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H.RES.450 - Providing for the consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.RES.450
Title: Providing for the consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Linder, John [GA-7] (introduced 11/19/2003) Cosponsors: (none)
Committees: House Rules
House Reports: 108-383
Related Bills: H.J.RES.78
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 406 - 2 (Roll no. 645).
Burgess voted YES
S.286 - Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003
Posted by on November 20, 2003
S.286
Title:A bill to revise and extend the Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998.
Sponsor: Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] (introduced 2/4/2003) Cosponsors: 6
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Senate Reports: 108-188
Related Bills: H.R.398
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 1 (Roll no. 646).
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
2/4/2003--Introduced.
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions concerning the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to add "disabilities and health" to categories of data with regard to which the Secretary of Heath and Human Services is directed to collect, analyze, and make available. Requires the Secretary to conduct research on and promote the prevention of birth defects and disabilities and to support a National Spina Bifida Program to prevent and reduce suffering from the nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect.
Modifies reporting requirements, including to require the Secretary to report to Congress on the incidence and prevalence of individuals living with developmental disabilities and the health status of such individuals. Declares that certain data and information collected under the Act shall be subject to a specified provision of the General Education Provisions Act pertaining to privacy.
Requires that the members of the advisory committee appointed by the Director of the National Center for Environmental Health that have expertise in birth defects, developmental disabilities, and disabilities and health shall be transferred to and shall advise the National Center on Birth Defects on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Authorizes appropriations through FY 2007.
S.686 - Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act Amendments of 2003
Posted by on November 20, 2003
S.686
Title:A bill to provide assistance for poison prevention and to stabilize the funding of regional poison control centers.
Sponsor: Sen DeWine, Michael [OH] (introduced 3/21/2003) Cosponsors: 6
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; House Energy and Commerce
Senate Reports: 108-68
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 - 1 (Roll no. 647).
Burgess voted YES,?B>
SUMMARY AS OF:
6/20/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 2 other summaries)
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 11, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act Amendments of 2003 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Poison Control Enhancement and Awareness Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) the maintenance of a national toll-free number to access regional poison control centers; and (2) the nationwide media campaign to promote poison control center utilization.
(Sec. 5) Amends provisions pertaining to the poison control center grant program, including to provide funds for: (1) developing standardized poison prevention and poison control centers; and (2) improving national toxic exposure surveillance. Modifies provisions pertaining to the renewal of a waiver of the certification requirements for receiving poison control center grants. Allows waivers only so long as the combined number of years of the waiver and the renewal does not exceed five years (current law allows waivers to be renewed for up to three years).
(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assist in the implementation and maintenance of continuous national toxicosurveillance of poison control center data to detect new hazards from various sources, including household products. Allows the Secretary to enter into a competitive grant or contract with a university, academic center, or other professional organization for the collection and analysis of such poison center data. Authorizes appropriations.
H.J.RES.78 - Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.J.RES.78
Title: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Young, C. W. Bill [FL-10] (introduced 11/19/2003) Cosponsors: (none)
Committees: House Appropriations
Related Bills: H.RES.450
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Note: Continuing appropriations through 11/23/2003, as passed House. Continuing appropriations through 11/24/2003, as passed Senate.
Burgess voted YES
H.R.2417 - Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.R.2417
Title:To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2004 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Goss, Porter J. [FL-14] (introduced 6/11/2003) Cosponsors: (none)
Committees: House Intelligence (Permanent Select)
House Reports: 108-163; Conference Reports: 108-381
Related Bills: H.RES.295, H.RES.451, S.1025
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Conference report agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 264 - 163 (Roll no. 649).
Note: The House Rules Committee has posted the text of the conference report [pdf].
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/31/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 3 other summaries)
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA); (10) Coast Guard; and (11) Department of Homeland Security.
(Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2004, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations.
(Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2004 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions.
(Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 2004 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center.
(Sec. 105) Incorporates into this Act each requirement to submit a report to the congressional intelligence committees included in the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report for this bill.
