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Bill· SS. 1135 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Medicare Physician Payment Equity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) establishment of a uniform national Medicare physician fee schedule; and (2) phase-out of geographic adjustment indices. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the recruitment and retention of physicians; (2) the access of Medicare beneficiaries to physicians, medical tests, and medical therapies in each fee schedule area; and (3) the use by Medicare beneficiaries of items and services for which payment may be made under the Medicare program in each such fee schedule area.
Bill· SS. 1115 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study and describe the current state of science concerning the human health effects of exposure to asbestos and other durable fibers; and (2) make recommendations for uniform systems for asbestos exposure standards and protocols for detecting and measuring asbestos. Directs the Administrator to establish an Asbestos Policies Panel to study asbestos and other durable fibers. Directs the Administrator to study the status of the manufacture, processing, distribution, ownership, importation, and disposal of asbestos-containing products and contaminant-asbestos products. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year which prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years, except as specified. Requires the Administrator to establish a public awareness program concerning the dangers posed by these products and vermiculite insulation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand research programs on diseases caused by asbestos exposure, particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries. Establishes and funds mesothelioma disease research and treatment centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 2218 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify corrective and noncorrective contact lenses and similar articles as medical devices under the Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2223 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to remove time limitations on the coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for individuals who have received organ transplants. (Current law provides coverage for such drugs only for certain time periods after the transplant procedure.) Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney or other organ transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease beneficiaries. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for group health plans to provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2219 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allow pharmacies of the Department of Veterans Affairs to dispose medications pursuant to a valid prescription written by a private practicioner to any veteran who is on a waiting list for a first appointment with the Department for medical services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2268 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option to expand coverage to certain pregnant women; (2) provide for enhanced matching funds with respect to certain pregnant women if certain conditions are met; (3) pay for such Medicaid expansion costs out of the SSA title XXI (State Child's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) allotment; and (4) no longer require that a newborn child be a member of the mother's household and that the mother remain eligible for Medicaid during the one year period after birth in order for the newborn child to continue to be eligible for Medicaid. Amends SSA title XXI to give certain States the option of providing pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income pregnant women in accordance with this Act, which includes: (1) automatic enrollment for children born to women receiving such pregnancy-related assistance; (2) additional allotments for providing coverage of pregnant women; and (3) no cost-sharing for pregnancy-related services. Provides for coordination of SCHIP with the program under SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services). Increases the income eligibility for low-income children under SCHIP. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to review determinations, made by State agencies in connection with applications for benefits under this title on the basis of blindness or disability, that individuals who have attained 18 years of age are blind or disabled as of a specified onset date.
Bill· HRH.R. 2277 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study and describe the current state of science concerning the human health effects of exposure to asbestos and other durable fibers; and (2) make recommendations for uniform systems for asbestos exposure standards and protocols for detecting and measuring asbestos. Directs the Administrator to establish an Asbestos Policies Panel to study asbestos and other durable fibers. Directs the Administrator to study the status of the manufacture, processing, distribution, ownership, importation, and disposal of asbestos-containing products and contaminant-asbestos products. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year which prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years, except as specified. Requires the Administrator to establish a public awareness program concerning the dangers posed by these products and vermiculite insulation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand research programs on diseases caused by asbestos exposure, particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries. Establishes and funds mesothelioma disease research and treatment centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 2273 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Unsafe Meat and Poultry Recall Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to: (1) require a person (other than a household consumer or other exempted person) who believes a meat or poultry product he or she transports, stores, or distributes is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) direct the Secretary, upon a determination of a public health risk from such adulteration or misbranding, to permit the person to voluntarily provide notification, cease distribution, and recall such product; and (3) authorize the Secretary, in the case of noncompliance, to take such actions, as well as providing consumer notification.
Bill· HRH.R. 2258 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Hispanic Health Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act to provide incentives for States to grant title XIX (Medicaid) and title XXI (SCHIP) coverage to parents and pregnant women. Grants automatic enrollment of children in State child health assistance who are born to title XXI parents. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit States and localities to provide certain health care benefits to aliens that current law prohibits States and localities from granting. Amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid) to make children enrolled in SCHIP eligible for the pediatric vaccine distribution program. Latina Adolescent Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for the prevention of Latina adolescent suicides. Patient Navigator, Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) the Director of the National Cancer Institute; and (3) the Director of the Indian Health Service to make grants for model programs to provide services for cancer and chronic diseases to individuals of health disparity populations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants to Hispanic-serving health professions schools to carry out programs to recruit Hispanic individuals to enroll in and graduate from the schools. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the programs of the Office of Minority Health. Directs the heads of certain agencies within the public health service to establish individual offices of minority health. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
Bill· HRH.R. 2233 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act - Transfers marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule II of such Act. Prohibits, in a State in which marijuana may be prescribed or recommended by a physician for medical use under applicable State law, any provision of the Controlled Substances Act from prohibiting or otherwise restricting: (1) the prescription or recommendation of marijuana by a physician for medical use; (2) an individual from obtaining and using marijuana from a prescription or recommendation of marijuana by a physician for medical use by such individual; or (3) a pharmacy from obtaining and holding marijuana for the prescription or recommendation of marijuana by a physician for medical use under applicable State law. Prohibits any provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from prohibiting or restricting a State entity, in a State in which marijuana may be prescribed by a physician for medical use, from producing or distributing marijuana for the purpose of its distribution for prescription or recommendation by a physician.
Bill· HRH.R. 2232 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the wholesale distributor of certain drugs who is not the manufacturer or an authorized distributor of record for a calendar year of a drug to provide to the recipient of the drug a statement identifying each prior sale, purchase, or trade of such drug (currently, the language "for a calendar year" is not in the Act).
Bill· HRH.R. 2269 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - Directs the head of any Federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into, or adhering to, agreements with labor organization, with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement. Allows exemptions to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security. Allows additional exemptions for certain projects. Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable Federal contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 2227 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Obesity Prevention Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Education (ED), to award competitive grants to: (1) up to 20 State educational agencies for model nutrition education and physical fitness programs for elementary and secondary school students; and (2) up to 100 local educational agencies (LEAs), at least one per State, for pilot projects to promote healthy eating habits and increase the physical fitness of such students. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to encourage States to implement plans to carry out activities to assist obese children or children at risk of becoming obese. Requires a State, in order to receive such a grant, to: (1) have a State child health plan which provides satisfactorily for certain activities under the children health insurance program of the Social Security Act; and (2) agree to make available at least 15 percent in non-Federal matching funds. Establishes a Commission on Obesity Treatment and Prevention to oversee research, policy formation, and other activities of the Federal Government regarding the prevention and treatment of obesity. Directs the Secretary of HHS, in consultation with the Secretary of ED, to establish programs of: (1) President's Health and Fitness Awards for elementary and secondary schools; and (2) President's Health and Fitness Teacher Achievement Awards for teachers, coaches, or related personnel and the LEAs that employ them.. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include nutrition and health education programs in authorized local activities of 21st century community learning centers' programs before- and after-school and during summer recess.
Bill· HRH.R. 2256 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Help Expand Access to Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for parity in the application of treatment limitations and financial requirements to substance abuse treatment benefits under group health plans and individual health insurance coverage.
Bill· HRH.R. 2241 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Positive Aging Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants for evidence-based demonstration projects to integrate mental health services for older patients into primary care settings. Requires the inclusion of collaborative care, screening services, referrals, and protocols for prevalent mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and substance abuse. Requires the Director to make grants to community-based providers of geriatric mental health services for multi-disciplinary health outreach teams. Authorizes cooperative agreements with senior centers, adult day care programs, assisted living facilities, and other places providing services to senior citizens under the Older Americans Act. Requires the Director to designate a Deputy Director for Geriatric Mental Health Services to develop and implement research programs, demonstration projects, models, and model training programs. Revises the membership of the Advisory Council for the Center for Mental Health Services to include representatives of older Americans, their families, and geriatric mental health specialists. Revises the criteria for State plans under Community Mental Health Services Block Grants to include goals and initiatives for improving access to services for older adult patients.
Bill· HRH.R. 2236 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Access to Diabetes Screening Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of diabetes screening tests and services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2226 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow a Federally qualified health center to elect to have the amount of payment for emergency room services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) based on the payment methodology applied for outpatient critical access hospital services where the amount of such payment is the reasonable cost of the hospital in providing such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2246 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the definitions under Medicare regulations of "rehabilitation hospital" and "rehabilitation unit" for purposes of determining the applicable payment methodology under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary, in determining whether a rehabilitation hospital or unit is eligible for reimbursement for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries under the prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient rehabilitation facilities, to modify the list of treatment categories otherwise applicable (commonly referred to as the "75 Percent Rule") to include all rehabilitation impairment categories (except miscellaneous) established by the Secretary for purposes of such prospective payment system. (The "75 Percent Rule" requires that a rehabilitation hospital or unit show that during its most recent 12-month cost reporting period it served an inpatient population of whom at least 75 percent required intensive rehabilitative services for treatment of one or more of specified conditions.)
