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H.R. 1829 - Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003
Posted by on November 6, 2003
H.R.1829 Title:To amend title 18, United States Code, to require Federal Prison Industries to compete for its contracts minimizing its unfair competition with private sector firms and their non-inmate workers and empowering Federal agencies to get the best value for taxpayers' dollars, to provide a five-year period during which Federal Prison Industries adjusts to obtaining inmate work opportunities through other than its mandatory source status, to enhance inmate access to remedial and vocational opportunities and other rehabilitative opportunities to better prepare inmates for a successful return to society, to authorize alternative inmate work opportunities in support of non-profit organizations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] (introduced 4/12/2003) Cosponsors: 142 Committees: House Judiciary; Senate Judiciary House Reports: 108-286 Related Bills: H.RES.428 Latest Major Action: 11/7/2003 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 9/25/2003--Reported to House, amended. (There is 1 other summary) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal criminal code to replace provisions regarding the purchase of prison-made products by Federal departments with provisions establishing a Government-wide procurement policy relating to purchases from Federal Prison Industries (FPI), which shall generally require the use of competitive procedures. (Sec. 3) Requires that an analysis of the probable impact of a proposed expansion of sales within the Federal market by FPI on private sector firms and their non-inmate workers be made whenever FPI proposes to authorize the sale of a new specific product or service or to expand production of a current product or service. Prohibits FPI from furnishing construction services through inmate labor unless such services are to be performed within a Federal correctional facility pursuant to the participation of an inmate in an apprenticeship or other vocational education program teaching the skills of the various building trades. Authorizes the FPI board of directors to authorize: (1) the donation of products produced or services furnished by FPI and available for sale; (2) the production of a new specific product or the furnishing of a new specific service for donation; or (3) a proposal to expand production of a currently authorized specific product or service in an amount in excess of a reasonable share of the market if a Federal agency has requested that FPI be authorized to furnish such product or service in amounts needed by such agency or if the proposal is justified for other good cause and supported by at least eight board members. (Sec. 4) Requires a Federal agency having a requirement for a product that is authorized for sale by FPI and is listed in its catalog to first solicit an offer from FPI and make purchases on a noncompetitive basis. Requires, subject to specified limitations, a contract award to be made on a noncompetitive basis to FPI if the contracting officer determines that: (1) the FPI product will meet the procurement requirements; (2) timely performance of the contract by FPI can be reasonably expected; and (3) the negotiated price does not exceed a fair and reasonable price. Directs that the terms and conditions of the contract and the price to be paid to FPI be determined by negotiation between FPI and the Federal agency making the purchase. Bars the negotiated price from exceeding a fair and reasonable price determined in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Prohibits the total dollar value of FPI sales to the Government in FY 2005 through 2009 from exceeding specified percentages of FPI sales for the base period. Sets limits regarding FPI sales within various business sectors, relating to specific products, and arising from changes in design specifications. Prohibits the use of such preferential contracting authorities on or after October 1, 2009. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make a finding regarding the effects of such percentage limitations, including a determination whether such limitation has resulted or is likely to result in a substantial reduction in inmate industrial employment and whether such reductions, if any, present a significant risk of adverse effects on safe prison operation or public safety; and (3) advise the Congress upon finding a significant risk of adverse effects on either safe prison management or public safety. (Sec. 5) Authorizes FPI to produce products as a subcontractor or supplier in the performance of a Federal procurement contract. Makes the use of FPI a voluntary business decision by the Federal prime contractor or subcontractor, subject to any prior approval imposed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation or by the contract. Prohibits such authority from resulting in the sale in the commercial market of a product or service resulting from the labor of Federal inmate workers and requires a contractor or subcontractor using FPI to implement appropriate management procedures to prevent it. (Sec. 6) Requires: (1) the Board of Directors of FPI to prescribe the rates of hourly wages to be paid inmates performing work for or through FPI; and (2) the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to prescribe the rates of hourly wages for other work assignments within the various Federal correctional institutions, with increase determinations on not less than a biannual basis. Requires deductions of up to 80 percent of an inmate worker's wages for applicable taxes, payment of fines and restitution, support of the inmates' family, and to facilitate the inmate's assimilation back into society. (Sec. 7) Includes services within the scope of a prohibition against