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Bill· HRH.R. 1564 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2001
Rebuilding America's Infrastructure - Establishes the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to any State, local government, Indian tribe, and regional or multistate organization for the development of certain transportation- and educational- and water and hazardous treatment-related capital infrastructure facility projects. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) loan and borrower eligibility; and (2) compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Buy America n Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act (wages) as they relate to the development of such projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1567 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2001
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to use the U.S. voice, vote, and influence to call for a vote by such institutions on: (1) negotiating a strategy to cancel debts owed them by any country eligible for assistance under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative or heavily affected by HIV/AIDS, which should ensure that the savings from such cancellation are used for fair and transparent poverty reduction; (2) accepting an immediate moratorium on debt service payments and accrual of interest on the debt owed by such country; (3) encouraging each country to ensure that the national HIV/AIDS strategic plan is fully funded, with a significant proportion of the savings from the debt cancellation to be used for HIV/AIDS response and other health priorities, and HIV/AIDS and infectious disease control strategies are based upon best practices, including prevention, care, treatment, orphan response, and accessibility to affordable drugs and social and health infrastructure; and (4) using their reserve accounts or net income to offset debt cancellation costs. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at the World Bank and the IMF to oppose any of their programs that would include user fees for primary education or primary health care, including prevention and treatment efforts for HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and infant, child, and maternal well-being. Directs the Secretary to develop strategies to counter corruption in beneficiary countries under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1540 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2001
Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean hazardous contaminants, chemicals, materials, wastes, and substances listed, identified, or defined in specified laws or designated by the President. Prohibits any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, disposes, stores, transports, or delivers covered substances from disproportionately exposing any individual or community, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, or economic status to any covered substance. Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to handle, manage, treat, release, discharge, dispose, store, transport, remove, move, or deliver covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for entities receiving Federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Bill· SS. 688 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to declare that airport noise or access restrictions on the operation of stage 2 and stage 3 aircraft shall not apply to a local restriction limiting the hours of operation of an airport adopted by an airport operator but disallowed by a court before 1985 if: (1) the airport operator adopted before 1985 a policy of encouraging voluntary limitation of the hours of operation; and (2) such operator entered into an agreement before 1985 with scheduled air carriers regulating the capacity of the airport terminal.
Bill· HRH.R. 1407 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to authorize an air carrier to file with the Secretary of Transportation a request for: (1) authority to discuss with one or more other air carriers or foreign air carriers agreements or cooperative arrangements limiting flights at an airport during a time period when scheduled air transportation exceeds airport capacity; and (2) approval of such agreements or cooperative arrangements with respect to such limits on interstate air transportation. Directs the Secretary to approve such requests if: (1) such discussions and resulting agreements are not adverse to the public interest; (2) they will facilitate voluntary adjustments in air carrier schedules that could lead to a substantial reduction in travel delays and improvement of air transportation service to the public; and (3) such reduction in delays cannot be achieved by any other immediately available means. Prohibits participants in approved discussions from: (1) discussing or entering into agreements regarding rates, fares, charges, or in-flight services; or (2) discussing particular city pairs, or submitting to other air carriers or foreign air carriers information on their proposed service or schedules in a fashion that indicates the involvement of city pairs. Exempts such agreements from U.S. antitrust laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 1417 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001
Technology Extension Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small- and medium-sized businesses. Allows a regional center to use grant proceeds to: (1) assist such businesses in addressing their most critical needs for the application of the latest technology, improvement of infrastructure, and use of best business practices; and (2) transfer technologies to such businesses in the region in order to create jobs and increase production.
Bill· HRH.R. 1378 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001
Mahoning Valley Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act for FY 2002 for: (1) a project for the extension of waterlines in Milton Township and Craig Beach Village, Ohio; and (2) sewer line projects in rural communities in Trumbull County, Ohio.
Bill· HRH.R. 1288 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to declare that airport noise or access restrictions on the operation of stage 2 and stage 3 aircraft shall not apply to a local restriction limiting the hours of operation of an airport adopted by an airport operator but disallowed by a court before 1985 if: (1) the airport operator adopted before 1985 a policy of encouraging voluntary limitation of the hours of operation; and (2) such operator entered into an agreement before 1985 with scheduled air carriers regulating the capacity of the airport terminal.
Bill· SS. 641 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2001
Explosives Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or transfer of explosive materials to, and the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of explosives by, certain individuals not allowed to engage in such activities with respect to firearms. Sets forth exceptions and waivers for certain aliens and other individuals lawfully admitted to the United States pursuant to a non-immigrant visa.
Bill· SS. 1 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2001
Better Education for Students and Teachers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise title I as Better Results for Disadvantaged Children (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). Revises title I part A with respect to: (1) yearly testing and assessments of student performance; (2) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards; (3) identification of schools for improvement and corrective actions; (4) public school choice options under certain conditions; (5) reporting to parents and the public on school performance and teacher quality; (6) State reservation of funds for school improvement; (7) formulas relating to Basic, Concentration, Targeted, and Education Finance Incentive Grants; and (8) eligibility requirements for schoolwide programs. Revises title I to: (1) reauthorize the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program; (2) establish Reading First and Early Reading First initiative programs; (3) reauthorize 21st Century Learning Centers; and (4) establish a program for Comprehensive School Reform. Dropout Prevention Act - Establishes a program for School Dropout Prevention. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to revise and reauthorize provisions for education for homeless children and youth. Revises title II, Teachers, to: (1) replace the current Eisenhower Professional Development and Class-Size Reduction programs; and (2) establish a part A Teacher Quality formula grant program for States and LEAs to support various similar activities to improve elementary and secondary school teaching. Sets forth requirements relating to such State and LEA activities and performance objectives. Includes among authorized national teacher activities, administered by the Secretary, support for: (1) professional development for school leaders; (2) teachers seeking advanced certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; (3) the Troops-to-Teachers program recruiting military retirees into teaching; and (4) a program supporting transition to teaching by mid-career professionals. Establishes a part B Mathematics and Science Partnerships program involving SEAs, higher education mathematics or science departments, and LEAs. Reauthorizes the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Math and Science Education. Establishes the Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology grants program. Replaces various current ESEA title III technology for education programs with a title II part C State and Local Programs for Technology Use in Classrooms, with formula grants to States to provide competitive grants to LEAs. Teacher Mobility Act - Establishes a National Panel on Portability of Teacher Pensions and Credentials. Sets forth as a new title III, Education for Limited English Proficient and Recent