legislation
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202 rows where congress = 108 and policy_area = "Commerce" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| bill_id | congress | bill_type | bill_number | title | policy_area | introduced_date ▲ | latest_action_date | latest_action_text | origin_chamber | sponsor_name | sponsor_state | sponsor_party | sponsor_bioguide_id | cosponsor_count | summary_text | update_date | url |
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| 108-s-3030 | 108 | s | 3030 | Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advocacy Act | Commerce | 2004-12-07 | 2004-12-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] | FL | D | N000032 | 0 | Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advocacy Act - Establishes within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) an Office of Consumer Advocacy and Outreach to protect minority consumers, disabled consumers, and other targeted consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Requires the head of the Office to: (1) assist law enforcement personnel in investigating unfair or deceptive acts or practices that affect such consumers and in increasing the amount of information available about such conduct through the Consumer Sentinel or equivalent database system; (2) provide such consumers with information regarding the detection of unfair or deceptive acts or practices; (3) administer a program permitting the anonymous reporting of information concerning unfair or deceptive acts or practices that affect such consumers; (4) carry out a program of monetary rewards for reports of such conduct if such reports result in civil penalties; and (5) carry out a public awareness campaign in Spanish. | 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z | |
| 108-s-3021 | 108 | s | 3021 | Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-11-20 | 2004-11-24 | Message on Senate action sent to the House. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 4 | Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2004 -Title I: Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention - Artists' Rights and Theft Prevention Act of 2004 or the ART Act - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the unauthorized, knowing use or attempted use of a video camera or similar device to transmit or make a copy of a motion picture or other copyrighted audiovisual work from a performance of such work in a movie theater. Sets forth penalties for such violations, which may include imprisonment for not more than three years for a first offense. Considers the possession of a recording device in a movie theater as evidence in any proceeding to determine whether that person committed such an offense, but shall not, by itself, be sufficient to support a conviction for such offense. Requires the court to order the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of all unauthorized copies of motion pictures or other copyrighted audiovisual works and any video camera or other equipment used in connection with the offense in addition to any other penalty. Authorizes, with reasonable cause, the owner, lessee, authorized agent, or employee of a movie theater to detain, in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time, any person suspected of committing such an offense for the purpose of questioning that person or summoning a law enforcement officer. Allows the victim of such an offense to submit a victim impact statement to the probation officer during the preparation of a presentence report. (Sec. 103) Establishes criminal penalties for willful copyright infringement by the distribution of a computer program, musical work, motion picture or other audiovisual work, or sound recording being prepared for commercial distribution by making it available on a computer network accessible to members of the public, if the person knew or should have known that the work was intended for commercial distribution. (Sec. 104) Directs the Register of Copyrights to issue regulations to establish procedures for preregistration of… | 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z | |
| 108-s-3023 | 108 | s | 3023 | Federal Death Care Inspection and Disclosure Act | Commerce | 2004-11-20 | 2004-11-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] | CT | D | D000388 | 0 | Federal Death Care Inspection and Disclosure Act - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Coordinator of Funeral, Burial, and Disposition Services, to: (1) survey existing State laws pertaining to the death care industry; and (2) formulate standards specifying the elements of an effective system for registering, inspecting, and monitoring the handling and disposition of human remains by funeral homes and other death care providers.Requires the Coordinator to: (1) award Federal assistance grants to State agencies that regulate death care providers; and (2) establish minimum standards and requirements governing State regulation of funeral homes and other death care providers.Sets forth deceptive trade practices, including funeral provider practices that: (1) fail to make timely price disclosures regarding funeral goods and services; (2) fail to give an itemized written statement for retention to a purchaser of funeral goods or funeral services at the conclusion of the discussion related to such goods and services and prior to providing any services beyond taking possession of a deceased human body for authorized embalming; (3) make specified misrepresentations; (4) condition goods and services upon the purchase of other goods and services; and (5) provide embalming services without prior approval.Prohibits unsolicited telephone offers or door-to-door direct offers to sell funeral goods, services, crematory services, interment rights, or other cemetery and memorialization goods and services.Sets forth consumer protections with respect to certain cash advance prohibitions and requirements, and preneed and prepaid funeral service transactions. | 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z | |
| 108-hr-5404 | 108 | hr | 5404 | Fair Vaccine Price Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-11-19 | 2004-12-01 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | House | Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10] | OH | D | K000336 | 0 | Fair Vaccine Price Act of 2004 - Prohibits the sale of any vaccine intended to prevent or mitigate the effects of influenza or any biological terrorist agent at a price per dose of 150 percent or more of the baseline price if: (1) a declared shortage of the vaccine is in effect; or (2) the seller knows or has substantial reason to believe there will be a shortage within 60 days and such a shortage is declared within such time. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to declare a shortage period. Designates as a vaccine's baseline price the average price of the vaccine sold by the seller either during the preceding 60 days or 12 months before the effective date of the shortage declaration. Allows the Secretary to determine an appropriate baseline price of the vaccine if the seller did not sell the vaccine during either such period or if the difference in price is unrelated to the causes of the shortage. Requires the Secretary to determine an appropriate baseline price at the time of declaring a shortage. Sets forth penalties for violations under this Act, including imprisonment and a fine. Allows a person to commence a civil action to compel compliance with, or for damages for violations of, this Act. | 2023-01-14T22:48:32Z | |
| 108-hr-5408 | 108 | hr | 5408 | Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-11-19 | 2004-12-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research. | House | Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1] | CT | D | L000557 | 0 | Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the price of heating fuel or electricity. Prohibits any such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the applicant is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Requires, for such assistance: (1) a declaration by the President or the SBA Administrator that an area is affected by a sharp and significant increase in such price; or (2) a certification from the governor of the State that its small businesses have suffered such economic injury and are in need of assistance which is not otherwise available. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury from a sharp and significant increase in energy costs or input costs from energy sources occurring on or after November 1, 2004, in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary. | 2023-01-14T22:48:32Z | |
| 108-hr-5299 | 108 | hr | 5299 | Patent Quality Assistance Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-10-08 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] | CA | D | B000410 | 1 | Patent Quality Assistance Act of 2004 - Allows a person to request that the grant or reissue of a patent be reconsidered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by filing an opposition seeking to invalidate one or more claims in the patent. Requires the Director of USPTO to issue and publish a certificate, in accordance with the final decision by the panel of three administrative patent judges, canceling any claim of the patent determined to be unpatentable and incorporating into the patent any new or amended claims determined to be patentable. Allows a third party to submit for consideration, and for inclusion in the record, prior art to determine whether the invention was known, used, in public use, or on sale or would have been obvious. Provides that a notice of a patent holder alleging infringement of the patent is not deemed to be sufficient to subject a recipient of the notice to liability for willful infringement of the patent, with exceptions. Prohibits a court from granting an injunction for violations of a right secured by a patent unless it finds that the patentee is likely to suffer irreparable harm that cannot be remedied by payment of money damages. Provides that a third party requester whose request for a reexamination results in an order is not estopped from asserting a claim which the third party requester could have raised during such reexamination proceedings. Sets forth provisions regarding circumstances under which a patent application involving a business method invention combined with computer technology would not be denied on the basis of obviousness. | 2023-01-14T22:48:40Z | |
| 108-hr-5253 | 108 | hr | 5253 | Plant Breeders Equity Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-10-07 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-49] | CA | R | I000056 | 1 | Plant Breeders Equity Act of 2004 - Amends Federal patent law to declare that no plant patent application shall be denied, nor shall any issue plant patent be invalidated, on the grounds that the invention was sold or otherwise disposed of. Provides for an exception if such invention was sold or disposed of, by or with the consent or the inventor or discoverer for purposes of exploitation of the invention: (1) to other persons in the United States more than one year prior to the date of the application for patent; (2) to other persons in a foreign country more than four years prior to such date; or (3) in the case of a tree or vine, to other persons in a foreign country more than six years prior to such date. Provides that the plant patent applies equally to any plant that is not clearly distinguishable from a protected plant. | 2023-01-14T22:48:41Z | |
| 108-s-2915 | 108 | s | 2915 | A bill to reauthorize programs under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) through September 30, 2005. | Commerce | 2004-10-07 | 2004-10-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 1 | Amends the Small Business Act to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. | 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z | |
| 108-hr-5194 | 108 | hr | 5194 | To clarify that service marks, collective marks, and certification marks are entitled to the same protections, rights, and privileges of trademarks. | Commerce | 2004-09-30 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2] | ID | R | S001148 | 3 | Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to provide registered service marks, collective marks, and certification marks with the same protections, rights, and privileges as registered trademarks. | 2023-01-13T22:01:44Z | |
| 108-hr-5172 | 108 | hr | 5172 | To direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to declare Yo-Yo Waterball toys to be a banned hazardous products. | Commerce | 2004-09-29 | 2004-10-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Andrews, Robert E. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | A000210 | 2 | Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a rule declaring the Yo-Yo Waterball toy a banned hazardous product under the Consumer Product Safety Act. | 2023-01-13T22:01:44Z | |
| 108-hr-5173 | 108 | hr | 5173 | Alcohol Without Liquid Machine Safety Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-09-29 | 2004-10-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | House | Rep. Beauprez, Bob [R-CO-7] | CO | R | B001240 | 2 | Alcohol Without Liquid Machine Safety Act of 2004 - Prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any alcohol without liquid machine without premarket approval by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Requires approval only if the applicant demonstrates that the machine is safe. Defines an "alcohol without liquid machine" as a device designated or marketed for the purpose of mixing alcohol with oxygen or another gas to produce a mist for inhalation for recreational purposes. | 2023-01-13T22:01:44Z | |
| 108-hr-5136 | 108 | hr | 5136 | Preservation of Orphan Works Act | Commerce | 2004-09-23 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] | CA | D | B000410 | 2 | Preservation of Orphan Works Act - Provides that the limitation on rights of reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works does not apply to the authority of libraries or archives, during the last 20 years of any term of copyright of a published work to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform in facsimile or digital form a copy or phonorecord of such work for purposes of preservation, scholarship, or research when certain conditions apply. | 2023-01-13T22:01:46Z | |
