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Bill· HRH.R. 396 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Emergency Anti-Recession Act of 2003 - Amends the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 to extend TEUC compensation. Exempts, for one year, the first $10,000 of remuneration from the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance tax. Authorizes appropriations to make payments to states to coordinate budget related actions with federal government efforts to stimulate economic recovery. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified Amtrak bonds. Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak capital expenditures. Establishes a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve certain railroad track. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to cohorts of direct loans and loan guarantees for certain railroad rehabilitation and improvement projects. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Provides for assistance to States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to increase the Federal-Aid Highway program obligation ceiling. Authorizes additional appropriations from the Mass Transit Account and the Highway Trust Fund for certain formula grants for mass transportation projects. Increases appropriations from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport planning and airport development. Authorizes appropriations for marine transportation system infrastructure. Authorizes additional appropriations for public works and economic development, Appalachian regional development, and Delta, Mississippi regional development. Authorizes additional appropriations to: (1) carry out construction, operation, and maintenance activities (including security measures) for Corps of Engineers projects; and (2) enhance the security of General Services Administration properties. Authorizes additional appropriations to enhance the security of the: (1) John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (2) Smithsonian Institution. Provides for grants to local educational agencies to enable them to make urgent repairs and renovations to public school facilities. Amends the IRC and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to provide for revenue offsets.
Bill· HRH.R. 400 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Auto Safety Assurance Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe an amendment to the Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 206 issued under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 requiring all passenger cars manufactured after December 31, 2005, to be fitted with equipment which automatically locks the vehicle's doors when the vehicle transmission is engaged or the vehicle reaches a specified rate of speed, and vehicle trunk lock mechanisms that permit unlatching from inside the trunk.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 33 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Designates majority membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Government Reform; (9) International Relations; (10) Judiciary; (11) Resources; (12) Science; (13) Small Business; (14) Transportation and Infrastructure; (15) Veterans' Affairs; and (16) Ways and Means.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 35 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003
Elects Members, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner to the following House standing Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Government Reform; (9) International Relations; (10) Judiciary; (11) Resources; (12) Science; (13) Small Business; (14) Transportation and Infrastructure; (15) Veterans' Affairs; and (16) Ways and Means.
Bill· HRH.R. 388 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003
Indian Reservation Jobs and Investment Act of 2003 - 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· SS. 208 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2003
Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security for the Department of Homeland Security to develop, and report to specified congressional committees on, a cargo security plan to ensure the adequacy of security measures for the transportation of cargo into and in the United States, and implement specified security measures with respect to cargo at airports and other transportation facilities.
Bill· SS. 196 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2003
Digital and Wireless Network Technology Program Act of 2003 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Digital and Wireless Network Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement. Prohibits an institution that receives assistance exceeding $2.5 million from receiving further assistance until every other eligible institution has received assistance under this Act.
Law· SS. 189 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act - Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Research Program. Requires such Program, through appropriate Federal agencies, councils, and the National Coordination Office, to: (1) establish goals, priorities, grand challenges (fundamental problems in science and engineering that will require the application of nanotechnology), and metrics for evaluating Federal nanotechnology research, development, and other activities; (2) invest in Federal research and development (R&D) programs in nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; and (3) provide for coordination of Federal nanotechnology activities. Requires the Program, through its participating agencies, to develop, fund, and manage Federal research programs concerning: (1) long-term basic nanoscience and engineering research; (2) essential grand challenges and interdisciplinary research and education teams; (3) interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers; (4) research infrastructure and equipment; (5) the Center for Ethical, Societal, Educational, Legal, and Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology to be established by the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); (6) technology transition; and (7) research areas identified by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) which are not being adequately addressed by the agencies' current research programs. Directs NSTC to: (1) oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program; (2) establish an Information Services and Applications Council; and (3) submit an annual report to Congress on the Program.. Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel and a National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. Provides for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a triennial evaluation of the Program. Requires the NSF Director to: (1) collect and disseminate studies on the societal, ethical, educational, and workforce implications of nanotechnology; and (2) collect data on the size of the anticipated nanotechnology workforce needed and assess the adequacy of the trained talent pool to fill such needs.
