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Bill· SS. 1981 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center for the operation of the Center, including a requirement that revenues from the operation of the Center be made available to the Center (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses, and requirements that the Center: (1) maintain appropriate risk insurance; (2) maintain its tax-exempt status; and (3) report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest. Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the Federal Government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 83 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires an individual, who is elected to serve as a Member of the House of Representatives for a Congress, before taking the oath of office, to present to the chief executive of the State from which the individual is elected a list of at least two qualified nominees to take the individual's place in the event he or she dies or becomes incapacitated before the individual's term of office expires. Allows the individual, after such oath, to revise the list at any time during a Congress. Provides that if at any time a majority of the whole membership of the House is unable to carry out its duties because of death or incapacity, or if any time the House adopts a resolution declaring that extraordinary circumstances exist which threaten the ability of the House to represent the interests of the people of the United States, the chief executive of any State represented by a Member who is dead or incapacitated at that time shall appoint, from the most recent list, an individual to take the Member's place. Requires: (1) the individual to be appointed as soon as practicable (but in no event later than seven days) after the Member's death or incapacity has been certified; (2) the individual to serve until the Member regains capacity or until another Member is elected to the vacancy; and (3) the State to provide for an election. Allows the appointed individual to be a candidate in the election. States that these provisions do not apply to any Member of the House who dies or becomes incapacitated before the seven-day period which ends on the date on which the event requiring such appointments occurs. Provides that if the appointed individual is unable to carry out a Member's duties, the chief executive of the State involved shall appoint another individual from the same list of nominees. Declares that Congress may by law establish the criteria for determining whether a Member of the House or Senate is dead or incapacitated, and shall have the power to enforce this Amendment through appropriate legislation.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 26 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 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.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 275 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should take whatever steps necessary to affirm the fact that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman; (2) same-sex marriage is not a right, fundamental or otherwise, recognized in this country; (3) neither the U.S. Constitution nor any Federal law shall be construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups; (4) the Defense of Marriage Act is a proper and constitutional exercise of Congress's powers under the effects clause of section 1 of Article IV; and (5) that no State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such entities, or a right or claim arising from such relationship.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 85 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the Russian Federation's compliance with the minimum standards of democratic governance and rule of law characteristic of Group of 8 (G8) member countries; (2) conditioning participation by the Russian Federation in the G8 on acceptance of, and adherence to, the democratic standards and principles adhered to by the other G8 nations; and (3) steps to suspend Russian Federation participation until the President determines and reports to Congress that the Russian Government is committed to respecting and upholding these democratic principles.
Bill· HRH.R. 3609 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Public Expression of Religion Act of 2003 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States with respect to a civil action against State or local officials for deprivation of rights where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion. Limits the remedy for such a claim to injunctive relief. Denies the awarding of attorneys fees in such an action.
Bill· HRH.R. 3573 (108th)referred
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.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 81 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the term of a Senator to four full consecutive terms and a Representative to 24 full consecutive years. Provides that the House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every 4th year. States that any term that began before the first day that this article is valid as part of the Constitution shall not be included in determining the number of full consecutive terms that a person has been a Senator or Representative.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 468 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Expresses disapproval of the Supreme Court's consideration of foreign laws and opinions in its decisions. Advises the Justices not to incorporate foreign laws or opinions in future decisions and not to incorporate public opinion when performing their duty to uphold the Constitution. Urges all Justices to base their opinions solely on the merits under the Constitution.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 342 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Commends the participation of Iraqi women in Iraq's government and civil society. Proclaims the ongoing commitment of Congress to encouraging the full inclusion of women, and indeed all members of Iraqi society, in the political and economic life of their country. Advocates the protection of the human rights of all Iraqis, particularly women, in the Iraqi Constitution.
