradite to Turkmenistan member of that country's political opposition; (6) work with the Government of Kazakhstan to create a political climate free of intimidation and harassment and to reduce official corruption; and (7) support through U.S. assistance programs those individuals, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets in Central Asia working to build more open societies, support the victims of human rights abuses, and expose official corruption.

General Attempt Provision Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2003

General Attempt Provision Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a general attempt offense providing that whoever, acting with the state of mind otherwise required for the commission of a criminal offense, intentionally engages in conduct that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of the offense, is guilty of an attempt and is subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, except the death penalty. Specifies that inability to commit the offense and failure to complete the offense are not defenses to a prosecution under this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense that the defendant prevented the commission of the offense under circumstances manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of criminal intent. Specifies that if two or more persons conspire to commit any offense against the United States, and one or more of such persons commit any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each shall be subject to the same penalties (except the death penalty) as those prescribed for the most serious offense the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy.

Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2003

Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 - Provides that: (1) any person who engages in conduct that violates specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or specified articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (conduct constituting certain Federal violent crimes), and thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury to, a child who is in utero, shall be guilty of a separate offense (but prohibits imposition of the death penalty for such offense); and (2) the punishment for that separate offense shall be the same as that provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother. Directs that if the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall be punished as provided under the Federal criminal code for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being. Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency; (2) for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.

Paul McHale, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 9 January 2003

R. Bruce Matthews, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2005, vice Joseph DiNunno, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 January 2003

Christopher Ryan Henry, of Virginia, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Stephen A. Cambone, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 January 2003

A bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to cover individuals, other than United States persons, who engage in international terrorism without affiliation with an international terrorist group.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to extend the meaning of "foreign power" to any person, other than a U.S. person, engaged in international terrorism or activities in preparation for them, for purposes of securing FISA warrants authorizing the electronic surveillance of communications between and among foreign powers.

War Financing Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

War Financing Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter which imposes a tax on each taxable transaction. Defines such transactions as: (1) the sale of property or services in the United States by a taxable person in connection with a business; (2) the import of property or services for use or consumption in the United States; (3) the (a) sale of property or services (not included in (b)) in the United States other than in connection with business for a consideration that exceeds $1,000, or (b) lease of property in the United States other than in connection with a business, if the fair market value of the leased property exceeds $1,000; and (4) the sale of property or services exported from the United States for use or consumption outside the United States. Sets forth further provisions: (1) concerning taxable transactions; (2) taxable amount, rate of tax and exemption from tax for certain transactions and certain entities, and credits; (3) administration; and (4) definitions and special rules. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the War Financing Trust Fund into which amounts received from the taxes imposed by this Act will be deposited. Requires the Trust Fund to be used to: (1) pay the administrative costs of collecting such taxes or in operating the War Financing Trust Fund; and (2) meet those obligations of the United States incurred with respect to any case in which U.S. Armed Forces are introduced into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.

A bill to exclude United States persons from the definition of "foreign power" under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 relating to international terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 with respect to the President's authority, for purposes of acquiring foreign intelligence information for periods of up to one year, to authorize the electronic surveillance without a court order of communications between and among foreign powers. Extends the meaning of foreign power to any person, other than a U.S. person, engaged in international terrorism or activities in preparation for them.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that there should continue to be parity between the adjustments in the compensation of members of the uniformed services and the adjustments in the compensation of civilian employees of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should continue to be parity between the adjustments in the compensation of members of the armed forces and the adjustments in the compensation of Federal civilian employees.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the automobile assistance program for disabled veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in providing automobile purchase assistance to certain service-disabled veterans, to: (1) make a payment to the lender of the automobile loan, rather than to the seller of the car; and (2) provide such assistance directly to a veteran after such veteran purchases a car if the Secretary determines the veteran did not apply in a timely manner due to a lack of knowledge of such assistance.

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals provisions providing for special compensation for certain severely disabled military retirees and certain combat-related disabled uniformed services retirees.

United States Weather Research Program Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

United States Weather Research Program Act of 2003 - States that the United States Weather Research Program's priorities shall be in the areas of: (1) hurricanes, to improve landfall location and hurricane strength forecasts; (2) heavy precipitation, to improve winter and rain storm forecasts; (3) floods, to improve flood forecasting and forecasting and warning systems for inland flooding related to tropical cyclones; (4) two-to-fourteen day forecasting, to improve weather predictions and warnings of high-impact weather events, to conduct the Hemispheric Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORpex) to fill observational gaps in the Northern Hemisphere, and to test and evaluate advanced data assimilation techniques in global models; (5) societal and economic impacts, to identify methods of delivering weather information effectively, to recommend ways to improve weather communications, to assess impacts of adverse weather, to evaluate what weather information is most useful, and to perform research on such impacts; and (6) testing research concepts at Program-sponsored test bed centers, to enable technology transfer to operational meteorologists. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and annually update, and NOAA's Administrator to report to Congress on, a five-year plan: (1) describing how Federal agencies can best team with universities and other research institutions; (2) identifying social, economic, and military needs and requirements for weather information; (3) outlining methods for disseminating information to user communities; and (4) describing best practices for transferring Program research results to forecasting operations.

