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Official portrait of Rep. Cook, Merrill [R-UT-2]

Rep. Cook, Merrill [R-UT-2]

United States · Official source

Records

624 records where Rep. Cook, Merrill [R-UT-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 445 (106th)open

In honor of Henry B. Gonzalez.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2000

Expresses the condolences of Congress on the death of the Honorable Henry Barbosa Gonzalez on November 28, 2000.

Bill· HRH.R. 5642 (106th)referred

Armed Services Vote Rescue Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2000

Armed Services Vote Rescue Act - Prohibits a State from refusing to count a ballot submitted in a Federal election by an absent uniformed services voter on the grounds that the ballot was improperly or fraudulently cast, unless the State finds clear and convincing evidence of fraud in the preparation or casting of the ballot by the voter.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 635 (106th)referred

Calling on the President to take all appropriate action within his power to provide relief from injury caused by steel imports and to immediately request the United States International Trade Commission to commence an expedited investigation for positive adjustment under section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 of those steel imports.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2000

Calls upon the President to: (1) take all appropriate action to provide relief from injury caused by steel imports; and (2) immediately request the U.S. Trade Commission to commence an expedited investigation for positive adjustment of such steel imports under section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Law· HRH.R. 5417 (106th)enacted

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2000

Renames the Stewart B.McKinney Homeless Assistance Act as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5411 (106th)referred

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to permit the State of Utah to construct a hook ramp as part of the highway project to reconstruct the interchange at Interstate Route 15 and University Parkway in Orem, Utah.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2000

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to permit the State of Utah to construct a hook ramp connecting 1200 West to Interstate Route 15 as part of the highway project to reconstruct the interchange at Interstate Route 15 and University Parkway in Orem, Utah.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 404 (106th)open

Calling for the immediate release of Mr. Edmond Pope from prison in the Russian Federation for Humanitarian reasons, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2000

Calls on the Russian Federation to immediately release Edmond Pope and to ensure that proper and qualified medical attention is provided to him. Expresses the sense of Congress that if Pope is not released immediately, the President should continue efforts to secure his release, including consideration of: (1) terminating all assistance to the Government of the Russian Federation under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the annual Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for purposes of preparing the Russian Federation's entrance or accession to the World Trade Organization; and (2) opposing any further debt relief of obligations owed to the U.S. Government from the Government of the Russian Federation. Urges the President to increase efforts to secure appropriate medical attention for Pope.

Law· HRH.R. 5178 (106th)enacted

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act - Revises the bloodborne pathogens standard, in effect under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), to include safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems, as examples of engineering controls designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens through needlestick and other percutaneous injuries. Requires certain employers to: (1) review and update exposure control plans to reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce such exposure, and document their consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices for such purpose; (2) maintain a sharps injury log, noting the type and brand of device used, where the injury occurred, and an explanation of the incident (exempting employers who are not required to maintain specified OSHA logs); and (3) seek input on such engineering and work practice controls from the affected health care workers (exempting employers who are not required to establish exposure control plans). Requires such modifications of the standard to: (1) be in force until superseded by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under OSHA; and (2) take effect without regard to specified procedural requirements.

Bill· HRH.R. 5163 (106th)referred

Home Health Refinement Amendments of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2000

Home Health Refinement Amendments of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the 15 percent reduction in payment rates under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services; (2) provide for additional payments for outliers; (3) provide for additional payments under the PPS for home health services furnished in a rural area; (4) provide for exclusion of nonroutine medical supplies under the PPS for home health services; and (5) set forth a rule of construction relating to telehomehealth services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of including home health services furnished by telecommunications systems as a home health service.

