December 5, 2008
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House

H.R. 24, Bullet Tracing Act To Reduce Gun Violence
Sponsor: Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif.
Introduced: Jan. 7, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 24 would require that all firearms be tested before they are shipped to manufacturers and that the results of the tests be compiled in electronic form. The attorney general would compile the information and make it available for federal, state and local criminal investigations. The federal government would have to place upgraded, computerized ballistics equipment at the sites of licensed manufacturers and importers, and provide training for the personnel who would use the database.
H.R. 48, Global Internet Freedom Act
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif.
Introduced: Jan. 7, 2003
Committee: House International Relations
Description: H.R. 48 seeks to stop governments from blocking Internet sites that they deem inappropriate. Conceived after news reports of China's decision in 2002 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. 124, Handgun Licensing and Registration Act
Sponsor: Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J.
Introduced: Jan. 7, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 124 would require the attorney general to create a federal system for licensing and registering handguns. The system would have to contain information both on the people who own the handguns and on the weapons themselves, and the data would have to be easily retrieved.
S. 152, DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act
Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del.
Introduced: Jan. 14, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 152 would authorize more money to help law enforcement officials input DNA samples from convicted rapists into the Combined DNA Index System. The money also would be used to upgrade the database because it is nearing capacity.
H.R. 183, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y.
Introduced: Jan. 7, 2003
Committee: House Administration
Description: H.R. 183 would allow House members to donate used computer equipment to public elementary and secondary schools of the lawmakers' choice.
H.R. 362, National AMBER Alert Network Act
Sponsor: Rep. Joel Hefley, R-Colo.
Introduced: Jan. 27, 2003
Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Description: H.R.362 seeks to improve the alert system for retrieving missing children. The AMBER Alert System -- short for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response -- is named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old girl abducted in Arlington, Texas, and later found murdered. It involves bulletins, distributed through radio, television and electronic highway signs, about kidnapped children and their abductors. Under the bill, the program would receive $25 million in fiscal 2004, in part to help expand the AMBER system to the Internet. A similar Senate measure, S. 121, was introduced.
H.R.537, DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J.
Introduced: Feb. 5, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R.537 would authorize more money to help law enforcement officials input DNA samples from convicted rapists into the Combined DNA Index System. The money also would be used to upgrade the database because it is nearing capacity. A Senate companion bill, S. 152, also was introduced.
H.R. 889, Convicted Child Sex Offender DNA Index System Support Act
Sponsor: Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.
Introduced: Feb. 25, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 889 seeks to eliminate the backlog in performing DNA analyses on samples collected from convicted child sex offenders. The bill would give the FBI 45 days after enactment to develop a plan with state officials for addressing the backlog and enter data into the Combined DNA Index System. The measure would authorize $25 million each year from fiscal 2003 through fiscal 2005.
H.R. 1019, Freedom of Information in Vietnam Act
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif.
Introduced: Feb. 27, 2003
Committee: House International Relations
Description: H.R. 1019 targets information restrictions currently in place in Vietnam. The bill would designate money to combat state-sponsored Internet “jamming” in the country and the persecution of Internet users by the Vietnamese government. It also seeks to end the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam. A broader bill on Internet jamming, H.R. 48, also was introduced.
H.R. 1046, Debbie Smith Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Green, R-Wis.
Introduced: March 4, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 1046 would authorize more money to help law enforcement officials input DNA samples from convicted rapists into the Combined DNA Index System (http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/codis/index1.htm). The money also would be used to upgrade the database because it is nearing capacity. The bill is named after rape victim Debbie Smith, whose attacker was captured and convicted six years after the crime because of DNA evidence.
H.R. 1171, Iris Scan Security Act
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J.
Introduced: March 11, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 1171 would require law enforcement agencies to use iris-scanning technology for background checks on people wanting to purchase guns. The technology scans the iris, the colored ring that surrounds the pupil in the human eye, which has identifiable components much like a fingerprint. Lancaster County Prison in Pennsylvania first used the process in 1996 because the facility needs to release prisoners on short notice and could not wait for fingerprint tests.
H.R. 1197, Product Safety Notification and Recall Effectiveness Act
Sponsor: Rep. James Moran, D-Va.
Introduced: March 11, 2003
Committee: House Energy and Commerce
Description: S. 584 would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve the system for alerting consumers to recalls of child-related products. Under the bill, companies would identify the buyers of their products via registration, either by cards completed and mailed or by Internet. The information would be compiled in an accessible database to be used in the event of recalls. In March 2003, the commission refused to consider implementing such a rule on its own. A Senate companion bill, S. 584, also was introduced.
H.R. 1210, Holocaust Victims Insurance Relief Act
Sponsor: Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif.
