Housing

proposition de loi tendant à la mise en oeuvre de mesures urgentes en matière de logement

France · Senate · 23 December 2003

Progressive Tax Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Progressive Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the earned income credit, the child tax credit, and the deduction for dependents with a simplified family tax credit. Allows a limited credit for social security taxes. Sets forth provisions relating to corporate tax and provisions designed to curtail tax shelters, including provisions concerning penalties for: (1) failing to disclose reportable transactions; (2) accuracy; (3) understatements; (4) failing to register tax shelters; (5) failing to maintain lists of investors; (6) failing to report interests in foreign financial accounts; (7) frivolous tax submissions; and (8) promoters of tax shelters. Modifies individual income tax brackets and rates. Repeals the phaseout and termination provisions, enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, PL 107-16, applicable to the overall limitation on itemized deductions and the personal exemption amount (thus, repealing the removal of limitations). Treats individual capital gains and dividends as ordinary income. Repeals the repeal of estate taxes enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, PL 107-16. Modifies the estate tax. Increases the deduction for family-owned business interests. Extends superfund, oil spill liability, and leaking underground storage tank taxes. Revises provisions concerning the special depreciation allowance for certain property acquired after September 10, 2001, and before January 1, 2005, to change the January 1, 2005, limitation date to January 1, 2004. Repeals the exclusion for parking transportation fringe benefit. Repeals provisions concerning certain deductions for second homes.

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Amends the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004 (the law) to increase from $3.8 billion to $7.667 billion the limitation on new loan guarantee commitments of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), General and Special Risk Insurance Fund, for the period of applicability of the law. Allows such increase only: (1) after a certification by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to the congressional appropriations committees that the use of such authority will not result in loan guarantee commitments for all of FY 2004 at a level in excess of the limitation set forth in the FY 2003 appropriations Act, and that the apportionment of loan commitment authority provided for the Fund and the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund is in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the law; (2) if the authority for such increase applies only to new commitments issued after the enactment of this Act; and (3) if nothing in this Act is construed to pardon or release a Government officer or employee for violations of Federal law prohibiting an officer or employee from expending amounts in excess of appropriated amounts or expending sequestered amounts (the Antideficiency Act) or other applicable laws. Amends the law making continuing appropriations to provide a $141.4 million rate of operations for the Federal Aviation Administration Operations Account Staff Offices line of business.

5 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Forces property that has been handed over or it is planned to transfer for the purposes of the new affordable housing initiative agreed in Sustaining Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 December 2003

5 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Forces property that has been handed over or it is planned to transfer for the purposes of the new affordable housing initiative agreed in Sustaining Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/03]

42 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the additional financial provision for housing contained in his Department's Estimate for 2004; the number of additional dwelling units he expects will be financed by this amount; the average unit cost this represents; the way in which this compares with the average price of a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 November 2003

42 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the additional financial provision for housing contained in his Department's Estimate for 2004; the number of additional dwelling units he expects will be financed by this amount; the average unit cost this represents; the way in which this compares with the average price of a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/03]

42 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the additional financial provision for housing contained in his Department's Estimate for 2004; the number of additional dwelling units he expects will be financed by this amount; the average unit cost this represents; the way in which this compares with the average price of a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 November 2003

42 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the additional financial provision for housing contained in his Department's Estimate for 2004; the number of additional dwelling units he expects will be financed by this amount; the average unit cost this represents; the way in which this compares with the average price of a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/03]

Cost of Living Measurement and Index Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

Cost of Living Measurement and Index Act of 2003 - Directs the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to develop a methodology for measuring the cost of living in each State. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to determine how certain Federal benefits would be increased if such cost-of-living methodology were applied. Requires such study to include determination of increases in benefits under: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (2) earned income tax credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (3) all Federal housing assistance programs; (4) the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program; (5) the food stamp program; and (6) all other Federal nutrition assistance programs, to the extent they provide vouchers, coupons, cash grants, or cash reimbursements.