Bill· SS. 1903 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
North Korean Freedom Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the North Korean prison and labor camp system. Urges the United Nations to prepare similar reports, and the U.S. Commission of International Religious Freedom to hold extended informational hearings in the United States on the status of religious persecution in North Korea. Requires the Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to report to the appropriate congressional committees on use of Federal resources by entities providing humanitarian and food assistance to North Korea. Declares the sense of Congress about: (1) a first asylum policy for North Koreans arriving in the United States; (2) adoption of North Korean children by Americans; and (3) funding for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Makes the case-by-case basis and alien specific requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act inapplicable to the parole of any North Korean native or citizen seeking entry to the United States. Provides for adjustment to permanent resident status of any such alien paroled into the United States at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security (HS). Declares that extraordinary and temporary conditions shall be considered to exist in North Korea that prevent North Korean aliens from returning to North Korea in safety, thereby entitling them to temporary protected status. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend S visa (nonimmigrant alien) classification to individuals possessing critical reliable information concerning the activities of governments or other organizations with respect to weapons of mass destruction, and willing to supply such information to the U.S. Government. Increases the number of individuals provided S visas during a fiscal year. Directs the HS Secretary to issue regulations entitling North Koreans applying for political asylum to employment authorization, without the 180-day limitation. Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Weapons of Mass Destruction Informant Center. Authorizes the USAID Director to make three-year grants to nongovernmental, non-profit organizations (NGOs) or persons, or foreign governmental organizations (FGOs) providing human rights assistance to North Koreans attempting to escape North Korea or its agents, or establishing or operating North Korean refugee camps or resettlement centers. Authorizes USAID grants to NGOs assisting North Korean orphans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) NGOs or persons providing legal assistance to North Koreans applying for refugee status, parole, visas, or other means of admission to the United States; and (2) NGOs from the United States, South Korea, and Japan to promote dialogue regarding human rights in North Korea. Directs the the Broadcasting Board of Governors to establish a program for the distribution of radios in North Korea. Declares the sense of Congress regarding U.S. financial assistance designed to address conditions created by the economic and political system of North Korea, especially the activities of Division 39 of the North Korean Government. Authorizes the USAID Director to make two-year grants to: (1) human rights NGOs or persons, or FGOs to promote and support programs for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law; and (2) other NGOs, persons, or FGOs that promote market economies modeled after programs in Vietnam. Declares the sense of Congress regarding: (1) negotiations with North Korea; and (2) the lifting of trade sanctions against North Korea and provision of economic assistance to the North Korean people. Prescribes conditions for humanitarian and nonhumanitarian U.S. aid and other assistance to North Korea. Directs the President to establish an Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat North Korean Criminal Activities.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 25 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Empowers Congress to enact a line-item veto.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 77 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires an individual, who is elected to serve as a Member of the House of Representatives for a Congress, before taking the oath of office, to present to the chief executive of the State from which the individual is elected a list of at least two qualified nominees to take the individual's place in the event the individual dies or becomes incapacitated before the individual's term of office expires. Allows the individual, after such oath, to revise the list at any time during a Congress. Provides that if at any time a majority of the whole membership of the House is unable to carry out its duties because of death or incapacity, or if at any time the House adopts a resolution declaring that extraordinary circumstances exist which threaten the ability of the House to represent the interests of the people of the United States, the chief executive of any State represented by a member who is dead or incapacitated at that time shall appoint, from the most recent list, an individual to take the Member's place. Requires: (1) the individual to be appointed as soon as practicable (but in no event later than seven days) after the Member's death or incapacity has been certified; (2) the individual to serve until the Member regains capacity or until another Member is elected to the vacancy; and (3) the State to provide for an election to fill the vacancy. Allows the appointed individual to be a candidate in the election. States that these provisions do not apply to any Member of the House who dies or becomes incapacitated before the seven-day period which ends on the date on which the event requiring such appointments occurs. Provides that if the appointed individual is unable to carry out a Member's duties, the chief executive of the State involved shall appoint another individual from the same list of nominees.