Introduced: March 11, 2003
Committee: House Financial Services; Government Reform
Description: H.R. 1210 would establish the Holocaust Insurance Registry, a database of information on insurance policies that were in effect in areas under Nazi control between 1933 and 1945. The registry would be available and searchable via the Internet.
H.R. 1245, National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Registry Act
Sponsor: Rep. John Olver, D-Mass.
Introduced: March 12, 2003
Committee: House Energy and Commerce
Description: H.R. 1245 would create a registry about "greenhouse" gas emissions that are suspected of causing global warming. The dual aim of the bill is to inform the public about global warming and to help companies and policymakers identify cost-effective ways to reduce the emissions. Beginning in 2004, companies would have to start reporting their efforts to reduce emissions. A Senate companion bill, S. 194, also was introduced.
H.R. 1262, National AMBER Alert Improvement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla.
Introduced: March 13, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R 1262 seeks to improve the AMBER Alert system that states and localities use to notify the public about missing children, by Internet and other means. The system, short for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response, is named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old girl abducted in Arlington, Texas, and later found murdered. The bill would require the attorney general to appoint a coordinator for the system who, among other things, would have to train state and local officials how to use the technology related to the system and make grants designed to implement new technologies.
H.R. 1303, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas
Introduced: March 18, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 1303 seeks to strengthen the security and privacy of electronic documents in the U.S. court system. The bill would give the Judicial Conference the power to write privacy and security rules for filing electronic documents and making them publicly available.
H.R. 1464, Immigration Security and Efficiency Enhancement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif.
Introduced: March 27, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 1464 would revamp immigration process. Among other things, the bill calls for increased security via an electronic application process that uses certified filing entities and electronic applications. The applications would be processed using a central computer database, with the goal of having 75 percent of immigration applications filed online by 2011.
H.R. 1556, Corporate Accountability Tax Gap Act
Sponsor: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas
Introduced: April 2, 2003
Committee: House Ways and Means
Description: H.R. 1556 would amend the tax code to require corporations to electronically file their tax returns and make that information available online within 30 days of the filing. The companies would have to enable people to search the data on corporate income taxes, taxable income and employee stock options, among other things.
H.R. 1557, IRS Refund Accessibility Act
Sponsor: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas
Introduced: April 2, 2003
Committee: House Ways and Means
Description: H.R. 1557 would amend the tax code to let the Treasury secretary electronically contact people regarding their federal income-tax returns if they are due refunds.
H.R. 1705, DNA Database Enhancement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.
Introduced: April 9, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 1705 would require that law enforcement officers be able to compare the DNA samples that they collect with those in a national database.
H.R. 1837, Services Acquisition Reform Act
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va.
Introduced: April 29, 2003
Committees: House Government Reform; Armed Services
Description: H.R. 1837 would revamp the government's method of acquiring services. The bill would create a chief acquisition officer for federal agencies and a new fund to pay for procurement training for federal workers. Bill sponsor Tom Davis, R-Va., said the bill is necessary because the environment for products and services has become so technology-oriented that government workers no longer have the skills necessary to obtain the best value when contracting with outside suppliers.
H.R. 1888, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Gerald Kleczka, D-Wis.
Introduced: April 30, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform
Description: H.R. 1888 would require federal agencies to disclose details about federal contracts to reconstruct Iraq if the contracts are not opened to multiple bidders before being awarded. After the successful U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, some officials objected to the closed process for awarding certain federal contracts -- to rebuild the nation’s telecommunications system, for instance. If agencies award such contracts without opening them to competition, the bill would require that the agencies publicly disclose details such as the amount of the contracts, descriptions of their scope and the reasoning behind awarding the contract without competition. That information still could be kept secret for national security reasons, however. Similar bills, H.R. 1901 and H.R. 2017, were introduced.
H.R. 1901, Sunshine in Iraq Reconstruction Contracting Act
Sponsor: Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.
Introduced: April 30, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform
Description: H.R. 1901 would require federal agencies to disclose details about federal contracts to reconstruct Iraq if the contracts are not opened to multiple bidders before being awarded. After the successful U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, some officials objected to the closed process for awarding certain federal contracts -- to rebuild the nation’s telecommunications system, for instance. If agencies award such contracts without opening them to competition, the bill would require that the agencies publicly disclose details such as the amount of the contracts, descriptions of their scope and the reasoning behind awarding the contract without competition. That information still could be kept secret for national security reasons, however. Similar bills, H.R. 1888 and H.R. 2017, were introduced.
H.R. 1911, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark.
