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Bill· HRH.R. 2392 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the child care credit to: (1) make the 15 percent refundable portion of the child tax credit effective as of 2003 (currently 2005); (2) include combat pay within taxable income for refundable credit determinations; and (3) establish phased-in increases to the income threshold amounts for joint filers and for married filing separate filers (marriage penalty reduction). States that such amendments shall be subject to certain sunset provisions under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Amends the Code to provide a uniform definition of "child." Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs user fees.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 213 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Resolution of 2003 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Federal tax collection services should not be paid for on the basis of a commission or as a percentage of taxes collected.
Bill· SS. 1193 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Capital Construction Fund Qualified Withdrawal Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act and the Internal Revenue Code to permit as qualified withdrawals from fishing capital construction funds money used by retiring fishermen for the following purposes: (1) retiring an owner's commercial fishing vessels and related commercial fishing permits; (2) making a rollover contribution into an owner's individual retirement plan; (3) making a payment of an industry fee authorized by the fishing capacity reduction program; (4) the acquisition of a vessel monitoring system as a safety improvement for a fishing vessel; and (5) the acquisition or construction of fishing gear designed to minimize or avoid bycatch.
Bill· SS. 1189 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Federal Fair Accountability Includes Resources Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to defer certain Federal mandates under ESEA amendments made by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA) if the Federal Government fails to make specified minimum appropriations for provisions related to such mandates. Prohibits any school or local educational agency (LEA) from being identified for or subject to certain requirements of school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring, for any year for which appropriations are less than 95 percent of specified amounts in each of FY 2003 through 2007 to carry out ESEA title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs). Authorizes any State educational agency (SEA) to defer commencing, suspend implementing, or modify (but not cease developing) certain SEA and LEA requirements for teachers and paraprofessionals, for one year for each year for which appropriations are less than a specified amount for FY 2002, and such amount adjusted for inflation for each subsequent fiscal year, to carry out ESEA title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) subparts 1 through 4 (Grants to States; Subgrants to LEAs; Subgrants to Eligible Partnerships; Accountability).
Bill· SS. 1190 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2009 for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees. Eliminates the requirement that an eligible HSI provide assurances that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students be low-income students. Includes, among authorized activities under part A grants, articulation agreements and student support programs to help transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Eliminates the two-year wait-out period between any two five-year part A grants to an HSI.
Bill· SS. 1196 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Permanent Marriage Penalty Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the basic standard deduction on a joint return shall be equal to 200 percent of the dollar amount of an individual who is not married. Makes the maximum taxable income in the lowest joint bracket equal to double the maximum taxable income in the lowest single filer bracket. Increases the earned income credit phaseout amount on a joint return by $3,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 2347 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Children's Hope Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a credit ($100, $200 for joint return) which is dependent on enactment of State qualified scholarship tax credits and which is allowed against the Federal income tax for charitable contributions to education investment organizations (as defined by this Act) that provide qualifying assistance for elementary and secondary education. Excludes from gross income amounts received from an education investment organization for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 2379 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Rural Veterans Access to Care Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that no less than five percent of the funds made available each fiscal year for the Medical Care appropriation of the Department of Veterans Affairs are used to improve access to medical services for highly rural or geographically remote veterans, including the use of such funds for: (1) acute or chronic sympton management; (2) nontherapeutic medical services; and (3) other appropriate medical services as determined by the director of the geographic service region involved. Provides for the allocation of such funds to such service regions. Requires review of the operation of this Act and, if necessary, recommendation for an adjustment to the percentage of Medical Care funds required for such purpose.
Bill· HRH.R. 2351 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Health Savings Account Availability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals (both itemizers and nonitemizers) in high deductible health plans for contributions to health savings accounts. Limits monthly contributions to an account to one-twelfth of the annual deductible. Defines a high deductible plan and a health savings account. States that a plan or other arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan solely because qualified benefits under such plan include a health flexible spending arrangement under which not more than $500 of unused health benefits may be: (1) carried forward to the succeeding plan year of such health flexible spending arrangement; or (2) contributed on behalf of an employee to a qualified retirement plan, an eligible deferred compensation plan, or a health savings account.