Immigrant Pupils (transferring and revising specified current law). Revises and reauthorizes the Bilingual Education Act to: (1) consolidate certain programs; (2) require yearly assessment of English proficiency of students served; (3) eliminate a funding cap for non-bilingual programs under instructional services grants; and (4) set priorities in making grants to certain applicants. Reauthorizes the Foreign Language Assistance and Emergency Immigrant Education programs. Revises title IV, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, to: (1) authorize assistance for hiring drug prevention and school safety program coordinators in schools; (2) require participating schools to assess drug and violence problems, set measurable goals, use a research-based prevention framework for programs, and conduct evaluations; (3) include among uses of funds drug testing, locker searches, and training in threat and crisis management and identification and response to troubled and violent youth. Redesignates current ESEA requirements that States enact and enforce laws mandating a one-year school expulsion for any student bringing a weapon to school. Amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to allow certain funds to be used for nationwide background checks of employees. Pro-Children Act of 2001 - Redesignates current ESEA prohibitions against smoking within any indoor facility used for providing education or related services. Sets forth as title V, Public School Choice and Flexibility, and eliminates current parts B and C provisions for Women's Educational Equity and for Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems. Sets forth part A, Public School Choice, to: (1) reauthorize provisions for public Charter Schools and for Magnet Schools assistance; and (2) establish a Public School Choice program. Sets forth part B, Flexibility, to redesignate and reauthorize certain ESEA provisions, including: (1) waivers of requirements; and (2) Innovative Education Program Strategies. Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 2001 - Reauthorizes, under part B Flexibility, ESEA provisions for Education Flexibility Partnerships. Rural Education Achievement Program - Reauthorizes, under part B Flexibility, ESEA provisions for a Rural Education Initiative, with grants for small rural schools and for low-income and rural schools. Access to High Standards Act - Establishes as ESEA title V part E, Advanced Placement (AP) Programs to provide assistance to increase the access of low-income students to AP high school courses and AP tests to earn advanced placement and credits at institutions of higher education. Sets forth a new title VI, Parental Involvement and Accountability, authorizing Parental Information and Resource Centers (currently under the Goals 200: Educate America Act). Sets forth part B, Improving Academic Achievement, which: (1) authorizes various education performance awards for States and schools; and (2) penalizes States that fail to achieve progress in certain educational assessments by reducing administrative funds under ESEA formula grant programs. Reauthorizes and revises title VII Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the following ESEA titles: (1) X, Programs of National Significance, including the Fund for the Improvement of Education and programs for gifted and talented children, arts in education, inexpensive book distribution, civic education, Ellender fellowships, urban and rural education assistance, and the national writing project; (2) XI, Coordinated Services; (3) XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, a program of grants for school construction and renovation; (4) XIII, Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education, including comprehensive regional assistance centers, the national diffusion network, Eisenhower regional mathematics and science education consortia, and technology-based technical assistance; and (5) XIV, some general provisions. Authorizes an independent evaluation grant to the Board on Testing and Assessment of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
Bill· HRH.R. 1259 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2001
Computer Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the Institute to provide assistance to Federal agencies in the protection of computer networks, promote Federal compliance with computer information security and privacy guidelines, and assist Federal response efforts to unauthorized access to Federal systems. Requires the Institute to develop uniform standards for the cost-effective security and privacy of sensitive information in certain Federal systems, provide a list of certified commercial Federal computer system security products, and report annually on Federal computer system evaluations. Directs the Institute to solicit Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board recommendations regarding standards. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Board to identify emerging computer security, privacy, and cryptography issues. Prohibits the Institute from adopting encryption and electronic authentication standards for other than Federal computer systems. Authorizes (current law requires) the Institute to draw upon National Security Agency computer security guidelines. Amends the Computer Security Act of 1987 to require Federal computer security training to emphasize protecting sensitive information accessible through public networks. Authorizes appropriations for fellowships to students in computer security. Requires a National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences study of electronic authentication technologies. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology to promote an increased use of security technologies for the nation's information infrastructure, establish a central repository of information on security vulnerability and risks, and promote the development of national infrastructures for encryption technologies. Directs the Institute's Director to develop technology-neutral electronic authentication infrastructure standards for Federal agencies, provide a list of commercially available authentication products, establish core specifications for Federal electronic certification and management technologies, provide a list of conforming systems, and report annually on infrastructure implementation.
Bill· SS. 633 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2001
Aviation Delay Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and report to specified congressional committees on air carrier overscheduling at large hub airports. Amends Federal aviation law to authorize an air carrier to file with the Secretary a request for authority for a group of two or more air carriers to discuss cooperative scheduling arrangements, provided its sole purpose is to reach an agreement between such carriers to reduce overscheduling and flight delays during peak hours of operation and periods of inclement weather at any large hub airport. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such an agreement if it will reduce congestion at the affected airport, will not reduce service to small communities, and is not adverse to the public interest. Requires the Secretary to exempt such arrangements from U.S. antitrust laws if it is found to be in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement an expedited coordinated environmental review process for airport capacity-enhancement projects that provides for: (1) coordination among Federal, regional, State, and local agencies concerned with the preparation of environmental impact statements or environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (2) an expedited and coordinated process in the conduct of environmental and judicial reviews that ensures that they are done concurrently and not consecutively; and (3) a date certain for completing all environmental reviews.
Bill· HRH.R. 1253 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2001
Free Market Antitrust Immunity Reform (FAIR) Act of 2001 - Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 (the Act) to restore the applicability of the antitrust laws to certain: (1) agreements entered into only among marine terminal operators with respect to an activity to discuss, fix, or regulate rates or other conditions of service and to engage in exclusive, preferential, or cooperative working arrangements; (2) assessment agreements pertaining to such conditions of service or arrangements; (3) agreements or activities that relate to transportation services within or between foreign countries unless they have a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on U.S. commerce; (4) agreements or activities concerning the foreign inland segment of through transportation that is part of transportation provided in a U.S. import or export trade; (5) agreements or activities to provide or furnish wharfage, dock, warehouse, or other terminal facilities outside the United States; and (6) agreements, modifications, or cancellations approved by the Federal Maritime Commission before the effective date of the Act, or permitted under the Act, and any properly published tariff, rate, fare, or charge, classification, rule, or regulation explanatory thereof implementing that agreement, modification, or cancellation.
Bill· SS. 614 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2001
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from taking any action or using appropriated funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule entitled "Hours of Service of Drivers; Driver Rest and Sleep for Safe Operations" published by FMCSA in the Federal Register on May 2, 2000. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator of the FMCSA to proceed through all stages of the rulemaking (other than adoption of a final rule) for the proposed rule, including issuing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. Declares that a final rule shall not take effect until 180 days after it is sent to Congress.
