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Bill· HRH.R. 2807 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Border Health Security Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the United States members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission (the members), to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) to address priorities and recommendations to improve the health of border residents that are established by the Secretary, the members, and the State border health offices. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for programs relating to: (1) maternal and child health; (2) substance abuse; and (3) environmental health. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for the: (1) improvement of infrastructure; and (2) education and training of clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratories, and emergency personnel. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to health threats or bioterrorism along the border area.
Bill· HRH.R. 2770 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
American Indian Welfare Reform Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) reauthorize and extend tribal family assistance grants; (2) replace grants for Indian tribes under the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program with tribal human services program infrastructure improvement and other tribal TANF improvement grants; (3) reauthorize and extend the bonus to reward high performance States; (4) reauthorize and extend the contingency fund for State Welfare Programs; and (5) provide for payments to Indian tribes with approved tribal family assistance plans that are operating in situations of increased economic hardship. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit Indian tribes to issue tax-exempt qualified Indian private activity bonds. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to establish a set-aside for job access and reverse commute grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for grants for: (1) improving the access of Indian families with children to dependable, affordable automobiles to improve their employment opportunities and access to training; and (2) tribal employment services program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to benefits of Indian children. Amends SSA title IV part A to ensure equitable State plan benefits and services access for each member of an Indian tribe or tribal organization domiciled in the State who is not eligible for tribal family assistance. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for parity in treatment of Alaska natives with Indian tribes under the TANF program. Gives Indian tribes authority to receive funds under SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to make an Indian tribe or tribal organization that administers a social services program eligible for block grant payments. Amends SSA title IV part A to direct the Secretary to conduct research on tribal family assistance programs and on efforts to reduce poverty among Indians.
Bill· SS. 1409 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Rebuild America Act of 2003 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and Federal transportation law to increase, for FY 2003, the: (1) Federal-aid highway program obligation ceiling; (2) authorization of appropriations for formula grants from the Highway Trust Fund and General Fund; (3) Federal Transit Program obligation ceiling; and (4) authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development. Authorizes grants for airport baggage and other security improvement projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified AMTRAK bonds. Outlines requirements prior to the written approval by the Secretary of Transportation of qualified high-speed rail projects (which in turn qualify for the AMTRAK tax credit). Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to submit to the President and Congress a multiyear capital spending plan. Expresses the sense of Congress that the proceeds of qualified AMTRAK bonds are intended to finance the construction of qualified high-speed projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for AMTRAK capital expenditures. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants for the rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement of class II and III railroad track used primarily for freight transportation. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to: (1) increase the aggregate unpaid principal ceiling on railroad rehabilitation and improvement loans; (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants to supplement such loans and loan guarantees; (3) prohibit the Secretary from requiring such a loan applicant to provide collateral; (4) require loan approval or disapproval within 30 days; and (5) prohibit the Secretary from assessing fees for such loans. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water treatment works to obtain assistance under such Act; (2) add to authorized purposes of State water pollution control revolving funds; (3) extend, from 20 to 30 years, the authorized term for loans made from such funds; (4) allow such funds to be used to provide owners and operators of small treatment works with certain technical and planning assistance; (5) allow an additional subsidization to benefit individual water rate payers; and (6) authorize FY 2003 appropriations for such funds, for sewer water overflow grants, and for safe drinking water revolving funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) Army Corps of Engineers construction, operation, and maintenance activities; (2) public works and economic development; (3) Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Great Plains regional development; and (4) security enhancements for properties of the General Services Administration. Provides with respect to projects under this Act: (1) priority consideration for security enhancement projects; and (2) Buy American requirements. Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code concerning tax shelters to provide penalties for failure to include reportable transaction information with respect to a return or statement for a transaction which the Secretary of the Treasury determines has the potential for tax avoidance or evasion. Imposes an accuracy-related penalty of: (1) 20 percent for understatements with respect to reportable transactions (with an exception for reasonable cause shown); and (2) 40 percent for understatements attributable to transactions lacking economic substance. Makes confidentiality of tax-related communications provisions inapplicable to communications between a tax practitioner and a person in connection with tax shelter participation. Requires each material advisor (currently, each tax shelter organizer) to disclose specified information with respect to such tax shelter (adding specified tax shelter threshold amounts). Increases penalties for failure to register tax shelters. Provides penalties for failure to report interests in foreign financial accounts and for frivolous tax submissions. Places limits on the transfer or importation of built-in losses. Provides for the prevention of corporate expatriation in order to avoid U.S. income tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 2734 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Federal Aviation Administration Research and Development Reauthorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Research and Development programs, projects and activities. Requires the FAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a Joint Program Office (JPO) to conduct long-term Next Generation Air Traffic Management research and development. Amends Federal transportation law to require future FAA budgets to identify all research and development activities that would be classified as basic research, applied research, or development under the guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11, regardless of the budget category in which they appear in the budget request. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an airport cooperative research grant program to identify problems shared by airport operating agencies that can be solved through applied research, and to fund research addressing those problems. Requires the Secretary to appoint an independent governing board for the program from candidates proposed by national associations representing airport executives, public airport operating agencies, State aviation officials, and the scheduled airlines. Directs FAA to conduct research to: (1) promote development of analytical tools to improve existing certification methods (for new aircraft, engines, and aircraft systems); and (2) reduce overall certification costs for new products. Establishes a program to fund research on the impact of new technologies and procedures, particularly those related to aircraft flight deck and air traffic management functions, on training requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Bill· HRH.R. 2726 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
National Defense Rail Act - Requires studies or assessments of: (1) security risks associated with freight and intercity passenger rail transportation; (2) security priorities; (3) rail crossing delay security issues; (4) existing rail safety regulations; (5) foreign rail transport security programs; and (6) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening. 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 high-speed railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with Buy American and competitive bidding requirements, and 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. Declares that nothing in this Act is intended to preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for retirement of principal and interest on its debt service, and for improving accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities, including compliance with environmental regulations. 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 and the development of a five-year financial plan. 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· HRH.R. 2725 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Railroad Track Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends federal rail transportation law to replace the Secretary of Transportation's discretionary program of grants to states for light density rail line pilot projects with a mandatory program of capital grants for railroad track. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads (or, with the concurrence of such a railroad, to a state or local government) to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) used primarily for freight transportation. Requires rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement to a standard ensuring that the track can be operated safely and efficiently and accommodate 286,000 pound rail cars. Sets forth certain employee protection and prevailing wage requirements with respect to grant projects. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on such projects to determine the public interest benefits associated with the light density railroad networks in the states and their contribution to a multimodal transportation system.
