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Bill· SS. 1199 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of Department outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs; and (2) ensure that outreach is provided in locations proximate to populations of veterans and other individuals in States that offer a high probability of improving veterans' outreach and assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to appropriate State veterans agencies for such purpose.
Bill· HRH.R. 2379 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Rural Veterans Access to Care Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that no less than five percent of the funds made available each fiscal year for the Medical Care appropriation of the Department of Veterans Affairs are used to improve access to medical services for highly rural or geographically remote veterans, including the use of such funds for: (1) acute or chronic sympton management; (2) nontherapeutic medical services; and (3) other appropriate medical services as determined by the director of the geographic service region involved. Provides for the allocation of such funds to such service regions. Requires review of the operation of this Act and, if necessary, recommendation for an adjustment to the percentage of Medical Care funds required for such purpose.
Bill· HRH.R. 2352 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital and nursing home care and medical services, on the same basis as provided to veterans, to a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout who resides in the United States as a citizen or lawfully admitted alien, provided that the Secretary first certifies that sufficient resources are available at the facilities at which the majority of such veterans or Scouts would receive such care and services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2349 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out: (1) construction of a new bed tower to consolidate two inpatient sites of care in inner city Chicago; (2) construction in Clark County, Nevada, of a facility for a multispecialty outpatient clinic to replace the leased Las Vegas ambulatory care center and for a satellite office for the Veterans Benefits Administration; (3) seismic corrections to strengthen Medical Center Building 1 of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system in San Diego, California; and (4) renovation of all inpatient care wards and establishment of a consolidated medical research facility at the Department's West Haven, Connecticut, facility. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a lease for an outpatient clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prohibits funds available to the Secretary from being used for disposal of the Lakeside Division facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities in Chicago, Illinois, until the Secretary has entered into a contract to construct a new bed tower at the Department's West Side Medical Center in Chicago.
Bill· HRH.R. 2357 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Establishes a standard for access to care for veterans seeking care from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 30 days from the date the veteran contacts the Department seeking an appointment until the date on which a visit with a primary care provider is completed, or 30 days from the date on which the veteran is referred for specialty care until that date on which a visit with an appropriate specialty care provider is completed. Directs the Secretary to develop and disseminate an appropriate standard of waiting time between the time a veteran's visit is scheduled and the time the veteran is seen by the provider. Requires periodic review of the performance of Department facilities compared to that standard. Requires the Secretary, when unable to meet the standard for access to care, to furnish health care and services for that veteran in a non-Department facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 2354 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
State Veterans Cemetery Fairness Act of 2003 - Makes the burial plot allowance for a veteran who dies in a Department of Veterans Affairs facility or a facility providing Department-contracted care $300 (current law) or the lesser of the actual costs or $750 in the case of a State in which ground burial in a national cemetery is not available.
Bill· HRH.R. 2380 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Disabled Veterans' Caregiver Compensation Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay monthly compensation of $234 to a veteran if and while totally disabled and in need of regular aid and attendance and while unpaid aid and attendance is provided by an adult family member who is dependent upon such veteran for support.
Bill· HRH.R. 2361 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
The TRICARE Retirees Opportunity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) waive the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) late enrollment penalty for certain military retirees who enroll by December 31, 2004; and (2) provide a special part B enrollment period for such retirees.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 210 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Honors Specialist Shoshana Johnson, U.S. Army, a former prisoner of war in Operation Iraqi Freedom, for her heroism and sacrifice and for representing the highest ideals of service in the armed forces.
Bill· SS. 1186 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) identify the current backlog of veterans' claims for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs and to categorize those claims; and (2) identify claims that need further development and refer them to a geographically appropriate County Veterans Service Office. Allows veterans' claims to be submitted to County Veterans Service Officers (in lieu of the Department) and authorizes the Officers to fully develop such claims. Requires appropriate information sharing between the Department's Benefits Delivery Network and the Offices. Requires funding provided by this Act to be allocated to States based on their respective populations of veterans and allocates such funds to the appropriate Office. Prohibits Federal funding from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of Office operations. Allows funding to be used to establish Officer programs in States that do not have one.