Introduced: May 1, 2003
Committee: House Veterans' Affairs; Armed Services
Description: H.R. 1911 seeks to enhance the sharing of resources between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments. Data for the two military-related departments currently is story in separate databases and must be copied from one software program to another. The measure would establish an interagency committee to review the departments’ plans for new equipment and technology, among other things, as a way to coordinate their work.
H.R. 2017, Sunshine in Iraq Reconstruction Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gerald Kleczka, D-Wis.
Introduced: May 7, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform
Description: H.R. 2017 would require federal agencies to disclose details about federal contracts to reconstruct Iraq if the contracts are not opened to multiple bidders before being awarded. After the successful U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, some officials objected to the closed process for awarding certain federal contracts -- to rebuild the nation’s telecommunications system, for instance. If agencies award such contracts without opening them to competition, the bill would require that the agencies publicly disclose details such as the amount of the contracts, descriptions of their scope and the reasoning behind awarding the contract without competition. That information still could be kept secret for national security reasons, however. Similar bills, H.R. 1888 and H.R. 1901, also were introduced.
H.R. 2110, Emergency DNA Backlog Elimination and Self Defense from Serial Killers Act
Sponsor: Rep. David Vitter, R-La.
Introduced: May 14, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 2110 would authorize funding to eliminate the backlog in processing more than 500,000 DNA evidence kits across the country. The information compiled from the kits eventually becomes part of the federal Combined DNA Index System (). Priority funding under the bill would go to states and municipalities that are seeking serial killers. The bill also would authorize funds for self-defense classes and would require the collection of DNA from convicted violent felons.
H.R. 2201, National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo.
Introduced: May 21, 2003
Committee: House Resources; Veterans' Affairs
Description: H.R. 2201 would create a national database that details veterans’ memorials that need repaired. The Interior and Veterans Affairs secretaries would create and maintain the National War Permanent Tribute Historical database and make it accessible via the Internet or any other workable format. The Interior secretary would have to report to Congress every three years on whether a fund should be created to fund repairs, restorations or maintenance of the memorials. A Senate companion bill, S. 1092, was introduced.
H.R. 2239, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act
Sponsor: Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J.
Introduced: May 22, 2003
Committee: House Administration
Description: H.R. 2239 would alter the 2002 law to overhaul state election systems by extending the timeframe for states to receive federal grants for implementing new voting technologies and taking more steps to try to improve the accuracy of the systems. The bill would require that voting commissions be given the source codes of any software in their systems, and any citizen could inspect the code upon request. Voting systems also could not contain wireless devices, and laboratories accredited by the commission would have to certify all software and hardware.
H.R. 2329, Global Pathogen Surveillance Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.
Introduced: June 4, 2003
Committee: House International Relations
Description: H.R. 2329 would authorize funds toward creating a global system aimed at detecting and quickly containing infectious diseases and bioterrorism agents. The bill calls for the United States to cooperate and share information with the World Health Organization, regional health groups and government agencies in other countries. One goal is to narrow the technology gap that exists among public health officials in developed and developing countries and thus improve global “syndrome surveillance,” or the recording of symptoms combined with geographic locators as a way of tracking the emergence of diseases. Among other things, the measure would authorize money for equipment to collect and analyze data on pathogens and for information technology and communications equipment that enables various healthcare entities to share information. The maximum funding would be $70 million in fiscal 2004 and $80 million in fiscal 2005.
H.R. 2436, Ballistic Imaging Evaluation and Study Act
Sponsor: Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas
Introduced: June 11, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 2436 would authorize a study of ballistic-imaging technology to determine its effectiveness as a law enforcement tool. The technology uses hardware and software to determine the handguns or rifles that fired specific bullets recovered in criminal investigations. The study would cover both the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and ballistic-imaging systems in the states, as well as the ability to share information among networks. The National Research Council would conduct the study and submit it to the attorney general, who in turn would send the report to Congress and make the results publicly available.
H.R. 2463, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Saxton, R-N.J.
Introduced: June 12, 2003
Committee: House Armed Services
Description: H.R. 2463 would require certain Defense Department contractors to perform background investigations, psychological assessments and behavioral observations on people who perform work on military installations. Those workers also would have to have fingerprint cards.
H.R. 2473, Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Calif.
Introduced: June 17, 2003
Committee: House Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means
Description: H.R. 2473 is a Medicare reform bill that contains several technology-related provisions. First, the measure would create a program for electronically prescribing drugs. Hospitals and healthcare facilities could use federal grants to procure equipment and software to implement the e-drug system. Providers of prescription drugs and some agencies also would have to post certain information on the Internet. Similar language was enacted as part of broader Medicare legislation signed into law in November 2003.