(Sec. 106) Directs the DCI to ensure that any report, review, study, or plan required under this Act that involves the intelligence or intelligence-related activities of the Departments of Defense or Energy is prepared or conducted in consultation with the Secretary of Defense or Energy, as appropriate. Requires all such reports, reviews, studies, or plans to be submitted to the congressional defense, appropriations, and intelligence committees.
Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund.
Title III: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Recurring General Provisions - (Sec. 301) Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law.
(Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Subtitle B: Intelligence - (Sec. 312) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the threshold amounts for projects for the construction or improvement of a facility used primarily by intelligence community (IC) personnel that must be specifically listed in the President's budget and specifically authorized by Congress. Allows vital or urgent projects to be carried out seven (currently 21) days after notification to the intelligence committees. Allows a project to begin on the date the notification is received if the DCI and the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) jointly determine that: (1) an emergency exists with respect to national security or the protection of health, safety, or environmental quality; and (2) any delay in the commencement of the project would harm any or all of those interests.
(Sec. 313) Requires the DCI to carry out pilot programs of the feasibility of: (1) permitting IC analysts to access and analyze intelligence from other IC elements, including NSA signals intelligence; and (2) training students for employment as intelligence analysts. Requires the DCI to submit reports assessing each program.
(Sec. 315) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 to extend until September 1, 2004, the due date of a final report from the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community.
(Sec. 316) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the DCI to prepare an independent cost estimate of the full life-cycle cost of development, procurement, and operation of each major system to be acquired by the IC. Qualifies as a major system any IC program for which the aggregate future cost of development or procurement, or combination thereof, will exceed $500 million. Requires such estimate to be updated upon completion of any preliminary design review or after any significant modification or change in circumstances. Requires the DCI to establish an office for preparing such estimates within the Office of the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Community Management. Requires: (1) the budget request for an IC major system to match the most recent independent cost estimate for such system; and (2) such estimates to be included in the annual budget justification materials submitted to Congress.
Subtitle C: Surveillance - (Sec. 321) Amends the USA Patriot Act of 2001 to modify the sunset of surveillance-related amendments.
Subtitle D: Reports - (Sec. 331) Requires the DCI and the Secretary to jointly report to specified congressional committees on: (1) national security risks of current computer security practices within elements of the IC and DOD; and (2) the utility and effectiveness of current Federal security background investigations and security clearance procedures.
(Sec. 333) Requires the DCI to report to the intelligence, defense, and judiciary committees on means of improving the detail or transfer of civilian intelligence personnel between and among various IC elements in order to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of the IC in responding to changes in requirements for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence.
(Sec. 334) Requires the President to report to the intelligence, homeland security, and defense committees on current policy and regulation impediments to the sharing of classified information across and among Federal departments and agencies, and between Federal departments and agencies and agencies of State and local government and the private sector, for national security purposes, including homeland security.
(Sec. 335) Directs the Secretary and DCI to report jointly to the defense and intelligence committees on IC strategic and budgetary planning.
(Sec. 336) Requires the DCI to report to the intelligence and defense committees on: (1) the extent of U.S. dependence on computer hardware or software manufactured overseas; and (2) the intelligence lessons learned as a result of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(Sec. 338) Requires the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, not later than 120 days after the cessation of hostilities in Iraq, to report to the intelligence and defense committees on all information obtained by DOD and the IC on conventional weapons and ammunition obtained by Iraq in violation of applicable resolutions of the United Nations Security Council adopted since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.
(Sec. 339) Repeals various intelligence-related report requirements under the National Security Act of 1947, prior intelligence authorization Acts, and other intelligence-related Acts.
(Sec. 340) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to specified congressional committees on the operations of the Directorate of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Homeland Security and the Terrorist Threat Integration Center.
Subtitle E: Other Matters - (Sec. 351) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 to extend to a conditional date the suspension of the reorganization of the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office.
(Sec. 352) Amends the Federal criminal code to include a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or other friendly military force who is present in the United States under military orders for training, under an authorized military purpose, or in cooperation with the DCI among those to whom explosive materials may be distributed, possessed, or received in furtherance of such purposes.
