H.R. 49, Election Law Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C. Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Judiciary Description: H.R. 49 would establish the U.S. Commission on Election Law Reform to study election procedures and recommend revisions. The commission would consist of 12 members, with two each named by the president, the Senate's majority and minority leaders, the House Speaker, the House minority leader and the chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The commission would have a year to make its recommendations. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 57, Federal Elections Review Commission Act Sponsor: Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 57 would establish a bipartisan election-review commission to study U.S. election procedures and recommend changes to them. The panel would consist of six members each designated by majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate. The commission would examine voting technologies, the Electoral College system, voter-registration issues, mail-in and absentee balloting, polling locations and closing times, federal election aid and more. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 60, Secure Democracy for All Americans Act Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Judiciary Description: H.R. 60 would establish a yearlong, five-member commission to develop uniform voting standards that states could adopt for federal elections. The commission would recommend potential changes in election procedures to the president and Congress, and the panel's membership would have to include at least one member each from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Justice Department and the National Academy of Sciences. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 64 Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich. Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committee: House Science Final Action: Passed by the House Description: H.R. 64 would require the president to appoint a deputy administrator for science and technology within the Environmental Protection Agency.
H.R. 119, Commission on Elections Procedures Act Sponsor: Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J. Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 119 would establish a 10-member commission to study U.S. election procedures and to recommend new standards. The commission members, who would be appointed by Congress and the president, would have to be versed in election law, U.S. history and the Constitution. It would consider ways to standardize voting technology, among other things. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 263, Election Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Introduced: Jan. 30, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 263 would establish an Election Administration Commission to study U.S. elections. It would authorize up to $100 million in grants to states and localities for modernizing voting procedures and election administration consistent with the commission's findings. Among other things, the panel would make recommendations about the "best practices" in voting technology and ballot design. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 311, Armed Services Absentee Ballot Act Sponsor: Rep. David Vitter, R-La. Introduced: Jan. 30, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 311 would require that overseas military ballots be counted in elections unless there is evidence of fraud. The bill also would require the Defense Department to develop an electronic voting system for military voters stationed in foreign countries.
H.R. 354, Election Procedures Improvement Act Sponsor: Rep. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark. Introduced: Jan. 31, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 354 would establish a grant program designed to help state and local governments modernize their voting procedures and equipment. The bill would authorize $1.5 million over three years to states that replace outdated voting equipment, acquire or upgrade computer-based voting systems, and streamline the tabulation and reporting of election results.
H.R. 430, Federal Election Standards Act Sponsor: Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass. Introduced: Feb. 2, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 430 would establish a bipartisan, federal-state commission to study the accuracy, integrity and efficiency of federal election procedures, to develop standards for the conduct of federal elections, and to authorize grants and technical assistance to the states to help them implement the standards before the next presidential election. The commission would study various voting methods, including Internet voting, weekend elections and voting over multiple days. The legislation, one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election, also would encourage initiatives to improve voting technology.
H.R. 541, Paperwork Elimination Act Sponsor: Rep. Sue Kelly, R-N.Y. Introduced: Feb. 8, 2001 Committee: House Government Reform, Small Business Description: H.R. 541 would amend the Paperwork Reduction Act in an effort to minimize the federal paperwork demands placed on small businesses, educational and nonprofit institutions, federal contractors, state and local governments and others. The bill would give people the choice of submitting and maintaining information electronically rather than on paper.
H.R. 561, Election Reform Commission Act Sponsor: Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich. Introduced: Feb. 13, 2001 Committee: House Administration, Judiciary Description: H.R. 561 would establish a Bipartisan Commission on Election Reform to study and make recommendations on issues affecting the conduct and administration of elections. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 749, Paperwork Elimination Act Sponsor: Rep. Sue Kelly, R-N.Y. Introduced: Feb. 27, 2001 Committee: House Government Reform, Small Business Description: H.R. 749 would amend the Paperwork Reduction Act in an effort to minimize the federal paperwork demands imposed on small businesses, educational and nonprofit institutions, federal contractors, state and local governments and others. It would promote the use of alternative information technologies, including e-signatures, toward that end. Bill sponsor Sue Kelly, R-N.Y., also introduced a similar measure, H.R. 541.
H.R. 752, American Voting Standards and Technology Act Sponsor: Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. Introduced: Feb. 27, 2001 Committee: House Science, Administration, Judiciary Description: H.R. 752 would develop voluntary consensus standards to ensure the accuracy and validation of the voting process. The bill would require the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to study voter participation and emerging voting technology. It also would authorize grants to states for improving voting methods. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 775, Voting Improvement Act Sponsor: Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Introduced: Feb. 28, 2001 Committee: House Administration, Government Reform Description: H.R. 775 would authorize aid to state and local governments in an effort to overhaul the federal election system. The bill would establish an Election Administration Commission and authorize it to make election-related grants. The panel also would be tasked with developing a model election code. Bill sponsor Steny Hoyer, D-Md., is a co-chairman of the House Democratic Caucus' Special Committee on Election Reform. His measure was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 782, People's Access to Government Information Act Sponsor: Rep. Phil English, R-Pa. Introduced: Feb. 28, 2001 Committee: House Government Reform Description: H.R. 782 would require the Commerce Department to create a searchable Internet site that would feature information on federal financial aid. The site would include information on grants, loans, loan guarantees, scholarships and fellowships available through numerous federal agencies.