transporting in interstate commerce or from a foreign country goods produced by prisoners. Authorizes any prisoner work program operated by a State or local jurisdiction of a State which is providing services for the commercial market on October 1, 2002, to continue to provide such commercial services: (1) until the expiration date specified in the contract on that date; (2) until September 30, 2005, if the prison work program is directly furnishing the services to the commercial market; or (3) after those dates if it has been certified and is in compliance with specified requirements. (Sec. 10) Establishes within the Bureau the Enhanced In-Prison Educational and Vocational Assessment and Training Program, which shall provide: (1) in-prison assessments of inmates' needs and aptitudes; (2) educational opportunities; (3) vocational training and apprenticeships; and (4) release-readiness preparation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs that all components of the program be established in at least 25 percent of all Federal prisons within two years, 50 percent within four years, 75 percent within six years, and 100 percent within eight years. Directs the Chief Operating Officer of FPI to develop proposals to have FPI donate products and services to eligible entities that provide products and services to low-income individuals who would likely otherwise have difficulty purchasing such products and services in the commercial market. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes within the Bureau the Cognitive Abilities Assessment Demonstration Program to determine the effectiveness of a program that assesses the cognitive abilities and perceptual skills of Federal inmates to maximize the benefits of various rehabilitative opportunities to prepare each inmate for a successful return to society and reduce recidivism. Requires the Director to report to Congress on employment and residence stability and recidivism among inmates who participated in the program after 18 months of release. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to afford to inmates opportunities to participate in programs and activities designed to help them obtain employment upon release. Grants priority to inmates who are participating in work opportunities afforded by FPI and are within two years of release. (Sec. 11) Provides that FPI shall be governed by a board of 11 directors. Makes the Director the Chief Executive Officer of FPI. Requires the Director to designate the Chief Operating Officer. (Sec. 12) Authorizes FPI to: (1) locate more than one workshop at a Federal correctional facility; and (2) operate a workshop outside of a correctional facility if all of the inmates working in the workshop are classified as minimum security inmates. (Sec. 13) Provides that any correctional officer or other FPI employee being paid with non-appropriated funds who would be separated from service because of a reduction in the net income of FPI shall be: (1) eligible for appointment (or reappointment) in the competitive service; (2) registered on a Bureau of Prisons reemployment priority list; and (3) given priority for any other position within the Bureau for which such employee is qualified. (Sec. 14) Requires that the Board's annual report include: (1) an analysis of FPI's total sales to Federal agencies and the commercial market, total purchases by each Federal agency, and FPI's share of such total Government purchases by specific product and service, and of the number and disposition of disputes submitted to the heads of the Federal agencies; (2) an analysis of the inmate workforce that includes the number of inmates employed, the number utilized to product products or furnish services sold in the commercial market, the terms of their incarceration, and the wages paid; and (3) data concerning whether the employment provided by FPI during incarceration enabled inmates to earn a livelihood upon release. Directs that copies of the annual report be made available to the public at a price not exceeding printing cost. (Sec. 15) Directs the Comptroller General to have an independent study conducted on the effects of eliminating the FPI mandatory source authority and to submit the results to Congress by June 30, 2004. (Sec. 16) Expresses the sense of Congress that it is important to study the concept of implementing a "good time" release program for nonviolent criminals in the Federal prison system.
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Waste Watchers: Transportation - One Minute (Video)
Posted by on November 6, 2003
Click here to watch the video clip.
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Congressman Burgess Hails President Bush’s Signing of Ban on Partial Birth Abortion
Posted by Michelle Stein on November 5, 2003
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today joined President Bush for his signing of S.3, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act into law. Dr. Burgess has been a strong supporter of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act since its introduction in the House. Congressman Burgess gave the closing remarks at the bicameral press conference on partial birth abortion after passage of S.3 in the Senate on October 24, 2003. “During my two decades of practice of obstetrics, with my share of high-risk pregnancies, I never encountered a situation where the partial birth procedure was required,” said Congressman Burgess. “I believe it is an inhumane act that is never medically necessary.” “There is no Constitutional right to perform this procedure and there is no excuse for it in a civilized nation. This law addresses all the legal concerns voiced by courts in the past on this matter. And I am pleased the President has the courage to sign this important legislation and end this terrible practice for good,” said Congressman Burgess.
