Defence

Defense Trade Cooperation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2003

Defense Trade Cooperation Act of 2003 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act (the Act) to make the requirement of a bilateral agreement prior to the transfer of defense articles or services from the United States to a foreign country inapplicable to a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Government of: (1) Australia, with respect to transfers or changes in end use within Australia of defense items that will remain subject to the licensing requirements of the Act after such agreement enters into force; or (2) the United Kingdom, for an exemption from such licensing requirements. Requires the President, at least 30 days before authorizing such an exemption, to certify to the congressional foreign and international relations committees that such an agreement: (1) is in the national interest of the United States; (2) does not adversely affect the ability of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to provide controls for licensed exports of U.S. defense items; and (3) will not adversely affect the duties or requirements of the Secretary of State under the Act. Directs the President to submit to such committees a text of the regulations that authorize such a licensing exemption. Requires a report from the President to such committees on licensing requirement exemption issues raised during consultations with respect to the terms of any bilateral agreements with such countries. Directs the Secretary of State to notify such committees within 90 days after receiving credible information regarding the unauthorized end-use or diversion of U.S. exports made pursuant to any agreement with a country to gain exemption from such licensing requirements.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to revise the age and service requirements for eligibility to receive retired pay for non-regular service.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2003

Makes an individual eligible for retired pay for non-regular (reserve) military service if such individual: (1) satisfies one of the combinations of minimum age (between 53 and 60) and years of service (between 34 and 20); (2) performed the last six years of qualifying service in currently authorized categories of military service, but not while a member of a regular component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (with an exception); and (3) is not entitled to any other retirement pay from an armed force or as a member of the Fleet Reserves.

Security Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2003

Security Enhancement Act of 2003 - Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to eight countries that would provide temporary secure storage for orphaned, unused, surplus, or other radioactive sources (other than special nuclear material, nuclear fuel, or spent nuclear fuel); and (2) make voluntary contributions to the IAEA for use by its Department of Nuclear Safety (DNS) to fund the U.S. share (which may be 100 percent) of the costs of activities associated with or under such agreements. Declares that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not apply with respect to any temporary secure storage facility constructed outside the United States under such an agreement, but any applicable environmental laws of the host country shall apply. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance, including through voluntary contributions to the IAEA, to support a program of the DNS Division of Radiation and Waste Safety to promote the discovery, inventory, and recovery of radioactive sources in IAEA member nations; and (2) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar (or other non-nuclear) power sources for radioisotope thermal power units operated by it and by other independent states of the former Soviet Union in applications such as lighthouses in the Arctic, remote weather stations, and for providing electricity in remote locations. Authorizes the Secretary to assist foreign countries, or to propose that the IAEA assist foreign countries, in the development of appropriate national radioactive material hazard response plans and the training of first responders. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the preparations made at U.S. diplomatic missions abroad to detect and mitigate a radiological attack on such missions and other U.S. facilities under the Secretary's control; (2) the Secretary's priorities for improving radiological security and consequence management at U.S. missions; and (3) the missions where such improvement is most important. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Declares that priority for U.S. assistance to eligible developing countries under this title shall be given to those 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 such outbreaks; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. departments and agencies in addition to international health organizations (including WHO and the Pan American Health Organization). Prohibits to foreign nationals participating in programs authorized under this title any access to select agents that may be used as, or in, a biological weapon, except in a supervised and controlled setting. Establishes a fellowship program under which the Secretary shall award fellowships to eligible nationals (including, on a case-by-case basis, U.S. citizens) to pursue specified public health education or training. Requires foreign recipients, upon completion of such education or training, to return to their countries of nationality or last habitual residence (if 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, through service with an international health organization without geographic restriction. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from eligible developing countries in laboratory techniques of: (1) identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) 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 specified: (1) public health laboratory equipment; and (2) communications equipment and information technology necessary to collect, analyze, and transmit public health information effectively. Authorizes a Federal agency head, upon specified request, to assign to a U.S. mission or organization any agency officer or employee occupying a public health position to enhance disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Requires the CDCP and the Department of Defense each to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their laboratories in eligible developing countries that conduct research and other activities with respect to infectious diseases; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially with respect to 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 of 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. Authorizes the President to transfer certain naval vessels to specified foreign countries.

