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Bill· HRH.R. 3590 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Technology Education Incentive Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a volunteer education services credit for qualified employee services. Defines such services as any service furnished by an employee of the taxpayer if: (1) the services are performed at a qualified K-12 school; (2) the services are related to science, mathematics, or engineering education at grades K-12 at a qualified K-12 school; (3) the employee receives no additional compensation for performing such services and the employer receives no compensation for such services; and (4) the services are determined by the qualified K-12 school to be valuable to the school in providing education in grades K-12 in the areas of science, mathematics, or engineering. Requires a study concerning such credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 3580 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Victims Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include in gross income amounts awarded to or received by the taxpayer, whether by suit or agreement, on account of nonphysical personal injury which are designated for attorneys' fees and costs; and (2) allow a deduction for attorneys' fees and costs awarded to or paid by the taxpayer, whether by suit or agreement, on account of nonphysical personal injury.
Bill· HRH.R. 3601 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Steel Industry Retiree Benefits Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the 65 percent health insurance costs credit, in the case of a qualified steel company, for qualifying coverage of a qualified steel industry retiree and qualifying family members under a qualified health insurance plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 3625 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Department of the Treasury Inspector General Consolidation Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Treasury Inspector General to consolidate the two existing Inspector General offices at the U.S. Treasury.
Bill· HRH.R. 3606 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to ROTH IRAs, to eliminate the marriage penalty for the phaseout range, the phaseout threshold, and rollover amounts.
Bill· HRH.R. 3596 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
The OTC Medicine Tax Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement that the deduction for medicine and drugs is limited to prescribed drugs and insulin.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 79 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Extends until January 31, 2004: (1) the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004; and (2) the waiver of certain conditions under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia.
Bill· SS. 1900 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
United States-Africa Partnership Act of 2003 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that certain non-apparel articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country (SSA country) under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) shall receive duty-free treatment only if the President determines that they are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Extends duty-free treatment for AGOA articles from FY 2008 through FY 2015. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment. Permits certain articles to contain fabric or yarn not originating from an SSA country or the United States (third country fabric), regardless of commercial availability in the United States. Extends through FY 2008 the current special rule for lesser developed SSA countries. Extends duty-free treatment to ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country meeting certain criteria. Amends AGOA to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to develop a comprehensive plan for public policies and incentives for the private sector to: (1) identify SSA products that can be exported to the United States; (2) analyze critical constraints to U.S.-Africa agricultural trade; and (3) develop a strategy for increasing such SSA agricultural exports. Requires the President and the Secretary to direct the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to evaluate methods for training African agricultural producers and for implementing capacity building programs to help the producers meet U.S. food safety standards. Directs the President to assign at least 20 full-time APHIS personnel to at least ten eligible SSA countries with the greatest: (1) potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States; and (2) need for technical training and capacity building in meeting phytosanitary standards for such products. Amends AGOA to condition the President's termination of the designation of an SSA country upon Congress' not prohibiting it. Requires the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to focus funding on investments in agribusiness, electronics, textiles, and apparel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to waive certains prohibitions against OPIC issuance of any contract of insurance or reinsurance, guaranty, or agreement to provide financing for an eligible investor's proposed investment in an SSA country even if such investment is likely to cause a significant reduction in the number of employees in the United States. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to implement regulations and procedures appropriate to ensure that full consideration is given to the extent to which any credit extension is likely to have a positive effect on industries, including the textile and apparel industry and agricultural production, in SSA countries. Requires the Secretary to direct the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to work with national African agricultural organizations to identify agricultural equipment and supply needs and implement programs that strengthen the ability of members of African agricultural organizations to fulfill these needs in conjunction with export credit guarantee programs. States the sense of Congress that USAID, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the African Development Bank, should continue to provide technical assistance to SSA countries in tax policy and revenue administration. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to seek negotiations with those SSA countries which the Secretary determines will benefit most from an income tax treaty with the United States to avoid double taxation. Directs the USAID Administrator to study the economy of each SSA country, identifying growth sectors and barriers impeding growth, as well as how the U.S. Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to help dismantle such barriers and promote investment in such sectors. Directs the President to develop and implement policies to encourage, and assist with, investment in transportation, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications infrastructure in SSA countries. Directs the USAID Administrator to foster specified port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships. Directs the President to assemble an interagency task force to facilitate the goals and objectives of this Act. Authorizes the USTR to provide grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations and to U.S. representatives of the private sector to host AGAO forums.