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H.J.RES. 76 - Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes
Posted by on November 5, 2003
H.J.RES.76 Title: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Young, C. W. Bill [FL-10] (introduced 11/4/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Appropriations Related Bills: H.RES.430 Latest Major Action: 11/7/2003 Became Public Law No: 108-107 [Text, PDF] Note: Continuing appropriations through 11/21/2003. Burgess voted YES
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H.R. 2559 - Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004
Posted by on November 5, 2003
H.R.2559 Title:Making appropriations for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Knollenberg, Joe [MI-9] (introduced 6/23/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Appropriations House Reports: 108-173; Conference Reports: 108-342 Related Bills: H.RES.298, H.RES.429, S.1357 Latest Major Action: 11/12/2003 Conference report agreed to in Senate. Status: Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 98 - 0. Record Vote Number: 448. Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 7/11/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 3 other summaries) Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004 - Appropriates funds for FY 2004 for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure functions administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), namely: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, DOD, the Army and Air National Guards, and the Army, Naval, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (4) family housing construction and operation and maintenance, defense-wide; (5) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Specifies restrictions and authorizations regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act and in other military construction appropriations Acts. (Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the appropriate congressional committees 30 days in advance of the plans and scope of any military exercise involving U.S. personnel if construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000. (Sec. 118) Provides for the transfer of lapsed unobligated military construction and family housing funds into the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense account. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional appropriations committees on actions proposed by DOD to encourage other member nations of NATO, Japan, Korea, and other U.S. allies bordering the Arabian Sea to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. (Sec. 122) Prohibits this Act's funds from being obligated for Partnership for Peace programs in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union. (Sec. 123) Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, before issuing any solicitation for a contract with the private sector for military family housing, to notify the congressional defense committees of any guarantee (including the making of mortgage or rental payments, and the extent and likelihood of Federal liability) proposed to be made by the Secretary to the private party under the contract involved in the event of: (1) the closure or realignment of the installation for which housing is provided under the contract; (2) a reduction in force of units stationed at such installation; or (3) the extended deployment overseas of units stationed at such installation. (Sec. 127) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure for missile defense studies of any funds appropriated for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program. (Sec. 128) Establishes the Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States to study and report to the President and Congress on matters relating to the U.S. military facility structure overseas. Requires the report to include a proposal for an overseas basing strategy to meet current and future DOD missions. Terminates the Commission 45 days after its report. Earmarks funds from this Act for the Commission.
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H.R. 2620 - Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003
Posted by on November 5, 2003
H.R.2620 Title:To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2004 and 2005 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 6/26/2003) Cosponsors: 15 Committees: House International Relations; House Judiciary House Reports: 108-264 Part 1, 108-264 Part 2 Latest Major Action: 11/6/2003 Senate preparation for floor. Status: Received in the Senate. Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 9/29/2003--Reported to House, amended, Part II. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 5, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to direct the President to establish programs of border interdiction by providing grants to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that provide for transit shelters operating at key border crossings, and help train survivors of trafficking in persons to educate and train border guards, officials, and other law enforcement officials to: (1) identify traffickers and victims of severe forms of trafficking; (2) treat such victims appropriately; and (3) monitor the implementation of border interdiction programs, including helping in the identification of such victims to stop the cross-border transit of victims. Requires the President to establish programs supporting the production of television and radio programs to: (1) inform vulnerable populations overseas of the dangers of trafficking; and (2) increase awareness of the public in countries of destination regarding the slave-like practices and other human rights abuses involved in trafficking. Directs the President to: (1) require airlines to develop and disseminate materials alerting travelers that sex tourism is illegal, will be prosecuted, and presents dangers to those involved, (2) encourage such airlines to work with NGOs in developing these materials; and (3) monitor compliance with these requirements. Directs the President to ensure that any Federal grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under which certain assistance funds relating to international affairs are to be provided to a private entity, in whole or in part, shall include a condition that authorizes the Federal department or agency involved to terminate the grant, contract, or agreement, without penalty, if the grantee or any subgrantee, or the contractor or any subcontractor: (1) engages in specified severe forms of trafficking in persons or has procured a commercial sex act during the period of time that the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement is in effect; or (2) uses forced labor in the performance of the grant, contract, or agreement. (Sec. 4) Requires certain State Department programs in foreign countries to facilitate contact and cooperation between relevant foreign government agencies and NGOs providing services to trafficked individuals, particularly those in detention. Extends to nonimmigrant alien family members the same benefits and services available to a trafficking victim. Revises the benefits and