Bill· HRH.R. 2383 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit as an itemized medical deduction a medicine or drug taken as part of a pharmacotherapy prescribed by a physician as part of a smoking cessation program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2368 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the tax treatment of campaign committees of candidates for State and local public office shall be the same as the tax treatment of campaign committees of candidates for Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 2358 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Invest in Space Now Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit for the purchase of space transportation vehicle provider stock (as defined by this Act). Sets forth separate credit limitations for large and small capitalization providers, as well as aggregate annual limitations. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a United States Commercial Space Transportation Vehicle Industry Authorization Program to provide tax credit eligibility to support qualified commercial space transportation vehicle development startup ventures.
Bill· HRH.R. 2372 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Low Income Housing Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an increased low-income housing credit for property which is contiguous to a qualified census tract and which meets qualified allocation plan criteria.
Bill· HRH.R. 2360 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Capital Construction Fund Qualified Withdrawal Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act and the Internal Revenue Code to permit as qualified withdrawals from fishing capital construction funds money used by retiring fishermen for the following purposes: (1) paying the net proceeds to a person retiring related commercial fishing vessels and permits; (2) making a rollover contribution into an owner's individual retirement plan; (3) making a payment of an industry fee authorized by the fishing capacity reduction program; and (4) acquiring a vessel monitoring system or the aquisition or construction of fishing gear designed to minimize or avoid bycatch.
Bill· HRH.R. 2366 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Fully Fund the No Child Left Behind Act - Suspends amendments made by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA) to titles I or II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) if the Federal Government fails to fully fund them.. Provides for such suspension if the Government appropriates any amount less than the specific dollar amount for that fiscal year in the authorization of appropriations for title I (currently, Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) or title II (currently, Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals). Requires the ESEA provisions in effect before NCLBA's enactment to be in effect during any fiscal year of such suspension for title I (formerly, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) or title II (formerly, Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program).
Bill· HRH.R. 2375 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase simple retirement account contribution limits.
Bill· HRH.R. 2346 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Seniors Financial Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the tax on social security and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits.
Bill· SS. 1180 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Encouraging Work Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the work opportunity credit permanent. Modifies such credit by: (1) repealing the requirement that a "qualified ex-felon" be a member of a low-income (as specified) family; (2) increasing the maximum age for eligibility of food stamp recipients to 40 years; (3) redefining the term "vocational rehabilitation referral"; (4) adding "long-term family assistance recipients" (as defined) to the definition of "targeted groups"; and (5) increasing the maximum allowable credit for employment of long-term family assistance recipients. Repeals the separate welfare-to-work credit.
Bill· SS. 1179 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring the payment of deductibles and coinsurance for certain existing preventive benefits under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the President on current literature and best practices in the field of health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries, including specified issues. Requires the Institute to develop recommendations in legislative form that prioritize Medicare preventive health benefits and modify them, adding new ones based on such study. Authorizes the Secretary by regulation to adopt any or all of such recommendations. Applies the elimination of cost-sharing for preventive benefits under this Act to any Medicare furnished items and services incorporated by such regulation. Provides for: (1) Medicare coverage of an initial preventive physical examination and care coordination and assessment services furnished by a care coordinator as a Medicare part B medical service; and (2) care coordination and assessment services and quality improvement program in Medicare+Choice plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice). Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to enable them to develop, implement, or train personnel in the use of standardized clinical information technology systems designed to: (1) improve the coordination and quality of care furnished to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions; and (2) increase administrative efficiencies of such entities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review appropriate regulations, policies, and procedures, including those of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS), with respect to determinations of whether an item or service is reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury for purposes of payment under Medicare; and (2) take appropriate corrective measures to ensure that the proper standard for making such determinations is applied, if it is found that CMMS, a fiscal intermediary, or a carrier has misapplied the coverage standard by requiring that the item or service improve the condition of the patient with respect to such illness or injury. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on factors of the Medicare program that facilitate or impede effective care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2318 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY 2005 130 percent of the amount obligated during FY 2003. Adjusts the amount provided for fiscal years after FY 2005 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of other persons eligible but not enrolled who are provided care, multiplied by the per capital baseline amount for FY 2003, as increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Prohibits the availability of such funds for: (1) construction, acquisition, or alteration of veterans' medical facilities (other than for repairs provided for before the date of enactment of this Act); or (2) grants for the construction of State home facilities for the furnishing of veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care.