H.R. 829, National Election Standards Act Sponsor: Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla. Introduced: March 1, 2001 Committee: House Administration, Judiciary Description: H.R. 829 would require the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to set uniform national standards for federal election procedures and change the federal Election Day. The bill would authorize the FEC to make grants to states to help pay for implementing the new election standards. It calls for $100,000 each year from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2011. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 920, 21st Century Election Rules and Technology Act Sponsor: Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Texas Introduced: March 7, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 920 would establish the Federal Elections Review Commission to study the nature and consequences of the federal electoral process and to make recommendations to ensure the integrity of elections. One key aspect of the panel's work would be to study and report on voting technology.
H.R. 1025, Voting Equipment Modernization Act Sponsor: Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio Introduced: March 14, 2001 Committees: House Ways and Means, Administration Description: H.R. 1025 would add a check-off box to federal income-tax returns to allow Americans to designate up to $2 of their taxes toward defraying the cost of replacing antiquated voting machines. The check-off would be patterned after the longstanding check-off box for presidential campaign funding and, as with it, checking the box would not increase a person's federal tax. Funds collected from the program would be distributed, based on population, to each state's newly created Election Administration Improvement Fund.
H.R. 1151, Voting Opportunity through Technology and Education (VOTE) Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I. Introduced: March 21, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 1151 would require the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to develop voluntary standards on making polling places and voting technology more accessible to the disabled and the elderly. The bill would authorize $800 million over four years for grants to help states improve accessibility and to educate poll workers and voters. It also would require the FEC to provide to Congress statistics on the accessibility of voting technology nationwide. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 1165, Election Voting Systems Standards Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Barcia, D-Mich. Introduced: March 22, 2001 Committee: House Science Description: H.R. 1165 would create a commission to develop technology-neutral performance-based standards for all voting equipment and systems. The Election Voting Systems Standards Commission would be led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The bill also would establish a National Election Systems Standards Laboratory to study Internet voting, among other things. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 1170, Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. Introduced: March 22, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, Administration Description: H.R. 1170 seeks to overhaul the U.S. election system. Among other things, the bill would require states to adopt uniform statewide standards for voting machinery by 2004 in an effort to eliminate disenfranchisement that could result from faulty technology. The measure also would create a commission to study voting technology and other issues, including ways to provide voting access to people with disabilities. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 1377, Military Overseas Voter Empowerment Act Sponsor: Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas Introduced: April 3, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Veterans' Affairs, Judiciary, Armed Services Description: H.R. 1377 would request that the Defense secretary explore options for upgrading voting technology used by military personnel in federal elections. The bill also would expand a pilot program to increase military personnel's access to electronic balloting and make over military-related voting reforms. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 1443, IRS Refund Accessibility Act Sponsor: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas Introduced: April 4, 2001 Committee: House Ways and Means Description: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas
H.R. 1482, Make Every Vote Count Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I. Introduced: April 4, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Veterans' Affairs Description: H.R. 1482 would authorize a $1 billion federal grant program to modernize state voting equipment, increase poll-worker training and improve absentee voting. Bill sponsor Jim Langevin, D-R.I., introduced a related bill, H.R. 1151. The two measures were among several filed in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 1997, Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. Introduced: May 24, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 1997 would make ballots and voter applications and registrations available on the Internet for military and other U.S. personnel located overseas. The measure would not call for Internet voting but would allow overseas voters to fax back their ballots to decrease mail time.
H.R. 2275, Voting Technology Standards Act Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich. Introduced: June 21, 2001 Committee: House Science Description: H.R. 2275 seeks to ensure voting technology is accurate, secure, reliable and easy to use. The bill would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop updated standards for such equipment in an effort to prevent voter fraud by computer hackers, among other things.
H.R. 2398, State Voting Procedures and Administration Modernization Act Sponsor: Rep. Karen McCarthy, D-Mo. Introduced: June 28, 2000 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 2398 would create a five-year grant program designed to help state and local governments update their voting equipment and procedures. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H.R. 2458, E-Government Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Turner, D-Texas Introduced: July 11, 2001 Committee: House Government Reform Final Action: Signed into law (PL 107-) Description: H.R. 2458 would create the post of federal chief information officer (CIO) and have the person who fills the job report to the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. Bill sponsor Jim Turner, D-Texas, introduced a related bill in 2000, but the Clinton administration opposed it. The Bush administration also has made clear that it does not want a senior-level CIO. Turner said his new bill "makes that concession" to the White House.
H.R. 2748, National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act Sponsor: Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif. Introduced: Aug. 2, 2001 Committees: House Veterans' Affairs, Resources Description: H.R. 2748 would authorize the establishment of a national database to identify the thousands of war and veterans' memorials in the United States. The National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database, to be publicly accessible on the Veterans Affairs Department's Web site, would provide details on the location and history of the memorials, as well as related photographs and other information. No fewer than 1,000 memorials would have to be listed, and the government could enlist the aid of RVETS, a nonprofit group that has been cataloguing the more than 8,000 war and veterans' memorials. The bill would authorize $3.2 million for the project.
H.R. 2951, Aviation Security Act Sponsor: Rep. Greg Ganske, R-Iowa Introduced: Sept. 25, 2001 Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R. 2951 seeks to improve airport security by requiring that the workers who screen customers, baggage and cargo be federal employees. The bill also would authorize grants to help small airports buy better metal detectors, scanning equipment and other security devices. A similar Senate measure, S. 1473, was introduced.