Bill· SS. 1400 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Ocean Observation and Coastal Systems Act - Directs the President, through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC), to establish and maintain an integrated ocean and coastal observing system (system) of marine monitoring, data communication and management, data analysis, and research to provide data and information for rapid and timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the marine environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Establishes an Interagency Planning Office (IPO) within NORLC with various functions. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report to NORLC and to maintain a Joint Operations Center (JOC) with specified authority. Sets forth system elements and requires subsystem linkages. Requires the system to integrate the capabilities of the Coast Services Center and the National Coastal Data Development Center of NOAA, and other appropriate centers. Requires the research and development program for the system to be conducted under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) and consist of specified elements. Directs NOAA Administrator, through JOC, to work with representatives of entities in each region that provide ocean data and information to users to form regional associations to develop and operate observing systems in the coastal regions extending to the seaward boundary of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, including the Great Lakes. Directs NOAA, through IPO, to initiate pilot projects, including infrastructure capital projects, through NOPP. Provides for interagency funding, and authorizes appropriations, for the system under this Act to the following departments and agencies represented on the NORLC: (1) NOAA; (2) the National Science Foundation; (3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (4) the U.S. Coast Guard; (5) the Office of Naval Research; (6) the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy; and (7) other Federal agencies engaged in ocean and coastal-related activities.
Bill· SS. 1402 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for rail safety for FY 2004 through 2008. Requires railroad carriers and States to report to the Secretary of Transportation current information, with periodic updates, on previously unreported crossings (national crossing inventory). Directs the Secretary to develop and transmit to specified congressional committees a plan for a joint initiative with States and municipalities to systematically reduce the number of public and private highway-rail grade crossings by one percent per year in each of the succeeding ten years. Increases from $7,500 to $15,000 the maximum incentive payment a State may make to a local government upon its permanent closure of public at-grade railway-highway crossings. Directs the Secretary to develop and make available to State and local governments model State legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of highway-rail grade crossing signals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 to support Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security to execute a memorandum of agreement governing the roles and responsibilities of their respective Departments in addressing railroad transportation security matters. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations and issue orders for every area of railroad safety, including security, supplementing laws, and regulations in effect on October 16, 1970. Changes from monthly to quarterly the mandatory reports to the Secretary a railroad carrier must file on accidents and incidents. Authorizes the Secretary to authorize his or her officers, employees, or agents for accident prevention and investigation purposes to intercept radio communications without the consent of sender or receiver. Limits the use of such an intercept in administrative or judicial proceedings to impeachment of certain related evidence presented by a non-Federal party. Directs the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee of the Federal Railroad Administration to convene a working group to consider and report to Congress on what legislative or other changes the Secretary deems necessary to address fatigue management for railroad employees. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe a final rule addressing safety standards for positive train control (PTC) systems or other safety technologies that provide similar safety benefits; (2) report to specified congressional committees on the progress of on-going and completed projects to implement PTC or such other technologies; and (3) conduct and report to specified congressional committees on a safety survey of the structural integrity of railroad bridges and railroads' programs of inspection and maintenance of railroad bridges. Revises the authority of railroad police employed by a particular railroad carrier to allow them to enforce the laws of any jurisdiction in which any rail carrier owns property (currently, only jurisdictions in which the employing carrier owns property). Earmarks funds for the Federal Railroad Administration to perform a demonstration program to provide centralized training for its employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 2722 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2003 - Permits the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make mass transportation formula grants for an urbanized area with a population of less than 360,000 (under current law, the population limit is 200,00); and (2) make such grants to a transit system with a population greater than 360,000 if the system operates fewer than 100 buses on fixed route service during peak hours.