Security Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2003

Security Enhancement Act of 2003 - Defense Trade Cooperation Act of 2003 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) , with respect to country exemptions for licensing of defense items for export to foreign countries, to declare that specified requirements for a bilateral agreement under such Act shall not apply to a bilateral agreement between the U.S. Government and: (1) the Government of Australia with respect to transfers or changes in end use within Australia of defense items that will remain subject to the licensing requirements of such Act after the agreement enters into force; or (2) the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) for an exemption from the licensing requirements of such Act. Requires the President to report annually to specified congressional committees on issues raised during the previous year in consultations pursuant to bilateral agreements with Australia and the UK. Requires the Secretary of State to notify the appropriate congressional committees of any credible information regarding the unauthorized end-use or diversion of U.S. exports made pursuant to any agreement with a country to gain exemption from AECA licensing requirements. Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to eight countries that would provide temporary secure storage for orphaned, unused, surplus, or other radioactive sources (other than special nuclear material, nuclear fuel, or spent nuclear fuel); and (2) make voluntary contributions to the IAEA for use by its Department of Nuclear Safety (DNS) to fund the U.S. share (which may be 100 percent) of the costs of activities associated with or under such agreements. Declares that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not apply with respect to any temporary secure storage facility constructed outside the United States under such an agreement, but any applicable environmental laws of the host country shall apply. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance, including through voluntary contributions to the IAEA, to support a program of the DNS Division of Radiation and Waste Safety to promote the discovery, inventory, and recovery of radioactive sources in IAEA member nations; and (2) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar (or other non-nuclear) power sources for radioisotope thermal power units operated by it and by other independent states of the former Soviet Union in applications such as lighthouses in the Arctic, remote weather stations, and for providing electricity in remote locations. Authorizes the Secretary to assist foreign countries, or to propose that the IAEA assist foreign countries, in the development of appropriate national radioactive material hazard response plans and the training of first responders. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the preparations made at U.S. diplomatic missions abroad to detect and mitigate a radiological attack on such missions and other U.S. facilities under the Secretary's control; (2) the Secretary's priorities for improving radiological security and consequence management at U.S. missions; and (3) the missions where such improvement is most important. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Declares that priority for U.S. assistance to eligible developing countries under this title shall be given to those 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 such outbreaks; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. departments and agencies in addition to international health organizations (including WHO and the Pan American Health Organization). Prohibits to foreign nationals participating in programs authorized under this title any access to select agents that may be used as, or in, a biological weapon, except in a supervised and controlled setting. Establishes a fellowship program under which the Secretary shall award fellowships to eligible nationals (including, on a case-by-case basis, U.S. citizens) to pursue specified public health education or training. Requires foreign recipients, upon completion of such education or training, to return to their countries of nationality or last habitual residence (if 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, through service with an international health organization without geographic restriction. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from eligible developing countries in laboratory techniques of: (1) identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) 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 specified: (1) public health laboratory equipment; and (2) communications equipment and information technology necessary to collect, analyze, and transmit public health information effectively. Authorizes a Federal agency head, upon specified request, to assign to a U.S. mission or organization any agency officer or employee occupying a public health position to enhance disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Requires the CDCP and the Department of Defense each to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their laboratories in eligible developing countries that conduct research and other activities with respect to infectious diseases; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially with respect to 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 of 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.

Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Veterans Comprehensive Hepatitis C Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the first year after the enactment of this Act, to provide a blood test for the Hepatitis C virus to: (1) each veteran who served on active military duty during the Vietnam era, or who is considered to be "at risk," and who is enrolled to receive veterans' medical care and requests such test or is otherwise receiving a physical examination or any other care or treatment from the Secretary; and (2) any other veteran who requests such test. Requires the Secretary, after such period, to provide such test to any veteran who requests it. Requires the Secretary to provide followup tests and appropriate treatment for any veteran who tests positive. Prohibits a copayment from being charged for such treatment. Provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for Hepatitis C detection and treatment programs, beginning with FY 2004. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a standardized Department policy with respect to such virus; and (2) annually take appropriate outreach actions to notify untested veterans. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one, and no more than three, additional Hepatitis C centers of excellence within the Department health care network. Provides funding.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption of service-connection for certain veterans with hepatitis C, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Presumes to be service-connected, and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation, hepatitis C becoming manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active-duty military service with respect to veterans who, during a period of such service: (1) received a transfusion of blood or blood products before December 31, 1992; (2) were exposed to blood through the skin; (3) underwent hemodialysis; (4) experienced a needle-stick injury, not due to the veteran's willful misconduct; (5) were diagnosed with unexplained liver disease; or (6) served in a health-care position or specialty under circumstances to be prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Service to Country Reimbursement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Service to Country Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary), at the request of a State or local government that continues to pay all or a portion of the civilian compensation of an employee while that employee is absent due to a call or order to serve on active military duty for a period of more than 30 days, to reimburse the State or local government up to an amount not to exceed the difference between: (1) the amount of civilian compensation that would otherwise have been payable to the employee if the employee's civilian compensation had not been interrupted by active-duty service; and (2) the amount of military pay that is payable to such employee for the active duty service performed. Requires an employee who fails to return to such civilian employment to refund to the Secretary the total amount of reimbursement provided with respect to that employee, but allows the Secretary to waive such refund requirement if such recovery would be against equity and good conscience or contrary to the best interests of the United States. Requires the Secretary to waive such refund if the failure of the employee to report or apply was due to an injury or disability that is not the fault of the employee.