H.R. 2649, Schools Safely Acquiring Faculty Excellence (Schools SAFE) Act
Sponsor: Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev.
Introduced: June 26, 2003
Committee: House Education and the Workforce
Description: H.R. 2649 seeks to ensure students' safety by enabling background checks on out-of-state teachers. The measure would deny Education Department funding to states that have not established systems for sharing criminal information.
H.R. 2775, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Mich.
Introduced: July 17, 2003
Committee: House Resources
Description: H.R. 2775 would authorize $2 million per year for a network of cameras and computers that tracks water levels on the Great Lakes. The upgrades seek to ensure that the network can provide reliable, updated hydrographic data to resource managers and mariners.
H.R.2834, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa
Introduced: July 23, 2003
Committee: House Veterans' Affairs
Description: H.R. 2834 would authorize for a three-year test program for electronically sharing healthcare information among state veterans’ homes and federal veterans’ hospitals. The test would be conducted in Iowa and involve the State of Iowa Veterans and federal veterans’ facilities in that state. The appropriate state official would have to create a database to facilitate the sharing of information among facilities, and patients would have to approve the use of their personal data.
H.R. 2915, National Health Information Infrastructure Act
Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Johnson, R- Conn.
Introduced: July 25, 2003
Committee: House Energy and Commerce
Description: H.R. 2915 would require the Health and Human Services Department to hire a health information officer and develop national infrastructure for storing, sharing and securing personal medical data. The goal of the official and the technology system would be to prevent medical errors and reduce redundant paperwork. The officer would research communication standards, policies and technical requirements for linking public and private healthcare facilities.
H.R. 2942, Environmental Terrorism Reduction Act
Sponsor: Rep. Darlene Hooley, D-Ore.
Introduced: July 25, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 2942 would direct the attorney general to establish and maintain a national clearinghouse for information on incidents of crime and terrorism against any commercial activities or individuals because of the perceived effect on the environment. Housing developments, automobile dealers and other sites have been targets for vandalism by activists critical of the impact on the environment. The bill calls for a registry and law enforcement response to identify such crimes and allocate federal money for areas at greater risk.
H.R. 2948, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I.
Introduced: July 25, 2003
Committee: House Administration
Description: H.R. 2948 would require a study on the merits of creating an electronic communications system to let Congress continue its work during national emergencies. The General Accounting Office, National Academy of Sciences and Librarian of Congress would conduct the study, which would examine the costs of building a secure computer system so lawmakers could vote and communicate off Capitol Hill if necessary. No more than $800,000 could be spent on the work.
H.R. 3034, National Bone Marrow Donor Registry Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska
Introduced: Sept. 5, 2003
Committee: House Energy and Commerce
Description: H.R. 3034 would reauthorize the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The registry would be made available to the public via summaries and data sets.
H.R. 3035, Medication Errors Reduction Act
Sponsor: Rep. Amo Houghton, R-N.Y.
Introduced: Sept. 9, 2003
Committee: House Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce
Description: H.R. 3035 would authorize the Health and Human Services Department to make grants for technology improvements to healthcare systems. Grant money would be used for: purchasing, leasing, and installing computer software and hardware, including handheld computer technologies; improving current software and hardware; purchasing or leasing communications capabilities necessary for clinical data access, storage and exchange; and educating and training eligible staff in patient-safety information systems. The bill would specify that the technology purchased should utilize an “open source” format, where the programming code of the software is freely available to anyone who seeks to obtain copies.
H.R. 3036, Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act
Sponsor: Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis.
Introduced: Sept. 9, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 3036 would authorize spending for the Justice Department from fiscal 2004 through fiscal 2006. Among other provisions, the bill would establish an Office of Applied Technology within the department. The office would provide leadership and focus to grants that the department gives in order to improve law enforcement computers.
H.R. 3159, Government Network Security Act
Sponsor: Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif.
Introduced: Sept. 24, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform
Description: H.R. 3159 would require federal agencies to develop and implement within six months a plan to address threats that peer-to-peer file-sharing programs pose to their computer systems. The bill would require agencies to address the potential privacy and security breaches from employee use of file-sharing software but would not forbid the use of the technology.
H.R. 3165, Purchase Card and Travel Card Accountability Act
Sponsor: Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.
Introduced: Sept. 24, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform
Description: H.R. 3165 would require the administrator for federal procurement policy to develop a government-wide policy regarding the use of "purchase cards" and travel cards by federal employees. The electronically marked cards are used to buy goods and services. The bill calls for a policy that includes guidelines for appropriate use of the cards and that details punishment for misuse, which has been confirmed in numerous government reports.
H.R. 3186, Geospatial Preparedness Act
Sponsor: Rep. William Clay, D-Mo.