Bill· HRH.R. 2715 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in order to facilitate the administration of Yosemite National Park, to expend donated funds, funds collected from user fees, or appropriated funds for the planning, design, construction of, and related activities for, essential facilities for Park and concessions administration and visitor use outside the boundaries, but within the vicinity, of the Park. Permits the construction of such facilities only upon a finding that they are necessary for Park operation and that the location of such facilities would: (1) avoid undue degradation of natural or cultural resources within the Park; (2) enhance service to the public; or (3) provide a cost saving to the Federal Government.) Instructs the Secretary to allocate such amounts to carry out: (1) planning and restoration of low-impact camping at upper and lower river campgrounds; (2) construction and maintenance of the maximum amount of parking available at Camp 6 and adjacent previously impacted lands; (3) cooperation and participation with county governments located in the Park's vicinity for the preparation of county general and specific plans related to determining the feasibility of locating park administrative facilities, visitor services and facilities, housing, or other facilities necessary for Park operations outside of the Park; (4) development of traffic management and traveler information services, signage, and circulation improvements; (5) provision of housing for employees of the Government and employees of Park concessionaires who are required as a condition of their employment to reside in Yosemite Valley; (6) entering into cooperative agreements with the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System Joint Powers Authority to transport such employees to and from the Park; and (7) removal of the Le Conte Memorial from the Park and restoration of the grounds of that Memorial to their natural state.
Bill· HRH.R. 2716 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Compact-Impact Reimbursement Act - Amends the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 to authorize and appropriate to the Secretary of the Interior specified funds for FY 2004 through 2023 for grants to Guam, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa to aid in defraying costs incurred by their governments as a result of increased demands placed on health, educational, social, or public safety services, or infrastructure related to such services, due to the residence of qualified immigrants. Provides food stamp eligibility for such immigrants and qualified nonimmigrants. Authorizes appropriations for grants to the Governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palua, Guam, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa for establishing or continuing programs for the control and prevention of communicable diseases, including cholera and Hansen's Disease. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services to make medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the National Health Service Corps, respectively, available to the residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palua. Requires the United States to make available to the Governments of such States and Republics necessary sums for the payment of obligations incurred for the use of such facilities.
Bill· SS. 1389 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for FY 2004 through 2008. Amends Federal transportation law to subject to U.S. Senate confirmation the President's designation of one of the STB members to serve as Chairman.
Bill· HRH.R. 2708 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Nuclear Infrastructure Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to study and report to Congress on threats and vulnerabilities targeting nuclear facilities. Directs the NRC to: (1) revise design basis threats; (2) establish a system for the determination of threat levels; (3) require each licensee or certificate holder of a designated nuclear facility to revise its security plan and make necessary upgrades; (4) review the emergency response plan for each facility; (5) assign a Federal security coordinator to each NRC region; and (6) require fingerprinting of nuclear facility personnel for criminal history record checks. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish in the NRC the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response. Directs the NRC to establish a security response evaluation program to assess the ability of each designated nuclear facility to defend against threats in accordance with the facility's security plan. Amends Federal criminal law to authorize NRC licensees and certificate holders guarding nuclear facilities, equipment, or material to: (1) transport short-barreled shotguns or rifles; (2) accept imported firearms or ammunition; (3) transport and possess firearms; and (4) possess semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) redefine byproduct material to include accelerator-produced radioactive material; and (2) direct the NRC to promulgate requirements and standards for its acquisition, possession, transfer, use, or disposal. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act to extend whistleblower protection to a contractor or subcontractor of the NRC.
Bill· HRH.R. 2704 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Ferry Transportation Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009 for construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. Amends Federal highway law to make ferry maintenance (currently, only terminal) facilities eligible for Federal funding. Amends Federal transportation law to include ferries within the Federal clean fuels program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a Ferry Joint Program Office to coordinate Federal programs affecting ferry boat and facility construction, maintenance, and operation, and to promote ferry service as a component of the Nation's transportation system; (2) maintain a national ferry database containing ferry routes, vessels, passengers and vehicles carried, funding sources, and related information; and (3) make grants to an institution of higher education to establish a National Ferry Transportation Institute for research, development, training programs, etc. relating to U.S. ferry transportation systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 2712 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
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 case of a failure caused by a cessation of service by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Directs the Board to provide funding (including the payment of increased insurance premiums) to support such operations. States that in the case of a failure of existing freight or commuter rail passenger transportation operations caused by cessation of service by Amtrak , the Board may not direct a rail carrier to undertake specified activities to continue operations unless: (1) the Board first affirmatively finds that the rail carrier is operationally capable of conducting the directed service in a safe and efficient manner; and (2) funding for such directed service is provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
Bill· HRH.R. 2695 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Designates a certain segment of Pennsylvania State Route 60 and a segment of U.S. Routes 22 and 30 as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as Interstate Route 376. Redesignates Interstate Route 279 from Interstate Route 79 east to Interstate Route 376 at Point State Park, Pennsylvania, as Interstate Route 376/279.
Bill· SS. 1384 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Freeing Alternatives for Speedy Transportation Act or FAST Act - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement an Interstate System FAST Lanes program under which the Secretary shall permit a State, or a public or private entity designated by a State, to collect fees to finance the expansion of a highway by constructing additional lanes on the Interstate System for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study for a project with an estimated total cost of at least $50 million to determine: (1) if a toll facility for such project is feasible; and (2) if privatizing the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility is financially advisable (while retaining legal and administrative control of the portion of the Interstate route).