a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Veterans Day 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Expresses the sense of the Senate that Veterans Day 2003 shall be commemorated with appropriate tributes to all veterans of the U.S. armed forces, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A resolution recognizing and honoring the firefighters and other public servants who responded to the devastating outbreak of wildfires in southern California in October 2003.

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Recognizes and honors all the firefighters who responded to the devastating outbreak of wildfires in southern California in October 2003, and all other persons, including emergency, law enforcement, and medical personnel, pilots, and members of the armed forces, for their important contributions to controlling the wildfires and keeping Californians safe.

Defense Trade Cooperation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2003

Defense Trade Cooperation Act of 2003 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act (the Act) to make the requirement of a bilateral agreement prior to the transfer of defense articles or services from the United States to a foreign country inapplicable to a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Government of: (1) Australia, with respect to transfers or changes in end use within Australia of defense items that will remain subject to the licensing requirements of the Act after such agreement enters into force; or (2) the United Kingdom, for an exemption from such licensing requirements. Requires the President, at least 30 days before authorizing such an exemption, to certify to the congressional foreign and international relations committees that such an agreement: (1) is in the national interest of the United States; (2) does not adversely affect the ability of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to provide controls for licensed exports of U.S. defense items; and (3) will not adversely affect the duties or requirements of the Secretary of State under the Act. Directs the President to submit to such committees a text of the regulations that authorize such a licensing exemption. Requires a report from the President to such committees on licensing requirement exemption issues raised during consultations with respect to the terms of any bilateral agreements with such countries. Directs the Secretary of State to notify such committees within 90 days after receiving credible information regarding the unauthorized end-use or diversion of U.S. exports made pursuant to any agreement with a country to gain exemption from such licensing requirements.

Cold War Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2003

Cold War Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

Memorial to Noncitizen Patriots Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003

Memorial to Noncitizen Patriots Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to construct within Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, a memorial marker honoring the service and sacrifice of noncitizens killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to accept gifts and donations for such purpose.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than July 31, 2004, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by December 31, 2004.

Urging the President to immediately request the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003

Urges the President to immediately request the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Francis J. Harvey, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice John P. Stenbit.

United States · United States Senate · 6 November 2003

Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003

Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such eligible persons for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE (Department of Defense managed health care plan) network pharmacy in the same manner as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such benefits received from a TRICARE network pharmacy. Requires such persons, in order to receive such reimbursement, to submit a certification from their physician stating that the person does not have access to a TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical constraints. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such individuals.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption of service-connection for certain veterans with Hepatitis C, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003

Presumes to be service-connected, and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation, hepatitis C becoming manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active-duty military service with respect to veterans who, during a period of such service: (1) received a transfusion of blood or blood products before December 31, 1992; (2) were exposed to blood on or through the skin or a mucous membrane; (3) underwent hemodyalisis; (4) experienced a needle-stick accident or medical event involving a needle, not due to the veteran's willful misconduct; (5) were diagnosed with or experienced unexplained liver disease or dysfunction; or (6) served in a health-care position or specialty under circumstances to be prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003

Waives a specified requirement of rule XIII with respect to a reported resolution providing for consideration or disposition of the conference report on H.R. 1588 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004).

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1588) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2004 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 1588 (FY 2004 Department of Defense authorization).