Introduced: Sept. 25, 2003
Committee: House Science
Description: H.R. 3186 would require the Homeland Security Department's chief information officer to work with other agencies toward improve "geospatial" data, which describes the earth’s geographic locations and characteristics, as well as natural or constructed features. The officials would be charged with developing a national technology framework for integrating geospatial data with geographic information systems. In addition, they would award grants to state and local entities to improve their systems, and they would develop a national standard for the software and hardware used in geographic information systems.
H.R. 3214, Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act
Sponsor: Rep. James Sensenbrenner, Jr, R-Wis.
Introduced: Oct. 1, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary; Armed Services
Description: H.R. 3214 seeks to improve the current system for DNA testing. The measure would work to improve the technology used to compile DNA samples, reduce DNA backlogs and improve training for the handling of DNA, among other things. A Senate companion bill, S. 1700, was introduced.
H.R. 3237, NICS Improvement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y.
Introduced: Oct. 2, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 3237 would enhance the rules governing updates to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NICS was established as part of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to provide a means of determining whether people may buy firearms under federal or state laws. Among other things, the bill would require the Homeland Security Department to submit quarterly reports to the attorney general, who also would have to work with states toward developing computer systems for submitting information electronically. A Senate companion bill, S. 1706, was introduced.
H.R. 3329, Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.
Introduced: Oct. 16, 2003
Committee: House Government Reform; Armed Services
Description: H.R. 3329 seeks to ensure that government employees do not misuse their government-issued credit cards. The bill calls for federal agencies to write tougher internal controls for the cards. Employees with bad credit could not receive them, and tougher penalties would be imposed for unnecessary purchases of computers and other goods. A Senate companion measure, S. 1744, also was introduced.
H.R. 3449, Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors and Training In Our Neighborhoods (PROTECTION) Act
Sponsor: Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.
Introduced: Nov. 5, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H.R. 3449 would authorize federal grants to communities to hire more officers, buy technology and increase education, among other things. Law enforcement could use the money to improve wireless communications, databases, software, crime-solving technologies and DNA analysis, or to invest in emerging technologies.
H. Res. 156, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich.
Introduced: March 20, 2003
Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Description: H. Res. 156 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 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. 286, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas
Introduced: June 19, 2003
Committee: House Homeland Security
Description: H. Res. 286 would require the Homeland Security Department to disclose physical and electronic records on its use of federal resources to track Democratic lawmakers in Texas who fled the state in protest of a congressional redistricting plan. The lawmakers’ absence, from May 11, 2003, to May 16, prevented the state House from getting the quorum necessary to consider the redistricting plan. The resolution, sent to the full House with a negative recommendation by the Homeland Security Committee, seeks to determine what role, if any, the Homeland Security Department played in searching for the missing lawmakers. The July 16 committee vote was 24-20. Related measures, H. Res. 287 and H. Res. 288, also were introduced.
H. Res. 287, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas
Introduced: June 19, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H. Res. 287 would require the U.S. attorney general to disclose physical and electronic records on the use of federal resources to track Democratic lawmakers in Texas who fled the state in protest of a congressional redistricting plan. The lawmakers’ absence, from May 11, 2003, to May 16, prevented the state House from getting the quorum necessary to consider the redistricting plan. The resolution, sent to the full House with a negative recommendation by the Judiciary Committee, seeks to determine what role, if any, that agencies under the attorney general’s authority played in searching for the missing lawmakers. The July 9 committee vote was 19-15. Related measures, H. Res. 286 and H. Res. 288, also were introduced.
H. Res. 288, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas
Introduced: June 19, 2003
Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Description: H. Res. 288 would require the Transportation Department to disclose physical and electronic records on its use of federal resources to track Democratic lawmakers in Texas who fled the state in protest of a congressional redistricting plan. The lawmakers’ absence, from May 11, 2003, to May 16, prevented the state House from getting the quorum necessary to consider the redistricting plan. The resolution, sent to the full House with a negative recommendation by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, seeks to determine what role, if any, the Transportation Department played in searching for the missing lawmakers. The July 15 panel vote was voice vote. Related measures, H. Res. 286 and H. Res. 287, also were introduced.
H. Res. 454, Untitled
Sponsor: Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C.
Introduced: Nov. 19, 2003
Committee: House Judiciary
Description: H. Res. 454 would encourage the Justice Department official who coordinates the AMBER Alert program on missing to establish minimum requirements for issuing alerts over communications networks in certain cases. The resolution would recommend that the alerts be issued after a child has been missing for six or more hours if an abduction is suspected.

Senate

S. 188, Data-Mining Moratorium Act
Sponsor: Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis.