Bill· SS. 597 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
Comprehensive and Balanced Energy Policy Act of 2001 - Establishes: (1) the National Commission on Energy and Climate Change; and (2) the Interagency Working Group on Clean Energy Technology Transfer. Authorizes the States to develop energy infrastructure regional coordination. Mandates periodic reviews of regulations to identify barriers to market entry for emerging energy technologies. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish the Electric Reliability Organization. Establishes the Public Benefits Fund. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize electrification grants for rural and remote communities. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to mandate a comprehensive Indian energy program. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe disclosure requirements regarding: (1) energy sources used to generate electricity; and (2) specified consumer protections and privacy. Amends the Federal Power Act to require Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish: (1) a wholesale electricity market data information system; and (2) wholesale electric energy rates in the western energy market. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) renewable energy resources; (2) distributed generation facilities; and (3) hydroelectric relicensing. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) assess cost and performance goals for a national coal-based technology development and applications program; and (2) implement a power plant improvement initiative program. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to revise indemnification and liability guidelines. Sets a deadline for a specified Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas lease sale. Mandates an accelerated research and development program regarding pipeline integrity of natural gas and hazardous liquids. Prescribes guidelines for statutory mechanisms that increase vehicle fuel efficiency or provide vehicle alternatives in order to limit demand for petroleum products by light-duty vehicles. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise alternative fuel requirements for Federal fleets. Establishes: (1) the Federal Energy Bank; and (2) the High Performance Schools Program. Energy Science and Technology Enhancement Act - Delineates goals for enhanced research and development programs that target: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) fossil energy; (4) nuclear energy; and (5) fundamental energy science. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish national energy research and development advisory boards; (2) monitor workforce trends pertaining to skilled technical personnel supporting energy technology industries; (3) establish traineeship grant programs for technically skilled personnel; and (4) develop employee training guidelines to support electric supply system reliability and safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 1187 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
Makes it unlawful to: (1) import, export, or transport in interstate commerce conventional steel jawed leghold traps and articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps; or (2) sell or acquire such a trap transported in violation of such provision. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward persons (other than Government employees performing official duties) for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected containers or merchandise and any accompanying documents, to make arrests without warrants with probable cause, and to execute warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
Bill· HRH.R. 1160 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to terminate operation of the Extremely Low Frequency Communication System while maintaining the infrastructure necessary for its resumption.
Bill· HRH.R. 1185 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
Global Access to HIV/AIDS Medicines Act of 2001 - Prohibits funds appropriated to U.S. Federal agencies from being expended to seek, through negotiation or otherwise, the revocation or revision of intellectual property law or policy of a developing country that regulates HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals or medical technologies, if such law or policy: (1) promotes access to HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals or medical technologies to the country's population; and (2) provides adequate and effective intellectual property protection consistent with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Includes among such developing countries any sub-Saharan African country five percent or more of whose population is infected with HIV, or whose government has declared a national emergency with respect to HIV/AIDS. Encourages such developing countries to implement policies designed to address the underlying causes of the HIV/AIDS crisis by making efforts to encourage practices that will prevent further transmission and infection and to stimulate development of the infrastructure necessary to deliver adequate health services, including policies that provide an incentive for public and private research on, and development of, vaccines and other medical innovations that will combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in Africa.
Law· HRH.R. 1 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2001
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise title I as Improving the Academic Performance of the Disadvantaged (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). Revises title I part A with respect to: (1) yearly testing and assessments of student performance; (2) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards; (3) identification of schools for improvement and corrective actions; (4) supplemental education services, or public (or private) school choice options under certain conditions, if a school fails repeatedly; (5) reporting to parents and the public on school performance and teacher quality; (6) State reservation of funds for school improvement; (7) formulas relating to Basic, Concentration, Targeted, and Education Finance Incentive Grants; and (8) eligibility requirements for schoolwide programs. Revises and reauthorizes title I provisions for: (1) the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program; (2) Education of Migratory Children; (3) Neglected or Delinquent Youth; and (4) Federal evaluations and demonstrations. Establishes title I programs for: (1) Reading First and Early Reading First initiatives; and (2) Comprehensive School Reform. Rural Education Initiative Act - Revises, reauthorizes, and transfers to title I part G Rural Education Flexibility and Assistance, ESEA provisions for a Rural Education Initiative, with State formula grants for: (1) flexibility for small rural schools; and (2) assistance for low-income and rural schools. Revises ESEA title II as Preparing, Training, and Recruiting Quality Teachers to: (1) replace the current Eisenhower Professional Development and Class-Size Reduction programs; and (2) establish a teacher quality training and recruiting fund as a State formula grant program, with subgrants to LEAs, to support various similar and additional activities to improve elementary and secondary school teaching. Establishes a Mathematics and Science Partnerships subgrants program involving SEAs, higher education mathematics or science departments, and LEAs. Includes among authorized national teacher activities, administered by the Secretary, support for: (1) the Troops-to-Teachers program recruiting military retirees into teaching; and (2) innovative preretirement teacher certification programs for members of the Armed Forces. Eliminates an authorization for the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Math and Science Education. Sets forth title II part B, Teacher Liability Protection, to provisions to exempt teachers, administrators, and school board members from certain liability for actions taken in official capacity to maintain school discipline. Revises ESEA title III as Education of Limited English Proficient Children; Indian and Alaska Native Education (consolidating current title VII and title IX parts A and C). (Current title III Technology for Education programs are eliminated, but some similar activities are consolidated under the new title V part B.) English Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement Act - Sets forth a title III part A, Education of Limited English Proficient Children. Replaces the Bilingual Education Act programs, Foreign Language Assistance Program, and Emergency Immigrant Education Program with this program of formula grants to States for education of limited English proficient (LEP) children. Requires students who have been in U.S. schools for at least three years to be tested for reading in English. Sets forth certain language program exceptions for programs that serve Native American and Native Pacific Island children and children in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to rename the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs as the Office of Educational Services for Limited English Proficient Children. Reauthorizes and revises ESEA provisions for Indian and Alaska Native Education (currently under ESEA title IX parts A and C, but eliminates current title IX part B provisions for education of Native Hawaiians), under the new title III part B. Alaska Native Educational Equity Support and Assistance Act - Revises the Alaska Native Educational Equity Support and Assistance Act (currently under ESEA title IX part C). Amends the Education Amendments of 1978 to revise provisions for Bureau of Indian Affairs programs. Revises ESEA title IV as Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs. (Transfers parts of the current title IV to title V.) Revises and reauthorizes: (1) part A Innovative Programs (currently under title VI Innovative Education Program Strategies); (2) part B Public Charter Schools (currently under title X part C); and (3) part D Magnet Schools Assistance (currently under title V part A). Allows Innovative Program funds to be used for public (or private) school choice, under certain conditions, for disadvantaged students in failing schools. Establishes a part C Educational Opportunity Fund for competitive awards to eligible entities for school choice research and demonstration projects concerning the effectiveness of school choice programs in improving the academic performance of low-income students. Revises ESEA title V as Safe Schools for the 21st Century. (Eliminates current title V parts B and C provisions for Women's Educational Equity and for Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems.) Safe Schools for the 21st Century Act of 2001- Revises and reauthorizes title V part A, Supporting Drug and Violence Prevention and Education for Students and Communities (currently under title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities). Revises: (1) school safety programs; (2) national activities; and (3) gun-free school requirements (currently under title IX part F of ESEA, also known as the Gun-Free Schools Act). Requires drug and violence prevention programs to be consistent with certain principles of effectiveness. Requires States to establish policies providing public school choice (and private school choice if a safe public school cannot accommodate them) to students who attend persistently dangerous schools or who are victims of violent crimes in school or on school grounds. Allows States to carry out programs through grants and contracts with charitable, religious, and other private organizations, in addition to LEAs. Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2001 - Sets forth title V part B, Enhancing Education Through Technology which revises and reauthorizes some programs currently under title III Education for Technology and title X part I 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Consolidates such program activities for telecommunications and technology access into a formula grant program for State and local technology for success programs, and authorizes certain national technology initiatives. Sets forth title V part C Character Education programs (revises and expands a pilot project currently under title X part A). Revises and reauthorizes the Impact Aid Program as ESEA title VI (currently title VIII). Revises ESEA title VII as Flexibility and Accountability. Sets forth part A, State Accountability for Improving Academic Achievement. Authorizes various education performance awards for States and schools. Penalizes States that fail to achieve progress in certain educational assessments by reducing administrative funds under ESEA formula grant programs. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) awards to States for costs of developing certain additional required assessments and standards, administration of assessments and other accountability activities; and (2) bonus payments for development of such assessments ahead of deadline. Academic Achievement for All Act (Straight A's Act) - Sets forth ESEA title VII part B, Performance Agreements. Allows States a certain type of flexibility in consolidating and using specified formula program funds for State education priorities and programs, in exchange for being held accountable for meeting, in a five-year period, certain performance goals which they propose. State and Local Transferability Act - Sets forth ESEA title VII part C, Transferability of Funds. Authorizes State and LEA transfers of funds: (1) among specified ESEA formula grant programs; and (2) from such programs to their allocations for ESEA title I but does not allow transfer of title I funds to other programs. Revises as ESEA title VIII General Provisions (current title IX), including flexibility in the use of administrative and other funds, coordination of programs, consolidated plans and applications, waivers, uniform provisions, and evaluations. Sets forth the sense of the Congress regarding: (1) paperwork reduction; and (2) memorials. Prohibits: (1) use of Federal funds or sanctions for mandatory national certification of teachers and paraprofessionals; and (2) use of ESEA funds for federally-sponsored national testing, unless specifically authorized by law. Redesignates as ESEA title VIII parts H, I, J, and K, current ESEA title XIII provisions for: (1) Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers; (2) National Diffusion Network; (3) Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia; and (4) Technology-Based Technical Assistance. Amends the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 with respect to State assessments. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to revise and reauthorize provisions for education for homeless children and youth. Repeals provisions under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act for: (1) the National Education Goals Panel and the National Education Standards and Improvement Council; and (2) an International Education Program. Repeals the Troops-to-Teachers Program Act of 1999. Repeals the following ESEA provisions: (1) part B of title IX, education of Native Hawaiians; (2) title X, Programs of National Significance, including the Fund for the Improvement of Education and programs for gifted and talented children, arts in education, inexpensive book distribution, civic education, Ellender fellowships, urban and rural education assistance, and the national writing project; (3) title XI, Coordinated Services; and (4) title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, a program of grants for school construction and renovation.
Bill· HRH.R. 1158 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2001
National Homeland Security Agency Act - Establishes a National Homeland Security Agency. Requires the Agency's Director, who shall serve as an advisor to the National Security Council, to: (1) plan, coordinate, and integrate those U.S. Government activities relating to homeland security, including border security and emergency preparedness, and act as a focal point regarding natural and manmade crises and emergency planning; (2) work with State and local governments and executive agencies in protecting U.S. homeland security and support State officials through the use of regional offices around the country; (3) provide overall planning guidance to such agencies regarding homeland security; (4) establish command and control procedures for potential contingencies, including those that require military assets; and (5) annually develop a Federal response plan for homeland security and emergency preparedness. Transfers to the Agency the authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Customs Service, the Border Patrol of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office and the Institute of Information Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Commerce, and the National Infrastructure Protection Center and the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Establishes within the Agency: (1) separate Directorates of Prevention, Critical Infrastructure Protection, and Emergency Preparedness and Response; and (2) an Office of Science and Technology to advise the Director with regard to research and development efforts and priorities for such directorates. Requires the Director to establish mechanisms for the sharing of information and intelligence with U.S. and international intelligence entities.
Bill· SS. 578 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2001
Airline Merger Moratorium Act - Prohibits, for a specified two-year period, a major air carrier from acquiring directly or indirectly any voting securities or assets of any other air carrier that would result in its having control of the other air carrier (or its assets), or from being merged with another air carrier in any other form of transaction, if such merger results in the air carrier's having ten percent or more of all enplanements in the United States. Deems such acquisition or merger an unfair method of competition for purposes of an investigation by the Secretary of Transportation into whether an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent has been or is engaged in an unfair or deceptive practice or an unfair method of competition in air transportation. Prohibits the Secretary, during such period, from: (1) issuing any new operating authority (domestic and international operating certificates, or slots or slot exemptions (landing and take-off rights)),or making or permitting any changes in such authorities, that relates to, or is in connection with, a major air carrier's acquisition of, or merger with, another air carrier; and (2) approving any changes to an international alliance or code-sharing arrangement of a major air carrier that relates to such acquisition or merger. Prohibits the taking effect during such period of any joint venture agreement between two or more major air carriers with regard to code-sharing, blocked-space arrangements, long-term wet leases of a substantial number of aircraft, or frequent flyer programs, or any other cooperative working arrangement between two or more major air carriers that affects more than 15 percent of the total number of available seat miles offered by major air carriers. Sets forth specified exceptions to such prohibitions. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact that consolidations and mergers in the airline industry have had on consumers in the areas of price, competition within markets, levels of service, and the availability of flights in rural communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1098 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2001
Maritime Policy Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade to a specified vessel. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee, Inc., to construct an addition to the American Merchant Marine Memorial Wall of Honor located at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, California. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) States that the discharge from a vessel of any agricultural cargo residue material in the form of hold washings shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships that implement Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. (Sec. 6) Revises the method for recording and discharging certain maritime liens. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe a tonnage measurement as a small passenger vessel for a named vessel for purposes of applying the optional regulatory measurement. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade to twenty specified vessels. (Sec. 9) Authorizes exempting two specified vessels from certain inspection requirements for passenger vessels so long as the vessels are owned by nonprofit organizations and operated as nonprofit memorials to merchant mariners. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade to three specified vessels. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade to a specified vessel, under specified circumstances. (Sec. 12) Permits, for a limited period of time, the 10 sailboats participating in the New World Challenge Race to transport guests, who have not contributed consideration for their passage, from and around the ports of San Francisco and San Diego, California, before and during stops of that race. (Sec. 13) Permits a specified vessel to be transferred to or placed under a foreign registry or sold to a person that is not a U.S. citizen and transferred to or placed under a foreign registry.