Bill· HRH.R. 2318 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2005 130 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2003. Adjusts the amount provided for fiscal years after FY 2005 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of other persons eligible but not enrolled who are provided care, multiplied by the per capital baseline amount for FY 2003, as increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Prohibits the availability of such funds for: (1) construction, acquisition, or alteration of veterans' medical facilities (other than for repairs provided for before the date of enactment of this Act); or (2) grants for the construction of State home facilities for the furnishing of veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care.
Bill· HRH.R. 2337 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct during fiscal years 2004 and 2005 a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting with private memory care facilities to provide services for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease as an alternative to the provision by the Secretary of inpatient or home health care for such veterans. Requires the pilot program to be conducted through five medical centers of the Veterans Health Administration selected by the Secretary.
Bill· HRH.R. 2329 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Requires that priority for U.S. assistance under this Act be given to eligible developing countries that permit personnel from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) to: (1) investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases on their territories; (2) provide early notification of disease outbreaks; and (3) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. agencies in addition to international health organizations. Prohibits any foreign national participating in programs under this Act from having access, during the course of such participation, to select agents that may be used as, or in, a biological weapon, except in a supervised and controlled setting. Establishes a program under which the Secretary of State may award fellowships to eligible nationals to pursue: (1) graduate courses of study leading to a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology from an institution of higher education in the United States with a Center for Public Health Preparedness; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology to be carried out at the CDCP (or equivalent State facility), or other Federal facility (excluding the Department of Defense or United States National Laboratories), for a period of between six and 12 months. Allows each fellowship recipient also to study at the CDCP (or an equivalent facility) the diagnosis and containment of likely bioterrorism agents. Requires fellowship recipients to agree to return, upon completion of education or training, to their countries of nationality or last habitual residence (so long as it is an eligible developing country) and complete at least four years of employment in a public health position in the government or a nongovernmental, not-for-profit entity in that country or, with the Secretary's approval in an international health organization. Allows the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, and if in the U.S. national interest, to provide for participation in the program of U.S. citizens who agree, upon completion of education or training, to work at least five years in a public health position in an eligible developing country or the WHO. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) to laboratory technicians and other public health personnel from eligible developing countries in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) techniques of syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS) and other Internet-based tools. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify expeditiously a broad array of pathogens, including mutant strains, which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a Federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs the CDCP and the Department of Defense each to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct research and other activities with respect to infectious diseases; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts involving neighboring countries. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to: (1) enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for the WHO and existing regional health networks; and (2) develop new regional health networks. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional Foreign Epidemiology Training Programs in eligible developing countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 2307 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) construct a medical facility on available Federal land at the Defense Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio; and (2) acquire a suitable site in south Texas and construct a medical facility on such site.
Bill· HRH.R. 2315 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Badge Security Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) eliminate as a defense to a prosecution for violating prohibitions against transporting, transferring, or possessing a police badge the intention that such a badge is to be used for decorative or recreational purposes; and (2) provide that prohibitions shall not apply to the use of a badge in the fictitious or historical visual depiction of either a public officer or employee. Requires a person to: (1) provide certification of the intended use of a genuine or counterfeit badge in order to receive one in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) obtain written permission from the agency represented on the badge before knowingly transferring or transporting one in interstate or foreign commerce. Directs the Attorney General to establish additional procedures for the transfer or transportation of genuine and counterfeit police badges to assure that a badge is not acquired under false pretenses to be used for illegal purposes.
Bill· SS. 1166 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
National Security Personnel System Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a human resources management system, to be referred to as the National Security Personnel System, for some or all organizational or functional units of the Department of Defense (DOD) . Requires the System to include a pay-for-performance evaluation system. Directs the Secretary to implement a performance management system for the included units. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an appeals process that provides employees of such units fair treatment in any appeals that they bring in decisions relating to their employment. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a program within DOD under which employees may be eligible for early retirement, offered separation incentive pay, or both; (2) contract with individuals for services to be performed outside the United States to support DOD programs and activities; (3) carry out a program under which up to 300 highly qualified experts may be appointed to DOD positions from outside the civil service and uniformed services for up to five years, without regard to provisions otherwise governing DOD appointments; and (4) provide special allowances, benefits, retirement accrual benefits, and disability to certain DOD civilian employees assigned to activities outside the United States in support of DOD activities abroad that are hazardous to life or health or that are so specialized because of security requirements as to be clearly distinguishable from normal Government employment. Provides for military leave for Federal civilian and District of Columbia government employees who perform full-time military service in support of a contingency operation.