National Space Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003

National Space Commission Act - Establishes a National Space Commission to: (1) provide advice and counsel to the President and Congress on matters related to the future of space; and (2) conduct studies, assessments, and other methods of evaluation to reach conclusions and formulate recommendations; (3) convene public forums, reviews, and other means of public discourse for gathering and distributing information; (4) establish a national approach for the safety of space flight; and (5) provide advice on changes in Federal law or international agreements to achieve recommendations, solutions, and outcomes proposed by the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) evaluate findings, recommendations, and observations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and the activities of NASA to respond to the Board's report; (2) make recommendations concerning additional and long-term criteria and conditions for the operation of the Space Shuttle; (3) assess NASA's capability to resolve the Board's findings, recommendations, and observations, the proper role of NASA and its industrial, scientific, and commercial partners in the development and operation of high risk space flight systems, and additional NASA workforce and management reforms to achieve safety of human space flight; (4) take into consideration the present condition of the International Space Station (ISS) and alternative space transportation solutions for servicing and supporting the ISS; (5) report on alternative means of transferring crew during assembly of the ISS and on the Space Shuttle's return-to-flight; (6) engage in specific advisory activities related to the development of future launch technology and make recommendations for future national goals for the development and use of space; and (7) review the Nation's program of safety in space flight and make recommendations for a national program for the management of safe commercial, civil, and military space flight.

Veterans Mental Health and Back-to-Work Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003

Veterans Mental Health and Back-to-Work Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in providing veterans' rehabilitative services, to furnish: (1) work skills training and development; (2) employment support; and (3) job development and placement. Revises provisions establishing the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans to: (1) redesignate such Committee as the Committee on Care of Veterans With Serious Mental Illness; and (2) require in its annual report an assessment of how the veterans' rehabilitative services programs are serving veterans with mental illness.

To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from taking any action to implement any recommendation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission during the one-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the commission's recommendations to the Secretary.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003

Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from implementing any recommendation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission during the one-year period beginning on the date of submission of the Commission's recommendations to the Secretary.

Raheen Tyson Heighter Life Insurance for America's Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003

Raheen Tyson Heighter Life Insurance for America's Troops Act - Amends the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program for active-duty military personnel to allow premium deductions from basic pay only for coverage in excess of $100,000 (thereby effectively requiring the Government to provide the cost of the first $100,000 of such coverage).

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003

Extends until November 21, 2003: (1) the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004; and (2) the waiver of certain conditions under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2559) making appropriations for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2559 (Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004).

War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2003

War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit profiteering and fraud involving a contract or the provision of goods or services in connection with the war, military action, or relief or reconstruction efforts in Iraq (including making materially false statements or representations or materially overvaluing any good or service with the specific intent to make excessive profit). Sets penalties for violations, including up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of the greater of $1 million or twice the gross profits or other proceeds. Subjects: (1) any property which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to a violation to civil and criminal forfeiture; and (2) transactions involving such property or proceeds to money laundering provisions.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should give priority to passing legislation to provide tax relief for United States military personnel and should offset the cost of such tax relief with legislation preventing individuals from avoiding taxes by renouncing United States citizenship.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2003

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should give priority to passing legislation to provide tax relief for U.S. military personnel, including those serving in the National Guard and Reserves, and the employers of active duty members of the National Guard and Reserves; and (2) the cost of such tax relief should be offset by legislation which prevents individuals from avoiding taxes by renouncing United States citizenship.

A resolution observing the 50th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, affirming the deep cooperation and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of the Republic of Korea, and thanking the Republic of Korea for it's contributions to the global war on terrorism and to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2003

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Reaffirms the deep cooperation and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of the Republic of Korea. Thanks the Republic of Korea for its contributions to the global war on terrorism and to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2003- Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study, and report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of regulating air, noise, water, and solid waste pollution from all sources in and around airports using airport bubbles; and (2) the feasibility and desirability of strengthening EPA air pollutant emissions standards for airplane engines. Defines an "airport bubble" as an area: (1) in and around an airport (or other facility using aircraft) within which sources of pollution and levels of pollution from those sources are to be identified and reduced; and (2) containing a variety of types of air, noise, water, and solid waste sources of pollution in which the aggregate of each type of pollutant from the respective source is regulated as if the various sources were a single source. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring each airport that regularly serves commercial or military jet aircraft to report, under toxic chemical release reporting provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 and source reduction and recycling data collection provisions of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, releases and other waste management activities associated with the manufacturing, processing, or other use of toxic chemicals listed under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986.