Bill· HRH.R. 1099 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2001
Coast Guard Personnel and Maritime Safety Act of 2001 - Title I: Personnel Management - Limits the director of the Coast Guard band to the rank of captain (currently, commander). (Sec. 102) Authorizes compensatory absence from duty for Coast Guard military personnel serving at isolated duty stations (currently, at isolated aids to navigation) in certain circumstances. (Sec. 103) Allows a promotion selection board to recommend officers of particular merit for placement at the top of the list of selectees and requires, if approved by the President, placement of those officers (in seniority order) at the top of the list. Requires a survey and report to determine if such placements will improve Coast guard officer retention. Title II: Marine Safety - Amends the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act to revise requirements regarding the waters on which vessels, dredges, and floating plants must carry a radiotelephone. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 with respect to specified reports concerning Coast Guard operations and expenditures, summary of marine casualties, user fee activities and amounts, public port conditions, activities of the Federal Maritime Commission, and activities of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research. (Sec. 203) Allows the Coast Guard to borrow a limited amount from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund when the limit of $50 million in unappropriated funds is inadequate to deal with a discharge or threatened discharge. Mandates repayment to the Fund when, and to the extent that, removal costs are recovered from responsible parties. (Sec. 204) Amends Federal law relating to vessels and seamen to: (1) authorize, in certain circumstances, issuance of interim merchant mariner's documents valid for a period not over 120 days; and (2) exempt, with regard to those employed as entertainment personnel with no duties, including emergency duties, related to navigation or safety of the vessel, crew, cargo, or passengers, a passenger vessel that is not engaged in a foreign voyage from a requirement that a vessel employee have a merchant mariner's document. (Sec. 205) Increases fine limits for negligent vessel operation or interfering with safe vessel operation. Title III: Renewal of Advisory Groups - Renames the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee as the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee. Extends the Committee's termination date. (Sec. 302) Extends the termination dates of the Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee, the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Advisory Committee, the Navigation Safety Advisory Council, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, and the Towing Safety Advisory Committee. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to accept, by direct transfer without cost, for use by the Coast Guard primarily for expanded drug interdiction activities required to meet national supply reduction goals, up to seven PC-170 patrol craft from the Department of Defense if it offers to transfer such craft. (Sec. 402) Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to require a commercial vessel to give notification at least 24 hours before entering into U.S. waters. Sets forth information to be contained in such notification. Authorizes denial of entry of a vessel into U.S. waters if: (1) the Secretary has not received notification from the vessel; or (2) the vessel is not in compliance with any other applicable law relating to marine safety, security, or environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the operation of any vessel in navigable U.S. waters during hazardous circumstances, including the absence of a pilot required by Federal or State law, weather, casualty, vessel traffic, or the poor condition of the vessel. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Coast Guard to operate and maintain a Caribbean Support Tender (or similar vessel) to provide technical assistance, including law enforcement training, for foreign coast guards, navies, and other maritime services. (Sec. 404) Amends Federal law to extend the expiration date on the prohibition against new maritime user fees. (Sec. 405) Requires the Coast Guard to: (1) continue to offer assistance to organizations dedicated to Great Lakes lighthouse stewardship; and (2) promptly release information regarding the timing of designations of Coast Guard lighthouses on the Great Lakes as surplus property. (Sec. 406) Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act on what actions the Coast Guard has taken to implement the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board in its Report No. MAR-99-01. (Sec. 407) Authorizes conveyance, without consideration, to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation the Naval Reserve Pier property (exclusive of floating docks) in Portland, Maine. Imposes specified requirements. (Sec. 408) Requires the Coast Guard to: (1) study existing local harbor safety coordinating committees in the United States regarding cooperation with interested groups, organizational models, technological assistance, and recurring resources; and (2) test the feasibility of expanding the harbor safety committee concept to small and medium-sized ports not generally served by such a committee by establishing one or more prototype committees. Makes the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to harbor safety committees established under any provision of law. (Sec. 409) Authorizes the conveyance of all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to each of the following properties: (1) Coast Guard Slip Point Light Station, located in Clallam County, Washington, to Clallam County, Washington; and (2) the parcel of land on which is situated the Point Pin.AE6os Light, located in Monterey County, California, to the city of Pacific Grove, California. Sets forth terms and conditions. (Sec. 410) Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to enter into agreements and other arrangements with public and private foreign and domestic entities, to establish partnerships for the performance of work at the Coast Guard Yard, located in Baltimore, Maryland. (Sec. 411) Revises provisions concerning boat safety funding.
Bill· SS. 558 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2001
Indian Reservation Economic Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian reservation investment credit based on specified amounts. Includes qualified personal property and qualified real property used or located outside an Indian reservation which is connected to existing tribal infrastructure in the reservation, including roads, power lines, water systems, railroad spurs, and communication facilities as a reservation infrastructure investment. Limits the credit based on the Indian unemployment rate. Provides for recapture of the credit in certain cases.
Bill· HRH.R. 1074 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2001
Consumer-Friendly Airline Ticket Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring air carriers to make transferable at no cost any paper tickets purchased after January 1, 2001, for intrastate or interstate air transportation. Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit an air carrier from: (1) barring a person (including a governmental entity) that purchases air transportation from using only a portion of such transportation (including using the air transportation purchased only for one-way travel instead of round-trip travel); and (2) assessing an additional fee to such person or any ticket agent that sold the air transportation to such person.
Bill· SS. 537 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2001
Amends Federal transportation law to instruct the Secretary of Transportation to require the use of dredged material in the construction of federally funded transportation projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1020 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2001
Railroad Track Modernization Act of 2001 - Amends Federal rail transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program of capital grants to Class II and Class III railroads to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) used primarily for freight transportation to a standard to accommodate 286,000 pound rail cars in a safe and efficient manner. Authorizes the Secretary to also make grants to supplement direct loans or loan guarantees (including for paying credit risk premiums, lowering rates of interest, or providing for a holiday on principal payments) for projects primarily benefitting non-Class I freight railroad carriers. Sets forth certain prevailing wage requirements with respect to projects financed by such grants.