Bill· HRH.R. 2337 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct during fiscal years 2004 and 2005 a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of contracting with private memory care facilities to provide services for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease as an alternative to the provision by the Secretary of inpatient or home health care for such veterans. Requires the pilot program to be conducted through five medical centers of the Veterans Health Administration selected by the Secretary.
Bill· HRH.R. 2342 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring the payment of deductibles and coinsurance for certain existing preventive benefits under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the President on current literature and best practices in the field of health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries, including specified issues. Requires the Institute to develop recommendations in legislative form that prioritize Medicare preventive health benefits and modify them, adding new ones based on such study. Authorizes the Secretary by regulation to adopt any or all of such recommendations. Applies the elimination of cost-sharing for preventive benefits under this Act to any Medicare furnished items and services incorporated by such regulation. Provides for: (1) Medicare coverage of an initial preventive physical examination and care coordination and assessment services furnished by a care coordinator as a Medicare part B medical service; and (2) care coordination and assessment services and quality improvement program in Medicare+Choice plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice). Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to enable them to develop, implement, or train personnel in the use of standardized clinical information technology systems designed to: (1) improve the coordination and quality of care furnished to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions; and (2) increase administrative efficiencies of such entities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review appropriate regulations, policies, and procedures, including those of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS), with respect to determinations of whether an item or service is reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury for purposes of payment under Medicare; and (2) take appropriate corrective measures to ensure that the proper standard for making such determinations is applied, if it is found that CMMS, a fiscal intermediary, or a carrier has misapplied the coverage standard by requiring that the item or service improve the condition of the patient with respect to such illness or injury. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on factors of the Medicare program that facilitate or impede effective care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2331 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Tribal Transportation Program Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to authorize appropriations for Indian reservation roads under the Federal Lands Highways Program through FY 2009. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from distributing, for years after FY 2003, any amount of obligation authority made available for Indian reservation road bridges and roads. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the planning, design, engineering, construction, and inspection of certain projects concerning deficient Indian reservation road bridges. Raises from two percent to four percent the ceiling for the amount of funds made available for Indian reservation roads for each fiscal year that may be allocated to Indian tribal governments applying for transportation planning pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a Federal lands highway program demonstration project for Indian reservation roads and highway bridges located on Indian reservations. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to provide to eligible Indian tribes competitive grants for use in establishing tribal transportation safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue grants to Indian tribes to establish rural transit programs on reservations or other land under tribal jurisdiction. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the maintenance of roads on Indian reservations is a responsibility of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (2) Congress should provide annually to the Bureau funding necessary to carry out all maintenance of roads on Indian reservations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2324 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Family Fairness in Taxing Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the child care credit to: (1) revise refundability criteria; (2) accelerate the increase to a $1,000 credit; and (3) increase a qualifying child's age to 19 years old.
Bill· HRH.R. 2332 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Amends the Jobs Growth and Reconciliation Act of 2003 to repeal the sunset on the provision providing for the treatment of dividend income as capital gains.
Bill· HRH.R. 2340 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the current required beginning date for distributions from individual retirement plans and distributions of elective deferrals under qualified cash or deferred arrangements and make the required beginning date the date of the death of the employee.
Bill· HRH.R. 2341 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Community Savings and Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a separate tax rate for a qualified community lender; and (2) permit the exclusion from gross income of distressed community banking income.