Bill· SS. 192 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003
John's Law of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified Federal highway funds from a State that fails to enact and enforce a law that requires: (1) an agency to provide an individual summoned to transport or accompany a person who has been arrested for public intoxication with a written statement advising that individual of his or her potential criminal and civil liability for permitting or facilitating the arrestee's operation of a motor vehicle while the arrestee remains intoxicated; and (2) a law enforcement agency to impound the vehicle of a person arrested for public intoxication for a period of 12 hours or until such later time as the person is able to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and not in violation of driving while intoxicated laws. Allows withheld funds to: (1) remain available for apportionment to the State (once it meets Act requirements) for four years; (2) remain available for expenditure for three fiscal years after apportionment; and (3) be redistributed to other States if the originally targeted State is not in compliance, or the funds are not obligated for expenditure, within such periods.
Bill· SS. 179 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2003
Mobile Telephone Driving Safety Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of specified FY 2005 highway funds from any State that has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that prohibits the use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle, except in case of an emergency or other exceptional circumstance. Increases the withheld amount to ten percent after FY 2005. Allows such a State law to permit the use of a mobile telephone with a device that permits hands-free operation of the telephone if the State determines that such use does not pose a threat to public safety.
Bill· SS. 170 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2003
Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the Act. Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities that have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters. Provides for an extended repayment period and additional subsidization with respect to loans made to financially distressed communities from revolving funds. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2007 for the revolving fund program.
Bill· SS. 165 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2003
Air Cargo Security Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require the screening of cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers in interstate and intrastate air transportation (currently, only those transported by all-cargo aircraft). Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security under the Transportation Security Administration to develop a strategic plan to carry out such screening. Sets forth certain measures to increase the safety and security of air cargo, including the establishment of systems that: (1) provide for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for cargo shipments; (2) provide an industry-wide pilot program database of known shippers of cargo; (3) train persons that handle air cargo to ensure that such cargo is properly handled and safe-guarded from security breaches; and (4) require air carriers operating all-cargo aircraft have an approved plan for the security of their air operations area, the cargo placed aboard the aircraft, and persons having access to their aircraft on the ground or in flight. Directs the Under Secretary to conduct random audits, investigations, and inspections of indirect air carrier facilities to determine if the indirect air carriers are meeting the security requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 143 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2003
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to grant to the Secretary of Transportation the sole responsibility for designating a program as subject to the requirement that at least 50 percent of Government-generated cargoes be shipped on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels to the extent such vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates. Declares that requirements that specified percentages of gross tonnage of equipment, materials, or agricultural commodities furnished or financed by the United States be transported on U.S.-flag commercial vessels shall be applicable for the 12-month period commencing April 1 of each year before 2003, the 18-month period commencing on April 1, 2003, and the 12-month period commencing on October 1 (fiscal year) of each year after 2004. Repeals certain additional gross tonnage requirements with respect to U.S.-flag commercial vessels.
Bill· SS. 131 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003
Nuclear Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish a task force on nuclear infrastructure security to protect sensitive nuclear facilities from potential terrorist threats. Instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate regulations that: (1) identify the threats that sensitive nuclear facilities must protect against to prevent radiological sabotage and theft of special nuclear material; and (2) establish a system to determine multiple threat levels in order to describe threat conditions. Prescribes guidelines for mandatory NRC review of security plans and emergency response plans. Directs the President to: (1) promulgate regulations establishing the Nuclear Infrastructure Antiterrorism Team to protect sensitive nuclear facility perimeters; and (2) establish a training program for National Guard, State and local law enforcement agency response to threats against a sensitive nuclear facility. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish: (1) the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response; and (2) a Security Response Unit, including a mock terrorist team. Instructs the NRC to: (1) establish a security response evaluation program for sensitive nuclear facilities; and (2) conduct emergency response exercises to evaluate emergency personnel response to a radiological emergency at those facilities. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize trained security guards and employees of NRC certificate holders to carry firearms, other weapons, devices, or ammunition at NRC facilities. Prescribes guidelines for such personnel to detain or arrest without a warrant. Subjects to a criminal penalty: (1) any attempt or conspiracy to commit sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel (the current standard is intentional or willful attempt); and (2) sabotage committed during construction of certain NRC facilities if the sabotage could adversely affect public health and safety during facility operation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to extend whistleblower protections to an employee of an NRC contractor or subcontractor.
