Housing

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Community Health Center Week to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2003

Calls for establishment of a National Community Health Center Week (beginning on August 10, 2003) to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers.

Secondary Mortgage Market Fair Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Secondary Mortgage Market Fair Competition Act - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (Freddie Mac) to repeal the State and local tax exemption.

Expressing the sense of Congress that Congress should participate in and support activities to provide decent homes for the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home; (2) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Habitat for Humanity, and contributing organizations, should sponsor and construct two homes in the Washington, D.C., metro area each as part of the "Congress Building America" program; and (4) these and other future occasions should be used to emphasize the importance of providing decent homes for all of the people in the United States.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2003

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department 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 Department of Defense and each military department for fiscal years after 2003 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2003 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2003 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2006, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2007, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Authorizes specified military land conveyances. 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.

Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003

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.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

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.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the management of health care services for veterans to place certain low-income veterans in a higher health-care priority category.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2003

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as of October 2, 2002, to give a higher priority in the provision of hospital care and medical services under the veterans' patient enrollment system to veterans who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for the area in which the veterans reside, regardless of whether such veterans are otherwise treated as single person families or families under such Act.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Improvements Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2003

Child and Adult Care Food Program Improvements Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise requirements for the child and adult care food program. Revises requirements relating to: (1) the eligibility of private organizations; (2) the supplement reimbursement rate for tier II family or group day care homes; (3) the administrative reimbursement rate for family or group day care home sponsoring organizations in rural areas; and (4) management support. Provides for temporary redefinitions of: (1) tier I family or group home in rural areas; and (2) at-risk school children in rural areas. Revises the program for at-risk school children to add Oregon, New York, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Iowa, and Indiana to the limited list of States in which institutions are to receive reimbursement. (Continues the current listing of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Delaware, Michigan, and two unspecified States.) Allows emergency shelters to claim reimbursement for resident children not more than 18 years of age. (The current limit is 12.)

Charitable Giving Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2003

Charitable Giving Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to charitable giving and charitable organizations to: (1) allow a deduction for a portion of charitable contributions to individuals who do not itemize; (2) allow tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) increase the cap on corporate charitable contributions; (4) provide a special rule for charitable contributions of food inventory; (5) revise certain excise taxes related to private foundations; (6) modify the excise tax on unrelated business taxable income of charitable remainder trusts; (7) extend and expand the charitable contribution for scientific property used for research and for computer technology and equipment used for educational purposes; (8) adjust the basis of S corporation stock for certain charitable contributions; (9) suspend the tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations; (10) revise church tax inquiry provisions; (11) revise declaratory judgment remedy provisions relating to tax-exempt organizations; (12) exclude from gross income certain landowner initiatives programs to conserve endangered habitats or species; (13) repeal the grassroots expenditure limit for charitable organizations; and (14) set forth a private foundation's permitted holdings, including provisions relating to a corporation that is publicly traded and publicly controlled. Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to any private entity that operates a promising social services program (as defined by this Act). Amends the Assets for Independence Act to authorize appropriations for the assets for independence programs. Expresses the sense of Congress encouraging corporate contributions to faith-based organizations. Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to include maternity group homes (as defined by this Act) within the program for transitional living youth projects for homeless youth. Authorizes FY 2003 and 2004 appropriations for such group homes.

Energy Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Sets forth a program to spur diverse energy research and production. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make permanent: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and (2) standby energy authorities regarding the International Energy Program, including summer fill and fuel budgeting programs. Sets forth a program for the payment of oil and gas royalties in kind. Mandates Federal remediation and closure for orphaned, abandoned, or idled oil and gas wells on Federal lands. Extends suspension of royalties (royalty relief) to: (1) oil and gas production from marginal properties; (2) deep water production of oil and gas; (3) Alaska offshore oil and gas production; (4) deep well production of natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico; and (5) ultra deep gas wells. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize easements on Federal lands on which easements are otherwise prohibited in order to support energy production, including oil and natural gas exploration and development. National Energy Data Preservation Program Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a National Energy Data Preservation Program. Requires the President and the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to expedite the Federal decision-making process for access to Federal lands for energy projects. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act - Prescribes parameters for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorization of an Alaska natural gas transportation project and pipeline expansion following an expedited approval process. Instructs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to train adult and dislocated workers in the skills required to construct and operate an Alaska gas pipeline system. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to offer Federal loan guarantees for specified infrastructure projects. Sets forth a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Modifies statutory constraints governing Federal coal leases, including acreage limitations, mining plans, and advance royalty payments. Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2003 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote comprehensive Indian energy activities and tribal energy resource development. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees and contractors. Nuclear Energy Finance Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance to supplement private-sector financing projects needed for energy security, fuel, technology diversity, or clean air attainment goals. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project. Amends the USEC Privatization Act to revise prescriptions governing uranium sales and transfers. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing applicants to propose alternative conditions and requirements for project works within a Federal reservation. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revamp guidelines governing leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands, including those withdrawn for military purposes. Establishes a grant program for biomass commercial utilization. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to revise energy reduction goals and performance requirements for Federal buildings. Institutes grant programs for: (1) low-income community energy efficiency; and (2) energy efficient public buildings. Revises energy conservation standards for: (1) additional consumer products; (2) affordable housing and assisted housing; and (3) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing. Sets forth a transportation fuels program using alternative fuels for dual-fueled vehicles and fuel credits for: (1) medium and heavy duty dedicated vehicles; (2) alternative fuel infrastructure investments; and (3) hybrid motor vehicles. Amends Federal transportation law to revise automobile fuel economy standards, including Federal fleet fuel economy. George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revamp guidelines governing hydrogen research and development, including fuel cells and related infrastructure for transportation (hydrogen vehicle demonstration program) and for commercial, industrial, residential, and electric power generation applications. Requires certain-size Federal agencies to submit a comprehensive hydrogen transition strategic plan to Congress. Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs of energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application that target: (1) energy efficiency; (2) diversity of energy supply; (3) decreasing dependence on foreign energy; (4) energy security; and (5) decreasing environmental impact of energy-related activities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement Initiatives that target research, development, and commercial application in the following areas: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fossil energy; (6) science; (7) energy and environment; (8) coal technology loans; (9) electricity reliability standards and transmission access; (10) regional markets; and (11) market transparency and manipulation. Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that Congress should participate in and support activities to provide decent homes for the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home; (2) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Habitat for Humanity, and contributing organizations, should sponsor and construct two homes in the Washington, D.C., metro area each as part of the "Congress Building America" program; and (4) these and other future occasions should be used to emphasize the importance of providing decent homes for all of the people in the United States.

Public Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Public Safety Act - Prohibits funds provided by the Federal Government to a State or local government for the purpose of providing core correctional services from being used to contract with private contractors or vendors to provide such activities. Defines core correctional services as the housing, safeguarding, protecting, and disciplining of persons charged or convicted of an offense. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to provide that: (1) any penal or correctional facility or institution, except for nonprofit community correctional confinement (such as halfway houses), confining any person convicted of offenses against the United States shall be under the direction of the Director of the Bureau and shall be managed and maintained by Federal, State, or local government employees; and (2) the housing, safeguarding, protection, and disciplining of any person charged with or convicted of any offense against the United States (with that exception) shall be conducted and carried out by Federal, State, or local government employees.

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act - Provides the rate of payment of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouses of former members of the Philippine Commonwealth Army or new Philippine Scouts who served with U.S. armed forces during World War II and became U.S. citizens or lawfully resided in the United States. Makes such veterans eligible for: (1) payment of compensation ($100 per month) for service-connected disability; (2) hospital and nursing home care and medical services in the United States in the same manner as U.S. veterans; (3) veterans' housing loans made or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (4) vocational rehabilitation as well as job counseling, training, and placement. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish outpatient health care at the Manila Outpatient Clinic in the Republic of the Philippines for such veterans residing in the Philippines. Makes spouses of such veterans eligible for veterans' educational assistance. Makes the rate of assistance for such spouses and children residing in the United States equal to the rate for the dependents of U.S. veterans. Makes such spouses and dependents eligible for job counseling, training, and placement benefits. Requires the Secretary to ensure that at least one member of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans is a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout.

FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2003 - Amends the National Housing Act to increase maximum mortgage loan limits for Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgages for multifamily housing in high-cost areas.

To provide for renewal of project-based assisted housing contracts at reimbursement levels that are sufficient to sustain operations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Amends the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 to revise the (rental) reimbursement levels for expiring project-based section 8 contracts. (Eliminates the existing reimbursement based upon the lesser of adjusted existing, fair market, or market rents for expiring moderate rehabilitation project contracts.)

Public Housing Drug Elimination Program Reauthorization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Public Housing Drug Elimination Program Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the assisted housing drug elimination program. Limits activities for programs designed to reduce drug use in and around assisted low-income housing to: (1) providing drug abuse treatment through rehabilitation or relapse prevention; (2) providing education about the dangers and consequences of drug use or violent crime; (3) identifying drug users, and assisting drug use discontinuance through education or treatment programs; (4) providing after school youth activities; and (5) providing capital improvements and security services to discourage or eliminate drug use or violent crime.

To extend the period for temporary mortgage and rental payments under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act from 18 months to 24 months for victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2003

Extends the period for temporary mortgage and rental payments under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act from 18 months to 24 months for victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2003 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a one-family residential unit.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the eligibility of certain expenses for the low-income housing credit.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include associated development costs in the basis of any building which is part of a low-income housing project when calculating the low-income housing credit.

Rural Housing Tax Credit Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Rural Housing Tax Credit Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit (the lesser of ten percent of the purchase price or $5,000) for the purchase of a principal residence by a first-time rural homebuyer. Establishes credit limitations based upon: (1) adjusted gross income; and (2) tax. Provides for credit recapture in the event of: (1) certain sales; or (2) failure to use as a principal residence.

Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) and the Missing Children's Assistance Act (MCAA) to reauthorize and revise programs under such Acts. Amends RHYA part A (Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Program) to provide for an exception to a 20-youth-maximum-capacity requirement for funding a runaway and homeless youth center or a locally controlled temporary shelter if the applicant assures that there is a State or local law or regulation that requires a higher maximum to comply with licensure requirements for children and youth serving facilities. Includes maternity group homes among the types of transitional living youth projects eligible for grants under part B (Transitional Living Grant Program) of RHYA.. Extends an individual youth's eligibility to remain in a part B shelter beyond the regular 540-day period, until the earlier of the youth's 18th birthday or the 180th day after the end of the 540-day period. Extends through FY 2008 the authorization of appropriations for programs under: (1) RHYA part E, Sexual Abuse Prevention Program; and (2) all other parts of RHYA. Increases to a minimum 45 percent, and a maximum 55 percent under certain conditions, the part B portion of funds allocated to parts A and B. Revises RHYA part A coordination assurance and part B coordination agreement requirements to provide for coordinating services with school district liaisons designated the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, to assure that runaway and homeless youth are provided information about the educational services available to such youth under such Act. Requires part B plan development to include referral of homeless youth to postsecondary education, to training services and programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and welfare programs under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) report on strategies to end youth homelessness; and (2) evaluate RHYA part B programs to report on long-term housing outcomes for youth 12 to 18 months after exiting the program. Sets 18 years as the maximum age limit for youth seeking shelter in RHYA part A centers. Amends MCAA to extend through FY 2008 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an annual grant by the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (in the Department of Justice) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); and (2) other programs under MCAA. Requires NCMEC to coordinate the operation of a cyber tipline for reporting Internet-related child sexual exploitation in the areas of: (1) distribution of child pornography; (2) online enticement of children for sexual acts; and (3) child prostitution.

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2003 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a one-family residential unit.

To amend the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to improve the surplus property disposal process for closed or realigned military installations.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to: (1) require (currently, authorizes) the transfer to a local redevelopment authority (LRA) by the Secretary of Defense of real and personal property at a closed or realigned military installation, including existing housing units and real property designated for future housing units, to be without consideration (if the LRA takes certain steps); (2) remove the requirement that the Secretary seek to obtain consideration for such transfers with respect to military installations for which the date of approval of closure or realignment is after January 1, 2005; (3) remove the Secretary's authority to recommend that an installation be placed in an inactive status for national security or other U.S. interests; and (4) make the LRA the single community based organization responsible for monitoring Federal environmental remediation activities with respect to the installation.

Armed Forces Housing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003

Armed Forces Housing Improvement Act - Makes a member of the armed forces who has a spouse and at least one dependent under 19 residing with such member eligible for military installation housing containing at least three bedrooms, regardless of such member's grade, rank, or rating. Considers housing containing less than three bedrooms inadequate housing for such member. Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to require the military base housing office of each installation to review and revise its housing market analysis and military family housing requirements to accommodate such policy. Prohibits military housing construction funds appropriated before this Act from being obligated until such Secretaries certify to Congress that: (1) such analyses and requirements have been revised; and (2) the unobligated funds will be used to accommodate such policy and implement such analyses and requirements.

A bill to expand the scope of the HUBZone program to include difficult development areas.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003

