The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
651 records in US in 2003
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Elects Members and Delegates to the following House Committees: (1) Armed Services; (2) Education and The Workforce; (3) Financial Services; (4) Government Reform; (5) Resources; (6) Science; and (7) Small Business.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003
Reaffirms Congress' support for the mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) to Haiti and calls on the President to urge that the mission work closely with the Haitian Government and people to advance their goals and not the objectives of other governments or international organizations. Calls on certain international financial institutions to convene a meeting of donors to Haiti with the objective of launching a new humanitarian initiative, including a lending program to bolster Haiti's economic and infrastructure bases. Calls specifically on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reevaluate current stall monitoring program conditions outlined for Haiti and work in the long-term toward a poverty reduction agreement for Haiti. Urges the President to: (1) direct the Secretary of State to conduct a review of U.S. policy toward Haiti, including appropriate consultations with relevant congressional committees; and (2) instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to direct the U.S. Executive Director at the Inter-American Development Bank to release the four social sector and development loans for health, education, water and sanitation, and transportation that have been approved by the Board of Executive Directors of the Bank and ratified by the Haitian Parliament.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
American History and Civics Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to award competitive grants to nonprofit educational institutions to establish: (1) Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics to offer workshops for teachers of American history and civics; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics to offer workshops for outstanding students of American history and civics. Directs the NEH Chairperson to award a grant to an organization for the creation of a national alliance of elementary school and secondary school teachers of American history and civics.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Safe School Food Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise and increase food safety requirements for the school lunch program under such Act and the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (school meals programs). Revises requirements for State or local food safety inspections for school meals programs to increase their frequency to at least twice a year (currently once), and to require State audits and reports on such inspections. Requires school meals programs to include food safety requirements in their procurement contracts. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to require: (1) each vendor providing food to school meals programs to supply the Secretary with contact information on each school food supplier of that vendor; and (2) as appropriate, pathogen testing during production of foods purchased for school meals programs. Requires food safety planning by school meals programs, and provides training and technical assistance by the Department of Agriculture for such planning. Directs the Secretary to give appropriate persons an opportunity for voluntary actions to recall and collect food products served in school meals that may present a threat to the public, or, if such actions are not carried out in the required period and manner, require such persons to carry out specified actions, including immediate cessation of distribution of the food product to schools. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such actions with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in case of such actions with respect to food products regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to help implement an information-sharing database or other method to provide State food safety coordinators and other appropriate persons with up-to-date information regarding food safety concerns relating to food manufacturing, processing, and packing facilities that produce any food purchased or acquired for school meals programs, including recalls by and enforcement actions against the facilities. Provides for designation of State food safety coordinators. Requires the Secretary to carry out certain procedures and take certain actions under the commodities distribution program to ensure the safety of commodities that are to be donated to school meals programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to ten authorized demonstration projects; (4) enhance the capacity of and support for local development districts or, if there is no such district for a portion of the region, foster the creation of one; (5) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to Federal, State, and local development programs for the region; (6) formulate and recommend interstate compacts and other forms of interstate and international cooperation; (7) encourage private investment in the region; (8) provide a forum for the consideration of problems of the region; (9) establish and use citizens, special advisory counsels, and public conferences; and (10) provide for the avoidance of duplication of efforts among the border programs of Federal agencies and the programs established under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development and deployment, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Requires the Authority to allocate at least 60 percent of the amounts authorized under this Act for programs and projects to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress within counties along the international border between the United States and Mexico. Authorizes the Authority to increase the Federal share to up to 90 percent of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements). Requires the Authority to make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs the Authority, for purposes of grant assistance, to designate within the region distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress. Requires each affected State to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate State area within the region.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
