United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the cap on Medicaid payments for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Increases the minimum Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) (including for such territories) from 50 percent to 77 percent .
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act - Amends Federal monetary law to mandate that quarter dollar coins issued beginning in 2009 have designs on the reverse side emblematic of the District of Columbia and the territories: (1) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; (2) Guam; (3) American Samoa; (4) the United States Virgin Islands; and (5) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Prescribes implementation guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, jointly with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other appropriate Federal agencies, to develop, transmit to Congress, and implement a plan for stockpiling potassium iodide tablets in areas within a 50-mile radius of a nuclear power plant which includes a strategy for the storage and delivery of such tablets to persons who may be affected by a disaster at such a plant.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2000
Includes within the definition of a "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of eligibility criteria for veterans' disability compensation the exposure to ionizing radiation due to residual contamination resulting from participation in a nuclear detonation, without regard to whether any particular level of radiation exposure was measured for that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2000
Medicare Early Access and Tax Credit Act of 2000 - Title I: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age) under which an enrollee is entitled to the same Medicare benefits as an individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Provides for the determination and payment of monthly premiums under the new part D program. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums paid pursuant to this Act and savings from new fraud and abuse initiatives that are obtained pursuant to the Medicare Fraud and Reimbursement Reform Act of 1999. Provides for oversight and accountability concerning the status of the Trust Fund. Title II: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide access to Medicare benefits to displaced workers (and their spouse) 55-to-62 years of age. Title III: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation benefits for certain retired workers who lose retiree health coverage. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for COBRA continuation benefits for certain retired workers who lose retiree health coverage. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for COBRA continuation benefits for certain retired workers who lose retiree health coverage. Title IV: Financing - Provides that any increase in Medicare payments resulting from enactment of this Act shall be offset by reductions in Medicare payments pursuant to the anti-fraud and -abuse provisions of the Medicare Fraud and Reimbursement Reform Act of 1999. Title V: Credit Against Income Tax for Medicare Buy-In Premiums and for Certain COBRA Continuation Coverage Premiums - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an individual with a tax credit for 25 percent of certain COBRA continuation coverage premiums and Medicare buy-in premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2000
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to Tiger Woods in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people. Authorizes funding.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000
Native American Elders Assistance Act - Provides that any portion of the first $5,000 of income of an Indian tribe received in any calendar year by a member of the tribe who has attained 50 years of age shall not be considered income or resources in determining the eligibility of the member or the member's household for any benefit under specified means-tested public assistance programs (including Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income) or the amount or kind of any benefit provided by reason of program eligibility for so long as such portion is retained by the member.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000
Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to increase benefits to railroad employees and their beneficiaries and to revise financing of the pension part (tier II) of the railroad retirement system. (Sec. 101) Increases benefits for widows and widowers by guaranteeing to them all of the tier II annuity the employee was entitled to at the time of the death. (Sec. 102) Makes employees with 30 years of service eligible to retire at age 60 with unreduced tier I and tier II annuities. Makes spouses of such employees eligible for unreduced annuities at age 60. (Sec. 103) Reduces the vesting requirement for tier II retirement annuities from ten years to five years of service after December 1995. Makes employees with at least five years of such service, but less than ten years of total service, eligible for a tier I disability annuity if their combined railroad retirement and social security earnings credits would satisfy social security eligibility requirements. Makes spouses, divorced spouses, and survivors of employees with at least five years of such service, but less than ten years of total service, eligible for a tier I annuity if they would have been entitled to a social security benefit based on combined service. (Sec. 104) Repeals a limit on the total amount of monthly railroad retirement benefits payable to an employee and spouse at the time the employee's annuity begins. (Sec. 105) Establishes a Railroad Retirement Trust Fund (the Fund) and a Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (RRIT) to manage and invest the assets of the Fund. Declares that RRIT is not an agency, department, or instrumentality of the U.S. Government. Requires RRIT to be administered by a Board of Trustees (the Trustees) with seven members (three representing labor, three representing employers, and one representing the general public) with experience and expertise in the management of financial investments and pension plans. Requires the Trustees to be appointed by a unanimous vote of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Prohibits RRB members from being Trustees. Applies specified reporting requirements and