| 108-s-2834 | 108 | s | 2834 | Small Business Compliance Assistance Enhancement Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-09-23 | 2004-09-23 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR 9/24/2004 S9614) | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 1 | Small Business Compliance Assistance Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require an agency to prepare a compliance guide to assist small entities in complying with a Federal regulation whenever an agency determines that a Federal regulation will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. | 2023-01-14T22:48:46Z | |
| 108-hr-5108 | 108 | hr | 5108 | Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-09-21 | 2004-09-21 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 0 | Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act (SBA) to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to increase the debenture size for SBA loans to development companies and modify job creation requirements for such loans. Requires the SBA Administrator to report to Congress on the feasibility of creating a national database of small manufacturers. Amends the Small Business Act to modify international trade loan program provisions. Establishes authorization levels for specified SBA programs. Reauthorizes: (1) the Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program (makes specified program changes); and (2) appropriations for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Revises provisions concerning SBA document retention and disclosure. Amends the SBA Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend the SBA's cosponsorship authority. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the disclosure of personal information concerning individuals or small businesses receiving SBDC assistance. Amends the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to extend the authority of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. Amends the Small Business Act to make non-disabled veterans and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces eligible for SBA outreach program assistance. Requires the Administrator to complete a study of industries in which small business concerns owned and controlled by women are underrepresented with respect to Federal procurement contracting. Directs the SBA to assign at least one procurement center representative to each major procurement center in addition to at least one such representative for each State. Amends the SBIA to make chang… | 2023-01-13T22:01:46Z | |
| 108-s-2821 | 108 | s | 2821 | Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-09-21 | 2004-09-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 2 | Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to permanently authorize small business loan provisions concerning: (1) combination financing; (2) loan guarantee fees; (3) express loan requirements; (4) deferred participation loan standards; and (5) increased Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan limits. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to increase the debenture size for SBA loans to development companies and modify job creation requirements for such loans. Requires the SBA Administrator to report to Congress on the feasibility of creating a national database of small manufacturers. Amends the Small Business Act to modify international trade loan program provisions. Amends the SBIA to make changes in the Small Business Investment Company program. Establishes authorization levels for specified SBA programs. Extends program authority for SBA or SBIA programs scheduled to expire on or after September 30, 2004. Reauthorizes: (1) the Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program (makes specified program changes); and (2) appropriations for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Revises provisions concerning SBA document retention and disclosure. Amends the SBA Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend the SBA's cosponsorship authority. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the disclosure of personal information concerning individuals or small businesses receiving SBDC assistance. Amends the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to extend the authority of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. Amends the Small Business Act to make non-disabled veterans and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces eligible for SBA outreach program assistance. Requires the Administrator to complete a study of industries in which small business concerns owned and controlled by women are underrepresented with respect to Federal procurement contracting. Directs the SBA to a… | 2023-01-14T22:48:46Z | |
| 108-s-2796 | 108 | s | 2796 | A bill to clarify that service marks, collective marks, and certification marks are entitled to the same protections, rights, and privileges of trademarks. | Commerce | 2004-09-13 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | Senate | Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] | ID | R | C000858 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to provide registered service marks, collective marks, and certification marks with the same protections, rights, and privileges as registered trademarks. | 2023-01-14T22:48:37Z | |
| 108-hr-5008 | 108 | hr | 5008 | To provide an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through September 30, 2004, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2004-09-07 | 2004-09-24 | Became Public Law No: 108-306. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends through September 30 (currently, June 4), 2004, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, activity, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 as of September 30, 2003. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to contract with an agent to carry out the assessment and collection of annual fees for SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses. Allows the agent to be compensated through any of the fees assessed, as well as interest earned on such assessments while in the agent's control. | 2023-01-13T21:46:42Z | |
| 108-hr-4955 | 108 | hr | 4955 | Children's Listbroker Privacy Act | Commerce | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Hooley, Darlene [D-OR-5] | OR | D | H000762 | 0 | Children's Listbroker Privacy Act - Makes it unlawful: (1) to sell personal information about an individual the seller knows to be a child (under age 16); (2) to purchase personal information about an individual identified by the seller as a child for the purpose of marketing to that child; or (3) for a purchaser who has provided a certification limiting the use of such information to engage in any practice that violates the certification terms. Makes an exception with respect to express parental consent to such sale, purchase, or use. Requires enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as if violations were unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires enforcement of compliance by other Federal agencies under other specified laws. Authorizes enforcement actions by States acting on behalf of their residents. Gives the FTC the right to intervene in such actions. Precludes State actions during the pendency of FTC actions. | 2023-01-14T22:48:19Z | |
| 108-hr-4996 | 108 | hr | 4996 | International Consumer Protection Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] | FL | R | S000822 | 1 | International Consumer Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to include within unfair or deceptive acts or practices those involving foreign commerce that: (1) cause or are likely to cause reasonably foreseeable injury within the United States; or (2) involve material conduct occurring within the United States. Makes available to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with respect to such acts in foreign commerce all remedies it uses in domestic commerce, including restitution to domestic or foreign victims. Sets forth FTC powers, including authority to provide investigative assistance for foreign law enforcement agencies. Authorizes FTC attorneys to assist the Attorney General in foreign litigation and FTC sharing of information with foreign law enforcement agencies. Applies to the FTC the procedures for delay of notification or prohibition of disclosure under the Right to Financial Privacy Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act where a court or the FTC finds that notification may cause an adverse result. Authorizes the FTC, where neither notification nor delayed notification are required, to apply ex parte for a court order prohibiting the recipient of compulsory process issued by the FTC from disclosing to any other person the existence of such process. Sets forth guidelines for the protection of specified entities who volunteer information to the FTC. Permits the temporary exchange of staff between the FTC and foreign government agencies in order to facilitate implementation of this Act. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to permit the FTC to exchange information with specified financial regulators. | 2023-01-14T22:48:20Z | |
| 108-s-2724 | 108 | s | 2724 | A bill to amend section 33(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U. S. C. 657c(a)) to clarify that the National Veterans Business Development Corporation is a private entity. | Commerce | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Small Business Act to state that the National Veterans Business Development Corporation is a private entity, and not an agency, instrumentality, authority, entity, or establishment of the United States Government. | 2023-01-14T22:48:26Z | |
| 108-s-2737 | 108 | s | 2737 | Science Park Administration Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. | Senate | Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] | NM | D | B000468 | 0 | Science Park Administration Act of 2004 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for the development of plans for the construction of science parks; (2) make grants to six regional centers for the development of science park infrastructure through the operation of revolving loan funds by such centers; (3) guarantee loans for projects for the construction of such infrastructure; and (4) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall evaluate annually the development of such parks. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish a Science Park Venture Capital Fund Pilot Program. Permits banks to invest in any: (1) science park venture capital company; or (2) entity established to invest solely in such companies. Applies the provisions relating to New Market Venture Capital companies to science park venture capital companies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit the expensing of certain investments in science parks; and (2) allow certain credits with respect to such parks. | 2023-01-14T22:48:26Z | |
| 108-s-2767 | 108 | s | 2767 | Small Business Economic Stimulus Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Small Business Economic Stimulus Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) permanently, the research and development tax credit; (2) a bonus depreciation; and (3) an increased limitation for expensing depreciable business assets. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for the Office of Export Trading Company Affairs to carry out the Export Trading Company Act of 1982. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the amount of the annual authorization of appropriations for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to access and choice for small business employers with respect to medical care for their employees. Establishes rules governing association health plans (group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations), including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation, coverage, plan documents, contribution rates, benefit options, applications for certification, notice for voluntary termination, corrective actions, and mandatory termination. Requires association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage to maintain certain reserves and comply with other solvency requirements. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply for appointment, and carry out specified duties, as trustee of any such insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on any association health plan commencing operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Requires association health plans to include in their summary plan descriptions, in connection with each benefit option, a description of the form of any solvency or guarantee fund protection secured under ERISA or applicable State law. Revises requ… | 2023-01-14T22:48:25Z | |
| 108-s-2700 | 108 | s | 2700 | A bill to provide an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through September 17, 2004, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2004-07-20 | 2004-07-21 | Held at the desk. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends through September 17 (currently, June 4), 2004, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, activity, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 as of September 30, 2003. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to contract with an agent to carry out the assessment and collection of annual fees for SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses. Allows the agent to be compensated through any of the fees assessed, as well as interest earned on such assessments while in the agent's control. | 2023-01-14T22:48:27Z | |
| 108-hr-4853 | 108 | hr | 4853 | Women's Business Sustainability Extension Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-07-19 | 2004-07-19 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Kelly, Sue W. [R-NY-19] | NY | R | K000078 | 49 | Women's Business Sustainability Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act (SBA) to set forth FY 2004 funding priorities for the women's business center program. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to reallocate unused sustainability grant funds as supplemental grants to women's business centers. Authorizes the Administrator to access and use client contact information of women's business centers solely to conduct internal program evaluations and financial and programmatic audits. Requires women's business centers to notify each client of such access and use. Requires the Administrator to include program evaluation findings in annual reports to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives. | 2023-01-14T22:48:17Z | |