Amends the Small Business Act concerning the HUBZone program (Small Business Administration assistance for start-up businesses in historically underutilized business areas) to qualify under the program any county in which there is a difficult development area (area having high construction, land, and utility costs relative to median gross income), as designated by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under tax credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Energy Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Title I: Oil And Gas - Subtitle A: Production Incentives - (Sec. 101) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make permanent: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary throughout this Act, unless otherwise indicated) to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and (2) standby energy authorities regarding the International Energy Program, including summer fill and fuel budgeting programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on petroleum and natural gas storage capacity and operational inventory levels, nationwide and by major geographical regions. (Sec. 103) Sets forth a program for the payment of oil and gas royalties in kind upon demand of the Secretary. Restricts such payments to a determination by the Secretary that the royalties provide benefits to the United States greater than, or equal to those likely to have been received had royalties been taken in value. Authorizes the Secretary, in disposing of gas or oil royalty taken in kind, to grant a preference to any person, including any State or Federal agency, for the purpose of providing additional resources to any Federal low-income energy assistance program. (Sec. 104) Prescribes conditions for: (1) royalty rate reductions on marginal property and the termination of such rates; and (2) royalty relief for deep water production in certain parts of the Gulf of Mexico. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to inventory, analyze, and report to Congress on oil and natural gas resources beneath all of the waters of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 107) Extends royalty relief to certain Planning Areas offshore Alaska. (Sec. 108) Prescribes procedures for Federal remediation and closure for orphaned, abandoned, or idled oil and gas wells on lands administered by Federal land management agencies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to promulgate final royalty incentive regulations for natural gas produced from deep wells and ultra deep wells in certain shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. (Sec. 110) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize easements on Federal lands on which easements are otherwise prohibited in order to support energy production, including oil and natural gas exploration and development. (Sec. 111) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to grant impact assistance payments, according to specified guidelines, to Producing Coastal States with an approved Coastal Impact Assistance Plan, and to coastal political subdivisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009. (Sec. 112) National Energy Data Preservation Program Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a National Energy Data Preservation Program, including an Energy Data Archive System. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2007. (Sec. 113) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to exempt from its oil and gas lease acreage limitation any lease committed to a federally approved unit or cooperative plan, or communitization agreement, or for which royalty, including compensatory royalty or royalty-in-kind, was paid in the preceding calendar year (thus removing acreage limitations from oil and gas leases granted royalty relief under this Act). (Sec. 114) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to assess and report to Congress on the economic implication of the dependence of the State of Hawaii on oil as its principal source of energy. Subtitle B: Access to Federal Lands - (Sec. 121) Directs the President to establish the Office of Federal Energy Permit Coordination to report annually to Congress on activities to coordinate and expedite Federal decisions on energy projects. (Sec. 122) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish a Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project; and (2) inventory for Congress oil and gas resources on all onshore Federal lands and restrictions or impediments to resource exploration, production, and transportation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in order to ensure timely action on oil and gas leases and applications for permits to drill on lands otherwise available for leasing, to: (1) ensure expeditious compliance with certain requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (2) improve consultation and coordination with the States; (3) improve the collection, storage, and retrieval of information related to such leasing activities; and (4) improve inspection and enforcement of oil and gas activities, including enforcement of terms and conditions in permits to drill. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2007. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review and report to Congress on the current policies and practices with respect to management of Federal subsurface oil and gas development activities and their effects on the privately owned surface. (Sec. 126) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands, to designate and incorporate utility corridors in the eleven contiguous Western States into the relevant Federal land use and resource management plans. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to do the same with affected Federal agencies in the other States. Subtitle C: Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline - Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act - (Sec. 133) Prescribes parameters for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorization of an Alaska natural gas transportation project other than the system authorized under the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976, following an expedited approval process. Declares that no license, permit, lease, right-of-way, authorization, or other approval required under Federal law for the construction of any pipeline to transport natural gas from lands within the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas lease area may be granted for any pipeline that follows a route that: (1) traverses the submerged lands beneath, or the adjacent shoreline of, the Beaufort Sea; and (2) enters Canada at any point north of 68 degrees North latitude. (Sec. 135) Authorizes FERC, upon request, to order the expansion of such project if it determines that such expansion is required by the present and future public convenience and necessity. Specifies requirements FERC must meet before ordering such an expansion. (Sec. 136) Establishes the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects to: (1) coordinate the expeditious discharge of all activities by Federal agencies with respect to an Alaska natural gas transportation project; and (2) ensure Federal agency compliance. Denies any Federal officer or agency authority to include terms and conditions that are permitted, but not required by law on any authorization issued to an Alaska natural gas transportation project, if the Federal Coordinator determines that such terms and conditions would prevent or impair the expeditious construction, operation, or expansion of the project. Prohibits any Federal officer or agency from modifying or abrogating any authorization issued to an Alaska natural gas transportation project if the Federal Coordinator determines that such action would prevent or impair expeditious project construction, operation, or expansion. (Sec. 137) Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia original and exclusive jurisdiction for judicial review of final orders by any Federal agency or officer relating to the project. (Sec. 138) Deems any facility receiving natural gas from the Alaska natural gas transportation project for delivery to consumers within Alaska to be a local distribution facility under the Natural Gas Act, and so not subject to FERC jurisdiction. (Sec. 139) Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to Congress on alternative approaches to the construction and operation of the project. (Sec. 141) Expresses the sense of Congress that an Alaska natural gas transportation project will provide significant economic benefits to the United States and Canada. Urges the sponsors of the pipeline project to make every effort to: (1) use steel manufactured or produced in North America; (2) negotiate a project labor agreement to expedite pipeline construction; and (3) maximize the participation of small business concerns in contracts and subcontracts awarded in carrying out the project. (Sec. 142) Declares the sense of Congress that an Alaska natural gas transportation project will provide significant economic benefits to the United States and Canada. Directs the Comptroller General study and report to Congress on the extent to which small business concerns participate in the construction of oil and gas pipelines in the United States. (Sec. 143) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award grants to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to train adult and dislocated workers in the skills required to construct and operate an Alaska gas pipeline system. (Sec. 144) Cites conditions under which the Secretary of Energy may offer Federal loan guarantee instruments for qualified infrastructure projects(defined as pipelines and related transportation and production systems used to transport natural gas from the Alaska North Slope to the continental United States). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 145) Expresses the sense of Congress that natural gas delivered from Alaska's North Slope will neither displace nor reduce the commercial viability of Canadian natural gas produced from the McKenzie Delta, nor production from the Lower 48. Title II: Coal - Subtitle A: Clean Coal Power Initiative - (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2011 for a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Subtitle B: Federal Coal Leases - (Sec. 211) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to: (1) repeal the 160-acre limitation for coal leases; and (2) modify mining plans and advance royalty payments. Subtitle C: Powder River Basin Shared Mineral Estates - (Sec. 221) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) undertake a review of existing authorities to resolve conflicts between the development of Federal coal and the development of Federal and non-Federal coalbed methane in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana; and (2) report to Congress on alternatives to resolve these conflicts, and to identify any preferred alternative, including specific legislative language required to implement such alternative. Title III: Indian Energy - Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2003 - (Sec. 302) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote comprehensive Indian energy activities and tribal energy resource development through a program of grants and loans. (Sec. 303) Prescribes implementation guidelines governing leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving Indian energy development or transmission. Directs the Administrators of the Bonneville Power Administration and of the Western Area Power Administration to encourage Indian tribal energy development through programs within their respective Administrations, including power allocations and purchases. (Sec. 304) Declares the Dine Power Authority (an enterprise of the Navajo Nation) eligible to receive grants and other assistance for development of a transmission line from the Four Corners Area (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona) to southern Nevada, including related power generation opportunities. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote energy conservation in housing located on Indian land and assisted with Federal resources. Title IV: Nuclear Matters - Subtitle A: Price-Anderson Act Amendments - Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - (Sec. 402) Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and for nonprofit educational institutions. Subtitle B: Deployment of New Nuclear Plants - Nuclear Energy Finance Act of 2003 - (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance to supplement private-sector financing projects needed for energy security, fuel, technology diversity, or clean air attainment goals. Subtitle C: Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project - (Sec. 431) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project managed by the Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology. (Sec. 433) Designates the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory as the lead laboratory for the Program, providing the site for the reactor construction. (Sec. 435) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2008 and beyond. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Matters - (Sec. 441) Amends the USEC Privatization Act to revise requirements governing aggregate annual uranium sales and transfers by the Federal government for commercial nuclear power end uses. Sets increasing ceilings on aggregate annual deliveries of uranium in any form, from 3 million pounds U3O8 equivalent per year through calendar 2009 to 10 million pounds in calendar 2013 and thereafter. Makes the recovery and extraction of the uranium component from contaminated uranium bearing materials from U.S. Government sites by commercial entities the preferred method of making uranium available under this subtitle. Exempts from the uranium sale or transfer limits of this subtitle certain sales or transfers: (1) provided for under existing law for use by the Tennessee Valley Authority in relation to DOE high-enriched uranium or tritium programs; (2) to the DOE research reactor sales program; (3) of up to 3,293 metric tons of uranium to the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) to replace uranium that the Secretary transferred to it (before its privatization in July 1998) on or about June 30, 1993, April 20, 1998, and May 18, 1998, and that does not meet commercial specifications; (4) of any uranium for emergency purposes in the event of a disruption in supply to end users in the United States; (5) of any uranium in fulfillment of the U.S. Government's obligations to provide security of supply with respect to implementation of the Russian HEU Agreement; and (6) of any enriched uranium for use in an advanced commercial nuclear power plant in the United States with nonstandard fuel requirements. (Sec. 442) Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to decommission and decontaminate the sodium-cooled fast breeder experimental test-site reactor in northwest Arkansas in accordance with an August 31,1998, DOE report. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 501) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) publish annual reports based upon assessments of renewable domestic energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, ocean (tidal and thermal), geothermal, and hydroelectric energy; and (2) undertake new assessments as necessary, taking into account changes in market conditions, available technologies, and other relevant factors. (Sec. 502) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Instructs the Secretary to assign 60 percent of appropriated funds for any given year to facilities that use solar, wind, geothermal, or closed-loop ( defined as dedicated energy crops) biomass technologies to generate electricity if there are insufficient appropriations to make full payments for electric production from all qualified renewable energy facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to alter such percentage requirements after transmitting to Congress the reasons to do so. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2023. (Sec. 503) Instructs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to recommend to Congress any opportunities to develop renewable energy on public lands within their respective jurisdictions. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study the potential for the development of wind, solar, and ocean (tidal and thermal) energy on the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) assess existing Federal authorities for the development of such resources; and (3) recommend statutory and regulatory mechanisms for such development. (Sec. 504) Requires Federal purchases of renewable energy to escalate in accordance with certain percentage guidelines. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) update energy surveys, estimates, and assessments for certain insular areas; and (2) revise the comprehensive energy plan for such insular areas in order to reduce reliance on energy imports and to increase use of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency opportunities. Subtitle B: Hydroelectric Licensing - (Sec. 511) Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing applicants to propose alternative conditions and requirements for project works, including fishways, within a Federal reservation. Prescribes procedures for acceptance or rejection of such alternative proposals. Subtitle C: Geothermal Energy - (Sec. 521) Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revise guidelines governing leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands, including those withdrawn for military purposes. Repeals the current limitation of competitive bidding to leases of lands within known geothermal resources areas, and of noncompetitive bidding to leases of lands outside such areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary for this subtitle) to accept nominations at any time from companies and individuals of lands to be leased under such Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) hold a competitive lease sale at least once every two years for lands in a State in which there are nominations pending where such lands are otherwise available for leasing; and (2) make available for a two-year period for noncompetitive leasing any tract for which a competitive lease sale is held, but for which the Secretary does not receive any bids in the competitive lease sale. (Sec. 522) Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to submit to Congress a joint memorandum of understanding regarding leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands under their respective jurisdictions. Prescribes memorandum details. (Sec. 523) Instructs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to report jointly Congress on leasing and permitting activities for geothermal energy on Federal lands withdrawn for military purposes. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the Secretary to reinstate a lease terminated for failure to pay rent timely if the failure was inadvertent. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate a final regulation providing a simplified methodology for determining the amount or value of the steam for purposes of calculating the royalty due on geothermal production; and (2) establish a schedule of fees and collect fees in lieu of royalties with respect to the direct use of low temperature geothermal resources for purposes other than the generation of electricity. Subtitle D: Biomass Energy - (Sec. 532) Prescribes implementation guidelines for a biomass commercial utilization grant program to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior with respect to public and Indian lands and by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the National Forest System. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. Title VI: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Federal Programs - (Sec. 601) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to revise energy reduction goals and performance requirements for Federal buildings, including: (1) a timetable for reduced energy consumption; (2) metering of energy use; (3) revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards; (4) permanent authority to enter into energy savings performance contracts; and (5) Federal procurement guidelines for energy efficient products. (Sec. 606) Directs the Architect of the Capitol to develop and implement a cost-effective energy conservation and management plan for all facilities administered by Congress. (Sec. 607) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to set forth implementation guidelines for increased use of recovered mineral component in federally funded projects involving procurement of cement or concrete. (Sec. 608) Authorizes Federal agencies to participate in programs, including utility energy services contracts, conducted by gas, water and electric utilities and generally available to their customers, to increase energy efficiency, water conservation, or the management of electricity demand. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to examine and report to Congress on whether the goals of energy efficiency standards are best served by measurement of energy consumed, and efficiency improvements, at the actual site of energy consumption, or through the full fuel cycle, beginning at the source of energy production. Subtitle B: State and Local Programs - (Sec. 611) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments, private non-profit community development organizations, and Indian economic development organizations for: (1) a low-income community energy efficiency pilot program; and (2) State energy offices to improve energy efficient public buildings and facilities. (Sec. 612) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the appropriate State agency to assist local government units to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings and facilities through construction and renovation projects. (Sec. 613) Creates a Federal fund allocation program to implement a State energy efficient appliance rebate program. Subtitle C: Consumer Products - (Sec. 621) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise energy conservation standards for specified additional consumer and commercial electrical products. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate a rulemaking to consider the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program. Authorizes the Secretary or the FTC, as appropriate, to prescribe labeling requirements for certain additional products. (Sec. 623) Establishes a voluntary program at the DOE and at the Environmental Protection Agency to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings (Energy Star Program). (Sec. 624) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a consumer education program that also targets small businesses owners regarding energy savings resulting from properly conducted maintenance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Subtitle D: Public Housing - (Sec. 631) Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, respectively, to: (1) authorize within Federal assistance for low-income public housing programs: (1) energy efficient, affordable housing and residential energy conservation measures; and (2) increase the amount of financial assistance for public services for energy conservation and efficiency. (Sec. 633) Amends the National Housing Act to revise Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing. (Sec. 635) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include within the scope of grants for energy-conserving improvements in assisted housing the installation of energy and water conserving fixtures and fittings that conform to specified standards. (Sec. 637) Requires a public housing agency to purchase energy-efficient appliances that are Energy Star products or FEMP-designated products. (Sec. 638) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to substitute the "2000 International Energy Conservation Code" for the current statutory energy efficiency standard known as the "CABO Model Energy Code, 1992." (Sec. 639) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement an integrated strategy to reduce utility expenses through cost-effective energy conservation and efficiency measures and energy efficient design and construction of public and assisted housing. Title VII: Transportation Fuels - Subtitle A: Alternative Fuel Programs - (Sec. 701) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to cite circumstances that permit an agency to qualify for a waiver of the alternative fuel use requirement applicable to Federal light duty vehicles. (Sec. 702) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to drop the 20 percent biodiesel fuel volume requirement applicable to the allocation of biodiesel fuel use credits. (Sec. 703) Redefines alternative fueled vehicle to include a neighborhood electric vehicle. (Sec. 704) Prescribes guidelines for the allocation of Federal credits for: (1) the purchase of medium and heavy duty dedicated vehicles; (2) alternative fuel infrastructure investments. (Sec. 707) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the effect that titles III, IV and V of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 have had on the development of alternative fueled vehicle technology, its market availability, and the cost of alternative fueled light duty motor vehicles. (Sec. 708) Authorizes the States to permit a vehicle with fewer than two occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes if it is a dedicated vehicle. (Sec. 709) Prescribes alternative compliance guidelines for waivers of statutory requirements governing petroleum fuel reduction and clean air requirements for alternative fueled vehicles and for the fleets of new light duty motor vehicles. Prescribes requirements for issuance of credits for the acquisition and use of dedicated vehicles (new qualified hybrid motor vehicles, light, medium, or heavy duty vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles). Subtitle B: Automobile Fuel Economy - (Sec. 711) Amends Federal transportation law to expand the considerations affecting decisions by the Secretary of Transportation concerning maximum feasible average fuel economy, and to direct such Secretary to issue an environmental assessment of the effects of the increased standards upon the environment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 713) Raises the mandatory standard for average fuel economy of new executive agency (Federal fleet) automobiles. (Sec. 714) Directs the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a cost-shared, public-private research partnership to develop and demonstrate railroad locomotive technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and lower costs of operation. (Sec. 715) Directs the Secretary to analyze the potential fuel savings and emissions reductions resulting from use of idling reduction technologies as they are applied to heavy-duty vehicles. Declares that, in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions due to engine idling, the maximum gross vehicle weight limit and the axle weight limit for any motor vehicle equipped with an idling reduction technology certified by DOE will be increased by an amount (up to 400 pounds) necessary to compensate for the additional weight of the idling reduction system. Title VIII: Hydrogen - Subtitle A: Basic Research Programs - George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - (Sec. 802) Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revamp guidelines governing hydrogen research, development, and demonstration. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 803) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on advanced hydrogen-powered vehicle technologies (authorizing appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008); (2) establish an interagency task force to coordinate Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities; and (3) contract with the National Academies to review and report to Congress on the status of Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities. Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for demonstration and commercial application of: (1) hydrogen-powered vehicles and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in a variety of transportation-related applications (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (2) hydrogen fuel cells in stationary applications (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (3) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in countries where an energy infrastructure is not already well developed (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (4) hybrid distributed power systems on certain Indian lands (authorizing appropriations for FY 2005 through 2008); and (5) distributed generation systems to significantly reduce the cost of producing hydrogen from renewable energy for use in fuel cells (authorizing appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008). (Sec. 814) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to study and report jointly to Congress on energy needs and uses at National Parks, and the potential for fuel cell and other hydrogen-based technologies to meet them. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to fund at least three pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 and 2005. Subtitle C: Federal Programs - (Sec. 821) Directs the Secretary to conduct a public education program designed to increase public interest and acceptance of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 822) Requires Federal agencies with annual outlays of over $20 million to submit a comprehensive hydrogen transition strategic plan to Congress. (Sec. 823) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish minimum Federal fleet purchase requirements for hydrogen vehicles. (Sec. 824) Directs the President to seek to ensure that the total amount of electric energy consumed by the Federal Government during any fiscal year shall be generated by stationary fuel cells in accordance with prescribed percentages and timetable. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 and following years. (Sec. 825) Directs the Secretary to publish and transmit to Congress a plan identifying critical technologies, enabling strategies and applications, technical targets, and associated timeframes for the commercialization of hydrogen-fueled fuel cell vehicles. Title IX: Research and Development - Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2003 - (Sec. 902) Directs the Secretary to conduct energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs that target: (1) energy efficiency; (2) diversity of energy supply; (3) decreasing dependence on foreign energy; (4) energy security; and (5) decreasing environmental impact of energy-related activities. Subtitle A: Energy Efficiency - (Sec. 911) Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement initiatives that target research, development, and commercial application (R&D) in the following areas: (1) energy efficiency; (2) Next Generation Lighting Initiative; (3) a National Building Performance Initiative; (4) secondary electric vehicle battery use; and (5) energy efficiency science initiative. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. Subtitle B: Distributed Energy and Electric Energy Systems - (Sec. 921) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for distributed energy and electric energy systems, including micro-cogeneration energy technology. (Sec. 922) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transmit to Congress a strategy for a comprehensive R&D program for certain hybrid distributed power systems; (2) establish a comprehensive research, demonstration, and commercial application program to improve energy efficiency of high power density facilities; and (3) make competitive, merit-based grants to consortia for the development of micro-cogeneration energy technology. (Sec. 935) Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to coordinating consortia of interdisciplinary participants for demonstrations designed to accelerate the utilization of distributed energy technologies, such as fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, thermally activated technologies, and combined heat and power systems, in highly energy intensive commercial applications. (Sec. 926) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution to implement a comprehensive R&D program to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and environmental integrity of electrical transmission and distribution systems. Subtitle C: Renewable Energy - (Sec. 931) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for renewable energy R&D activities. (Sec. 932) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a bioenergy R&D program; (2) initiate a partnership encompassing diesel engine, diesel fuel injection system, and diesel vehicle manufacturers, including diesel and biodiesel fuel providers, in order to include biodiesel testing in advanced diesel engine and fuel system technology; and (3) conduct a R&D program for concentrating solar power for hydrogen production, including co-generation approaches for hydrogen and electricity. (Sec. 935) Directs the Secretary to conduct R&D programs for: (1) ocean energy, including wave energy; (2) the combined use of renewable energy technologies with one another and with other energy technologies, including the combined use of wind power and coal gasification technologies; and (3) renewable energy technologies for cogeneration of hydrogen and electricity. Subtitle D: Nuclear Energy - (Sec. 941) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for core nuclear energy R&D programs. (Sec. 942) Instructs the Secretary to conduct a nuclear energy research initiative that encompasses: (1) a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization Program; (2) Nuclear Power 2010 Program; (3) Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative; (4) reactor production of hydrogen; (5) nuclear infrastructure support; and (6) advanced fuel recycling technology R&D. (Sec. 944) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish fellowship and faculty assistance programs, including support for fundamental research and for collaborative research among industry, national laboratories, and universities through the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative; (2) conduct a R&D program on cost-effective technologies for increasing the safety of nuclear facilities; and (3) furnish Congress with results of a survey regarding industrial applications of large radioactive sources. Subtitle E: Fossil Energy - (Sec. 951) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for fossil energy R&D activities. (Sec. 952) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct R&D programs pertaining to specified oil and gas applications, including fuel cells; (2) establish a national center or consortium of excellence in clean energy and power generation; (3) conduct an R&D program on coal mining technologies; (4) conduct a coal and related technologies research program; and (4) establish a Complex Well Technology Testing Facility at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center to increase the range of extended drilling technologies. Subtitle F: Science - (Sec. 961) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for R&D activities of the Office of Science. (Sec. 962) Prescribes guidelines for United States participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project (ITER). (Sec. 963) Directs the Secretary to report on the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) as part of the DOE annual budget submission, including a description of the achievement of milestones, a comparison of actual costs to estimated costs, and any changes in estimated project costs or schedule. Specifies maximum DOE obligations for the SNS. (Sec. 964) Instructs the Secretary to develop and implement a strategy for science and energy facilities and infrastructure at all national laboratories and single-purpose research facilities. (Sec. 965) Directs the Secretary to support research programs that target the following areas: (1) catalysis research; (2) nanoscale science and engineering; (3) advanced scientific computing for energy missions; (4) the Genomes to Life Program; (5) fission and fusion energy materials; and (6) energy-related issues regarding water resources and municipal waterworks, including water supply issues related to energy production. Subtitle G: Energy and Environment - (Sec. 971) Directs the Secretary to establish a United States-Mexico Energy Technology Cooperation Program to promote energy efficient, environmentally sound economic development along the United States-Mexico border which minimizes public health risks from industrial activities in the border region. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 972) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to provide a $125 million loan to the owner of the experimental plant constructed under DOE cooperative agreement number DE-FC-22-91PC90544 on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines, including interest rates and upfront payments. Subtitle H: Management - (Sec. 982) Directs the Secretary to require a non-Federal source commitment of at least: (1) 20 percent of R&D project costs; and (2) 50 percent of direct costs of any demonstration or commercial application project. (Sec. 984) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish National Energy R&D Advisory Boards to review DOE programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and fossil energy; (2) designate a Technology Transfer Coordinator to perform oversight of and policy development for technology transfer activities at the Department; (3) establish a Technology Transfer Working Group and a Technology Infrastructure Program; and (4) require the Director of each National Laboratory to establish a small business advocacy and assistance program. (Sec. 988) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress identifying any policies or procedures of a contractor operating a National Laboratory or single-purpose research facility that create disincentives to the temporary transfer of scientific and technical personnel among the contractor-operated National Laboratories or contractor-operated single-purpose research facilities and provide suggestions for improving inter-laboratory exchange of scientific and technical personnel. (Sec. 989) Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on: (1) the obstacles to accelerating the R&D cycle for energy technology; and (2) the adequacy of DOE policies and procedures pertaining to technology transfer-related disputes between DOE contractors and the private sector. (Sec. 994) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to: (1) rename the Under Secretary of Energy the Under Secretary for Energy and Science, who shall serve as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; and (2) replace the Director of the Office of Science with an Assistant Secretary for Science. Declares the sense of Congress that the leadership for departmental missions in nuclear energy should be at the Assistant Secretary level. Increases from six to seven the number of Assistant Secretaries in the DOE. (Sec. 995) Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 996) Grants the Secretary additional authority to enter into transactions on such terms as the Secretary may deem appropriate in furtherance of R&D functions. Exempts such transactions from certain provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974. (Sec. 997) Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to investigate and report (ultimately to Congress) on the scientific and technical merits of any evaluation methodology currently in use or proposed for use in relation to DOE scientific and technical programs by the Secretary or other Federal official. Title X: Personnel and Training - (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary to monitor trends in the workforce of skilled technical personnel supporting energy technology industries, including renewable energy industries, companies developing and commercializing devices to increase energy efficiency, the oil and gas industry, the nuclear power industry, and the coal industry. Authorizes traineeship grants for skilled technical personnel for whom a national shortfall of skilled technical personnel is determined. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Secretary to establish postdoctoral and distinguished senior energy research fellowships. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 1003) Instructs the Secretary of Labor, jointly with the electric industry and with recognized employee representatives, to develop training guidelines for electric energy industry personnel. (Sec. 1004) Directs the Secretary to support the establishment of a National Center on Energy Management and Building Technologies to facilitate improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. (Sec. 1005) Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) give priority to activities designed to encourage students from under-represented groups to pursue scientific and technical careers; and (2) instruct the Director of each National Laboratory to enter into partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Indian tribal colleges to train personnel in science or engineering. (Sec. 1006) Directs the Secretary to support establishment of a National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center to train certified operators for electric power generation plants. (Sec. 1007) Instructs the Secretary of Labor to hire, train, and deploy additional skilled Federal mine inspectors to ensure the availability of skilled and experienced individuals and to maintain the number of Federal mine inspectors at or above authorized levels. Title XI: Electricity - Subtitle A: Reliability - (Sec. 1111) Amends the Federal Power Act to grant FERC, for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance, jurisdiction over the Electric Reliability Organization, over regional entities, and over all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system. Prescribes implementation guidelines. Exempts Alaska and Hawaii from such provisions. Subtitle B: Regional Markets - (Sec. 1121) Remands for reconsideration by FERC a certain proposed rulemaking on standard market design. Prohibits issuance of any final rule thereon before July 1, 2005. (Sec. 1122) Expresses the sense of Congress that all transmitting utilities in interstate commerce should voluntarily become members of independently administered Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO's) that have operational or functional control of facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce and do not own or control generation facilities used to supply electric energy for sale at wholesale. (Sec. 1123) Prescribes guidelines under which the appropriate Federal regulatory authority may arrange to transfer control and use of all or part of the Federal utility's transmission system to an RTO. (Sec. 1124) Directs FERC to: (1) convene regional discussions with State regulatory commissions to address whether wholesale electric markets in each region are working effectively to provide reliable service to electric consumers at the lowest reasonable cost; and (2) give priority to discussions in regions that do not have an RTO. Subtitle C: Improving Transmission Access and Protecting Service Obligations - (Sec. 1131) Requires FERC to: (1) ensure that certain load-serving entities (defined as a distribution utility or an electric utility that has a service obligation to end-users or a distribution utility) are entitled to use firm transmission rights in order to deliver energy to meet service obligations; and (2) facilitate the planning and expansion of transmission facilities to meet the needs of load-serving entities to satisfy their service obligations. (Sec. 1132) Prescribes implementation guidelines under which FERC may require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide transmission services: (1) at rates comparable to those that it charges itself; and (2) on terms and conditions comparable to those under which it provides transmission services to itself and that are not unduly discriminatory or preferential. (Sec. 1133) Instructs FERC to issue a final rule establishing transmission pricing policies that promote investment in transmission infrastructure. Subtitle D: Amendments to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 - (Sec. 1141) Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to: (1) make available upon request net metering and time-based metering service; and (2) provide competitive pricing and access to the local distribution grid to distributed generation, combined heat and power, and district heating and cooling systems. (Sec. 1145) Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility (qualifying facility) if FERC finds that the qualifying facility has access to an independently administered, auction-based day ahead and real time wholesale market for the sale of electric energy. Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to sell electric energy to a qualifying facility if competing retail electric suppliers are able to provide electric energy to the facility. Grandfathers existing contracts. Eliminates ownership limitations for such facilities. (Sec. 1146) Instructs FERC to promulgate regulations to ensure recovery by any electric utility of all costs associated with the purchases of electricity or capacity from a qualifying facility before the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle E: Provisions Regarding the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 - (Sec. 1152) Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. (Sec. 1153) Mandates Federal and State access to books and records of each holding company and its affiliates. Subtitle F: Market Transparency, Anti-Manipulation and Enforcement - (Sec. 1171) Amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC to issue rules establishing an electronic information system for public access to information that facilitates price transparency and participation in markets subject to FERC jurisdiction, including information about the availability and market price of wholesale electric energy and transmission services. Prohibits the filing of false information regarding the wholesale price of electricity, and round trip trading. (Sec. 1173) Increases civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act. Subtitle G: Consumer Protections - (Sec. 1181) Instructs the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules: (1) protecting the privacy of electric consumers from the disclosure of consumer information in connection with the sale or delivery of electric energy to a retail electric consumer; (2) prohibiting the change of selection of an electric utility without the electric consumer's informed consent (slamming); and (3) prohibiting the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer without express authorization by law or the electric consumer (cramming). Subtitle H: Technical Amendments - (Sec. 1191) Amends the Federal Power Act to make technical amendments to reflect the changes made by this Act.