Introduced: Jan. 16, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 188 would immediately suspend funding for “data mining” by the Defense and Homeland Security departments until Congress has thoroughly reviewed such practices. The bill was introduced after privacy concerns raised by Defense’s Total Information Awareness project, which would allow government officials to search various networks in the private sector in an effort to identify potential terrorists. The Senate in January 2003 adopted similar language as an amendment to an omnibus spending bill for fiscal 2003.
S. 194, National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Registry Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jon Corzine, D-N.J.
Introduced: Jan. 17, 2003
Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works
Description: S. 194 would create a registry about "greenhouse" gas emissions that are suspected of causing global warming. The dual aim of the bill is to inform the public about global warming and to help companies and policymakers identify cost-effective ways to reduce the emissions. Beginning in 2004, companies would have to start reporting their efforts to reduce emissions.
S. 354, National Transportation Modeling and Analysis Program (NATMAP) Establishment Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.
Introduced: Feb. 11, 2003
Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works
Description: S. 354 would enable the Transportation Department to complete an advanced computer system designed to simulate and integrate U.S. transportation patterns. The measure would authorize $50 million over six years to complete the National Transportation Modeling and Analysis Program, which seeks to make the nation's highway, air, rail and other transportation systems operate more efficiently. Preliminary work has been underway for years at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, the home state of bill sponsor Jeff Bingaman.
S. 376, The Donor Outreach, Network and Timely Exchange (DONATE) Act
Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.
Introduced: Feb. 12, 2003
Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Description: S. 376 would authorize a national resource center on organ and tissue donations. Among other tasks, the center would maintain a Web site with information on organ-donation registries and provide technical assistance to states establishing their own registries. Officials would have to establish guidelines for accessing the registries and for exchanging data, with an eye toward protecting the privacy of organ donors and recipients. The bill would authorize $5 million a year from fiscal 2004 through fiscal 2008 for those tasks. It also would authorize $10 each of those years for grants to help states improve their donor registries.
S. 427, Agricultural Security Assistance Act
Sponsor: Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii
Introduced: Feb. 24, 2003
Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Description: S. 427 seeks to address the threat of bioterrorism on American agriculture. The bill would direct the Agriculture Department to work with each state to develop bioterrorist response plans. The department would use computer models and simulations to assess the threat levels in certain areas and to develop the best methods for combating attacks. In addition, grant programs would be implemented to help animal health professionals start emergency-planning activities in their communities and to help farmers and ranchers strengthen protections on their properties.
S. 430, Agricultural Security Preparedness Act
Sponsor: Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii
Introduced: Feb. 24, 2003
Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Description: S. 430 calls for increased emergency-response coordination among the Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Transportation departments, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Among others things, the measure calls for an electronic network to help federal, state and local officials share information on agricultural-related terrorist threats and enhanced international surveillance of agricultural disease outbreaks and suspicious activity.
S. 469, Ballistics, Law Assistance and Safety Technology (BLAST) Act
Sponsor: Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis.
Introduced: Feb. 27, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 469 would require ballistic "fingerprinting" of guns. Each gun leaves unique markings on discharged bullets and shell casings, allowing for the comparison of "gun prints" with bullets found at crime scenes. The bill would keep a computerized image of each new gun's fingerprint so police could compare the microscopic differences to images in crime databases until they find a match.
S. 584, Product Safety Notification and Recall Effectiveness Act
Sponsor: Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.
Introduced: March 10, 2003
Committee: Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation
Description: S. 584 would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve the system for alerting consumers to recalls of child-related products. Under the bill, companies would identify the buyers of their products via registration, either by cards completed and mailed or by Internet. The information would be compiled in an accessible database to be used in the event of recalls. In March 2003, the commission refused to consider implementing such a rule on its own. A House companion bill, H.R. 1197, also was introduced.
S. 644, Comprehensive Child Protection Act
Sponsor: Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
Introduced: March 18, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 644 is designed to combat child crimes by addressing such issues as child pornography and child kidnapping. The bill would make "virtual" child pornography admissible as evidence and increase the categories of offenses that are included in the Combined DNA Index System (http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/codis/index1.htm) to include all federal felonies. The federal wiretapping statute would be extended to cover suspicions of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, exploitation and other sex-related offenses, thus enabling investigators to obtain court authorization to monitor Internet communications. Other provisions would: extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual-abuse cases from 25 years to 35; allow prior offense of child molestation to be admitted as evidence; and prohibit common-law spouses from claiming spousal privilege when it comes to testifying.