| 108-hr-4828 | 108 | hr | 4828 | To direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a rule banning children's toys containing mercury. | Commerce | 2004-07-13 | 2004-07-13 | Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. | House | Rep. Watson, Diane E. [D-CA-33] | CA | D | W000794 | 16 | Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission, within six months of enactment of this Act, to promulgate a rule declaring mercury-containing toys to be banned hazardous products under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Defines "mercury-containing toy" as any toy or other product that contains mercury and is designed primarily for or marketed primarily to children. | 2023-01-14T22:48:16Z | |
| 108-s-2643 | 108 | s | 2643 | Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-07-13 | 2004-07-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] | IL | D | D000563 | 0 | Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2004 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prescribe fire safety standards for cigarettes that, except as provided in this Act, are substantively the same as specified standards promulgated by the State of New York. Directs sponsors of testing methodologies employed under this Act to notify the Commission of any modifications in such methodologies. Authorizes the Commission to modify established fire safety standards to incorporate modifications that will enhance those standards. Requires fire safety standards promulgated under this Act to be treated as consumer product safety standards, and directs that cigarettes shall be treated as consumer products, under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Precludes the preemption by this Act of the New York standard or more stringent fire safety standards for cigarettes promulgated by any State. Makes the CPSA's private remedy provisions applicable to fire safety standards promulgated under this Act. Denies the Commission any jurisdiction over tobacco or tobacco products except as provided in this Act. | 2023-01-14T22:48:23Z | |
| 108-hr-4695 | 108 | hr | 4695 | To amend the Small Business Act to extend the redesignation period for certain Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) in States with persistently high unemployment. | Commerce | 2004-06-24 | 2004-06-24 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] | WA | D | L000560 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to extend the redesignation period for certain Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) in States with continued high unemployment relative to the year in which the HUBZone involved was created. | 2023-01-15T04:49:17Z | |
| 108-s-2579 | 108 | s | 2579 | Technology Extension Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-24 | 2004-06-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] | NY | D | C001041 | 0 | Technology Extension Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small- and medium-sized businesses. Allows a regional center to use grant proceeds to: (1) assist such businesses in addressing their most critical needs for the application of the latest technology, improvement of infrastructure, and use of best business practices; and (2) transfer technologies to such businesses in the region in order to create jobs and increase production. | 2023-01-15T04:49:22Z | |
| 108-s-2591 | 108 | s | 2591 | Entrepreneurial Incubators Development Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-24 | 2004-06-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] | NY | D | C001041 | 0 | Entrepreneurial Incubators Development Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of entities that provide business incubator services (services necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. | 2023-01-15T04:49:22Z | |
| 108-hr-4673 | 108 | hr | 4673 | Opt Out of ID Chips Act | Commerce | 2004-06-23 | 2004-07-07 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4] | WI | D | K000259 | 2 | Opt Out of ID Chips Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate a rule making it an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act to sell at retail any product containing a radio frequency identification device (RFID) unless: (1) the product conspicuously displays a label stating that it contains an RFID capable of tracking the product and transmitting unique information before and after purchase; (2) the label notifies the customer of the right to have the RFID removed or permanently disabled at the time of purchase; and (3) the customer is provided with the option of having the RFID removed or permanently disabled at the time of purchase. | 2023-01-15T04:49:17Z | |
| 108-s-2560 | 108 | s | 2560 | Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-22 | 2004-06-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7192) | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 10 | Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004 - States that whoever intentionally induces any copyright infringement shall be liable as an infringer. | 2023-01-15T04:49:21Z | |
| 108-hr-4615 | 108 | hr | 4615 | Playwrights Licensing Antitrust Initiative Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-18 | 2004-06-18 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 3 | Playwrights Licensing Antitrust Initiative Act of 2004 - Provides that the antitrust laws shall not apply to: (1) any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement between or among playwrights for the express purpose of developing a standard form contract containing minimum terms of artistic protection and levels of compensation for playwrights or any joint or collective voluntary actions for the limited purposes of developing a standard form contract by playwrights or their representatives; and (2) any joint discussion, consideration, review, or action for the express purpose of reaching a collective agreement among playwrights adopting a standard form contract as the sole and exclusive means by which participating playwrights shall license their plays to producers. Makes a standard form of contract developed and implemented under this Act subject to amendment by individual playwrights and producers consistent with its terms. | 2023-01-15T04:49:14Z | |
| 108-hr-4586 | 108 | hr | 4586 | Family Movie Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-16 | 2004-09-08 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 410. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 4 | Family Movie Act of 2004 - Amends Federal copyright law to create an exemption from copyright infringement for: (1) the act of rendering imperceptible portions of audio or video content in movies by or for the owner or lawful possessor of authorized copies of such movies in the course of private home viewing by means of consumer equipment or services that are operated by an individual in that household, serve only such household, and do not create a fixed copy of the altered version; and (2) the use of technologies allowing such movie content to be rendered imperceptible where the technology does not create a copy of the altered version. Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to protect from liability for trademark infringement: (1) persons who engage in the above-referenced conduct; and (2) manufacturers, licensees, or licensors of technology that enables content to be rendered imperceptible. Requires such manufacturers, licensees, or licensors to ensure that the technology provides notice that performance of the movie is altered from the director's or copyright holder's intended performance. Establishes civil penalties for manufacturers who fail to provide the requisite notice. | 2023-01-15T04:49:14Z | |
| 108-hr-4523 | 108 | hr | 4523 | Children's Sleepwear Safety Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-06-08 | 2004-06-18 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Andrews, Robert E. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | A000210 | 1 | Children's Sleepwear Safety Act of 2004 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to amend its standards under the Flammable Fabrics Act to revoke amendments relaxing flammability standards for children's sleepwear that the Commission issued on September 9, 1996. | 2023-01-15T04:49:11Z | |
| 108-hr-4478 | 108 | hr | 4478 | To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through July 23, 2004, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2004-06-02 | 2004-06-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 0 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends through July 23 (currently, June 4), 2004, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, activity, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 as of September 30, 2003. | 2023-01-15T04:49:11Z | |
| 108-s-2481 | 108 | s | 2481 | Increasing Notice of Foreign Outsourcing Act | Commerce | 2004-06-01 | 2004-06-01 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6276-6278) | Senate | Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] | FL | D | N000032 | 1 | Increasing Notice of Foreign Outsourcing Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations requiring covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 that outsource protected health information to foreign-based business associates to include in their notice of privacy protections: (1) notification of outsourcing; (2) any risks and consequences to the privacy and security of such information resulting from outsourcing; (3) additional measures the covered entity is taking to protect outsourced protected health information; and (4) certification that the covered entity has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the handling of such information will comport with applicable laws. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to impose similar requirements on financial institutions that outsource nonpublic personal information to foreign-based businesses. Directs the Secretary of HHS, with regard to protected health information outsourced by covered entities, and the Federal banking agencies, National Credit Union Administration, Secretary of the Treasury, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Federal Trade Commission, with regard to nonpublic personal information outsourced by financial institutions, to issue regulations requiring: (1) outsourcing contracts with foreign-based businesses to contain audit provisions; and (2) such businesses and subcontractors to be contractually bound by Federal privacy standards and security safeguards. Establishes notification procedures in the event of a breach of database security involving protected health or nonpublic personal information. Requires contracts with foreign call centers to include a provision requiring call center employees to disclose their physical location upon request. Imposes civil penalties for violators. | 2023-01-15T04:49:20Z | |
| 108-hr-4455 | 108 | hr | 4455 | Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act | Commerce | 2004-05-20 | 2004-06-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | N000147 | 0 | Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Cites activities that constitute unlawful discrimination by a surety against an applicant in a surety bond transaction, including denial: (1) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability; or (2) because the applicant previously obtained a bond through a certain bonding assistance program or any special purpose bonding program. Requires a surety to notify an applicant of action on the surety application within ten days of its filing.Entitles an applicant against whom adverse action is taken to a statement of reasons for such action.Subjects a surety to liability to the aggrieved applicant for both actual damages and legal costs for noncompliance with this Act.Mandates full compliance with this Act as a condition for approval as surety by the Secretary of the Treasury. | 2023-01-15T04:49:03Z | |
| 108-s-2471 | 108 | s | 2471 | Safeguarding Americans From Exporting Identification Data Act | Commerce | 2004-05-20 | 2004-05-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] | NY | D | C001041 | 1 | Safeguarding Americans From Exporting Identification Data (SAFE-ID) Act - Prohibits business enterprises from disclosing personally identifiable information regarding U.S. residents to any branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party located in a foreign country unless: (1) the business enterprise provides notice of privacy protections and complies with safeguards described in specified Federal laws; (2) the consumer is given the opportunity to object prior to such disclosure; and (3) the consumer is given an explanation of how to exercise the nondisclosure option. Prohibits: (1) health care businesses from terminating existing relationships with consumers to avoid objections to disclosure; and (2) business enterprises from discriminating against otherwise qualified consumers of financial products or health care services due to such objections. Makes business enterprises that knowingly and directly transfer personally identifiable information to foreign entities liable to persons suffering damages due to the misuse of that information. Authorizes injured parties to file civil actions for violations of the information transmission provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise existing regulations to require covered entities that outsource protected health information to a foreign country to include certain information relating to outsourcing in such entity's privacy protection notices. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require the inclusion of similar information in privacy protection notices for consumers of financial services. | 2023-01-15T04:49:07Z | |
| 108-s-2472 | 108 | s | 2472 | Increasing Notice of Foreign Outsourcing Act | Commerce | 2004-05-20 | 2004-05-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6007-6009) | Senate | Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] | FL | D | N000032 | 0 | Increasing Notice of Foreign Outsourcing Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations requiring covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 that outsource protected health information to foreign-based business associates to include in their notice of privacy protections: (1) notification of outsourcing; (2) any risks and consequences to the privacy and security of such information resulting from outsourcing; (3) additional measures the covered entity is taking to protect outsourced protected health information; and (4) certification that the covered entity has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the handling of such information will comport with applicable laws. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to impose similar requirements on financial institutions that outsource nonpublic personal information to foreign-based businesses. Directs the Secretary of HHS, with regard to protected health information outsourced by covered entities, and the Federal banking agencies, National Credit Union Administration, Secretary of the Treasury, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Federal Trade Commission, with regard to nonpublic personal information outsourced by financial institutions, to issue regulations requiring: (1) outsourcing contracts with foreign-based businesses to contain audit provisions; and (2) such businesses and subcontractors to be contractually bound by Federal privacy standards and security safeguards. Establishes notification procedures in the event of a breach of database security involving protected health or nonpublic personal information. Requires contracts with foreign call centers to include a provision requiring call center employees to disclose their physical location upon request. Imposes civil penalties for violators. | 2023-01-15T04:49:07Z | |