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 446 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Constitutional Preservation Resolution - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Supreme Court should base its decisions on the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and not on the law of any foreign country or international law or agreement not made under the authority of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3496 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Directs the President to provide duty-free treatment for certain tents imported from Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen (beneficiary countries). Requires the President, after one year, to review and determine if a basis exists for withdrawal of such duty-free treatment, taking into consideration whether or not each beneficiary country: (1) has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, the rule of law and the right to due process, political pluralism, and other specified economic and political goals; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, and supports a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; (3) is a signatory of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and is making continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of internationally recognized human rights; (4) is not listed by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism and cooperates fully in international efforts to combat terrorism; (5) does not participate in the primary, secondary, or tertiary economic boycott of Israel; and (6) otherwise meets specified eligibility criteria of the Trade Act of 1974. Requires the President to terminate the designation of any beneficiary country determined no longer to meet such requirements. Authorizes the President to designate the Palestinian Authority or its successor political entity as a beneficiary political entity accorded benefits under this Act as if it were a beneficiary country, if the Authority; (1) meets the first two requirements of this Act; (2) does not participate in acts of terrorism, and takes active measures to combat terrorism; (3) cooperates fully in international efforts to combat terrorism; (4) does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and is making continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of internationally recognized human rights; and (5) accepts Israel's right to exist in peace within secure borders. Prescribes the rule of origin for tents imported directly from beneficiary countries. Requires that the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in one or more beneficiary countries, plus the direct cost of processing operations performed in such beneficiary country or countries, be at least 35 percent of the appraised value of such article at the time it is entered into the U.S. customs territory.
Bill· HRH.R. 3470 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
No Safe Haven in Cuba Act - Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to require, in order to determine that a democratically elected government exists in Cuba, the Cuban Government to prove its respect for the democratic rule of law by ceasing to provide a safe harbor to individuals who have been legally indicted or convicted of serious criminal offenses, including individuals who have fled from the United States to Cuba for the sole purpose of avoiding prosecution or confinement.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 23 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress may by law provide for the case of death or inability of Members of the House of Representatives, and the case of inability of Members of the Senate, in the event that one-fourth of either House is killed or incapacitated, declaring who shall serve until the disability is removed or a new Member is elected. Terminates such procedures within 120 days after the death or inability of one-fourth of the House or Senate. Allows extensions of additional 120-day periods if one-fourth of either the House or Senate remains vacant or occupied by members unable to serve.
Bill· HRH.R. 3447 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2003 - Sets forth the policy of the United States to: (1) promote market-based principles, economic integration, social development, and trade in and between countries of the Americas; and (2) establish an investment fund for the Western Hemisphere to advance the national interests of the United States, improve the lives of the poor and marginalized, encourage broad-based economic growth while protecting the environment, build human capital and knowledge, support meaningful participation in democratic institutions and processes, and promote peace and justice in the Americas. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to provide assistance to reduce poverty and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere by: (1) nurturing public-private partnerships and microenterprise development; (2) improving the quality of life and investing in human capital; (3) strengthening the rule of law through improved efficiency and transparency in government services; and (4) reducing poverty and eliminating the exclusion of marginalized populations. Establishes a technical review committee to review the projects proposed for assistance and to make recommendations to the President with respect to the guidelines to be used in evaluating project proposals and the suitability of the proposed projects for funding. Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the Bank to urge the Bank to establish an account to be operated and administered consistent with the above guidelines. Establishes a technical review committee in the same manner as discussed above. Expresses the sense of Congress that the countries of the Western Hemisphere should collectively provide assistance equal to the amount of U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance provided.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 258 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Russian Federation should: (1) ensure that Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky is accorded the full measure of his rights under the Russian Constitution to defend himself against any and all charges that may be brought against him; and (2) make every effort to dispel growing international concerns that the cases against Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky and other business leaders are politically motivated and that the potential remains for misuse of the Federation's justice system.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 304 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003