Bill· HRH.R. 5147 (106th)open

Consumer Access to a Responsible Accounting of Trade Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2000

Consumer Access to a Responsible Accounting of Trade Act of 2000 - Title I: Prohibition on Imports - Prohibits the import into the United States of diamonds that have been mined in or exported from the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Liberia, Burkina Faso, the Republic of Cote d' Ivoire, the Republic of Angola, Guinea, Togo, or Ukraine, except for diamonds the whose country of origin has been certified as the Republic of Sierra Leone or the Republic of Angola by the internationally recognized governments of such countries (in accordance with specified United Nations Security Council Resolutions). Provides for the waiver of such prohibition. Title II: Certificates of Origin - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations requiring diamonds (including products made in whole or in part from diamonds) which enter, or are withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, into the U.S. customs territory to be accompanied by a certificate stating the English name (or unmistakable abbreviation) of the country in which the diamonds were mined. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act. Title III: International Efforts - Urges the President to: (1) take immediate action to develop and implement an effective international system for controlling trade in rough diamonds, and to direct the appropriate Federal agencies to begin implementation of such a system; and (2) once a global certificate of origin system for rough diamonds is in place, take appropriate steps to fully adhere to such system, and to actively promote international compliance. Title IV: Special Representative on Conflict Diamonds - Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative on Conflict Diamonds to: (1) serve as chairperson of an interagency working group, which the President shall also establish to address issues relating to the use of proceeds from the sale of diamonds mined in certain regions in Africa to support armed conflict there; and (2) represent the United States at international meetings with respect to such issues.

Bill· HRH.R. 4989 (106th)referred

Campaign Finance Disclosure on Sales of Personnel Assets Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Campaign Finance Disclosure on Sales of Personnel Assets Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require a candidate for Federal office or any member of the candidate's immediate family who sells any personal asset for a price equal to or greater than $1,000 during a specified election campaign period to file a statement on such sale with the Federal Election Commission.

Bill· HRH.R. 4844 (106th)open

Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4862 (106th)referred

Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000

Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 - Prohibits any government from imposing or implementing a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution, unless the government demonstrates that imposition of the burden on that person, assembly, or institution: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Prohibits any government from imposing a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person residing in or confined to an institution, as defined in the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the government demonstrates that imposition of the burden on that person: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to amend or repeal the Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (including provisions of law amended by that Act).

Law· HRH.R. 4827 (106th)enacted

Enhanced Federal Security Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2000

Enhanced Federal Security Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) entry by false pretenses to any real property, vessel, or aircraft of the United States, or any secure area of an airport; and (2) the transfer or receipt, in interstate or foreign commerce, of a counterfeit police badge, or of a genuine police badge to an individual not authorized to possess it, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4825 (106th)referred

Family Opportunity Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2000

Family Opportunity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment for part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage to up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) beneficiaries under age 21.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 364 (106th)referred

Calling for the immediate release of Mr. Edmond Pope from prison in Russia for humanitarian reasons, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000

Calls for the immediate release of Edmond Pope from prison in Russia on humanitarian reasons. Declares that no funds should be provided for: (1) assisting the Government of the Russian Federation to prepare for or adjoin or accede to the World Trade Organization; or (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs for activities within Russia. Urges the President to oppose further loans to the Russian Government by any international funding institution of which the United States is a member.

Bill· HRH.R. 4727 (106th)referred

Equal Access to Medicare Home Health Care Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2000

Equal Access to Medicare Home Health Care Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payments made under the prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare home health services: (1) eliminating the 15 percent reduction in payment rates under such PPS; (2) requiring repayment with interest of Medicare overpayments by home health agencies after a 36-month grace period during which no interest shall accrue; and (3) providing for ten percent additional payments under the PPS for services in rural areas and security services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of including home health services furnished by telecommunications systems as a home health service for purposes of payment for such services under the PPS, and of requirements with respect to physician certification of the need for home health services.

Bill· HRH.R. 4672 (106th)referred

Milton Friedman Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

Milton Friedman Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Milton Friedman in recognition of his contributions to individual freedom and opportunity in American society through his exhaustive research and teaching of economics and his extensive writings on economics and public policy.

Bill· HRH.R. 4676 (106th)referred

Space Transportation Investment Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

Space Transportation Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified space transportation vehicle provider stock (stock representing an investment in the development, production, and operation of commercial space transportation vehicles). Makes such credit a specified percentage of the amount of stock purchased during a calendar year, beginning with 50 percent for 2001 and gradually reducing such amount to ten percent for 2006 through 2010. Provides for the recapture of such credit when the stock issuer ceases to be qualified. Establishes a U.S. Commercial Space Transportation Vehicle Industry certification program to provide certification for tax credit qualification under the Code to multiple U.S. commercial space transportation vehicle providers developing vehicles with space transportation costs significantly below current levels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to administer such program under a streamlined application process. Requires the program to provide eligibility for tax credits to investors to support financing of qualified commercial space transportation vehicle development ventures during startup phases. Excludes certification with respect to the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of space launch sites, or of any product which is not integral to the design, development, construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a space transportation vehicle. Provides for: (1) the nondisclosure of confidential information in connection with the application process; (2) appropriate consultation; and (3) program management. Deems a certification as granted unless the Secretary, within 120 days of application, determines that the provider has no reasonable possibility of significantly lowering space transportation vehicle costs. Requires a certified provider to annually verify the use of funds for appropriate purposes.