| 108-hr-4376 | 108 | hr | 4376 | Women's Sustainability Recovery Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-05-17 | 2004-05-17 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Kelly, Sue W. [R-NY-19] | NY | R | K000078 | 17 | Women's Sustainability Recovery Act of 2004 - Establishes FY 2004 funding priorities for women's business development centers by: (1) reserving a certain percentage of available funds for sustainability grants under the Small Business Act notwithstanding current limits on the use of unawarded funds; (2) setting a maximum funding amount for such grants; and (3) specifying a formula for continuation grants to centers that received FY 2003 funding. | 2023-01-15T04:49:00Z | |
| 108-hr-4366 | 108 | hr | 4366 | Personal Data Offshoring Protection Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-05-13 | 2004-05-21 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7] | MA | D | M000133 | 6 | Personal Data Offshoring Protection Act of 2004 - Requires business enterprises to give U.S. citizens notice before transmitting personally identifiable information about such citizens to foreign affiliates or subcontractors located in countries with adequate privacy protections. Prohibits such transmittal where adequate privacy protections are lacking, unless: (1) the business enterprise discloses the lack of protections and obtains the citizen's prior consent for transmittal; and (2) such consent is renewed by the citizen within one year before the transmittal. Prohibits business entities from denying goods and services or modifying business terms for any person based on that person's exercise of consent rights provided by this Act or other law. Requires violations of this Act to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Creates a private right of action in State court for violations of this Act. Authorizes States, on behalf of their residents, to bring civil actions in Federal court for such violations. Requires prior notice to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of State actions and authorizes the FTC's intervention and appeal. Directs the FTC to certify those countries that have legal systems providing adequate privacy protections. Creates a presumption of inadequacy for foreign laws that are less protective of privacy than Federal law or the law of any State, or where the FTC determines that enforcement is lacking. Requires certification of countries whose laws meet the requirements of the European Union Data Protection Directive, unless such laws are not adequately enforced. | 2023-01-15T04:49:00Z | |
| 108-s-2407 | 108 | s | 2407 | Support Our Olympic Athletes Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5229) | Senate | Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] | CO | R | C000077 | 0 | Support Our Olympic Athletes Act of 2004 - Amends the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to authorize trademark actions by the United States Olympic Committee for unauthorized use of the words "Olympik," "Olympick," "Olympika," "Olympicka," "Olympica," or "Olympikus." | 2023-01-15T04:49:06Z | |
| 108-s-2384 | 108 | s | 2384 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to permit business concerns that are owned by venture capital operating companies or pension plans to participate in the Small Business Innovation Research Program. | Commerce | 2004-05-05 | 2004-05-05 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4915) | Senate | Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO] | MO | R | B000611 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to state that a business shall not be prevented from participating in the Small Business Innovation Research Program (a program under which a portion of Federal agencies' research and development efforts is reserved for award to small businesses) solely because the business is owned in part by: (1) a venture capital operating company managed and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens; or (2) an employee benefit or pension plan. | 2023-01-15T04:49:05Z | |
| 108-hr-4233 | 108 | hr | 4233 | American Home Fire Safety Act | Commerce | 2004-04-28 | 2004-05-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV-2] | WV | R | C001047 | 9 | American Home Fire Safety Act - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate, as final consumer product safety standards under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), specified fire safety standards for upholstered furniture, mattresses, bedclothing, and candles. Makes certain CPSA promulgation requirements inapplicable to the standards required to be promulgated by this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:35Z | |
| 108-s-2349 | 108 | s | 2349 | Playwrights Licensing Antitrust Initiative Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-04-26 | 2004-04-28 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 108-548. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Playwrights Licensing Antitrust Initiative Act of 2004 - Provides that the antitrust laws shall not apply to: (1) any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement between or among playwrights for the express purpose of developing a standard form contract containing minimum terms of artistic protection and levels of compensation for playwrights or any joint or collective voluntary actions for the limited purposes of developing a standard form contract by playwrights or their representatives; and (2) any joint discussion, consideration, review, or action for the express purpose of reaching a collective agreement among playwrights adopting a standard form contract as the sole and exclusive means by which participating playwrights shall license their plays to producers. Makes a standard form of contract developed and implemented under this Act subject to amendment by individual playwrights and producers consistent with its terms. | 2023-01-15T04:48:54Z | |
| 108-s-2312 | 108 | s | 2312 | SAFE-ID Act | Commerce | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] | NY | D | C001041 | 1 | SAFE-ID Act - Authorizes a business to transmit personally identifiable information regarding a U.S. citizen to any foreign affiliate or subcontractor located in a country certified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as having adequate privacy protection for such information. Prohibits such business from transmitting such information to an affiliate or subcontractor in a country without such privacy protection unless: (1) the business discloses to the citizen that the country does not have such privacy protection; (2) the business obtains the citizen's consent to transmit such information; and (3) the consent is renewed by the citizen within one year before the information is transmitted. Provides liability for businesses improperly transmitting such information. Makes any business or organization that collects or retains personally identifiable health care information about consumers (health care business) liable for any damages caused by improper storage, duplication, sharing, or other misuse of such information by the health care business or any foreign affiliate or subcontractor that received such information. Prohibits a health care business from terminating an existing relationship with a consumer of health care services in order to avoid the consent requirement. Directs the FTC to certify, and make a list of, those countries that have legal systems that provide adequate privacy protection for such information. | 2023-01-15T04:48:32Z | |
| 108-hr-4145 | 108 | hr | 4145 | Manufacturing Advisory Council Establishment Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Cramer, Robert E. (Bud), Jr. [D-AL-5] | AL | D | C000868 | 0 | Manufacturing Advisory Council Establishment Act of 2004 - Establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Manufacturing to: (1) advise the President on policy matters affecting the domestic manufacturing sector; (2) develop policies that will reduce manufacturing production costs, promote the international competitiveness of U.S.-manufactured products, encourage innovation, investment and productivity in the manufacturing sector, and ensure an adequate supply of skilled manufacturing workers; and (3) assist the Secretary of Commerce in securing private sector involvement for Department of Commerce activities. States that provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act relating to the termination of advisory committees shall not apply to the Council. | 2023-01-15T04:48:37Z | |
| 108-hr-4149 | 108 | hr | 4149 | To amend the Small Business Act to permit business concerns that are owned by venture capital operating companies or pension plans to participate in the Small Business Innovation Research Program. | Commerce | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards. | House | Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6] | MO | R | G000546 | 14 | Amends the Small Business Act to state that a business shall not be prevented from participating in the Small Business Innovation Research Program (a program under which a portion of Federal agencies' research and development efforts is reserved for award to small businesses) solely because the business is owned in part by: (1) a venture capital operating company managed and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens; or (2) an employee benefit or pension plan. | 2023-01-15T04:48:37Z | |
| 108-hr-4155 | 108 | hr | 4155 | Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7] | MA | D | M000133 | 54 | Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2004 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prescribe fire safety standards for cigarettes that, except as provided in this Act, are substantively the same as specified standards promulgated by the State of New York. Directs sponsors of testing methodologies employed under this Act to notify the Commission of any modifications in such methodologies. Authorizes the Commission to modify established fire safety standards to incorporate modifications that will enhance those standards. Requires fire safety standards promulgated under this Act to be treated as consumer product safety standards, and directs that cigarettes shall be treated as consumer products, under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Precludes the preemption by this Act of the New York standard or more stringent fire safety standards for cigarettes promulgated by any State. Makes the CPSA's private remedy provisions applicable to fire safety standards promulgated under this Act. Denies the Commission any jurisdiction over tobacco or tobacco products except as provided in this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:37Z | |
| 108-hr-4112 | 108 | hr | 4112 | Federal Death Care Disclosure Act | Commerce | 2004-04-01 | 2004-04-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16] | FL | R | F000238 | 0 | Federal Death Care Disclosure Act - Classifies as deceptive trade practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act funeral provider practices that: (1) fail to make timely price disclosures regarding funeral goods and services; (2) fail to give an itemized written statement to a purchaser of funeral goods or services at the conclusion of the discussion related to such goods or services and prior to providing any services beyond taking possession of a deceased human body for embalming; (3) make specified misrepresentations concerning funeral goods and services; (4) condition the furnishing of goods and services upon the purchase of other goods and services; (5) provide embalming services without prior approval (except in specified circumstances); (6) involve unsolicited telephone offers or door-to-door direct offers to sell funeral goods or services, crematory services, interment rights, or other cemetery and memorialization goods or services; (7) fail to comply with specified requirements governing cash advance items; and (8) fail to comply with specified prepaid contract requirements. Directs the Commission to establish minimum standards concerning State mandated consumer disclosures in prepaid contracts for the purchase of funeral, cemetery, or crematory goods or services. Establishes a private right of action for persons injured by a violation of this Act. Exempts States with a comparable or greater level of consumer protection from application of this Act or related regulations. | 2023-01-15T04:48:38Z | |
| 108-hr-4119 | 108 | hr | 4119 | Drug-Free Workplace Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-04-01 | 2004-04-01 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Portman, Rob [R-OH-2] | OH | R | P000449 | 10 | Drug-Free Workplace Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend through FY 2006 the authorization for the drug-free workplace demonstration program (program). Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make an additional grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with, any original grantee under such program for providing, in cooperation with one or more small business development centers, technical assistance to small businesses seeking to establish a program. Provides two-year periods for such grants. Makes drug-free communities coalitions eligible for such grant assistance. Requires: (1) the Administrator to provide technical assistance to each intermediary receiving a grant regarding the most effective practices in establishing and carrying out such programs; (2) each intermediary to establish a system to collect and analyze information regarding the effectiveness of programs established with grant assistance; and (3) the Administrator to provide technical assistance and guidance to each intermediary with respect to the collection and analysis of such information. Extends through FY 2006 the authority of small business development centers to provide information and assistance to small businesses with respect to establishing such programs. | 2023-01-15T04:48:38Z | |