Bill· HRH.R. 2672 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Terminates a provision that requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on the construction work performed on Federal-aid highway projects are paid prevailing rate wages. Permits a State to enact a law to provide for continued enforcement of the requirements of such provision in that State.
Bill· HRH.R. 2681 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Higher-Risk Impaired Driver Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold an increasing percentage (two percent on October 1, 2007; four percent on October 1, 2008; six percent on October 1, 2009; and eight percent on October 1, 2010) of a State's Federal-aid highway funds 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) payment of court-mandated restitution; (7) probation; and (8) required attendance of a treatment program and a victim impact panel.
Bill· SS. 1358 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
Bill· SS. 1345 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Ferry Transportation Enhancement Act - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009 for construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. Amends Federal highway law to make ferry maintenance (currently, only terminal) facilities eligible for Federal funding. Amends Federal transportation law to include ferries within the Federal clean fuels program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a Ferry Joint Program Office to coordinate Federal programs affecting ferry boat and facility construction, maintenance, and operation, and to promote ferry service as a component of the Nation's transportation system; (2) maintain a national ferry database containing ferry routes, vessels, passengers and vehicles carried, funding sources, and related information; and (3) make grants to an institution of higher education to establish a National Ferry Transportation Institute for research, development, training programs, etc. relating to U.S. ferry transportation systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 2632 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring all commercial aircraft to carry both a cockpit voice recorder and digital flight data recorder equipped with two combination cockpit voice and digital flight data recording systems. Mandates that one system be located as close to the cockpit as practicable, and that the other be a deployable recorder system mounted as far rear on the airframe as practicable. Sets forth minimum recorder capabilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) purchase and make available, at no cost, to an air carrier such fixed recorder systems and deployable recorder systems as may be necessary for the air carrier to comply with regulations; and (2) reimburse aircraft manufacturers owned or controlled by a U.S. citizen for engineering, certification, and installation costs incurred in developing and installing fixed recorder and deployable recorder systems in compliance with regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2647 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2003 - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for world peace and security; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human and infrastructure needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental protection. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2615 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Rebuild America Act of 2003 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and Federal transportation law to increase, for FY 2003, the: (1) Federal-aid highway program obligation ceiling; (2) authorization of appropriations for formula grants from the Highway Trust Fund and General Fund; (3) Federal Transit Program obligation ceiling; and (4) authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development. Authorizes grants for airport baggage and other security improvement projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified AMTRAK bonds. Outlines requirements prior to the written approval by the Secretary of Transportation of qualified high-speed rail projects (which in turn qualify for the AMTRAK tax credit). Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to submit to the President and Congress a multiyear capital spending plan. Expresses the sense of Congress that the proceeds of qualified AMTRAK bonds are intended to finance the construction of qualified high-speed projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for AMTRAK capital expenditures. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants for the rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement of class II and III railroad track used primarily for freight transportation. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to: (1) increase the aggregate unpaid principal ceiling on railroad rehabilitation and improvement loans; (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants to supplement such loans and loan guarantees; (3) prohibit the Secretary from requiring such a loan applicant to provide collateral; (4) require loan approval or disapproval within 30 days; and (5) prohibit the Secretary from assessing fees for such loans. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water treatment works to obtain assistance under such Act; (2) add to authorized purposes of State water pollution control revolving funds; (3) extend, from 20 to 30 years, the authorized term for loans made from such funds; (4) allow such funds to be used to provide owners and operators of small treatment works with certain technical and planning assistance; (5) allow an additional subsidization to benefit individual water rate payers; and (6) authorize FY 2003 appropriations for such funds, for sewer water overflow grants, and for safe drinking water revolving funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) Army Corps of Engineers construction, operation, and maintenance activities; (2) public works and economic development; (3) Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Great Plains regional development; and (4) security enhancements for properties of the General Services Administration. Provides with respect to projects under this Act: (1) priority consideration for security enhancement projects; and (2) Buy American requirements. Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code concerning tax shelters to provide penalties for failure to include reportable transaction information with respect to a return or statement for a transaction which the Secretary of the Treasury determines has the potential for tax avoidance or evasion. Imposes an accuracy-related penalty of: (1) 20 percent for understatements with respect to reportable transactions (with an exception for reasonable cause shown); and (2) 40 percent for understatements attributable to transactions lacking economic substance. Makes confidentiality of tax-related communications provisions inapplicable to communications between a tax practitioner and a person in connection with tax shelter participation. Requires each material advisor (currently, each tax shelter organizer) to disclose specified information with respect to such tax shelter (adding specified tax shelter threshold amounts). Increases penalties for failure to register tax shelters. Provides penalties for failure to report interests in foreign financial accounts and for frivolous tax submissions. Places limits on the transfer or importation of built-in losses. Provides for the prevention of corporate expatriation in order to avoid U.S. income tax.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 239 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Conflict Diamonds Resolution - Urges the global diamond industry, as represented by the World Diamond Council, to: (1) establish a fund that supports demobilization centers and rehabilitation training programs for excombatants in the civil wars in Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly child soldiers, provides health care treatment, education, training, and other needs of women and girls victimized in those wars by rape, forced domestic servitude, and other gender-related abuses, helps strengthen governmental and nongovernmental health care infrastructure to support HIV/AIDS programs in such countries, supports economic development and civil society-building programs in those countries, and supports diamond training in the latest technologies to African workers; (2) establish a program through which humanitarian assistance from the diamond industry can be made available to the amputees of, and others permanently disabled by, the civil wars in such countries; (3) continue deliberations with the United Nations, governments, charitable organizations, and nongovernmental organizations in the Kimberly Process to develop a diamond certification system for rough diamonds to stem the trade in conflict diamonds; and (4) support the activities of all reconciliation processes (including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone) that will play a critical role in healing the wounds of war and promoting a lasting peace in Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Urges the Secretary of State to assist the World Diamond Council in establishing and administering the fund, and to report to the appropriate congressional committees on progress made by the Council toward addressing the goals and objectives of this Act.