services eligibility criteria for trafficking victims to consider a victim's willingness to assist with a State or local investigation as well as with a Federal investigation. (Current law limits the criterion to assistance with a Federal investigation.) Allows a victim of criminal trafficking offenses to bring a civil action in any appropriate U.S. district court for actual damages, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys' fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding eligibility for a nonimmigrant "T" visa for trafficking victims to authorize State and local (as well as Federal) law enforcement agencies to certify that a trafficking victim has complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking. Increases from 15 to 18 the minimum age at which a trafficking victim is required to assist in investigations and prosecutions to be eligible for a "T" visa. Adds unmarried siblings under age 18 to the family members of a trafficking victim eligible for a "T" visa. Makes the public charge ground for inadmissibility under a "T" visa inapplicable to trafficking victims. Prohibits the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or any other official or employee of the Department of State or the Department of Homeland Security from permitting use by, or disclosure to, anyone, other than a sworn officer or employee of one of such Departments for legitimate Department purposes, of any information that relates to an alien who has properly filed a bona fide application for, or been granted, a "T" visa or nonimmigrant status as a trafficking victim. Terminates such prohibition when a "T" visa application is denied and all opportunities for appeal of the denial have been exhausted. Allows the Secretaries, in their discretion, to disclose such information in the same manner and circumstances as census information may be disclosed by the Secretary of Commerce, and to law enforcement officials solely for a legitimate law enforcement purpose, such as: (1) data exchange under the Immigration and Nationality Act with the Directors of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency and internal security officers; (2) interface of the integrated entry and exit data system under the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 with law enforcement databases for use by Federal law enforcement to identify and detain individuals who pose a threat to U.S. national security; and (3) the interoperable electronic data system under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. Establishes administrative and civil money penalties for violation of such disclosure prohibition. (Sec. 5) Amends the Federal criminal code to extend jurisdiction of sex trafficking offenses to acts of trafficking in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Includes among racketeering offenses specified offenses relating to: (1) forced labor; (2) trafficking with respect to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor; and (3) sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion. (Sec. 6) Amends the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA) to require the Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, acting through the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking (OMCT) of the Department of State, to report in 2004 and 2005 to specified congressional committees on Federal agencies implementing such Act, including among other statistics for the preceding year: (1) the number of persons who received benefits or other services under the Act; (2) the number of persons granted continued presence in the United States; (3) the number of persons who have applied for, been granted, or been denied a "T" visa or otherwise provided status under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) the number of persons charged or convicted of trafficking related criminal offenses; (5) the amount, recipient, and purpose of each grant issued under this Act (and related provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961); and (6) activities undertaken by the Senior Policy Operating Group to carry out its responsibilities. Declares that the Director of OMCT shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, with the rank of Ambassador-at-Large. Establishes within the Task Force a Senior Policy Operating Group to coordinate activities of Federal departments and agencies regarding policies (including grants and grant policies) involving the international trafficking in persons and the implementation of this division. Requires that evidence of convictions and sentences for acts of trafficking and official complicity in acts of trafficking (as well as evidence of investigations and prosecutions) be considered in the evaluation of a foreign country's efforts to eliminate trafficking. Declares that, after reasonable requests from the Department of State for data regarding investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences, a government which does not provide such data consistent with its resources shall be presumed not to have vigorously investigated, prosecuted, convicted or sentenced acts of trafficking. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize assistance for foreign police training. Amends the VTVPA to direct the President, acting through the Council of Economic Advisors, the National Research Council of the National Academies, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and the Director of Central Intelligence, to carry out research, including by grants to NGOs, that addresses among other things: (1) the economic causes and consequences of domestic and international trafficking in persons; (2) the effectiveness of programs and initiatives funded or administered by Federal agencies to prevent trafficking in persons and to protect and assist victims of trafficking; and (3) the interrelationship between trafficking in persons and global health risks. (Sec. 7) Amends the TVPA to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 and 2005 to: (1) the Task Force, especially the operations and staffing requirements of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking and the Senior Policy Operating Group; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) the Secretary of State for bilateral assistance to combat trafficking; (4) the Attorney General, including an additional amount to the President, acting through the Attorney General, for training activities for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and members of the judiciary at the International Law Enforcement Academies; (5) the President for foreign victims assistance, specialized research, and assistance to foreign countries to meet minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; and (6) the Secretary of Labor. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to: (1) promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution; or (2) implement any program that targets victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons through any organization that has not stated in either a grant application, a grant agreement, or both, that it does not promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution.