Calls for the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) stop interfering in the exercise of religious and political freedoms within the United States, such as the right to practice Falun Gong; (2) cease using diplomatic missions in the United States to spread falsehoods about Falun Gong; (3) release prisoners of conscience; (4) end the harassment, detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of individuals who are exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of religion, of expression, and of association as stated in the PRC Constitution; and (5) demonstrate its willingness to abide by international standards of such freedoms by ceasing to restrict them. Calls on the President to take such actions as: (1) issuing a formal protest about repeated Chinese Government human rights violations to the Chinese Foreign Ministry; and (2) working more closely with Chinese human rights activists to identify Chinese authorities who have been personally responsible for acts of violence and persecution in China. Urges the Attorney General to investigate reports that Chinese consular officials in the United States have committed illegal acts while attempting to intimidate or inappropriately influence Falun Gong practitioners or local elected officials, and determine an appropriate legal response. Calls on local government officials in the United States to recognize and support organizations and individuals that share the goals of the local community, including Falun Gong practitioners, and report to Congress, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State any incidents of pressure or harassment by Chinese agents.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 393 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2003
Commends the participation of Afghan women in Afghanistan's government and civil society. Encourages the full inclusion of women in the political and economic life of their country. Advocates the protection of women's human rights in the Afghanistan Constitution.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 71 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Requires any judge, ambassador, or other officer nominated by the President under the Constitution to be appointed at the time of nomination subject to disapproval by a majority vote of Senators serving at the time of the nomination, except that such disapproval shall be effective only if it occurs during the 120-day period (excluding days on which the Senate is not in session) which begins on the date the Senate receives such nomination.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 231 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003
Expresses the Senate's desire to see the new democracy in Kenya thrive. Commends the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya for: (1) conducting free and fair elections; (2) completing a peaceful and orderly transition of power; (3) assisting and cooperating in the global fight against terrorism; (4) sharing friendship and values of democracy with the people of the United States; (5) regional peacemaking efforts and contributions to international peacekeeping; (6) strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; (7) fighting corruption; (8) improving access to education; and (9) working to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Commits to working with the people of Kenya to continue making progress in fighting corruption, encouraging development, fighting HIV/AIDS, and fostering respect for the rule of law and a climate of transparency. Welcomes the October 2003 visit of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki to the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3126 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Prohibits any court or judge from dismissing any part of the Constitution or Bill of Rights as a legal defense in court.
Bill· HRH.R. 3125 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2003 - Prohibits appropriated funds from being used by any U.S. official to promote any action by the United Nations which advocates the taxation of firearms or any other abrogation of rights under the Second Amendment to the Constitution (the right to keep and bear arms). Condemms all proposals to tax or otherwise limit rights under the Second Amendment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 68 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual prayer in public schools or to prohibit public school officials from including voluntary prayer in official school ceremonies and meetings. Prohibits the United States and the States from prescribing the content of any such prayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 3069 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2003
Right to Life Act - States that Congress declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. Defines "human person" and "human being" as including each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 67 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Makes a person who has been a citizen of the United States for at least 20 years eligible to hold the office of President.
Bill· SS. 1562 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2003
Home School Non-Discrimination Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that parents who choose private home education should be encouraged within the framework provided by the Constitution. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) with respect to: (1) student aid eligibility of home-schooled students who have satisfied certain secondary education standards; and (2) institutional aid eligibility of the higher education institutions that such students attend. Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide, if a parent does not consent to an initial evaluation or special education or related services for a child with a disability, the local educational agency shall not be required to convene an individualized education program (IEP) meeting or develop an IEP for such child. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (the Coverdell Education Savings Account) to include home schools if they are treated as a home school or private school under State law. Amends the part of the General Education Provisions Act known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to prohibit release of certain information on and educational records of students in non-public education, including any student educated at home or in a private school in accordance with State law, without written parental consent. Amends HEA to include students at home schools, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law, among those prospective secondary school graduates eligible to apply for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program for higher education. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to direct the Secretary of Labor to extend the hours and periods of permissible employment of employees between the ages of 14 and 16 years who are privately educated at a home school, whether the home school is treated as a home school or a private school under State Law, beyond those hours and periods applicable to employees of such ages who are educated in traditional public schools. (Thus allows home-school students to be employed during the traditional school day.)
