Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 2895 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2002
Comprehensive Seaport and Container Security Act of 2002 - Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration to designate a Director of the Port who will be the primary authority responsible for security at each U.S. seaport to coordinate security and be the point of contact on seaport security issues for civilian port entities there. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to implement a data collection system to compile data related to crimes at or affecting U.S. seaports. Requires U.S. seaports that receive cargo from a foreign country to allow the use of office and inspection space by U.S. Customs Service officers at no cost to the Customs Service. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to issue regulations transferring the responsibility to license, and revoke or suspend a license of, ocean transportation intermediaries from the Federal Maritime Commission to the Commissioner of Customs. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to submit to Congress a plan to station inspectors from the Customs Service, other Federal agencies, or the private sector at foreign facilities of manufacturers or common carriers to profile and inspect merchandise and containers prepared for shipment on vessels arriving at U.S. ports or U.S. places. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the advanced electronic transmission of cargo manifest information. Increases civil penalties for vessel owners who falsify or fail to produce a manifest. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who provides false information with respect to the shipment of merchandise bound for the United States. Increases civil penalties for vessel, aircraft, or vehicle owners for violation of certain arrival, reporting, entry, and clearance requirements. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to develop a shipment profiling plan to track containers and shipments of merchandise imported into the United States for the purpose of identifying any shipment before it is transported to a U.S. seaport that is a threat to U.S. security. Prohibits an individuals who is regularly employed at a U.S. seaport or is employed by a common carrier that transports merchandise to or from a U.S. seaport from entering a U.S. seaport without a seaport security card. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to the issuance of such cards. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) seaport security; (2) protection of certain sensitive information; and (3) container security.
Bill· SS. 2831 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2002
Airline Worker Relief Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide adjustment assistance (similar to assistance provided to workers adversely affected by import competition under the Trade Act of 1974) to certain eligible airline workers who lost their jobs as the result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.
Bill· SS. 2804 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Amends the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 to: (1) revise the designation of museums composing the America's National Maritime Museum; and (2) designate specified new museums to be museums of the America's National Maritime Museum.
Bill· SS. 2809 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations to the District of Columbia for FY 2003, including amounts for the Federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for emergency planning and security costs in the District; (3) to the Chief Financial Officer of the District; (4) to District of Columbia Courts; (5) for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (6) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (including transfer of funds); (7) to the Children's National Medical Center; (8) to the St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Inc. expansion project; (9) to the Department of Transportation in the District; (10) for implementation of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative; (11) for capital infrastructure development; (12) for the Family Literacy Program; and (13) for development of Charter School facilities. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund and/or other funds for the current fiscal year for: (1) operating expenses (with limitations); (2) governmental direction and support; (3) economic development and regulation; (4) public safety and justice; (5) the public education system (including transfer of funds); (6) human support services (including transfer of funds); (7) public works; (8) workforce investments; (9) the Reserve; (10) the Emergency and Contingency Reserve Fund; (11) repayment of certain loans and interest; (12) repayment of General Fund Recovery Debt; (13) payment of interest on short-term borrowing; (14) the John A. Wilson Building; (15) for certain non-departmental agency costs; (16) for principal and interest payments on the District's Certificates of Participation, issued to finance the ground lease underlying the building located at One Judiciary Square; (17) refunds and for the payment of legal settlements or judgments that have been entered against the District government; (18) for the District's costs of public safety expenses related to security events and for the costs of providing support to respond to immediate and specific terrorist threats or attacks in the District or surrounding jurisdictions; (19) pay-as-you-go capital in lieu of capital financing; (20) capital infrastructure development; (21) the Water and Sewer Authority; (22) the Washington Aqueduct; (23) the Stormwater Permit Compliance Enterprise Fund; (24) the Lottery and Charitable Games Enterprise Fund; (25) the Sports and Entertainment Commission; (26) the District of Columbia Retirement Board; (27) the Washington Convention Center Enterprise Fund; (28) the National Capital Revitalization Corporation; and (29) capital outlay (including rescissions). Transfers limited funds to the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund.
Bill· SS. 2805 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
John's Law of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified Federal highway funds from a State that fails to enact and enforce a law that requires: (1) an agency to provide an individual summoned to transport or accompany a person who has been arrested for public intoxication with a written statement advising that individual of his or her potential criminal and civil liability for permitting or facilitating the arrestee's operation of a motor vehicle while the arrestee remains intoxicated; and (2) a law enforcement agency to impound the vehicle of a person arrested for public intoxication for a period of 12 hours or until such later time as the person is able to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and not in violation of driving while intoxicated laws. Allows withheld funds to: (1) remain available for apportionment to the State (once it meets Act requirements) for four years; (2) remain available for expenditure for three fiscal years after apportionment; and (3) be redistributed to other States if the originally targeted State is not in compliance, or the funds are not obligated for expenditure, within such periods.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 511 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2002
Urges funding be made available from the Highway Trust Fund to encourage States to require law enforcement officers to: (1) impound motor vehicles of individuals charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated; and (2) issue responsibility warnings to individuals who take custody of suspects of driving while intoxicated.