Bill· SS. 1329 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a grant program to provide financial assistance to States for 90 percent of the cost of local rail line relocation projects.
Bill· SS. 1337 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2003
Safe, Efficient Automobile Travel to Better Ensure Lives in Transit (SEATBELT) Act of 2003 - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make a two-year grant to each State that has in effect a primary enforcement safety belt use law; and (2) carry out a program for making safety belt usage award grants to eligible States. States as purposes of the latter grant program to: (1) increase the national seat belt usage percentage; and (2) reward States that maintain a seat belt usage rate above 85 percent or demonstrate an increase in such rate.
Bill· SS. 1325 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to retain the exemption from certain maximum hours of service requirements granted to operators of commercial vehicles that transport certain agricultural commodities and farm supplies. Exempts such operators, specifically, from the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether granting such an exemption is not in the public interest and would have a significant adverse impact on the safety of commercial motor vehicles. Redefines agricultural commodity to reflect the definition in the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 2571 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century - Amends Federal rail transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to designate high-speed rail infrastructure bonds if: (1) the bonds are issued by a State, or one or more of the States that have entered into an interstate compact under the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, or by such compact; (2) such bonds are for financing projects that make a substantial contribution to providing the infrastructure required to complete a railroad passenger transportation corridor for high-speed intercity rail passenger service, or for projects for the Alaska Railroad; (3) for a railroad passenger transportation corridor design that includes the use of freight railroad rights-of-way, a written agreement exists between the applicant and the freight railroad regarding such use and other conditions are met; (4) the corridor design eliminates all existing railroad grade crossings that would impede high-speed rail operations; (5) the applicant agrees to comply with certain labor standards with respect to such project; and (6) the applicant agrees not to pay the principal or interest on the bonds using funds derived directly or indirectly from the Highway Trust Fund, except as permitted by existing law. Excludes the interest on such bonds from an individual's gross income. Requires any entity providing high-speed intercity passenger railroad transportation to negotiate over hiring and working conditions with the collective bargaining agent or agents of the employees of any exisitng rail passenger service it might be replacing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax credits to holders of qualified high-speed rail infrastructure bonds. Makes corridor development activities (including the acquisition of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and signal equipment) eligible for Federal assistance. Amends specified Federal law to change from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for rail rehabilitation and improvement projects to State and local governments, interstate compacts, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad.
Bill· HRH.R. 2572 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for FY 2004 through 2006 for: (1) capital expenditures; (2) certain mandatory payments; and (3) Amtrak's contractual obligations for commuter and State-supported passenger rail service. Includes among mandatory Amtrak payments to the Treasury: (1) an amount equal to the tax Amtrak must pay as an employer under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act that is more than the amount needed for anticipated benefits for retirees and their beneficiaries; (2) amounts necessary to pay the contribution for employee unemployment benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act that are more than its obligations calculated on an experience-related basis; and (3) amounts necessary to pay railroad unemployment repayment taxes. Requires Amtrak to transmit to the Secretary of Transportation annually a comprehensive business plan, including targets for ridership and for each intercity train route (including Autotrain), revenues, and capital and operating expenses, and supplemental reports describing the work completed to date, any changes to the business plan, and the reasons for such changes. Prohibits the use of amounts appropriated under this Act to subsidize operating losses of commuter rail passenger or rail freight transportation.
Bill· SS. 1314 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Collaborative Forest Health Act - Permits the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior (the Secretaries) to find that a proposed hazardous fuels reduction project that meets certain criteria shall not require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Directs the Secretaries to identify projects implemented under this section through a collaborative framework to reduce hazardous fuels. Sets a limit of 20 million acres for projects implemented under this section (not including the existing hazardous fuels reduction program). Prohibits, except in extraordinary circumstances, timber sales and log skidding machines in at-risk communities and the nearby vicinities and in certain municipal watersheds. Excludes the provisions of this Act relating to expedited planning and implementation from applying to certain Federal lands. Directs the Secretaries to take certain actions to ensure that the agencies are implementing projects pursuant to this Act that reduce the risk of unnaturally intense wildfires and improve forest health. Directs the Secretaries to expend at least 70 percent of the hazardous fuels operations funds provided annually only on projects in at-risk communities and nearby vicinities or within municipal watersheds. Directs the Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a commission to complete an assessment of the positive or negative impacts and effectiveness of projects implemented under this section; (2) earmark funds for the conduct of a systematic information gathering program on certain insect types that have caused large-scale damage to forest ecosystems; and (3) disburse funds to reduce the risk of wildfire to structures and restore burned areas on tribal lands. Allows the Secretaries to make cost-share grants to various entities for the removal, transport, and disposal of hazardous fuels around homes and properties.