S. 679, Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors and Training In Our Neighborhoods (PROTECTION) Act
Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Biden, D-N.J
Introduced: March 20, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 679 would reauthorize for six years a community-policing program created during the first term of the Clinton administration. In addition to paving the way for state and local jurisdictions to hire more police officers and prosecutors, the bill would authorize $350 million for law enforcement technology to enhance crime-fighting efforts. Among other things, the money could be used for such things as communications systems so officers in different jurisdictions could talk to each other, investigative tools like DNA analysis equipment or crime-mapping equipment, among other things.
S. 798, Sex Offender Apprehension Act
Sponsor: Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
Introduced: April 7, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 798 would require that a convicted sex offender register his or her name with state or local police agencies. Those who fail to do so would be subject to criminal prosecution.
S. 871, Global Pathogen Surveillance Act
Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del.
Introduced: April 10, 2003
Committee: Senate Foreign Relations
Description: S. 871 would authorize money toward training public health personnel in developing nations and acquiring standard laboratory and communications equipment to diagnose pathogens and communicate data on disease patterns. The bill would authorize $150 million during the next two fiscal years to expand assistance to eligible developing countries, regional health networks and the World Health Organization.
S. 980, Ballistic Imaging Evaluation and Study Act
Sponsor: Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla.
Introduced: May 1, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 980 calls for a study on the effectiveness of ballistic-imaging technology. In addition, the bill would require an evaluation of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network as a tool in investigating crimes committed with handguns and rifles. To conduct the studies, researchers at the National Academy of Sciences would work with various federal, state and local experts on ballistic imaging.
S.1005, Energy Policy Act
Sponsor: Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.
Introduced: May 6, 2003
Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Description: S. 1005 is a broad bill on energy security that includes several technology-related provisions. Among other things, the measure, S.1005, calls for: a program to advance the nation’s computing capability; research on networking and information technology; research to improve energy efficiency at high-power data centers and other facilities; a database to archive information on the nation’s supply of oil, natural gas, coal and other resources and a forum for making that data publicly available on the Web; and Internet-based training and education for operators of electric power plants.
S. 1092, National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act
Sponsor: Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo.
Introduced: May 21, 2003
Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Description: S. 1092 would create a national database that details veterans’ memorials that need repaired. The Interior and Veterans Affairs secretaries would create and maintain the National War Permanent Tribute Historical database and make it accessible via the Internet or any other workable format. The Interior secretary would have to report to Congress every three years on whether a fund should be created to fund repairs, restorations or maintenance of the memorials. A House companion bill, H.R. 2201, was introduced.
S. 1102, Prevention and Recovery of Missing Children Act
Sponsor: Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.
Introduced: May 21, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1102 looks to aid in the search and recovery of missing or abducted children. The legislation would require that all reports on missing children be put into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database within two hours of their receipt. The bill also would require that fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples of convicted sex offenders be registered before their release from prison. The sex-offender registry would have to be updated regularly and available to state and local officials. Convicts who do not register and update their information would face a felony charge.
S. 1123, Violence Against Children Act
Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
Introduced: May 22, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1123 would enhance federal penalties aimed at preventing and prosecuting crimes against children. The legislation would authorize grants to states, localities and American Indian tribal government for several types of projects, including the expansion of databases and communications systems that help officials track arrests, prosecutions and convictions. The bill also would require states to enact certain laws in order to receive grants. One type of statute would let parents leave newborns at hospitals without facing prosecution, and officials would have to search state and federal missing-person databases to ensure that children left under such circumstances have not been reported missing. States also would have to implement AMBER Alert communications systems for finding missing and abducted children. The system is named for 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was abducted in Arlington, Texas, and later murdered.
S. 1183, Global Internet Freedom Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.
Introduced: June 4, 2003
Committee: Senate Foreign Relations
Description: S. 1183 seeks to stop governments from blocking Internet sites that they deem inappropriate. Conceived after news reports of China's decision in 2002 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 help Internet users avoid government censors and state persecution. A House companion bill, H.R. 48, was introduced.
S. 1230, Untitled
Sponsor: Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo.
Introduced: June 11, 2003
Committee: Senate Governmental Affairs
Description: S. 1230 seeks to coordinate the Homeland Security Department's collection and use of geospatial information, which involves graphical or digital mapping of the natural or manmade features of the earth. The bill would require the department's chief information officer to develop a program for efficiently using such information to protect critical infrastructures. The measure also seeks to ensure that databases used to compile such information in various federal, state and local departments and agencies, as well as in the private sector, can communicate with each other.
S. 1322, Sexual Offender Parental Notification Act
Sponsor: Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Introduced: June 24, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1322 would expand a law on notifying communities of sex offenders in their midst to require states to post information about sex offenders on the Internet. States would be required to post the names, addresses, photos and crimes of convicted sex offenders after they are released, as well as the ages and gender of their victims. The bill would broaden Megan’s Law, which was named after 7-year-old Megan Kanka, who was abducted, raped and murdered in 1994 by a neighbor convicted of sex offenses.