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 196 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, acting through appropriate Federal agencies, should provide assistance for women and women's organizations in Iraq in order to strengthen and stabilize emerging Iraqi democracy, including through the protection of the rights of Iraqi women and their families, the revitalization of the agricultural sector, the restoration of the healthcare system, increased educational opportunities for women and girls, and increased employment opportunities for women in order to afford full participation by women in all aspects of public life, including government.
Bill· SS. 1098 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Medicare Renal Dialysis Payment Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an update in the renal dialysis composite rate.
Bill· SS. 1095 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of outpatient vision rehabilitation services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program.
Bill· SS. 1101 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
National Cancer Act of 2003 - Provides a comprehensive Federal effort relating to treatments for and the prevention of cancer. Amends the Public Health Service Act to fund prevention, detection, and treatment programs of the National Cancer Institute, including translational cancer research (research needed to transform scientific discoveries into approaches and products to treat and cure cancer). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a research grant program to fund projects that seek to develop cancer treatments that target cancer cells. Addresses issues of cancer care, including: (1) clinical trial participation; (2) workforce needs; (3) cancer survivorship; (4) cancer care guidelines; (5) the supply of researchers; (6) a colorectal cancer screening demonstration program; and (7) an Institute of Medicine study on whether to provide medical coverage under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to certain cancer patients. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to submit to Congress a plan outlining steps to accelerate the process for reviewing and approving new cancer drugs and treatments. Requires health insurance plans covered by the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide: (1) coverage for clinical trials; (2) coverage of cancer screening, including tobacco and nutrition counseling and genetic testing; and (3) patient access to benefit information. Addresses issues of managing physicians and quality of care for cancer patients covered by such plans, including designating a lead managing physician. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants for: (1) model programs to provide services for cancer and chronic diseases to individuals of health disparity populations; and (2) patient navigators for managing such care of such individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 2199 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Medicare Out-of-Pocket Spending Limit Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Catastrophic Benefit Program) under which is established as part of the Medicare program a voluntary program to cover catastrophic out-of-pocket costs incurred under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for Medicaid buy-in of Medicare catastrophic coverage for certain low-income individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 2182 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of medically necessary dental procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 2196 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Medical Independence, Privacy, and Innovation Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate language making the medical expense deduction only apply to the extent the relevant expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Permits the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Exempts medical checking accounts from being subjected to certain taxes. Subjects such accounts to taxes on unrelated business income of charitable organizations. Allows a deduction equal to the amount paid in cash to an individual's medical checking account (up to $1,000, or $2,000 in the case of a joint return) and a credit (of up to $1,000) for contributions made to such account. Excludes from gross income any amount paid or distributed out of a medical checking account which is used exclusively to pay qualified medical expenses of any account holder. Decreases the minimum annual deductibles under a high deductible health plan for purposes of Archer medical savings accounts. Makes modifications to regulations regarding the privacy of individually identifiable health information. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to establish new rules restricting the use of Social Security account numbers to applicable Social Security Administration and tax related purposes. Prohibits a Federal agency from conditioning receipt of any Federal grant or contract on the adoption, by a State or State agency or by a political subdivision of a State, of a uniform standard for individual identification. Amends the definition of drug in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude articles intended for use in the mitigation or prevention of disease in man or other animals. (Current law includes such articles in the definition). Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from foreign nations, with such regulations to require that each such drug complies with sections of the Act pertaining to new drugs, adulterated drugs and devices, and misbranded drugs and devices, and with other applicable requirements of this Act. (Current law directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs, except for specified controlled substances and biological products).
Bill· SS. 1083 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act of 2003 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of providing that Medicaid or SCHIP financial eligibility requirements are met for children based on their eligibility for nutrition assistance or similar public programs with comparable income standards and methodologies.
Bill· SS. 1087 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research with respect to uterine fibroids. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate to the public information regarding uterine fibroids, including on: (1) the elevated risk for minority women; and (2) the availability of a range of treatment options. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to develop and disseminate to health care providers information on uterine fibroids, including on: (1) the elevated risk for minority women; and (2) and treatment options.
Bill· HRH.R. 2168 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
National Guard and Reserves Reform Act for the 21st Century - Makes an individual eligible for retired pay for non-regular (reserve) military service if such individual: (1) satisfies one of specified combinations of minimum age (between 55 and 60) and years of service (between 20 and 30); (2) performed the last six years of qualifying service in currently authorized categories of military service, but not while a member of a regular component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; and (3) is not entitled to any other retirement pay from an armed force or as a member of the Fleet Reserves. Authorizes a member of the Selected Reserve to enroll for self or for self and family under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a reserve component employment credit equal to the sum of the employment credit with respect to all qualified employees of the taxpayer and the self-employment credit of a qualified self-employed taxpayer. Limits the credit to $25,000 for each qualified employee. Disallows the credit for failure to comply with reserve member employment or reemployment rights, or when a reserve member is called or ordered to active duty for training.
Bill· HRH.R. 2173 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Children's Vision Improvement and Learning Readiness Act of 2003 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the purposes of: (1) providing comprehensive eye examinations for children identified as being at high risk of vision impairment, with priority to go to children under nine years old; (2) providing subsequent treatment or services necessary to correct vision problems; and (3) developing and disseminating educational materials with regard to the need and benefits of comprehensive eye examinations for children. Directs the Secretary to develop criteria for the collection of data related to vision assessment and the utilization of followup services. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the grant program, as appropriate, with other Federal and State programs that provide services to children. Requires a State to submit an application to the Secretary in order to receive a grant, which shall include a plan for the use of the grant. Requires a State to submit to the Secretary an annual evaluation of the operations and activities carried out under a grant.
Bill· HRH.R. 2176 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003 - Makes members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve eligible for either the Prime or Standard option of the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), allowing for either self-coverage or self-and-family coverage. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide at least one open enrollment period each year for such members; and (2) charge applicable premiums, deductibles, and copayments for such coverage. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay the applicable premium to continue in force any qualified health plan coverage for a reserve member (and his or her dependents) while the member is serving on active duty pursuant to a call or order issued during a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress. Requires the continuation of COBRA coverage during such period. Prohibits simultaneous coverage under both the qualified health plan and TRICARE.
Bill· HRH.R. 2159 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Substance Abuse Group Homes Amendments of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that grant funding agreements require that State and local officials consult with the public regarding the establishment of a designated substance abuse recovery group home, its governing policies, and the effects of an established home on the community. Requires the officials to monitor the home residents' compliance with the conditions upon which the home was established.
Bill· HRH.R. 2167 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit the disabled surviving spouse of an individual to elect to retain a private group health plan as the primary payor of health insurance benefits under the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2157 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2003 - Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research with respect to uterine fibroids. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate to the public information regarding uterine fibroids, including on: (1) the elevated risk for minority women; and (2) the availability of a range of treatment options. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to develop and disseminate to health care providers information on uterine fibroids, including on: (1) the elevated risk for minority women; and (2) and treatment options.
Bill· HRH.R. 2161 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Prescription Value Act - Directs the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) collect scientific evidence regarding the relative clinical appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of prescription drugs frequently used by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; (2) assess the validity and reliability of such evidence; and (3) identify areas of additional research needed to make an objective determination on the clinical appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of such drugs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2175 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Rural Healthcare Access Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements with regard to rural health care, including: (1) urban and rural standardized payment amounts under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (2) the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (3) the payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (4) the adjustment to the Medicare inpatient hospital PPS wage index to revise its labor-related share; (5) treatment of certain sole community hospitals to limit the decline in payment under the PPS for hospital outpatient department (ODP) services; and (6) the critical access hospital program. Provides for a temporary increase for: (1) home health services furnished in a rural area; (2) certain services furnished by small rural hospitals under the Medicare prospective payment system for OPD services; and (3) ground ambulance services furnished in a rural area. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) exclusion of certain rural health clinic and Federally qualified health center services from the Medicare PPS for skilled nursing facilities; and (2) Medicare incentive program changes. Provides for two-year treatment of certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished by a sole community hospital. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for establishment of a floor on geographic adjustments of payments for physicians' services.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 186 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the proposed recommendations of the National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health should be funded and implemented by the appropriate agencies and organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2151 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2003
Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include coverage of bone mass measurements under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for all individuals, including estrogen-deficient women, at clinical risk for osteoporosis.