Bill· HRH.R. 2325 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2003
Working Taxpayer Fairness Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the refundability of the child tax credit, to accelerate the increase to the 15 percent rate. Limits, to fair market value immediately following a transaction, the importation of net built-in loss by a corporation. Prohibits an allocation of any decrease in the adjusted basis of partnership property to stock in a corporation which is a partner in the partnership. Repeals part V (Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts) of subchapter M (Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts). Expands the definition of a disqualified debt instrument with respect to deduction disallowance on certain debt instruments of corporations. Expands the authority to disallow deductions, credits, or other allowances under provisions disallowing such benefits due to acquisitions made to evade or avoid income tax. Amends provisions affecting passive foreign investment companies to state that the term "qualified portion" (of a shareholder's holding period) does not include any period if there is only a remote likelihood of an inclusion in gross income under subpart F (Controlled Foreign Income). Adds to the definition of the term "real estate investment trust" by stating that such term includes a corporation, trust, or association which is not a controlled entity. Directs the Secretary to establish a program requiring the payment of user fees, until September 30, 2013, for: (1) requests to the Internal Revenue Service for ruling letters, opinion letters, and determination letters; and (2) other similar requests.
Bill· SS. 1177 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act or PACT Act - Amends the Jenkins Act to prohibit any person or other legal entity from selling, transferring, or shipping cigarettes into a State that taxes the sale or use of cigarettes (or from advertising or offering cigarettes for such a sale or transfer and shipment) without filing specified information with the tobacco tax administrator of such State within a specified time frame. Requires any person making a "delivery sale" to comply with specified shipping and record-keeping requirements. Grants each State the authority to require any person making a delivery sale of cigarettes into the State to: (1) collect or pay the specified taxes; and (2) provide evidence that the cigarette manufacturer is in compliance with all Federal, State, or local laws generally applicable to the sale or distribution of cigarettes. Sets civil penalties for violations. Authorizes a State to bring an action in U.S. district court to prevent and restrain violations. Prohibits the transmission in the mails of cigarettes for purposes of sale. Designates cigarettes for purposes of sale to be nonmailable matter. Amends the Federal criminal code to lower the threshold quantity of cigarettes qualifying as contraband cigarettes. Grants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives: (1) authority previously granted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to conduct certain undercover investigative operations; and (2) authority to inspect records and cigarettes of cigarette sellers who ship, sell, distribute, or receive any quantity in excess of 10,000 cigarettes within a single month.
Bill· SS. 1174 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the child care credit to: (1) accelerate and make permanent the $1,000 child tax credit; (2) make the 15 percent refundable portion of the child tax credit effective as of 2003 (currently 2005); and (3) increase the income threshold amounts for joint filers and for married filing separate filers. Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to make the revisions to such credit made by the Act permanent. Amends the Code to provide a uniform definition of "child."
Bill· SS. 1173 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the child care credit to: (1) accelerate and make permanent the $1,000 child tax credit; (2) make the 15 percent refundable portion of the child tax credit effective as of 2003 (currently 2005); and (3) increase the income threshold amounts for joint filers and for married filing separate filers. Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to make the revisions to such credit made by the Act permanent. Amends the Code to provide a uniform definition of "child."
Bill· SS. 1175 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an income-based, one-time tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers); (2) allow transfer of such credit (within 30 days of transfer application) as payment towards related downpayment and closing costs; and (3) apply the credit to purchases made on or after January 1, 2003, and before January 1, 2010, and to binding contracts made between such dates, and in which the residence is occupied before July 1, 2011.
Bill· HRH.R. 2313 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003
Permits one additional advance refunding of certain tax-exempt bonds, of which the net proceeds are used to finance the costs of electric generation, transmission, or distribution assets owned by the issuer or by a consortium of State or local governments which includes the issuer. Sets certain conditions the bonds must meet to qualify for the advance refunding.
Bill· SS. 1162 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Working Taxpayer Fairness Restoration Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the refundability of the child tax credit, to accelerate the increase to the 15 percent rate. Limits, to fair market value immediately following a transaction, the importation of net built-in loss by a corporation. Prohibits an allocation of any decrease in the adjusted basis of partnership property to stock in a corporation which is a partner in the partnership. Repeals part V (Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts) of subchapter M (Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts). Expands the definition of a disqualified debt instrument with respect to deduction disallowance on certain debt instruments of corporations. Expands the authority to disallow deductions, credits, or other allowances under provisions disallowing such benefits due to acquisitions made to evade or avoid income tax. Amends provisions affecting passive foreign investment companies to state that the term "qualified portion" (of a shareholder's holding period) does not include any period if there is only a remote likelihood of an inclusion in gross income under subpart F (Controlled Foreign Income). Adds to the definition of the term "real estate investment trust" by stating that such term includes a corporation, trust, or association which is not a controlled entity. Directs the Secretary to establish a program requiring the payment of user fees, until September 30, 2013, for: (1) requests to the Internal Revenue Service for ruling letters, opinion letters, and determination letters; and (2) other similar requests.