Bill· SS. 2794 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as an executive department of the United States, headed by a Secretary of Homeland Security who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the primary mission of DHS is to: (1) prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; (2) reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and (3) minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that occur within the United States. Includes as DHS's primary responsibilities: (1) information analysis and infrastructure protection; (2) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related countermeasures; (3) border and transportation security; (4) emergency preparedness and response; and (5) coordination (including the provision of training and equipment) with other executive agencies, with State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, with the private sector, and with other entities. Creates: (1) a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall be the Secretary's first assistant for purposes of details; (2) an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection; (3) an Under Secretary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures; (4) an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; (5) an Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (6) an Under Secretary for Management; and (7) not more than six Assistant Secretaries. Establishes an Inspector General (to be appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978), and requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Director of the Secret Service as well, to assist the Secretary in the performance of his functions. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of specified entities, including: (1) the National Communications System of the Department of Defense; (2) the select agent registration enforcement programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (3) the Plum Island Animal Disease Center of the Department of Agriculture (DOA); (4) certain programs and activities of the Department of Energy, such as those specified for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; (5) the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury (DOT); (6) the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ); (7) DOA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (8) the Coast Guard; (9) DOT's Transportation Security Administration; (10) the Federal Protective Service of the General Services Administration; (11) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (12) the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (13) HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness; (14) HHS' Strategic National Stockpile; and (15) the United States Secret Service. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a human resources management system for DHS. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center.
Bill· HRH.R. 5226 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
Captive Wildlife Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to define "prohibited wildlife species" as any live lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, cougar, or bear. Declares it a prohibited act for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any prohibited wildlife species. Exempts from this prohibition licensed zoos, circuses, accredited sanctuaries, federally-licensed breeders, State entities (universities, wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians), animal shelters, persons transporting prohibited wildlife species to any such facility, and specified related organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5216 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2002
National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, compliance with environmental laws, and improving accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
Bill· SS. 2771 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2002
John F. Kennedy Center Plaza Authorization Act of 2002 - Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to undertake activities necessary to plan, design, engineer, and construct a Plaza (other than buildings) adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, including improved bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular access to and round the Center. Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Center to undertake activities on the Plaza necessary to facilitate the project, including construction of buildings. Allows the Board to acknowledge private contributions used in construction only in the interior, not on the exterior, of the buildings. Grants the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as necessary to meet project requirements and needs, exclusive authority to: (1) modify the permanent system of District highways; (2) convey any interest in real estate (including air rights or air space) owned or controlled by the District; and (3) enter into memoranda of agreement with the Board and any Federal or other governmental agency. Declares that upon completion of the project the responsibility for maintenance and oversight of roadways, sidewalks and green spaces shall remain with the owner of the affected property. Declares that the Board shall own, operate, and maintain the buildings and green spaces established on the Plaza. Authorizes the Secretary to realign national highways related to project changes and improve direct access and egress between Interstate Route 66 and the Center.
Law· HRH.R. 5157 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Amends Federal transportation law with respect to urbanized area formula grants for capital projects and the planning and improvement costs of equipment, facilities, and associated capital maintenance items for use in mass transportation. Makes a special rule for FY 2003 authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants from FY 2003 funds to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 as determined under the 2000 Federal decennial census of population, if: (1) the urbanized area had a population under 200,000 in the 1990 census; (2) a portion of the area was a separate urbanized area with a population under 200,000 in the 1990 census; or (3) the area was not designated as a urbanized area in the 1990 census. Limits such amounts: (1) for the first two described areas to the amount apportioned in FY 2002 to such areas; and (2) for urbanized areas that, for the first time, exceeded 200,000 in population according to the 2000 census, to the amount apportioned for FY 2003.
Bill· HRH.R. 5158 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2002
Computer Hazardous Waste Infrastructure Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, after submitting to Congress a study of waste materials in used computers that may be hazardous to human health or the environment, to require assessment of a fee on the sale to an end-user of any computer, monitor, or other designated electronic devices. Requires fees collected to be used for administration of this Act and grants for: (1) collecting or processing used computers, monitors, or other devices for recycling; (2) reusing or reselling such articles; and (3) extracting and using, or selling for reuse, raw materials from such articles. Requires reports to Congress on the status of computer recycling, which shall include descriptions of fee collection and use.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 442 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2002
Acknowledges the American Road and Transportation Builders Association for its 100th Anniversary. Commends the many achievements of the transportation construction industry and encourages the Association to continue its tradition of excellence in service to the transportation construction industry and to the public.
Bill· SS. 2735 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Amends Federal aviation law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration to notify the owner or operator of each U.S. airport of the number and type of explosive detection systems that will be required to be deployed at the airport in order to screen all checked baggage without imposing unreasonable delays on the passengers. Requires each owner or operator to: (1) notify the Under Secretary by a specified date if they are not able to make modifications to the airport's terminal buildings that are necessary to accommodate the explosive detection systems; and (2) develop a plan, if notice is given, by a specified date for making necessary modifications to the terminal buildings so as to deploy and fully utilize explosive detection systems to screen all checked baggage. Requires the Under Secretary to carry out demonstration projects for the installation and testing of alternative explosive detection systems at not less than five U.S. airports. Sets forth certain plan and demonstration requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5144 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Careful Airport Planning for Southern California Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving any revision or modification of the airport layout plan for Los Angeles International Airport if it could result in an increase in the number of air passengers at the airport to a level exceeding 78 million air passengers per year.
