Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· HRH.R. 2344 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Intellectual Property Protection Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends Federal patent law to prohibit the award of remedies in civil actions brought for infringement of a patent issued on or after January 1, 2004, if a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of such patent, except upon proof that by the date the infringement commenced (or January 1, 2006, whichever is later) the State has waived its immunity from suit in Federal court for any infringement of intellectual property protected under Federal law. Exempts patents from such limitation if it would materially and adversely affect a legitimate contract-based expectation in existence before January 1, 2004, or the party seeking remedies was a bona fide purchaser for value of the patent, and, at the time of the purchase, did not know and was reasonably without cause to believe that a State or State instrumentality was once the legal or beneficial owner of the patent. Amends Federal copyright law and the Trademark Act of 1946 to apply the same condition of State waiver of immunity to suit under Federal law to the award of remedies in any civil action brought under such laws where a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of the copyright or trademark involved. Provides that in actions against an officer or employee of a State or its instrumentality for violations of provisions of Federal copyright or patent laws, the U.S. Code, the Trademark Act of 1946, or the Plant Variety Protection Act, remedies shall be available against such individual in the same manner and to the same extent as they available in an action against a private individual under like circumstances. Imposes liability on States for violations of the fifth or fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution (takings or due process violations) involving intellectual property under such Federal laws.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 255 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 4 (prohibiting the physical desecration of the U.S. flag).
Bill· SS. 1121 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Middle East Trade and Engagement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President to designate any of 18 specified Middle Eastern countries as a beneficiary country if the country meets specified requirements, which focus on economic policy, the rule of law, political freedom, alignment with U.S. trade and foreign policy interests, the promotion of human rights, and combating terrorism. Authorizes the President to designate the Palestinian Authority as a beneficiary country if it satisfies specified requirements, including cooperation in anti-terrorism efforts and the acceptance of Israel's right to exist. Authorizes the President to designate articles from all beneficiary countries, including Israel and Jordan, as eligible for duty-free treatment, subject to rules of origin requirements and certain restrictions under existing law. Requires the President to establish a United States-Middle East Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. Declares that bilateral free trade agreements should be negotiated with interested countries or political entities in the greater Middle East. Requires any country or political entity that desires to negotiate such an agreement with the United States to be a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or working toward WTO membership and to satisfy the criteria for designation as a beneficiary country. Directs the President to develop a plan for negotiating and entering into trade agreements with interested beneficiary countries. Terminates the preferential treatment extended to beneficiary countries under this Act on December 31, 2011.
Bill· HRH.R. 2267 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Middle East Trade and Engagement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President to designate any of 18 specified Middle Eastern countries as a beneficiary country if the country meets specified requirements, which focus on economic policy, the rule of law, political freedom, alignment with U.S. trade and foreign policy interests, the promotion of human rights, and combating terrorism. Authorizes the President to designate the Palestinian Authority as a beneficiary country if it satisfies specified requirements, including cooperation in anti-terrorism efforts and the acceptance of Israel's right to exist. Authorizes the President to designate articles from all beneficiary countries, including Israel and Jordan, as eligible for duty-free treatment, subject to rules of origin requirements and certain restrictions under existing law. Requires the President to establish a United States-Middle East Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. Declares that bilateral free trade agreements should be negotiated with interested countries or political entities in the greater Middle East. Requires any country or political entity that desires to negotiate such an agreement with the United States to be a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or working toward WTO membership and to satisfy the criteria for designation as a beneficiary country. Directs the President to develop a plan for negotiating and entering into trade agreements with interested beneficiary countries. Terminates the preferential treatment extended to beneficiary countries under this Act on December 31, 2011.
Bill· HRH.R. 2179 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
The Securities Fraud Deterrence and Investor Restitution Act of 2003 - Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to obtain foreclosure and forced sale of any property owned by a person against whom the SEC has obtained either a Federal or State court order or judgment based upon an alleged fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative act or practice in violation of securities laws. Permits such recovery notwithstanding any homestead provision of any State constitution or State law that exempts or protects property from either foreclosure and forced sale under any process of court or from any lien thereon for the payment of debts. (Thus preempts the State homestead exemption). Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to: (1) authorize the SEC to impose civil penalties in cease and desist proceedings; and (2) increase maximum civil money penalties. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the SEC to access financial records held by a financial institution without notice to the affected person if it acts pursuant to an administrative or judicial subpoena to enforce the securities laws. Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to authorize the court to order disclosure of grand jury matters to the SEC during an investigation of possible violation of the securities laws. Provides (as under current law) that civil penalty monies obtained by the SEC pursuant to judicial or administrative action shall, upon the motion or direction of the SEC, be added to a fund for the benefit of victims of securities laws violations. Removes the condition that such monies may be added only if the SEC obtains a court order for disgorgement against a violator, or if a person agrees in settlement of a disgorgement action to make such a disgorgement. Mandates that civil penalties and disgorgement proceeds obtained in State actions for securities laws violations be remitted to the SEC for distribution to such victims' benefit fund. Authorizes the SEC to use for investor education certain undistributed funds obtained pursuant to judicial or administrative action.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 56 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution, or State or Federal law from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.