| 108-hr-4077 | 108 | hr | 4077 | Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-31 | 2004-09-29 | Received in the Senate. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 7 | Title I: Piracy Deterrence in Education - Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2004 - (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Attorney General to establish an 18-month program under which the Department of Justice (DOJ) would send warning letters to the internet service providers of subscribers who appear to be engaging in copyright infringing conduct. Allows providers to forward the warning letters to such subscribers. Prohibits providers from disclosing any identifying information about such subscribers to DOJ except pursuant to court order or other applicable legal process that requires such disclosure. (Sec. 104) Directs the Attorney General to ensure that any DOJ unit responsible for investigating computer hacking or investigating intellectual property crimes is assigned at least one agent trained in the investigation and enforcement of such crimes. (Sec. 105) Establishes an Internet Use Education Program within the Office of the Associate Attorney General of the United States to educate the public concerning: (1) the value of copyrighted works and the effects of their theft on their creators; and (2) the privacy, security, and other risks of using the Internet to obtain illegal copies of copyrighted works. Prohibits the use of DOJ funds allocated for criminal investigations or prosecutions or for the Civil Rights Division for such program. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the U.S. Government to bring actions for infringement of copyright before registration of the copyright claim. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations for investigation and prosecution of copyright infringement. (Sec. 108) Prohibits the unauthorized, knowing use or attempted use of a video camera or similar device to transmit or make a copy of a motion picture or other copyrighted audiovisual work from a performance of such work in a movie theater. Sets forth penalties for such violations, which may include imprisonment for not more than three years for a first offense. Considers the possession of a recording device in a movie theater as evidence in any proceeding … | 2023-01-15T10:47:56Z | |
| 108-hr-4089 | 108 | hr | 4089 | American Job Retention and Creation Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-31 | 2004-04-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4] | MI | R | C000071 | 0 | American Job Retention and Creation Act of 2004 - Establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Job Retention and Creation. Directs such Assistant Secretary to: (1) gather information about economic development assistance; and (2) make the information available to the public, including through an Internet site. | 2023-01-15T10:47:56Z | |
| 108-s-2266 | 108 | s | 2266 | Women's Business Center Safeguard Act | Commerce | 2004-03-31 | 2004-03-31 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3461) | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 10 | Women's Business Center Safeguard Act - Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the women's business centers program to provide Small Business Administration funding authority for nonprofit organizations conducting projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Increases from 30 to 54 the percentage of appropriated women's business center funds to be used during FY 2004 for sustained women's business center projects. | 2023-01-15T11:03:06Z | |
| 108-s-2267 | 108 | s | 2267 | Women's Sustainability Recovery Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-31 | 2004-04-30 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 14 | Women's Sustainability Recovery Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the women's business centers program to provide Small Business Administration funding priorities for FY 2004 for nonprofit organizations conducting projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Increases from 30 to 48 the percentage of appropriated women's business center funds to be used during FY 2004 for pilot project sustainability grants. Terminates the provisions of this Act on October 1, 2004. | 2023-01-15T11:03:06Z | |
| 108-hr-4062 | 108 | hr | 4062 | To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through June 4, 2004, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2004-03-30 | 2004-04-05 | Became Public Law No: 108-217. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) (Sec. 1) Extends through June 4 (currently, April 2), 2004, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act (the Act) or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) as of September 30, 2003. (Sec. 2) Amends the SBIA to extend through FY 2004 (currently, May 21, 2004) the authority of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to charge and collect certain fees in connection with the guarantee of development company debentures under the small business investment program. (Sec. 3) Amends the Act to authorize the SBA to make specified amounts in purchases of participating securities and guarantees of debentures under the SBIA small business investment company program. (Sec. 4) Provides that, during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2004, in the case of any combination financing by a small business (receiving a loan guaranteed by the SBA and a commercial loan, no portion of which is guaranteed by the Federal Government), the amount of the commercial loan shall not exceed the gross amount of the guaranteed loan which is part of the financing. Allows the commercial loan to be: (1) made by the lender providing the guaranteed financing or by a different lender; (2) secured by a senior lien; and (3) made by a lender in the Preferred Lenders Program. Requires a fee to be paid by the lender to the SBA if the commercial loan has a senior credit position to that of the guaranteed loan. (Sec. 5) Directs the SBA Administrator, during the same period as above, to assess and collect a loan guarantee fee, which shall be a percentage of the outstanding balance of the deferred participation share of the loan. Terminates, during such period, the authority of lenders under SBA-guaranteed loans to retain any loan guarantee fees collected. (S… | 2023-01-15T10:47:57Z | |
| 108-hr-4076 | 108 | hr | 4076 | Toxic Flame Retardant Prohibition Act | Commerce | 2004-03-30 | 2004-04-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Solis, Hilda L. [D-CA-32] | CA | D | S001153 | 16 | Toxic Flame Retardant Prohibition Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of a product, or a flame-retarded part of a product, containing more than one percent of pentabrominated diphenyl ethers or octabrominated diphenyl ethers by mass. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) determine whether pentabrominated diphenyl ethers or octabrominated diphenyl ethers are formed in the environment as the result of chemical degradation of other materials and to identify any such precursors; (2) take appropriate action to ensure that products and processes that introduce identified precursors into the environment are phased out within three years of enactment of this Act, unless doing so would endanger human health and the environment; and (3) issue regulations requiring any product containing pentabrominated diphenyl ethers, octabrominated diphenyl ethers, or decabrominated diphenyl ethers that is manufactured 18 months or more after enactment of this Act to bear a label that meets specified requirements. | 2023-01-15T10:47:56Z | |
| 108-s-2254 | 108 | s | 2254 | Christen O'Donnell Equestrian Helmet Safety Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-29 | 2004-03-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3298) | Senate | Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] | CT | D | D000388 | 1 | Christen O'Donnell Equestrian Helmet Safety Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to States, political subdivisions, Indian tribes and organizations, public organizations, and private nonprofit organizations for activities that encourage individuals to wear approved equestrian helmets. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the effectiveness of such grants. Establishes an interim standard for equestrian helmets manufactured nine months after enactment of this Act pending establishment of a final standard. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to begin rulemaking proceedings for development of a final standard. Excludes such proceedings from specified laws governing the Commission's reliance on voluntary standards, the development of consumer product safety rules, and the Commission's regulation of consumer products in accordance with other laws. Prohibits application of judicial review provisions to any standard issued pursuant to such proceedings. Requires any failure to meet the interim standard to be treated as a violation of a consumer product safety standard promulgated under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Requires any final standard to be considered a CPSA consumer product safety standard. | 2023-01-15T11:03:06Z | |
| 108-s-2237 | 108 | s | 2237 | Protecting Intellectual Rights Against Theft and Expropriation Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-25 | 2004-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 3 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Protecting Intellectual Rights Against Theft and Expropriation Act of 2004 - Amends Federal copyright law to authorize the Attorney General (AG) to: (1) commence a civil action against any person who engages in conduct constituting copyright infringement; (2) collect damages and profits resulting from such infringement; and (3) collect statutory damages. Directs the AG to: (1) develop a program to ensure effective implementation and use of the authority for civil enforcement of the copyright laws, including training programs for qualified personnel from the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys Offices; and (2) report annually to Congress on the use of such enforcement authority and progress made in implementing the training programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005. | 2023-01-15T11:03:07Z | |
| 108-s-2192 | 108 | s | 2192 | Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-10 | 2004-12-10 | Became Public Law No: 108-453. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 7 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004 - Amends Federal patent law to provide that patentability is not precluded on the basis of obviousness where subject matter which qualifies as prior art is developed by a person different from the person claiming the invention if: (1) the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made; (2) the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the agreement; and (3) the application for patent for the claimed invention discloses or is amended to disclose the names of the parties to the agreement. Defines "joint research agreement" to mean a written contract, grant, or cooperative agreement entered into by two or more persons or entities for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work in the field of the claimed invention. | 2023-01-15T11:03:08Z | |
| 108-s-2193 | 108 | s | 2193 | Small Business Loan Revitalization Act | Commerce | 2004-03-10 | 2004-04-01 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3595) | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 20 | Small Business Loan Revitalization Act - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to provide requirements for the making of a Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan to a small business within 120 days after a commercial loan is obtained by that small business. Makes such small business ineligible for the SBA loan unless the commercial loan does not exceed $2 million. Allows the commercial loan to be: (1) made by the lender providing the guaranteed financing or by a different lender; (2) secured by a senior lien; and (3) made by a lender in the Preferred Lenders Program. Requires a fee to be paid by the lender to the SBA if the commercial loan has a senior credit position to that of the guaranteed loan. Prohibits a small business from receiving combination financing (an SBA-guaranteed loan and a commercial loan) in an amount greater than $4 million. Makes current SBA-guaranteed loan fees inapplicable to loans approved from the day after enactment of this Act until September 30, 2004. Applies a loan fee with respect to loans approved during the period beginning on: (1) October 1, 2002, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act of 0.25 percent of the outstanding balance of the deferred participation share of the loan; and (2) the first day after the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2004, of 0.35 percent of such outstanding balance. Directs the SBA to reconsider, before considering any other application, any application submitted on or after December 23, 2003, and before January 8, 2004, for an SBA loan guarantee that was rejected based on the loan amount requested if the applicant is otherwise eligible for financial assistance under the Act. Requires any small business that received SBA export working capital financing before January 1, 2004, and requests a financing renewal to have their request approved regardless of the size of such financing, if the small business is otherwise eligible for such financing. Directs the SBA, ten days after the enactment of this Act, to allow gener… | 2023-01-15T11:03:08Z | |
| 108-hr-3915 | 108 | hr | 3915 | To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through April 2, 2004. | Commerce | 2004-03-09 | 2004-03-15 | Became Public Law No: 108-205. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 0 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on March 10, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends through April 2 (currently March 15), 2004, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) as of September 30, 2003. Amends the SBIA to extend through May 21, 2004, the authority of the Small Business Administration to charge and collect certain fees in connection with the guarantee of development company debentures under the small business investment program. | 2023-01-15T10:18:05Z | |