North Korean Freedom Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

North Korean Freedom Act of 2003 - Requires reports on: (1) the North Korean prison and labor camp system, focusing on prisons housing political prisoners; (2) U.S. Government policies toward North Korean defectors; (3) measures taken to facilitate access to the U.S. refugee program for individuals who have fled countries for religious freedom violations; and (4) funding for, and use of Federal resources by, entities that provide humanitarian or food aid to North Korea. Provides for: (1) public interest parole for North Koreans who are victims of North Korean Government malfeasance; (2) adjustment of status of a North Korean alien who has been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States after July 1, 2003, and who has been present in the United States for a year to alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Deems extraordinary and temporary conditions to exist that prevent such aliens from returning to North Korea in safety. Expands the S visa classification to include an alien who possesses and is willing to supply critical information concerning activities relating to weapons of mass destruction or delivery systems. Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security a Weapons of Mass Destruction Informant Center. Authorizes grants: (1) to organizations that provide assistance to persons attempting to escape North Korea, to North Korean orphans, or to North Koreans applying for U.S. admission; and (2) to promote human rights dialogue, programs for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, and market economies in North Korea. Requires the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report a plan for increasing U.S. broadcasts to North Korea to 24 hours per day. Authorizes appropriations for making available to North Koreans radios for receiving outside broadcasts. Sets forth conditions that must be satisfied by the North Korean Government before U.S. entities may provide humanitarian or non-humanitarian aid. Directs the President to establish an Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat North Korean Criminal Activities.

National Food Safety Database Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

National Food Safety Database Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the establishment of an electronic food safety database which shall be made available, through State agreements, to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, child care facilities, and other eligible institutions. Authorizes related State grants. Requires such database to maintain information concerning: (1) enforcement actions; (2) recalls; (3) food-borne illness outbreaks; and (4) facility inspections. Provides for the establishment of a related interagency task force and advisory committee.

Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate a community as a health empowerment zone if a participating community partnership: (1) requests such designation; and (2) demonstrates that the community is a community of color experiencing disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) grants to community partnerships of private and public entities to establish health empowerment zone programs to assist individuals, businesses, schools, minority health associations, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, health care clinics, and foundations in a health empowerment zone that are seeking to improve the health or environment of minority individuals and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health status and health care; (2) at least one grant in a health empowerment zone in a U.S. territory or possession; and (3) establish a health empowerment zone coordinating committee for each zone. Directs the Secretary, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance for such programs.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to replace the recapture bond provisions of the low income housing tax credit program.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions of the low income housing tax credit requiring a bond to cover recapture amounts from the disposition, prior to a 15-year compliance period, of a building (or interest therein) eligible for the credit. Provides for a three-year statute of limitation (from the end of the compliance period) for assessing a recapture deficiency. Requires owners of buildings eligible for the low income housing tax credit to file informational returns with the Secretary of the Treasury upon the occurrence of a recapture event and to provide persons who are named in such returns with specified information. Imposes penalties for failure to file required returns.

Commemorating the 15th anniversary of Rebuilding Together, commending Rebuilding Together for its service, and encouraging Americans to volunteer with Rebuilding Together and similar community organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003

Commends and commemorates the 15th anniversary of Rebuilding Together (a volunteer nonprofit housing rehabilitation organization). Calls upon State and local governments to cooperate with that organization in preserving, rehabilitating, and improving existing housing. Asks all Americans to consider volunteering with that and similar organizations. Encourages Members of Congress, their families, and their staffs to participate in such organization's home rehabilitation activities.

Rural Teacher Housing Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003

Rural Teacher Housing Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to make grants or loans to a school district located within a qualified community for: (1) construction of new housing units within the community, and the purchase and rehabilitation of existing structures to be used as such; (2) rehabilitation or leasing of housing units within a qualified community and the purchase or lease of real property on which such housing units will be constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated; (3) repayment of a loan used for such purposes or any other activities normally associated with them; and (4) funding of any remaining costs not financed by loans or other sources of funding. Defines qualified community as a home rule or general law city incorporated under the laws of Alaska, or an unincorporated community situated outside the city limits, which: (1) has a population of 6,500 or fewer individuals; (2) is situated within or near a Native Village that includes the Metlakatla Indian Community of the Annette Islands Reserve, as determined by the Corporation; and (3) is not connected by road (except the Alaska Marine Highway System or a road through Canada) or railroad to the municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. Requires occupants of such housing units, with certain exceptions, to be teachers, administrators, other school staff, and members of their households.