Law· HRH.R. 2297 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Includes under the Montgomery GI Bill education program a program of self-employment on-job training, when approved by any State approving agency, if such agency finds the training is needed or accepted for obtaining licensure to engage in a self-employment occupation or required for franchise ownership and operation. Outlines criteria for agency approval of the such a program. Extends through 2003 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Repeals the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan program. Makes permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to States to establish and operate national cemeteries. Adds certain criminal subversive activities offenses to those which will cause a veteran to lose the right to gratuitous benefits (including national cemetery burial) provided through the Department. Extends through 2005 the authority to maintain a regional Department office in the Republic of the Philippines.
Bill· HRH.R. 2287 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Dental Officer Retention Act - Repeals a provision which prohibits the payment of special pay for qualified dental officers in the armed forces during any period of dental internship or residency training.
Bill· HRH.R. 2282 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2003 - Modifies Federal provisions regarding the functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy to include ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to small businesses for the resolution of disputes with the Federal Government. Directs the Office to advise, cooperate with, and consult with the President and Attorney General regarding provisions concerning the awarding of Federal contracts to small businesses and minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in achieving its purpose to ease the burden upon small businesses engaging in dispute resolution with the Federal Government, and on the variations in the frequency and amounts of fee awards paid by specific Federal agencies and within specific Federal circuits and districts. Eliminates the EAJA's: (1) "substantial justification defense" whereby the Government can deny attorney's fees recovery to prevailing parties if the adjudicative officer of the agency finds that the agency's position was substantially justified; and (2) rate cap of $125 per hour on attorney's fees. Sets forth provisions regarding settlement offers, declaration of intent to seek a fee award, payment from agency appropriations, and taxpayer eligibility for fee awards. Defines "prevailing party" to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought.
Bill· HRH.R. 2294 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Extends through 2008 (currently 2003) the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Removes a requirement that the Committee include veterans representing World War II, the Korean conflict era, and the post-Korean conflict era.
Bill· HRH.R. 2285 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Servicemembers Overseas Outreach Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to station Veterans' Employment and Training Service employees or contractors at veterans' assistance offices on overseas military installations to carry out employment counseling under the Transition Assistance Program and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program for persons separating from active duty and their spouses.
Bill· SS. 1161 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2003
Foreign Assistance Authorization Act, fiscal year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 to the President for development assistance and for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Treasury a Development Credit Authority Program Account, with appropriations authorized for FY 2004, and to authorize FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) technical assistance to foreign governments and foreign central banks of developing or transitional countries; (2) international organizations and programs; (3) international disaster assistance; (4) famine assistance; (5) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union, and for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; and (6) operating expenses of the United States Agency for International Development. Establishes in the Treasury a Complex Foreign Crises Contingency Fund, with appropriations authorized for FY 2004. Authorizes FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement, especially for Colombia; (2) Economic Support Fund; (3) international military education and training; (4) peacekeeping operations; (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related assistance; and (6) foreign military financing program, particularly assistance to Israel and Egypt. Authorizes FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) the Inter-American Foundation; and (2) the African Development Foundation. Amends specified Federal laws to authorize FY 2004 appropriations for contributions to: (1) the seventh replenishment of the Asian Development Fund; (2) the thirteenth replenishment of the International Development Association; and (3) the ninth replenishment of the African Development Fund. Authorizes the President to make available certain FY 2003 funds for relief and reconstruction efforts in and around Iraq. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to: (1) development policy; (2) assistance for nongovernmental organizations; (3) authority for use of funds for unanticipated contingencies; (4) authority to accept lethal excess property; (5) reconstruction assistance under international disaster assistance authority; (6) funding authorities for assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (7) waiver of net proceeds resulting from disposal of U.S. defense articles provided to a foreign country on a grant basis; (8) transfer of certain obsolete or surplus defense articles in the war reserve stockpiles for allies to Israel; (9) additions to war reserve stockpiles for allies for FY 2004; (10) restrictions on economic support funds for Lebanon; (11) administration of justice; (12) demining programs; (13) special waiver authority; (14) prohibition of assistance for countries in default; (15) military coups; (16) alternative dispute resolution; (17) assistance for law enforcement forces; (18) special debt relief for the poorest; (19) the Congo Basin Forest Partnership; (20) landmine clearance programs; and (21) the Middle East Foundation. Amends the Arms Export Control Act with respect to: (1) thresholds for advance notice to Congress of sales or upgrades of defense articles, design and construction services, and major defense equipment; (2) the requirement for advance notice to Congress of comprehensive export authorizations; (3) an exception to bilateral agreement requirements for transfers of defense items within Australia; (4) authority to provide cataloging data and services to non-NATO countries; (5) Freedom Support Act permanent waiver authority; (6) extension of Pakistan waivers; (7) consolidation of reports on nonproliferation in South Asia; (8) the Haitian Coast Guard; (9) the sense of Congress relating to exports of defense items to the United Kingdom; and (10) marketing information for commercial communications satellites. Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to: (1) propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to eight countries for temporary international storage facilities for radioactive sources; (2) support a program to promote discovery, inventory, and recovery of radioactive sources; (3) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar (or other non-nuclear) power sources for radioisotope thermal power units operated by the Russian Federation and other independent states of the former Soviet Union; (4) assist in development of foreign first responders to radioactive situations; and (5) submit threat assessment reports to the appropriate congressional committees. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Establishes a fellowship program in public health education or training. Directs the Secretary to support in-country training in laboratory techniques and syndrome surveillance. Authorizes the President to assist eligible developing countries in the purchase and maintenance of public health laboratory equipment, as well as communication equipment and information technology. Authorizes Federal agencies to assign public health personnel to U.S. missions and international organizations. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to CDCP or DOD infectious disease research laboratories; and (2) expand laboratory operations. Authorizes the President to assist in the development of regional health networks, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new Foreign Epidemiology Training Programs. Amends specified Federal laws with respect to: (1) elimination and modification of certain reporting requirements; (2) certain claims for expropriation by the Government of Nicaragua; and (3) annual reports to Congress under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Declares the sense of Congress about support for Sierra Leone, Somalia, and the Central African States. Makes certain funds available to support independent media in Ethiopia and the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance Program. Specifies a condition on the provision of certain funds to Indonesia or the Indonesian Armed Forces. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to add certain countries of the Caribbean region to those for which U.S. activities relating to combatting HIV/AIDS require the direct approval of the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.
Bill· SS. 1153 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Veterans Prescription Drugs Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish such drugs and medicines as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician as specific therapy in the treatment of any illness or injury suffered by each veteran who is receiving additional compensation or allowance due to a service-connected disability, or increased pension as a veteran of a period of war, by reason of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Allows any Medicare-eligible veteran to elect to be furnished by the Secretary, on an outpatient basis, such drugs and medicines as ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician as specific therapy for any illness or injury suffered by the veteran. Requires such election to last for a calendar year and to be irrevocable. Allows for election renewal. Requires appropriate information to be furnished to each veteran prior to such election. Authorizes the Secretary to administer immunizations to voluntary eligible veterans in connection with the provision of care in any Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Provides for appropriate copayments for the drugs and medicines received by veterans under authority of this Act.
Bill· SS. 1158 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Library and Bookseller Protection Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (the Act) to provide that no application by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to a U.S. court for an order requiring the production of tangible things for an investigation to obtain foreign intelligence information from a U.S. person or to protect against international terrorism may be made for the sole purpose of searching for, or seizing from, a bookseller or library documentary materials that contain personally identifiable information concerning a patron. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to preclude a physical search for documentary materials (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items) under other provisions of law. Amends Federal criminal law to exclude libraries from provisions requiring wire or electronic communication service providers to comply with requests by the FBI Director in foreign counterintelligence investigations for subscriber information and toll billing records information, or electronic communication transactional records in their custody.