Bill· SS. 526 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2001
Rail Competition Enforcement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to subject to the Sherman and Clayton (antitrust) Acts, the Federal Trade Commission Act, specified requirements of the Wilson Tariff Act, and other specified Federal law any parties and other persons involved in rail carrier agreements relating to rates, classifications, divisions, or rules. Requires the Surface Transportation Board and any other reviewing agency, in reviewing any such proposed agreement for antitrust implications, to take into account, among any other considerations, the impact of the proposed agreement on shippers and on affected communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1008 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2001
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from taking any action or using any funding to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule entitled "Hours of Service of Drivers" published by FMCSA in the Federal Register on May 2, 2000. Authorizes the Secretary and FMCSA to proceed through all stages of the rulemaking (other than adoption of a final rule) for the proposed rule, including issuing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. Declares that a final rule shall not take effect until 180 days after it is sent to Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 999 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2001
Rail Merger Reform and Customer Protection Act - Amends Federal transportation law to condition the Surface Transportation Board's approval of any rail carrier consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control upon a finding that the transaction: (1) will not reduce competitive rail routes available to current railroad customers; (2) will provide additional rail to rail competition and competitive options for railroad customers; (3) will improve service to customers; and (4) is in conformity with the antitrust laws. Declares that rail carriers and rail transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Board shall also be subject to the antitrust laws. Repeals the exemption of rate agreements from the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act and specified parts of the Wilson Tariff Act (thus subjecting such agreements to Federal antitrust laws). Repeals the mandate that the Federal Trade Commission report to the Board periodically on possible anticompetitive features of approved rate agreements, or agreements submitted for approval, and any organization operating under such agreements. Prohibits a person proceeding against a rail carrier in a complaint before the Board from proceeding against the same rail carrier pursuant to other Federal or State law, and vice versa. Amends the Clayton Act to conform with this Act.
Bill· SS. 517 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2001
National Laboratories Partnership Improvement Act of 2001 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a Technology Infrastructure Pilot Program to improve the ability of the National Laboratories to support department missions; (2) provide specified maximum funding among up to ten National Laboratories selected to conduct those Programs; and (3) require the Director of each National Laboratory to establish a small business advocacy and assistance program, including a technology partnership ombudsman. Requires the Secretary to direct the Laboratory Operations Board to conduct studies related to improving mission effectiveness, partnerships, and technology transfer at National Laboratories. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to authorize the Secretary to enter into transactions with public and private entities for research projects. Mandates that, with respect to National Laboratories and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facilities, all actions taken by the Secretary in implementing this Act shall be through the Administrator for Nuclear Security in conformance with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to reflect the provisions of this Act with respect to strategic plans, experimental Federal waivers, and time required for approval. Requires the Director of NNSA to obligate funds in certain percentage amounts each fiscal year for cooperative research and development agreements, or similar cooperative, cost-shared research partnerships with non-Federal organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 965 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2001
Racial Profiling Prohibition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified Federal highway fund apportionments for a State that fails to adopt and enforce standards that prohibit the use of racial profiling in the enforcement of State laws regulating the use of Federal-aid highways.
Bill· HRH.R. 940 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2001
Workplace Goods Job Growth and Competitiveness Act of 2001 - Prohibits the filing of a civil action against a manufacturer or seller of a durable good (except a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or train that is used primarily to transport passengers for hire) more than 18 years after it was delivered to its first purchaser or lessee for: (1) damage to property arising out of an accident involving such good; or (2) damages for death or personal injury arising out of an accident involving such good if the claimant has received or is eligible to receive worker compensation and the injury does not involve a toxic harm (including, but not limited to, all asbestos-related harm). Declares that this Act: (1) shall not bar an action against a defendant who made an express warranty in writing as to the safety or life expectancy of a specific product which was longer than 18 years (except that this Act shall apply at the expiration of such warranty); and (2) does not supersede or modify any statute or common law that authorizes an action for civil damages, cost recovery, or any other form of relief for remediation of the environment.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 85 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2001
Designates majority membership on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 472 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Nuclear Energy Electricity Supply Assurance Act of 2001 - Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend the indemnification authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with respect to licensees and nonprofit educational institutions. Makes such authority permanent with respect to Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Revises guidelines pertaining to: (1) licensee insurance premiums; and (2) liability and indemnification limits. Limits any civil penalty for a tax-exempt nonprofit contractor, subcontractor, or supplier to the amount of the performance fee paid by the Secretary. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to add two Assistant Secretaries of Energy to serve, respectively, as Director of: (1) the Office of Science; and (2) the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish or continue programs administered by the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology, including: (1) specified nuclear energy research and technology programs; (2) investments to increase electricity capacity at commercial nuclear plants; (3) continued domestic capability for uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment industries; and (4) university nuclear engineering education research and infrastructure. Amends the USEC Privatization Act to prohibit the Secretary from selling surplus natural uranium and conversion services through 2006. Requires the sale of uranium hexaflouride. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed to place the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant into cold standby condition for a five-year period. Mandates a program to: (1) demonstrate the NRC Early Site Permit process; (2) evaluate opportunities for completion of partially constructed nuclear plants; (3) assess opportunities for Generation IV reactors; and (4) research potential licensing issues associated with new reactor technologies and designs. Declares electricity generated by a nuclear plant to be an environmentally preferable product. Conditions Federal funding for a domestic or international organization that supports electricity production facilities upon inclusion of emission-free electricity production facility projects that use nuclear fuel. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research to implement a research and development program pertaining to treatment, recycling, and disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program to further the availability of electrometallurgical technology as a proliferation-resistant alternative to aqueous reprocessing in support of evaluation of alternative national strategies for spent nuclear fuel and Generation IV advanced reactor concepts; and (2) establish the Advanced Accelerator Applications Program. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) revise certain commercial license requirements; (2) repeal restrictions pertaining to foreign ownership of commercial licensees; and (3) grant firearms and arrest authority to employees of NRC licensees.
Bill· SS. 483 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Fair Treatment of Airline Passengers Act - Requires an air carrier to: (1) disclose (without being requested), at the time a person contacts such air carrier to make a reservation or to purchase a ticket on a consistently-delayed or canceled flight reservation, the on-time performance and cancellation rate for such flight for the most recent month for which data is available; (2) post on its Internet website the on-time performance record of its flights for the most recent month for which data is available; (3) provide to its customers at the airport and on board its aircraft (including by telephone number or website if it has one), in a timely, reasonable, and truthful manner, the best available information regarding the delay, cancellation, or diversion of its aircraft; (4) establish, if it is a reporting carrier, a reasonable system for notifying air passengers before their arrival at the airport when such carrier knows sufficiently in advance of check-in time that their flight will be canceled or delayed by an hour or more; (5) increase the comprehensiveness and accessibility to the public of its reporting of frequent flyer award redemption information; (6) inform ticketed air passengers, upon request, whether their flight is oversold; (7) inform air passengers what such carrier will pay passengers involuntarily denied boarding (bumping) before making them offers to voluntarily relinquish their seats (including informing the public about their bumping policy); (8) revise its reporting for mishandled air passenger baggage (establishing performance goals to minimize incidents of mishandled baggage); (9) develop and adopt a customer service plan designed to implement the provisions of the Airline Customer Service Commitment executed by the Air Transport Association on June 17, 1999; (10) establish a quality assurance and performance measurement system for customer service; and (11) amend its customer service plan to state that it will offer to its customers the lowest fare available. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to take specified related actions with respect to uniform check-in time, mishandled baggage statistics, airline bumping compensation, and regulations as they relate to air carrier's treatment of customers.