Bill· HRH.R. 5142 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
LAX Contour Expansion Act - Provides that the standard for soundproofing a residential building under specified Federal law (relating to noise measurement, exposure systems, and land use compatible with noise exposure) for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shall be a community noise equivalent level of 60 decibels instead of 65 decibels. Declares that the submission to the Secretary of Transportation by the operator of LAX of a certain noise exposure map shall not affect the eligibility of a residential building that was eligible on June 1, 2002, for certain noise mitigation assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 5143 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Priority for LAX Airport Noise Elimination Act - Amends Federal aviation law to make Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) a priority airport for purposes of receiving grants for airport noise compatibility planning and programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 5135 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2002
Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Amends Federal aviation law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration to notify the owner or operator of each U.S. airport of the number and type of explosive detection systems that will be required to be deployed at the airport in order to screen all checked baggage without imposing unreasonable delays on the passengers. Requires each owner or operator to: (1) notify the Under Secretary by a specified date if they are not able to make modifications to the airport's terminal buildings that are necessary to accommodate the explosive detection systems; and (2) develop a plan, if notice is given, by a specified date for making necessary modifications to the terminal buildings so as to deploy and fully utilize explosive detection systems to screen all checked baggage. Requires the Under Secretary to carry out demonstration projects for the installation and testing of alternative explosive detection systems at not less than five U.S. airports. Sets forth certain plan and demonstration requirements.
Law· SS. 2712 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2002
Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Afghanistan through 2005 for the following activities: (1) urgent humanitarian needs; (2) repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (3) counternarcotics efforts; (4) reestablishment of food security, rehabilitation of the agriculture sector, improvement in health conditions, and the reconstruction of basic infrastructure; (5) reestablishment of Afghanistan as a viable nation-state through support for the development and expansion of democratic and market-based institutions; and (6) support for the establishment of a market economy, private financial institutions, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure, and trade and commercial links. Urges the President to: (1) designate within the Department of State a coordinator for such assistance and U.S. interests in Afghanistan; (2) utilize the expertise of Afghan-Americans; (3) encourage the donation of manufacturing equipment by U.S. businesses for the reconstruction of Afghanistan; and (4) utilize research conducted by U.S. land grant universities and the technical expertise of professionals at such institutions, particularly in the agricultural and rural development areas. Expresses the sense of Congress that, during the transition to fully representative government, the U.S. should support: (1) the development of a civilian-controlled and centrally-governed standing Afghanistan army that respects human rights and prohibits the use of children as soldiers; (2) the creation and training of a professional civilian police force that respects human rights; and (3) a multinational security force in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to provide and direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education to the Government of Afghanistan. Prohibits U.S. involvement in poppy cultivation or illicit narcotics growth, production, or trafficking in Afghanistan.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 470 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2002
Designates minority membership on the House Committees on Resources and on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 2687 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
National Defense Rail Connection Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of national defense and economic development, to identify a proposed national defense railroad-utility corridor linking the existing corridor of the Alaska Railroad to the vicinity of the proposed National Missile Defense facilities at Fort Greely, Alaska. Authorizes the Secretary, as part of the corridor identification, to include issues related to the further extension of such corridor to a connection with the nearest appropriate terminus of the North American rail network in Canada.
Bill· SS. 2686 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Airport Employee Whistleblower Protection Act of 2002 - Amends Federal aviation law to apply to a non-Federal employer of airport security screening personnel, including a State or municipal government, an airport authority, a contractor, or an employer of private screening personnel certain whistleblower provisions prohibiting discrimination by an air carrier or contractor or subcontractor of an air carrier against an airline employee who: (1) provides information to the employer or the Federal Government about any alleged violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations or Federal law relating to air carrier safety; (2) files a related proceeding; or (3) testifies or otherwise assists or participates in such proceeding. Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to apply certain whistleblower protections to Federal airport security personnel.
Bill· HRH.R. 5018 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Capitol Police Retention, Recruitment, and Authorization Act of 2002 - Requires the Capitol Police Board to increase by five percent the annual rate of basic compensation for officers and members of the Capitol Police, except that for officers above the rank of captain the increase shall be made at a rate determined by the Board at its discretion (but not to exceed five percent). Authorizes the Board to compensate newly appointed officers, members, and employees at an annual rate exceeding the lowest rate of compensation otherwise applicable. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2002 to provide additional compensation for each Capitol Police officer assigned to another specialty assignment designated by the Chief of the Capitol Police. Requires: (1) limits on the amount of premium pay which may be earned by officers and members during emergencies to be applied by the Board on an annual and not pay period basis; and (2) the Board to provide that if an officer or member completes three years of employment he or she shall receive eight hours of annual leave per pay period. Requires the Board, under certain conditions, to establish a tuition reimbursement program to assist officers and members in higher education costs relating to law-enforcement. Authorizes the Board to pay a one-time bonus to each participant upon completion of the course of study involved and to each officer, member, or civilian employee who recruits a new officer or member. Limits the total number of full-time equivalent positions (including members and civilian employees) to 1,981. Provides for a member's and/or officer's disposal of firearms and use of Capitol Police vehicles to transport police dogs. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent possible consistent with the mission of the Capitol Police, the Chief should seek to deploy the Police's human and other resources in a manner maximizing opportunities for individual officers: (1) to be trained for, and to acquire and maintain proficiency in, all aspects of the Police's responsibilities; and (2) to rotate regularly among different posts and duties, in order to utilize fully the skills and talents of officers, enhance the appeal of their work, and ensure the highest state of readiness.