American History and Civics Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to award competitive grants to nonprofit educational institutions to establish: (1) Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics to offer workshops for teachers of American history and civics; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics to offer workshops for outstanding students of American history and civics. Directs the NEA Chairperson to award a grant to an organization for the creation of a national alliance of elementary school and secondary school teachers of American history and civics.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens shall enjoy the right to a public education of equal high quality.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program for gifted and talented students. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award such grants to State educational agencies to make subgrants to local educational agencies to develop or expand gifted and talented education programs, and provide direct educational services and materials. Requires such grants to be made on a competitive basis if appropriations are within certain minimum and maximum amounts, and on a formula basis if appropriations exceed such specified maximum. Sets forth authorized State and local uses of grant funds and authorized activities. Prohibits use of such funds for purchase or upgrading of technological hardware. Directs the Secretary to ensure, where appropriate, that provision is made for the equitable participation of students and teachers in private nonprofit elementary schools and secondary schools, including the participation of teachers and other personnel in professional development programs serving such children.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Protect America Scholarships Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide grants for homeland security scholarships. Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to partnerships of institutions of higher education and qualified employers (nonprofit organizations or public agencies) to enable such partnerships to award scholarships to students who are in qualified academic majors or programs relating to homeland security, in exchange for such students' later performing full-time qualified homeland security service with such employers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Technological Resource to Assist Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Act - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require a licensed manufacturer or importer of firearms to: (1) test fire manufactured or imported firearms as specified by the Attorney General; (2) prepare ballistics images of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; (3) make the records available to the Attorney General for entry into an electronic database; and (4) store the fired bullet and cartridge casings. Directs the Attorney General to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with these requirements by: (1) acquiring, installing, and upgrading ballistics equipment and bullet and cartridge casing recovery equipment; (2) hiring or designating sufficient personnel to develop and maintain a ballistics database; (3) providing education about the role of ballistics; and (4) providing for the coordination among law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an electronic database through which State and local law enforcement agencies can promptly access ballistics records that shall not include any identifying information regarding dealers, collectors, or purchasers of firearms; (2) require training for all ballistics examiners; (3) conduct mandatory ballistics testing of all firearms obtained or in the possession of the Department of Justice; and (4) report to Congress on the implementation of this Act. Prohibits the use of ballistics information of individual guns for prosecutorial purposes unless officials have a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that ballistics information would assist in the investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
CARE Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to charitable giving, charitable organizations, and social services to, among other things: (1) allow a deduction for a portion of charitable contributions to individuals who do not itemize; (2) allow tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) allow for the exclusion of 25 percent of gain on sales or exchanges of land or water interests to eligible entities for conservation purposes; (4) exclude mileage reimbursements to charitable volunteers from gross income; (5) increase oversight of tax-exempt organizations; (6) suspend the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations; (7) modify the excise tax on unrelated business taxable income of charitable remainder trusts; (8) repeal the grassroots expenditure limit for charitable organizations; (9) modify the definition of convention or association of churches to state that no such grouping shall fail to qualify merely because individuals are members or because individuals have voting rights in such organization; (10) count certain payments made by charitable organizations to victims in the war against terrorism as related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for such organizations' exemptions; (11) restore funds for the Social Services Block Grant; (12) restore authority to transfer up to ten percent of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds to the Social Services Block Grant; (13) extend the enhanced inventory deduction to public schools; (14) suspend the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations; and (15) provide a charitable deduction for certain expenses related to Native Alaskan subsistence whaling. Savings for Working Families Act of 2003 - States as a purpose of this Act to provide for the establishment of individual development account programs that will provide individuals and families with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets and to enter the financial mainstream. Provides procedures for opening and maintaining such an account and qualifying for matching funds. Authorizes appropriations for the: (1) Savings for Working Families Act of 2003; and (2) administration of exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Service. Sets forth provisions regarding tax shelters, including: (1) defining "economic substance" for purposes of the economic substance doctrine; (2) establishing penalties for failure to disclose reportable transactions, understatements with respect to such transactions, and noneconomic substance transaction understatements; (3) modifying penalties with respect to underpayments, registering tax shelters, maintenance of investor lists, failure to report interests in foreign financial accounts, frivolous tax submissions, the promotion of abusive tax shelters, and individuals practicing before the Department of the Treasury; and (4) further regulation of tax preparers and advisers. Require a corporate tax return to be signed by its chief executive officer. Exempts a regulated investment company from such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights," while updating and extending it to include: (1) certain rights to decent jobs, income security for individuals unable to work for pay, a decent living for farm families, freedom from monopolies, decent housing, adequate health services, social security in old age, sickness, accidental injury, and unemployment, and education and work training; and (2) certain other rights relating to collective bargaining, a safe working environment, information on trends in pollution sources and products and processes that affect the well-being of workers throughout the world, voting and campaigning, and personal security. Requires corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to disclose fully in annual reports the impact of their activities in the United States and other countries on environmental quality and on the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities. Requires each State, as a condition of Federal grants and contracts, also to require all State-chartered corporations to submit such annual reports. Directs the Attorney General to establish a computerized registration program of all corporations found guilty of violating a Federal or State law. Authorizes the President to deny Federal contracts, loans, or loan guarantees to non-compliant corporations. Requires Federal agencies and commissions, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits Federal agencies or commissions from promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment to reduce wages or inflation. Directs the President to establish a full employment framework for the annual budget submitted to the Congress that meets specified goals for: (1) quality of life and environment; (2) responsible, sustainable growth; (3) unemployment reduction; and (4) human rights. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to oversee actions under this Act and submit an annual Concurrent Resolution on Economic Policy setting forth its proposed employment goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Oceanography Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to establish as a permanent program (previously conducted in FY 1992 and 1993) a Coastal Ocean Program to augment and integrate existing research capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Administration) with other research capabilities. Establishes in the Administration a Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (Great Lakes Lab), a Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, and an Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Authorizes the Great Lakes Lab to support, in partnership with the University of Michigan, a Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research. Establishes a National Undersea Research Program in the Administration and requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint its director. Establishes an Ocean Exploration Program in the Administration. Authorizes the Secretary (in conjunction with specified entities) to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other activities to survey, inventory, monitor and assess little known areas of the marine environment; (2) promote the development of oceanographic research; (3) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, and processes; and (4) accept donations for such purposes. Specifies requirements the Secretary must meet before designating a Regional Coastal Observation Technology System. Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate and designate units of a Coastal Observation Technology System to collect data necessary to carry out the missions of the Administration. Requires the Secretary to use such data to develop forecast models to support coastal and fishery management, safe and efficient marine navigation, weather and climate prediction, and other appropriate activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Maggie's Law: National Drowsy Driving Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with, and make grants to, State highway offices and other driving safety organizations to obtain and distribute national, State, and local drowsy driving education programs and supporting materials. Directs that grant funds be used to: (1) implement programs designed to prevent deaths and injuries due to drivers who are impaired by fatigue and sleep deprivation; (2) develop a standardized curriculum on the risks and prevention of drowsy driving and fall-asleep motor vehicle crashes; (3) collaborate with national drowsy driving campaigns to distribute information and educational messages and to review existing State model programs; (4) adopt policy statements and work plans for the installation and expansion of continuous shoulder rumble strips for interstate highways; (5) adopt codes on accident report forms to report fatigue-related or fall-asleep crashes; (6) provide training in the detection and reporting of drowsy driving as a factor in motor vehicle crashes; and (7) provide education programs to the police and the courts regarding the sanctions available for drowsy driving accidents. Directs the Secretary to study the scope of the problem of fatigue-related automobile crashes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Captive Wildlife Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to define "prohibited wildlife species" as any live lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar. Declares it a prohibited act for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any prohibited wildlife species. Exempts from this prohibition licensed zoos, circuses, accredited sanctuaries, federally-licensed breeders, State entities (universities, wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians), any incorporated humane society, animal shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, persons transporting prohibited wildlife species to any such facility, and specified related organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible entities to promote training and placement of individuals, including individuals who have completed a court reporting training program, as realtime writers to meet requirements for closed captioning in video programming. Sets forth priorities to be given in the award of such grants. Limits grants to a two-year period and a maximum amount of $1.5 million.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Coastal Services and Performance Evaluation Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to make loan repayments deposited in the Coastal Zone Management Fund available to offset costs of implementing coastal zone management programs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide training, education, and technical assistance for coastal zone management. Authorizes Federal agencies and instrumentalities to assist the Secretary on a reimbursable basis. Revises review requirements for coastal State management programs to change the frequency of review from continuing to every five years. Makes the Walter B. Jones Excellence in Coastal Zone Management Awards program discretionary instead of mandatory. Requires the Secretary to establish a national coastal zone management outcome indicators monitoring and performance evaluation system that provides for public comment and participation and uses a common set of measurable outcome indicators to evaluate the performance of State coastal zone management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar E. Chavez, founder of the National Farm Workers of America. Calls for: (1) establishment of a legal public holiday in his honor; and (2) public schools to provide classroom instruction on his life and work.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that Katherine Dunham should be recognized for her work as a teacher, dancer, choreographer, and actress, for her dedication to improving the opportunities in the arts that are available to the Nation's youth, and for her lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to ten authorized demonstration projects; (4) enhance the capacity of and support for local development districts or, if there is no such district for a portion of the region, foster the creation of one; (5) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to Federal, State, and local development programs for the region; (6) formulate and recommend interstate compacts and other forms of interstate and international cooperation; (7) encourage private investment in the region; (8) provide a forum for the consideration of problems of the region; (9) establish and use citizens, special advisory counsels, and public conferences; and (10) provide for the avoidance of duplication of efforts among the border programs of Federal agencies and the programs established under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development and deployment, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Requires the Authority to allocate at least 60 percent of the amounts authorized under this Act for programs and projects to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress within counties along the international border between the United States and Mexico. Authorizes the Authority to increase the Federal share to up to 90 percent of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements). Requires the Authority to make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs the Authority, for purposes of grant assistance, to designate within the region distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress. Requires each affected State to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate State area within the region.