Bill· HRH.R. 2286 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003
Working Families Tax Credit Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) accelerate and increase the refundability of the child tax credit to the 15 percent rate; and (2) include combat pay (otherwise excludable from gross income) as earned income for purposes of determining such refundability. Increases the earned income credit phaseout amount on a joint return by $3,000. Revises tax shelter provisions to, among other things: (1) define economic substance; (2) impose a penalty for the failure to include in a return information concerning a reportable transaction, a reportable transaction understatement (including imposing the penalty for certain understatements which were based on unreasonable legal or factual assumptions), a noneconomic substance transaction understatement, and interests in foreign financial accounts; (3) modify rules concerning the failure to furnish information regarding reportable transactions and the penalty for such failure, the failure to maintain lists of investors in potentially abusive tax shelters and the penalty for such failure, the authority to seek an injunction to enjoin promoters of abusive tax shelters; and (4) deny a deduction of interest on underpayments attributable to nondisclosed reportable transactions and noneconomic substance transactions. Amends other provisions to, among other things: (1) place a limit on the transfer or importation by a corporation of built-in losses; (2) provide for the partnership treatment of certain contributed property with a built-in loss; (3) repeal part V (Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts) of subchapter M (Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts); and (4) modify rules concerning the disallowance of a deduction on certain debt instruments of corporations, passive foreign investment companies, and the reduction in a corporate shareholder's basis in stock by the nontaxed portion of extraordinary dividends. Revises corporate expatriation provisions to treat acquiring corporations in "corporate expatriation transactions" as domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group." Applies similar rules to partnership transactions. Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction.
Bill· SS. 1161 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2003
Foreign Assistance Authorization Act, fiscal year 2004 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 to the President for development assistance and for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Treasury a Development Credit Authority Program Account, with appropriations authorized for FY 2004, and to authorize FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) technical assistance to foreign governments and foreign central banks of developing or transitional countries; (2) international organizations and programs; (3) international disaster assistance; (4) famine assistance; (5) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union, and for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; and (6) operating expenses of the United States Agency for International Development. Establishes in the Treasury a Complex Foreign Crises Contingency Fund, with appropriations authorized for FY 2004. Authorizes FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement, especially for Colombia; (2) Economic Support Fund; (3) international military education and training; (4) peacekeeping operations; (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related assistance; and (6) foreign military financing program, particularly assistance to Israel and Egypt. Authorizes FY 2004 appropriations for: (1) the Inter-American Foundation; and (2) the African Development Foundation. Amends specified Federal laws to authorize FY 2004 appropriations for contributions to: (1) the seventh replenishment of the Asian Development Fund; (2) the thirteenth replenishment of the International Development Association; and (3) the ninth replenishment of the African Development Fund. Authorizes the President to make available certain FY 2003 funds for relief and reconstruction efforts in and around Iraq. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to: (1) development policy; (2) assistance for nongovernmental organizations; (3) authority for use of funds for unanticipated contingencies; (4) authority to accept lethal excess property; (5) reconstruction assistance under international disaster assistance authority; (6) funding authorities for assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (7) waiver of net proceeds resulting from disposal of U.S. defense articles provided to a foreign country on a grant basis; (8) transfer of certain obsolete or surplus defense articles in the war reserve stockpiles for allies to Israel; (9) additions to war reserve stockpiles for allies for FY 2004; (10) restrictions on economic support funds for Lebanon; (11) administration of justice; (12) demining programs; (13) special waiver authority; (14) prohibition of assistance for countries in default; (15) military coups; (16) alternative dispute resolution; (17) assistance for law enforcement forces; (18) special debt relief for the poorest; (19) the Congo Basin Forest Partnership; (20) landmine clearance programs; and (21) the Middle East Foundation. Amends the Arms Export Control Act with respect to: (1) thresholds for advance notice to Congress of sales or upgrades of defense articles, design and construction services, and major defense equipment; (2) the requirement for advance notice to Congress of comprehensive export authorizations; (3) an exception to bilateral agreement requirements for transfers of defense items within Australia; (4) authority to provide cataloging data and services to non-NATO countries; (5) Freedom Support Act permanent waiver authority; (6) extension of Pakistan waivers; (7) consolidation of reports on nonproliferation in South Asia; (8) the Haitian Coast Guard; (9) the sense of Congress relating to exports of defense items to the United Kingdom; and (10) marketing information for commercial communications satellites. Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to: (1) propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to eight countries for temporary international storage facilities for radioactive sources; (2) support a program to promote discovery, inventory, and recovery of radioactive sources; (3) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar (or other non-nuclear) power sources for radioisotope thermal power units operated by the Russian Federation and other independent states of the former Soviet Union; (4) assist in development of foreign first responders to radioactive situations; and (5) submit threat assessment reports to the appropriate congressional committees. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2003 - Establishes a fellowship program in public health education or training. Directs the Secretary to support in-country training in laboratory techniques and syndrome surveillance. Authorizes the President to assist eligible developing countries in the purchase and maintenance of public health laboratory equipment, as well as communication equipment and information technology. Authorizes Federal agencies to assign public health personnel to U.S. missions and international organizations. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to CDCP or DOD infectious disease research laboratories; and (2) expand laboratory operations. Authorizes the President to assist in the development of regional health networks, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new Foreign Epidemiology Training Programs. Amends specified Federal laws with respect to: (1) elimination and modification of certain reporting requirements; (2) certain claims for expropriation by the Government of Nicaragua; and (3) annual reports to Congress under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Declares the sense of Congress about support for Sierra Leone, Somalia, and the Central African States. Makes certain funds available to support independent media in Ethiopia and the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance Program. Specifies a condition on the provision of certain funds to Indonesia or the Indonesian Armed Forces. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to add certain countries of the Caribbean region to those for which U.S. activities relating to combatting HIV/AIDS require the direct approval of the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.
Bill· SS. 1157 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
National Museum of African American History and Culture Act - (Sec. 4) Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution (SI) the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans that encompass the period of slavery, the era of reconstruction, the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and other periods of the African American diaspora. (Sec. 5) Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council to: (1) advise and assist the SI Board of Regents on Museum planning, design, construction, operation, and budgets; and (2) have responsibility and authority with respect to the Museum's collections and work, subject to the Board of Regents' general policies. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary of SI to appoint a Director to manage the Museum. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Office of Education and Liaison Programs within the Museum to work with educational institutions and museums throughout the Nation. Requires the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish specified grant, scholarship, internship, and fellowship programs relating to African American museums. (Sec. 8) Directs the Board of Regents to select the Museum's site from one of four specified sites on or adjacent to the national mall. Requires the Board of Regents to pay costs of planning, design, and construction of the Museum on the chosen site as follows: 50 percent from Federal funds and 50 percent from non-Federal sources. (Sec. 9) Provides for Congressional Budget Act compliance by declaring that authority under this Act to enter into contracts or to make payments shall be effective in any fiscal year only to the extent provided in advance in an appropriations Act, except that mounts made available under section 11 of this Act shall remain available until expended. (Sec. 10) Directs the Council and the Board of Regents, in carrying out their duties under this Act, to consider the reports and plans submitted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission under the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-106). (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for FY 2004, and in necessary amounts for subsequent fiscal years.