Bill· HRH.R. 5024 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make available to Amtrak a loan guarantee in the amount of $270 million for Amtrak capital expenditures and operating expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 5020 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Emergency Directed Rail Service Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Surface Transportation Board, in order to promote commerce and service to the public, to direct the continued operation of freight or commuter rail passenger transportation operations in the case of a failure caused by a cessation of service by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Authorizes the Board to provide funding (including the payment of increased insurance premiums) to support such operations.
Bill· SS. 2678 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Maximum Economic Growth for America Through the Highway Trust Fund Act (or MEGA Trust Act) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to transfer all excise taxes imposed on alcohol fuels to the Highway Trust Fund (the "Fund"). Authorizes the transfer to the Fund from the general fund of the Treasury of the amount of money equal to the untaxed portion of gasohol containing ethanol, effective with respect to the removal or entry of any mixture after September 30, 2003. Eliminates provision of Code stating that obligations of the Fund shall not be interest bearing, thus allowing the Fund to earn interest, effective with respect to obligations held by the Fund after September 30, 2003. Extends various highway-related taxes, floor stock refunds, certain tax-free sales, exemption from tax for use of highway vehicles by States and local governments and for use of certain transit-type buses, deposits into and certain specified transfers from the Fund, transfers from the Fund for motorboat fuel taxes and small-engine fuel taxes, and refunds of certain specified funds from the land and water conservation fund into the general fund. Establishes a National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission (the "Commission"). Permits any department or agency to detail personnel to the Commission, and requires such bodies to furnish nonconfidential materials to the Commission upon request.
Law· HRH.R. 5012 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
John F. Kennedy Center Plaza Authorization Act of 2002 - Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to undertake activities necessary to plan, design, engineer, and construct a Plaza (other than buildings) adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, including improved bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular access to and round the Center. Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Center to undertake activities on the Plaza necessary to facilitate the project, including construction of buildings on the Plaza. Allows the Board to acknowledge private contributions used in construction only in the interior, not on the exterior, of the buildings. Grants the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as necessary to meet project requirements and needs, exclusive authority to: (1) modify the permanent system of District highways; (2) convey any interest in real estate (including air rights or air space) owned or controlled by the District; and (3) enter into memoranda of agreement with the Board and any Federal or other governmental agency. Declares that upon project completion the responsibility for maintenance and oversight of roadways, sidewalks, and green spaces shall remain with the owner of the affected property. Declares that the Board shall continue to own, operate, and maintain the buildings and green spaces established on the Plaza. Authorizes the Secretary to realign national highways related to Project changes and improve direct access and egress between Interstate Route 66 and the Center.
Bill· HRH.R. 5014 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002
Airport Emergency Reimbursement Act of 2002 - Amends Federal aviation law to provide a credit to an owner or operator of an airport that allows the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the head of a State or local agency to utilize the airport to respond to a disaster or emergency. Allows application of such credit toward the non-Federal share of allowable project costs for projects carried out under the airport improvement program. Declares that such credit shall be in an amount equal to the revenues that the airport lost, including operational costs that were incurred by the owner or operator, during the period of such utilization.
Bill· HRH.R. 5003 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2002
Capitol Police Retention, Recruitment, and Authorization Act of 2002 - Requires the Capitol Police Board to increase by five percent the annual rate of basic compensation for officers and members of the Capitol Police, except that for officers above the rank of captain the increase shall be made at a rate determined by the Board at its discretion (but not to exceed five percent). Authorizes the Board to compensate newly appointed officers, members, and employees at an annual rate exceeding the lowest rate of compensation otherwise applicable. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2002 to provide additional compensation for each Capitol Police officer assigned to another specialty assignment designated by the Chief of the Capitol Police. Removes the annual cap on such amount. Requires: (1) limits on the amount of premium pay which may be earned by officers and members during emergencies to be applied by the Board on an annual and not pay period basis; and (2) the Board to provide that if an officer or member completes three years of employment he or she shall receive eight hours of annual leave per pay period. Provides, with limitations, that: (1) neither the Federal Civil Service Retirement System nor the Federal Employees Retirement System shall apply to any reemployed annuitant performing service as an officer or member; and (2) such annuitant shall be exempted from the Systems by this Act shall not become subject to them. Requires the Board to establish a tuition reimbursement program to assist officers and members in higher education costs relating to law-enforcement. Authorizes the Board to: (1) pay a one-time bonus to each participant upon completion of the course of study involved and to each officer, member, or civilian employee who recruits a new officer or member; and (2) lease facilities and property for Police use. Limits the total number of full-time equivalent positions (including members and civilian employees) to 1,981. Increases, temporarily, the mandatory retirement age for a member from 57 to 59. Provides for a member's and/or officer's disposal of firearms and use of Capitol Police vehicles to transport police dogs. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent possible consistent with the mission of the Capitol Police, the Chief should seek to deploy the Police's human and other resources in a manner maximizing opportunities for individual officers: (1) to be trained for, and to acquire and maintain proficiency in, all aspects of the Police's responsibilities; and (2) to rotate regularly among different posts and duties, in order to utilize fully the skills and talents of officers, enhance the appeal of their work, and ensure the highest state of readiness.