Bill· SS. 1151 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Veterans Outreach Protection Act - Rescinds a Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum dated July 18, 2002, from the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management which requires directors of Department health service networks to ensure that no marketing activities for the enrollment of new veterans occur within their networks.
Law· SS. 1156 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Department of Veterans Affairs Long-Term Care and Personnel Authorities Enhancement Act of 2003 - Extends through 2008: (1) the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat noninstitutional extended care services as medical services; and (2) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provide nursing home care to veterans in need of such care who have service-connected disabilities rated at 50 (currently 70) percent or more. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements for furnishing nursing home and adult day health care in non-Department facilities; and (2) carry out specified major medical facility projects. Adds various health care personnel to personnel that may be appointed by the Secretary if found necessary for the medical care of veterans. Allows the Secretary to appoint such personnel on a temporary, part-time, or without-compensation basis. Allows employees of the Veterans' Canteen Service to be considered for appointment in Department positions in the competitive service in the same manner as Department employees in the competitive service are considered for transfer to the Service. Revises effective dates with respect to the treatment for retirement annuity purposes of certain part-time service of VHA health professionals. Makes permanent the authority of the Secretary to use contract physicians to perform Department disability examinations (currently a pilot program).
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 47 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Recognizes the outstanding efforts of the individuals and communities involved with the North Platte Canteen to dispense food and good cheer to the approximately six million members of the U.S. armed forces who traveled through North Platte, Nebraska, on troop trains from December 25, 1941, to April1, 1946, during World War II.
Bill· SS. 1132 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Veterans' Survivors Benefits Enhancements Act of 2003 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to increase the rates of: (1) survivors' and dependents' educational assistance; and (2) assistance for correspondence courses and apprenticeship training. Provides a duration of 36 months for survivors' and dependents' educational assistance (currently, 45 months) for a person who first files a claim after the date of enactment of this Act. Increases by $250 the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation in the case of a surviving spouse with one or more children under the age of 18. Continues such additional payment until all of that spouse's children reach 18 years of age, for not more than five years following the veteran's death. Makes eligible for burial in national cemeteries a surviving spouse who had a subsequent remarriage (currently, a surviving spouse who had a subsequent remarriage which was terminated by death or divorce). Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to any child of a veteran of covered service in Korea who is suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance currently required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida.
Bill· SS. 1133 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2003, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Makes the effective date for the award of death pension the same as that for the award of death compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation. Excludes lump-sum insurance proceeds from income for purposes of eligibility for veterans' pensions. Prohibits the payment of veterans' disability compensation for an alcohol- or drug-abuse related disability even if the the alcohol or drug abuse is secondary to a service-connected disability. Provides alternative beneficiaries for National Service Life Insurance and United States Government Life Insurance proceeds when the first beneficiary does not make a claim. Provides burial benefit eligibility for a veteran's surviving spouse who remarries following the veteran's death. Makes permanent the authority for the State cemetery grants program. Repeals the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan program. Includes self-employment training under the Montgomery GI Bill.
Bill· SS. 1124 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Bill· SS. 1104 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Prohibits physicians from using facilities of the Department of Defense (DOD) to perform an abortion on a pregnant unemancipated minor who is a child of a member of the armed forces unless: (1) the physician gives at least 24 hours actual notice to the member, another parent of the minor, or a court-appointed conservator or guardian; (2) the judge of an appropriate district court issues an order authorizing the minor to consent to the abortion; (3) the appropriate district court by its inaction constructively authorizes such consent; or (4) the physician concludes that a condition exists that necessitates immediate abortion and certifies to the appropriate medical officer of DOD, and in the patient's medical record, the medical indications supporting such judgment. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) alternative notification; and (2) physician penalties for violations. Allows: (1) such a minor, under specified procedures, to file with the court an application for the performance of the abortion without parental or guardian notification; and (2) for judicial appeal of a denial of such application.