Bill· HRH.R. 2557 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Water Resources Development Act of 2003 - Authorizes and provides for specified water resources development and conservation projects. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out: specified projects for flood damage reduction and environmental restoration in California and Colorado; a project for hurricane and storm damage reduction in Louisiana; a project for environmental restoration and protection in Maryland; projects for navigation and environmental restoration in Texas; and a bridge replacement project in Virginia. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of specified flood damage reduction, streambank and shoreline protection, navigation, environmental improvement, and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects, and authorizes the Secretary to carry out those projects determined to be feasible, in Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to establish centers to provide specialized planning expertise for water resources projects to enhance and supplement the capabilities of districts of the Army Corps of Engineers. Sets forth provisions for: (1) coordination and scheduling by the Secretary for consolidating Federal, State, and local agency environmental assessments, project reviews, and issuance of permits for construction or modification of nonfederal water supply, wastewater infrastructure, flood damage reduction, environmental restoration, or navigation projects that require the Secretary's approval; and (2) expediting environmental reviews of water resources projects subject to studies for development of feasibility or general reevaluation reports. Modifies provisions authorizing specified water projects in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Deauthorizes specified projects or portions of projects in California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. Sets forth provisions modifying, requiring, or setting forth additional requirements for specified project studies. Provides for: (1) maintenance of navigation channels; (2) watershed management; (3) dam safety; (4) flood mitigation; and (5) additional assistance for authorized projects. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake certain additional measures with respect to specified projects in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arkansas and Missouri, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon and Washington, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania and New York, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Bill· HRH.R. 2568 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Pedestrian and Cyclist Equity Act of 2003 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish and carry out a transportation and active living program to create, enhance, and promote, through changes in transportation, community design, and architectural policies and programs, community environments that improve opportunities for people to be physically active in their daily lives. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State, local, and regional agencies, including nonprofit organizations, for eligible activities. Authorizes the Secretary to consider initiatives that: (1) adopt community design, land use, and transportation policies to promote active living or remove barriers to physical activity; and (2) implement communications and marketing strategies to promote physical activity. Requires the Secretary to establish and carry out a safe routes to school program for the benefit of children in primary and middle schools. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to a national nonprofit organization to operate a national safe routes to school clearinghouse; and (2) establish a national safe routes to school task force. Allows amounts apportioned to a State to be used for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure-related projects (including sidewalk improvements) and for non-infrastructure-related activities (including public awareness campaigns) to encourage walking and bicycling to school. Requires the Secretary to establish and carry out a non-motorized transportation pilot program, including developing specified statistical information and assessing how changes promote livable community concepts, decreased traffic and energy usage, a cleaner environment, and healthier lifestyles.
Law· HRH.R. 2555 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Makes FY 2004 appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security for: (1) departmental management and operations; (2) border and transportation security (including the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and the Office for Domestic Preparedness); (3) emergency preparedness and response; and (4) other departmental activities (including citizenship and immigration services, the United States Coast Guard, the Directorate of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, and the United States Secret Service).
Bill· SS. 1294 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 - Authorizes each of the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Education to make grants to a local or tribal government, local non-profit entity, cooperative, public utility, or other public entity for community telecommunications infrastructure planning and market development purposes. Requires, in each case, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure and market development plan. Requires the Secretary concerned to give priority to grants for such planning and development for rural or underserved areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 2530 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 - Authorizes each of the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Education to make grants to a local or tribal government, local non-profit entity, cooperative, public utility, or other public entity for community telecommunications infrastructure planning and market development purposes. Requires, in each case, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure and market development plan. Requires the Secretary concerned to give priority to grants for such planning and development for rural or underserved areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 2526 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Restoration of Freedom of Information Act of 2003 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit a record pertaining to the vulnerability of and threats to critical infrastructure that is furnished voluntarily to the Department of Homeland Security from being made available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act if: (1) the provider would not customarily make the record available to the public; and (2) the record is designated and certified by the provider as confidential and not customarily made available to the public. Prohibits other Federal agencies in receipt of such a record furnished to the Department from making the record publicly available. Allows a provider to withdraw the confidential designation of a record at any time.
Bill· SS. 1262 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2003
Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2006 to the Secretary of Transportation for the Maritime Administration. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 with respect to: (1) conveyance of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet; (2) cargo preference and treatment of certain tank vessels under construction as privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels; (3) equity payments by an obligor for disbursement before termination of an escrow agreement; (4) waivers of certain program requirements; (5) project monitoring; (6) defaults; (7) loan guarantees, including a 270-day decision on approval or denial of a loan guarantee application; (8) war risk insurance; and (9) maritime education and training. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the human capital and other resource needs in connection with the loan guarantee program. Amends other Federal law with respect to: (1) the prohibition against carrying government impelled cargoes for vessels with substandard security measures; (2) the authority to convey obsolete vessels to U.S. territories and foreign countries for reefing; and (3) maintenance of current Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation safety responsbilities. Authorizes the Maritime Administration to deposit into its operations and training account and use the amount it received as insurance proceeds as a result of a specified fire at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Fitch Building. Declares that the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund shall be credited with amounts received by the United States from final judgments and dispute settlements that arise from the operation of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, including the Ready Reserve Force.