Veterans Home Loan Prepayment Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Veterans Home Loan Prepayment Protection Act of 2003 - Provides that the prepayment in full by a veteran of a home loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs after enactment of this Act shall be credited on the date of its receipt at the business location of the mortgage lender, and no interest may be charged thereafter. Permits prepayment through such means as cash, a cashier's check, a certified check, electronic transfer of funds, or such other means routinely accceptable for payment by the residential mortgage lender.

Healthy Children Through Better Nutrition Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Healthy Children Through Better Nutrition Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to reauthorize various programs, including the national school lunch and breakfast, child and adult care food, after-school snack, summer food service, and special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Revises requirements relating to eligibility for and access to such programs. Establishes programs for: (1) year-round community child nutrition; (2) school meals improvements grants; and (3) free fruit and vegetables at schools. Expands eligibility for free meals. Makes homeless children and youth automatically eligible for free lunches and breakfasts. Lowers area eligibility thresholds under the child and adult care food programs and the summer food service program. Provides for direct certification of children as eligible for free meals, without further application, based on their being in households receiving assistance under the food stamp program or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program under title IV part A of the Social Security Act, and through other means-tested programs. Provides for categorical eligibility for recipients of other means-tested benefits. Revises the summer food service program to make it a permanent rather than a pilot program, and to provide startup and expansion grants. Revises school breakfast programs to provide: (1) startup and expansion grants; and (2) universal secondary school breakfast pilot projects. Provides commodity assistance for school breakfast, as well as school lunch, programs. Revises the child and adult care food program to provide for nutrition education pilot programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish a year-round community child nutrition program. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in school meals programs to establish school nutrition policies that at a minimum ensure that operational responsibility for school food services includes approval of all foods sold on campus, excluding occasional sales. Revises prohibitions and restrictions on competitive foods sold within food service areas. Revises requirements for nutritional reviews. Authorizes the Secretary to make school meals improvement grants to State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to carry out an expanded pilot program for availability of free fruits and vegetables throughout the schoolday. Revises the system of nutrition education grants to SEAs to provide Team Nutrition Network (TNN) program grants to States for various State and local community activities, including subgrants to schools and school food authorities to carry out nutrition education activities at the local level. Requires schools to serve milk in a variety of fat contents. Permits soy milk to be included as a fluid milk option if the Secretary determines it to be nutritionally equivalent and to meet nutritional standards. Revises certification requirements for WIC program participation to: (1) allow a State to certify breastfeeding women for up to one year or until they stop breastfeeding, whichever is earlier; and (2) modify physical presence requirements. Expands the definition of nutrition education under WIC to include not only dietary habits but related matters such as physical activity, parenting, and child development. Directs the Secretary to engage the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine every ten years to reevaluate the supplemental foods available in the WIC program and recommend changes. Extends through FY 2009 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the WIC program; (2) WIC nutrition services and administrative funds; and (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to private nonprofit entities and educational institutions to establish and carry out Farm-to-Cafeteria projects to improve access to local foods in schools and institutions receiving funds under NSLA and CNA (except the WIC program, which already has a WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program). Requires States to amend their plans to describe how funds for State administrative expenses will be used for technology and information management systems (TIMS), and how they will use such systems to improve program integrity in certain ways. Directs the Secretary to make funds available, on a competitive basis, to provide for grants to schools and school food authorities to purchase or upgrade TIMS for use in NSLA or CNA programs. Directs the Secretary to develop policy and establish procedures regarding the purchase, distribution, notice of consumption, and provision of information regarding irradiated foods in Federal school meals programs. Extends through FY 2009 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) State administrative expenses (CNA); (2) the commodity distribution program; (3) training, technical assistance, and food service management institute (NSLA); and (4) accommodation of the special dietary needs of individuals with disabilities (NSLA). Reauthorizes through FY 2009 the exclusion of military housing allowances from consideration as income in determining eligibility for free or reduced price lunches.

Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting Act of 2003 - Requires the head of each Federal agency to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a certification that a contracting function decision was based on a public-private competition and that the agency: (1) has established a centralized reporting system; (2) is not managing Federal employees by any arbitrary limitations; and (3) is reviewing work performed by contractors, recompeting or contracting in work when appropriate, and subjecting to public-private competition a certain number of Federal employee and contractor positions. Prohibits the head of an agency from entering into any contract for the performance of services until the Director, after reviewing the certification required, determines that the agency is making substantial progress toward meeting requirements under this Act. Allows the Director to waive the applicability of this Act for national security and other specified reasons. Requires that any decision by an agency to either transfer the performance of a function from Federal employees to a contractor or to assign to a contractor the performance of a function not currently performed by Federal employees to be based on the results of a public-private competition process that formally compares the costs of Federal employee versus contractor performance. Directs the Comptroller General to monitor agency compliance with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the Secretaries of Defense and of Homeland Security to waive the application of the public-private competition requirements under specified circumstances; and (2) the Director to carry out a limited pilot program regarding the use of alternative public-private competition processes.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3289) making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense and for the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 3289 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004)

Cold War Victory Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Cold War Victory Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War Victory service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

Goods Movement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Goods Movement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a goods movement program to improve the productivity, security, and safety of freight transportation gateways, while mitigating congestion and community impacts in the area of such gateways. Declares that the purposes of the program shall be to: (1) facilitate and support multimodal freight transportation initiatives at the State, regional, and local levels to improve freight transportation gateways and mitigate congestion in the area of such gateways; (2) provide capital funding to address infrastructure and freight operational needs at freight transportation corridors and gateways; (3) encourage adoption of new financing strategies to leverage State, local, and private investment in freight transportation gateways; and (4) support military mobilization and readiness. Qualifies for funding under this Act intermodal freight transportation projects that provide community and highway benefits by addressing economic, congestion, security, safety, and environmental issues associated with freight transportation corridors and gateways, subject to specified limitations. Sets forth project selection and grant approval criteria. Requires a recipient of Federal financial assistance for a project with an estimated total cost of $100 million or more to submit to the Secretary an annual financial plan for the project. Repeals National Corridor Planning and Development Program provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.

To authorize the conveyance of the former Army Reserve Training Center in Wooster, Ohio.

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to the city of Wooster, Ohio, the former Army Reserve Training Center in Wooster.

Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish care to a newborn child of a veteran who is receiving maternity care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs for up to 14 days after the birth of the child if the veteran delivered the child in a Department facility or a non-Department facility under a Department contract for delivery services. Repeals a provision which excludes certain vocational rehabilitation services from those authorized to be provided to ill or disabled veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish: (1) work skills training and development services; (2) employment support services; and (3) job development and placement services. Extends through 2008 Department authority to provide specialized hospital, medical, and nursing home care to: (1) Vietnam-era herbicide-exposed veterans; and (2) Persian Gulf War veterans. Requires an individual applying for any medical care through the Department to furnish the Secretary with information on any health-plan contract under which such individual is covered. Authorizes the Secretary to deny any application not containing such information. Extends through: (1) 2008 Department authority to lease to nonprofit organizations or States real property on which veterans have defaulted on Department-guaranteed loans; (2) 2009 certain annual reports; and (3) 2008 the provision of readjustment counseling for Vietnam-era veterans. Makes permanent (currently expires December 31, 2004) Department authority to provide sexual trauma counseling to veterans.

To amend title 10, United States Code, relating to prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible enrollees under defense health care plans.

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to prohibit the prescription drug cost-sharing requirements for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries under CHAMPUS from being in excess of the cost-sharing requirements applicable to all other CHAMPUS health care beneficiaries.

Veterans Claims Procedures Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Veterans Claims Procedures Improvement Act of 2003 - Prohibits payment or furnishing of veterans' benefits, if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs notifies a benefit claimant that certain information is necessary to complete the claimant's application and such information is not received by the Secretary within one year after such notification. Requires written notification to a claimant by the Secretary of additional information or evidence needed to complete a claim application. (Current law requires notification, but does not specify that the notification must be written.) Requires the claimant to submit to the Secretary such additional information or evidence within the time period specified by the Secretary, which period shall end not less than 60 days after the date of such notification or one year from the date of application, whichever is later. Allows the Secretary to: (1) extend the time limits for good cause; and (2) decide a claim before the end of such limits. Revises appellate review procedures applicable to filing a notice of disagreement with the Board of Veterans Appeals to require a claimant to be notified in writing to provide clarification on whether or not appellate review is desired or what issue or issues are being appealed.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003

Amends the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004 to: (1) extend such law through November 7, 2003; (2) make available to the Secretary of Transportation out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund such amounts as may be necessary for administrative expenses of the Grants-in-aid Airports program at the current rate of operations; and (3) repeal the continuing availability of funding for administrative expenses of the Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend through November 7, 2003, the waiver of certain conditions on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia.