Bill· HRH.R. 238 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2003 - Sets forth a funding program for the Secretary of Energy ( Secretary) to implement the programs outlined below, including energy efficiency and conservation research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities that target: (1) lighting systems; (2) buildings; (3) vehicles; (4) an energy efficiency science initiative; (5) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (6) hybrid distributed power systems; (7) electrical transmission systems; (8) renewable energy; and (9) bioenergy. George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to instruct the Secretary to conduct a research and development program regarding production, storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen as an energy source in order to enable the private sector to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using hydrogen for industrial, commercial, residential, transportation, and utility applications. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to prescribe guidelines under which the Secretary shall solicit proposals for projects demonstrating hydrogen technologies needed to use fuel cells in Federal, State, and local government stationary and transportation applications. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) implement nuclear energy research programs through a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative; (2) conduct an advanced fuel recycling technology research and development program; (3) establish a university nuclear science and engineering support program; (4) conduct fossil energy research programs; (5) implement a program targeting ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production; (6) implement a fusion energy sciences experimental program for fusion plasmas; (7) maintain facility and infrastructure support for nonmilitary energy laboratories; and (8) establish a program of United States-Mexico energy technology cooperation. Authorizes the Secretary to provide loan guarantees to private firms for: (1) coal gasification; and (2) petroleum coke gasification polygeneration. Authorizes appropriations for a loan to the owner of a specified experimental plant on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines, including interest rates and upfront payments. Mandates establishment of a Technology Infrastructure Program to improve the ability of National Laboratories and single-purpose research facilities to support Department of Energy missions. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to replace the position of Director of the Office of Science with the position of Assistant Secretary of Science responsible for fundamental science and engineering research functions of the Department, and for research policy and management. Instructs the Secretary to establish a pilot grant program for: (1) the demonstration and commercial application of alternative fuel school buses and ultra-low sulfur diesel school buses; and (2) acquisition by governmental entities and metropolitan transportation authorities of alternative fueled and advanced vehicles. Prescribes project criteria under which the Secretary is authorized to fund a Clean Coal Power Initiative that targets primarily coal-based gasification technologies and Clean Coal Centers of Excellence.
Bill· HRH.R. 308 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Declares that the collective bargaining agreement between the Association of Commuter Rail Employees and the Metro-North Railroad (in New York) shall be extinguished upon the merger of the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. Deems employees of the entity resulting from such merger to be covered under the appropriate collective bargaining agreement of the Long Island Rail Road in compliance with the Railway Labor Act. Subjects all disputes arising from the application of this Act to the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 288 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Roadway Safety and Congestion Mitigation Improvements Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a roadway safety program under which a State may obligate funds apportioned to carry out activities pertaining to: (1) older driver safety enhancements; (2) roadway safety management systems; (3) run-off-road mitigation; (4) speed management; (5) pedestrian and bicycle safety; (6) intersection safety; (7) emergency management; (8) alcohol and seatbelt awareness; (9) highway-rail crossings; and (10) compliance with Federal requirements as specified below. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations requiring each State to comply with requirements regarding: (1) training of installers of guardrail and associated roadside safety systems; (2) pavement markings; (3) work zone safety and mobility enhancement; and (4) high-risk work zone specifications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) gather annual work zone safety and mobility data; and (2) develop a national standard on the use of positive separation for roadway work zones of highway projects eligible for assistance. Limits the amount of Federal highway funds apportioned to a State for the roadway safety program that the State may obligate for: (1) safety enhancement activities under this Act; (2) measures to facilitate the safe walking or bicycling of children to and from school; (3) safety measures at highway-rail crossings. Directs the Secretary, before making roadway safety apportionments, to set aside specified amounts for: (1) educational materials for older and inexperienced drivers; (2) roadway safety research and data evaluation and issuance of an annual report on safety construction; (3) the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse; (4) National Work Zone Awareness Week activities; and (5) local technical assistance staff training. Sets forth provisions governing the apportionment of Federal highway funds for the roadway safety program. Provides that the Federal share for police assistance during high-risk work zone