| 108-s-2186 | 108 | s | 2186 | SBA Emergency Authorization Extension Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-09 | 2004-03-12 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2709-2710, S2756) | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 14 | SBA Emergency Authorization Extension Act of 2004 - Extends through: (1) May 15 (currently March 15), 2004, any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 as of September 30, 2003; and (2) FY 2004 the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan programs authorized under such Acts. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the women's business centers program to provide SBA funding authority for nonprofit organizations conducting projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Increases from 30 to 48 the percentage of appropriated women's business center funds to be used during FY 2004 for sustained women's business center projects. Amends the SBA loan guarantee program to authorize a small business to combine an SBA-guaranteed loan with a loan not guaranteed by a Federal, State, or local government. Allows the nonguaranteed loan to be made by: (1) the lender that provided the financing under the guaranteed loan or a different lender; or (2) a lender in the Preferred Lenders Program. Requires the lender to pay a fee with respect to the nonguaranteed portion of a combination loan. Provides maximum amounts of the nonguaranteed loan when processed either under the Preferred Lenders Program or by SBA staff. Terminates, until the end of FY 2004, the authority of lenders to retain loan guarantee fees collected with respect to SBA-guaranteed loans. Directs the SBA to: (1) eliminate certain loan program shutdowns or restrictions imposed by policy notices (thereby allowing for the processing and approval of previous loan applications that were not considered or approved due to a shutdown or restriction); and (2) give priority to the processing of such loans. Requires all combination loan fee proceeds to be used only to administer such loans. Authorizes the resubmission of certain small business disaster loan applications submitted before January 1, 2003, in response to the… | 2023-01-15T11:03:09Z | |
| 108-hr-3890 | 108 | hr | 3890 | To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. | Commerce | 2004-03-04 | 2004-07-08 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. | House | Rep. Hart, Melissa A. [R-PA-4] | PA | R | H001033 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 1, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Reauthorizes, through 2009, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. Modifies the list of priorities that the Secretary of Energy must consider in reviewing research and development activities for possible inclusion in the Steel Initiative Research Plan by deleting the development of advanced coatings for sheet steels and including the development of: (1) advanced sheet and bar steels; and (2) technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Repeals provisions establishing an expanded steel and aluminum research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Reestablishes a requirement for annual reports to Congress. | 2023-01-15T10:18:06Z | |
| 108-hr-3911 | 108 | hr | 3911 | To make certain companies that have outsourced jobs during the previous five years ineligible for the receipt of Federal grants, Federal contracts, Federal loan guarantees, and other Federal funding, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2004-03-04 | 2004-03-04 | Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. | House | Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-35] | CA | D | W000187 | 0 | Prohibits Federal agencies from awarding grants, contracts, loan guarantees, and other funding to companies of interest (as defined under this Act) that have outsourced jobs during the previous five years, except as specified under this Act or for national security purposes. | 2023-01-15T10:18:05Z | |
| 108-s-2160 | 108 | s | 2160 | Children's Listbroker Privacy Act | Commerce | 2004-03-03 | 2004-03-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2107-2108) | Senate | Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] | OR | D | W000779 | 2 | Children's Listbroker Privacy Act - Makes it unlawful: (1) to sell personal information about an individual the seller knows to be a child (under age 16); (2) to purchase personal information about an individual identified by the seller as a child for the purpose of marketing to that child; or (3) for a purchaser who has provided a certification limiting the use of such information to engage in any practice that violates the certification terms. Makes an exception with respect to express parental consent to such sale, purchase, or use. Provides for violation enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and certain other Federal agencies. Authorizes enforcement actions by States acting on behalf of its residents (allowing FTC intervention). | 2023-01-15T10:47:53Z | |
| 108-hr-3872 | 108 | hr | 3872 | Consumer Access to Information Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-03-02 | 2004-03-16 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 253. | House | Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] | FL | R | S000822 | 18 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Consumer Access to Information Act of 2004 - Prohibits the misappropriation of a database by classifying such misappropriation as an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Exempts from liability under this Act the provider of an interactive computer service that makes available information provided by another content provider. Excludes from coverage by this Act specified securities-related laws, authority, and information. | 2023-01-15T10:18:06Z | |
| 108-s-2138 | 108 | s | 2138 | Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2004-02-26 | 2004-02-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] | SC | R | G000359 | 11 | Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2003 - Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to disclose to the vehicle owner, a repair facility, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the information necessary to diagnose, service, or repair the vehicle. Sets forth protections for trade secrets. States that manufacturer noncompliance with this Act constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce within the purview of the Federal Trade Commission Act.Authorizes a vehicle owner or repair facility to bring a civil action in Federal district court for violations of this Act without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties.Instructs the FTC to prescribe a uniform methodology for manufacturer disclosure in writing, and on the Internet.Prohibits the FTC from prescribing rules that interfere with the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding motor vehicle emissions control diagnostics systems. | 2023-01-15T10:03:16Z | |
| 108-s-2108 | 108 | s | 2108 | Menu Education and Labeling Act | Commerce | 2004-02-24 | 2004-02-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. | Senate | Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] | IA | D | H000206 | 3 | Menu Education and Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item or food listing, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a food serving; and (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or salad bar for general use, daily specials, temporary menu items, and irregular menu items from these requirements. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food, such as through salad bars or buffet lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per standard serving adjacent to the name of the food offered. Requires restaurants or vending machine operators to provide a conspicuous sign identifying, and disclosing the number of calories of, each item of food offered in vending machines. Permits retail food establishments to voluntarily provide, and States to require, additional nutritional information. | 2023-01-15T10:03:17Z | |
| 108-hr-3816 | 108 | hr | 3816 | Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2004-02-11 | 2004-02-24 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Strickland, Ted [D-OH-6] | OH | D | S001004 | 21 | Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act of 2003 - Directs each U.S. corporation or subsidiary that utilizes a call center to initiate telephone calls to, or receive calls from, individuals located in the United States to require each call center employee to disclose the physical location of such employee at the beginning of each call. Requires such corporation or subsidiary to annually certify to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) their compliance with such requirement. Subjects noncomplying corporations or subsidiaries to such civil penalties as the FTC may prescribe. Directs the FTC to prescribe rules for effective monitoring and compliance with such requirement. | 2023-01-15T09:47:45Z | |
| 108-hr-3762 | 108 | hr | 3762 | Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2004-02-03 | 2004-02-13 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and Financial Management. | House | Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9] | WA | D | S000510 | 11 | Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission Act of 2004 - Establishes an independent Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission to: (1) identify Federal programs and laws that provide inequitable Federal subsidies; (2) review such subsidies; (3) conduct public hearings on agency recommendations regarding inequitable subsidies; and (4) report to Congress recommendations for termination, modification, or retention of each subsidy reviewed. Requires each Federal agency to include in budget documents submitted in FY 2005 a list of programs or laws within that agency that provide inequitable Federal subsidies, together with recommendations for appropriate action. Expresses the sense of Congress that, following submission of the Commission's report, the House of Representatives and the Senate should promptly consider legislation that would enact changes in Federal statutes necessary to implement the Commission's recommendations. | 2023-01-15T09:47:47Z | |
| 108-s-2016 | 108 | s | 2016 | Infant Crib Safety Act | Commerce | 2004-01-22 | 2004-01-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 4 | Infant Crib Safety Act - Makes it unlawful for any commercial user to: (1) manufacture, sell, or contract to sell any full-size or nonfull-size crib which is unsafe for any infant; or (2) sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any such crib which is not new and is unsafe for any infant. Makes it unlawful for any lodging facility to offer or provide such an unsafe crib. Presumes as unsafe a crib which does not conform to specified standards in the Code of Federal Regulations and the American Society for Testing Materials Voluntary Standards, unless labeled as dangerous for an infant and not intended to be used for one. Grants the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforcement powers as if this Act were a consumer product safety standard promulgated by it under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Declares a violation of this Act shall be considered a prohibited act within the meaning of the CPSA, and subject to its penalties and remedies. | 2023-01-15T09:32:49Z | |
| 108-s-1990 | 108 | s | 1990 | Taconite Research Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-12-09 | 2003-12-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Dayton, Mark [D-MN] | MN | D | D000596 | 0 | Taconite Research Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Economic Development Administration to make grants to producers of taconite to implement new technologies to increase productivity, to reduce costs, and to improve overall product quality and performance. | 2023-01-15T09:17:37Z | |
| 108-hr-3677 | 108 | hr | 3677 | Prescription Drug Retail Price Disclosure Act | Commerce | 2003-12-08 | 2003-12-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | House | Rep. Hooley, Darlene [D-OR-5] | OR | D | H000762 | 3 | Prescription Drug Retail Price Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require prescription drug labels to state a drug's full retail price (the price absent discount, insurance, or public health benefit payments). | 2023-01-15T09:17:38Z | |
| 108-hr-3686 | 108 | hr | 3686 | Taconite Research Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-12-08 | 2004-01-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology. | House | Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] | MN | D | O000006 | 0 | Taconite Research Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Economic Development Administration to make grants to producers of taconite to implement new technologies to increase productivity, to reduce costs, and to improve overall product quality and performance. | 2023-01-15T09:17:38Z | |
| 108-s-1977 | 108 | s | 1977 | SMART Act | Commerce | 2003-11-25 | 2003-11-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR S16027-16029) | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 3 | Small Manufacturers Assistance, Recovery, and Trade Act or SMART Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing to: (1) identify and address the concerns of U.S. manufacturers; (2) develop policies that promote the viability and expansion of U.S. manufacturing; (3) review policies that adversely impact manufacturers; and (4) identify and address issues unique to small manufacturers and those that are exacerbated by the size or limited capital of small manufacturers. Establishes an Interagency Manufacturing Task Force to maximize, improve, and coordinate Federal agency resources in assisting the manufacturing industry. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative for Small Business. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Small Business Manufacturing Task Force to evaluate and identify whether SBA programs and services are sufficient to serve the needs of small manufacturers. Requires the SBA Office of Entrepreneurial Development to develop: (1) new outreach and training programs for small manufacturers and small businesses in the manufacturing supply chain; (2) manufacturing workshops; and (3) programs and services to strengthen small business vendors and suppliers in the manufacturing supply chain. Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to include small business manufacturing within the SBA loan and international trade programs. | 2023-01-15T09:03:27Z | |