Bill· SS. 1250 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Enhanced 911 Emergency Communications Act of 2003 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce to establish the Emergency Communications Task Force to facilitate coordination between Federal, State, and local emergency communications systems, emergency personnel, and public safety organizations. Directs the Task Force to provide advice and recommendations with respect to methods to improve coordination and communications between agencies and organizations involved in emergency communications, including 911 services to enhance homeland security and public safety. Directs the Assistant Secretary to provide grants to State and local governments and tribal organizations for enhancing emergency communications services through planning, infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, and personnel training and acquisition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to review at least twice a year: (1) the State and local taxes, fees, or other charges appearing on telecommunications customers' bills that are designated for emergency communications improvements; and (2) the use of derived revenues. Requires each State to certify, annually, that no part of derived revenues is being used for a purpose not designated or presented. Authorizes the withholding of grant funds from States that do not comply.
Bill· SS. 1246 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes and which make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to continue to be treated as tax-exempt organizations so long as all of the active members of the recipient organization are full-time students at the college or university with which the recipient organization is associated.
Law· HRH.R. 2443 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Coast Guard (CG). Sets forth authorized FY 2004 levels of CG active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. Revises specified requirements relating to CG management. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) to authorize the Secretary of the Department in which the CG is operating (the CG Secretary) to prohibit the use on the bridge of vessels of certain electric and electronic devices that interfere with communications or navigation equipment, if the CG determines they pose a threat to the safety of vessels. Allows removal of the Inland Navigation Rules from Federal statutory law if the CG Secretary promulgates Inland Navigation Rules through a regulatory proceeding and such regulations become effective. Allows suspension as an alternative to the currently required revocation of a merchant mariner's credentials (MMC) in cases of dangerous drug convictions. Requires foreign flag vessels departing and returning to the same U.S. port, or returning to another port under U.S. jurisdiction, to comply with the International Safety Management Code when any part of the voyage occurs on the high seas. Increases maximum civil penalties for failure to comply with recreational vessel and associated equipment safety standards. Extends such penalties to wrongful labeling and failure to notify of a recall. Authorizes suspension or revocation of MMC if the mariner commits an act of incompetence whether or not the mariner is acting under the authority of the MMC at the time the act occurs. Adds security threat as a basis for which the Secretary may suspend or revoke an MMC. Authorizes the CG Secretary to prescribe maximum hours of service for individuals engaged on a towing vessel that is required to have a licensed operator under specified Federal law. Requires shipboard automatic identification systems to include electronic charts and related displays. Authorizes the CG to conduct examinations to ensure that a passenger vessel calling on a U.S. port complies with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, if a U.S. citizen passenger is aboard, and to prevent such vessel's departure in cases of noncompliance. Increases civil penalties for violations of certain Federal laws and regulations relating to bridges.
Bill· HRH.R. 2468 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to modify a high priority project in the State of Michigan, adding authority for a transportation project in the Petoskey area.
Bill· HRH.R. 2441 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Millennium Challenge Account Authorization and Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President, acting through the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, to provide assistance to eligible low income and lower middle income countries to support policies and programs that advance their progress in: (1) achieving lasting economic growth and poverty reduction; and (2) promoting specified objectives fostering democratic societies, human rights, the rule of law, investment in education and health infrastructure and systems, economic freedom, broad-based economic growth, and free market systems. Requires recipient contries to enter into a Millenium Challenge Compact with the United States establishing a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives. Specifies conditions for suspension or termination of assistance. Establishes the Millenium Challenge Corporation to carry out such assistance program, and a Millenium Challenge Advisory Council. Sets forth elements of a framework for U.S. economic assistance. Reauthorizes the Peace Corps through FY 2007. Makes the Peace Corps responsible for recruiting all of its volunteers. Urges the Director to utilize the services of returned Peace Corps volunteers and former Peace Corps staff who have relevant language and cultural experience and may have served previously in countries with substantial Muslim populations, in order to open or reopen Peace Corps programs in such countries. Requires the Director to expand the training program for Peace Corps volunteers in the areas of education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases prevalent in host countries in order to ensure that the Peace Corps increases its contribution to the global campaign against such diseases. Urges the Director to designate a Peace Corps officer or employee located in the United States to coordinate all HIV/AIDS activities within the Peace Corps.
Bill· HRH.R. 2455 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Universal Screening of Air Cargo Act - Requires the screening of all cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers. Requires the Under Secretary of Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security to: (1) develop a plan to implement such screening; (2) establish a fee schedule for shippers to cover the costs of screening; (3) monitor and evaluate new cargo screening technologies; (4) establish a system for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for shipments of air cargo; and (5) establish a training and evaluation program for air cargo handlers.