activities and for certain positive separation measures may be 100 percent of project construction costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 317 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize a rural access project involving improvements of the Wells Bypass (45th Street) in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Bill· HRH.R. 243 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Hybrid Vehicle Incentive Act - Amends Federal highway law to require a State to permit a hybrid vehicle with fewer than two occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Defines "hybrid vehicle" as a motor vehicle: (1) that draws propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy which are both an internal combustion or heat engine using combustible fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system; and (2) which (in the case of a passenger automobile or light truck) for 2002 and later models meets certain clean air requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 247 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the judiciary and related agencies. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice (DOJ) for FY 2003 for: (1) general administration; (2) the U.S. Parole Commission; (3) legal activities; (4) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (5) the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force; (6) the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); (7) the Federal prison system; and (8) Office of Justice programs. Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) the International Trade Administration; (4) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Bureau of the Census; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities planning and construction grants; (11) information infrastructure grants; (12) the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (13) the Under Secretary for Technology/Office of Technology Policy; (14) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (15) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (16) restoration of Pacific salmon populations and implementation of the 1999 Pacific Salmon Treaty Agreement; (17) the Fishermen's Contingency Fund; (18) the Coastal Zone Management Fund; (19) the fisheries finance program account; and (20) departmental management, including for the Office of Inspector General. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations to the Judiciary for FY 2003 for: (1) the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) judiciary retirement funds; and (8) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 2003 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; and (3) the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Makes appropriations for FY 2003 for the: (1) Maritime Administration; (2) Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) Commission on Civil Rights; (4) Commission on International Religious Freedom; (5) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (7) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (8) Federal Communications Commission; (9) Federal Maritime Commission; (10) the Federal Trade Commission; (11) Legal Services Corporation; (12) Marine Mammal Commission; (13) National Veterans Business Development Corporation; (14) Securities and Exchange Commission; (15) Small Business Administration; and (16) State Justice Institute.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 24 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Designates majority membership on the House Committees on Agriculture, on Appropriations, on Armed Services, on the Budget, on Education and the Workforce, on Energy and Commerce, on Financial Services, on Government Reform, on House Administration, on International Relations, on the Judiciary, on Resources, on Science, on Small Business, on Standards of Official Conduct, on Transportation and Infrastructure, on Veterans' Affairs, and on Ways and Means.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 22 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003
Designates minority membership on the House Committees on Agriculture, on Appropriations, on Armed Services, on the Budget, on Education and the Workforce, on Energy and Commerce, on Financial Services, on Government Reform, on International Relations, on the Judiciary, on Resources, on Science, on Small Business, on Transportation and Infrastructure, on Veterans' Affairs, and on Ways and Means.
Bill· SS. 104 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 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 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, as specified. 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· SS. 82 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from certain ticket taxes helicopter transport of persons and cargo in order to conduct removal and environmental restoration activities related to unexploded ordnance.
Bill· SS. 83 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act of 2003 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and Dupage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway design plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating their funding, construction, and implementation and all agency reviews. Requires the State of Illinois to prepare an implementation plan under the Clean Air Act for regulating emissions associated with activity at commercial service airports. Makes the Administrator's approval of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan conditional on the meeting of specified requirements. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to letter of intent applications for the construction of the south suburban airport and for the extension of the main runway at the Gary/Chicago Airport. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met. Directs the Administrator, in providing funds to implement the runway redesign plans, to receive adequate specified assurances from the City of Chicago regarding competitive access to O'Hare by all air carriers.