H.R. 2965, Criminal Alien Visa Denial Act Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. Introduced: Sept. 25, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 2965 would require the attorney general and FBI director to give the State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) access to criminal history databases. The goal of the bill is to help the State Department and INS identify visa applicants who have criminal histories in an effort to prevent terrorism from abroad. It would require that the information be extracted from the larger crime databases and periodically updated for immigration use. A Senate companion bill, S. 1452, was introduced.
H.R. 2973, Medicare Innovation Responsiveness Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn. Introduced: Oct. 2, 2001 Committees: House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 2973 would establish an Office of Technology and Innovation within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The office's mission would be to promote beneficiaries' access to new medical technologies.
H.R. 3025, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va. Introduced: Oct. 4, 2001 Committee: House Armed Services Description: H.R. 3025 would allow state and local governments to buy counter-terrorism equipment from the Defense Department. Bill sponsor Randy Forbes, R-Va., said the bill seeks to give state and local police and firefighters access to the best technology because they are usually the first on the scene of national emergencies.
H.R. 3052, Visa Information Security Act Sponsor: Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas Introduced: Oct. 5, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3052 would require machine-readable biometric identifiers such as fingerprints on the visas of foreigners entering the United States. The State Department and attorney general would have to crosscheck the identifiers against criminal databases before issuing visas.
H.R. 3101, Aviation Security Technology Enhancement Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah Introduced: Oct. 11, 2001 Committees: House Science, and Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R. 3101 seeks to heighten aviation security by requiring the use of technologies such as fingerprint identification, face, hand and voice recognition, and retinal scanning. The bill would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for biometric and other technologies in an effort to ensure their widespread use in identifying airline passenger and checking their bags, and in restricting airport employee access to in certain areas. It also would require federal officials to field test the technologies in airports.
H.R. 3120, Airline Check for Terrorist Act Sponsor: Rep. Ric Keller, R-Fla. Introduced: Oct. 12, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3120 would require the FBI to study the feasibility of giving airlines computer access to federal records on suspected terrorists so they could crosscheck those records with lists of airline passengers. The bill would authorize $250,000 a year over two years for the study, and the FBI would have to report to Congress by Dec. 31, 2002.
H.R. 3129, Customs Border Security Act Sponsor: Rep. Philip Crane, R-Ill. Introduced: Oct. 16, 2001 Committee: House Ways and Means Description: H.R. 3129 would mandate an electronic system to allow federal officials to crosscheck commercial passenger lists against databases of information on terrorists and other criminals. The bill, which would reauthorize the Customs Service, would require that "manifests" be filed for all cargo and passengers entering the United States by air, land or water-based commercial carrier. Currently, providing such information is voluntary. The measure also would authorize $10 million for Customs' cyber-smuggling center, which is a key agency in the effort to protect children from online sexual predators.
H.R. 3165, Aviation Security Act II Sponsor: Rep. Greg Ganske, R-Iowa Introduced: Oct. 24, 2001 Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R. 3165 encompasses the Senate-passed version of aviation security legislation, which includes language on using computers and other technologies to screen passengers.
H.R. 3178, Water Infrastructure Security and Research Development Act Sponsor: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y. Introduced: Oct. 30, 2001 Committee: House Science Description: H.R. 3178 would authorize funds toward protecting computers and other critical infrastructure affiliated with the nation's water supply. The bill, passed by voice vote in the House on Dec. 18, 2001, would authorize $12 million each year over the next five years to accomplish its goal. A Senate companion measure, S. 1593, also was introduced.
H.R. 3181, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Michael Bilirakis, R-Fla. Introduced: Oct. 30, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3181 would overhaul the system for granting visas to foreigners to study at U.S. colleges. The bill would place a nine-month moratorium on such visas and then require that future visas include machine-readable biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, so port authorities could crosscheck visa holders against the names listed in criminal databases. The measure was one of several introduced in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and a similar measure, H.R. 3221, was introduced the same week.
H.R. 3198, Agricultural Terrorism Prevention and Response Act Sponsor: Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla. Introduced: Oct. 31, 2001 Committee: House Agriculture Description: H.R. 3198 seeks to protect the nation's food supply from chemical or bioterrorism. Among other things, the bill would create an Interagency Agricultural Terrorism Committee to coordinate the counter-terrorism activities of the Agriculture Department, the Customs Service, the Food and Drug Administration and state agriculture departments. The panel's duties would include protecting the critical infrastructure related to the food supply. The measure was one of several, including S. 1593, H.R. 3178 and H.R. 3219, targeted at bolstering the critical infrastructure of various sectors.
H.R. 3205, Enhanced Border Security Act Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. Introduced: Nov. 1, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary, Intelligence, International Relations, Government Reform, Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R.3205 is an omnibus measure that seeks to enhance U.S. border security and thus combat terrorism. The bill would require law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share information on potential terrorists with the State Department and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). It also would use technology to track foreign students as they travel the nation, and to check immigrants' palm prints at airports and borders. And the measure would authorize the State Department to raise fees through the use of machine-readable visas and use the funds to improve technology at U.S. ports. Other technology-related provisions would: give more direction to the INS on establishing an automated exit/entry control system for foreign visitors; require airlines to electronically transmit to law enforcement the passenger and crew lists for all flights arriving in the United States; and fully implement the use of biometric border-crossing cards and the machines to read them. A Senate companion measure, S. 1618, and another related Senate bill, S. 1627, also were introduced.