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· SS. 1898 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to designate a specified portion of any tax overpayment to the Reservist Income Differential Trust Fund (the Fund). Establishes such Fund. Directs the Secretary of a military department, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, to pay an eligible member of a reserve component of the armed forces a pay differential, according to a specified formula, of up to a maximum amount of $25,000. Provides for funding from the Fund.
Bill· SS. 1901 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Small Business Health Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, in the case of a qualified small employer, an employee health insurance expenses credit determined for the applicable percentage of the amount paid by a taxpayer for qualified employee health insurance expenses. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, in the case of a State or a unit of local government that establishes a health insurance purchasing pool, a grant equal to the applicable percentage of the administrative costs associated with such pool.
Bill· HRH.R. 3562 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Prevent Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a building security credit for the purchase of a qualified building security device used to provide security for any building used by the taxpayer in any trade or business.
Bill· HRH.R. 3561 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a ten year recovery period for qualified retail improvement property. Defines such property as any improvement to an interior portion of a building which is nonresidential real property, if: (1) such portion is open to the general public and is used in the trade or business of selling tangible personal property or services to the general public; and (2) such improvement is placed in service more than three years after the date the building was first placed in service. Excludes specified improvements.
Bill· HRH.R. 3556 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
September 11th Tax Correction Act - Excludes from gross income, and exempts from reporting requirements, retention grants paid from Federal community development block grant funds for assistance for properties or businesses damaged by, or for economic revitalization related to, the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 458 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Waives a specified requirement of rule XIII with respect to a reported resolution providing for consideration or disposition of a bill or joint resolution making: (1) further continuing appropriations for FY 2004, or any amendment thereto; or (2) general appropriations for such fiscal year, any amendment thereto, or any conference report thereon.
Bill· SS. 1894 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the limitation for the deduction of interest for interest payments on debt guaranteed by a foreign person as long as the taxpayer establishes that it could have borrowed the same amount of debt from an unrelated lender without a guarantee. Revises the definition of disqualified interest.
Bill· SS. 1890 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require an issuer of registered securities to show as an expense in its mandatory annual report the fair value of all stock purchase options granted to certain of its senior executive officers after December 31, 2004. Exempts small business issuers from such requirement. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require reporting of: (1) stock option expenses as a reduction of the total expense in the fiscal year in which they expire or are forfeited; and (2) as income any excess by which such reduction exceeds total option expenses for any fiscal year. Requires any accounting principle recognized as "generally accepted" by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the expensing of stock purchase options to comply with this Act. Denies recognition to any such accounting principle until the Secretaries of Commerce and of Labor complete a joint study on the economic impact of mandatory expensing of all employee stock options.
Bill· SS. 1891 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Customs Business Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law governing priority among claims and expenses to place in the tenth order of priority allowed unsecured claims for duties, taxes, or other charges paid to the U.S. Customs Service by customs brokers and sureties on behalf of the debtor arising out of the importation of merchandise entered for consumption within one year before the date of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy.
Bill· SS. 1896 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Tax Relief Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend provisions concerning: (1) parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits; (2) the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources; (3) the work opportunity credit; (4) the welfare-to-work credit; (5) the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties; (6) qualified zone academy bonds; (7) the cover over tax on distilled spirits; (8) the deduction for corporate donations of computer technology; (9) the credit for qualified electric vehicles; (10) the deduction for clean-fuel vehicles and certain refueling property; (11) the deduction for certain expenses of school teachers; (12) the availability of medical savings accounts; (13) the expensing of environmental remediation costs; (14) the expansion of the work opportunity tax credit to the New York Liberty Zone; (15) the temporary special rules for taxation of life insurance companies; (16) certain tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (17) the combined employment tax reporting program; (18) transfers of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts; and (19) IRS user fees. Adds to the definition of taxable vaccines any vaccine against hepatitis A and any trivalent vaccine against influenza.