(Sec. 353) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of a person affiliated with the Communist or other totalitarian party if the DCI, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, only with the concurrence of the Attorney General), determines such person has made a contribution to the national security or national intelligence mission of the United States.
(Sec. 355) Directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to jointly sponsor not less than two workshops on the coordination of Federal research on the use of behavioral, psychological, and physiological assessments of individuals in the conduct of security evaluations. Requires such activities to be completed by March 1, 2004. Establishes an interagency advisory group to assist with such coordination. Requires a joint report from the Foundation and Office to Congress. Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for such purposes.
(Sec. 357) Provides for the ex parte, in camera judicial review of classified information in connection with money laundering cases.
Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - (Sec. 402) Protects CIA personnel authorized to act as special police or to carry firearms, and NSA employees performing special police functions, from tort liability when reasonably acting within the scope of their employment to: (1) protect an individual from a crime of violence; (2) provide immediate assistance to an individual who has suffered or is threatened with bodily harm; or (3) prevent the escape of any individual reasonably believed to have committed a crime of violence in the presence of such personnel.
(Sec. 405) Allows CIA employees who make contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan to also contribute to such Plan any part of bonus pay received under a CIA employee compensation reform pilot project authorized under the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003.
Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Matters - (Sec. 501) Authorizes the NSA Director to exempt NSA operational files from Federal disclosure requirements. Includes as "operational files" files of the Signals Intelligence Directorate and Research Associate Directorate containing the means by which foreign intelligence or counterintelligence is collected through technical systems. Allows limited search and review of such files under specified circumstances. Allows judicial review when a person alleges that the NSA has improperly withheld records under such exemption. Requires the NSA Director and the DCI, at least every ten years, to review whether any files should be removed from the exemption. Requires the DCI to approve of any determination to remove an exemption.
(Sec. 503) Permits the use of funds designated for intelligence purposes for assistance to the Government of Colombia for: (1) supporting a campaign against narcotics trafficking and against activities by designated terrorist organizations; and (2) protecting human health and welfare in emergency circumstances, including rescue operations. Terminates such authority when there is credible evidence that the Colombian armed forces are not conducting vigorous operations to restore government authority and respect for human rights in areas under the effective control of paramilitary and guerilla organizations. Prohibits the participation of U.S. armed forces or contractor personnel in any combat operation in connection with such assistance, except for self-defense or rescue purposes.
(Sec. 504) Earmarks specified funds authorized under this Act for NIMA for scene visualization technologies.
H.J.RES.63 - Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.J.RES.63
Title:A joint resolution to approve the Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Compact of Free Association, as amended, between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and to appropriate funds to carry out the amended Compacts.".
Sponsor: Rep Leach, James A. [IA-2] (by request) (introduced 7/8/2003) Cosponsors: 5
Committees: House International Relations; House Resources; House Judiciary
House Reports: 108-262 Part 1, 108-262 Part 2, 108-262 Part 3
Related Bills: S.J.RES.16
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Resolving differences / Conference -- House actions. Status: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 2 (Roll no. 652).
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/8/2003--Introduced.
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 - Grants congressional approval to the "Compact of Free Association, as amended between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia" (U.S.-FSMCompact) and the "Compact of Free Association, as amended between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands" (U.S.-RMI Compact), as well as specified subsidiary agreements and amended subsidiary agreements.
Directs the President, upon the request of the RMI Government, to continue to provide special medical care and logistical support for the remaining members of the population of Rongelap and Utrik who were exposed to radiation resulting from the 1954 United States thermo-nuclear "Bravo" test.
Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) internationally recognized human rights in foreign countries; (2) the rights of bona fide naturalized citizens of FSM and RMI to enter the United States; (3) the machine-readability and security of FSM and RMI passports; (4) information sharing with the United States in enforcing criminal and security-related grounds of inadmissibility and deportability under the Immigration and Naturalization Act; (5) grants to specified territories and Hawaii to aid in defraying costs of services to qualified nonimmigrants from RMI, FSM, or the Republic of Palau; (6) appointment of an Interagency Group on Freely Associated States' Affairs; (7) the land-grant status of the College of Micronesia; (8) nonliability of the FSM and RMI Governments for debts owed the United States by the Government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; (9) use of Department of Defense medical facilities by medical authorities of the FSM and RMI Governments; (10) Federal agency technical assistance to FSM and RMI; (11) funds for FSM Government programs for the control and prevention of communicable diseases; (12) local employment and job training requirements of construction contracts in FSM and RMI; and (13) further compensation for the adverse economic impact of certain trade and tariff requirements of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985.
Declares that no judgment of the courts of FSM, RMI, or the Republic of Palau against the United States shall be honored or recognized by the United States unless it is consistent with U.S. interpretation of international agreements relevant to the judgment.
H.CON.RES.209 - Commending the signing of the United States-Adriatic Charter, a charter of partnership among the United States, Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.CON.RES.209
Title:A concurrent resolution commending the signing of the United States-Adriatic Charter, a charter of partnership among the United States, Albania, Croatia, and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Sponsor: Rep Engel, Eliot L. [NY-17] (introduced 6/5/2003) Cosponsors: 29
Committees: House International Relations; Senate Foreign Relations
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Resolving differences / Conference -- House actions. Status: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 - 1 (Roll no. 653).
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/29/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 2 other summaries)
Expresses support for: (1) the U.S.-Adriatic Charter; and (2) the aspirations of Albania, Croatia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join the European Union (EU). Commends: (1) Albania, Croatia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for their continued efforts to become full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU; and (2) Secretary of State Powell for his personal support of the Charter. Urges NATO to invite Albania, Croatia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join NATO as soon as they demonstrate the ability to assume NATO member responsibilities through the Membership Action Plan.
H.R.1828 - Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.R.1828
Title:To halt Syrian support for terrorism, end its occupation of Lebanon, stop its development of weapons of mass destruction, cease its illegal importation of Iraqi oil and illegal shipments of weapons and other military items to Iraq, and by so doing hold Syria accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the Middle East, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Engel, Eliot L. [NY-17] (introduced 4/12/2003) Cosponsors: 297
Committees: House International Relations
House Reports: 108-314
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Resolving differences / Conference -- House actions. Status: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 - 8, 1 Present (Roll no. 654).
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
10/15/2003--Passed House, amended. (There are 2 other summaries)
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 - (Sec. 3) Declares the sense of Congress that the Government of Syria should immediately and unconditionally halt support for terrorism, permanently and openly declare its total renunciation of all forms of terrorism, and close all terrorist offices and facilities in Syria, including the offices of Hamas, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command.
Declares the sense of Congress that the Government of Syria should: (1) immediately and unconditionally stop facilitating transit from Syria to Iraq of individuals, military equipment, and all lethal items, except as authorized by the Coalition Provisional Authority or a representative, internationally recognized Iraqi government; (2) cease its support for "volunteers" and terrorists who are traveling from and through Syria into Iraq to launch attacks; (3) undertake concrete, verifiable steps to deter such behavior and control the use of territory under Syrian control; and (4) immediately declare its commitment to completely withdraw its armed forces, including military, paramilitary, and security forces, from Lebanon, and set a firm timetable for such withdrawal.
Declares the sense of Congress that the Government of Lebanon should deploy the Lebanese armed forces to all areas of Lebanon, including South Lebanon, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 520 (September 17, 1982) (Security Council Resolution 520), in order to assert the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all of its territory, and should evict all terrorist and foreign forces from southern Lebanon, including Hizballah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of Syria should halt the development and deployment of medium- and long-range surface-to-surface missiles and cease the development and production of biological and chemical weapons; and (2) the Governments of Lebanon and Syria should enter into serious unconditional bilateral negotiations with the Government of Israel in order to realize a full and permanent peace.