H.R. 3219, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. John Linder, R-Ga. Introduced: Nov. 1, 2001 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R.3219 seeks to protect the critical infrastructure of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The building would authorize $300 million a year over five years toward upgrading or constructing new, high-tech facilities designed to help the CDC combat and respond to bioterrorism.
H.R. 3220, Secure Transportation for America Act Sponsor: Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas Introduced: Nov. 1, 2001 Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure, Judiciary, Ways and Means, Rules Description: H.R.3220 aims to improve aviation security. Among other things, the bill would require airlines to electronically transmit lists of the passengers and crew on their flights to the Transportation Department. The lists would have to include names, birth dates and other identifying information. The measure also would provide tax credits for certain improvements to airport security, including the installation of voice-stress analysis and other technologies, the enhanced use of computer profiling to screen passengers and property, and the addition of technology to screen employees and police entering secure areas.
H.R. 3221, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Marge Roukema, R-N.J. Introduced: Nov. 1, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R.3221 would overhaul the student visa program by imposing stricter reporting requirements and a nine-month moratorium on the program. Measures with similar language, including H.R. 3181, S. 1618 and S. 1627, also were introduced after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which were carried out in part by hijackers who entered the United States on student visas.
H.R. 3229, Visa Entry Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif. Introduced: Nov. 6, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, International Relations, Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R. 3229 seeks to enhance U.S. border security. The bill would connect law enforcement with a centralized database, upgrade technologies used to prevent fraud and illegal entry by immigrants, and impose new restrictions on student visas to prevent misuse of the program. It also would require airlines to electronically transmit passenger and crew information to U.S. authorities so they could crosscheck the names against criminal databases. A Senate companion bill, S. 1627, also was introduced, as were competing measures, S. 1618 and H.R. 3205.
H.R. 3231, Immigration Reform and Accountability Act Sponsor: Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Introduced: Nov. 6, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3231 would overhaul the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service by splitting it into two separate agencies, one for providing immigration services and the other, the Immigration Affairs Bureau, for preventing illegal border crossings and prosecuting violators. The bill also would create an Office of Shared Services to oversee facilities, information resources, and records needed by both components.
H.R. 3285, Federal-Local Information Sharing Partnership Act Sponsor: Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y. Introduced: Nov. 13, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, Intelligence, Financial Services, and Education and the Workforce Description: H.R. 3285 would let federal agencies share information about terrorist threats with local police. The bill would expand the information-sharing concept codified in a 2001 anti-terrorism law that allows agencies such as the FBI and CIA to share intelligence information with each other. Neither H.R. 3285 nor its Senate companion measure, S. 1615, would require federal-local interaction, but they would allow federal agencies to share any terrorist-related information they intercept electronically or otherwise.
H.R. 3292, Medication Errors Reduction Act Sponsor: Rep. Amo Houghton, R-N.Y. Introduced: Nov. 14, 2001 Committees: House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 3292 would authorize a $1 billion grant program for skilled-nursing facilities in an effort to help them reduce medication errors. The grants could be used to improve computer software and hardware or staff training, with 20 percent of the funds being reserved for rural hospitals whose tighter budgets often keep them from buying the latest technology.
H.R. 3295, Help America Vote Act Sponsor: Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio Introduced: Nov. 14, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Judiciary, Science, Government Reform, Armed Services Final Action: Signed into law (PL 107-252) Description: H.R. 3295 would authorize $2.65 billion for election reform over three years. About $2.25 billion of the proposed funding would help states meet minimum standards, with money for voter education, poll-worker training and other programs. It would require states to match 25 percent of the cost. An additional $400 million would be available for an immediate buyout of the punch-card voting systems that sparked controversy in Florida's 2000 presidential election. The bill also would authorize funds to help precincts enhance current voting equipment. The House passed the bill on a 362-63 vote Dec. 12, 2001.
H.R. 3323, Administrative Simplification Compliance Act Sponsor: Rep. David Hobson, R-Ohio Introduced: Nov. 16, 2001 Committees: House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means Final Action: Signed into law (PL 107-105) Description: H.R. 3323 gives healthcare organizations another year to adopt a single, computerized form. The 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act imposed the mandate for the unified system. Under H.R. 3323, the deadline to comply is Oct. 16, 2003. To qualify for the extension, organizations must submit by the original deadline plans on how they will comply with the mandate by the new deadline. The House passed the legislation on a 410-0 vote Dec. 4, 2001. The Senate cleared the measure by voice vote Dec. 12, and President Bush signed it into law Dec. 27. Similar Senate bills, S. 1684 and S. 1588, were introduced.
H.R. 3353, 911.Gov Act Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. Introduced: Nov. 27, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3353 would require the White House's homeland security director to create a Web site that would allow Americans to submit information on suspicious activities and serve as a portal to the Internet homes of other federal agencies that collect such information. The address for the site would be www.911.gov.
H.R. 3435, Empowering Local First Responders To Fight Terrorism Act Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. Introduced: Dec. 6, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R. 3435 would authorize grants to the local police, fire and emergency personnel who typically are the "first responders" to terrorism and other emergencies. The local agencies that qualify for the grants could use the money to buy technology, among other things. The bill also would authorize the U.S. attorney general's office to establish regional centers to train first responders.