Veterans Outpatient Care Access Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Veterans Outpatient Care Access Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide needed medical services from sources outside the Department of Veterans Affairs when veterans are informed that the waiting period for such services in a Department outpatient clinic will be six months or longer.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to assist the Department of Homeland Security in the performance of border protection functions.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Secretary of Homeland Security, to assign members of the armed forces to assist: (1) the Bureau of Border Security of the Department of Homeland Security in preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens into the United States; and (2) the U.S. Customs Service in the inspection of cargo, vehicles, and aircraft at U.S. points of entry to prevent the entry of weapons of mass destruction and their components, prohibited narcotics or drugs, or other terrorist or drug trafficking items. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to certify that such request is necessary to respond to a threat to national security. Requires the Secretaries to establish a training program that must be completed by military personnel serving in such capacity. Requires any member so serving to be accompanied by a civilian law enforcement officer from the agency concerned. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish ongoing joint task forces to respond to threats to national security posed by the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, or illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the governor and local governments of the State involved of the deployment of such members and the types of tasks to be performed. Prohibits any such assignment after September 30, 2005.

Armed Forces Retirement Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Armed Forces Retirement Equity Act - Removes the requirement that a person attain 60 years of age before being entitled to military retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service.

Veterans Beneficiary Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Veterans Beneficiary Fairness Act of 2003 - Repeals the limitation (benefits due and unpaid for not to exceed two years) on the accrued benefits required to be paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs upon the death of a veteran or other beneficiary.

Student Bill of Rights

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each State's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so through: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final Federal or State court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires withholding of specified portions of its Federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in Federal district courts. Directs the Commissioner of Education Statistics to study the effects of educational disparities on economic growth and on national defense.

Veterans Equal Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Veterans Equal Treatment Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) discontinue the funding allocation formula for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system known as the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system at the end of the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted; and (2) develop a new formula for the allocation of funds to the national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), that takes into account specified requirements, including additional costs incurred by a VISN because the age of veterans, or the number of veterans requiring complex care, in that VISN exceeds the median for all VISNs. Authorizes additional appropriations to be allocated to VISNs that have experienced funding reductions.

Equitable Care for All Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Equitable Care for All Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modify the funding allocation formula for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system known as the Veterans Resource Allocation (VERA) system to provide for the incorporation of regional differences in the cost of providing health care to veterans as part of the criteria used to determine the national means differential used. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the effects of such modifications on the regional allocation of funds available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care and, if the modifications do not result in a substantive shift in such allocations, to terminate VERA. Directs the Secretary, if required to terminate VERA, to develop a new formula for the allocation of funds to the Department's national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), that takes into account specified requirements, including additional costs incurred by a VISN because the age of veterans, or the number of veterans requiring complex care, in that VISN exceeds the median for all VISNs. Authorizes additional appropriations to be allocated to VISNs that have experienced funding reductions.

Veterans Prescription Drug Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Veterans Prescription Drug Equity Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish prescription drugs ordered by a duly licensed physician or other health-care professional to a veteran if: (1) the veteran has made an appointment to see a Department of Veterans Affairs physician for the sole purpose of obtaining a prescription for the treatment of any illness or injury; and (2) at least 30 days has elapsed without the veteran obtaining the prescription.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. 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 the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (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 Fund; (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, for specified health resources and services activities; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for substance abuse and mental health services; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, 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; (10) low income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to States for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs; (15) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (16) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Inspector General; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; (21) policy research; (22) medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (23) 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 and language enhancement; (6) special education; (7) rehabilitation services and disability research; (8) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (9) vocational and adult education; (10) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as Federal administrative expenses for such programs (and sets a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (11) the Federal Family Education Loan program account; (12) specified higher education programs; (13) Howard University; (14) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (15) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (16) education research, statistics, and improvement; (17) departmental management; (18) the Office for Civil Rights; and (19) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses; (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 Educational Goals Panel; (11) National Labor Relations Board; (12) National Mediation Board; (13) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, special benefits for disabled coal miners, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (16) U.S. Institute of Peace.

Commending the members of the United States Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Commends: (1) members of the U.S. armed forces for their service to the Nation in combating terrorism and preserving peace and stability; and (2) the families of such individuals for helping to make such service possible. Makes a commitment to support service members as they carry out assigned missions.

Urging the President to negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of the Republic of Panama in order for United States Armed Forces to be stationed in Panama for the purposes of defending the Panama Canal.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of Panama to permit stationing U.S. forces in Panama and to ensure that the Panama Canal remains open, secure, and neutral; and (2) ensure that U.S. military facilities which could be utilized for stationing such forces are fully maintained and secured if the Government of Panama is willing to enter into good faith negotiations for a continued U.S. military presence in Panama.

Veteran's Health Administration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003

Veteran's Health Administration Act of 2003 - Removes the requirement that psychologists appointed to the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs hold degrees in psychology from an approved accrediting authority. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to employ such psychologists on a temporary, full, or part-time basis, or on a fee basis.

Filipino Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003

Filipino Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 2003 - Authorizes: (1) payment of the full rate of compensation (currently, 50%) for the service-connected disability of members of the New Philippine Scouts (and their survivors) who served with U.S. armed forces during World War II and who now are U.S. citizens or lawfully reside in the United States; (2) full dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouses of Filipino veterans who became U.S. citizens or lawfully resided in the United States; and (3) hospital and nursing home care and medical services for such veterans and new Philippine Scouts in the same manner as U.S. veterans. Limits the disability pension to $100 per month for such veterans who reside in the Philippines. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish care and services to veterans of World War II, Commonwealth Army veterans, and new Philippine Scouts for the treatment of service-connected disabilities and non-service connected disabilities of such veterans and scouts residing in the Philippines on an outpatient basis at the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic. Limits to $500,000 the amount to be expended during a fiscal year for such services.