fiduciary standards to the RRIT. Requires the Trustees to diversify investments so as to minimize the risk of large losses. Authorizes the Trustees to invest Fund assets in non-Governmental assets. (Sec. 106) Abolishes the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Annuity Account and provides for transfer of its funds to the Fund. (Sec. 107) Requires the RRB, upon the establishment of the Fund, to determine the portion of the Railroad Retirement Account not needed to pay current administrative expenses and direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer that amount into the Fund. Requires the Fund to transfer the necessary amount of funds to pay benefits and related administrative expenses to the disbursing agent. Transfers to the Fund Social Security Equivalent Benefit account funds not needed to pay current benefits, but requires that such funds only be used to pay benefits or to invest in U.S. Government or Government-guaranteed securities. Transfers to the disbursing agent from the Dual Benefit Account the amount necessary to make dual benefit payments. Requires the Trustees to consult with the Secretary of the Treasury to develop an appropriate method for transferring or converting existing account obligations. (Sec. 108) Requires the RRB to calculate the ratio of assets to benefits to determine annual tier II tax rates for employers, employee representatives, and employees. Establishes schedules for: (1) decreasing tax rates if the average account benefits ratio, based on the ratios for the ten most recent fiscal years, is above six; and (2) increasing employer and employee representatives' tax rates if the ratio is below four. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt the Railroad Retirement Trust Fund (the Fund) from taxation. (Sec. 203) Repeals a supplemental annuity tax that railroad employers pay to finance a benefit for long-time rail employees. (Sec. 204) Provides for adjustments to railroad employers, employee representatives, and employee tier II tax rates. Decreases such rates in 2001 and in 2002 for employers and employee representatives. Provides in the years after 2002 for tax rate schedules, based on the ten-year average account benefit ratio, for employers, employee representatives, and employees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2000
Recognizes the tenth anniversary of the initial activation of National Guard and Reserve personnel for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and the growing importance of the National Guard and Reserve to the security of the United States. Expresses support for ensuring the readiness of the National Guard and Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2000
Congratulates: (1) the people and Government of the United Mexican States for the successful completion of the democratic multiparty elections for president and the legislature; and (2) President-elect Vincente Fox for his election victory and his commitment to democracy and a free-market oriented economy. Commends all Mexican citizens and political parties for their participation in the democratic process and their support for the strengthening of their democracy. Reaffirms the United States friendship with Mexico and our unequivocal commitment to encouraging democracy throughout Latin America.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Considers hepatitis C becoming manifest in a veteran to be service-connected, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability provisions, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such illness during the period of such service, as long as it is shown that during such service the veteran experienced: (1) a blood transfusion before December 31, 1992; or (2) hemodialysis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Declares that: (1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall establish a special task force to study the history and contributions of African American slave laborers in the construction of the U.S. Capitol; and (2) such task force shall recommend an appropriate recognition for them which could be displayed in a prominent location in the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Insular Areas Oversight Avoidance Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publish with respect to each covered statement issued by OMB (including executive orders and agreements, presidential proclamations or directives, treaties, and submitted legislation) that does not include any U.S. insular area in any definition of "United States," "United States of America," or "State": (1) an explanation of the reasons for that omission; and (2) a recommendation of whether the definition should include such insular area.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2000 - Allows certain individuals of Japanese ancestry who were brought forcibly to the United States from countries in Latin America during World War II and interned in the United States to be provided restitution under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. (Sec. 3) Declares that the United States apologizes to such individuals for the fundamental violations of their basic civil liberties and constitutional rights. Urges the President to transmit to each such individual a personal letter of apology on behalf of the United States. (Sec. 4) Places upon the Attorney General responsibility to identify and locate eligible individuals under this Act within 12 months. Authorizes any eligible individual to notify the Attorney General that the individual is eligible and provide documentation to that effect within six years. Directs the Attorney General to make a final determination of eligibility within one year after locating or receiving notification from an individual. Authorizes judicial review of a denial of compensation. Permits an individual covered by this Act who has accepted payment on a related claim against the United States before this Act's enactment to receive an appropriately reduced payment under this Act. (Sec. 5) Directs that: (1) individuals covered by this Act not be considered to have been present in the United States unlawfully during the evacuation, relocation, or internment period; and (2) each U.S. department or agency correct any records that indicate that such individuals were in the United States unlawfully. (Sec. 6) Directs: (1) the appropriate agencies to disclose to the public all information relating to the forcible removal of individuals from