H.R. 3437, Port and Maritime Security Act Sponsor: Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fla. Introduced: Dec. 6, 2001 Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure, Judiciary, Armed Services Description: H.R. 3437 seeks to make the nation's seaports more secure. The bill would require the creation of a federal port-security task force and local seaport security committees overseen by the Coast Guard. The text of the measure lists investments in "non-intrusive" security technology, harmonized data collection on seaport-related theft and better communication among law enforcement agencies involved in seaport protection among its goals.
H.R. 3448, Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act Sponsor: Rep. W.J. (Billy) Tauzin, R-La. Introduced: Dec. 11, 2001 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R.3448 aims to improve the United States' ability to prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The bill includes language that would require community water systems serving more than 3,300 people to assess the risks of terrorism against their computers and other systems. It also would require: special training for health officials; the dissemination of teaching materials via telecommunications and other means; and the creation of a database to identify officials who are specially trained to respond to bioterrorism. The food industry, meanwhile, would have to grant federal investigators access to records, including electronic ones, after an attack. The House passed the bill on a 418-2 vote Dec. 12, 2001, and the Senate passed an amended version Dec. 20.
H.R. 3458, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz. Introduced: Dec. 11, 2001 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R.3458 would authorize the creation of an emergency medical-alert network and a system for disseminating educational materials on nuclear, biological or chemical attacks against the nation. Under the bill, educational organizations could receive grants to develop materials to make health officials aware of biological, chemical and nuclear threats. The information could be disseminated via long-distance learning, telemedicine and other means. Similar language was included in a broader bioterrorism bill, H.R. 3448.
H.R. 3481, Ensuring Congressional Security and Continuity Act Sponsor: Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I. Introduced: Dec. 13, 2001 Committees: House Administration, Science Description: H.R. 3481 would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to study the possibility of a secure computer system for remote voting by members of Congress.
H.R. 3483, Intergovernmental Law Enforcement Information Sharing Act Sponsor: Rep. Steve Horn, R-Calif. Introduced: Dec. 13, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3483 seeks to enhance the sharing of law enforcement information at the federal, state and local levels. The bill would require the attorney general to conduct background checks on governors, mayors and senior police officials at the state and local levels so they can be given access to classified information compiled by the federal government. The attorney general also would be tasked with ensuring that government information systems are secure enough for sharing information on terrorism and other crimes.
H.R. 3491, Ballistic Imaging Evaluation and Study Act Sponsor: Rep. Melissa Hart, R-Pa. Introduced: Dec. 13, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3491 would authorize a study on the effectiveness of ballistic imaging technology and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network as law enforcement tools. Ballistic imaging analyzes bullets and cartridges to determine what gun was used to fire the bullets. The study would assess the technology and compare the cost and merits of maintaining the national network versus retaining and sharing information collected by various state-mandated systems.
H.R. 3494, Use NICS in Terrorist Investigations Act Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. Introduced: Dec. 13, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 3494 would give the FBI access to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for certain investigations. The goal of the bill is to allow audits in order to detect fraud and misuse of the system, and to protect its privacy and security. A Senate companion bill, S. 1788, also was introduced.
H.R. 3515, International Student Responsibility Act Sponsor: Rep. George Miller, D-Calif. Introduced: Dec. 18, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, Education and the Workforce Description: H.R.3515 would overhaul the program that grants visas to foreign students so they can study at U.S. colleges. The bill was introduced after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, which involved at least one terrorist admitted on a student visa. Among other things, the measure would authorize more resources to help the Immigration and Naturalization Service create an electronic database for tracking foreign students and to use the database aggressively. Similar language was included in an omnibus border-security bill, H.R. 3525, the House passed Dec. 19, and similar bills, including H.R. 3043, H.R. 3181 and H.R. 3221, were introduced.
H.R. 3520, Electronic Duck Stamp Act Sponsor: Rep. W.J. (Billy) Tauzin, R-La. Introduced: Dec. 18, 2001 Committee: House Resources Description: H.R.3520 would authorize the electronic issuance of migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps. Under the bill, hunters could go online to pay for their permits, and they would be issued a temporary code in place of a permanent license. The code would be good for 14 calendar days.
H.R. 3525, Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Introduced: Dec. 19, 2001 Committees: House Judiciary, Intelligence, International Relations, Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R.3525 is an omnibus bill that seeks to enhance U.S. border security. Among other things, the measure would require the Immigration and Naturalization Service to strengthen its computer-based system for tracking foreign students who receive visas to attend U.S. colleges. The bill also would give immigration officials electronic access to law enforcement and intelligence information on potential immigrants, and it would authorize $150 million to upgrade technology at U.S. borders. A similar Senate measure, S. 1749, was introduced, as were other related measures, S. 1618, S. 1627 and H.R. 3205.
H.R. 3555, United States Security (USA) Act Sponsor: Rep. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. Introduced: Dec. 20, 2001 Committees: House Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and the Workforce, Government Reform, Ways and Means, Armed Services, International Relations, Intelligence, Financial Services, Judiciary Description: H.R.3555 is a broad-based anti-terrorism bill that, among other things, seeks to: enhance technology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Customs Service and the Postal Service; mandate real-time information on terrorism for travelers; foster information sharing among law enforcement officials at all levels of government; and bolster research and development of anti-terrorism technologies for the Defense Department. The measure would authorize $24 billion overall.