Bill· SS. 1068 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants for newborn screening education and training, including followup.
Bill· HRH.R. 2122 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Project BioShield Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act regarding preparations for public health emergencies affecting national security, including a bioterrorist attack. Grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) certain authority with respect to the research and development of qualified countermeasures, including: (1) expedited procurement authority; (2) expedited peer authority; and (3) authority for personal services contracts. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to maintain a stockpile of drugs, vaccines (including smallpox vaccine), and other supplies to provide for the emergency health security of the United States in the event of a bioterrorist attack or other public health emergency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) award grants to ensure that the stockpile contains an adequate amount of smallpox vaccine; and (2) assess, on an ongoing basis, the potential public health consequences from the use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and determine the agents for which countermeasures are necessary. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the Secretary to declare a national emergency under specified conditions and authorize the release of a drug or device intended for use in an emergency. Directs the Secretary to impose requirements on the authorization, including ensuring that health care professionals administering the product and persons to whom the product is administered are fully informed about the benefits and risks involved and other alternatives. Requires the Secretary to periodically review an authorization under this Act, and authorizes the Secretary to revoke such an authorization if circumstances so warrant. Allows the President, under specified circumstances in cases involving the Armed Forces, to waive the requirement that individuals be allowed to refuse administration of a countermeasure. Requires: (1) reports from the Secretary regarding authorities under this Act; (2) the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to review biomedical countermeasure research and development activities under this Act; and (3) review by the General Accounting Office.
Bill· HRH.R. 2126 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Teague Grant Reauthorization Act - Recognizes: (1) the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Veterans' Administration Medical School Assistance and Health Manpower Training Act of 1972; (2) the critical and historic role played by that Act towards alleviating the shortfall in the number of physicians and other health care professionals; and (3) the importance of continued growth in partnerships between the Department of Veterans Affairs and affiliated medical schools. Adds as a purpose of current grants made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to affiliated medical schools as a result of such Act the addressing of shortfalls in the number of physicians and other health care professionals employed in the Department's Veterans Health Administration. Designates such grants as "Teague Grants" in honor of Olin E. Teague, the most decorated veteran ever to have served in Congress. Reauthorizes and extends the grant program for FY 2005 through 2009. Includes within criteria for grant approval a determination that proposed projects and programs will increase the number of medical and nursing students attending the affiliated school. Directs the Secretary to give a priority in grant awards to medical schools established under the Act.
Bill· SS. 1063 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
Brian Lykins Human Tissue Transplant Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for oversight by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs of entities engaged in activities relating to human tissue or human tissue-based products, requiring their registration and authorizing their inspection. Requires the reporting of any adverse incidents. Requires the Commissioner to develop a reporting mechanism and a database to store such information. Allows the Commissioner, in an instance in which this Act is violated, to: (1) issue an order requiring any distributor of a human cell, tissue, or cellular or tissue-based product to recall or destroy such product; (2) condemn, seize, and destroy such product; (3) require a covered entity to cease the activity that resulted in the violation; or (4) suspend or revoke the registration and listing of the covered entity involved.
Bill· SS. 1067 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
AIDS Corps Act of 2003 - Directs the President to establish a pilot program to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating the service of health care professionals from the United States in those areas of sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world that are severely affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Bill· HRH.R. 2095 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require comprehensive health insurance coverage for childhood immunization to be provided by health plans and insurance issuers in both group and individual markets.
Bill· HRH.R. 2085 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
Access to Medical Treatment Act - Permits any individual to be treated by a health care practitioner with any medical treatment that the individual desires (including a treatment that is not approved, certified, or licensed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) if: (1) the practitioner agrees to treat the individual; and (2) the administration of such treatment does not violate licensing laws. Authorizes health care practitioners to provide any method of treatment to such an individual if certain requirements are met. Requires a practitioner to report: (1) administering such treatment and discovering it to be a danger to an individual; and (2) the positive effects of an unconventional medical treatment for a life-threatening medical condition. States that nothing in this Act shall in any way adversely affect the distribution or sale of dietary supplements.
Bill· SS. 1053 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit health discrimination on the basis of genetic information or services. Defines genetic information as genetic tests of an individual or family member or occurrence of a disease or disorder in family members used to predict risk of disease in asymptomatic or undiagnosed individuals. Defines genetic services as health services provided for genetic education and counseling. Prohibits group health plans or health insurers offering group coverage from using genetic information to impose enrollment restrictions or adjust group premiums. Prohibits requests for genetic testing or results except as necessary for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit such discrimination in coverage offered in the individual market. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue final regulations, coordinating with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor through an interagency memorandum of understanding. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate against an individual or deprive such individual of employment opportunities because of genetic information. Prohibits the collection of genetic information except where necessary to monitor the effects of toxic substances in the workplace when authorized by the employee, or as required by law. Requires genetic information to be treated as part of an individual's confidential medical record, limiting disclosure to the individual, the family, health researchers, or as required by law or court order. Grants enforcement powers to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Bill· SS. 1054 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to accelerate: (1) the expansion of the 10 percent bracket for married taxpayers filing jointly; (2) scheduled individual income tax rate reductions; (3) the increase in the standard deduction for joint filers to twice that of single filers; (4) the increase in the 15 percent bracket for joint filers to twice that of single filers; (5) the increase to the $1,000 child tax credit. Increases, for individuals, the alternative minimum tax exemption amounts. Increases the expensing allowance, the phaseout limit, and provides for inflation adjustments. Excludes a limited amount of dividend income from gross income. Sets forth rules for use in applying the economic substance doctrine, including defining economic substance. Establishes and modifies penalties concerning tax shelters. Revises provisions concerning corporate governance and executive compensation. Revises IRC expatriation tax provisions. Revises a variety of provisions, including: (1) establishing a program requiring the payment of IRS user fees; (2) including any vaccine against hepatitis A under the manufacturer's excise tax; (3) permitting the IRS to enter into qualified tax collection contracts; and (4) permitting the amortization of intangibles by sports franchises; (5) increasing the historic rehabilitation credit for certain low-income housing for the elderly; and (6) providing for the reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens. Authorizes appropriations, through December 31, 2004, to States for: (1) improving education or job training, health care services, transportation or other infrastructure, and law enforcement or public safety; and (2) maintaining essential government services. Provides for increased Medicaid payments to States through December 31, 2004. Revises provisions concerning small business, including provisions concerning: (1) modifying the debt-financed property provisions; and (2) repealing the special occupational taxes on producers and marketers of alcoholic beverages. Revises provisions concerning agriculture, including provisions concerning: (1) the application of capital gain treatment to outright sales of timber; and (2) patronage dividends of cooperatives. Sets forth: (1) specified simplification provisions; and (2) sunset provisions.
Bill· SS. 1047 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2004. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Increases, as of January 1, 2004, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes: (1) certain travel and transportation allowances; and (2) certain military retired pay and survivor benefits. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) environmental provisions, including an Arctic and Western Pacific Environmental Technology Cooperation Program; (2) active and reserve military personnel policy; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs and management of the defense acquisition and support workforce; (5) Federal support for the procurement of anti-terrorism technologies and services by State and local governments; (6) general contracting procedures and limitations; (7) DOD organization and management, including space activities; (8) budget and financial matters, including travel card management; (9) DOD civilian personnel policy; and (10) matters relating to other nations, including cooperative threat reduction programs.