Bill· SS. 1149 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003
Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the renewable electricity production tax credit to, among other things, include as qualified energy resources, geothermal energy, solar energy, small irrigation power, biosolids and sludge, and municipal solid waste. Provides alternative vehicle and fuel incentives, including credits for installation of alternative fueling stations and the retail sale of alternative fuels as motor vehicle fuel, modification of the credit for qualified electric vehicles, and allowing the alcohol fuels credit to be transferred and to be used against motor fuels taxes. Sets forth certain conservation and energy efficiency provisions such as credits for the construction of new energy efficient homes, the installation of energy efficient appliances, combined heat and power system properties, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Establishes a three-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices. Establishes clean coal incentives, including credits for emission reductions, efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generation facilities, and investment in qualifying advanced clean coal technology. Revises oil and gas provisions, including establishing a credit for the production of oil and gas from marginal wells, permitting the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with EPA sulfur regulations, establishing an environmental tax credit, extending the marginal production income limit, and treating natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property. Sets forth electric utility restructuring provisions. Sets forth provisions concerning tax shelters, including establishing penalties for failure to include reportable transaction information and accuracy-related understatements, and increasing the penalty for failure to furnish information regarding tax shelters. Establishes rules concerning corporate expatriation and an excise tax on stock compensation of insiders in inverted corporations. Makes additional amendments, including amendments concerning: (1) the recovery period for Indian reservation property; (2) IRS user fees; (3) adding hepatitis A vaccine to the taxable vaccine list; and (4) individual expatriation to avoid tax.
Bill· SS. 1119 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include associated development costs in the basis of any building which is part of a low-income housing project when calculating the low-income housing credit.
Bill· SS. 1109 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Build America Bonds Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to a taxpayer holding a Build America bond on a credit allowance date of such bond. Defines a Build America bond as any bond issued by the Build America Corporation as part of an issue if 95 percent or more of the proceeds from the sale of such issue are to be used for expenditures incurred for any qualified project, or for deposit in the Build America Trust Account for repayment of Build America bonds at maturity. Defines qualified project as the financing of capital improvements for any transportation infrastructure project of any governmental unit or other person, including highways, transit systems, railroads, airports, ports, and inland waterways, proposed by a State and approved by the Build America Corporation. Establishes the non-profit Build America Corporation to: (1) issue Build America bonds for the financing of qualified projects; (2) establish and operate the Build America Trust Account; and (3) perform any other function the sole purpose of which is to carry out the financing of qualified projects through Build America bonds.
Bill· SS. 1136 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to rename the Act as the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act and to revise provisions with respect to certain civil protections and rights afforded to servicemembers while on active-duty assignment. Authorizes any servicemember to waive any of such rights and protections, pursuant to written agreement. Provides certain protections of servicemembers against default judgments, including a minimum 90-day stay of proceedings, with respect to the payment of any tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, or other civil obligation or liability. Prohibits an eviction or distress from being made against a servicemember or his or her dependents during a period of military service for a premise for which rent does not exceed the greater of $1,950 (currently $1,200) or the monthly basic allowance to which the member is entitled, except by court order. Prohibits: (1) rescinding or terminating for breach of contract during a period of military service a contract for the purchase or lease of real or personal property (including a motor vehicle) entered into prior to such service; and (2) a person holding a lien on property or effects of a servicemember from foreclosing or otherwise enforcing such lien (with penalties and protection for materially affected dependents) during a period of service and 90 days thereafter. Increases the total amount of life insurance coverage protection provided under the Act to $250,000, or an amount equal to the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance maximum limit, whichever is greater. Allows findings of fact and conclusions of law made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in administering the life insurance provisions of the Act to be reviewed by the Board of Veterans Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (not reviewable under current law). Sets forth provisions: (1) protecting a servicemember's assets not held in connection with an obligation or liability of a trade or business of that servicemember during his or her military service; and (2) requiring institutions of higher education to allow a servicemember to return to the institution and complete classes after military service.