Law· HRH.R. 5005 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2002
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Establishes a Department of Homeland Security (HLS), as an executive department of the United States, headed by a Secretary of Homeland Security who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the primary mission of HLS is to: (1) prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; (2) reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and (3) minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that occur within the United States. Includes as HLS's primary responsibilities: (1) information analysis and infrastructure protection; (2) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related countermeasures; (3) border and transportation security; (4) emergency preparedness and response; and (5) coordination (including the provision of training and equipment) with other executive agencies, with State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, with the private sector, and with other entities. Places responsibility with HLS for carrying out other functions of entities transferred to it as provided by law. Creates: (1) a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall be the Secretary's first assistant for purposes of details; (2) an Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection; (3) an Under Secretary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures; (4) an Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; (5) an Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (6) an Under Secretary for Management; and (7) not more than six Assistant Secretaries. Establishes an Inspector General (to be appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978), and enlists the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Director of the Secret Service as well, to assist the Secretary in the performance of his functions. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection: (1) receiving and analyzing law enforcement information, intelligence, and other information in order to understand the nature and scope of the terrorist threat to the American homeland and to detect and identify potential threats of terrorism within the United States; (2) comprehensively assessing the vulnerabilities of the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (3) integrating relevant information, intelligence analyses, and vulnerability assessments (whether provided or produced by the Department or others) to identify protective priorities and support protective measures by the Department, other executive agencies, State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, the private sector, and other entities; (4) developing a comprehensive national plan for securing the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (5) taking or seeking to effect necessary measures to protect the key resources and critical infrastructures in the United States; (6) administering the Homeland Security Advisory System, exercising primary responsibility for public threat advisories, and providing specific warning information to State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, the private sector, other entities, and the public, as well as advice about appropriate protective actions and countermeasures; and (7) reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations for improvements in the policies and procedures governing the sharing of law enforcement, intelligence, and other information relating to homeland security within the Federal government and between it and State and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the National Infrastructure Protection Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (other than the Computer Investigations and Operations Section); (2) the National Communications System of the Department of Defense; (3) the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office of the Department of Commerce; (4) the Computer Security Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (5) the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center of the Department of Energy; and (6) the Federal Computer Incident Response Center of the General Services Administration. Gives the Secretary access to all reports, assessments, and analytical information relating to threats of terrorism in the United States and to other areas of HLS responsibility, and to all information concerning infrastructure or other vulnerabilities of the United States to terrorism, whether or not it has been analyzed, that may be collected, possessed, or prepared by any executive agency, except as otherwise directed by the President. Requires all executive agencies promptly to provide to the Secretary: (1) all reports, assessments, and analytical information relating to threats of terrorism in the United States and to other areas of HLS responsibility; (2) all information concerning infrastructure or other vulnerabilities of the United States to terrorism, whether or not it has been analyzed; (3) all information relating to significant and credible threats of terrorism in the United States, whether or not it has been analyzed, if the President has granted the Secretary such access; and (4) such other material as the President may further provide. Requires the Secretary to ensure: (1) that any such material is protected from unauthorized disclosure and handled and used only for the performance of official duties; and (2) that any shared intelligence information shall be transmitted, retained, and disseminated consistent with the authority of the Director of Central Intelligence to protect intelligence sources and methods, or appropriate similar authorities of the Attorney General concerning sensitive law enforcement information. Exempts from the Privacy Act any information in the Department's possession provided voluntarily by non-Federal entities or individuals with respect to infrastructure vulnerabilities or other vulnerabilities to terrorism. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures: (1) securing the people, infrastructures, property, resources, and systems in the United States from acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons or other emerging threats; (2) conducting a national scientific research and development (R&D) program to support the mission of HLS; (3) establishing priorities for, directing, funding, and conducting national research, development, and procurement of technology and systems for preventing the importation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related weapons and material, and for detecting, preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks that involve such weapons or material; and (4) establishing guidelines for State and local government efforts to develop and implement countermeasures to threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism, and other emerging terrorist threats. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the select agent registration enforcement programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center of the Department of Defense; and (4) the Plum Island Animal Disease Center of the Department of Agriculture. Transfers to the Secretary the following programs and activities of the Department of Energy: (1) the chemical and biological national security and supporting programs and activities of the non-proliferation and verification R&D program; (2) the nuclear smuggling programs and activities, and other programs and activities directly related to homeland security, within the proliferation detection program of the non-proliferation and verification R&D program; (3) the nuclear assessment program and activities of the assessment, detection, and cooperation program of the international materials protection and cooperation program; (4) the energy security and assurance program and activities; (5) certain life sciences activities of the biological and environmental research program related to microbial pathogens; (6) the Environmental Measurements Laboratory; and (7) the advanced scientific computing research program and activities, and the intelligence program and activities, at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Directs the Secretary to carry out his civilian human health-related biological, biomedical, and infectious disease defense R&D (including vaccine R&D) responsibilities, with authority to set priorities, through HHS (including the Public Health Service), under agreements with the Secretary of HHS. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds to the Secretary of HHS in connection with such agreements. Provides that nothing in this Act, except as specifically provided, shall confer upon the Secretary any authority to engage in warfighting, the military defense of the United States, or other traditional military activities. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security: (1) preventing the entry of terrorists and the instruments of terrorism into the United States;(2) securing the borders, territorial waters, ports, terminals, waterways, and air, land, and sea transportation systems of the United States, including managing and coordinating governmental activities at ports of entry; (3) administering the immigration and naturalization laws of the United States, including establishing rules for the granting of visas, parole, or other forms of permission to enter the United States to individuals who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents; (4) administering Federal customs laws; and (5) in carrying out the foregoing responsibilities, ensuring the speedy, orderly, and efficient flow of lawful traffic and commerce. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury; (2) the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice; (3) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; (4) the Coast Guard of the Department of Transportation, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within HLS; (5) the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Transportation, including related functions of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security; and (6) the Federal Protective Service of the General Services Administration. Grants the Secretary: (1) exclusive authority, through the Secretary of State, to issue regulations with respect to, administer, and enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act and all other immigration and nationality laws relating to the functions of diplomatic and consular officers of the United States in connection with the granting or refusal of visas; and (2) authority to confer or impose upon any officer or employee of the United States, with the consent of the executive agency under whose jurisdiction such officer or employee is serving, any of these specified functions. Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse a visa to an alien if the Secretary of State deems such refusal necessary or advisable in the interests of the United States. Includes as the primary responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response: (1) helping to ensure the preparedness of emergency response providers for terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies; (2) establishing standards for the Nuclear Incident Response Team, conducting joint and other exercises and training; (3) providing the Federal government's response to terrorist attacks and major disasters; (4) aiding recovery from terrorist attacks and major disasters; (5) building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal, State, and local governments to respond to such attacks and disasters; (6) consolidating existing Federal government emergency response plans into a single, coordinated national response plan; and (7) developing comprehensive programs for interoperative communications technology, and their acquisition by emergency response providers. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following entities: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2) the Office for Domestic Preparedness of the Office of Justice Programs; (3) the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the FBI; (4) the Domestic Emergency Support Teams of the Department of Justice; (5) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (including the Office of Emergency Preparedness, the National Disaster Medical System, and the Metropolitan Medical Response System) of HHS; and (6) the Strategic National Stockpile of HHS. Provides that at the direction of the Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency), the Nuclear Incident Response Team (including certain entities of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy) shall operate as an organizational unit of HLS under the Secretary's authority and control. Directs the Secretary to carry out through HHS (including the Public Health Service), under agreements with the Secretary of HHS, all biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear preparedness-related construction, renovation, and enhancement of security for research and development or other facilities owned or occupied by HHS. Directs the Secretary to carry out specified HHS public health-related activities assisting State and local government, non-Federal public and private health care facilities and providers, and public and non-profit health and educational facilities to prepare for, prevent, and respond to biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear events and public health emergencies, by means including direct services, technical assistance, communications and surveillance, education and training activities, and grants. Places the HLS Inspector General under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary with respect to audits or investigations, or the issuance of subpoenas, that require access to information concerning various specified matters including intelligence, counterintelligence, or counterterrorism matters. Transfers to the Secretary the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Secret Service, which shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the Department. Authorizes the Secretary, in regulations prescribed jointly with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to establish a human resources management system for the organizational units of HLS which shall be flexible, contemporary, and grounded in the public employment principles of merit and fitness. Grants the Secretary limited authority to: (1) reorganize HLS by allocating or reallocating functions within HLS and by establishing, consolidating, altering, or discontinuing organizational units within HLS; and (2) transfer funding between appropriations accounts upon 15 days notice to congressional appropriations committees. Establishes in the Department of Defense a National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center whose mission is to develop countermeasures to potential attacks by terrorists using weapons of mass destruction.
Bill· SS. 2668 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
Air Cargo Security Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require the screening of cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers in interstate and intrastate air transportation (currently, only those transported by all-cargo aircraft). Sets forth certain measures to increase the safety and security of air cargo, including the establishment of systems that: (1) are capable of providing an unbroken, verifiable record of custody of cargo transported in interstate and intrastate air transportation, and that every person having custody of such cargo from the time it leaves the shipper until it is loaded aboard the aircraft is known and properly certified; (2) provide the certification of shippers and cargo transportation service providers that includes the assignment of an encrypted identifier that must be presented to domestic and foreign air carriers before cargo may be accepted for shipment; and (3) provide for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for cargo shipments.
Bill· SS. 2656 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security for the Transportation Security Administration to develop, and report to specified congressional committees on, a cargo security plan to ensure the adequacy of security measures for the transportation of cargo into and in the United States, and oversee the implementation of security measures with respect to cargo at airports and other transportation facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4976 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Burton Greene Higher-Risk Impaired Driver Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation, beginning on October 1, 2006, to transfer two percent of a State's Federal-aid highway funds to that State's apportionment solely for impaired driving programs if the State has not enacted or is not enforcing a higher risk impaired driver law. Defines such a law as one that provides certain minimum penalties for: (1) a second or subsequent offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) within a minimum of five consecutive years, of DWI or DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or greater, or of driving-while-suspended if the suspension was the result of a DUI conviction; or (2) refusing a blood alcohol concentration test while under arrest or investigation for involvement in a fatal or serious injury crash. Includes among such penalties: (1) driver's license suspension; (2) motor vehicle impoundment or immobilization; (3) assessment by a certified substance abuse official and assignment to treatment; (4) imprisonment, attachment of an electronic monitoring device, or assignment to a DUI/DWI specialty facility; (5) a $1,000 fine; (6) required restitution; (7) probation; and (8) required attendance of a treatment program and a victim impact panel.