Bill· SS. 1136 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to rename the Act as the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act and to revise provisions with respect to certain civil protections and rights afforded to servicemembers while on active-duty assignment. Authorizes any servicemember to waive any of such rights and protections, pursuant to written agreement. Provides certain protections of servicemembers against default judgments, including a minimum 90-day stay of proceedings, with respect to the payment of any tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, or other civil obligation or liability. Prohibits an eviction or distress from being made against a servicemember or his or her dependents during a period of military service for a premise for which rent does not exceed the greater of $1,950 (currently $1,200) or the monthly basic allowance to which the member is entitled, except by court order. Prohibits: (1) rescinding or terminating for breach of contract during a period of military service a contract for the purchase or lease of real or personal property (including a motor vehicle) entered into prior to such service; and (2) a person holding a lien on property or effects of a servicemember from foreclosing or otherwise enforcing such lien (with penalties and protection for materially affected dependents) during a period of service and 90 days thereafter. Increases the total amount of life insurance coverage protection provided under the Act to $250,000, or an amount equal to the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance maximum limit, whichever is greater. Allows findings of fact and conclusions of law made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in administering the life insurance provisions of the Act to be reviewed by the Board of Veterans Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (not reviewable under current law). Sets forth provisions: (1) protecting a servicemember's assets not held in connection with an obligation or liability of a trade or business of that servicemember during his or her military service; and (2) requiring institutions of higher education to allow a servicemember to return to the institution and complete classes after military service.
Bill· SS. 1131 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2003, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.
Bill· SS. 1117 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Settlement Encouragement and Fairness Act - Defines "prevailing party" for any Act of Congress, any agency ruling, regulation, or interpretation, or any judicial or administrative rule that provides for the recovery of attorney's fees, to include, in addition to a party who substantially prevails through a judicial or administrative judgement or order or an enforceable written agreement, a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought.
Bill· HRH.R. 2242 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Tribal Government Amendments to the Homeland Security Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include the participation of Indian tribes with respect to activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security, including information analysis and infrastructure protection, science and technology, the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, emergency preparedness and response, treatment of charitable trusts for members of the Armed Forces and other governmental organizations, coordination with non-Federal entities, and training of law enforcement officers by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms of the Department of Justice. Amends the Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2002, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA Patriot Act), and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to include Indian tribes among the participating entities.
Bill· HRH.R. 2204 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2003 - Modifies Federal provisions regarding the functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy to include ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to small businesses for the resolution of disputes with the Federal Government. Directs the Office to advise, cooperate with, and consult with the President and Attorney General regarding provisions concerning the awarding of Federal contracts to small businesses and minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in achieving its purpose to ease the burden upon small businesses engaging in dispute resolution with the Federal Government, and on the variations in the frequency and amounts of fee awards paid by specific Federal agencies and within specific Federal circuits and districts. Eliminates the EAJA's: (1) "substantial justification defense" whereby the Government can deny attorney's fees recovery to prevailing parties if the adjudicative officer of the agency finds that the agency's position was substantially justified; and (2) rate cap of $125 per hour on attorney's fees. Sets forth provisions regarding settlement offers, declaration of intent to seek a fee award, payment from agency appropriations, and taxpayer eligibility for fee awards. Defines "prevailing party" to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought.
Bill· HRH.R. 2206 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial Act - Designates the memorial to former prisoners of war and members of the armed forces missing in action that is under construction at Riverside National Cemetery, California, as the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial.
Bill· HRH.R. 2217 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in Social Security benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 2210 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
School Readiness Act of 2003 - Amends the Head Start Act to revise provisions and reauthorize appropriations for Head Start programs. Includes outreach to homeless families among activities for which quality improvement funds are to be used. Directs (currently authorizes) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to assist collaboration among State early childhood education activities under Head Start and other activities carried out in and by the State to benefit low-income children and families, and by Head Start agencies with other State and local planning, resource, and referral agencies. Includes community-based or faith-based organizations among the entities that may be designated as Head Start agencies. Requires Head Start grantees to establish and demonstrate they have met their own goals for: (1) educational instruction in prereading, premathematical, and language skills; and (2) providing health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services. Revises the additional educational performance standards included as program quality standards, and performance measures for program monitoring. Exempts military housing from being counted as family income in determining a child's eligibility to enroll in a Head Start program. Requires all Head Start teachers hired in center-based programs after enactment of this Act, within three years after such enactment, to: (1) have an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in early childhood education; (2) have such a degree in a field related to early childhood education, with experience in teaching preschool children; or (3) be enrolled in study program for an associate degree in early childhood education, to be completed within three years of their hiring. Requires Head Start teachers who have received financial assistance under the Act to teach in a Head Start Center for an amount of time equal to the time period in which they received financial assistance. Allows qualifying States to participate in State demonstration programs in which their allocation of Federal Head Start funding would be administered by those States through grants to coordinate Head Start with State early education programs. (Current law provides direct Federal funds to local grantees.)