Bill· SS. 485 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Interstate Tolls Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to repeal the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation pilot program. Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to permit Federal participation in reconstruction or replacement of a toll-free tunnel. Specifies that before the Secretary may permit Federal participation in construction of a highway, bridge, or tunnel located in a State, the public authority having jurisdiction must enter into an agreement with the Secretary which provides that all toll revenues received from the operation of the toll facility will be used only for debt service, reasonable return on investment of any private person financing the project, and the costs necessary for the proper operation and maintenance of the toll facility. Repeals a provision allowing the State, upon certifying annually that the tolled facility is being adequately maintained, to use any toll revenues in excess of amounts so required for any purpose for which Federal funds may be obligated by a State under Federal transportation provisions.
Bill· HRH.R. 931 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Sudan Peace Act - Declares that Congress: (1) condemns violations of human rights on all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan), the ongoing slave trade there, the Government's use and organization of "murahalliin" (or "mujahadeen"), Popular Defense Forces (PDF), and regular Sudanese Army units into raiding and slaving parties in Bahr al Ghazal, the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile regions, and its aerial bombardment of civilian targets; and (2) recognizes that the use of raiding and slaving parties is a tool for creating food shortages as a systematic means to destroy the societies, culture, and economies of the Dinka, Nuer, and Nuba peoples in a policy of low-intensity ethnic cleansing. Authorizes the Secretary of State to utilize Department of State personnel for the support of ongoing negotiations, and eventual implementation of a peace settlement, between the Government of Sudan and opposition forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United Nations (UN) should be used as a tool to facilitate peace and recovery in Sudan. Directs the President to develop a contingency plan to provide, outside UN auspices, the greatest amount of U.S. Government and privately donated relief to all affected areas in Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and the Blue Nile regions, in the event the Government of Sudan imposes a ban on Operation Lifeline Sudan air transport relief flights.
Bill· HRH.R. 907 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Airline Competition and Passenger Rights Act of 2001 - Amends Federal aviation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether a foreign air carrier has engaged in any unfair or deceptive practice or unfair method of competition in air transportation or the sale of air transportation in the preceding five years before issuing a certificate authorizing such carrier to provide foreign air transportation. Revises provisions prohibiting an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition in air transportation or the sale of air transportation. Extends such prohibition to any major air carrier that prohibits, limits, or otherwise restricts a code share partner from entering into a code share agreement with another air carrier or foreign air carrier. Prescribes a maximum civil penalty for engaging in unfair methods of competition. Authorizes an air carrier to transfer a slot (take-off and landing rights at an airport) to another air carrier only upon approval of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate each hub airport (that has at least .25 percent of the total annual boardings in the United States) to determine whether, in the preceding five years, a dominant air carrier (that accounts for more than 40 percent of the total annual passenger boardings) at such airport has: (1) charged higher than average fares for interstate air transportation to or from such airport; (2) engaged in an unfair method of competition in response to a new entrant air carrier (that accounts for less than ten percent of the total annual boardings) at such airport; or (3) limited competition by a new entrant air carrier at the airport by restricting access of the new entrant to gates, slots, or other essential facilities at such airport on reasonable and competitive terms. Authorizes the Secretary, upon an affirmative determination, to order such carrier to increase opportunities for competition at such airport. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that an air carrier is a dominant air carrier (that has at least 20 percent of the annual passenger boardings) at an airport, to: (1) issue an order requiring the airport operator to reallocate ten percent of the airport gates and facilities leased to a dominant air carrier to new entrant air carriers; and (2) if the airport is a high density airport, reallocate 20 percent of the slots of the dominant air carrier to new entrant air carriers. Directs the Secretary to withhold five percent (ten percent in subsequent years) of an airport's apportionment of airport planning and development funds for noncompliance with such requirements. Prohibits any action of an air carrier or foreign air carrier that fails to: (1) inform the consumer of the lowest available fare; (2) provide the consumer with full access to all available fares; or (3) inform the consumer about a flight segment that was, at least 40 percent of the time, either canceled or delayed by 30 minutes or more past its scheduled arrival time. Prohibits any air carrier or foreign air carrier action that: (1) prohibits a person from only using a portion of the purchased air transportation; or (2) assesses an additional fee on such person or any ticket agent. Prohibits any air carrier or foreign air carrier action that fails, in the case of a termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or substantial change in the competitive circumstances of the appointment of a ticket agent, to provide the ticket agent with prior notice of such action (except in cases of insolvency). Sets forth provisions: (1) requiring air carriers to ensure access to necessary services and conditions, including water, restroom facilities, and the ability to deplane for all passengers; (2) prohibiting air carriers from preventing or hindering passengers from exiting an aircraft; (3) requiring air carriers to provide passengers with explanations for any delay, cancellation, or diversion of a flight segment (including prohibiting false or misleading explanations); (4) making air carriers liable to passengers for excessive departure or arrival delays of the aircraft; and (5) requiring air carriers to provide specific remedies for overbooked flights.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 84 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2001
Makes amounts available for expenses, including staff salaries, of the following committees of the House of Representatives in the 107th Congress: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Government Reform; (8) House Administration; (9) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Transportation and Infrastructure; (18) Veterans' Affairs; and (19) Ways and Means. Sets forth first and second session limitations on such amounts. Grants the Committee on House Administration authority to make adjustments in such amounts if necessary to comply with a presidential sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) or to conform to any reduction in appropriations.
Bill· SS. 463 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2001
Global Access to AIDS Treatment Act of 2001 - Declares it is U.S. policy that the United States will not seek the revocation or revision of intellectual property or competition laws or policies that regulate pharmaceuticals or medical technologies used to treat HIV/AIDS in any foreign country undergoing an HIV/AIDS-related public health crisis (sub-Saharan Africa and any other country determined by the President to be going through such crisis) if such foreign country's laws or policies: (1) promote access to such pharmaceuticals or technologies for affected populations; and (2) provide intellectual property protection consistent with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Urges the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to: (1) carry out HIV/AIDS activities in foreign countries that are undergoing an HIV/AIDS-related public health crisis; and (2) lead the international organization of the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceuticals or medical technologies for HIV/AIDS, and the global registration of such products. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to exempt, with respect to HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, any foreign country that is undergoing an HIV/AIDS-related public health crisis, and is implementing laws or policies that regulate pharmaceuticals or medical technologies used to treat HIV/AIDS, from certain provisions declaring that a foreign country may be determined to deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights even though it may be in compliance with the Agreement. Declares that such country shall be construed to provide adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights if its laws or policies promote access to such pharmaceuticals or technologies for their affected populations or within other countries undergoing an HIV/AIDS-related public health crisis. Directs the President to instruct the United States Trade Representative not to seek the revocation or revision of such laws or policies. Provides for the development and implementation of: (1) simplified and adapted protocols for the delivery of HIV/AIDS treatments in the resource-poor settings of the developing world; (2) programs to strengthen and broaden health care systems infrastructure, and the capacity of health care systems in developing foreign countries to deliver HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals; and (3) a database of HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Foreign HIV/AIDS Assistance Loan Repayment Program to encourage physicians and other specified health professionals to provide HIV/AIDS treatment and care in developing foreign countries. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay or defer up to $5,000 for graduate education loans provided to an individual under such program for each year of the individual's obligated service in providing HIV/AIDS-related services in a developing foreign country.