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Establishes a Commission on Children's Access to Care. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2003 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Amends the Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to provide for an entitlement to leave for addressing domestic violence for Federal employees. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project that assists families by providing paid leave for eligible Federal employees who are responding to: (1) caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter; or (2) other family caregiving needs. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Federal civil service law to provide for entitlement to school involvement leave of eligible individuals, including Federal employees. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for optional FamilyCare coverage of targeted low-income parents and their children. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Amends the Head Start Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reserve specified funds for programs for infants and toddlers, especially programs to improve access to child care. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as for child care services for Federal employees. Amends the Early Learning Opportunities Act to extend the authorization of appropriations. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. Amends the Higher Education Act regarding student loan forgiveness for teachers. America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing and expanding child opportunity zone family centers. Amends the IRC to increase the child tax credit and to make the credit partially refundable. Tax Relief for Working Families Act - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county low-income families with children programs. Child Support Distribution Act - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the IRC concerning: (1) parity for part-time workers, fair counting of wages, and use of improved technology for making wage data available; (2) ensuring unemployment compensation for individuals that are separated from employment due to domestic violence; and (3) loss of child care as good cause for leaving employment. Amends the TANF program concerning: (1) disregard of months engaged in work for purposes of the five year TANF assistance limit; (2) replacement of case load reduction credit with employment credit; (3) elimination of limit on number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the work participation requirement; (4) elimination of separate work participation rate for two parent families; and (5) strengthening of TANF individual responsibility plans. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the treatment of aliens under the TANF program. Amends the TANF program to provide for the reauthorization and extension of TANF State family assistance grants. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning: (1) prevention of hunger among families with children; (2) encouragement of collection of child support; and (3) periodic redetermination of eligibility. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes in the Treasury the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2003 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to: (1) serve children who have been exposed to domestic violence; and (2) encourage the development and use of multisystem intervention models that respond to the needs of children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to establish a program through which the Secretary may make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist States and youth development consortia in mobilizing and supporting communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable for strategies that link community-based organizations, local government, volunteer centers, schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, businesses, parks and recreation agencies, libraries and museums, arts and cultural organizations, other youth-serving organizations, and other segments of the community to ensure that all youth have access to, and participate in, the full array of described core resources. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Coordinating Council for National Youth Policy. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; and (2) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003, October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004 , and October 1, 2004, through February 28, 2005: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; (12) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Aging; (17) Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Provides that within the funds in the account "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations" appropriated by the legislative branch appropriations Acts for FY 2003, 2004, and 2005, there is authorized to be established a special reserve to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Teacher and Nurse Support Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to increase to a maximum of $17,500 the aggregate student loan obligation eligible for forgiveness or cancellation programs for teachers who serve full-time in certain elementary or secondary schools (which qualify based on enrollment of disadvantaged students). Includes, under these HEA student loan forgiveness and cancellation programs, nurses who serve in a clinical setting or as a member of the nursing faculty at an accredited school of nursing. Directs the Secretary of Education to repay such loan obligation in annual installments up to specified maximum amounts after each of five years of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to entitle certain local educational agencies (LEAs) to specified payment amounts under Impact Aid programs: (1) relating to Federal acquisition of real property; and (2) for basic support for eligible federally-connected children. (Current law makes such LEAs eligible for such payments up to specified maximum amounts.) Revises the formula for calculating additional Impact Aid payments to LEAs for federally-connected children with disabilities who are eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) construction and school modernization payments for certain LEAs, including ones with high percentages of children living on Indian lands or children of military parents; and (2) facilities maintenance payments for certain schools located on military bases and serving military dependent children.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Consolidation Student Loan Flexibility Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow student loan borrowers to choose a lender for loan consolidation. (Eliminates the requirement that: (1) the consolidation loan lender must already hold an outstanding student loan of the borrower; or (2) the borrower must certify to having sought and been unable to obtain a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms from any holders of the outstanding loans selected for consolidation.)