Latin America and their internment in the United States during that period; and (2) the President to share such information with other countries and to encourage those countries to make that information available to people in those countries. (Sec. 7) Reestablishes in the Treasury the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund to be available for such restitution. (Sec. 8) Establishes the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund: (1) to sponsor research and public education activities; and (2) for reasonable administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) reiterates its condemnation of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and honors the victims; and (2) desires a lasting, warm relationship between the United States and Argentina built on mutual abhorrence of terrorism and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the Western Hemisphere. Urges the Government of Argentina to pursue the local and international connections to such terrorist act and to duly punish all those who were involved. Calls on the President to: (1) raise this issue in bilateral discussions with Argentine officials and to underscore U.S. concern regarding the six-year delay in the resolution of this case; and (2) direct U.S. law enforcement agencies to provide support and cooperation to such Government, if requested, for purposes of the investigation into this bombing and terrorist activities in the tri-border area. Recommends that the United States Representative to the Organization of American States seek support from countries comprising the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist, if required by that Government, in the investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, should work with the Government of the Philippines and with appropriate nongovernmental organizations in the United States and the Philippines to fully identify and share all relevant information concerning environmental contamination and health effects emanating from former U.S. military facilities in the Philippines following the departure of U.S. military forces; and (2) the United States should work with the Philippine Government to help ameliorate such environmental contamination and health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require certification of a group of workers (including agricultural firm or subdivision workers) as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance under such Act if the Secretary of Labor determines that a significant number or proportion of them in the workers' firm (or subdivision) have become totally or partially separated (or threatened with total or partial separation), and either: (1) that the firm's (or subdivision's) sales or production, or both, have decreased absolutely, imports from the People's Republic of China of like or directly competitive articles have increased by reason of the extension of normal trade relations treatment, and such increase in imports contributed importantly to such workers' separation (or threat thereof) and to the decline in the firm's (or subdivision's) sales or production; or (2) that there has been a shift in production by the workers' firm (or subdivision) to the People's Republic of China of articles like or directly competitive with the firm's (or subdivision's) articles by reason of such extension of normal trade relations treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Corporate Code of Conduct Act - Requires any national of the United States that employs more than 20 persons in a foreign country, either directly or through subsidiaries, subcontractors, affiliates, joint ventures, partners, or licensees (including any security forces), to take the necessary steps to implement the Corporate Code of Conduct specified by this Act with respect to the employment of those persons. (Sec. 3) States that such Corporate Code of Conduct requires that a U.S. national: (1) provide a safe and healthy workplace; (2) ensure fair employment, including prohibition of the use of child and forced labor, prohibition of discrimination based upon race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs, respect for freedom of association and the right to organize independently and bargain collectively, and the payment of a living wage to all workers; (3) prohibit mandatory overtime work by employees under age 18; (4) prohibit the practice of pregnancy testing of employees, including forced usage of birth control, and the dismissal or discrimination of employees based on pregnancy; (5) prohibit retaliation against any employee who conveys information relating to a violation or alleged violation of any fair employment requirement of this Code; (6) promote specified good governance and good business practices; (7) maintain a corporate culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate business concerns, does not condone political coercion in the workplace, encourages good corporate citizenship, makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the U.S. national operates, and promotes ethical conduct by all employees; (8) comply with internationally recognized worker rights and core labor standards; (9) uphold responsible environmental protection and environmental practices; (10) comply with minimum international human rights standards; (11) require partners, suppliers, and subcontractors of the U.S. national (including any security forces) to adopt and adhere to these principles; (12) require full public disclosure of specified information; and (13) implement and monitor compliance with these principles through a self-financing program internal to the business that meets certain requirements. (Sec. 4) Requires: (1) Federal agency heads to give preference in the award of contracts to entities adopting and enforcing such Code; (2) the Secretary of Commerce to give preference to such entities that are also U.S. exporters with introduction to contacts in foreign countries, and in coordinating trade missions; (3) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency to give such entities preference in providing financing and issuing investment insurance, reinsurance, and guaranties under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; and (4) the Export-Import Bank to give such entities preference in providing guarantees, insurance, and credit, and in participating in extensions of credit. (Sec. 5) Establishes a private right of action to petition the appropriate Federal official to investigate alleged Code compliance violations. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of State, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, upon a determination of Code noncompliance, to terminate a contract entered into with the noncomplying entity, and withdraw, suspend, or limit the entity's preference under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Declares that Congress: (1) reaffirms its particular right and obligation to express its opposition to anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies in countries with important relationships with the United States; (2) condemns the May 11 Media/Most raid by the Russian Federal Security Service as a breach of normal legal procedure and a deliberate political attack on independent media; (3) expresses profound regret and dismay at the detention and continued prosecution of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Andrey Babitsky and other manifestations of official policy directed against the independent media; (4) urges Members to use any meetings with ministers and political leaders of the Russian Federation to express concern for the continued functioning of independent media in Russia; and (5) calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. officials and agencies to emphasize to Russian officials U.S. concern that official pressures against such media are incompatible with democratic norms.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2000
Holocaust Education and Awareness Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to carry out education and awareness programs about the Holocaust. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Honoring the Navajo Code Talkers Act - Authorizes the President to: (1) present to each of the original twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers or a surviving family member, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal honoring the Navajo Code Talkers; and (2) award to each man who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker (MOS 642) or a surviving family member a silver medal. Provides that such medals are to express recognition by the United States and its citizens in honoring the Navajo Code Talkers who distinguished themselves in performing a unique, highly successful communications operation that greatly assisted in saving countless lives and in hastening the end of World War II in the Pacific. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act - Establishes the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Commission to: (1) prepare a plan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System; (2) coordinate the activities of Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental partners undertaken pursuant to such plan; (3) plan, host, and assist in the activities of a conference on the System; and (4) report to Congress on its activities and plans. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit to Congress a long-term plan to address priority staffing and operation needs and maintenance and construction needs of the System and transition costs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March Compensation Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay certain compensation to individuals (or their survivors) who, as members of the armed forces during World War II: (1) were captured on the peninsula of Bataan or the island of Corregidor in the Philippines by Japanese forces; and (2) participated in and survived the Bataan Death March.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that ancestors and lineal descendants of past or present members of the Armed Forces shall be taken into account in determining whether a veterans' organization is exempt from tax.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2000
Oceans Act of 2000 - Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy and requires it to report to Congress and the President. Directs the President to submit to Congress: (1) after considering the Commission's report, proposals for a coordinated, comprehensive, and long range national policy for the responsible use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources for the benefit of the United States; and (2) a biennial report on all existing Federal programs related to ocean and coastal activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2000 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (MediKids Program) under which an eligible individual born after December 31, 2001, who has not attained age 23 may enroll in the MediKids Program for entitlement to benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among such benefits the following: (1) at least the same benefits available under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) under SSA title XVIII; (2) early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX); and (3) prescription drugs and biologicals. Provides for cost-sharing, a payment schedule for covered benefits, and a monthly MediKids premium and the means for payment of it. Provides for a reduction in premium for certain low-income families. (Sec. 2) Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for collected premiums, appropriated amounts, and other revenues for use in funding the coverage provided under the MediKids Program and maintaining its financial solvency. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a care coordination services program including specified elements under which eligible individuals may elect to have health care services covered under new SSA title XXII managed and coordinated by a designated care coordinator. Sets forth administration and miscellaneous provisions applicable to new SSA title XXII, including provisions for coordination with Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) and the maintenance of Medicaid eligibility and benefits for children. Amends SSA title XVIII to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission from 17 to 19 members, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. (Sec. 3) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. (Sec. 5) Mandates deposit in the Treasury of any amounts: (1) recovered by the United States in the civil action brought on September 22, 1999, under the Medical Care Recovery Act and other specified provisions of Federal law in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the tobacco industry and associated parties; and (2) attributable to expenditures of HHS for tobacco-related illnesses. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress: (1) a gold medal to the family of Andrew Jackson Higgins in recognition of his contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II; (2) an identical medal to the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for public display; and (3) a gold medal to the Museum in honor of the World War II employees of Higgins Industries and in recognition of their contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the decision of a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit striking down the Ohio State motto, "With God All Things Are Possible," is a misinterpretation and misapplication of the U.S. Constitution. Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for such motto and other State mottoes making reference to a divine power and for the decision of the Governor and the Attorney General of the State of Ohio to appeal the ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Requires any employer under a Federal contract or subcontract exceeding $10,000 to pay each employee working on or hired in conjunction with such contract or subcontract the greater of: (1) $8.20 an hour; or (2) an hourly wage necessary for such employee to earn, while working 40 hours a week on a full-time basis, the amount of the Federal poverty level for a family of four. Exempts employers that are: (1) small business concerns; or (2) nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, if the ratio of the total compensation of the chief executive officer to that of the full-time equivalent of their lowest-paid employee is not greater than 25 to 1. Makes ineligible for such required living wage level any employee participating in: (1) an apprenticeship program; or (2) any other training program, which is not longer than six months and is offered to an employee while employed in productive work, that provides training, technical and other related skills, and personal skills essential to full and adequate job performance. Prohibits employers from avoiding paying the required living wage by laying off or otherwise terminating an employee with the intention of replacing that employee with one not eligible for such wage because of participation in an apprenticeship or training program. Requires all Federal contracts and subcontracts to require such living wage payment. Requires Federal contract and subcontract suspension and a five-year ineligibility period for employers who violate such requirement. Makes such employers liable for unpaid wages and an equal amount of liquidated damages. Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay the employees who were not paid such living wage the amount recovered from their employers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
East Timor Repatriation and Security Act of 2000 - Declares the sense of Congress that the U.S. Government should utilize all diplomatic and economic means to press for: (1) the safe repatriation to East Timor of all East Timorese in West Timor and elsewhere who wish to return; (2) an end to border incidents, infiltration of militias, and to any other violent actions by militias and the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia against the people or territory of East Timor; (3) processes and prosecutions leading to justice for the victims of the 1999 violence in East Timor; (4) rapid reconstruction of East Timor, including maximum consultation with and inclusion of local personnel; and (5) a significant increase in employment for East Timorese in all internationally-sponsored reconstruction and United Nations efforts relating to East Timor. Prohibits resumption of U.S. military relations with, and military assistance for, the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia suspended by the President on September 9, 1999, until the President certifies to Congress that the Government and armed forces of Indonesia provide for: (1) the territorial integrity of East Timor; (2) the security and safe return of refugees; and (3) have brought to justice those individuals who have committed murder, rape, torture, and other crimes against humanity in East Timor and elsewhere. Recognizes and salutes those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have assisted the international peacekeeping operation in East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that schools across the Nation should teach about the role of Native American Indians in American history and culture and lead community service projects that further that education.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) schools across the Nation should teach about Cesar E. Chavez and lead community service projects in his memory; and (2) farm worker housing programs should be supported at the Federal, State, and local levels.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for projects for the conservation of great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans), using amounts in a Great Ape Conservation Fund established by this Act. Allows a project proposal to be submitted by: (1) any wildlife management authority of a country that has within its boundaries any part of the range of a great ape if such authority's activities affect a great ape population; (2) the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Secretariat; or (3) any person or group with the demonstrated expertise required for the conservation of such apes. Sets forth project proposal requirements, including for review and approval, and reporting. Prohibits the use of grant amounts for captive breeding of such apes other than for captive breeding for release into the wild. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Act - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (NSFA) to establish and expand programs relating to science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. (Sec. 3) Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize any Federal department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. (Sec. 4) Requires the NSF Director to make grants to State or local educational agencies (SEAs or LEAs) or private elementary or middle schools to hire master teachers. Requires grant applicants to describe their requirements for master teachers and how professional development will be integrated with their mathematics or science program. Requires such master teachers to: (1) provide support for not more than ten teachers at public and private schools in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology programs for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade; and (2) be responsible for in-classroom assistance and oversight of hands-on inquiry materials, equipment, and supplies, including supplying and repairing such materials. Requires such grants to be made out of funds available for the NSF for Education and Human Resources Activities. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Director to make competitive grants to secondary school and college students working with university faculty, software developers, and experts in educational technology, or to such faculty, developers, and experts working with such students, to develop high-quality educational software and Internet web sites. Requires the Director to: (1) designate official judges to recognize outstanding educational software and Internet web sites, developed with such assistance, that focus on core curriculum areas; (2) issue a certificate signed by the President and Director to each student and faculty member who develops such recognized software and sites; and (3) give priority to awarding grants to develop such software or sites in the areas of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. (Sec. 6) Establishes in NSF a working group to review and coordinate regular and supplemental curricula in kindergarten through the 12th grade for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director, subject to appropriations, to make demonstration project grants to eligible LEAS, which may use such funds to: (1) develop an information technology program that builds or expands mathematics, science, and information technology curricula; (2) purchase equipment necessary to establish such program; and (3) provide professional development in such fields. Requires such LEAs to enter into conditional agreements with representatives of the private sector which will participate by providing services and funds, including: (1) donating computer hardware and software; (2) establishing internship and mentoring opportunities for student participants in such program; and (3) donating higher education scholarship funds for eligible students who have participated in such program. Sets forth requirements for program applications, guidelines, assessment, study, and report. Authorizes appropriations to NSF for such program. Limits the maximum amount of such a grant award to any eligible LEA. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director, with the Secretary of Education, to compile and disseminate information on: (1) standard prerequisites for middle school and high school students who seek to enter a course of study at an institution of higher education in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology education for purposes of teaching in an elementary or secondary school; and (2) the licensing requirements in each State for science, mathematics, engineering, or technology elementary or secondary school teachers. (Sec. 9) Requires the Director to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for NAS to compile and evaluate studies on the effectiveness of technology in the classroom on learning and student performance, as measured by State standardized tests. Authorizes appropriations to NSF for such study-evaluation. (Sec. 10) Requires the Director to establish a grant program under which grants may be made for instruction of teachers for grades kindergarten through the 12th grade in the use of technology in the classroom. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Director to award grants to assist States in reaching the goal of making all middle school graduates technology-literate. Requires such grants to be used for teacher training in technology, with an emphasis on programs that prepare one or more teachers in each middle school in the State to become technology leaders who then serve as experts and train other teachers. Requires States to encourage schools that receive such assistance to provide matching funds. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director to convene, as the National Science Education Forum, a conference of representatives from Federal, State, and local governments, private industries, professional organizations, educators, science, mathematics, engineering, and technology educational resource providers, students, and other stakeholders. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Director to make grants to SEAs or LEAs or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools, under any grant program administered by the Director using funds appropriated for the NSF for Education and Human Resources Activities, for activities in which distance learning is integrated into the education process in kindergarten through the 12th grade. (Sec. 14) Requires the Director to make available through the Internet at no cost a complete field-test version of any curricular program for which the NSF provided development funds. (Sec. 15) Directs the President, acting through the NSF, to provide scholarships to teachers at public and private schools in kindergarten through the 12th grade to participate in Federal, State, or private research programs. Requires the Director to establish an Internet web site which may be used by students and teachers participating in such program to incorporate research knowledge and techniques into the educational process.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Incentive Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an eligible science, engineering, math, or technology teacher a limited credit for undergraduate tuition; and (2) permit an elementary and secondary science, mathematics, engineering, and technology credit (SMET) credit for qualified contributions of property or service to qualified elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Veterans' Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2000 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to change the amount of monthly veterans' educational assistance allowance under the Montgomery GI Bill from a fixed amount adjusted for inflation to an amount equal to the average monthly costs of tuition and expenses for commuter students at public institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees (75 percent of such amount for veterans whose initial obligated period of active duty is two years). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine such average monthly costs each year and to publish such amounts in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for student loan forgiveness for public defenders under the Federal Perkins Loan program. Requires a reduction in the amount of Federal capital contributions to Federal student loan funds to offset the amount expended under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter a gold medal in recognition of their service to the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Reservists Tax Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the deduction, as a trade or business expense, of certain expenses of members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces incurred while away from home in connection with such service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Enhancement Act - Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize any Federal department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. Title I: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - Revises the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with respect to teacher professional development activities to include support for mentoring activities for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teachers. (Sec. 101) Includes information on model science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teacher mentoring programs among the information which the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (Clearinghouse) is required to disseminate. Requires States, in their plans in applications for teacher professional development grants, to describe how they will: (1) administer a mentoring system to ensure consistent implementation of mentoring programs for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teachers; (2) provide a structure for local mentoring program evaluation; (3) provide technical assistance to local mentoring programs; (4) ensure compliance by local mentoring programs with State teacher training requirements; and (5) provide incentives for local educational agencies (LEAs) to take mentoring into consideration in assessing instructional staff hiring needs. Requires local activities under the teacher professional development program to include mentoring programs for novice teachers of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Requires States to include, in their accountability reports under the teacher professional development program, the impact of State and local mentoring programs on teaching quality and teacher retention rates. (Sec. 102) Revises ESEA provisions for the allocation and use of funds for the Clearinghouse. Requires such funds to be used to: (1) solicit and gather qualitative and evaluative materials and programs, review their evaluation, rank their effectiveness, and distribute results of reviews, as well as excerpts of materials and links to Internet sites and information on on-line communities of users to teachers; and (2) establish an Internet site offering a search mechanism to assist site visitors in identifying information on science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education instructional materials and programs, including electronic links to information on classroom demonstrations and experiments, teachers who have used materials or participated in programs, vendors, curricula, and textbooks. Directs the Clearinghouse to give particular attention to the effective use of materials and technology in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on the Clearinghouse. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants, from specified ESEA funds, for summer professional development institutes for teachers. Provides for such grants to be awarded to State agencies for higher education, working in conjunction with the State educational agency (if such agencies are separate). Requires the grantees to: (1) make subgrants to or cooperative agreements with various entities working in conjunction with an LEA or consortium of LEAs; and (2) give priority to applicants assuring use of a curriculum recognized by the working group established under specified provisions of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Sets forth requirements relating to such institutes and their activities and curricula. Requires peer review of grant applications under a process established by the Director of the National Science Foundation. Requires participants in such institutes to earn credit toward State continuing education requirements for teachers or a post-baccalaureate degree program at an institution of higher education. Revises provisions for allocation of certain appropriated amounts. Reserves specified funds for the summer institute program. (Sec. 104) Includes providing technology training software and instructional materials to teachers among local uses of ESEA school technology resource grants. (Sec. 105) Requires grant applicants, under the ESEA 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, to assure that they will use at least five percent of the grant amount to provide after-school day care services that focus on science activities. (Sec. 106) Includes after-school day care services that focus on science activities for children in kindergarten through sixth grade among uses of grants under the ESEA 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. Title II: Other Provisions - Revises the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to treat technology training, tutoring teachers in the uses of classroom technology, as community service by college students under the work-study program. Increases funding for such program and reserves the amount of such increase to compensate students employed in technology training or tutoring teachers in the uses of classroom technology. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study: (1) the feasibility and effectiveness of various incentives, including tax credits, for businesses to provide personnel with regular compensation for time spent as volunteers engaged in the technological training of teachers and facilities for such training; (2) alternative methods of providing financial support, through income tax credits, loan forgiveness, or otherwise, to individuals seeking training or retraining in mathematics, science, and technology education; (3) the effectiveness of higher education institutions in training teachers who can use technology and integrate it into lesson plans, curricula, and distance learning; (4) methods to coordinate working alliances at various levels of government between the business and academic community; and (5) other means of improving the efficiency of the technological training of teachers. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on such study, including proposals for a comprehensive approach to providing technologically competent teachers to the Nation's schools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