Bill· HRH.R. 3527 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, as a general rule, for the exclusion from unrelated business taxable income gain or loss from the qualified sale, exchange, or other disposition of any qualifying brownfield property by an eligible taxpayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 3521 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Tax Relief Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified expiring provisions, including provisions concerning: (1) the allowance of nonrefundable personal credits against regular and minimum tax liability; (2) the work opportunity credit; (3) the welfare-to-work credit; (4) certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (5) charitable contributions of computer technology and equipment used for educational purposes; (6) the expensing of environmental remediation costs; (7) the availability of medical savings account; (8) qualified zone academy bonds; (9) the District of Columbia; (10) the work opportunity credit with respect to New York Liberty Zone; (11) disclosures relating to terrorist activities; and (12) the cover over of tax on distilled spirits. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code concerning pensions. Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2003 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to strike certain expired provisions. Provides for temporary duty suspensions and reductions through December 31, 2005 for: (1) certain chemicals and dyes; (2) acrylic fiber tow; (3) certain optical instruments used in children's products; (4) cases for certain children's products; (5) bags for certain toys; (6) certain children's products; (7) certain epoxy molding compounds; (8) certain textile machinery; (9) certain filament yarns; (10) certain printing machinery; (11) certain refracting and reflecting telescopes; (12) certain rubber riding boots; (13) a specified ink; (14) certain manufacturing equipment; (15) thermal release plastic film; (16) certain silver paints and pastes; (17) polymer masking material for aluminum capacitors; (18) certain pesticides; (19) necks used in cathode ray tubes; (20) combed cashmere and camel hair yarn; (21) certain carded cashmere yarn; (22) certain rayon filament yarn; (23) certain tire cord fabric; and (24) carbon dioxide cartridges. Extends the existing suspension of duty through December 31, 2006 for: (1) chemicals and dyes; and (2) certain cathode-ray tubes. Grants duty-free treatment through December 31, 2006 to: (1) certain cathode-ray tubes; and (2) certain chemicals. Extends the suspension of duty on certain polyamides through December 31, 2006. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to admit free of duty into the United States: (1) two tramway cars manufactured in Plzen, Czech Republic, for the use of the city of Portland, Oregon; and (2) a replica of the Liberty Bell imported from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London, England, by the Liberty Memorial Association of Green Bay and Brown County, Wisconsin, for use by the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Brown County, Wisconsin. Provides duty-free treatment for certain tractor parts suitable for agricultural use. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to declare that the duty imposed on vessels (equipment) purchased, or the repair of such vessels, in a foreign country and documented under U.S. laws to engage in the foreign or coasting trade shall not apply, among other things, to the cost of such equipment, repair parts, and materials that are installed on such vessel, if the installation is done by members of the regular crew of such vessel while it is on the high seas. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to provide duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences for certain hand-knotted or hand-woven carpets. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to allow a drawback (refund) of duties paid on certain articles imported into the United States and later shipped to the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands, Kingman Reef, Guam, Canton Island, Enderbury Island, Johnston Island, or Palmyra Island. Provides a drawback (refund) of duties paid on unused merchandise which is entered into the United States and, within a specified time period, is later exported or destroyed. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make changes with respect to the cellar treatment of domestic and imported natural wine. Provides for: (1) treatment of certain footwear under Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (2) designation of San Antonio International Airport for customs processing of certain private aircraft arriving in the United States; (3) the establishment of integrated border inspection areas at the United States-Canada border; (4) designation of foreign law enforcement officers; (5) revisions to the U.S. insular possession program; and (6) the rate of duty for articles eligible for preferential treatment under the Andean Trade Preference Act. Makes amendments concerning: (1) entry and protest; and (2) intellectual property rights.