Bill· SS. 1082 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2003
Iran Democracy Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to support full democracy in Iran. Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to: (1) require the head of Radio Farda to develop programming for Radio Farda after consulting with certain groups; and (2) ensure that a significant percentage of that programming is devoted to discussing democratic change in Iran, including a certain internationally-monitored democratic referendum in Iran. Requires the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) at the Department of State and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the Department of State to provide grants to appropriate entities to create and maintain websites, translate and distribute books, videos, documents, and other materials on democracy, rule of law, and free market economics. Authorizes the MEPI and the ECA to award grants to certain eligible entities to fund programs and activities to promote a democratic referendum in Iran.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 144 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003
Declares the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) recognize the danger that an unnecessary delay in the resolution of Kosova's final status would pose for the political and economic viability of Kosova and the stability of Southeast Europe; (2) publicly support the goal of a democratic government in Kosova in which human rights, including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, are respected; (3) call for holding a referendum, under international supervision, on the future status of Kosova, once it has made further progress in developing institutions of democratic self-government, establishing the rule of law, facilitating the return and reintegration of refugees into local communities, and protecting ethnic minorities, in accordance with the benchmarks established by the United Nations; (4) work in conjunction with the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations to assist Kosova to meet the UN benchmarks that are the necessary conditions for holding a referendum on the future status of Kosova and to facilitate the implementation of the form of government determined by the people of Kosova; and (5) continue to provide assistance, trade, and other programs to encourage the further development of democracy and a free market economic system in Kosova.
Bill· HRH.R. 2090 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
Amends Federal law to prohibit a State that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being so redistricted until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the State is ordered by a Federal court to conduct such subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution; or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or otherwise enforce the voting rights of the people of the State.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 179 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to bear arms.
Bill· HRH.R. 2045 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2003
Ten Commandments Defense Act of 2003 - Declares the following : (1) that the power to display the Ten Commandments on or within property owned or administered by the several States or their political subdivisions is among the powers reserved to the States respectively (under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution); (2) that the expression of religious faith by individual persons on or within property owned or administered by the several States or their political subdivisions is among the rights secured (under the First Amendment) against laws respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion made or enforced by the Federal Government; and (3) that the expression of religious faith by individual persons on or within property owned or administered by the several States or their political subdivisions is among the liberties of which no State shall deprive any person without due process of law made in pursuance of powers reserved to the States respectively.
Bill· SS. 1025 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2003
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency; (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2004, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2004 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 2004 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Permits the use of authorized funds for counterdrug and counterterrorism activities for Colombia. Requires the DCI to carry out pilot programs of the feasibility of: (1) permitting intelligence community (IC) analysts to access and analyze intelligence from other IC elements, including NSA signals intelligence; and (2) training students for employment as intelligence analysts. Directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to jointly sponsor not less than two workshops on the coordination of Federal research on the use of behavioral, psychological, and physiological assessments of individuals in the conduct of security evaluations. Protects CIA personnel authorized to carry firearms and NSA employees performing special police functions from tort liability when reasonably acting within the scope of their employment. Provides for the protection of NSA operational files. Authorizes DOD funds to be used by DOD IC personnel to award personal service contracts in carrying out authorized missions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2028 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2003
Pledge Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any court established by Act of Congress to hear or determine any claim that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violates the first amendment of the Constitution.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 169 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2003
Urges: (1) the United States to play a leading role in the drafting of a thematic United Nations (UN) convention that affirms the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and that, among other things, is consistent with the spirit of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the United States Constitution, and other rights enjoyed by U.S. citizens with disabilities; and (2) the President to instruct the Secretary of State to send to the UN Ad Hoc Committee meetings a U.S. delegation that includes individuals with disabilities who are recognized leaders in the U.S. disability rights movement.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 55 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Terminates the appointment of a judge of a court of general original jurisdiction established under Article III of the Constitution who sits in a State unless the legislative and executive authorities of that State approve that judge's continuation in office at least once every ten years after the judge's appointment.