Bill· SS. 1230 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Directs the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish and carry out a program to provide for the efficient use of geospatial information, which shall include: (1) providing such geospatial information as may be necessary to implement the critical infrastructure protection programs; (2) providing leadership in meeting the requirements of, and populating the databases used by, those responsible for planning, prevention, mitigation, assessment and response to emergencies, critical infrastructure and other DHS functions; and (3) assuring interoperability and preventing unnecessary duplication of geospatial information among all users. Includes among the Chief Information Officer's responsibilities: (1) managing DHS geospatial information needs and activities; (2) establishing standards to assure the interoperability of geospatial information pertaining to homeland security among all users of such information within DHS, other agencies, State and local government, and the private sector; (3) coordinating with and providing liaison to the Federal Geographic Data Committee and carrying out DHS's responsibilities pursuant to Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16 and Executive Order 12906; (4) providing grants to fund data creation and to execute information sharing agreements with State, local, and tribal governments; and (5) ensuring that DHS utilizes available commercial geospatial data and services by awarding contracts to entities in the private sector.
Bill· SS. 1244 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Maritime Commission for FY 2004 and 2005. Amends the Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961 to require the President's appointment of the Commission Chairman to be by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Commission to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the status of any agreements, or ongoing discussions with, other Federal, State, or local government agencies concerning the sharing of ocean shipping information for the purpose of assisting law enforcement or anti-terrorism efforts; and (2) how the Commission and other Federal agencies could better utilize the Commission's ocean shipping information to improve port security.
Bill· SS. 1229 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Allows a presumption relating to the performance of a duty by an employee to be rebutted by substantial evidence. Requires each non-disclosure policy, form, or agreement to contain a statement that the restrictions are consistent with and do not supersede specified employee obligations, rights, or liabilities. Authorizes the Merit Systems Protection Board or any reviewing court, in any appeal relating to a suspension or other action relating to a security clearance, to determine whether there was a violation of prohibited personnel practices. Prohibits the Board from ordering the President to restore the clearance, but authorizes the Board to issue declaratory and other appropriate relief. Authorizes the Board to impose disciplinary action, a civil penalty, or a combination against employees found to have committed a prohibited personnel practice. Requires each agency to establish a process for providing confidential advice to employees on making lawful disclosures to Congress of information required to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. Permits representation by attorneys for the Office of the Special Counsel in civil actions brought in connection with such disclosures of information or provisions relating to political activities. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to obtain judicial review of Board decisions. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure.
Bill· SS. 1212 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2003
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include under the definition of "key resources," for purposes of protection by the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, National Park Service sites identified by the Secretary of the Interior as being so universally recognized as symbols of the United States and so heavily visited by the American and international public that such sites would likely be identified as targets of terrorist attacks, including: (1) the Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York Harbor; (2) Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; (3) the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; (4) Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota; and (5) memorials and monuments in the District of Columbia.
Bill· HRH.R. 2381 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Appalachian Development Highway System Completion Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the Appalachian development highway system program for each of FY 2004 through 2009. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such funds among the States based on the latest available cost-to-complete estimate for the system, prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes a State, upon notice to the Secretary, to lend any amount of contract or obligation authority available to it pursuant to the apportionment to any other State that is eligible for such an apportionment for use for eligible activities with respect to the system. Provides that whenever an apportionment is mad e , the Secretary shall deduct an amount (not to exceed two-fifths of one percent of the sums made available) determined to be appropriate to administer provisions concerning the program and to make transfers to the Commission to pay the costs of administrative activities associated with the system. Removes the system from minimum guarantee provisions under Federal highway law.
Bill· HRH.R. 2376 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003
Anti-Terrorism and Port Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to: (1) destroy or interfere with vessels or maritime facilities; (2) put devices in U.S. waters that can destroy a ship or cargo or interfere with safe navigation or maritime commerce; (3) use a dangerous weapon or explosive to try to kill someone on board a passenger vessel; (4) fail to heave to (that is, to slow or stop) a vessel at the direction of a Coast Guard or other authorized Federal law enforcement official seeking to board that vessel, or to interfere with boarding by such an officer; (5) destroy an aid to maritime navigation (such as a buoy or shoal/breakwater light) maintained by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation or the Coast Guard if this would endanger the safe navigation of a vessel; or (6) knowingly discharge or release oil, a hazardous substance, a noxious liquid substance or any other substance (malicious dumping) into U.S. navigable waters or the adjoining shoreline with intent to endanger human life, health, or welfare. Revises piracy and privateering laws, increasing penalties. Requires the Attorney General to coordinate port-related crime data collection. Designates the Captain-of-the-Port as the primary authority for seaport security at each port. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to specify mandatory information in cargo manifests, which must be transmitted electronically. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of requirements, and increases civil penalties. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) develop a shipment profiling plan to track containers (including empty containers) and shipments of merchandise to be imported into the United States; (2) submit to Congress a plan for inspecting merchandise and their transportation containers at foreign facilities before importation into the United States; (3) issue final regulations prescribing seaport security requirements, including unauthorized gun and explosives prohibitions, access restrictions, and specifications for biometric ("smart") identification cards for employees and other personnel; and (4) approve minimum standards for high security container seals meeting specified criteria, and award grants to developers of such seals. Requires Captains-of-the-Port to secure and protect all sensitive information, including maps, blueprints, and information on the Internet.