Housing Assistance for Needy Families Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003

Housing Assistance for Needy Families Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States for tenant-based rental and first-time homeownership housing. Directs a recipient State to provide such assistance through block grants. Bases family eligibility for such assistance upon income and non-receipt of section 8 assistance (under the Housing Act of 1937), with a temporary waiver for a family currently receiving section 8 tenant-based or voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including assistance portability.

Housing Assistance for Needy Families Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003

Housing Assistance for Needy Families Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States for tenant-based rental and first-time homeownership housing. Directs a recipient State to provide such assistance through block grants. Bases family eligibility for such assistance upon income and non-receipt of section 8 assistance (under the Housing Act of 1937), with a temporary waiver for a family currently receiving section 8 tenant-based or voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including assistance portability.

Prevention of Predatory Lending Through Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003

Prevention of Predatory Lending Through Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States, units of local government, and nonprofit organizations for counseling, referral, and education programs for the prevention of predatory lending. Directs the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone number for predatory lending complaints. Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development a Predatory Lending Advisory Council, which shall: (1) advise the Secretary on issues concerning predatory lending practices; and (2) conduct a study of the causes of home loan defaults and foreclosures.

Community Development Homeownership Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Community Development Homeownership Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a community homeownership tax credit based upon an applicable percentage of each qualified residence's eligible basis. Makes such credit available to residences (including factory built homes) located: (1) in a census tract with a median gross income not exceeding 80 percent of the greater area or statewide median gross income; (2) in a rural area; (3) on an Indian reservation; or (4) in an area of chronic economic distress. Prohibits a buyer's income from exceeding 80 percent (70 percent for families of less than three) of the area gross median income and requires owner occupancy. Specifies that the aggregate homeownership credit dollar amount which a homeownership credit agency (an "agency") may disburse is the portion of the "State homeownership credit ceiling" (the "ceiling") allocated to such agency. Allows "unused homeownership credit carryovers" to be allocated among qualified States. Sets aside up to 90 percent of a State's ceiling for certain housing projects in which a qualified nonprofit organization owns an interest and materially participates in the given project's development and operation throughout the credit period. Requires allocation of credit to residences to be in accordance with a "qualified allocation plan" of the agency issuing credit. Lists certain specified criteria such a plan must include and specifies that the plan must be approved by the governmental unit of which such agency is a part.

To require payments to State and local governments for infrastructure and social services needs in the same amount as the amount of relief and reconstruction funds provided to Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to States and local governments to coordinate their budget-related actions with Federal Government efforts to stimulate the economy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for such payments in an amount equal to the total amount appropriated for for FY 2003 for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund in the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003, and subsequent appropriations Acts.Requires not less than one-third of such amount to be made available to local governments. Requires the Secretary to establish a formula for determining the allocation of payments, with priority consideration to the relative unemployment rate, median income, population, and poverty rate. Permits the use of funds received by States and local governments only for: (1) ordinary and necessary maintenance and operating expenses for education; public safety; public health; social services; roads, transportation, and water infrastructure; and housing; and (2) ordinary and necessary capital expenditures authorized by law.

Rural Rental Housing Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003

Rural Rental Housing Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural rental assistance, with applicant priority given to very low-income families, low-income communities, rural areas, and communities with severe lack of affordable rental housing.

A bill to amend the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to provide for transitional housing assistance grants for child victims of domestic violence.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to require the Attorney General to award grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribes, and other organizations to carry out programs to provide short-term housing assistance and related support services to minors, adults, and their dependents: (1) who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, as a result of fleeing a situation of domestic violence; and (2) for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient. Limits the duration of such assistance to an 18-month period, except that a grant recipient may extend such assistance for an additional six-month period with respect to any minor, adult, or dependent who has been unable to acquire permanent housing despite a good-faith effort to do so.