Declares the sense of Congress that the United States should continue to provide humanitarian and educational assistance to the people of Lebanon only through appropriate private, nongovernmental organizations and appropriate international organizations, until such time as the Government of Lebanon asserts sovereignty and control over all of its territory and borders and achieves full political independence, as called for in Security Council Resolution 520.
Declares the sense of Congress that, as a violator of several key United Nations Security Council resolutions and as a nation that pursues policies which undermine international peace and security, Syria should not have been permitted to join the United Nations Security Council or serve as the Security Council's President, and should be removed from the Security Council.
(Sec. 4) Declares as U.S. policy that: (1) Syria will be held responsible for attacks committed by Hizballah and other terrorist groups with offices or other facilities in Syria, or bases in areas of Lebanon occupied by Syria; (2) the United States shall impede Syria's ability to support acts of international terrorism and efforts to develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction; (3) the Secretary of State will continue to list Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism until it ends support for terrorism, including its support of Hizballah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon and its hosting of terrorist groups in Damascus, and comes into full compliance with U.S. law relating to terrorism and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (September 28, 2001); (4) efforts against Hizballah will be expanded given the recognition that Hizballah is at least as capable as Al Qaeda; (5) the full restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity is in the U.S. national security interest; (6) Syria is in violation of Security Council Resolution 520 through its continued occupation of Lebanese territory and its encroachment upon its political independence; (7) Syria's obligation to withdraw from Lebanon is not conditioned upon progress in the Israeli-Syrian or Israeli-Lebanese peace process but derives from Syria's obligation under Security Council Resolution 520; (8) Syria's acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs threaten the security of the Middle East and U.S. national security interests; (9) Syria will be held accountable for any harm to Coalition armed forces or to any U.S. citizen in Iraq owing to its facilitation of terrorist activities and its shipments of military supplies to Iraq; and (10) the United States will not provide any assistance to Syria and will oppose multilateral assistance for Syria until Syria ends all support for terrorism, withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon, and halts the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction and medium- and long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
(Sec. 5) Sets forth the following penalties against Syria until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Syria meets the requirements of this Act.
Directs the President to prohibit the export to Syria of any item, including the issuance of an export license, on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations.
Requires the President, at the same time, to impose two or more of the following sanctions: (1) prohibit the export to Syria of U.S. products (other than food and medicine); (2) prohibit U.S. businesses from investing or operating in Syria; (3) restrict Syrian diplomats in Washington, D.C., and at the United Nations in New York City, to travel only within a 25-mile radius of Washington, D.C., or the United Nations headquarters building, respectively; (4) prohibit aircraft of any air carrier owned or controlled by Syria to take off from, land in, or overfly the United States; (5) reduce U.S. diplomatic contacts with Syria (other than those required to protect U.S. interests or carry out the purposes of this Act); and (6) block transactions in any property in which the Government of Syria has any interest, by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for one or more six-month periods if the President determines that it is in the vital national security interest of the United States to do so and reports his reasons to Congress.
Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 if he certifies to Congress that the Government of Syria: (1) has ceased providing support for international terrorist groups and does not allow terrorist groups, such as Hamas, Hizballah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, to maintain facilities in territory under Syrian control; (2) has withdrawn all Syrian military, intelligence, and other security personnel from Lebanon; (3) has ceased the development and deployment of medium- and long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, is not pursuing or engaged in the research, development, acquisition, production, transfer, or deployment of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons, has provided credible assurances that such behavior will not be undertaken in the future, and has agreed to allow United Nations and other international observers to verify such actions and assurances; (4) has ceased all support for, and facilitation of, all terrorist activities inside of Iraq, including preventing the use of territory under its control by any means whatsoever to support those engaged in terrorist activities inside of Iraq; and (5) is strictly respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon through the Lebanese army throughout Lebanon, as required under Security Council Resolution 520.
Requires the President also, as a condition for renewed development assistance to Syria, to determine that substantial progress has been made both in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Syria and in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
(Sec. 6) Requires annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees on Syria's progress in complying with the requirements of this Act, beginning six months after enactment of this Act.