Bill· HRH.R. 1938 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2003
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2003- Extends Federal recognition to: (1) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe. Sets forth the service areas of the various Tribes and requirements for the Tribes with respect to submission of a membership roll, adoption of a constitution, and election of officials. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain land transfers, to take specified lands into trust for the various Tribes' benefit.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 54 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security, and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 53 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the compensation paid to Members of Congress and to the President to be forfeited on a per diem basis at the conclusion of each fiscal year until such time as all of the general appropriations bills for the following fiscal year are enacted.
Bill· HRH.R. 1785 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Liberty Bill Act - Amends Federal law to require that the design of the reverse side of all Federal reserve notes incorporate: (1) the preamble to the Constitution; (2) a list describing the Articles of the Constitution; and (3) a list describing the Articles of Amendment. Prescribes the design format. States that such requirements do not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) include other inscriptions or material on the reverse side of such notes; or (2) adopt other design features to deter counterfeiting of currency.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 48 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the rights of victims of violent crime, being capable of protection without denying the constitutional rights of those accused of victimizing them, are hereby established and shall not be denied by any State or the United States and may be restricted only as provided in this article. States that a victim of violent crime shall have: (1) the right to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) the rights not to be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) the right to adjudicative decisions that duly consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. States further that these rights shall not be restricted except when and to the degree dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by compelling necessity. States that nothing in this article shall be construed to provide grounds for a new trial or to authorize any claim for damages. Authorizes only the victim or the victim's lawful representative to assert the rights established by this article. Prohibits any person accused of the crime from obtaining any form of relief under this article.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 50 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of that House voting and present, unless the bill is determined at the time of adoption not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. States that for purposes of determining any increase, there shall be excluded any increase resulting from the lowering of an effective rate of any tax. Requires journal entry of any vote. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security, and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 47 (108th)referred
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.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 46 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that people retain the right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, and traditions on public property, including schools. States that the United States and the States shall not establish any official religion nor require any person to join in prayer or religious activity.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 139 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Authorizes the printing of the following brochures as House documents: (1) the 2003 revised editions of "How Our Laws Are Made," "Our American Government," and "Our Flag"; and (2) the 2003 document-sized, annotated version of the U.S. Constitution and the 21st edition of the pocket version.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 177 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Commends the people of the Republic of Kenya for conducting free and fair elections, and the Government of Kenya for its successful completion of a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Urges other African countries to look to Kenya as an example of a working democracy in action and to follow the example set by the people of Kenya during this recent election process. Commends President Mwai Kibaki and his government for their commitment and concrete steps taken, since taking office, to: (1) strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law; (2) combat corruption; (3) provide free and universal primary education; (4) fight against HIV/AIDS; and (5) support the United States in the war on terrorism.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 44 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that no person born in the United States shall be a citizen of the United States, or of any State, on account of birth in the United States unless the mother or father of the person is a citizen of the United States, or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, at the time of the birth.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 43 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Limits Members of the House of Representatives to six terms and Members of the Senate to two terms.
Bill· HRH.R. 1414 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003
International Rule of Law and Antiterrorism Act of 2003 - Requires the President to direct: (1) the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) to use the U.S. vote to establish negotiations with the UN to establish a professional UN civilian police corps (UNCPC); (2) the Secretary of State (Secretary) to request that the UN Secretariat prepare a report concerning the UNCPC's establishment; and (3) the Secretary to work with the UN Secretariat and other UN member states to establish standards and training programs for international civilian police. Expresses the sense of Congress that the UNCPC should: (1) be composed of enforcement professionals who are appropriately trained and equipped for civilian policing functions in UN international peace operations and available for rapid deployment to such operations as needed; (2) be able to deploy not later than 15 days after deployment is authorized pursuant to a UN Security Council resolution; (3) be managed by the UN Civilian Police Division (established in October 2000 and mandated to plan and support the work of the UN civilian police officers in UN peacekeeping operations); and (4) be given the appropriate resources to properly do its job. Requires the President to report annually to specified congressional committees on the progress to establish a UNCPC.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 42 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that a person born to a mother and father, neither of whom is a citizen of the United States nor a person who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, shall not be a citizen of the United States or of any State solely by reason of U.S. birth.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 102 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that, under the Constitution, Congress has the sole and exclusive power to declare war.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 11 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 92 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Designates September 17, 2003, as Constitution Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 1307 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a member of the uniformed services on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 180 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 150 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for five years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes such provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from such exclusion is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. Excludes from gross income as a qualified military benefit the amount of the death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10 of the United States Code, effective with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001. Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. Provides a deduction (limited to $1,500) for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. Provides that amounts transferred to any trust fund under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be determined as if this Act had not enacted.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 40 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the first article of amendment to the U.S. Constitution shall not be construed to prohibit the: (1) recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which shall be, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all;" nor (2) recitation or use of the national motto, which shall be, "In God we trust."