| 108-hr-3598 | 108 | hr | 3598 | Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2004 | Commerce | 2003-11-21 | 2004-07-12 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | House | Rep. Ehlers, Vernon J. [R-MI-3] | MI | R | E000092 | 31 | Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Directs the President to establish or designate: (1) an Interagency Committee (IC) to plan and coordinate Federal efforts in manufacturing research and development; and (2) an Advisory Committee to provide advice and information to the IC from the non-Federal manufacturing research and development community. (Sec. 3) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act) to require the NIST Director to establish a pilot program of collaborative manufacturing research grants to partnerships among firms, educational institutions, research institutions, State agencies, and nonprofit organizations to encourage development of innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing technologies. (Sec. 4) Amends the NIST Act to require the NIST Director to establish manufacturing sciences research fellowships at specified postdoctoral and senior levels. (Sec. 5) Revises the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program under the NIST Act to require the evaluation panel to notify any MEP center of the center's performance deficiencies if it has not received a positive evaluation. Authorizes the panel to place such a center on probation for one year and then reevaluate it. Authorizes the NIST Director, if a center has not addressed the deficiencies or shown significant improvement in performance, either to conduct a new competition to select an operator for the center or to close the center. Establishes, within the MEP program, a manufacturing extension center competitive grant program to develop projects to solve new or emerging manufacturing problems. Requires all MEP centers to submit annual audits to the Secretary and make such audits available to the public on request. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2008 to the Secretary of Commerce for: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities of NIST in specified categories; (2) the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program under the Stevenson-Wyd… | 2023-01-15T08:33:22Z | |
| 108-s-1895 | 108 | s | 1895 | A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through March 15, 2004, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 2003-11-19 | 2003-12-06 | Became Public Law No: 108-172. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends through March 15, 2004, any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is authorized under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 as of September 30, 2003. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from 1.38 to 1.46 the percentage fee authorized to be charged by the Small Business Administration to cover the cost of guaranteeing certain participating securities issued by small business investment companies. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-s-1884 | 108 | s | 1884 | Enhance Domestic Manufacturing and Worker Assistance Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-11-18 | 2003-11-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15072-15079) | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 0 | Enhance Domestic Manufacturing and Worker Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through FY 2012 trade adjustment assistance for workers, small businesses, farmers, and fishermen who harvest wild stock. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Trade Adjustment Assistance for Communities (TAAC) Program at the Department of Commerce. Prescribes criteria for determination of TAAC-eligible communities negatively impacted by trade, considering: (1) the number of jobs affected compared to the size of workforce; (2) the severity of the rates of unemployment and the duration of the unemployment in the community; (3) the income levels and the extent of underemployment; (4) the outmigration of population from the community and the extent to which the outmigration is causing economic injury in the community; and (5) the community's unique problems and needs. Authorizes an eligible community to develop a strategic plan for community economic adjustment and diversification. Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to an eligible community to: (1) develop and implement such plan; and (2) upon its approval, carry out any project or program included in the plan. Provides for award of supplemental grants Requires the Secretary to develop guidelines to ensure that rural communities receive preference in the allocation of resources. Establishes an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for: (1) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program through FY 2015; and (2) the Advanced Technology Program through FY 2013. Establishes an Office of Small Business in the Office of the United States Trade Representative. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-s-1885 | 108 | s | 1885 | Manufacturing Job Production Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-11-18 | 2003-11-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 0 | Manufacturing Job Production Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, in the case of an employee's first taxable year beginning in any applicable calendar year (years 2004 and 2005), the amount of the work opportunity credit determined for the taxable year by the increased manufacturing wages payroll tax rebate amount (as defined). Increases the from 50 to 75 percent the exclusion for gain from certain small business stock and to 100 percent for a small critical technology company, manufacturing corporation, or specialized investment company. Doubles the amount of allowable aggregate gross assets for a qualified small business eligible for the exclusion. Permits an eligible small business to pay taxes in four equal installments (or six, in the case of a qualified manufacturer). Makes permanent the temporary increased ($100,000) expensing amount, the temporary increased ($400,000) phaseout amount, and permanently allows for the expensing of off-the-shelf computer software. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-s-1886 | 108 | s | 1886 | MADE in America Act | Commerce | 2003-11-18 | 2003-11-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 0 | Manufacturing Assistance, Development, and Education in America Act or MADE in America Act - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to define for such Acts the term "small manufacturer," the production facilities of which must be located in the United States. Establishes in the Small Business Administration (SBA) the National Office for the Development of Small Manufacturers, to be administered by the Associate Administrator for Small Manufacturing. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish within the Office the Manufacturing Corps to focus on the education and training of the existing and potential small manufacturer workforce. Directs the Administrator to award block grants to States to develop and implement manufacturing training programs. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants and enter into agreements to expand business-to-business relationships between large and small manufacturers. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish a mentor-protege program that pairs small manufacturers with larger, more experienced manufacturers. Provides increased access to SBA loans for small manufacturers. Authorizes the Administrator to make small business disaster loans (with limits) to small manufacturers, and to refinance such loans or business debts of such manufacturers that were outstanding on the day of the disaster. Authorizes: (1) SBA-guaranteed loans for increasing the productive capacity of, or job creation or retention for, small manufacturers; and (2) small business investment companies to make SBA-guaranteed loans to small manufacturers. Includes small manufacturers under the SBA's new market venture capital program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants from the Small Business Foreign Patent Protection Grant Fund to assist small businesses in seeking foreign patent protection. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-s-1873 | 108 | s | 1873 | Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-11-17 | 2003-11-17 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14966) | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 7 | Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act of 2003 - Directs each U.S. corporation or subsidiary that utilizes a call center to initiate telephone calls to, or receive calls from, individuals located in the United States to require each call center employee to disclose the physical location of such employee at the beginning of each call. Requires such corporation or subsidiary to annually certify to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) their compliance with such requirement. Subjects noncomplying corporations or subsidiaries to such civil penalties as the FTC may prescribe. Directs the FTC to prescribe rules for effective monitoring and compliance with such requirement. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-hr-3483 | 108 | hr | 3483 | Seeds for Soldiers Act | Commerce | 2003-11-07 | 2003-11-07 | Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Udall, Tom [D-NM-3] | NM | D | U000039 | 16 | Seeds for Soldiers Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), using loan authority under the Small Business Act, to make loans to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Allows such loans to be made for any business purpose, including the refinancing of outstanding business debt. Defers loan principal payments for one year after loan issuance. Prohibits the total amount outstanding and committed to a borrower from exceeding $3 million. Provides conditions under which the Administrator may participate in SBA-guaranteed loans to such businesses, including collection of a loan guarantee fee. Terminates the loan authority at the end of 2005. Directs the Administrator to make grants to small business development centers to enable such centers to provide to veterans a program of assistance that includes training in a vocational or technical trade and entrepreneurial assistance in establishing and operating a small business that provides services in such trade. Provides a minimum grant amount of $500,000. | 2023-01-15T08:33:26Z | |
| 108-hr-3444 | 108 | hr | 3444 | Menu Education and Labeling Act | Commerce | 2003-11-05 | 2004-03-10 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H936) | House | Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] | CT | D | D000216 | 24 | Menu Education and Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are part of a chain of at least 20 outlets doing business under the same trade name to provide the total number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium adjacent to any item on menus in a clear and conspicuous manner. Requires vending machines and restaurant menu boards to display the total number of calories of each item. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to propose implementing regulations within 12 months of the enactment of this Act. Permits restaurants to provide additional nutritional information. Allows States and local governments to require additional nutritional information. | 2023-01-15T08:33:27Z | |
| 108-hr-3437 | 108 | hr | 3437 | Foam Fire Safety Act | Commerce | 2003-11-04 | 2003-11-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2] | RI | D | L000559 | 6 | Foam Fire Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate safety standards that address open flame ignition of mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and sound proofing materials, and other materials containing polyurethane. | 2023-01-15T08:33:28Z | |
| 108-s-1798 | 108 | s | 1798 | American Home Fire Safety Act | Commerce | 2003-10-30 | 2004-11-10 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 798. | Senate | Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] | SC | D | H000725 | 8 | American Home Fire Safety Act - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to evaluate and report to Congress on: (1) the interaction of bedclothing with the mattress in a fire and methodologies to improve the fire resistance of these products; (2) the current risk candles create as an ignition source in the home and the effectiveness of and level of compliance with the ASTM International Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles. Requires the Commission, if it has not promulgated a rule to improve the fire retardancy of upholstered furniture by June 1, 2005, to transmit a report to Congress explaining why such rule was not issued. Requires the Commission, if it has not issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding fire safe mattresses by June 1, 2005, to: (1) initiate a study to evaluate methodologies to improve fire resistance of such mattresses by June 30, 2005; (2) perform a comparative cost-benefit analysis of a mattress standard that would mandate 30-, 45-, and 60-minute flashover prevention; and (3) report its findings and recommendations to Congress. Directs the Commission to create a registry of fire-retardant chemicals by June 1, 2005. Requires the registry to include: (1) a list of manufacturers producing fire-retardant chemicals for sale or use in or on Commission-regulated products sold or used in the United States; (2) a list of such chemicals for each manufacturer; (3) a ranking of sales of such chemicals by each manufacturer measured by volume of chemicals sold; and (4) a list of studies and reports on the human impact of such chemicals performed by those manufacturers. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress on the results of the registry. Authorizes appropriations. | 2023-01-15T08:03:17Z | |