Bill· SS. 87 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to make homeland security block grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes. Requires grantees to: (1) prepare a statement of homeland security objectives and projected fund use; (2) provide the Secretary with specified certifications regarding a homeland security plan, activities, and identified needs; and (3) submit to the Secretary a performance and evaluation report concerning the use of funds and the relationship of such use to objectives. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and assist national associations of eligible grantees, States, and local governments in non-qualifying areas to develop and recommend uniform record-keeping, performance reporting, evaluation reporting, and auditing requirements; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements; and (3) conduct reviews and audits of grantee performance and transactions at least annually. Includes as activities eligible for assistance: (1) funding additional law enforcement, fire, and emergency resources and purchasing equipment; (2) improving cyber and infrastructure security; (3) assisting Local Emergency Planning Committees in improving disaster response systems; (4) assisting communities in coordinating responses to terrorist attacks; (5) establishing timely notification systems between communities; (6) improving public communication systems; and (7) devising, evaluating progress on, and implementing a homeland security plan. Provides that grants may be used to cover costs incurred for eligible activities on or after September 11, 2001. Sets forth provisions regarding allocation and distribution of funds and matching requirements. Earmarks specified sums for Indian tribes, metropolitan cities and urban counties, States, regional cooperation, and local communities. Mandates nondiscrimination in programs and activities. Sets forth remedies for noncompliance with Act requirements.
Bill· SS. 47 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
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· SS. 6 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Comprehensive Homeland Security Act of 2003 - First Responders Partnership Grant Act of 2003 - Sets forth a grants program to support homeland security activities of States, local governments, and Indian tribes public safety officers, including terrorism prevention and response. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act of 2003, or the "SAFER Act of 2003" - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of hiring career firefighters. Nuclear Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to establish a Task Force on Nuclear Infrastructure Security (Task Force) to examine the protection of sensitive nuclear facilities from potential terrorist threats. Instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate regulations based upon task force recommendations. Directs the President to establish the Nuclear Infrastructure Antiterrorism Team to protect the perimeter of sensitive nuclear facilities against threats . Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to established in the (NRC) the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response. Establishes within such Office the Security Response Unit. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize employees of NRC licensees to carry weapons. Instructs the Task Force to: (1) evaluate the security of sensitive radioactive material against security threats; and (2) recommend actions for the maximum practicable security against security threats. Rail Security Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak, conditioned upon Secretary of Transportation approval of an Amtrak plan that targets security, rehabilitation and upgrades, and engineering and financial considerations. Sets forth criteria governing a mandatory assessment of rail transportation security risks. Wastewater Treatment Works Security and Safety Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to mandate that vulnerability assessments and attendant emergency response plans be submitted to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to address immediate and urgent security needs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to instruct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to implement the National Smallpox Vaccination Program. Establishes in the Treasury an Information Technology Fund to provide expenditures for information technology and related services for Federal agencies. Prescribes guidelines under which a record pertaining to the vulnerability of and threats to critical infrastructure that is furnished voluntarily to the Department of Homeland Security shall not be made available either to the public or to other Federal agencies under the Freedom of Information Act. Prescribes responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for the interoperability of information systems. Instructs the Secretary of State to implement a program to secure, consolidate, or eliminate, radiological and nuclear materials and waste located outside the United States that are determined to present a potential threat. Instructs the President to implement a program to improve border security and strengthen export controls in Russia and other designated areas in order to decrease the potential for the spread of weapons of mass destruction and related materiel. Intelligence Community Leadership Act of 2003 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish an Office of the Director of National Intelligence to assist the Director of National Intelligence. Confers responsibility upon the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (Department of Homeland Security) for consolidating law enforcement information with assessments and warnings relating to foreign intelligence from the Director of Central Intelligence's Counterterrorist Center. Chemical Security Act of 2003 - Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations designating certain combinations of chemical sources and substances of concern as high priority categories based on the severity of the threat posed by an unauthorized release from the chemical sources. Subjects violations of such regulations to civil and criminal penalties. Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training in Our Neighborhoods Act of 2003, or "PROTECTION Act" - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize financial and technical assistance to designated law enforcement programs, including religiously-affiliated organizations and rural law enforcement programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 168 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Authorizes the placement of supplemental guide signs relating to veterans cemeteries on Federal-aid highways.