Bill· SS. 1531 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Chief Justice John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 66 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Increases the term of office of a member of the House of Representatives from two to fours years, except for terms corresponding to general elections conducted in years corresponding to the decennial census, which shall be for two years. Provides that nothing in this Amendment shall be construed to limit the number of consecutive terms a Representative may serve. Makes this Amendment effective beginning with the first general election for Representatives held after the ratification of this Article; except that if a general election for Representatives is conducted in 2008, Representatives so elected shall serve two-year terms. States that if a Member of the House is a candidate for the Senate, the term of such Representative shall end 30 days from the date on which such Representative files a notice of candidacy, and the Representative shall not be eligible to serve in the House for two years from such date. Requires, as soon as the Representative becomes a candidate for the Senate, the executive authority of the State from which the Representative was chosen to issue writs of election to fill the vacancy to be created by the Representative's candidacy. Deems the person elected to fill such vacancy to have been elected to the term of office of the Representative who the person is replacing.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 251 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Constitution provides that all individual citizens have the right to keep and bear arms, which right supersedes the power and authority of any government.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 65 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that neither the U.S. Constitution nor any State constitution shall be construed to protect child pornography (defined as visual depictions by any technological means of minor persons, whether actual or virtual, engaged in explicit sexual activity).
Bill· SS. 1423 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 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.
Law· HRH.R. 2768 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to mint and issue not more than 400,000 silver one dollar coins emblematic of Chief Justice John Marshall and his contributions to the United States in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of his birth; and (2) in cooperation with the Legacy Fund of the Library of Congress, to develop and implement a marketing program to promote and sell the coins. Directs that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a ten dollar per coin surcharge, to be paid by the Secretary to the Supreme Court Historical Society for purposes of: (1) supporting historical research about the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and related topics; (2) supporting fellowship programs, internships, and docents at the Supreme Court; and (3) collecting and preserving related antiques, artifacts, and other historical items.
Bill· HRH.R. 2732 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Home School Non-Discrimination Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that parents who choose private home education should be encouraged within the framework provided by the Constitution. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) with respect to: (1) student aid eligibility of home-schooled students who have satisfied certain secondary education standards; and (2) institutional aid eligibility of the higher education institutions that such students attend. Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide, if a parent does not consent to an initial evaluation or special education or related services for a child with a disability, the local educational agency shall not be required to convene an individualized education program (IEP) meeting or develop an IEP for such child. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (the Coverdell Education Savings Account) to include home schools if they are treated as a home school or private school under State law. Amends the part of the General Education Provisions Act known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to prohibit release of certain information on and educational records of students in non-public education, including any student educated at home or in a private school in accordance with State law, without written parental consent. Amends HEA to include students at home schools, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law, among those prospective secondary school graduates eligible to apply for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program for higher education. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to direct the Secretary of Labor to extend the hours and periods of permissible employment of employees between the ages of 14 and 16 years who are privately educated at a home school, whether the home school is treated as a home school or a private school under State Law, beyond those hours and periods applicable to employees of such ages who are educated in traditional public schools. (Thus allows home-school students to be employed during the traditional school day.)