S. 1400, Ocean and Costal Observations Systems Act
Sponsor: Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine
Introduced: July 14, 2003
Committee: Commerce, Science and Transportation
Description: S. 1400 would develop a nationwide observation system for U.S. coastlines that, among other things, would include large-scale computing resources. The system's model would be the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System.
S. 1520, 9-11 Memorial Intelligence Reform Act
Sponsor: Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla.
Introduced: July 31, 2003
Committee: Senate Intelligence
Description: S.1520 would reorganize how government agencies collect, analyze and share information related to intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism activities. Current offices and military appointments would be replaced with a new system of titles and responsibilities, including an inspector general to oversee the process. The plan calls for a new Office of the Director of National Intelligence and a framework for congressional review of data gathering and distribution in the executive and legislative branches.
S. 1700, Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act
Sponsor: Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
Introduced: Oct. 1, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1700 seeks to improve the current system for DNA testing. The measure would work to improve the technology used to compile DNA samples, reduce DNA backlogs and improve training for the handling of DNA, among other things. A House companion bill, H.R. 3214, was introduced.
S. 1706, NICS Improvement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Introduced: Oct. 2, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1706 would enhance the rules governing updates to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NICS was established as part of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to provide a means of determining whether people may buy firearms under federal or state laws. Among other things, the bill would require the Homeland Security Department to submit quarterly reports to the attorney general, who also would have to work with states toward developing computer systems for submitting information electronically. A House companion bill, H.R. 3237, was introduced.
S. 1744, Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act
Sponsor: Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa
Introduced: Oct. 16, 2003
Committee: Senate Governmental Affairs
Description: S. 1744 seeks to ensure that government employees do not misuse their government-issued credit cards. The bill calls for federal agencies to write tougher internal controls for the cards. Employees with bad credit could not receive them, and tougher penalties would be imposed for unnecessary purchases of computers and other goods. A House companion bill, H.R. 3329, also was introduced.
S. 1828, Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.
Introduced: Nov. 5, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1828 would provide more resources for the nation’s DNA labs to help them eliminate the DNA backlog. The bill also would authorize funding for increased research and development on DNA and training programs on correct handling of the technology.
S. 1874, Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act
Sponsor: Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis.
Introduced: Nov. 17, 2003
Committee: Senate Rules and Administration
Description: S. 1874 would require Senate candidates to file their campaign-finance reports electronically. Under the bill, the information would have to publicly posted on the Internet and by other means within 48 hours of receipt. While House candidates already file their campaign finances electronically, Senate candidates still submit the data on paper.
S. 1882, Terrorist Apprehension Act
Sponsor: Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.
Introduced: Nov. 18, 2003
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Description: S. 1882 would let certain federal agencies access information logged into the background-check system for gun purchases. Agencies like the FBI or ATF currently are not notified about queries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System if potential buyers are flagged because of ties to gangs or terrorist organizations. The bill would facilitate information sharing on that topic in an attempt to thwart terrorism.
S. 1980, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act
Sponsor: Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla.
Introduced: Dec. 9, 2003
Committee: Senate Rules and Administration
Description: S. 1980 would require electronic voting machines to produce a paper record of people’s votes in case verification is needed at a later date. The measure also would require that the source code for software in e-voting systems be disclosed to the Election Assistance Commission, and wireless communications devices could never be used in such systems. The law would have to be implemented before the November 2004 election.
S. 2003, Health Information for Quality Improvement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.
Introduced: Dec. 9, 2003
Committee: Senate Finance
Description: S. 2003 seeks to improve the nation’s healthcare system through the use of advanced information technology. Among other things, the bill calls for research into IT systems and a move toward electronic health records as a way to make data available at lower costs than paper. The measure also urges the adoption of voluntary technology standards designed to make sure the computer systems at various federal agencies, hospitals and doctors’ offices can communicate with each other. The legislation further seeks to ensure that both patients and providers can access data immediately through the use of hand-held computers and other tools, and it encourages telemedicine programs and patient communication with doctors via e-mail.
S. Res. 54, Untitled
Sponsor: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Introduced: Feb. 11, 2003
Committee: Senate Rules and Administration
Description: S. Res. 54 would make Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports and other internal research materials available online under the same guidelines that those materials are printed and made publicly available. CRS currently provides its research online but only to congressional staff and lawmakers. A report by the Project On Government Oversight concludes that providing the public with online access to CRS materials could spur greater public participation in policy debates.

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