National Museum of the American Indian Commemorative Coin Act of 2000, or American Buffalo Coin Commemorative Coin Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a maximum of 500,000 $1 dollar coins in commemoration of the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Mint Facility in Denver, Colorado, should strike such coins unless the Secretary determines that it would be technically or cost-prohibitive. Mandates that the proceeds from sales surcharges be paid promptly to the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution to: (1) commemorate the opening of the Museum; and (2)supplement the Museum's endowment and educational outreach funds. Subjects the Museum to certain Federal audit requirements. Instructs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that coin minting and issuance will not result in any net cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Armed Services Educational Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income Federal student loan payments made on behalf of members of the Armed Forces and the National Health Service Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the armed forces who served during World War II, especially those who gave their lives in such service. Expresses support for the goals and ideas of Day of Honor 2000 to celebrate and recognize such service. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor such veterans with appropriate programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Condemns violations of human rights by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime in the Republic of Belarus, especially the conviction and sentencing of Andrei Klimov, Vasiliy Leonov, and Vladimir Koudinov on politically motivated charges. Urges their release. Expresses grave concern about the disappearances of Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and Yuri Zakharenka. Calls on the Lukashenka regime to ensure a full and timely investigation of these cases. Calls for immediate dialogue between the Lukashenka regime and the opposition and the restoration of a democratically elected government in Belarus. Urges the Lukashenka regime to: (1) respect and ensure the human rights of all Belarusian citizens, including members of the opposition currently being illegally detained in violation of their constitutional rights; (2) respect the rule of law and an independent judiciary; and (3) hold legitimate, free and fair parliamentary elections. Supports the appeal by the Consultative Council of Belarusian opposition parties to the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Duma, and the Federation Council calling for a cessation of support for the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the international community to support the opposition in Belarus by continuing to meet with the legitimately elected parliament. Supports Belarus's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its market democratic transformation and integration among the broader trans-Atlantic community of nations. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) ensure assistance to and cooperation with Belarusian opposition figures; (2) ensure that adequate resources are made available on an urgent basis to support those programs aimed at strengthening independent media, human rights, civil society, independent trade unions, and the democratic opposition in Belarus; (3) support the free flow of information into Belarus; (4) raise the issue of financial support provided by the Russian Federation to the Lukashenka regime at the highest levels of the Russian Federation Government; and (5) urge the Government of the Russian Federation, in accordance with its international commitments, to fully respect the sovereignty of Belarus, particularly in light of the illegitimate nature of the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the President to report to Congress on: (1) the human rights situation, democratic process, elections, independence of the media, and the Lukashenka regime's control of the economy in Belarus; (2) steps undertaken to persuade the Russian Federation Government to end support to the Lukashenka regime; and (3) the status of Russian Federation-Belarus military integration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000
Calls on the people of the United States to observe a National Moment of Remembrance to honor the men and women of the United States who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Early Learning and Opportunity State Grants Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make competitive grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children under three years of age. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Armed Forces Educational Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain payments on student loans of members of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Declares that: (1) the immediate and unconditional release from prison in Turkey of the Kurdish Democracy Party parliamentarians Leyla Zana, Hatip Dicle, Orhan Dogan, and Selim Sadak is a vital step in upholding due process in Turkey and facilitating Turkey's integration into the European Union; and (2) the prompt recognition by the Government of the Republic of Turkey of full cultural and language rights for the Kurdish people within its borders, including the right of education and broadcasting in Kurdish, is a vital step in promoting tolerance and cultural diversity in a manner consistent with Turkey's commitment as a participating state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Congratulates the people and the Government of Sri Lanka for conducting the recent democratic election, despite terrorist attacks on the President and others. Condemns all acts of terrorism and urges all parties to the internal conflict in Sri Lanka to resolve such conflict on the basis of democratic principles, good will, and nonviolence.
![Official portrait of Del. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000010_200.jpg)