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009 for: (1) surface transportation research, development, and deployment; (2) training and education; (3) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (4) university transportation research; and (5) intellligent transportation systems research. Revises requirements for transportation: (1) research strategic planning to include development priorities; and (2) deployment grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to demonstrate the application of innovative technology in surface transportation infrsstructure construction and safety. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to: (1) develop an integrated, multimodal data strategic plan and revise it triennially; and (2) establish an Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for establishment of a Future Strategic Highway Research Program. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to revise the Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1998 and rename it the Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 2003. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Multimodal Trends Policy Research Program that systematically addresses critical short-term, medium-term, and long-term social science issues affecting and affected by the transportation system. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009 for: (1) transit research and development; (2) highway safety research and development; and (3) motor carrier research and development. Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary to establish an Innovative Practices and Technologies Demonstration and Deployment Program. Authorizes the Secretary (or the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development when required for urban transportation planning) to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to: (1) conduct competent research and investigations into the theoretical or practical problems of urban transportation; and (2) train individuals to conduct further research or obtain employment in an organization that plans, builds, operates, or manages an urban transportation system. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a motor carrier research and technology program; (2) a multimodal energy and climate change program to study the relationship of transportation, energy, and climate change as part of the National Climate Change Technology Initiative and the Climate Change Research Initiative; (3) a national cooperative freight transportation research program; (4) data exchange formats to ensure that highway and transit monitoring systems data, including statewide incident reporting systems, can readily be exchanged across jurisdictional boundaries; and (5) a planning capacity building initiative to support enhancements in transportation planning. Directs the President shall establish a Next Generation National Transportation Policy Study Commission.

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003

Strategy for Assuring Financial Empowerment Act - SAFE Act - Directs the President to develop a national strategy for financial education, the Strategy for Assuring Financial Empowerment (SAFE strategy), acting through the Secretary of the Treasury and the Office of Financial Education in the Department of the Treasury. Requires the SAFE strategy to: (1) address certain issues; and (2) be developed and transmitted to Congress annually, along with policy effectiveness reports. Requires the first SAFE strategy to contain recommendations and a proposal for forming a Financial Literacy and Education Working Group. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to chair the Working Group and to consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and with other officials of specified Federal, State, local, and private entities in developing the SAFE strategy.

Improving Homeownership Opportunities in High-Cost States Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003

Improving Homeownership Opportunities in High-Cost States Act - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (Freddie Mac) to include among the exceptions to the prohibition that an outstanding mortgage cannot exceed 80 percent of the securing property's value for a residential mortgage those properties located in a State containing any high-cost metropolitan statistical area (or portion thereof). Bases such high-cost determination on specified quarterly average one-family home prices.

Veterans' Right to an Attorney Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003

Veterans' Right to an Attorney Act of 2003 - Repeals Federal provisions: (1) prohibiting a fee from being charged, allowed, or paid for attorneys' services with respect to veterans' benefits claims at any time before the date on which the Board of Veterans' Appeals first makes a final decision in the case; and (2) allowing such a fee agreement only in cases arising with respect to veterans' housing and small business loans. (Such repeals in effect allow veterans to pay fees for attorney services during any stage of the claims process.)

Small State HOME Program Equity Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2003

Small State HOME Program Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to increase the minimum State allocation.

Affordable Housing Preservation Tax Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2003

Affordable Housing Preservation Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an affordable housing credit for the qualified preservation sale or exchange of an eligible multifamily property to or with a preservation entity which agrees to maintain specified affordability and use restrictions regarding the property.

Homeownership Opportunities for Uniformed Services and Educators Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003

Homeownership Opportunities for Uniformed Services and Educators Act - Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments for Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans for qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators and non-Federal public safety officers to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing agencies.

A bill 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 · 6 November 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, water infrastructure, and housing; and (2) ordinary and necessary capital expenditures authorized by law.

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

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003

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

Historically Women's Public Colleges and Universities Historic Building Preservation and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2003

Historically Women's Public Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to historically women's public colleges and universities for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures on their campuses. Specifies seven institutions to receive such grants in FY 2004 through 2008.

Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to define, with respect to a dwelling unit, "fair market rent" as one, determined at least annually by the Secretary of the Interior, for existing or newly constructed dwelling units of a size and type similar to, and located in the same market area as, the dwelling unit. Modifies program requirements concerning rents and housing payments. Provides that, in the case of a low-income family residing in a rental dwelling unit assisted with grant amounts under this Act, the monthly rent for the dwelling unit shall not exceed the fair market rent. States that, if such a family resides in a lease purchase dwelling unit assisted with such grant amounts, the monthly homebuyer payment shall not exceed, at the recipient's election, either 30 percent of the monthly adjusted family income, or the fair market rent. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring mandatory recertification of the incomes of families residing in rental or lease purchase dwelling units assisted with such grant amounts. Requires grant recipients to reserve amounts out of such grants to ensure payment of: (1) principal and interest as it becomes due on any bonds or other obligations relating to the housing; and (2) the costs of insurance and administrative expenses for such housing. Prohibits the Secretary from restricting access to, as well as reducing, a grant amount for any Indian tribe based solely on certain conditions relating to retention of grant income. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to declare that the giving of a preference to members of an Indian tribe for the use of any dwelling or other building constructed, improved, altered, repaired, replaced, or otherwise aided with assistance provided under such Act to the Indian tribe shall not constitute a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Amends the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act to make Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities, or other agencies primarily serving Indians eligible for Youthbuild grants.

American Homebuyers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

American Homebuyers Protection Act - Prohibits a person engaged in the construction of new homes from: (1) requiring a home purchaser to enter into a mandatory arbitration agreement as a condition precedent to entering into a purchase contract; and (2) offering a home purchaser a contract which includes a mandatory arbitration agreement unless such agreement is a separate agreement.

Healthy Children Through Better Nutrition Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003

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

Rural Renaissance Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Rural Renaissance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Rural Renaissance Corporation to issue rural renaissance bonds for the financing of qualified projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to the holder of a rural renaissance bond. Sets an annual rural renaissance bond limit and provides for allocation among the States. Describes qualified projects as: (1) a water or waste treatment project; (2) a conservation project, including any project to protect water quality or air quality (including odor abatement), any project to prevent soil erosion, and any project to protect wildlife habitat, including any project to assist agricultural producers in complying with Federal, State, or local regulations; (3) an affordable housing project; (4) a community facility project, including hospitals, fire and police stations, and nursing and assisted-living facilities; (5) a value-added agriculture or renewable energy facility project for agricultural producers or farmer-owned entities, including any project to promote the production or processing of ethanol, biodiesel, animal waste, biomass, raw commodities, or wind as a fuel; (6) a rural venture capital project for, among others, farmer-owned entities; (7) a distance learning or telemedicine project; (8) a project to expand broadband technology; and (9) a rural teleworks project.

To amend title 40, United States Code, to add Catawba and Cleveland Counties, North Carolina to the Appalachian region.

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003

Amends Federal provisions concerning Appalachian regional development to revise the definition of "Appalachian region" to include Catawba and Cleveland Counties in North Carolina.

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

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

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

194 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will maintain or increase the funding for the disabled persons housing grant in the coming budget in view of the fact that 2003 is the year of the disabled. [23807/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

194 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will maintain or increase the funding for the disabled persons housing grant in the coming budget in view of the fact that 2003 is the year of the disabled. [23807/03]

190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the percentage by which the national housing waiting list has been reduced or increased in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23777/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the percentage by which the national housing waiting list has been reduced or increased in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23777/03]

189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to tackle the housing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23776/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to tackle the housing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23776/03]

183 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the development of affordable housing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the contact he has had with Dublin City Council on this proposal. [23753/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

183 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the development of affordable housing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the contact he has had with Dublin City Council on this proposal. [23753/03]

182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [23729/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [23729/03]

181 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a new house grant which met the criteria will be re-examined. [23725/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

181 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a new house grant which met the criteria will be re-examined. [23725/03]

194 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will maintain or increase the funding for the disabled persons housing grant in the coming budget in view of the fact that 2003 is the year of the disabled. [23807/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

194 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will maintain or increase the funding for the disabled persons housing grant in the coming budget in view of the fact that 2003 is the year of the disabled. [23807/03]

190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the percentage by which the national housing waiting list has been reduced or increased in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23777/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the percentage by which the national housing waiting list has been reduced or increased in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23777/03]

183 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the development of affordable housing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the contact he has had with Dublin City Council on this proposal. [23753/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

183 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the development of affordable housing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the contact he has had with Dublin City Council on this proposal. [23753/03]

182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [23729/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [23729/03]