Bill· HRH.R. 2216 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Encourages: (1) Americans to demonstrate their support for veterans on Veterans Day by treating that day as a special day of reflection; (2) houses of worship and other institutions to ring bells at 11:00 AM on such Day; and (3) people to then observe a moment of reflection in recognition of veterans. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation each year in connection with the observance of Veterans Day calling on Americans to observe it with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 251 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 303 (military retired pay and disability compensation).
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 195 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that a minute of silence should be observed annually at 11: 00 a.m. on Veterans Day, November 11, in honor of the veterans of all U.S. wars and to memorialize those members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in the defense of the United States.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 193 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Encourages employers who employ members of the National Guard or reserves to provide a pay differential benefit and an extension of employee benefits while such members serve on active duty, and commends employers who already provide such benefits.
Bill· SS. 1092 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish and maintain the National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database for identifying and cataloging the many thousands of permanent tributes that commemorate U.S. military conflicts and the service and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces. Requires the Database to be publicly accessible through the Internet or other means in a format that permits the public to submit information for the purpose of updating and expanding the Database. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress assessing the efficacy and desirability of establishing a permanent fund within the Treasury for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of the memorials identified and cataloged.
Bill· SS. 1100 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Securing Judicial Independence Act of 2003 - Increases Federal judicial salaries by 25 percent. Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing annual judicial salary adjustments equal to the most recent change in the Employment Cost Index; (2) prohibiting the years of military service for which credit is allowed for the purposes of retirement or retired pay under any other provision of law from being included as allowable years of service for purposes of the computation of the annuities for survivors of Federal judicial officials; or (3) the service used in the computation of Federal judicial official survivor annuities from also be credited in computing any other survivor annuity. Increases the notification period for survivor annuity coverage for a judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Bill· HRH.R. 2201 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish and maintain the National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database for identifying and cataloging the many thousands of permanent tributes that commemorate U.S. military conflicts and the service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Requires the Database to be publicly accessible through the Internet or other means in a format that permits the public to submit information for the purpose of updating and expanding the Database. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress assessing the efficacy and desirability of establishing a permanent fund within the Treasury for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of the memorials identified and cataloged.
Bill· HRH.R. 2197 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay the applicable premium to continue in force during the duty period any qualified health benefits plan coverage of a member of the reserves who is called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days during a war or national emergency. Prohibits the private health insurance issuer of such a member from declining coverage or re-enrollment, imposing re-enrollment exclusions, or increasing premiums during such benefits coverage continuation period.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 247 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 1588 (FY 2004 Department of Defense authorization).
Bill· SS. 1084 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
United States Military Cancer Institute Center of Excellence Act of 2003 - Establishes in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences the United States Military Cancer Institute Center of Excellence to carry out a research study on the epidemiological causes of cancer among populations of various ethnic origins, as well as complementary research on oncologic nursing. Directs the Center to conduct the study in collaboration with other cancer research organizations and entities selected by the Center.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 146 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Fidel Castro Ruz and Raul Castro Ruz are guilty of grave violations of international law and crimes against humanity and should be held legally and financially accountable for such violations and crimes; (2) the President and Secretary of State should work with members of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and other international organizations to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Fidel Castro Ruz, Raul Castro Ruz, and other political and military Cuban leaders who have committed crimes against humanity; (3) the President should not agree to an arrangement whereby Fidel Castro Ruz and Raul Castro Ruz would relinquish control of Cuba in exchange for immunity from prosecution for such crimes; and (4) the United States should continue to strengthen programs and groups that foster democratic progress and the development of a civil society in Cuba.