H.R. 3572, Medicare Remote Monitoring Services Coverage Act Sponsor: Rep. Richard Burr, R-N.C. Introduced: Dec. 20, 2001 Committees: House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means Description: H.R.3572 would allow healthcare providers to electronically collect and transmit clinical data on their patients and have those "remote monitoring services" covered under Medicare. Existing Medicare payment systems are based primarily on face-to-face interactions between doctors and patients, so it is difficult for doctors to be reimbursed for the services they offer patients by remote technology. The technology is part of a larger medical trend to use the Internet to monitor the chronically ill while finding ways to reduce healthcare costs.
H.R. 3597, Keep America Secure Act Sponsor: Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y. Introduced: Dec. 20, 2001 Committee: House Armed Services Description: H.R.3597 would prohibit the Defense secretary from purchasing equipment that contains certain electronic components made outside the United States. The bill would cover integrated chips, communications equipment, search and navigation systems, and any software associated with such products.
H.R. 3825, Homeland Security Information Sharing Act Sponsor: Rep. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. Introduced: Feb. 28, 2002 Committee: House Intelligence, Judiciary and Government Reform Description: H.R. 3825 aims to increase the sharing of security-related information among federal, state and local intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The bill would require the president to proscribe the development of information-sharing procedures within six months of passage and would mandate that agencies use existing technologies to convert intelligence into an easily shared format. The bill also would increase the number of security clearances at the state and local levels so that classified information could be more broadly shared.
H.R. 3832, Services Acquisition Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Introduced: March 4, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform, Armed Services Description: H.R. 3832 aims to improve federal procurement of services by encouraging training and increasing recruitment of individuals in acquisitions positions. The bill would require agencies to appoint chief acquisitions officers and would mandate a study of laws that impact acquisition programs and inter-agency contracts. The head of the General Services Administration could provide federal supply schedules for data-processing equipment and software to state and local government. Also, agency heads could research projects designed to combat cyber attacks and other types of terrorism.
H.R. 3833, Dot-Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act Sponsor: Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill. Introduced: March 4, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Final Action: Signed into law (PL 107-317) Description: H.R. 3833 would create a second-level Internet domain-name suffix -- .kids.us -- that would be open only to material aimed at children and families who use the Internet. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration would ask an independent review board to determine the eligibility of material for use under the domain. The House passed the bill by a vote of 406-2 on May 21, 2002.
H.R. 3843, Federal Information Technology Workforce and Acquisition Improvement Act Sponsor: Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind. Introduced: March 5, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform Description: H.R. 3843 encompasses three separate proposals involving government contracting and federal employees. First, the bill would extend authority under the 1996 Clinger-Cohen Act that simplified the procedures for government purchases of commercial items. That language is set to expire Jan. 1, 2003, and the bill would change the timeline to Jan. 1, 2008. The bill also would create a program for exchanging information technology between the government and private sector, allowing one-year assignments to the private sector for government IT employees and vice versa. And it would allow employees of federal contractors to telecommute. Three other measures -- H.R. 3921, H.R. 3924 and H.R. 3925 -- would tackle the issues raised in H.R. 3843 separately. The House passed all three of those measures.
H.R. 3921, Acquisition Streamlining Improvement Act Sponsor: Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind. Introduced: March 11, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform Final Action: Passed by the House Description: H.R. 3921 would extend authority under the 1996 Clinger-Cohen Act that simplified the procedures for government purchases of commercial items. That language is set to expire Jan. 1, 2003, and the bill would change the timeline to Jan. 1, 2005. The House passed the legislation by voice vote on April 9, 2002. Language that would extend the authority under the Clinger-Cohen Act until Jan. 1, 2008, is included in a broader bill, H.R. 3843.
H.R. 3924, Freedom to Telecommute Act Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Introduced: March 12, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform Final Action: Passed by the House Description: H.R. 3924 would prohibit contractors from being excluded from bidding on government projects just because their plans include employee telecommuting, except if the necessities of the job, including national security, require otherwise. The House passed the measure on a 421-0 vote on March 20, 2002. Similar language is included in a broader bill, H.R. 3843.
H.R. 3925, Digital Tech Corps Act of 2002 Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Introduced: March 12, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform, Judiciary, Ways and Means Final Action: Passed by the House Description: H.R. 3925 would allow the temporary exchange of technology professionals between the public and private sectors to promote the development of technological expertise. Program participants would have to be extraordinary individuals specializing in information technology who would be expected to assume increased responsibility in the future. The worker exchanges would last between six months and one year, with possible three-month extensions adding up to two years. The House passed the measure by voice vote on April 10, 2002. Similar language is included in a broader bill, H.R. 3843.
H.R. 4061, Nationwide Health Tracking Act Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-N.Y. Introduced: March 20, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 4061 would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop national and state health-tracking networks to monitor increases in the incidence of chronic diseases and their relationship to environmental risk factors. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Health and Human Services Department would establish the Commission on Nationwide Health Tracking, which would coordinate the tracking networks' efforts. In addition to monitoring and analyzing disease activity, the networks would establish response systems and recruit and train public health employees. A Senate companion bill, S. 2054, also was introduced.
H.R. 4611, National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act Sponsor: Rep. John Olver, D-Mass. Introduced: April 25, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 4611 would require manufacturers to report their "greenhouse" gas emissions annually to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and that agency would have to publish the list on its Web site. The bill also would create a second registry to track information on emissions-reduction efforts voluntarily reported by companies. Currently, companies can voluntarily submit emissions data, but the bill would require that any company emitting over 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent report to the EPA. Similar Senate legislation, S. 1870, was introduced.