181 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a new house grant which met the criteria will be re-examined. [23725/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

181 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a new house grant which met the criteria will be re-examined. [23725/03]

179 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the re-development of St. Michael's Estate; if he will give a commitment to ensure the rejuvenation of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23723/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

179 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the re-development of St. Michael's Estate; if he will give a commitment to ensure the rejuvenation of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23723/03]

175 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the most recent figures for the total number of persons on local authority housing lists nationwide; the most recent figures for annual housing completions; and the date by which he estimates that housing waiting lists will have been removed arising from this. [23665/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

175 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the most recent figures for the total number of persons on local authority housing lists nationwide; the most recent figures for annual housing completions; and the date by which he estimates that housing waiting lists will have been removed arising from this. [23665/03]

172 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of transactions and the number of housing units constructed under section V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 in total and by local authority area, since the coming into law of the amended Act; the number and details of trans actions whereby cash payment or the transfer of land rather than the construction of housing units has been accepted as compliance with the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

172 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of transactions and the number of housing units constructed under section V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 in total and by local authority area, since the coming into law of the amended Act; the number and details of trans actions whereby cash payment or the transfer of land rather than the construction of housing units has been accepted as compliance with the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/03]

67 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the measures the Government has taken to comply with its economic commitments to the right to housing contained in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the reason, with specific reference to housing, the Government has not accepted the provisions of Article 31 of the Revised European Social Charter 1996 which came into force in 1999. [23540/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

67 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the measures the Government has taken to comply with its economic commitments to the right to housing contained in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the reason, with specific reference to housing, the Government has not accepted the provisions of Article 31 of the Revised European Social Charter 1996 which came into force in 1999. [23540/03]

56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of applications on hand in the various local authorities for the disabled person's grant; when he expects to provide the necessary funds to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23641/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of applications on hand in the various local authorities for the disabled person's grant; when he expects to provide the necessary funds to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23641/03]

47 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has been in contact with each local authority and health board to establish the number of persons currently awaiting approval under the dis abled person's grant scheme and the essential repairs for the elderly scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

47 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has been in contact with each local authority and health board to establish the number of persons currently awaiting approval under the dis abled person's grant scheme and the essential repairs for the elderly scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/03]

46 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the reported intention of a number of county managers to impose a levy of up to ?10,000 on each new house to fund development programmes; his views on this proposal; the impact he views it would have on the price of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23587/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

46 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the reported intention of a number of county managers to impose a levy of up to ?10,000 on each new house to fund development programmes; his views on this proposal; the impact he views it would have on the price of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23587/03]

39 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the Government's position on the increasingly common practice of local authorities moving away from the provision of social housing and relying ever more on voluntary housing agencies to fulfil this service; if his attention has been drawn to the plans by local authorities to sell or hand over to housing associations their housing stock in the coming years; if he has discussed this matter with local authorities or local authority managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23535/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

39 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the Government's position on the increasingly common practice of local authorities moving away from the provision of social housing and relying ever more on voluntary housing agencies to fulfil this service; if his attention has been drawn to the plans by local authorities to sell or hand over to housing associations their housing stock in the coming years; if he has discussed this matter with local authorities or local authority managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23535/03]

33 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which this figure compares with the corresponding figure for the equivalent dates in each of the previous five years; the total number of local authority dwellings com pleted or acquired in 2003; the anticipated number for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23572/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

33 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which this figure compares with the corresponding figure for the equivalent dates in each of the previous five years; the total number of local authority dwellings com pleted or acquired in 2003; the anticipated number for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23572/03]

49 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the initiatives which have been taken to advance the agreement reached with the trade unions and employer organisations under Sustaining Progress regarding the building of 10,000 affordable houses; if the eligibility criteria to apply to the target group has been defined; if these proposed houses are to be delivered by local authorities; if State-owned land is to be used for the building of these proposed houses; the way in which the building of these houses is to be financed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23539/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2003

49 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the initiatives which have been taken to advance the agreement reached with the trade unions and employer organisations under Sustaining Progress regarding the building of 10,000 affordable houses; if the eligibility criteria to apply to the target group has been defined; if these proposed houses are to be delivered by local authorities; if State-owned land is to be used for the building of these proposed houses; the way in which the building of these houses is to be financed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23539/03]