| 108-s-1799 | 108 | s | 1799 | Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-10-30 | 2003-10-30 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 1 | Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2003 - Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide that, in any action under the antitrust laws, the conduct of a standards development organization (SDO) while engaged in a standards development activity shall be subject to a rule of reason standard.Limits the amount recoverable and attorney's fees with respect to standards development activity engaged in by an SDO.States that an SDO may, not later than 90 days after commencing activity for the purpose of developing or promulgating voluntary consensus standards or 90 days after enactment of this Act, whichever is later, file simultaneously with the Attorney General and the Commission a written notification disclosing: (1) the name and principal place of business of the SDO; and (2) documents showing the nature and scope of such activity. Allows an SDO to file additional disclosure notifications as appropriate to extend protections under this Act to standards development activities that are not covered by, or that have changed significantly since, the initial filing.Includes standards development activity within notice, disclosure, and withdrawal from notification requirements of the Act. | 2023-01-15T08:03:17Z | |
| 108-s-1797 | 108 | s | 1797 | Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-10-29 | 2003-10-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] | OH | R | D000294 | 1 | Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2003 - Provides that in a civil action alleging a violation of the Sherman Act or of any similar State law based on conduct covered by an antitrust leniency agreement, the amount of damages recovered by a claimant from an applicant and cooperating individuals who satisfy this Act's requirements shall not exceed that portion of the actual damages sustained by the claimant that is attributable to the commerce done by the applicant in the goods or services affected by the violation (thus shielding organizations that cooperate with the Government from liability for treble damages). Provides that an applicant or cooperating individual satisfies this Act's requirements if the court determines that such applicant or individual has provided satisfactory cooperation to the claimant, including: (1) providing a full account of all facts known that are potentially relevant to the civil action; and (2) furnishing all potentially relevant items that are in the applicant's or cooperating individual's possession or control. Amends: (1) the Sherman Act to increase maximum prison sentences (from three years to ten years) and raise the maximum fine for individuals (from $350,000 to $1 million) for restraint of trade among the States, monopolizing trade, and other restraints of trade; and (2) the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act (Tunney Act) to require (current law allows) the court to consider specified factors, including the competitive impact of a judgment. | 2023-01-15T08:03:17Z | |
| 108-hr-3371 | 108 | hr | 3371 | Infant Crib Safety Act | Commerce | 2003-10-21 | 2003-10-27 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Tauscher, Ellen O. [D-CA-10] | CA | D | T000057 | 27 | Infant Crib Safety Act - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to make it unlawful for any commercial user to: (1) manufacture, sell, or contract to sell any full-size or nonfull-size crib which is unsafe for any infant; or (2) sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any such crib which is not new and is unsafe for any infant. Makes it unlawful for any lodging facility to offer or provide an unsafe crib. Presumes a crib to be unsafe which does not conform to the Code of Federal Regulations and the American Society for Testing Materials Voluntary Standards, unless labeled as dangerous for an infant and not intended to be used for one. | 2023-01-15T07:47:45Z | |
| 108-s-1760 | 108 | s | 1760 | United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-10-20 | 2003-10-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12890-12891) | Senate | Sen. Coleman, Norm [R-MN] | MN | R | C001057 | 0 | United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal patent law to: (1) lower patent filing and basic national fees; (2) increase excess claims, disclaimer, appeal, extension, revival, and maintenance fees; and (3) add new application examination, patent search, and patent issuance fees. Prescribes fees under the Trademark Act of 1946 for electronic and paper applications for trademark registration. Credits all Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) funds to a PTO Account in the Treasury. Exempts such funds from the appropriation process, thus allowing the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of PTO to collect such funds and use them for PTO operations until expended. | 2023-01-15T08:03:18Z | |
| 108-s-1737 | 108 | s | 1737 | Gasoline Free Market Competition Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-10-15 | 2004-03-30 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3317) | Senate | Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] | OR | D | W000779 | 5 | Gasoline Free Market Competition Act of 2003 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any person engaging in commerce from: (1) imposing any condition, agreement, or understanding between a crude oil refiner and a motor fuel distributor that limits or prevents the distributor from supplying branded gasoline to independent motor fuel retailers in a highly concentrated market, unless the limitation can be proven not to injure, destroy, or limit competition; (2) selling the same brand of gasoline (if that person is a refiner) to retailers owned or controlled by that refiner in a highly concentrated market at different prices than the refiner charges to its independent dealers, or selling to independent dealers in the same relevant geographic market at different prices if those dealers are located in a highly concentrated market; or (3) engaging in any other practice that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines would be likely to reduce supply or increase the price of gasoline in a highly concentrated market. Directs the FTC or the Attorney General to provide notice to each refiner, distributor, and retailer doing business in a highly concentrated market that such market is a "consumer watch zone" subject to specified conditions. Prohibits the FTC or the Attorney General from approving any combination that would create a highly concentrated market that would injure, destroy, or limit competition. Authorizes State attorneys general to bring civil actions in U.S. district court. | 2023-01-15T08:03:19Z | |
| 108-hr-3261 | 108 | hr | 3261 | Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act | Commerce | 2003-10-08 | 2004-03-11 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 252. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 9 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on February 11, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act - Makes civilly liable any person who makes available in commerce to others a substantial part of the information contained in a database generated, gathered, or maintained by another person without authorization. Provides exceptions for: (1) independently generated or gathered information; (2) certain reasonable use by a nonprofit science or research institution; (3) hyperlinking one online location to another; and (4) making such information available for the primary purpose of news reporting. Excludes, subject to exception, from protection under this Act: (1) Federal, State, or local government databases; and (2) computer programs. Provides civil remedies, including temporary and permanent injunctions, monetary relief for damages, and impoundment. Prohibits temporary and permanent injunctions and impoundment against the U.S. Government. Exempts from liability a provider of an interactive computer service for making available information that is provided by another information content provider. Provides oversight by the Federal Trade Commission, the Patent and Trademark Office, and the Copyright Office, requiring reports to specified congressional committees. Requires any civil action under this Act to be commenced within two years after its cause arises. Excludes, subject to exception, from liability under this Act: (1) any accredited nonprofit postsecondary educational institution or nonprofit research laboratory; (2) employees of such institution or laboratory acting within the scope of employment; and (3) students enrolled in such educational institution. | 2023-01-15T10:18:07Z | |
| 108-s-1713 | 108 | s | 1713 | Small Business Credit Liquidity Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-10-03 | 2003-10-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12460-12461) | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 2 | Small Business Credit Liquidity Act of 2003 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA), in order to encourage lenders to increase the availability of small business financing by improving lender access to reasonable funding sources, to provide a credit enhancement guarantee of, or a commitment to guarantee, a portion of the principal and interest on securities issued and managed by not less than two qualified entities authorized and approved by the SBA. Requires the SBA to set and maintain standards for qualified entities, including standards relating to delinquency, default, liquidation, and loss rates. Makes the SBA's credit enhancement guarantees second-loss guarantees, available only after the full payment of guarantees offered by the qualified entities authorized to act as issuers and managers of pools or trusts of loans. Provides loan pool or trust requirements and credit enhancement limits for FY 2004 through 2006. Directs the SBA to charge and collect a fee from issuers based on the SBA's guaranteed amount of issued securities. | 2023-01-15T08:03:20Z | |
| 108-hr-3236 | 108 | hr | 3236 | Permanently Inhibit Gougers Act | Commerce | 2003-10-02 | 2003-10-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4] | WI | D | K000259 | 1 | Permanently Inhibit Gougers Act - Declares that it shall be unlawful for commercial vendors in areas designated as disaster areas to raise the price of products or services that are widely needed in such area by more than ten percent above the average retail price charged by that vendor during the preceding 90 days for them. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe implementing regulations. Sets forth a maximum civil penalty amount. Provides for a private right of action for violations of this Act. | 2023-01-15T07:32:55Z | |
| 108-s-1655 | 108 | s | 1655 | A bill to ratify the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to establish the do-not-call registry. | Commerce | 2003-09-25 | 2003-09-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] | NV | R | E000194 | 63 | Declares that the Federal Trade Commission is authorized under the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to compile and implement a national do-not-call registry. Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003. | 2023-01-15T07:02:58Z | |
| 108-s-1661 | 108 | s | 1661 | Telemarketing Intrusive Practices Act of 2003 | Commerce | 2003-09-25 | 2003-09-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] | CT | D | D000388 | 0 | Telemarketing Intrusive Practices Act of 2003 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish and maintain for each State a list of consumers who request not to receive telephone sales calls; (2) provide notice to consumers of the establishment of such list; (3) contract with a State to establish and maintain the lists; (4) contract with a private vendor to establish and maintain the lists, if the vendor has maintained a national listing of consumers who request not to receive such calls; and (5) and charge a reasonable fee for providing the list. Requires a telephone solicitor to maintain a list of consumers who request not to receive telephone sales calls from that particular telephone solicitor. Prohibits a telephone solicitor from knowingly using any method to block or otherwise circumvent the use of a caller identification service or device by a consumer. States that a violation of this Act is an unfair or deceptive trade practice of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Permits a private right of action in State court for an action to enjoin a violation of this Act. | 2023-01-15T07:02:58Z | |
| 108-hr-3161 | 108 | hr | 3161 | To ratify the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to establish a do-not-call registry. | Commerce | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-29 | Became Public Law No: 108-82. | House | Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] | LA | R | T000058 | 39 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by Senate on September 25, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Declares that the Federal Trade Commission is authorized under the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to implement and enforce a national do-not-call registry. Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule which was promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003. | 2023-01-15T06:48:03Z | |
| 108-hr-3162 | 108 | hr | 3162 | To require cigarette products to be placed under or behind the counter in retail sales. | Commerce | 2003-09-24 | 2003-10-06 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Andrews, Robert E. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | A000210 | 0 | Requires anyone engaged in the retail sales of cigarette products to place such products under or behind a counter and not out on the floor of the sales facility. Deems noncompliance to be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act prohibition against deceptive acts or practices. | 2023-01-15T06:48:03Z | |
| 108-s-1652 | 108 | s | 1652 | A bill to ratify the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, as amended by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003. | Commerce | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 10 | Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule which was promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003. | 2023-01-15T07:02:58Z | |
| 108-s-1654 | 108 | s | 1654 | A bill to ratify the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to establish a do-not-call registry. | Commerce | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. | Senate | Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] | AK | R | S000888 | 2 | Declares that the Federal Trade Commission is authorized under the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to compile and implement a national do-not-call registry. Ratifies the do-not-call registry provision of the Telemarketing Sales Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2003. | 2023-01-15T07:02:58Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);