Bill· HRH.R. 4659 (106th)referred

Stamp Out Domestic Violence Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000

Stamp Out Domestic Violence Act of 2000 - Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for domestic violence programs. Requires collected amounts to be paid to the Department of Justice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total funds received by the Department or any other Federal agency below the level that would have otherwise been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first-class or other regular postage rates. Requires special postage stamps to be made available to the public. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the operation of this Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 100 (106th)open

Calling upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000

Calls upon the President to: (1) issue a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, reasserting the U.S. commitment to full implementation of the Act, and urging all signatory states to abide by their obligations under the Act; and (2) convey to all signatory states that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, economic liberty, and the implementation of related commitments continue to be vital elements in promoting a new era of democracy, peace, and unity in the region.

Bill· HRH.R. 4598 (106th)referred

Gray Market Cigarettes Abolition Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000

Gray Market Cigarettes Abolition Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to cigarettes manufactured for export, but which nevertheless are sold domestically. Sets additional restrictions on tobacco products labeled for export. Requires imported cigarettes to meet specified requirements of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, as well as other specified requirements. Establishes additional civil penalties for, and requires the forfeiture of, cigarettes sold for domestic consumption without the precise warnings required by the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4571 (106th)referred

Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000

Providing Annual Pap Tests to Save Women's Lives Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage of screening pap smears and screening pelvic exams to annual examinations regardless of whether a woman is of childbearing age or at high-risk.

Bill· HRH.R. 4521 (106th)open

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to authorize and provide funding for rehabilitation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, to authorize funds for maintenance of utilities related to the Park, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000

Sets a deadline by which the Secretary of the Interior, shall complete a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of Going-to-the-Sun Road located in Glacier National Park, Montana. Prescribes study contents. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to upgrade and continue the maintenance of utility systems which service the Park and its related facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into competitive leases of federally-owned property in the Park under which the lessee will be authorized to provide visitor services (including a hotel). Sets forth mandatory lease conditions. Requires the Secretary to include lease terms and conditions to assure the lessee of adequate protection against loss of investment in real property improvement made by such lessee, including a Federal obligation to compensate the lessee for loss of investment in real property improvements in circumstances that the Secretary deems prudent.

Bill· HRH.R. 4527 (106th)referred

Honoring the Navajo Code Talkers Act

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4502 (106th)open

Water Pollution Program Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2000

Water Pollution Program Improvement Act of 2000 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on the: (1) scientific basis underlying the development and implementation of total maximum daily loads for pollutants in waters for which effluent limitations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act are not stringent enough to implement applicable water quality standards; (2) costs of implementing measures to comply with such loads; and (3) availability of alternative programs or mechanisms to reduce the discharge of pollutants from point sources and nonpoint source pollution to achieve water quality standards. Requires the NAS to report on the study to the Administrator and specified congressional committees. Provides for Federal, State, and private sector comments on such report. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator, before making a final determination with respect to the Proposed Revisions to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program and Federal Antidegradation Policy and the Proposed Revisions to the Water Quality Planning and Management Regulations Concerning Total Maximum Daily Loads of August 1999, to: (1) review the NAS report and incorporate recommendations into the proposed revisions; and (2) publish in the Federal Register and receive public comment on incorporated recommendations and those that weren't incorporated, with an explanation why they were not incorporated. Bars the Administrator from making such final determination until the conclusion of the public notice and comment period. Prohibits the Administrator, for purposes of ensuring that States continue to have exclusive authority to regulate nonpoint sources of pollution, from: (1) taking any action to affect any definition of, or distinction made between, point and nonpoint sources of pollution contained in an EPA rule in effect on June 1, 2000; and (2) requiring approval of any measures set forth by a State to control nonpoint sources of pollution pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, except as authorized under specified provisions regarding nonpoint source management programs.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 323 (106th)referred