Bill· SS. 1050 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the chemical demilitarization program; and (4) defense health programs. Subtitle B: Army Programs - (Reserved) Subtitle C: Navy Programs - (Sec. 121) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, beginning with the FY 2004 program year, to enter into multi-year procurement contracts for the: (1) F/A-18 aircraft; (2) E-2C aircraft; (3) tactical Tomahawk cruise missile; and (4) Virginia class submarine. Requires: (1) successful testing prior to entering into such a contract for the Tomahawk cruise missile; and (2) the contract for the Virginia class submarine to follow contract requirements for the New Attack Submarine under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to carry out a pilot program of flexible funding of conversions and overhauls of Navy cruisers using transferred Navy procurement and operation and maintenance funds for FY 2004 through 2012. Provides limitations. Requires a program report from such Secretary to the congressional defense and appropriations committees. Terminates the pilot program on September 30, 2012. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - (Sec. 131) Amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Stump Act) to eliminate quantity limitations on the multi-year procurement authority for C-130J aircraft. Subtitle E: Other Matters - (Reserved) Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks specified amounts for science and technology projects. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for RDT&E for: (1) the Defense Inspector General; and (2) defense health programs. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - (Sec. 211) Prohibits the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) from designating any official outside the Office of the Secretary to exercise programming or budgeting authority for explosive demilitarization technology, specified high energy laser research and development, and the university research initiative. (Sec. 212) Requires the Secretary to ensure that the Objective Force Indirect Fires Program is being planned, programmed, and budgeted as a distinct program element and that funds for such Program are being administered consistent with its budgetary status. Prohibits the Program from being administered in combination with the Armored Systems Modernization program. Requires a certification from the Secretary to the defense committees of the separate treatment of the Indirect Fires Program. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense - (Sec. 221) Earmarks specified RDT&E funds for the development and fielding of an initial set of ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. (Sec. 222) Repeals the requirement for specified program elements for Missile Defense Agency activities. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretary, in budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense (DOD) budget, to include specified information for each BMD element for which the Missile Defense Agency is engaged in planning for production and initial fielding. Requires the future-years defense program submitted to Congress each year to include an estimate of the amount necessary for procurement for each BMD system element and justification therefor. (Sec. 224) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to extend through FY 2006 the authority to assist local communities impacted by the BMD system test bed. Requires budget justification materials submitted for FY 2004 through 2006 to include a description of community assistance projects to be supported and a cost estimate. Subtitle D: Other Matters - (Sec. 231) Requires the Director of Defense Research and Engineering to carry out a Global Research Watch program to, among other things, monitor and analyze the basic and applied research activities and capabilities of foreign nations in areas of military interest. (Sec. 232) Requires the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, every other year, to prepare a strategic plan for Agency activities and to submit such plan to Congress. Requires the Secretary to establish a panel to advise the Director on each plan. (Sec. 233) Authorizes the Secretary, in furtherance of the support of educational programs in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology, to: (1) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements; (2) make financial assistance grants; (3) provide cash awards and other incentives; and (4) accept voluntary services. (Sec. 234) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of research and development (R&D) to promote greater bandwidth capability with high-speed network-centric communications. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, to report to the defense and appropriations committees on program activities undertaken. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for: (1) working capital funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - (Sec. 311) Earmarks specified O&M funds for the American Red Cross to fund the Armed Forces Emergency Services. (Sec. 312) Requires not less than 90 percent of the funds authorized for the acquisition, processing, and licensing of commercial imagery under this Act to be used to: (1) acquire space-based imagery from commercial sources; and (2) support the development of next-generation commercial imagery satellites. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on actions taken to implement the President's commercial remote sensing policy. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - (Sec. 321) Adds definitions applicable to DOD facilities and operations requirements. (Sec. 322) Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from designating as critical habitat any lands or other areas owned or controlled by DOD, or designated for its use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management plan prepared under the Sikes Act, if such Secretary determines that the plan addresses special management considerations or protection requirements of the Endangered Species Act. (Sec. 323) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct on a cooperative basis with countries located in the Arctic and Western Pacific regions the Arctic and Western Pacific Environmental Technology Cooperation Program which shall include cooperation and assistance among DOD elements and military departments or other relevant agencies of other countries on activities that contribute to the demonstration of environmental technology. Requires such activities to be consistent with the Cooperative Threat Reduction program. Prohibits more than ten percent of funds made available for the Program from being used for projects other than projects on radiological matters. Requires an annual Program report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned, if a military construction project results in the destruction of or impacts to wetlands, to make one or more payments to a wetland mitigation banking program or consolidated user site in lieu of creating a wetland on Federal property as mitigation for the project. Requires a banking program or user site to be approved before such payments may be made. Provides funding. (Sec. 325) Extends through FY 2006 the authority to use environmental restoration account funds for the relocation of a contaminated facility. (Sec. 326) Requires restoration advisory boards established by the Secretary to publish timely notice of their meetings. (Sec. 327) Directs the Secretary of the Navy, before using a former naval vessel for experimental purposes, to carry out required environmental remediation. Authorizes the sale of material and equipment stripped from such vessel. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer any vessel stricken from the Naval Vessel Register to any State, U.S. possession, or municipal corporation or political subdivision thereof. Makes such authority inapplicable to vessels transferred to the Maritime Administration for disposal. Requires vessels so transferred to be used as artificial reefs. Directs such Secretary to ensure that transferred vessels comply with environmental best management practices and any applicable environmental laws. Authorizes such Secretary to share vessel transfer costs with recipients. Allows recipients to receive more than one vessel. (Sec. 329) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to include environmental protection equipment within salvage facilities provided for public and private vessels. Allows claims for salvage services to include claims for environmental protection services. (Sec. 330) Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to determine and assess various means of enabling full use of the live ordnance delivery areas at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, while also protecting endangered species at such Range. Requires an activities report from the task force to Congress. (Sec. 331) Requires the Secretary to provide for an independent epidemiological study of exposure to perchlorate in drinking water. Requires the Federal entity conducting the study to report to the Secretary on study results. Directs the Secretary to provide for an independent review of the effects of perchlorate on the human endocrine system. Subtitle D: Reimbursement Authorities - (Sec. 341) Earmarks specified O&M funds for transfer to reserve military personnel accounts for the reimbursement of pay and allowances to reserve personnel in connection with training and other activities relating to the clearing of land mines for humanitarian purposes. Limits such transfer to $5 million. (Sec. 342) Directs the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to transfer to the appropriate reserve personnel or O&M account amounts necessary for reimbursement for costs charged for intelligence support provided by reserve personnel. (Sec. 343) Allows the Secretary to use the DOD reimbursement rate for military airlift services provided to the State Department for the transportation of armored motor vehicles to a foreign country. Subtitle E: Defense Dependents Education - (Sec. 351) Earmarks specified O&M funds for assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of members of the armed forces and DOD civilian employees. Requires the Secretary to notify each local educational agency eligible for such assistance in FY 2004. (Sec. 352) Earmarks specified O&M funds for DOD impact aid for children with severe disabilities, as authorized under the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Spence Act). Subtitle F: Other Matters - (Sec. 361) Authorizes the Secretary to sell working-capital funded services of the Defense Information Systems Agency to a person outside DOD for use in the performance of the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet contract. Requires reimbursement for the costs of such services. (Sec. 362) Allows funds from the Defense Modernization Account to be used to pay the costs of commencing any project undertaken by DOD or a defense agency to reduce the life cycle cost of a new or existing system. Requires the Account to be reimbursed from savings realized from reducing such life cycle costs. Requires regulations to include a system for proposals for the use of Account funds in such manner. Extends through FY 2006 the authority to transfer funds into the Account. (Sec. 363) Exempts from the prohibition on contracts for the performance of DOD firefighting or security guard functions a contract for the performance of firefighting functions if such: (1) contract is for a period of one year or less; and (2) functions would otherwise have been performed by military firefighters who are otherwise deployed. (Sec. 364) Repeals a provision excepting the Sacramento Army Depot, California, from limitations on the DOD contracting-out of depot-level maintenance of materiel. (Sec. 365) Excepts from certain competition requirements a depot-level maintenance and repair workload that is performed by a public-private partnership. (Sec. 366) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to provide to designated entities assistance in support of a transfer of a decommissioned naval vessel or related shipboard equipment. (Sec. 367) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to ensure that the number of KC135E aircraft retired in FY 2004 does not exceed 12. Requires such Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees an analysis of alternatives for meeting Air Force aerial refueling requirements. (Sec. 368) Makes the Act known as the Randolph-Sheppard Act inapplicable to any existing DOD dining facility contract entered into with a nonprofit agency for the blind or other severely handicapped in compliance with the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. Makes the Randolph-Sheppard Act the official short title of such Act. (Sec. 369) Repeals the 24 days per calendar year limit on the use of commissary stores by members of the Ready Reserves who have earned 50 or more retirement-creditable points. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - (Sec. 401) Sets forth authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 2004. (Sec. 402) Increases from 50 to 55 the maximum percentage of general and flag officers on active duty authorized to be serving in grades above general and rear admiral (lower half). (Sec. 403) Extends through 2005 certain authorities relating to the management of general and flag officers in certain grades. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - (Sec. 411) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2004 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the minimum end strength for FY 2004 for Army and Air Force dual status military technicians. (Sec. 414) Places specified FY 2004 limits on the number of non-dual status technicians authorized to be employed by the Army and Air National Guard. Subtitle C: Other Matters Relating to Personnel Strengths - (Sec. 421) Requires Congress (currently, the Secretary) to prescribe end strengths for: (1) active-duty personnel who are to be paid from funds appropriated for active-duty personnel; (2) active-duty personnel and full-time National Guard personnel who are to be paid from funds appropriated for reserve personnel; and (3) members of the Selected Reserve. (Sec. 422) Excludes recalled retired military personnel from strength (formerly end strength) limitations on military personnel ordered to active duty during a war or national emergency. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 431) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - (Sec. 501) Allows health professions officers who have failed of selection for promotion to be retained on active duty until completion of the active duty service for which the officer is obligated, unless the Secretary concerned determines that the completion of such service obligation is not in the best interests of that military department. (Sec. 502) Requires the Chief of the Army Veterinary Corps to be appointed from among officers of such Corps. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Personnel Policy - (Sec. 511) Allows for the use of members of the Ready Reserve to respond to terrorist or threatened terrorist attacks that could result in the loss (currently catastrophic loss) of life or property. (Sec. 512) Removes the requirement of: (1) selection board participation in the determination of whether to continue officers on the reserve active-status list; (2) approval of such continuation by the Secretary concerned; and (3) a continuation board to meet for such purpose. (Sec. 513) Prohibits an officer who is on active duty in the Army or Air National Guard in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia and who is in command of a National Guard unit from being relieved from active duty in such State, territory, or District if: (1) the President authorizes such service in both duty statuses; and (2) the Governor of the State or territory or Commanding General of the District consents to service in both statuses. Subtitle C: Revision of Retirement Authorities - (Sec. 521) Makes permanent (currently, terminates at the end of 2003) the authority to reduce the three-year time-in-grade requirement for retirement in that grade for officers above major and lieutenant commander. Subtitle D: Education and Training - (Sec. 531) Repeals the requirement that: (1) each officer with a joint specialty who graduates from a joint professional military education school be assigned to a joint duty assignment for that officer's next duty assignment after such graduation; and (2) the duration of the principal course of instruction offered at the Joint Forces Staff College be at least three months. (Sec. 532) Provides additional expenses to be covered within the educational assistance authorized for cadets and midshipmen receiving Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships. Makes similar additions with respect to the financial assistance program for specially selected members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard enrolled in advanced courses under ROTC programs. (Sec. 533) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to permit an enlisted member to receive instruction in an executive level seminar at the Naval Postgraduate School. Provides that the requirement for the payment of costs in connection with such education shall be subject to such exceptions as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe for members receiving instruction in connection with pursuit of a degree or certification as participants in the Information Security Scholarship program. (Sec. 534) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to direct the Superintendent of the military academy of that department to prescribe a policy on sexual misconduct applicable to academy personnel. Outlines policy requirements, including promotion of the awareness of the incidence of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sexual offenses that involve academy personnel, and procedures to follow in case of the occurrence of sexual misconduct. Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct each Superintendent to undertake an annual assessment of that academy's policies, training, and procedures to prevent criminal sexual misconduct involving academy personnel. Requires annual reports from each Secretary on sexual misconduct involving academy personnel for each of the 2004 through 2008 academy program years. Subtitle E: Decorations, Awards, and Commendations - (Reserved) Subtitle F: Military Justice - (Sec. 551) Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to allow a person charged with having committed a child abuse offense to be tried by court-martial at any time before the child reaches the age of 25. (Sec. 552) Makes the requisite blood alcohol content under the UCMJ equal to or in excess of (currently, in excess of) the requisite blood alcohol content adopted by the State in which the offense occurs. Provides for the adoption of the lower requisite blood alcohol content in incidents occurring on military installations located in more than one State. Subtitle G: Other Matters - (Sec. 561) Prohibits a member from being deployed, or continued in a deployment, on any day on which the total number of days in which the member has been deployed out of the preceding 365 days would exceed the maximum number of deployment days prescribed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Provides exceptions. Requires the Secretary concerned to pay a high-tempo allowance for members deployed in excess of the authorized number due to an exception. Prohibits such monthly allowance from exceeding $1,000. Makes a member ineligible for such allowance while serving in a duty position designated by the Secretary concerned, with the approval of the Under Secretary, as exempt. Requires: (1) such allowance to be paid from O&M funds; and (2) allowance payment information to be included in a currently required annual report. (Sec. 562) Directs the Secretary to carry out a direct entry program, beginning on October 1, 2003, and ending on September 30, 2005, for persons with critical military skills who enter the armed forces for an initial period of not less than three years. Requires an initial and final program report from the Secretary to the defense committees. (Sec. 563) Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe the DOD policy on concurrent deployment to a combat zone of both spouses of a dual-military family with one or more minor children; and (2) transmit such policy to the defense committees. (Sec. 564) Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to provide standards for State invalidation of ballots submitted in an election for Federal office by an absent military voter. Requires a State to: (1) accept and process any otherwise valid voter registration application submitted by a military voter in an election for Federal office; and (2) permit each recently separated member to vote in any election for which a valid voter registration application has been accepted and processed if that voter has registered and is eligible to vote under State law . Title V: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - (Sec. 601) Waives any FY 2004 pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases, effective January 1, 2004, the rates of basic pay for military personnel. (Sec. 602) Requires: (1) the annual adjustment to military basic pay rates on January 1 of each year; and (2) that such adjustment be an equal percentage increase for all military personnel based on the percentage increase in the Economic Cost Index. Directs that if the President considers any adjustment inappropriate because of national emergency or serious economic conditions, the President shall transmit to Congress a plan for an alternative pay adjustment for that year, including an assessment of its impact on the Government's ability to recruit and retain well-qualified persons for the armed forces. (Sec. 603) Provides for the computation of the basic pay rate for commissioned officers with prior enlisted or warrant officer service. (Sec. 604) Entitles non-scholarship Senior ROTC members to a monthly subsistence allowance in return for continuing ROTC education into their sophomore year, graduating, and accepting an appointment as a commissioned officer for a prescribed minimum period. (Sec. 605) Entitles each member married to another member without dependents when both members are on sea duty to a basic allowance for housing. (Currently, such members are jointly entitled to one such allowance.) (Sec. 606) Increases from $100 to $250 the monthly rate of the family separation allowance. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - (Sec. 611) Extends through 2004 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2003 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 615) Limits the number of officers in the Selected Reserve who may be paid special pay for reserve officers holding positions of unusual responsibility and of a critical nature. (Sec. 616) Directs the Secretary concerned to pay monthly incentive pay of $100 to a member for the period the member serves in Korea while entitled to basic pay. Terminates such authority on December 31, 2005. (Sec. 617) Increases from $60,000 to $70,000 the bonus for members who have completed at least 17 months of continuous active duty and agree to reenlist or extend their current enlistment for at least three years. (Sec. 618) Ensures the payment of the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus during any period that such members are called or ordered to active duty. (Sec. 619) Increases from $150 to $225 the monthly rate of hostile fire and imminent danger special pay. Makes reserve personnel on inactive duty eligible for such pay for periods during which such a member: (1) was subject to hostile fire or explosion of hostile mines; (2) was on duty in an area of imminent danger; (3) was killed, injured, or wounded by hostile action; or (4) was on duty in a foreign area in which the member was subject to the threat of harm or imminent danger due to civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism, or wartime conditions. Continues such eligibility for the first three months of any required hospitalization. (Sec. 621) Makes officers (currently, only enlisted personnel) eligible for: (1) special pay or a bonus for extending overseas tours of duty; and (2) a rest and recuperative absence in lieu of such pay or bonus. (Sec. 622) Makes appointed warrant officers eligible for an accession bonus for new officers serving in critical skills positions. (Sec. 623) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an incentive bonus to certain members who agree to convert to, and serve for at least four years in, a military occupational specialty for which there is a shortage of trained and qualified personnel. Limits such bonus to $4,000. Requires pro rata repayment for any required period not served. Terminates the bonus authority after December 31, 2006. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - (Sec. 631) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to allow a member making a permanent change of station to arrange for the private shipment of a motor vehicle in lieu of motor vehicle transportation at the expense of the United States. (Sec. 632) Authorizes the payment or reimbursement of student baggage storage costs for dependent children accompanying members assigned to a permanent change of station overseas at any time in the same fiscal year of such change in station, as selected by the member. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the Secretary to include in a contract for the transportation of baggage and household effects for members a clause that requires the carrier to pay the full replacement value for loss or damage to such baggage or effects. Subtitle D: Retired Pay and Survivor Benefits - (Sec. 641) Makes commanders of unified or specified combatant commands equal to chiefs of service for purposes of computation of the retired pay base. (Sec. 642) Authorizes the payment of a Survivor Benefit Plan annuity for the surviving spouses of reserve personnel not eligible for retirement who die from a cause incurred or aggravated during inactive-duty training. (Sec. 643) Increases from $6,000 to $12,000 the death gratuity payable to survivors of deceased military personnel. Subtitle F: Other Matters - (Sec. 651) Authorizes the Secretary to allow up to 120 days' annual leave accumulation (currently, only 60) for a member who, during a fiscal year: (1) serves on active duty for a continuous period of 120 days in an area in which the member is entitled to special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger; or (2) is assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit in support of a contingency operation when such member would otherwise lose any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of the fiscal year. Allows such excess leave to be used any time within the next three fiscal years. Title VII: Health Care - (Sec. 701) Authorizes the provision of medical and dental screening for Selected Reserve personnel called or ordered to active duty in support of an operational mission or contingency operation during a national emergency or in time of war. (Sec. 702) Requires the designation for each of the TRICARE regions of at least one person to serve full-time as a beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinator solely for reserve members and their dependents who are beneficiaries under the TRICARE program. (Sec. 703) Extends through December 31, 2008, DOD authority to enter into personal services contracts for health care services to be performed at locations outside military medical treatment facilities. (Sec. 704) Authorizes the Secretary to determine separate Medicare-eligible retiree health care fund valuations and contributions for each of the participating military departments. ***(Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct surveys in at least 20 TRICARE Standard market areas to determine the number of health care providers in each area that are accepting new patients; and (2) designate a senior DOD official to take necessary actions to achieve and maintain participation of health care providers in TRICARE Standard in each market area in a number adequate to ensure its viability for beneficiaries in that area. Requires the Comptroller General (CG) to: (1) review the above actions and report, semiannually, to the defense committees. (Sec. 706) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to remove certain limitations on the ability of covered beneficiaries to receive health care services from former Public Health Service treatment facilities. (Sec. 707) Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee to recommend direction for the joint coordination and sharing of health care efforts. Directs the Committee to report annually to the Secretaries and Congress. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Acquisition Policy and Management - (Sec. 801) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to extend through FY 2005 (currently FY 2003) the authority to undertake emergency procurements to facilitate the defense against or recovery from terrorism or biological, chemical (current law), nuclear, or radiological attack. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the Secretary, through FY 2006, to settle any financial account for a contract entered into by the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department before October 1, 1996, that is administratively complete if the account has an unreconciled balance, either positive or negative, of less than $100,000. (Sec. 803) Requires the Secretary to revise and reissue DOD Directive 4650.1, relating to management and use of the radio frequency spectrum, to update the procedures applicable to DOD management and use of such spectrum. Outlines requirements for DOD system acquisition that involves the use of spectrum. (Sec. 804) Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to: (1) direct and manage the acquisitions under the National Security Agency Modernization Program; and (2) designate projects under such Program as major defense acquisition programs. Lists included projects. Requires the Under Secretary to exercise milestone decision authority with respect to such projects. Prohibits the delegation of such authority before October 1, 2006, and sets forth conditions for such delegation. (Sec. 805) Directs the Secretary to prescribe a quality control policy for the procurement of aviation critical safety items and of modifications, repair, and overhaul of such items. Subtitle B: Procurement of Services - (Sec. 811) Amends the Spence Act to: (1) increase from $5 million to $10 million the value of a DOD performance-based service contract or task order that may be treated as a contract for the procurement of commercial items; and (2) extend such treatment authority through October 30, 2006. (Sec. 812) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program during FY 2004 through 2008 for use of a best value criterion in the selection of sources for performance of information technology services for DOD. Requires the analysis to include an examination as to whether change of the performance of an information technology service function from DOD employees to the private sector will result in the best value to the Government over the life of the contract. Requires the CG to review the pilot program and report results to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 813) Authorizes the head of any DOD element within the intelligence community, or the United States Special Operations Command, to enter into a contract for the procurement of personal services necessary to carry out required missions without regard to current limitations on such contracts if the services to be procured are unique and not practically obtained by other means. Subtitle C: Major Defense Acquisition Programs - (Sec. 821) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to extend through FY 2007 DOD authority to engage in certain weapons-related prototype projects. Includes under such authority the improvement of weapons or weapon systems currently in use by the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program for follow-on contracting for the production of items or processes that are developed by nontraditional defense contractors under such prototype projects. Terminates pilot program authority on September 30, 2007. (Sec. 822) Directs the Secretary to establish a board of senior acquisition officials to administer the implementation of policies and requirements applicable for procurements of information technology equipment determined to be an integral part of a weapon or weapon system. Subtitle D: Domestic Source Requirements - (Sec. 831) Exempts from Buy American requirements procurements: (1) outside the United States in support of contingency operations; (2) for which other than competitive procedures have been approved which relate to unusual and compelling urgency of need; and (3) of waste and byproducts of cotton and wood fiber for use in the production of propellants and explosives. (Sec. 833) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the application of any domestic source or content requirement for the procurement of items grown, processed, or manufactured in a foreign country that has a reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding or agreement with the United States when the Secretary determines that: (1) their application would impede such a reciprocal agreement; and (2) such country does not discriminate against defense items produced in the United States to a greater degree than the United States discriminates against defense items produced in that country. (Sec. 834) Provides a Buy American requirement exception with respect to ball and roller bearings prepared for use in foreign products. Subtitle E: Defense Acquisition and Support Workforce - (Sec. 841) Repeals provisions establishing certain acquisition workforce directors. Authorizes the Secretary (currently the acquisition career program board concerned) to waive acquisition workforce management requirements when the Secretary determines that the employee possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority. Eliminates the requirement that the Office of Personnel Management approve of DOD civilian workforce management requirements. Provides for a single Acquisition Corps for all of the armed forces (currently, there is one for each department). Directs the Secretary (currently, each department) to conduct internship, cooperative education, and scholarship programs for aiming promising students toward DOD acquisition careers. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a different minimum number of years of experience, different minimum education qualifications, and different tenure of service qualifications for eligibility for appointment or advancement to the following acquisition positions: contracting officer, program executive officer, senior contracting official, program manager, and positions in the contract contingency force that are filled by military personnel. (Sec. 842) Prohibits reduction of the defense acquisition and support workforce below its level as of September 30, 2002, except as necessary to strengthen such workforce in higher priority positions as authorized under this section. (Sec. 843) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to require at least two-thirds of the individuals participating in a demonstration project relating to certain acquisition personnel management policies and procedures to be acquisition workforce and support personnel. Increases the authorized number of project participants from 95,000 to 120,000. Subtitle F: Federal Support for Procurement of Anti-Terrorism Technologies and Services by State and Local Governments - (Sec. 851) Authorizes the President to exercise discretionary indemnification authority to indemnify contractors and subcontractors in procurements by States or units of local government of a technology or service for preventing, detecting, identifying, deterring, or recovering from acts of terrorism. Provides indemnification limits. (Sec. 852) Directs the President to designate an officer or Federal employee to establish a program under which States and local governments may procure anti-terrorism technologies or services. Sets forth responsibilities of the contracting official and required procurement application procedures. Subtitle G: General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations, and Other Matters - (Sec. 861) Directs the Secretary to delegate to the commander of the unified combatant command responsible for joint warfighting experimentation the authority to develop and acquire battlefield command, control, communications, and intelligence equipment and other equipment appropriate for joint warfighting experimentation purposes. Provides cost limits. (Sec. 862) Allows the Director of the Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center to be chosen from among senior civilian officers and employees of DOD (currently, only from active-duty commissioned officers). Amends the Stump Act to require the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, if items are deployed under rapid acquisition and deployment procedures before completion of operational testing and evaluation, to have access to relevant operational records and data in order to complete such testing and evaluation. (Sec. 863) Repeals the five-year limit for task and delivery order contracts in connection with multi-year contracts for the acquisition of services. Allows the head of an agency entering into such a contract to provide that the contract cover a five-year period and an extended period, but prohibits the total period from exceeding eight years. (Sec. 864) Repeals the requirement that a procurement contractor provide written assurances regarding the completeness, accuracy, and contractual sufficiency of technical data provided by the contractor. (Sec. 865) Allows entering into a contract which covers parts of two different fiscal years, as long as the total contract period does not exceed one year, in connection with the DOD lease of real or personal property. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Department Officers and Agencies - (Sec. 902) Redesignates the National Imagery and Mapping Agency as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. (Sec. 903) Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards of conduct for members of the Defense Policy Board and the Defense Science Board. Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Subtitle B: Space Activities - (Sec. 911) Directs the Under Secretary of the Air Force to develop a space science and technology strategy, review and revise the strategy as appropriate, and report to the defense committees. Requires the CG to review and assess such strategy and report assessment results to such committees. (Sec. 912) Requires the Secretary to develop and report to the defense committees on a human capital resources strategy for space personnel of DOD. Requires the CG to review the strategy and report results to the defense committees. (Sec. 913) Declares it to be the policy of the United States for the President to undertake appropriate actions to ensure that the United States has the necessary capabilities to launch and insert U.S. national security payloads into space whenever needed. (Sec. 914) Directs the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to provide entities outside the Federal Government with satellite tracking services using assets owned or controlled by DOD. Requires a recipient of such services to enter into an agreement not to transfer any data or technical information to any other entity without the Secretary's express approval. Prohibits services and information concerning or derived from U.S. intelligence assets or data from being provided under the pilot program. (Sec. 915) Requires additional information in a required report from the Secretary to the defense committees concerning the Global Positioning System. Subtitle C: Other Matters - (Sec. 921) Redesignates the CINC Initiative Fund as the Combatant Commander Initiative Fund. Includes joint warfighting capabilities among authorized Fund activities. Increases the maximum amounts authorized for various Fund activities. (Sec. 922) Authorizes the President of the Marine Corps University to confer the degree of master of operational studies upon graduates of the School of Advanced Warfighting of the Command and Staff College. (Sec. 923) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the changing roles of the U.S. Special Operations Command. (Sec. 924) Declares it to be a DOD goal to fully coordinate and integrate the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and developmental activities of the military departments, intelligence agencies, and relevant combatant commands. Requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence to: (1) establish an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Integration Council to provide a permanent forum for the discussion and arbitration of issues relating to the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities; (2) develop a comprehensive Defense Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Roadmap to guide the development and integration of DOD intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for 15 years; and (3) report results to the defense, appropriations, and intelligence committees. (Sec. 925) Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands to establish the National Guard for the Northern Mariana Islands and to integrate its members into the U.S. Army and Air National Guards. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - (Sec. 1001) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer up to $3 billion of the amounts made available to DOD in this Act between any authorizations for that fiscal year. Requires congressional notification of each transfer. (Sec. 1002) Provides a new limitation on the total amount authorized to be contributed by the Secretary for the common-funded budgets of NATO (rather than the maximum amount otherwise applicable under the 1998 baseline limitation). Allocates for such purpose amounts authorized under titles II and III of this Act. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts amounts authorized to be appropriated in the Stump Act by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorizations were increased or decreased by any supplemental appropriations for FY 2003. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on FY 2003 fund transfers through transfer accounts, including the Iraqi Freedom Fund. Subtitle B: Improvement of Travel Card Management - (Sec. 1011) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement of direct payment to a travel card issuer (for payment of Government travel) when such payment would be against equity or good conscience or contrary to the best interests of the United States. (Sec. 1012) Directs the Secretary to require that the creditworthiness of an individual be evaluated before a Defense travel card is issued. (Sec. 1013) Requires the Secretary to prescribe and report to the defense committees on guidelines and procedures for making determinations regarding the taking of disciplinary action, including assessment of penalties, against DOD personnel for improper, fraudulent, or abusive use of Defense travel cards. Subtitle C: Reports - (Sec. 1021) Eliminates or revises various reporting requirements applicable to DOD. Terminates after FY 2006 a required report from the Secretary to the defense committees concerning DOD cooperative agreements and transactions to carry out research projects. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on the conveyance of utility systems. Raises from $500,000 to $1 million the threshold required for DOD architectural and engineering services and construction design activities prior to congressional notification of the scope and cost of such services. Amends the Department of Defense and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States Act, 2002 to remove an annual reporting requirement concerning DOD obligations for humanitarian and civic assistance incidental to authorized operations. (Sec. 1022) Directs the Secretary to prescribe an integrated plan for developing, deploying, and sustaining a prompt global strike capability in the armed forces. Requires plan reports from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees during 2004 through 2006. (Sec. 1023) Requires the Secretary to report to the above committees on the conduct of military operations under Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Sec. 1024) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the mobilization of reserve forces during fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Subtitle D: Other Matters - (Sec. 1031) Requires the Secretary, through the Commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command, to carry out a joint experiment in FY 2004 to demonstrate and evaluate available blue (friendly) forces tracking technologies. Requires experiment results to be reported by the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1032) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, during FY 2004 and 2005, to exchange for an historical artifact any obsolete or surplus property held by such department. (Sec. 1033) Authorizes the Secretary to accept any gifts (currently only foreign gifts or donations) on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. (Sec. 1034) Authorizes the Director of the National Security Agency to provide living quarters to a student in the Student Educational Employment Program or a similar program while the student is employed at the Agency laboratory. (Sec. 1035) Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from public disclosure operational files of the National Security Agency (files that document the means by which foreign intelligence or counterintelligence is collected through technical systems). (Sec. 1036) Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to transfer from the Secretary to the Director of Central Intelligence administration of the national security education program. (Sec. 1037) Directs the President to report to Congress on potential uses of unmanned aerial vehicles for support of the performance of homeland security missions. (Sec. 1038) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation, Inc., all rights and interest to one surplus T-37 "Tweet" aircraft, after ensuring that such aircraft no longer has any combat capability. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Policy - (Sec. 1101) Authorizes the Secretary to employ civilian faculty members at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. (Sec. 1102) Provides that when the Secretary seeks a grant of authority for critical pay for one or more positions within DOD, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget may fix such rate of pay. Prohibits the total of such pay from exceeding that authorized for the Vice President under current Federal pay provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish, fix the compensation of, and appoint persons to positions designated as critical administrative, technical, or professional positions of DOD. Terminates such authority ten years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1103) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Thurmond Act) to: (1) extend through FY 2008 the experimental authority for DOD recruitment of science or engineering experts for R&D projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; (2) increase from 40 to 50 the number of authorized appointments; and (3) extend a required annual report. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the Office of Personnel Management the personnel security investigation functions currently performed by DOD's Defense Security Service. Requires the transfer of appropriate personnel to perform such functions. Requires the Secretary to review all other functions currently performed by the Defense Security Service and determine whether the function is inherently governmental or otherwise inappropriate for performance by contractor personnel. Title XII: Matters Relating to Other Nations - (Sec. 1201) Authorizes the use of DOD funds to pay costs associated with the attendance of foreign military officers, ministry or defense officials, or security officials at U.S. military educational institutions or training programs conducted under the Regional Defense Counterterrorism Fellowship Program. Limits such funding to $20 million per fiscal year. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 1202) Authorizes the Secretary to expend DOD O&M funds for recognizing superior noncombat achievements or performance of members of friendly foreign forces or foreign nationals that significantly enhance or support the U.S. national security strategy. (Sec. 1203) Authorizes a Federal disbursing official to offer check cashing and other monetary exchange transactions for a member of the armed forces of a foreign country who is participating in a combined operation or mission with U.S. forces pursuant to an alliance or coalition, under certain conditions. (Sec. 1204) Limits to $15 million the total authorized assistance for FY 2004 for international nonproliferation activities under the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992. Extends such authority through such fiscal year. (Sec. 1205) Directs the CG to study and report to the defense committees on DOD costs of monitoring launches of satellites in a foreign country. (Sec. 1206) Requires an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees on implementation of the Prague Capabilities Commitment and development of the NATO Response Force by NATO-member nations. (Sec. 1207) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to: (1) revise the years of coverage for certain countries with respect to DOD financial assistance in support of counter-drug activities; and (2) add as countries authorized to receive such support Afghanistan, Bolivia, Ecuador, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Increases the amount of such assistance for FY 2004 through 2006. (Sec. 1208) Authorizes the Secretary, in FY 2004 and 2005, to use funds available for assistance to the Government of Colombia to support a unified campaign against narcotics trafficking and against activities of certain organizations designated as terrorist organizations. Prohibits as part of such support the participation of any U.S. military or civilian contractor personnel in any combat operation. Title XIII: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union - (Sec. 1301) Specifies the cooperative threat reduction (CTR) programs to be funded through O&M funds provided under this Act. Makes funds appropriated for such purpose available for three fiscal years. Allocates such funds among specified CTR programs. Prohibits such funds from being used for purposes other than those specified until 30 days after the Secretary reports to Congress on such purposes. Provides limited authority to vary allocated amounts in the national interest, after congressional notification. (Sec. 1303) Requires the Secretary to make an annual certification to the defense and appropriations committees on the use of each facility for a CTR project or activity for which construction occurred during the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 1304) Authorizes the President to obligate and expend current and prior year CTR funds for a proliferation threat reduction project or activity outside the states of the former Soviet Union if such project or activity will: (1) assist the United States in the resolution of a critical emerging proliferation threat; or (2) permit the United States to take advantage of opportunities to achieve long-standing nonproliferation goals. Limits fiscal year obligations for such purpose to $50 million. Subjects such authority to certain current CTR limitations and requirements, including prior congressional notification. (Sec. 1305) Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend through FY 2004 the inapplicability of certain conditions on the use of funds for the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia ( provided the President makes a specified certification to Congress). Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - (Sec. 2001) Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Title XXI(sic): Army - (Sec. 2101) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, carry out architectural planning and design activities, and improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 2003 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 2003 to terminate the authority to carry out certain projects in Germany and Korea and reduce related funding; (2) 2003 to increase the amount authorized for a project at Fort Riley, Kansas; (3) 2002 to increase the amount authorized for a project at Fort Richardson, Alaska; and (4) 2001 to increase the amount authorized for a project at Pohakoula Training Facility, Hawaii. Title XXII: Navy - (Sec. 2201) Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to terminate the authority to carry out a project at the Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland. Title XXIII: Air Force - (Sec. 2301) Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under title XXI. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to reduce the amount authorized for Air Force military family housing units. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - (Sec. 2401) Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after 2003 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2406) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to: (1) identify the particular installation of a construction project in Seoul, Korea; and (2) reduce the amount authorized for such project. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - (Sec. 2501) Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2003 for such Program. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - (Sec. 2601) Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2003 for National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - (Sec. 2701) Terminates all authorizations contained in Titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2006, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2006, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - (Sec. 2802) Increases from 2,000 to 2,800 the number of family housing units in Italy authorized to be leased by the Navy. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - (Sec. 2811) Increases from $500,000 to $750,000 the threshold for real property acquisitions or leases that may be undertaken by the Secretary concerned before notification of the defense committees. (Sec. 2812) Provides for the acceptance of in-kind consideration for easements for rights-of-way granted by the Secretary concerned, including easements for utility lines. (Sec. 2813) Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to allow the Secretary concerned to receive unaccompanied military housing (currently, only family housing) in exchange for the transfer of property at military installations scheduled for closure or realignment. (Sec. 2814) Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to exclude DOD property used in emergency support of homeland security from requirements to screen DOD surplus property for possible use to assist the homeless. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - (Sec. 2821) Authorizes the Secretary of: (1) the Army to convey to the State of Tennessee a parcel of real property at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Tennessee, in order to realign a highway in that area; (2) the Army to convey to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs a parcel of real property at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for the operation of a veterans' cemetery; (3) the Navy to convey the Preferred Development Group Corporation, Georgia, a parcel of property at Boyett Village/Turner Field in Albany, Georgia, for economic development use; and (4) Defense to authorize the Army and Air Force Exchange Service to convey through negotiated sale a parcel of real property on Roundtable Drive in Dallas, Texas. Subtitle D: Review of Overseas Military Facility Structure - (Sec. 2841) Overseas Military Facility and Range Structure Review Act of 2003 - Establishes the Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility and Range Structure of the United States to: (1) study matters relating to the military facility and range structure of the United States overseas; and (2) report review results to the President and Congress, including a proposal for an overseas basing strategy to meet current and future DOD mission requirements. Terminates the Commission 45 days after its report. Provides Commission funding through DOD O&M funds. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - (Sec. 3101) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 2004 for: (1) activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs necessary for national security, with specified allocations for weapons activities, defense nuclear nonproliferation activities, naval reactors, and the Office of the Administrator for Nuclear Security; and (2) environmental restoration and waste management activities in carrying out national security programs, with specified allocations for defense environmental management, other defense activities, defense nuclear waste disposal, and defense energy supply. Subtitle B: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - (Sec. 3131) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal the prohibition on R&D of low-yield nuclear weapons. (Sec. 3132) Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) to achieve and maintain a readiness posture of 18 months for resumption of U.S. underground nuclear tests. Requires the Secretary to determine and report to the defense and appropriations committees on whether a readiness posture of other than 18 months is advisable. (Sec. 3133) Directs the Administrator for Nuclear Security (Administrator) to complete the selection of projects for inclusion in the Facilities and Infrastructure Recapitalization Program of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) no later than September 30, 2004. Requires the Administrator, by the same date, to report to the defense and appropriations committees the guidelines for conducting the Readiness in Technical Base and Facilities program. Requires the latter program to be operated independently of the Operations of Facilities Program. (Sec. 3134) Amends the Spence Act to remove the F-canyon facility from DOE's authority to continue the processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy nuclear materials (leaving only the H-canyon facility). Revises a report requirement on the use of DOE funds for decommissioning the F-canyon facility. Subtitle C: Proliferation Matters - (Sec. 3141) Authorizes the Secretary to expand the International Materials, Protection, Control, and Accounting Program to carry out nuclear threat reduction activities and projects outside the states of the former Soviet Union. Requires 15 days' prior notification of the defense and appropriations committees before the obligation of funds for a project or activity under such expansion. (Sec. 3142) Directs the Administrator to report semiannually to the defense committees on the financial status of all DOE defense nuclear nonproliferation programs for which funds were authorized to be appropriated. (Sec. 3143) Requires a spending plan report from the Administrator to the defense committees if, on September 30, 2004, the aggregate amount obligated but not expended for defense nuclear nonproliferation activities exceeds 20 percent of the amount already obligated for such activities. Subtitle D: Other Matters - (Sec. 3151) Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize investigations of individuals to be employed on programs designated as sensitive to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (Sec. 3152) Directs the Secretary to include in the FY 2005 materials submitted to Congress in support of the DOE budget a report delineating responsibilities between and among the Environmental Management Program and the NNSA for: (1) environmental cleanup; (2) decontamination and decommissioning; and (3) waste management. Requires a report to Congress on such delineation. (Sec. 3153) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees updating a report on stockpile stewardship criteria required under the Atomic Energy Defense Act. (Sec. 3154) Requires a report from the: (1) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to Congress on the Institute's ability to obtain information necessary to carry out radiation dose reconstructions under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000; and (2) Secretary of Labor to Congress on the denial of claims under such Act. Subtitle E: Consolidation of General Provisions on Department of Energy National Security Programs - (Sec. 3161) Amends the Stump Act to add to it, for consolidation purposes, certain recurring and general provisions of law on DOE national security programs, including provisions under various defense authorization Acts relating to: (1) atomic energy defense; (2) the naval nuclear propulsion program; (3) nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship and production; (4) tritium production; (5) nuclear proliferation; (6) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (7) the closure of defense nuclear facilities; (8) laboratories safeguards and security, including background investigations and polygraph programs; (9) classified information; (10) defense emergency response; (11) personnel matters; (12) employee education and training; (13) worker safety at nuclear weapons facilities; (14) budget and financial management matters, including penalties under environmental laws; (15) administrative and other matters; (16) R&D; (17) facilities management; (18) matters relating to particular facilities, including the Hanford Reservation, Washington, and the Savannah River Site, South Carolina; (19) the processing, treatment, and disposal of legacy nuclear materials; (20) decommissioning of the F-canyon facility; and (21) the payment of O&M costs at the Nevada Test Site. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - (Sec. 3201) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
Bill· SS. 1055 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit for medical professional malpractice insurance according to the following schedule: (1) 20 percent of expenditures for any physician who practices in any surgical specialty or subspecialty, emergency medicine, obstetrics, anesthesiology, or who does intervention work which is reflected in medical malpractice insurance expenditures; (2) ten percent of expenditures for any physician who practices in general medicine, allergy, dermatology, or pathology; and (3) 15 percent of expenditures for any hospital or clinic. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants to eligible nonprofit hospitals and clinics to pay 15 percent of qualified medical malpractice insurance costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2068 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003
Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prescribe composition requirements for the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis, and direct it to make recommendations on: (1) a national plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the United States; and (2) a plan to guide U.S. involvement in global tuberculosis-control activities, with a focus on high incidence countries and on access to a comprehensive package of tuberculosis control measures. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants, to carry out tuberculosis research, demonstration projects, and public information and education programs. Authorizes the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make awards: (1) to faculty of schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine to support the development of high quality curricula to assist interested individuals in learning the principles and practices of preventing, managing, and controlling tuberculosis; and (2) to support the career development of clinically trained professionals committed to pulmonary infection research. Requires the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of NIH to work to develop a tuberculosis vaccine. Requires the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences to carry out an international training program regarding tuberculosis. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a portion of funds appropriated to repay the education loans of qualified health professionals, researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds, and pediatric researchers is reserved for contracts with individuals who research tuberculosis.