Bill· SS. 1125 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2003 or the FAIR Act of 2003 - Creates a privately funded, publicly administered fund to provide resources for an asbestos injury claims resolution program. Establishes a United States Court of Asbestos Claims, comprised of five judges appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chief Judge of this court to appoint magistrates, as necessary, for the processing of claims. Establishes asbestos injury claims resolution procedures, including: (1) who may file claims; (2) a general rule concerning no-fault compensation; (3) essential elements of a claim with particular attention to medical criteria and exposure requirements; (4) eligibility determinations and claims awards; (5) medical evidence auditing procedures; and (6) a claimant assistance program. Establishes: (1) the Asbestos Insurance Commission to determine insurer liability for asbestos injuries; (2) the Office of Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution to administer the Fund; and (3) the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund to pay claims for awards. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution to assess Fund contributions from defendant participants based on tiers and subtiers, with an aggregate contribution level of 45 billion dollars over the life of the Fund. Provides for adjustments based on financial hardship as well as a method for determining prior asbestos expenditures. Delineates enforcement mechanisms for failure to make contributions, including liens and civil actions. Treats these liens in the same manner as liens for Federal taxes in the case of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding. Permits the Administrator to assess additional contributing participants (non-mandatory participants) for contributions to the Fund. Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over any action to review a final decision by the Asbestos Court. Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over any action to review a final determination by the Administrator or the Asbestos Insurers Commission. Permits a private right of action against reinsurers.
Bill· HRH.R. 2234 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Children's Hope Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a credit ($100, $200 for joint return) which is dependent on enactment of State qualified scholarship tax credits and which is allowed against the Federal income tax for charitable contributions to education investment organizations (as defined by this Act) that provide qualifying assistance for elementary and secondary education.
Bill· HRH.R. 2238 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2009 for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees. Eliminates the requirement that an eligible HSI provide assurances that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students are low-income students. Includes, among authorized activities under part A grants, articulation agreements and student support programs to help transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Eliminates the two-year wait-out period between any two five-year part A grants to an HSI.
Bill· HRH.R. 2252 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Alcohol Tax Equalization Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the rates of tax on wine and beer and indexes such rates to the cost-of-living. Establishes the Substance Abuse Prevention Trust Fund. Appropriates amounts to the Fund equivalent to the amounts received as a result of this Act. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2208 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Highway Funding Equity Act of 2003 - Revises Federal highway funding minimum guarantee provisions. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, for each of FY 2004 through 2009, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the percentage for each State of the total apportionments for the fiscal year for the National Highway System (NHS), the high priority projects program, the Interstate maintenance program, the surface transportation program, metropolitan planning, the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian development highway system, and the basic minimum guarantee equals or exceeds 95 percent of the ratio that the estimated tax payments to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) attributable to highway users in the State bears to such payments attributable to highway users in all States (with a specified exception for any State having a population density of less than 50 individuals per square mile); and (2) when HTF allocations (other than from the Mass Transit Account, for such programs, emergency relief, and the discretionary minimum guarantee) for the fiscal year have been identified, the percentage for each State of all of those allocations for the fiscal year equals or exceeds the percentage that is equal to 95 percent of such tax payments ratio. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the programmatic distribution of NHS funds exceeding $2.8 billion; (2) the apportionment of the remainder of funds to the States; and (3) required adjustments where the sum of State percentages exceeds 100.
Bill· HRH.R. 2228 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include life insurance companies as an "includible corporation" for purposes of filing consolidated tax returns. Permits an affiliated group which includes at least one domestic insurance company that elects to file a consolidated return rather than pay tax under certain life insurance provisions to use a phased-in percentage of insurance company net operating loss in determining its own taxable income. (Permits unused loss carryover.) Provides for: (1) subsidiary stock basis adjustment; and (2) waiver of the five-year reconsolidation waiting period for certain formerly includible corporations which became nonincludible as a result of becoming a subsidiary of a nonincludible life insurance company.
Bill· HRH.R. 2229 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Charitable Giving Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit non-itemizers to deduct a portion of their charitable contributions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2240 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
Catch-Up Lost Retirement Savings Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, until December 31, 2007, an individual who participated in a retirement plan under which the employer matched at least 50 percent of the employee's contribution with the employer's stock and whose employer filed for bankruptcy and was subject to a related prosecution resulting from business transactions to make three times the otherwise applicable deductible retirement contributions and to receive a credit for 50 percent for such contributions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2230 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003
IRA Charitable Rollover Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from inclusion as income individual retirement account (IRA) distributions used for qualified charitable purposes. Sets forth related rules for charitable remainder trusts, pooled income funds, and charitable gift annuities.