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Establishes a Commission on Children's Access to Care. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2003 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Amends the Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to provide for an entitlement to leave for addressing domestic violence for Federal employees. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project that assists families by providing paid leave for eligible Federal employees who are responding to: (1) caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter; or (2) other family caregiving needs. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Federal civil service law to provide for entitlement to school involvement leave of eligible individuals, including Federal employees. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for optional FamilyCare coverage of targeted low-income parents and their children. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Amends the Head Start Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reserve specified funds for programs for infants and toddlers, especially programs to improve access to child care. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as child care services for Federal employees. Early Learning Linkages Act of 2003 - Repeals the Early Learning Opportunities Act to replace it with a program of grants by the HHS Secretary to State and Local Councils to provide funds to early childhood learning providers to: (1) increase the number of full-day full-year Head Start programs, and the number of children served by Early Head Start and State prekindergarten education programs; and (2) develop linkages among such programs within a community and between them and health care services for young children in ways that facilitate greater access to such programs. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. Amends the Higher Education Act regarding student loan forgiveness for teachers. America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing and expanding child opportunity zone family centers. Amends the IRC to increase the child tax credit and to make the credit partially refundable. Tax Relief for Working Families Act - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county programs for low-income families with children. Child Support Distribution Act - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the IRC concerning: (1) parity for part-time workers, fair counting of wages, and use of improved technology for making wage data available; (2) ensuring unemployment compensation for individuals that are separated from employment due to domestic violence; and (3) loss of child care as good cause for leaving employment. Amends the TANF program concerning: (1) disregard of months engaged in work for purposes of the five-year TANF assistance limit; (2) replacement of case load reduction credit with employment credit; (3) elimination of limit on number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the work participation requirement; (4) elimination of separate work participation rate for two parent families; and (5) strengthening of TANF individual responsibility plans. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the treatment of aliens under the TANF program. Amends the TANF program to provide for the reauthorization and extension of TANF State family assistance grants. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning: (1) prevention of hunger among families with children; (2) encouragement of collection of child support; and (3) periodic redetermination of eligibility. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes in the Treasury the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2003 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to: (1) serve children who have been exposed to domestic violence; and (2) encourage the development and use of multisystem intervention models that respond to the needs of children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to establish a program through which the Secretary may make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist States and youth development consortia in mobilizing and supporting communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable for strategies that link community-based organizations, local government, volunteer centers, schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, businesses, parks and recreation agencies, libraries and museums, arts and cultural organizations, other youth-serving organizations, and other segments of the community to ensure that all youth have access to, and participate in, the full array of described core resources. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Coordinating Council for National Youth Policy. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; and (2) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Schoolchildren's Health Protection Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit Federal education funding (from programs for which the Secretary or Department of Education has administrative responsibility) to any State or local educational agency that provides to an unemancipated minor, at an elementary or secondary school, postcoital emergency contraception (e.g. the "morning-after pill") or a prescription for such contraception.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
School Capacity Relief Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize local educational agencies (LEAs) to prohibit the transfer of students from schools identified for school improvement to another school if that school is at or above capacity or if such transfer would increase that school's average class size above what the State prescribes. Provides that children retain certain rights to remain in schools to which they have already been transferred under ESEA school improvement provisions. Requires an LEA to enter into a cooperative agreement for school transfers with another LEA in the area, if all of the LEA's public schools are either: (1) identified for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring; or (2) are determined by the LEA to be at or above capacity or otherwise ineligible for a transfer. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible LEAs to increase capacity at high-performance schools, through measures that may include renovating or constructing facilities, hiring teachers, or purchasing instructional materials. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it has a high percentage or number of students at schools identified under ESEA for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Provides that a high-performance school is one that is not identified for such school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Authorizes LEAs to establish limits on duration or distance of transportation to be provided or paid for under ESEA school improvement provisions for transferring students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds; (2) for qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds and establish limits and allocation formulas for such bonds; and (3) corporations, a limited specialized training center credit. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