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H.R. 3214 - Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003
Posted by on November 5, 2003
H.R.3214 Title: To eliminate the substantial backlog of DNA samples collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders, to improve and expand the DNA testing capacity of Federal, State, and local crime laboratories, to increase research and development of new DNA testing technologies, to develop new training programs regarding the collection and use of DNA evidence, to provide post-conviction testing of DNA evidence to exonerate the innocent, to improve the performance of counsel in State capital cases, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] (introduced 10/1/2003) Cosponsors: 249 Committees: House Judiciary; House Armed Services House Reports: 108-321 Part 1 Latest Major Action: 11/6/2003 Senate preparation for floor. Status: Received in the Senate. Burgess voted NO
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H.R. 3365 - Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act
Posted by on November 5, 2003
H.R.3365 Title:An act to amend title 10, United States Code, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the death gratuity payable with respect to deceased members of the Armed Forces and to exclude such gratuity from ross income, to provide additional tax relief for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Renzi, Rick [AZ-1] (introduced 10/21/2003) Cosponsors: 48 Committees: House Ways and Means; House Armed Services Latest Major Action: 11/11/2003 Became Public Law No: 108-121 [Text, PDF] Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 11/3/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Title I: Improving Tax Equity for Military Personnel - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to authorize a member of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 90 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 50 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for ten years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes such provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from this section is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. (Sec. 102) Doubles, from $6,000 to $12,000, the military death gratuity payment and amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the full payment shall be tax exempt. (Sec. 103) Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. (Sec. 104) Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. (Sec. 105) Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. (Sec. 106) Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. (Sec. 107) Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. (Sec. 108) Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization (as defined by this Act). Denies: (1) deductions for contributions made to such an organization; and (2) administrative or judicial challenge to such suspension or denial. Provides for refund or credit in a case of erroneous designation. (Sec. 109) Provides a deduction for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. (Sec. 110) Provides tax relief for families of the Columbia Space Shuttle by making the tax relief provisions applicable to terrorist attack victims applicable to the Columbia Space Shuttle. Title II: Revenue Provision - (Sec. 201) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs user fee authority until March 31, 2005.
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H.CON.RES. 176 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow amounts elected for reimbursement of medical care expenses under a health flexible spending arrangement that are unused during a plan year to be carried over for such use for subsequent plan years
Posted by on November 4, 2003
H.R.176 Title:To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow amounts elected for reimbursement of medical care expenses under a health flexible spending arrangement that are unused during a plan year to be carried over for such use for subsequent plan years. Sponsor: Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] (introduced 1/7/2003) Cosponsors: 11 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 1/7/2003 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 1/7/2003--Introduced. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the limited (up to $2,000 annually) carryover of unused benefits from health flexible spending arrangements to subsequent taxable years to be used for the reimbursement of future medical expenses.
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H.CON.RES. 94 - Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution
Posted by on November 4, 2003
H.CON.RES.94 Title:Expressing the sense of the Congress that community inclusion and enhanced lives for individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities is at serious risk because of the crisis in recruiting and retaining direct support professionals, which impedes the availability of a stable, quality direct support workforce. Sponsor: Rep Sessions, Pete [TX-32] (introduced 3/13/2003) Cosponsors: 47 Committees: House Education and the Workforce; Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Related Bills: S.CON.RES.21 Latest Major Action: 11/5/2003 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 11/4/2003--Passed House, amended. Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government and the States should make it a priority to promote a stable, quality direct support workforce for individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities that advances national commitment to community integration for such individuals and personal security for them and their families.
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