Bill· HRH.R. 3531 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Environmental Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a waste coal energy production per ton credit equal to $1.50 per million Btu of heat input utilized by the taxpayer to produce energy in an eligible facility from qualified waste coal during the 10-year period beginning on the date the facility was originally placed in service (or, if later, the date of the enactment of this section). Permits transfer of the credit through sale and repurchase agreements.
Bill· HRH.R. 3525 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Citizen Legislature and Political Freedom Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to terminate limitations on Federal election campaign contributions after 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate after December 31, 2003, the designation of income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Terminates the Fund itself and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account after December 31, 2004, and transfers any amounts remaining in the Fund to the general fund of the Treasury. Amends FECA, as amended by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, to require any political committee of a State or local political party to file with the Federal Election Commission a copy of any report on disbursements it is required under a State or local law, rule, or regulation to submit to the State or local government. Revises current deadlines for notification of contributions by a campaign committee. Requires a campaign committee to report within 24 hours all contributions, regardless of amount, made to any political committee within 90 days before an election. Declares that the "best efforts" exception to noncompliance with FECA shall not apply with respect to information regarding the identification of any contributor of more than $200 in the aggregate during a calendar year (thus requiring strict observance of reporting deadlines for all such contributions).
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 78 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Extends until November 23, 2003: (1) the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004; and (2) the waiver of certain conditions under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 450 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 78 (further continuing appropriations for FY 2004).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 451 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2417 (FY 2004 intelligence authorization).
Bill· SS. 1878 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Social Security Solvency and Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Personal Retirement Account Board to: (1) establish a federally-administered personal retirement account (PRA) for each eligible individual in the Personal Retirement Account Fund (PRAF); and (2) credit to the eligible individual's PRA the contributions transferred from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (Trust Fund) that result from reduced Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax rates (provided for in this Act), as well as other specified contributions involving certain tax overpayments treated as contributions and certain rollovers. Requires investment of a PRA in a manner similar to that under the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees. Establishes in the Treasury a Personal Retirement Account Fund composed of all established PRAs, and managed by a Personal Retirement Account Board established in the Social Security Administration. Provides for an alternative PRA privately-administered by a certified investment firm, credit union, insurance company, or other certified institution. Prescribes rules for: (1) distribution of an eligible individual's PRA's funds; (2) off-budget treatment of the PRAF and any federally-administered PRAs within it; and (3) privately-administered PRAs. Amends SSA title II to: (1) make adjustments to primary insurance amounts under the OASDI program for eligible individuals with personal retirement accounts; (2) establish a new minimum monthly Social Security benefit for certain low-income beneficiaries; and (3) provide for the treatment of disabled beneficiaries who have not elected supplemental contribution coverage under a PRA. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce FICA tax rates on the income of every eligible individual, and to impose a PRA contribution on such income, to be credited to the eligible individual's PRA. Entitles each qualified eligible individual to a specified limited PRA tax credit for the taxable year involved, treated as a tax overpayment, to be transferred by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for crediting by the Commissioner of Social Security, as a contribution equal to the tax overpayment, to such eligible individual's PRA. Establishes the Commission on the Review of Federal Agencies and Programs to evaluate all agencies and programs and recommend to Congress realignment or elimination of any that has wasted Federal funds. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer annually an amount equal to 1.25 percent of the taxable payroll for the preceding calendar year to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Provides for a reduction in the amount of certain transfers to the Medicare trust fund. Amends SSA title XVII (Administration) to establish a mechanism for remedying unforseen deterioration in social security solvency. Amends SSA title II to make adjustments for widow's and widowers' insurance benefits. Establishes the Commission to Strengthen Financial Education Programs to study all matters relating to programs to increase the financial literacy of Americans.