Bill· HRH.R. 141 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
SouthEast Crescent Authority Act of 2003 - Establishes a SouthEast Crescent Authority for all parts of the following southeastern states not eligible for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority: District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Directs the Authority to perform various functions, including: (1) formulating plans and programs to spur economic development, and approving grants to States and public and nonprofit entities toward that end; (2) establishing priorities in a development plan for the region; (3) supporting local development districts, and creating them where they do not exist; and (4) encouraging private investment in the region. Permits the Authority to request and receive Federal, State and local government personnel as employees. Stipulates that Authority grants for infrastructure development may be made only to State or local governments. Permits other Authority grants for job training, employment-related education, business development, assisting severely distressed and poor areas, or for other purposes in accordance with the Act. Allows the Authority to annually designate: (1) distressed counties; and (2) isolated areas of distress in nondistressed counties. Directs the Authority to garner public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of its plans and programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 137 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of entities that provide business incubator services (necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and Federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of Federal and State elected officials (as well as local ones) prior to dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require submission of H-1B labor condition applications at same time as H-1B nonimmigrant classification petitions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude certain amounts of severance payments from gross income; and (2) expand the work opportunity tax credit to include qualified small business employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 191 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Route 11 Greenway Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a project to establish a greenway for purposes of environmental preservation along the portion of State Route 11 proposed for construction between Salem and Waterford, Connecticut.
Bill· HRH.R. 146 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996, with respect to the collection of tolls for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York, to repeal the limitation on toll collection to motor vehicles exiting the bridge in Staten Island. Declares it is the sense of Congress that the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and the Metropolitan Transit Authority should implement hi-speed EZ-Pass in the collection of tolls on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to ensure air quality standards are met and to reduce congestion at the Bridge.
Bill· HRH.R. 115 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Aviation Biometric Badge Act - Amends Federal aviation law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to require by regulation that each security screener (or employee who has unescorted access, or may permit other individuals to have unescorted access, to an aircraft or a secured area of the airport) be issued a biometric security badge that identifies a person by fingerprint or retinal recognition.
Bill· HRH.R. 20 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Requires architectural and engineering contracts to be awarded consistent with procedures under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 or an equivalent State qualifications-based requirement. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the Act. Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters. Makes revisions concerning uses of funds for: (1) innovative technologies; (2) administrative expenses; (3) small system technical, planning, and management assistance; and (4) financially distressed communities. Revises requirements related to consistency with plans and eligibility of treatment works not considered publicly owned. Requires States to make grants to financially distressed communities in any fiscal year in which the Administrator has more than $1.4 billion available for obligation and allows a State to give priority to such communities in making loans. Directs the Administrator to provide technical and financial assistance to owners and operators of publicly-owned treatment works for: (1) inventorying critical treatment works assets; (2) evaluating the performance and condition of these assets; and (3) developing a plan for maintaining and replacing treatment works. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for the revolving fund program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 5 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003
Adopts the rules of the House of Representatives for the 107th Congress as the rules of the House for the 108th Congress, with amendments regarding: (1) Speaker succession; (2) repeal of the Speaker's term limit; (3) declaration of an emergency recess; (4) staff access to the House Floor; (5) a Rules Committee Member on the Budget Committee; (6) associate and professional staff of the Appropriations Committee; (7) postponement of votes in committee; (8) the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct; (9) joint referral; (10) dynamic scoring in Ways and Means Committee reports; (11) use of personal electronic equipment on the Floor; (12) accounting for vacancies in House membership; (13) proceedings during a call of the House; (14) five-minute voting in series; (15) prohibition on limitation amendments in a general appropriation bill for the administration of taxes and tariffs; (16) motions to instruct during conference; (17) a fiduciary relationship exemption for physicians; (18) perishable food as a gift; (19) a gift ban exemption for charity travel; and (20) automatic increases in the statutory limit on public debt. Continues from the 107th Congress: (1) certain budget enforcement mechanisms; and (2) House Concurrent Resolution 353 (budget "deeming" resolution) until a conference report establishing a budget for FY 2004 is adopted. Waives Rule X, clause 5(d) to allow extra subcommittees for the Committees on Armed Services, International Relations, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Reserves the first ten numbers for bills (H.R. 1 through H.R. 10) for assignment by the Speaker to such bills as he may designate when introduced during the first session. Makes motions to suspend the rules in order on Wednesdays through the second Wednesday in April. Establishes the Select Committee on Homeland Security.