National Language Act of 2003 - Makes English the official language of the U.S. Government. Requires the Government to: (1) conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials; and (2) preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States of America. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government act, communicate, perform, or provide services or materials in any other language, unless specifically stated in applicable law. Provides that this Act shall not apply to the use of a language other than English for religious purposes, for training in foreign languages for international communication, in school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages, or by persons over age 62. Repeals the Bilingual Education Act. Terminates the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs in the Department of Education. Repeals provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 regarding bilingual election requirements and regarding congressional findings of voting discrimination against language minorities, prohibition of English-only elections, and other remedial measures. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to such Act be conducted solely in English. Specifies that this Act shall not preempt the law of any State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Recruitment and Diversity in Nursing Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program in which nontraditional nursing students shall contract to serve at least two years at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses after attending an accredited school of nursing on a Federal scholarship. Requires the program to run from FY 2004 to 2005, and permits the Secretary to extend the program thereafter. Sets a maximum figure of 25 percent of the number of scholarships that may be used for training in advanced degree programs. Allows a recipient to complete a period of service on a part-time basis under certain conditions. Applies certain provisions applicable to the National Health Service Corps Program to the nursing scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to give preference in entering into contracts in such program to individuals in financial need. Requires the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out nursing awareness and recruitment programs in elementary schools and secondary schools. States that the program shall run from FY 2004 to 2005, and permits the Secretary to extend the program thereafter. Requires that of the schools in which a beneficiary conducts awareness and recruitment programs, at least half must have a high percentage of nontraditional students. Prohibits any grant for nursing awareness and recruitment programs from lasting for a period of more than three years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003
Supports the goals of National Lutheran Schools Week, which is celebrated by several synods that have educational institutions, for the purpose of recognizing their academic achievement. Congratulates Lutheran schools, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and congregations across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Reservist Opportunities and Protection of Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to declare that: (1) whenever a student who is a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a member of such Armed Forces in a retired status, is called or ordered to active duty, the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled shall grant the student a military leave of absence from the institution while the student is serving on active duty, and for one year after the conclusion of such service; (2) as a consequence of military leave, upon return, such student is entitled to restoration to his or her previous educational status with regard to academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition and other fees paid; and (3) the student has the option of having tuition fees refunded, subject to a certain condition, or credited to the next period of enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Domestic Surveillance Oversight Act of 2003 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to authorize courts established to hear applications, grant orders, and review denials regarding electronic surveillance to establish rules and procedures and take actions necessary to administer their responsibilities under FISA. Directs that such rules and procedures be transmitted to the judges on such courts, the Chief Justice of the United States, and specified congressional committees. Requires the Attorney General to issue a public report annually on the aggregate number of U.S. persons targeted for FISA orders and the number of times that the Attorney General has authorized that such information be used in a criminal proceeding. Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code to require that the semiannual report of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the intelligence and judiciary committees concerning requests for access to telephone and transactional records include a separate statement of requests made of institutions operating as public libraries or serving as libraries of secondary schools or institutions of higher education; (2) the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to require that the Attorney General's semiannual report regarding requests for financial records go to the judiciary committees; and (3) the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require that the Attorney General's semiannual report regarding disclosures by credit reporting agencies to the FBI be made to the judiciary committees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
September 11 Surviving Spouse Student Loan Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to discharge or cancel the Federal student loan indebtedness of spouses of individuals who died (or die) or who became (or become) permanently and totally disabled from injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the use of innovative assistance funds for programs to: (1) improve identification of students with eating disorders; (2) increase awareness of such disorders among parents and students; and (3) train educators with respect to effective eating disorder prevention and assistance methods. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to broadcast public service announcements to improve public awareness, and to promote the identification and prevention, of eating disorders. Requires the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics to: (1) study the impact eating disorders have on educational advancement and achievement; (2) report on current State and local programs to educate youth on the dangers of eating disorders; and (3) recommend Federal, State, and local measures that could be undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a member of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 180 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 150 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for five years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes the above provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from such provisions is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. Excludes from gross income as a qualified military benefit the amount of the death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10 of the United States Code, effective with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001. Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization (as defined by this Act). Denies: (1) deductions for contributions made to such an organization; and (2) administrative or judicial challenge to such suspension or denial. Provides for refund or credit in a case of erroneous designation. Provides a deduction, not to exceed $500, for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. States that the amounts transferred to any trust fund under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be determined as if this Act had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2003
Equity in Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that church employees and persons treated as church employees under the Code are eligible for the exclusion for qualified tuition reduction programs of charitable educational organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2003
Agriculture Security Assistance Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) assist States to develop agricultural disease response plans, including regional and national plans; (2) conduct a related modeling and statistical analysis study; (3) provide State grants for epidemiological assessment use of geographic information and statistical analysis models in the event of agricultural disease emergencies; (4) implement a biosecurity awareness program for farmers and ranchers, including on-farm biosecurity guidelines and discretionary education programs; and (5) establish a farm and ranch biosecurity grant and loan pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants for State and local animal health care officials to participate in community emergency planning.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2003