Bill· SS. 2649 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
International AIDS Treatment and Prevention Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), to carry out HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and related activities in countries with or at risk for severe HIV epidemic. Requires particular attention to resource constrained countries and the use of indigenous capacity to the degree practicable. Authorizes support and assistance relating to: (1) HIV prevention services, including post exposure prophylaxis and a safe blood supply; (2) HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, linked to prevention services; (3) infrastructure and training, including the availability of health care facilities; and (4) HIV/AIDS treatment protocols. Creates grant programs for: (1) clinical education and training in the delivery of HIV/AIDS care and treatment services; (2) activities to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV; and (3) research on innovative microbicide concepts. Requires the coordination of Department of Health and Human Services programs by the Director of the Office of International Affairs. Extends the tuberculosis prevention program, to be coordinated with the activities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Administrator of AID, to carry out workplace-based HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs in at-risk, constrained countries, with emphasis on protections against discrimination and creating supportive environments for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Bill· SS. 2646 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
National Transportation Modeling and Analysis Program Establishment Act - Establishes the National Transportation Modeling and Analysis Program to complete an advanced transportation simulation model and support early deployment of computer software and graphics packages for the model to Federal and State agencies for national, regional, or statewide transportation planning. Sets forth certain program requirements.
Bill· SS. 2642 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Amends Federal aviation law to require a background check of alien flight school applicants without regard to the maximum certificated weight of the aircraft for which they seek training. (Currently, a background check is required for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more.) Requires the Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General to report jointly to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of the background check requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4960 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
Rebuild Infrastructure and Support Entrepreneurs Act of 2002 - Prohibits a Federal agency from providing any New York recovery funds to an entity unless: (1) the entity has submitted a fund use plan to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration that has been approved; (2) the entity agrees to give a ten percent price evaluation adjustment in the competition for any New York recovery contract for small businesses located in the New York City metropolitan area; and (3) the entity agrees to meet specified small business procurement requirements in its contract awards. Includes within such small business procurement requirements the award of: (1) 23 percent of such contracts to New York City small businesses; (2) five percent to New York City small businesses owned and controlled by women; and (3) five percent to New York City small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires funds recapture if such minimum requirements are not met. Requires the Administrator to use New York recovery funds to provide grants, loans, and other assistance to small businesses in New York City and allows any other Federal agency to provide additional New York recovery funds to an entity that follows the minimum small business procurement requirements specified above (substituting 25 for 23 percent in the first requirement).
Bill· HRH.R. 4925 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Amends Federal highway provisions to authorize the State of Connecticut to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 99,000 pounds for the hauling of milk in liquid form on Interstate System highways in the State (thus providing an exemption from Interstate System weight limitations).
Bill· HRH.R. 4913 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2002
Global Nuclear Security Initiative Act of 2002 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Energy should develop a comprehensive program of activities to encourage all countries with nuclear materials to adhere to, or adopt standards equivalent to, the International Atomic Energy Agency standard on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities relating to the security of stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and plutonium. Directs the Secretary to require the Office of International Materials Protection, Control, and Accounting of the Department of Energy to conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of developing a program to secure radiological materials outside the United States that pose a threat to U.S. national security. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) such study's results; and (2) results of a study by the Secretary of the feasibility and advisability of various actions to reduce the risks associated with terrorist attacks on nuclear power plants outside the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should encourage amendment of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials to make it: (1) apply to both domestic and international use and transport of nuclear materials; (2) incorporate fundamental practices for the physical protection of such materials; and (3) address protection against sabotage involving nuclear materials.
Bill· HRH.R. 4894 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
Brownfield Site Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Allows inclusions of sites otherwise excluded from consideration if: (1) financial assistance will protect human health and the environment, promote economic development or enable the creation of parks, greenways, or other property used for nonprofit purposes, or promote eco-industrial development; (2) they were contaminated by a controlled substance; (3) they are certain low-risk petroleum-contaminated sites; or (4) they are mine-scarred. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.
Bill· SS. 2580 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Fatal Grade Crossing Accident Investigations Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate all railroad grade crossing accidents that involve a fatality or substantial property damage.
Bill· HRH.R. 4864 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Anti-Terrorism Explosives Act of 2002 - Rewrites Federal criminal code provisions regarding the purchase of explosives to prohibit the transport, shipment, or receipt of explosive materials without a Federal license, user permit, or limited permit. (Current law regulates such activities only to the extent that they occur in interstate or foreign commerce and includes exceptions such as for contiguous State transactions, and makes no mention of a limited permit.) Allows a limited permit purchaser to buy explosive materials only four times in any 12-month period. Requires employers who apply for licenses and user permits or limited permits to provide the names and appropriate identifying information regarding all employees who will be authorized by the employer to possess explosive materials, as well as fingerprints and a photograph of each responsible persons. Directs the Secretary to determines whether explosives possession by the responsible person or the employee would be lawful or unlawful, and to take specified actions. Expands the list of persons prohibited from receiving or possessing explosive materials to include aliens other than lawful permanent resident aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, and individuals who have renounced their U.S. citizenship. Requires licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and those who manufacture or import explosive materials or ammonium nitrate to furnish samples and relevant information when required by the Secretary. Sets penalties for the destruction of property of institutions receiving Federal financial assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 4871 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2002
Designates a certain segment of Pennsylvania State Route 60 and a segment of U.S. Routes 22 and 30 (all to be later designated as Interstate Route 376) as future parts of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
Bill· SS. 2554 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Arming Pilots Against Terrorism and Cabin Defense Act of 2002 - Amends federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize volunteer qualified pilots of commercial cargo or passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers. Authorizes flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Directs the Under Secretary to prescribe requirements for an air carrier cabin crew training program and its instructors. Shields an air carrier liability for actions or omissions of training instructors or cabin crew in defending an aircraft. Shields training instructors and cabin crew from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Directs the Under Secretary to form an Aviation Crew Self-Defense Division within the Transportation Security Administration to develop and implement the program for training cabin crew members. Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to study and report to Congress on whether possession of a nonlethal weapon by a member of an air carrier's cabin crew would aid the flight deck crew in combating air piracy and criminal violence on commercial airlines.