H.R.253 - Two Floods and You Are Out of the Taxpayers' Pocket Act of 2003
Posted by on November 20, 2003
H.R.253
Title:To amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to reduce losses to properties for which repetitive flood insurance claim payments have been made.
Sponsor: Rep Bereuter, Doug [NE-1] (introduced 1/8/2003) Cosponsors: 4
Committees: House Financial Services
House Reports: 108-266
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 352 - 67 (Roll no. 655).
Burgess voted YES
SUMMARY AS OF:
1/8/2003--Introduced.
Two Floods and You Are Out of the Taxpayers' Pocket Act of 2003 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in awarding grants for mitigation activities, to give priority to properties for which repetitive flood insurance claim payments (as specified by this Act) have been made. Authorizes the Director to waive mitigation assistance limits when the State or community has repetitive insurance claims properties and such waiver is cost-effective and in the best interests of the National Flood Insurance Fund.
Increases amounts credited to the National Flood Mitigation Fund from the National Flood Insurance Fund, such amounts to be used only for repetitive insurance claims properties.
Extends through FY 2007 the authority to enter into flood insurance contracts and the authorization of appropriations for the national flood insurance program.
Provides chargeable national flood insurance premium rates for: (1) repetitive insurance claims properties; and (2) certain coastal and river properties leased from the Government. Authorizes annual premium increases with respect to such properties.
Amends the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 to prohibit Federal disaster relief assistance from being used for repair, replacement, or restoration of any property in the area for which: (1) repetitive claim payments have been made; and (2) Federal mitigation assistance has been offered to, but refused by, the property owner.
Authorizes the Director to provide for funding for mitigation actions that reduce flood damages to repetitive insurance claims properties, under certain conditions. Provides funding for such assistance from the National Flood Insurance Fund.
The 21st Century National Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
Posted by on November 20, 2003 The 21st Century National Nanotechnology Research and Development Act Statement by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26)
November 20, 2003
It is a pleasure to be hear this afternoon to support the S. 189, The 21st Century National Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. Nanotechnology is a very promising future technology—from materials, to computers, medicine, defense, and energy, the possibilities are limitless. This House overwhelmingly approved this bills companion, H.R. 766, and I am hopeful that this House will once again make a bipartisan commitment to increasing resources for nanotechnology research and development. The development of nanotechnology is not only important to my corner of the country, but for every human on the planet. The National Science Foundation estimates that in a little over a decade, nanotechnology will positively impact the global market by approximately $1 trillion. This bill will ensure that the United States continues to be a leader in nanotechnolgy research. This bill is especially important to academic institutions in my district, especially the University of North Texas. Beginning last fall, UNT began a laboratory renovation and equipment purchases for the Department of Materials Science, including research space for the Laboratory for Electronic Materials and Devices and the establishment of a Nanometrology Laboratory – the first such facility in Texas. This center, the Center for Advanced Research and Technology is a unique collaboration between academic and corporate partners in the North Texas Area, designed to develop new nanotechnology applications. The development of the Nanometrology Laboratory will provide remote access by researchers throughout the United States to state-of-the-art materials characterization. This facility and research capabilities are important to the future competitiveness and value of U.S. materials science worldwide and this bill will help with its further developments. The comprehensive approach taken by S. 189 to raise the profile of nanotechnology among the general public and increase resources for academic institutions will ensure that U.S. is a leader in this field for years to come. |
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Five things you need to know about the #COVID19 from @DrNancyM_CDC https://t.co/SOUwnXj9AB
Katherine Johnson was a pioneer and inspiration to young women around the world. Her legacy will live on for genera… https://t.co/FwAKIYXlPk
"Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the American economy and minority-owned businesses are no exception to that fa… https://t.co/g2ReRiewHm
. @CDCgov announced an initiative to help labs in rural communities improve diagnostic excellence through… https://t.co/rMDvYlPdkt
With the announcement of another confirmed #COVID19 case, I want to thank the over 300 U.S. Public Health Commissio… https://t.co/qf9ddh9nLN