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 39 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a law that prescribes the Pledge of Allegiance or provides for U.S. coins or currency is not a law respecting an establishment of religion because it refers to God in the Pledge or includes a reference to God on coins or currency.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 37 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that: (1) equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex; (2) Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article; and (3) this amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 132 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the phrase "one Nation, under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag reflects that religious faith was central to the Founding Fathers and to the founding of the Nation; (2) reciting the Pledge, including that phrase, is a patriotic act, not an act or statement of religious faith or belief; (3) that phrase should remain in the Pledge and the practice of voluntarily reciting the pledge in public school classrooms should be encouraged by the policies of Congress, the various States, municipalities, and public school officials; and (4) the Elk Grove Unified School District in Elk Grove, California, should be commended for its continued support of the Pledge. Declares that: (1) the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Newdow v. United States Congress (which held that the inclusion of that phrase in the Pledge unconstitutionally endorses religion) is inconsistent with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment; (2) the Attorney General should appeal, and the Supreme Court should review, that ruling; and (3) the President should nominate, and the Senate should confirm, Federal circuit court judges who interpret the Constitution consistent with the Constitution's text.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 34 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to tax all persons progressively in proportion to their income.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 28 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older shall have the right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides. Requires each State to: (1) administer public elections in the State in accordance with election performance standards established by the Congress; and (2) provide any eligible voter the opportunity to register and vote on the day of any public election. Requires each State and the District of Columbia to establish and abide by rules for appointing its respective number of Electors.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 29 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens shall enjoy the right to a public education of equal high quality.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 33 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that all U.S. citizens shall have a right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 32 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - States that all U.S. citizens shall have a right to decent, sanitary, and affordable housing.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 30 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that all citizens of the United States shall enjoy the right to health care of equal high quality.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 31 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Proposes that: (1) equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex; and (2) reproductive rights for women under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 35 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that every citizen has the right to: (1) work; (2) free choice of employment; (3) just and favorable conditions of work; (4) protection against unemployment; and (5) equal pay for equal work, without any discrimination. Provides that all citizens who work have the right to: (1) just and favorable remuneration ensuring for themselves and their family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection; and (2) form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 7 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance or on U.S. currency shall not be construed as affecting the establishment of religion under the first article of amendment of the Constitution.
Bill· SS. 489 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act of 2003 - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to allow specified apparel articles that are imported directly into the customs territory of the United States from Haiti to enter free of duty if Haiti has satisfied the requirements of this Act. Declares that such articles include apparel articles that are wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti exclusively from fabric components and yarns formed in: (1) the United States; (2) a country that is party to a free trade agreement with the United States on January 1, 2003, that enters into a free trade agreement with the United States subject to trade promotion authority, or that has been designated as a beneficiary country; and (4) any country if the fabrics or yarns are designated as not being commercially available in the United States. Specifies the quantity of articles to which such preferential treatment shall extend. Declares that Haiti shall be eligible for such preferential treatment if the President determines and certifies to Congress that Haiti has met specified conditions, including: (1) establishing or making progress toward establishing a market-based economy that protects private property rights, the rule of law, the elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment, economic policies to reduce poverty, a system to combat corruption and bribery, and protection of internationally recognized worker rights; (2) not engaging in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; (3) not providing support for international terrorism; and (4) cooperating in international efforts to eliminate human rights violations and terrorist activities.
Bill· SS. 473 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.
Bill· HRH.R. 993 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
Labor Management Accountability Act - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to authorize the Secretary of Labor, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements (regarding constitution and bylaws, financial reports, securities, reports of the employer, and trusteeships), to require the person, labor organization or employer responsible to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule that takes into account the nature of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations, and the responsible entity's revenues. Prohibits the Secretary from making any determination adverse to a person, labor organization, or employer until such person or entity has been given written notice and an opportunity to be heard. Specifies review procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 997 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003
English Language Unity Act of 2003 - Amends specified Federal law to declare English to be the official language of the United States. Gives representatives of the Federal Government an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government, including encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language. Requires the official functions of the United States (meaning, in this case, the States and the District of Columbia) to be conducted in English. Sets forth exceptions to and rules of construction for such requirements. Requires a uniform English language rule for U.S. naturalization, and all naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English. Amends specified Federal law to declare, as a general rule of construction, that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the Laws of the United States. Requires the Department of Justice to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization, based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.