A bill to authorize the operation of National Guard counterdrug schools.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2003

Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to establish and operate, or provide financial assistance to the appropriate States to establish and operate, not more than five National Guard counterdrug schools for the provision by the National Guard of training in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities and drug demand reduction activities to personnel of Federal agencies, State and local law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, and other non-Federal governmental and private entities and organizations. Identifies such schools in California, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

Family Budget Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Family Budget Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require, within 15 days after the end of each congressional session, a sequestration to eliminate any deficit that exceeds the excess margin (maximum permissible deficit). Requires half of the required outlay reductions to come from non-exempt defense accounts and half to come from non-exempt non-defense accounts. Provides decreasing maximum deficit amounts for FY 2005 and thereafter, with a zero balance for FY 2012 and beyond. Requires adjustment of the maximum deficit in the event of negative Federal revenue growth. Provides discretionary spending limits for FY 2005 through 2013. Repeals the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act expiration date. Directs the Chairman of the House Budget Committee to maintain the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account, to be debited and credited by new budget increases and reductions. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account, to be debited and credited by increases or decreases in mandatory budget authority. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Requires: (1) joint (currently, concurrent) and biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Requires the appropriation of funds out of any available Treasury amounts to continue in a new fiscal year any previously-authorized Government project or activity in the event that a regular appropriations bill does not become law by the beginning of that fiscal year.

To amend the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide protections to members of the Armed Forces who terminate certain consumer contracts and real estate residential purchase contracts entered into before permanent change of station or deployment orders or motor vehicle leases entered into before military service.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to allow a person in military service to terminate a contract for the lease of a motor vehicle, a telecommunications contract, or a contract for the purchase of a residence at any time after: (1) entry into military service; or (2) the date of the lessee's station or deployment orders. (Currently, such a person may terminate only a residential lease and only after entry into military service.) Requires, in order for such terminations to occur: (1) the call or order to service or the deployment period to be for at least 90 days, in the case of the motor vehicle lease or the telecommunications contract; and (2) the deployment period to be at least 90 days, in the case of the contract for the purchase of a residence.

Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act - Doubles, from $6,000 to $12,000, the military death gratuity payment and amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the full payment shall be tax exempt.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that prior to the conclusion of the first session of the One Hundred Eighth Congress the House should pass legislation that would create an independent commission or select House committee to investigate United States intelligence relating to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Calls for the House of Representatives, prior to the conclusion of the first session of the 108th Congress, to pass legislation that would create an independent commission or select House committee to investigate U.S. intelligence relating to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hospitalized Veterans Financial Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

Hospitalized Veterans Financial Assistance Act of 2003 - Makes the commencement date of the period of payment of a temporary increase in veterans' disability compensation for hospitalization or treatment the day on which such hospitalization or treatment commences. (Currently, such date is the first day of the month in which such hospitalization or treatment commences, when the hospitalization or treatment commences and terminates within the same calendar month.)

To amend title 38, Unites States Code, to provide the same type of vocational rehabilitation benefits and services under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for certain children with spina bifida as are currently available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida the same vocational training and rehabilitation services currently authorized for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

Extends until November 7, 2003: (1) the law making continuning appropriations for FY 2004; and (2) the waiver of certain conditions under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia. Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2004 authorizing the Secretary of Defense to enter into and carry out certain contracts related to classified projects listed in the Classified Annex accompanying such Act. Enacts into law provisions of the following bills as passed by the House of Representatives: (1) the Agricultural, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2004; (4) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2004; (5) the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; and (6) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004.

National Defense Energy Savings Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003

National Defense Energy Savings Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to: (1) enter into an energy savings performance contract (for a period of up to 25 years) for the sole purpose of achieving ancillary energy savings and benefits; and (2) incur obligations under the contract to finance energy conservation measures so long as guaranteed savings exceed the debt service requirements. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules establishing implementation procedures and methods that meet specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a pilot program to enter into up to ten energy savings performance contracts in nonbuilding applications.

Arizona Voluntary Grazing Permit Buyout Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003

Arizona Voluntary Grazing Permit Buyout Act of 2003 - Authorizes a permittee or lessee to waive to the Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Energy, or Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, a valid existing grazing permit or lease authorizing livestock grazing on Federal land in Arizona. Directs the Secretary concerned to cancel and permanently retire from grazing such waived allotments. Sets forth compensation provisions.