H.R. 4757, Our Lady of Peace Act Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. Introduced: May 16, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 4757 would strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System in an attempt to prevent criminals from purchasing guns. It would require federal agencies and states to submit information to the Justice Department on people who are ineligible to purchase guns. Mental health information is specifically listed as part of the requirement, and the bill is named for a church where a mentally disturbed gunman killed two parishioners. Under the legislation, those states that do not comply with the condition would lose some federal crime-prevention funding. The bill would authorize up to $250 million in grants for states to update their criminal databases. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill in July 2002.
H.R. 4779, Customs Border Security Act Sponsor: Rep. Philip Crane, R-Ill. Introduced: May 21, 2002 Committee: House Ways and Means Description: H.R. 4779 would authorize programs at the Customs Service, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and International Trade Commission programs from fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2004. Technology-related authorizations for Customs would include money for: the Automated Commercial Environment computer system that tracks all commercial imports; targeting software to read license plates; and the Child Cyber-Smuggling Center that aims to prevent child pornography and sexual exploitation of children. The bill also would require the operators of cargo vessels to provide electronic manifests of the goods they are carrying before they could enter the United States.
H.R. 4864, Anti-Terrorism Explosives Act Sponsor: Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Introduced: June 5, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 4864 would require anyone who wishes to use explosives to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Companies that work with explosives would have to conduct background checks on all employees and submit samples of their explosives for government tracking. ATF uses a database called the Arson and Explosives Incidents System to trace stolen and recovered explosive material and military ordnance. The bureau also oversees the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS), which facilitates and promotes the collection and sharing of information on fire, arson and explosives information among participating agencies. As presently envisioned, law enforcers with access to the National Crime Information Center could access BATS via desktop computer and the Internet.
H.R. 5007, Untitled Sponsor: John Langevin, D-R.I. Introduced: June 24, 2002 Committee: House Administration Description: H.R. 5007 would require a study into the possibility of creating an electronic communications system that would enable Congress to continue its work after a terrorist attack or other emergency. The bill would require the National Academy of Sciences to research the feasibility and cost of such a system and the Librarian of Congress to identify constitutional or procedural obstacles that could arise. A report would have to be submitted within one year.
H.R. 5023, Dirty-Bomb Prevention Act Sponsor: Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. Introduced: June 26, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 5023 seeks to protect the nation from low-tech nuclear devices known as "dirty bombs" that could contaminate small areas if exploded. The bill would create a national system to track certain hazardous materials called "sealed sources" that are used to manufactures such bombs. The legislation also would require the National Academy of Sciences to research alternative technologies to sealed sources. A Senate companion bill, S. 2684, also was introduced.
H.R. 5073, Immigration Security and Efficiency Enhancement Act Sponsor: Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif. Introduced: July 9, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 5073 aims to streamline the immigration process by directing the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to allow electronic submissions. The system would allow INS to avoid manual verifications of properly completed applications. The bill would not allow applicants to file by personal computer but instead would create certified intermediary organizations to help the applicants to submit forms. The legislation, introduced in response to INS failures such as granting student visas to terrorists, also would require the National Records Center to maintain a file of all completed immigration applications.
H.R. 5094, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. Introduced: July 11, 2002 Committee: House Government Reform Description: H.R. 5094 would establish a Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, a nine-person panel that would study accounting standards for federal agencies. The board would investigate how best to stop misreporting or errors in agencies' financial statements.
H.R. 5169, Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act Sponsor: Don Young, R-Alaska Introduced: July 22, 2002 Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H.R.5169 seeks to improve the security of wastewater treatment facilities. The bill would require officials assess the vulnerability of electronic, computer and other automated systems, among other things, at the facilities. The security of computer systems also would have to be upgraded.
H.R.5233, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Web-Based Enrollment Act Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Introduced: July 25, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R.5233 seeks to encourage Web-based enrollment systems in the state children's health-insurance program (SCHIP). States currently receive federal money under SCHIP to provide health assistance to uninsured, low-income children. The bill would allow states to use that money to Internet-based systems so people could apply for benefits online.
H.R. 5262, Save Our Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas Introduced: July 26, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 5262 would require the attorney general to create a separate database with DNA information on violent predators of children. Under the bill, federal, state and local officials could submit information for the database and access it to compare information. The measure would cover criminals found guilty of violence, including sex crimes, against people younger than 18. The legislation was introduced after the high-profile abduction, sexual assault and murder of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion in July 2001.
H.R. 5387, Federal Bureau of Investigation Reform Act Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. Introduced: Sept. 17, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary, Government Reform Description: H.R. 5387 would overhaul the FBI, which plays a key anti-terrorism role. The bill would require the hiring of a security director at the agency, as well as other security jobs overseeing issues such as information systems security and counter-surveillance measures. The Justice Department's inspector general also would have to audit the FBI's technology and computer-security systems. And the measure would authorize $22.5 million over three years to help the department's Office of Intelligence Policy and Review enhance security at computer and telecommunications facilities and meet other anti-terrorism demands.