Bill· HRH.R. 4847 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2002
Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to ten authorized demonstration projects; (4) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to Federal, State, and local development programs for the region; (5) formulate and recommend interstate compacts and other forms of interstate and international cooperation; (6) encourage private investment in the region; (7) provide a forum for the consideration of problems of the region; (8) establish and use citizens, special advisory counsels, and public conferences; and (9) provide for the avoidance of duplication of efforts among the border programs of Federal agencies and the programs established under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Authorizes the Authority to: (1) increase the Federal share to up to 90 percent of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements); and (2) make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs the Authority, for purposes of grant assistance, to designate within the region distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress. Requires each affected State to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate State area within the region.
Bill· SS. 2546 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize qualified volunteer pilots of passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers. Directs the Under Secretary to authorize flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Bill· HRH.R. 4815 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Real Solutions to World Hunger Act of 2002 - Makes it unlawful for any person to ship, or offer to ship, or for any carrier or person to transport, or receive for transportation, to any foreign country, any genetically engineered animal, plant, or seed (as defined by this Act) if the person knows or has reason to believe that the engineered article will be used to produce an agricultural commodity if: (1) such article was denied Federal approval for U.S. marketing, or its application for approval was withdrawn; or (2) the foreign government has not certified that related ecological impacts of such article have been satisfactorily mitigated. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to designated international research institutions to promote development of sustainable agricultural techniques (which may not derive any genetic engineered material) that rely on minimum artificial inputs to meet developing countries' food and fiber needs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution to make no effort to encourage the institution from prohibiting countries eligible for certain assistance from requiring compulsory licensing of genetically engineered animals, plants, or seeds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on a corporation equal to one percent of the gross income that is attributable to the U.S. marketing of any genetically engineered organism (as defined by this Act), or the holding of a patent on any such organism; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Sustainable Agriculture Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4761 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2002
Railroad Safety Reform Act of 2002 - Amends Federal transportation law to revise: (1) the hours of duty limitations with respect to train employees, signal employees, dispatching service employees, and power directors; and (2) certain sleeping quarters limitations with respect to train employees (including signal employees), and individuals employed to maintain the right of way of a railroad carrier. Requires the carrier to provide, among other things, a separate bedroom for each employee or individual. Requires each Class I and Class II railroad carrier to submit to the Secretary of Transportation a fatigue management plan designed to reduce fatigue experienced by railroad employees and the likelihood of accidents and injuries caused by such fatigue. Sets forth certain limitations on duty hours of transport vehicle drivers. Revises certain employee protection requirements prohibiting a railroad carrier from discharging or discriminating against an employee. Prohibits the carrier from threatening, intimidating, or disciplining for, or preventing an employee from notifying such carrier of certain railroad accident/injury-related or hazardous condition information. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere with a railroad safety investigation, or to influence the testimony of any person or prevent a person from attending such investigation. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Revises grade crossing safety requirements to require each railroad carrier to: (1) establish a toll-free telephone service to report grade crossing problems; (2) notify trains operating near a grade crossing of any problems there; and (3) ensure placement of signs at each grade crossing displaying toll-free telephone information. Prescribes requirements for: (1) all passenger railroad cars to have emergency windows; (2) installation of passenger railroad signals; and (3) internal and compartmentalized fuel tanks on passenger locomotives. Sets forth certain railroad safety rulemaking and enforcement provisions.
Bill· SS. 2522 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to ten authorized demonstration projects; (4) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to Federal, State, and local development programs for the region; (5) formulate and recommend interstate compacts and other forms of interstate and international cooperation; (6) encourage private investment in the region; (7) provide a forum for the consideration of problems of the region; (8) establish and use citizens, special advisory counsels, and public conferences; and (9) provide for the avoidance of duplication of efforts among the border programs of Federal agencies and the programs established under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Authorizes the Authority to: (1) increase the Federal share to up to 90 percent of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements); and (2) make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs the Authority, for purposes of grant assistance, to designate within the region distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress. Requires each affected State to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate State area within the region.
Bill· SS. 2509 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Transparent and Enhanced Criteria Act of 2002 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to add the following to the selection criteria for the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments: (1) force structure and mission requirements through 2020; (2) the availability and condition of facilities, land, and associated airspace; (3) considerations regarding ranges and airspace; (4) force protection; (5) costs and effects of relocating critical infrastructure; (6) homeland security requirements; (7) State or local support for a continued presence by the Department of Defense; (8) applicable lessons from previous rounds of closures and realignments; and (9) anticipated savings and other benefits. Requires the Secretary, at the time of publishing such criteria, to publish the formula proposed to be used in assigning weight to each criterion in making recommendations for closures or realignments in 2005.