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 244 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Calls on the Government Saudi Arabia to: (1) uphold its international commitments by respecting and protecting the human rights of citizens and foreigners of both sexes in Saudi Arabia; (2) ratify and comply fully with international human rights instruments and cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and to sign, ratify, and implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (3) implement immediately promised judicial, political, economic, and educational reforms; (4) permit the establishment of independent nongovernmental organizations to advance human rights and promote tolerance, and to take action to create an independent human rights commission for the same purposes; (5) safeguard the freedom of non-Muslims, and of those Muslims who do not follow the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, to worship in private; (6) permit non-Wahhabi places of worship, such as churches, to function openly in special compounds or zones for foreigners or in unadorned buildings designated for this purpose; and (7) permit the broadcasting of Radio Sawa throughout the country. Urges the U.S. Government to: (1) to raise concerns at the highest levels, in both public and private fora, with the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding its ongoing and repeated human rights violations; (2) designate Saudi Arabia a "country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for its systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom; (3) encourage the Government of Saudi Arabia to implement expeditiously its publicly stated plans for judicial, political, economic, and educational reform; (4) develop and expand specific initiatives and programs in Saudi Arabia to advance human rights, including religious freedom, the rights of women, and the rule of law; and (4) report publicly to Congress on its efforts to raise concerns regarding human rights, including religious freedom, with the Government of Saudi Arabia, including the results of those efforts.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 15 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Makes eligible for President of the United States a person who has been a U.S. citizen for 20 years but who was not a native-born citizen of the Untied States.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 61 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 16th amendment (granting Congress the power to tax income). Prohibits Congress from having the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, except in time of war declared by Congress.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 294 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Condemns in the harshest terms the recent terrorist actions that victimized innocent Israelis. Expresses solidarity with the Israeli people as they respond to ongoing terrorist attacks, and sympathy to the families of innocent Israelis and Palestinians who have lost their lives. Commends the President of the United States for his vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Affirms that this vision can be fully realized only once terrorism is defeated, so that a new state may be created based on rule of law and respect for human rights. Recognizes and respects Israel's right to fight terrorism and acknowledges Israel's fight against terrorism as part of the global war against terrorism. Calls on all states to cease recognition of and political and material support for any Palestinian and other terrorist groups. Calls on all states immediately to: (1) establish effective mechanisms to ensure that funding from private citizens cannot be directed to terrorist groups for any purpose whatsoever, including ostensible humanitarian purposes; (2) provide support to the Palestinian Authority in its effort to confront and fight terror; and (3) assist the Palestinian people in creating the institutions of a democratic state that will respect the rule of law and live in peace with its neighbors.
Bill· SS. 1297 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Protect the Pledge 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 to the Flag violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 60 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President, in the case of any bill, order, resolution, or vote presented to the President by the House of Representatives and the Senate, to decline to approve in whole any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, any item of new direct spending, or any tax benefit.
Bill· HRH.R. 2441 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Millennium Challenge Account Authorization and Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President, acting through the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, to provide assistance to eligible low income and lower middle income countries to support policies and programs that advance their progress in: (1) achieving lasting economic growth and poverty reduction; and (2) promoting specified objectives fostering democratic societies, human rights, the rule of law, investment in education and health infrastructure and systems, economic freedom, broad-based economic growth, and free market systems. Requires recipient contries to enter into a Millenium Challenge Compact with the United States establishing a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives. Specifies conditions for suspension or termination of assistance. Establishes the Millenium Challenge Corporation to carry out such assistance program, and a Millenium Challenge Advisory Council. Sets forth elements of a framework for U.S. economic assistance. Reauthorizes the Peace Corps through FY 2007. Makes the Peace Corps responsible for recruiting all of its volunteers. Urges the Director to utilize the services of returned Peace Corps volunteers and former Peace Corps staff who have relevant language and cultural experience and may have served previously in countries with substantial Muslim populations, in order to open or reopen Peace Corps programs in such countries. Requires the Director to expand the training program for Peace Corps volunteers in the areas of education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases prevalent in host countries in order to ensure that the Peace Corps increases its contribution to the global campaign against such diseases. Urges the Director to designate a Peace Corps officer or employee located in the United States to coordinate all HIV/AIDS activities within the Peace Corps.
Bill· HRH.R. 2467 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Middle East Trade and Engagement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President to designate any of 20 specified Middle Eastern countries as a beneficiary country if the country meets specified requirements, which focus on economic policy, the rule of law, 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 275 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 22 (balanced budget amendment).
Bill· SS. 1232 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Designates the newly constructed annex to the Federal building and E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse located at 333 Constitution Ave., N.W. , in Washington, D.C. as the James L. Buckley Annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse.
Law· HRH.R. 2417 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 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; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) National Reconnaissance Office; (6) National Imagery and Mapping Agency; (7) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (10) Department of Homeland Security; and (11) Coast Guard. 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, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. 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. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY 2004, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. 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 permitted by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 59 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Makes a person who has been a citizen of the United States for at least 35 years and who has been a resident within the United States for at least 14 years eligible to hold the office of President or Vice President.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 52 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 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 Americans 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· SS. 1191 (108th)referred
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.