Bill· SS. 1885 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Manufacturing Job Production Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, in the case of an employee's first taxable year beginning in any applicable calendar year (years 2004 and 2005), the amount of the work opportunity credit determined for the taxable year by the increased manufacturing wages payroll tax rebate amount (as defined). Increases the from 50 to 75 percent the exclusion for gain from certain small business stock and to 100 percent for a small critical technology company, manufacturing corporation, or specialized investment company. Doubles the amount of allowable aggregate gross assets for a qualified small business eligible for the exclusion. Permits an eligible small business to pay taxes in four equal installments (or six, in the case of a qualified manufacturer). Makes permanent the temporary increased ($100,000) expensing amount, the temporary increased ($400,000) phaseout amount, and permanently allows for the expensing of off-the-shelf computer software.
Bill· HRH.R. 3508 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, to: (1) extend, for five additional years, the Liberty bonds expiration date; (2) increase, from $1.6 billion to $3.0 billion, the amount of Liberty bonds that can be used for residential development projects; and (3) eliminate the 100,000 square foot minimum for certain electric generation facilities outside the Liberty Zone.
Bill· SS. 1871 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Authorizes salary adjustments for U.S. justices and judges for FY 2004 concurrently with increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Federal employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 3494 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Highway Trust Fund Commission Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a National Commission on Future Revenue Sources to Support the Highway Trust Fund to investigate and recommend alternatives to replace the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) over at least the next 30 years. Directs the Commission to consider: (1) the ability to generate sufficient revenues to meet anticipated long term surface transportation financing needs; (2) the roles of the various levels of government and the private sector; (3) administrative costs; (4) potential taxpayer privacy concerns; (5) likely technological advances; (6) alternative transportation vehicles, including alternative-fueled vehicles; (7) the equity and economic efficiency of each option; (8) the flexibility of different options to allow various pricing alternatives to be implemented; and (9) potential compatibility issues with States' tax mechanisms.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 444 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2754 (Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2004).
Bill· SS. 1858 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2003
National Veterinary Medical Service Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a veterinary school loan repayment program (including resultant tax liability payments) for persons who perform qualifying veterinary services in shortage and emergency situations.
Bill· SS. 1854 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2003
Digital Opportunity Investment Trust Act - Establishes the Digital Opportunity Investment Trust (the Trust), which shall receive 30 percent of the cash payment received by the Federal Government each fiscal year quarter through FY 2020 from auctions of the publicly owned electromagnetic spectrum and fees derived from the use of such spectrum. Establishes a Board to oversee administration of Trust funds. Establishes a Director of the Trust. Provides authorized Trust uses. Allows the Director of the Trust to award contracts and grants to nonprofit public institutions (with or without private partners) for innovative and experimental ideas and techniques to enhance learning and achieve specified related goals. Directs the Director to invest funds of the Trust in U.S. interest bearing or U.S.-guaranteed obligations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3485 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2003
Affordable Housing Preservation Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an affordable housing credit for the qualified preservation sale or exchange of an eligible multifamily property to or with a preservation entity which agrees to maintain specified affordability and use restrictions regarding the property.
Bill· SS. 1831 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide that income averaging for farmers and fisherman will not increase their alternative minimum tax liability; and (2) permit income averaging for fishermen.