H.R. 5435, Improved Medical Malpractice Information reporting And Competition Act Sponsor: Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. Introduced: Sept. 24, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 5435 seeks to broaden public access to and widen the scope of information gathered on medical-malpractice lawsuits and insurance policies and premiums. The measure would create an Office of Health Care Competition Policy within the Health and Human Services Department, and give that office authority over the National Practitioner Data Bank (http://www.npdb-hipdb.com/npdb.html). That database facilitates reviews of healthcare practitioners' credentials, including their professional licenses and their malpractice payment history, and record of clinical privileges. The information currently is available only to qualified healthcare officials. The bill would make more data available to the public via the Internet.
H.R. 5503, National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act Sponsor: Rep. Edward Whitfield, R-Ky. Introduced: Sept. 30, 2002 Committee: House Energy and Commerce Description: H.R. 5503 seeks to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs. The legislation would establish a national database that healthcare practitioners could access to monitor when other officials prescribe the covered drugs. A Senate companion bill, S. 3033, also was introduced.
H.R. 5524, Global Internet Freedom Act Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif. Introduced: Oct. 2, 2002 Committee: House International Relations Description: H.R. 5524 seeks to stop governments from blocking Internet that sites they deem inappropriate. Filed in response to news reports of China's decision to prevent Internet users there from accessing the search engines Google.com and AltaVista.com, the bill calls for the United States to develop a comprehensive global strategy to halt such Internet "jamming" and censorship. The Office of Global Internet Freedom would use private and government funds to help Internet users avoid government censors and state persecution.
H.R. 5585, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del. Introduced: Oct. 9, 2002 Committee: House Education and the Workforce Description: H.R. 5585 seeks to improve the system for collecting, evaluating and disseminating statistics on the educational system. President Bush signed a related measure, H.R. 3801, into law in November 2002. Other measures on the topic include H.R. 5598 and S. 2969.
H.R. 5598, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del. Introduced: Oct. 10, 2002 Committee: House Education and the Workforce Description: H.R. 5598 seeks to improve the system for collecting, evaluating and disseminating statistics on the educational system. The House passed the bill by voice vote Oct. 10, 2002, but President Bush ultimately signed a related measure, H.R. 3801, into law in November. Other measures on the topic include H.R. 5585 and S. 2969.
H.R. 5647, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. Introduced: Oct. 16, 2002 Committee: House Armed Services Final Action: Signed into law (PL 107-254) Description: H.R. 5647 would extend the contract for building a Navy-Marine Corp intranet from five years to seven years. The bill would accommodate delays the Navy is facing in creating the online communications network with the Marine Corp under a contract with EDS. The House passed the measure by voice vote Oct. 16, 2002, and the Senate cleared it, also by voice vote, the next day. President Bush signed the legislation into law Oct. 29.
H.R. 5663, Ballistics, Law Assistance and Safety Technology (BLAST) Act Sponsor: Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif. Introduced: Oct. 16, 2002 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H.R. 5663 would allow ballistics testing of all new firearms, require ballistics testing of all weapons currently in the custody of federal agencies, and add ballistics testing to current firearms enforcement programs in order to identify guns used in crimes. The bill was introduced in response to the high-profile sniper shootings in the Washington area in October 2002.
H. Con. Res. 5 Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas Introduced: Jan. 3, 2001 Committee: House Administration Description: H. Con. Res. 5 would express the sense of Congress that states should adopt uniform voting procedures for presidential elections. It proposes uniform procedures for registration, absentee voting, early voting and voting hours on Election Day. The measure was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-counting controversy in the 2000 presidential election.
H. Res. 48 Sponsor: Rep. Mark Green, R-Wis. Introduced: Feb. 14, 2001 Committee: House Judiciary Description: H. Res. 48 would require the House Clerk to post on the official House Web site all publicly disclosed lobbying registrations and reports required under a 1995 law. The clerk would have 60 days after receiving the documents to put them online.
H. Res. 369 Sponsor: Rep. Harold Rogers, R-Ky. Introduced: March 13, 2002 Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure Description: H. Res. 369 seeks to draw attention to the technologies that comprise "intelligent transportation systems" (ITS). The systems rely on technology to try to reduce traffic congestion, improve driver safety, provide information for travelers, facilitate emergency response and evacuation, and ensure the security of critical infrastructure, among other things. The resolution would express the House's support for the work of the recently created Intelligent Transportation Systems Caucus in Congress, which tries to educate lawmakers and their staff on ITS projects, and seeks the expansion of ITS.
H. Res. 430, Untitled Sponsor: Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. Introduced: May 23, 2002 Committee: House Administration Description: H. Res. 430 would express the sense of the House that lawmakers should label their Web sites to qualify for labels of the Internet Content Rating Association aimed at protecting children who view the sites.
Senate
S. 216, Commission on the Comprehensive Study of Voting Procedures Act Sponsor: Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa. Introduced: Jan. 30, 2001 Committee: Senate Rules and Administration Description: S. 216 would establish a commission for a yearlong study of voting procedures in federal elections. The bill would authorize the appointment of a six-member panel to determine which current voting procedures are the best. The panel also would determine the level of matching grants necessary to enable implementation of its recommendations.
S. 218, Election Reform Act Sponsor: Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Introduced: Jan. 30, 2001 Committee: Senate Rules and Administration Description: S. 218 would establish an Election Administration Commission to study U.S. elections and authorize grants for modernizing voting procedures and election administration. With the backing of groups like the Information Technology Association of America, the measure would mandate that the commission examine alternative forms of voting, such as more computer-based methods and Internet voting. The bill was one of several introduced in the wake of the vote-