Bill· HRH.R. 903 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2001
Commission for Comprehensive Review of the Federal Aviation Administration Act - Establishes the Commission for Comprehensive Review of the Federal Aviation Administration to: (1) review existing and alternative options for organizational structure of air traffic services, including a Government corporation and incentive based fees for services; (2) provide recommendations for any necessary changes in structure of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so that it will be able to support the future growth in the national aviation and airport system; (3) review aviation safety and make recommendations for the long-term improvement of safety; and (4) make additional recommendations that would advance a more efficient and effective FAA for the benefit of the general traveling public and the aviation transportation industry.
Bill· SS. 434 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2001
Yankton Sioux Tribe and Santee Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Yankton Sioux Tribe Development Trust Fund and the Santee Sioux Tribe Development Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to withdraw the aggregate amount of interest deposited into the Funds each fiscal year (beginning with the 11th fiscal year after this Act's enactment date) and transfer that amount to the Secretary of the Interior for making payments to the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Santee Sioux Tribe for carrying out projects and programs under each Tribe's Tribal Plan. Directs the tribal council of each Tribe to prepare a Tribal Plan for using payments for carrying out projects and programs to promote: (1) economic development; (2) infrastructure development; or (3) the educational, health, recreational, and social welfare objectives of the Tribe and its members. Extinguishes all monetary claims of the Tribes against the United States for loss of value or use of land resulting from the Fort Randall and Gavins Point projects of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin program upon the transfer of funds to such Tribes.
Bill· SS. 429 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2001
Technology Extension Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small- and medium-sized businesses. Allows a regional center to use grant proceeds to: (1) assist such businesses in addressing their most critical needs for the application of the latest technology, improvement of infrastructure, and use of best business practices; and (2) transfer technologies to such businesses in the region in order to create jobs and increase production.
Bill· HRH.R. 850 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2001
National Coast Guard Museum Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish, operate, and maintain a National Coast Guard Museum on Federal lands that are administered by the Coast Guard and specified by the Commandant. Establishes in the Treasury the National Coast Guard Museum Fund.
Bill· SS. 415 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2001
Aviation Competition Restoration Act - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit, with a specified exception, an air carrier from acquiring, directly or indirectly, any voting securities or assets of another air carrier that results in such carrier's having more than ten percent of the passenger enplanements in the United States, if the Secretary of Transportation determines that such acquisition would: (1) lessen competition substantially; or (2) result in unreasonable industry concentration, excessive market domination, monopoly powers, or other conditions that would tend to allow at least one air carrier unreasonably to increase prices, reduce services, or exclude competition in air transportation at any large hub airport or in at least ten percent of the top 500 markets for passenger air transportation in the United States. Directs the Secretary to examine any hub airport affected by such a proposed acquisition to determine whether such airport has complied with the AIR 21 competition plan and whether gates and other facilities are being made available at costs that are fair and reasonable to air carriers at covered airports where a "majority-in-interest clause" of a contract or other agreement inhibits the ability of a local airport authority to provide new gates or other essential facilities. Prohibits an air carrier from acquiring, directly or indirectly, any voting securities or assets of another air carrier if the resulting air carrier would be a dominant air carrier at any large hub airport unless the Secretary finds that: (1) the resulting carrier will provide gates, facilities, and other assets at the hub airport on a fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory basis to another air carrier that meets specified requirements; or (2) gates, facilities, and other assets are available, or will be made available in a timely manner, on a fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory basis to accommodate competitive access to such airport by other air carriers. Requires the Secretary to investigate the assignment and usage of gates, facilities, and other assets by major air carriers at the largest 35 U.S. airports in terms of air passenger traffic. Directs the Secretary to require a major air carrier to make gates, facilities, and other assets available to other carriers on terms that are fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory to ensure competitive access to such airports if, based on such investigation, the Secretary determines that they are not available and that competition would be enhanced at those airports. Makes it an unfair method of competition in air transportation for a dominant air carrier at a dominated hub airport to: (1) fail to utilize gates, facilities, and other assets fully at that airport; and (2) refuse, deny, or fail to provide a gate, facility, or other underutilized asset at such airport, to another carrier on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms upon request of the airport, the other air carrier, or the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to make airport improvement program grants for gates, related facilities, and other assets to enhance and increase competition among air carriers for passenger air transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to approve an application by an eligible agency for authority to impose a passenger facility fee for a project at a dominated hub airport if certain competitive access requirements with respect to gates, facilities, and other assets at such airport are met.
Bill· HRH.R. 771 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2001
Federal School Construction Act of 2001 - Schools for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and reauthorize provisions for school infrastructure improvement. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants for the construction, repair, renovation, and modernization of public school facilities to eligible local educational agencies in specified categories based on numbers of students enrolled, and to set maximum award amounts for each such category. Requires reservation of one percent of program funds to provide assistance to schools operated predominantly for Native American or Alaska Native students. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited tax credit for holders of qualified public school modernization bonds. Repeals a restriction on zone academy bond holders. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards on construction projects financed under such public school modernization bond program and specified zone academy bond provisions. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning local employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 757 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2001
Airport Congestion Relief Act of 2001 - Amends Federal aviation law to continue to limit, for a specified period, the number of slots at LaGuardia Airport (including slot exemptions) for scheduled commercial air carrier flights to 75 per hour, and the number of slots for general aviation flights to six per hour. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to continue to conduct a comprehensive study on remedies needed to alleviate concerns of aviation consumers and the community surrounding LaGuardia Airport associated with increasing the number of flights there.
Bill· HRH.R. 761 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2001
Airline Merger Moratorium Act of 2001 - Makes it unlawful, for a one-year period, for a major air carrier to acquire assets or voting securities of another major airline carrier if with respect to such acquisition notice is required to be filed (based on certain qualifying criteria) to enable the Federal Trade Commission and the Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, to determine whether the acquisition may violate U.S. antitrust laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 728 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2001
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and reauthorize provisions for school infrastructure improvement grants for repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary and secondary school facilities. Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate such funds as follows: (1) one-third among States; (2) one-third among largest school districts; and (3) one-third among high-growth school districts. Makes any public charter school that constitutes a local educational agency (LEA) under State law eligible for such assistance under the same terms and conditions as any other LEA. Provides for prompt payment of contractors performing federally-assisted work under this Act.