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2003 - Requires that the share of the Tribe from amounts distributed to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation under the Indian Tribal Judgement Funds Use or Distribution Act (and including funds from the Fort Peck Reservation, et al. v. The United States of America, Docket No. 773-87) be made available for tribal health, education, housing and social services programs of the tribes, including programs for: (1) education and youth; (2) improvement of facilities and housing; (3) equipment for public utilities; (4) medical assistance or dental, optical or convalescent equipment; and (5) senior citizen and community services. Prohibits the per capita distribution of such share to any member of the tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Tribal Energy Self-Sufficiency Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Director of the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs of the Department of Energy to establish programs within the Office to assist Indian tribes in meeting energy education, research and development, planning, and management needs. Authorizes the Director to provide grants and loan guarantees to Indian tribes for such programs. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs within the Department of Energy. Authorizes Indian tribes to: (1) grant leases of tribal lands for electrical generation, transmission, or distribution facilities and facilities to refine or otherwise process energy resources developed on tribal lands; and (2) grant rights-of-way over tribal lands, without separate approval by the Secretary of the Interior, for pipelines and electrical transmission or distribution lines. Requires Indian tribes to establish environmental review processes that identify and evaluate the significant environmental impacts of proposed Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the activities that have been carried out by the government of Indian tribes under the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 and to recommend to specified committees ways to ensure that Indian tribes have the opportunity to develop nonrenewable energy resources and the barriers they face to do so. Requires the Administrators of the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, and other pertinent power administrations to take specified actions to encourage Indian tribal energy developments. Requires the Secretary of Energy to study and report to Congress on the cost and feasibility of developing a demonstration project that would use wind energy generated by Indian tribes and hydropower generated by the Army Corps of Engineers on the Missouri River to supply firming power to the Western Area Power Administration. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to revise and extend renewable energy production incentives. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to units of local government, private, nonprofit community development organizations, and tribal economic development entities for use in improving energy efficiency, identifying and developing alternative renewable and distributed energy supplies, and increasing energy conservation in low-income rural and urban communities. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural and remote communities electrification grants to State, local, or tribal governments, or tribal colleges or universities to increase energy efficiency, siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines, or for providing or modernizing electric facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Economic Recovery Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to each eligible taxpayer ten percent of the eligible portion of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Specifies business tax cuts, including an increase in bonus depreciation and expensing, a tax credit for employee health insurance expenses, and a tax credit with respect to qualified equipment providing subscribers with current or next generation broadband Internet access. Makes appropriations and requires the Secretary to make specified allotments to each of the States on the basis of relative population for fiscal relief. First Responders Partnership Grant Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to support public safety officers in their efforts to protect homeland security and prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. Makes appropriations for education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Provides for specified adjustments of Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and increases in the cap on Medicaid payments to territories. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for specified transportation infrastructure. Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 to extend unemployment compensation. Authorizes States to enter agreements with the Secretary of Labor under which the Secretary, through the States, shall pay temporary enhanced regular unemployment compensation to eligible individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise certain tax penalties regarding transactions both reportable and nonreportable, and establish a penalty for promoters of tax shelters, in order to limit the use of tax shelters.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal Land Conveyance Act of 2003 - Deauthorizes the Blunt Reservoir feature of the Oahe Irrigation Project authorized as part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program. Allows preferential leaseholders (original landowners or descendants, or operators of the land at the time of purchase) of parcels of the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal an option to purchase from the Commission of Schools and Public Lands of South Dakota the land they lease. Sets terms for such purchases. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey all preferential lease parcels not purchased by the leaseholder to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, to be used for mitigating the wildlife habitat that was lost as a result of the development of the Pick-Sloan project. Directs the Secretary to convey to the Department the nonpreferential leased parcels and unleased parcels of the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal, to be used for mitigating the wildlife habitat that was lost as a result of the development of the Pick-Sloan project. Requires the State of South Dakota to accept certain conditions of conveyance, including that it receives the land conveyed in "as is" condition. Authorizes the Commission, with the Department's concurrence, to allow a person to exchange other land in South Dakota for a nonpreferential lease parcel or unleased parcel at Blunt Reservoir or Pierre Canal.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Opportunity for Every Child Act of 2003 - Empowering Parents Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding private school choice as well as public school choice and charter schools. School Choice Incentive Act of 2003 - Provides for education certificates to enable low-income students attending under-performing elementary or secondary schools the opportunity to attend a private school when public school choice is unavailable. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities to provide such education certificates to eligible students. District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2003 - Authorizes the establishment of the District of Columbia Scholarship Corporation (Corporation) as a private, nonprofit corporation to administer, publicize, and evaluate a District scholarship program and determine elementary and secondary student and school eligibility. Establishes a District of Columbia Scholarship Fund. Authorizes the Corporation to award tuition scholarships and enhanced achievement scholarships to District students in kindergarten through grade 12 with family incomes not exceeding 185 percent of the national poverty line. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for charter schools. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding certain explorations the Senate should make as it considers the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Extends the authorization of appropriations for education of all children with disabilities. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding: (1) expanding access to college; and (2) minority-serving institutions. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) historically Black colleges and universities; (2) historically Black graduate institutions; and (3) Hispanic-serving institutions. Mathematics, Science, and Special Education Teacher Recruitment Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding student loan forgiveness for certain teachers. Revises HEA to provide for additional amounts of student loan forgiveness for highly-qualified teachers who agree to teach mathematics, science, or special education in high-need areas for five years. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the classroom expense tax deduction for teachers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to increase the amount of such deduction for elementary and secondary school teachers. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding making education more affordable by making permanent specified provisions in title IV of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Give Back to Parents Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to allow a refundable tax credit for up to 50 percent of the first $5,000 of a parent's expenses (including tuition, transportation, or equipment) for a student's attendance at another public or private (including parochial, religious, or home) school if the student is otherwise assigned to a school identified for school improvement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2003
Compassion and Personal Responsibility Act - Amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF)) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) extend through FY 2008 family assistance grants to eligible States; (2) replace the current bonuses to reward States for a decrease in illegitimacy ratio with competitive Healthy Marriage Promotion grants; (3) replace bonuses to reward high performance States with bonuses to States to reward employment achievement; (4) repeal authority for Federal loans to State welfare programs; and (5) revise work participation requirements for State grants. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2003 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to authorize Federal grants to public and nonprofit community entities (including religious organizations and Indian tribal organizations) for projects and activities designed to test the effectiveness of various approaches to promoting responsible parenting through a fatherhood program. Caring for Children Act of 2003 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 2008 and to revise requirements for State programs for child care services. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to revise child support collection requirements to: (1) prescribe guidelines for Federal matching funds for limited pass through of child support payments to families receiving TANF; (2) decrease the amount of child support arrearage that will trigger passport denial; (3) provide for use of the tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of children who are not minors; and (4) limit garnishment of compensation paid to veterans for Service-connected disabilities in order to enforce child support obligations. Eliminates the limitation placed upon the number of: (1) States that may be granted waivers to conduct demonstration projects on the same topic; and (2) waivers that may be granted to a single State for demonstration projects. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations before any action is taken to implement them in order to identify those most likely to be incorrect. Grants the States authority to require participation in an individual rehabilitation plan or risk being deemed ineligible for supplemental security income. Prescribes requirements for State demonstration projects to coordinate multiple public assistance and workforce development programs for working individuals and families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a State food assistance block grant demonstration project. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) and title XIX (Medicaid) to extend: (1) the duration of appropriations for an abstinence education program; and (2) the Medicaid transitional medical assistance program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to declare that nothing prevents a State from operating separate eligibility verification systems or imposing work requirements as conditions of participation in the Food Stamp Program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Ready to Educate All Children Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish partnerships with high poverty local educational agencies or high poverty schools (local partners) to establish or enhance a clinically-based elementary or secondary school teacher training program. Requires an IHE receiving such a grant to: (1) establish a partnership with a local partner to establish or enhance such a program; (2) facilitate a partnership among the IHE's departments to ensure that future teachers are prepared to teach; and (3) implement a project-based assessment. Requires such IHE also to use grant funds for at least three activities listed. Makes a student who participates in a program funded under this Act eligible for student assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 during the student's fifth year of study for a teaching degree (if such clinically-based program is a teaching-degree study requirement).
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for child welfare workers employed by child protection agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Campus Classmate Offenders in Rehabilitation and Treatment Act - Campus CORT Act - Authorizes the Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs, to make demonstration grants to accredited universities and colleges to establish up to five programs for campus classmate offenders in rehabilitation and treatment (Campus CORT), modeled after the statewide local drug court programs throughout the United States, for each fiscal year for which funds are provided. Requires Campus CORTS to: (1) be established at accredited colleges or universities; (2) have jurisdiction over substance abuse related disciplinary cases involving students that may or may not be criminal in nature, including illegal drug use, abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol abuse, and other issues; (3) pursuant to Attorney General regulations, establish appropriate quasi-judicial standards and procedures for disciplinary cases; and (4) impose as the ultimate sanction expulsion from school. Prohibits involvement in a Campus CORT of any student deemed to be a danger to the community. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified universities and colleges, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the National Drug Court Institute, and other associations and experts to assist in establishing campus drug courts and provide training and technical assistance in support of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for highly qualified attorneys who: (1) work for State or local government, or nonprofit private, entities on behalf of low-income families or individuals in the family or domestic relations court systems; and (2) have trained and worked in areas including juvenile justice, truancy, child abuse or neglect, adoption, domestic relations, child support, paternity, or others which State law determines to be in the field of family or domestic relations law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2003
Geriatric Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to payments to hospitals, rural health clinics, or Federally qualified health centers for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs and the limitation on the number of full-time-equivalent residents in allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Provides for the disregard of up to three geriatric residents in applying such limitation. Extends the eligibility period for GME payment for geriatric fellowship training. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare coverage of care coordination and assessment services to an individual with a serious and disabling chronic condition.