To amend the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to provide for transitional housing assistance grants for child victims of domestic violence.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to require the Attorney General to award grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribes, and other organizations to carry out programs to provide short-term housing assistance and related support services to minors, adults, and their dependents: (1) who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, as a result of fleeing a situation of domestic violence; and (2) for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient. Limits the duration of such assistance to an 18-month period, except that a grant recipient may extend such assistance for an additional six-month period with respect to any minor, adult, or dependent who has been unable to acquire permanent housing despite a good-faith effort to do so.

New Homestead Economic Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

New Homestead Economic Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to assume the obligation to repay specified portions of certain federally guaranteed education loans of borrowers who complete a degree and reside and are employed in a qualifying rural county. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a specified tax credit to an individual who purchases a qualified residence in a qualifying rural county. Allows a capital loss deduction with respect to the sale or exchange of a principal residence in certain rural areas. Provides for establishment of tax-exempt individual homestead accounts to which a qualified individual residing in a qualifying rural county may make cash contributions, matched annually to a specified extent by the Secretary of the Treasury, for use exclusively to pay qualified individual homestead expenses. Allows a rural investment tax credit for an applicable percentage of the eligible basis of a qualified rural investment building. Provides for accelerated depreciation for specified rural investment property. New Homestead Venture Capital Fund Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to add a New Homestead Venture Capital Fund Act allowing private investors to establish a non-Federal New Homestead Venture Capital Fund to make needed investments in qualifying rural counties to reverse the impact of chronic outmigration and help such counties rebuild and grow.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to a home.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that all United States citizens have a right to a home, which right shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State.

American Dream Downpayment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

American Dream Downpayment Act - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to participating jurisdictions for downpayment assistance to low-income, first-time home buyers; and (2) make the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 inapplicable to such assistance.

Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003

Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require lenders to establish a best practices plan, meeting certain criteria, to ensure compliance with such Act for high cost mortgages. Proscribes unfair or deceptive acts or practices in providing mortgage lending services for either a subprime federally related mortgage loan or for mortgage brokerage services for such a loan. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Consumer Fairness Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to declare unenforceable a written provision in any consumer contract or transaction which requires binding arbitration to resolve any controversy arising out of such transaction or contract, or the refusal to perform all or any part of the transaction. (Permits post-controversy arbitration agreements.) Amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to authorize the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to make grants to nonprofit community development corporations to educate and train borrowers and community groups regarding illegal and inappropriate predatory lending practices.

Steven B. Nesmith, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Melody H. Fennel.

United States · United States Senate · 7 April 2003

Energy Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003

Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Amends Federal energy law with respect to specified areas of Federal energy policy. Provides for private development of energy resources on previously proscribed Federal lands. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to energy conservation, energy assistance, and energy efficiency programs, including the Energy Star programs. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2003 - Sets forth a statutory framework for the expedited approval, construction, and operation of an Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project as an alternative to the framework provided in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976. Instructs the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to full capacity. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal the temporary funding and exercise of authorities governing the SPR (thus making permanent the authority to operate the SPR and other energy programs). Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary of Energy to implement a program for the recovery of unproven oil and natural gas reserves. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend to August 1, 2017, the authority to indemnify Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and nonprofit educational institutions. Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth implementation guidelines for: (1) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) establishment of incentive-based transmission rate treatments to promote capital investment in electric energy transmission facilities in interstate commerce; (2) the siting of interstate electrical transmission facilities; and (3) open access transmission by unregulated transmitting utilities. Creates a statutory mechanism for electric reliability standards incorporating Electric Reliability Organizations to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to FERC review. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2003 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing sales of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, or transmission services in interstate commerce; (2) prohibit round trip trading; and (3) extend FERC jurisdiction to certain interstate sales of electric energy that violate FERC rules. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Establishes a safe harbor for renewable fuels containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) that is used for or intended as a motor vehicle fuel. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan guarantee program for private sector construction of facilities to process and convert municipal solid waste into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct energy research and development programs concerning: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; and (3) renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy. Targets the following areas for program implementation: (1) bioenergy programs; (2) renewable energy in public buildings; (3) nuclear energy research programs; (4) advanced fuel recycling technology; (5) university nuclear science and engineering support; (6) fossil energy research, including coal mining technologies; and (7) technologies for ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resources. Provides loan guarantees for: (1) a certain coal gasification project that produces power in deregulated energy generation markets; (2) a petroleum coke gasification polygeneration project; and (3) the owner of a specified experimental plant on such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Energy determines, including interest rates and upfront payments. Outer Continental Shelf Shallow Water Deep Gas Royalty Relief Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend royalties under existing leases for natural gas produced from deep wells on oil and gas lease tracts in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) mandate that a specified statutory bidding system be used on certain prospective oil or gas lease sales located on tracts within certain Planning Areas in the Gulf of Mexico and all tracts in a frontier area offshore Alaska; and (2) extend the royalty-suspension authority of the Secretary of the Interior to the planning areas offshore Alaska. National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, and the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 to permit easements for specified activities not otherwise authorized when such activities: (1) support exploration, development, production, transportation, or storage of oil, natural gas, or other minerals; or (2) produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2003 - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing program for lands within the Coastal Plain. Repeals the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal the 160-acre limitation for coal leases; (2) authorize further extension of the diligent development period for mining plans beyond the statutory forty-year maximum; and (3) prohibit requirement of financial assurance for certain coal leases. Prescribes implementation guidelines for: (1) corridor designations needed or useful for oil and gas pipelines and electricity transmission and facilities on Federal lands in specified Western States; (2) electricity transmission rights-of-way through a specified National Forest and other public lands; and (3) wind energy development projects on public lands. Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to credits and deductions pertaining to energy conservation, distribution, and production. Prescribes tax treatment of corporate expatriation. Amends specified statutes relating to Federal housing mortgage insurance to increase mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2004 for: (1) armed forces procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including authorized end strengths. Increases as of January 1, 2004, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes an incentive bonus for conversion to undermanned military occupational specialties. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including Buy American requirements and the temporary assignment to DOD of certain non-Government personnel; (5) DOD organization and management; (6) space activities, including the provision of space surveillance network services to U.S. and non-U.S. Government entities; (7) DOD civilian personnel policy; (8) matters relating to other nations, including the recognition of superior noncombat achievements by friendly foreign forces or foreign nationals; (9) homeland security, including the sale of chemical and biological defense articles and services to State and local governments; and (10) military construction and military family housing.

HOPE VI Program Reauthorization and Small Community Mainstreet Rejuvenation and Housing Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

HOPE VI Program Reauthorization and Small Community Mainstreet Rejuvenation and Housing Act of 2003 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) extend and authorize appropriations for the HOPE VI revitalization program; and (2) authorize HOPE VI grants for assisting affordable housing through main street projects in smaller communities.

College Fire Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003

College Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to private or public colleges or universities, fraternities, or sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities. Requires grant priority to be given eligible entities that demonstrate the greatest financial need. Reserves the following portions of grant funds made available for each fiscal year: (1) at least ten percent for eligible entities that are historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities; and (2) at least ten percent for eligible entities that are social fraternities and sororities. Provides that any application for assistance under this Act, any negative determination on the part of the Secretary with respect to such application, or any statement of reasons for the determination, shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity (except a proceeding to enforce an agreement entered into between the Secretary and an eligible entity under this Act).

Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003

Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes emergency war-related appropriations for FY 2003 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Justice (including the Counterterrorism Fund); (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (5) the Judiciary; and (6) the Department of State and related agencies, including the Broadcasting Board of Governors for Middle East Television Network broadcasting to the Middle East and radio broadcasting to Iraq. Makes emergency war-related appropriations for the following Department of Defense-Military items, programs, and activities: (1) Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide; (2) Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (3) Military Personnel, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Reserve Personnel-Army, and National Guard Personnel-Army); (4) Operation and Maintenance, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Defense-Wide, Army National Guard); (5) the Defense Health Program; (6) Procurement, Army, Transfer of Funds (Aircraft, Missiles, Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Ammunition, Other, Defense-Wide); (7) Procurement, Air Force; (8) Procurement, Defense-Wide; (9) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Transfer of Funds (Army and Defense-Wide); (10) Combat, Stability Operations, and Air Force Reconstitution Cost (including Transfer of Funds); (11) Natural Resources Risk Remediation Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (12) Revolving and Management Funds (Defense Working Capital Funds); and (13) other specified Department of Defense Programs (Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, including Transfer of Funds). Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, and the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 to: (1) make available specified additional funds; and (2) provide for a specified transfer of funds by the Secretary of Defense. Makes specified amounts available for transfer by the Secretary of Defense to the Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund. Makes additional funds available for Bilateral Economic Assistance to: (1) the United States Agency For International Development; (2) the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (3) International Disaster Assistance; (4) Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development; (5) the Economic Support Fund; (6) the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (including Transfer of Funds); and (7) Loan Guarantees to Israel. Makes additional funds available to the Department of State for: (1) the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; (2) the Andean Counterdrug Initiative; (3) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (4) the Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs. Makes additional funds available for Foreign Military Assistance Financing Program and Peacekeeping Operations. Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Department of Homeland Security; (2) Citizenship and Immigration Services; (3) United States Secret Service; (4) Border and Transportation Security; (5) Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (6) the Transportation Security Administration; (7) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Operating Expenses; (8) the Office For Domestic Preparedness; (9) the United States Coast Guard; (10) Emergency Preparedness and Response; and (11) Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Makes additional funds available for the Department of Health and Human Services: (1) Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (Disease Control, Research, and Training); and (2) Office of the Secretary (Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund). Makes additional Legislative Branch funds available for: (1) the House of Representatives salaries and expenses; (2) Committee Employees (Standing Committees); (3) Capitol Police; (4) the Office of Compliance; (5) the Architect of the Capitol; (6) the Library of Congress; and (7) the General Accounting Office. Makes additional Department of Defense funds available for: (1) Military Construction (Navy and Air Force); and (2) Family Housing Operation and Maintenance for the Air Force.

Supplemental Appropriations Act to Support Department of Defense Operations in Iraq for Fiscal Year 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Supplemental Appropriations Act to Support Department of Defense Operations in Iraq for Fiscal Year 2003 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service; (2) the Department of Justice; (3) the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors; (4) the Department of Defense (DOD), including the Defense Emergency Response Fund; (5) the Department of the Interior; (6) the Department of Energy; (7) bilateral economic assistance, including the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund; (8) the Department of State; (9) military assistance; (10) the Department of Homeland Security; (11) the Department of Health and Human Services; (12) the Legislative Branch; (13) the Department of Transportation; (14) the Department of Commerce and related agencies; (15) the District of Columbia; (16) the Department of Labor; (17) the Department of Education and related agencies; (18) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (19) liquidation of obligations of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Makes specified transfers of DOD funds for drawdown support in the war against Iraq. Repeals the Iraq Sanctions Act of 1990. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the reconstruction of Iraq should be funded to the maximum extent possible from revenues produced by Iraqi oil. Makes specified funds from this Act available to DOD to carry out military construction projects necessary to respond to or protect against acts or threatened acts of terrorism or to prosecute operations in Iraq. Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to construct in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, a memorial marker honoring the seven members of the crew of the Columbia Orbiter who died on February 1, 2003, during the landing of space shuttle mission STS-107. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for FY 2003 to: (1) reimburse the airline industry for certain increased aviation security costs; and (2) compensate air carriers for costs of strengthening flight deck doors and locks. Places specified limits on executive officer compensation for the provision by the Secretary of Transportation of war risk insurance or reinsurance for air carriers. Provides additional temporary extended unemployment compensation for displaced airline related workers.

Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for the following: (1) residential solar energy property; (2) qualified fuel cell power plants; (3) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (4) construction of new energy efficient home; (5) combined heat and power system property; (6) production of low sulphur diesel fuel; and (7) producing oil and gas from marginal wells. Repeals: (1) the 4.3-cent per gallon diesel fuel excise taxes on railroads and inland waterway transportation; (2) phaseouts for qualified electric vehicle credit and the deduction for clean fuel-vehicles; and (3) for two years, the alternative minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs for certain taxpayers and the minimum tax limitation on the oil recovery credit. Treats: (1) natural gas gathering lines as 7-year property; (2) natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property; and (3) electric transmission property treated as 15-year property. Extends and modifies the credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources; (2) producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Provides for: (1) reduced motor fuel excise tax on certain mixtures of diesel fuel; (2) the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with environmental protection agency sulfur regulations; (3) an increase in the barrel per day small refiner exception to oil depletion deduction; (4) treating of gain ratably over an 8-year period with respect to sales or dispositions to implement Federal energy regulatory commission or State electric restructuring policy; (5) modifications to the special rules for nuclear decommissioning costs; (6) the treatment of certain income of rural electric cooperatives; and (7) amortization, over a 2-year period, of delay rental payments and of geological and geophysical expenditures. Allows: (1) the prepayment of premium liability for coal industry health benefits; (2) generally, for the inapplicability of arbitrage rules to prepayments for natural gas; (3) the suspension, until December 31, 2006, of the limitation based on 65 percent of taxable income and of taxable income limit with respect to marginal production; and (4) certain business related energy credits against the regular and minimum tax.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) and military construction for FY 2004. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, the defense health program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; (2) research, development, test and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including authorized end strengths. Sets forth provisions governing continuing military readiness activities on military lands and range preservation. Increases as of January 1, 2004, the rates of military basic pay. Extends certain bonus and special and incentive pay authorities. Authorizes an incentive bonus for conversion to undermanned military occupational specialties. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including Buy American requirements, the temporary assignment to DOD of certain non-Government personnel, and the extension of the Defense Production Act of 1950; (5) DOD organization and management, including protection of the operational files of the National Security Agency; (6) space activities, including the provision of space surveillance network services to non-U.S. Governmental entities and launch and reentry services to commercial entities; (7) DOD civilian personnel policy; (8) matters relating to other nations, including the recognition of superior noncombat achievements by friendly foreign forces or foreign nationals and the expanded use of cooperative threat reduction funds; (9) homeland security, including the sale of chemical and biological defense articles and services to State and local governments; and (10) military construction and military family housing. Establishes a National Defense Heritage Foundation.

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes and which make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to continue to be treated as tax-exempt organizations so long as all of the active members of the recipient organization are full-time students at the college or university with which the recipient organization is associated.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2004. Amends Federal law to permit the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to provide bonuses to enlisted members who complete training in a critical skill. Increases the limits to the number of active duty commissioned officers (except commissioned warrant officers) and the percentages of commanders and lieutenant commanders on the active duty promotion list. States that in time of war or national emergency the Secretary shall establish the total number of active duty commissioned officers (excluding commissioned warrant officers). Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans to eligible entities for the acquisition or construction of military housing units. Authorizes the Coast Guard Auxiliary to exercise dominion over personal property, subject to the Commandant's approval. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to permit the Secretary to cooperate with a public or private entity for Marine vessel traffic services. Amends Federal law to revise suspension criteria, and the bases for suspension and revocation of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document. Increases civil penalties for violations of bridge statutes and failure to comply with established safety standards. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the amount of funds available to the President for the removal of a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance. Amends Federal law to authorize members of the Coast Guard, subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, to carry firearms, make arrests, and seize property. Amends the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 to require the Secretary oversee the conveyances of lighthouses. Authorizes appropriations for capital expenses related to Loran-C navigation infrastructure.

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Save America's Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for: (1) qualified energy efficient improvements to existing homes; and (2) the construction of qualified new energy efficient homes. Allows a deduction for energy efficient commercial property expenditures.