Law· HRH.R. 3463 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
SUTA Dumping Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to administration of unemployment taxes and benefits. Revises SSA title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) to require State unemployment compensation laws, as a condition of State eligibility for such grants, to provide for transfer of unemployment experience upon transfer or acquisition of a business. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study and report to Congress on State implementation of such requirement. Revises SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose information on individuals and their employers in the National Directory of New Hires to a State agency that, for purposes of administering a Federal or State unemployment compensation law, transmits such individuals' names and social security account numbers to the Secretary. Requires such disclosure only to the extent that it would not interfere with effective operation of the part D program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3457 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Improving Government Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to allow an Inspector General (IG) to be removed from office prior to the expiration of his term on the grounds of: (1) permanent disability; (2) inefficiency; (3) neglect of duty; (4) malfeasance; or (5) conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude. Establishes the term of office of each IG as seven years. Directs that any individual appointed to fill a vacancy in that position, occurring before the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed, be appointed for the remainder of that term. Authorizes an IG, for each fiscal year, to transmit an appropriation estimate and request to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate congressional committees or subcommittees, in addition to the head of the establishment involved. Directs that each Government budget submitted by the President include a separate statement regarding amounts requested by IGs, including a comparison with the amounts requested by the head of the establishment involved. Establishes within the Executive Branch the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the offices of the IG. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to maintain a personnel management system applicable to the officers and employees of IG offices. Prohibits reprisals because of comments on proposed regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3465 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Reducing Education Loan Repayment Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to repeal limitations on the deduction for interest on education loans and to make the deduction permanent.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 434 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Waives a specified requirement of rule XIII with respect to a reported resolution providing for consideration or disposition of the conference report on H.R. 1588 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 437 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 1588 (FY 2004 Department of Defense authorization).
Bill· HRH.R. 3448 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
Includes all of Aroostook County, Maine, within the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone (for Department of Agriculture empowerment zone purposes).
Bill· SS. 1817 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include influenza vaccines in the definition of taxable vaccine.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 76 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Extends until November 21, 2003: (1) the law making continuing appropriations for FY 2004; and (2) the waiver of certain conditions under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003 on the planning, design, or construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 429 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2559 (Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 430 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 76 (further continuing appropriations for FY 2004).
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 257 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2003
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should give priority to passing legislation to provide tax relief for U.S. military personnel, including those serving in the National Guard and Reserves, and the employers of active duty members of the National Guard and Reserves; and (2) the cost of such tax relief should be offset by legislation which prevents individuals from avoiding taxes by renouncing United States citizenship.
Bill· SS. 1804 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
Sport Fishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act - Amends the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act to provide for distribution of FY 2004 through 2009 appropriations, including those for the multistate conservation grant program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require transfer to the land and water conservation fund of the equivalent of certain motorboat fuel taxes received into the Highway Trust Fund. Authorizes for FY 2004 through 2008 certain expenditures from the Boat Safety Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, including for aid to States for fish restoration and management projects. Amends the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, with respect to grants for State marine sanitation device pumpout station programs, to repeal the mandatory priority consideration given to grant applications that, in coastal States, propose constructing and renovating pumpout stations and waste reception facilities in accordance with a coastal State's approved plan. Amends Federal shipping law to increase from one-half to 75 percent the maximum percentage of a State's total cost for its recreational boating safety program represented by the Federal allocation the State receives. Extends the availability of such allocation from two years to three years. Requires a reduction of such allocation if the State's expenditures for the program for the previous fiscal year is below the average expenditures for the three preceding fiscal years (failure of maintenance of effort).
Bill· HRH.R. 3412 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand education incentives, including: (1) the deduction for interest on education loans; (2) making the deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses permanent; (3) increasing allowable contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts; (4) allowing qualified higher education expenses (books, supplies, room, board, and special needs services) to be excluded from gross income in the case of scholarship programs for higher education; and (5) repealing the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 applicable to title IV (Affordable Education Provisions) of such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3415 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
State Assistance Accountability Act - Amends title VI (Temporary State Fiscal Relief) of the Social Security Act to revise the provision concerning the limitation on temporary State fiscal relief, to permit the use of such funds only for types of expenditure authorized under: (1) the budget of the State for the fiscal year for which the funds are to be expended that, as of May 28, 2003, was most recently approved by the State legislature; or (2) in the absence of such a budget, the budget of the State for the fiscal year for which the funds are to be expended that, as of May 28, 2003, was at the furthest stage of development by the State legislature. Requires the Secretary to: (1) audit a State's use of such funds; and (2) require remittance of all inappropriately expended funds, plus a penalty and interest. Defines an "essential government service" as reduction in the amount of debt held or planned to be held by a State, and not any activity that was not funded by a State in its previous fiscal year.