Supporting peace and democracy in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000

Declares that the Congress joins the international community in supporting peace and democracy in the Republic of Sierra Leone. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (UN) to work to bring before the UN Security Council a resolution imposing comprehensive sanctions against the sale of diamonds by rebels in Sierra Leone; (2) rebels in Sierra Leone should be condemned by the UN and the international community for murdering Kenyan troops serving as UN peacekeepers and for inflicting suffering on Sierra Leonean civilians; (3) U.S. diplomats should be dispatched to Sierra Leone to remind the rebel leaders that the peace agreement provides no amnesty for any war crimes committed since its signing; (4) because international law does not provide amnesty for war criminals, the United States should initiate actions to bring any individual who has committed war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war to justice; and (5) U.S. authorities should not grant a visa to any individual who committed such war crimes or to members of the individual's family and should turn over any such individual found in the United States to the International War Crimes Tribunal for prosecution.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 321 (106th)referred

Urging increased Federal funding for juvenile (Type 1) diabetes research.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000

Declares that Federal funding for diabetes research should be increased in accordance with the recommendations of the Diabetes Research Working Group so that a cure for juvenile diabetes can be found.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 494 (106th)passed

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ohio State motto is constitutional and urging the courts to uphold its constitutionality.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4366 (106th)referred

United States Capitol Fire Protection Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2000

United States Capitol Fire Protection Act of 2000 - Establishes in the Office of the Architect of the Capitol the position of Director of Fire Safety and Protection to assume responsibility for all fire safety and protection activities of the Architect of the Capitol. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to assign at least 12 full-time employees to the Director.

Law· HRH.R. 4281 (106th)enacted

ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 - States that the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) shall be sustained as a permanent standing committee administered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Sets forth ICCVAM objectives, including: (1) increasing the efficiency of Federal test method review; and (2) reducing animal testing. Directs the Institute to establish a Scientific Advisory Committee. Requires each Federal agency to: (1) identify and forward to ICCVAM those guidelines or regulations it follows requiring or recommending animal testing; (2) promote valid alternatives to animal testing; and (3) adopt ICCVAM recommendations unless such recommendations are inadequate or unsatisfactory.

Bill· HRH.R. 4340 (106th)open

Mineral Revenue Payments Clarification Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

Mineral Revenue Payments Clarification Act of 2000 - Amends Federal law governing Federal oil and gas revenue distributions to provide that in determining the amount of payments to the States such amount shall not be reduced by any administrative or other costs incurred by the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 4271 (106th)failed

National Science Education Act

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4274 (106th)open

Digital Divide Access to Technology Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

Digital Divide Access to Technology Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that computers and Internet access provided by an employer to employees shall be treated as a "de minimis fringe" benefit (and thus excluded from gross income) provided specified requirements are met.

Bill· HRH.R. 4273 (106th)open

National Science Education Incentive Act of 2000

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4283 (106th)referred

Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Act of 2000 - Title I: Sediment Remediation Grant Program - Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting through the Great Lakes National Program Office, to make grants to States, Indian tribes, regional agencies, and local governments to carry out qualified projects that: (1) remediate contaminated sediment; (2) prevent further or renewed contamination of sediment; or (3) monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment. Sets forth limitations on projects. Requires the non-Federal share of project costs to be at least 35 percent and 100 percent for project operation and maintenance costs. Conditions grants on a grantee achieving a specified maintenance of effort requirement with respect to expenditures from other sources for remediation programs. Requires grant applicants to demonstrate that project remedial actions have been selected only after consideration of specified health and environmental risks, benefits, impacts, implementation likelihood, and costs. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Moratorium on Exports of Bulk Fresh Water - Prohibits the export from the United States of bulk fresh water from the Great Lakes Basin. Makes such prohibition inapplicable on the earlier of: (1) December 31, 2001; or (2) the effective date of an Act of Congress approving an agreement among the Great Lakes States to implement a mechanism that provides for a common conservation standard to make decisions concerning the withdrawal and use of water from the Basin. Defines "bulk fresh water" as fresh water extracted in amounts intended for transportation by tanker or similar form of mass transportation without further processing.

Bill· HRH.R. 4329 (106th)referred

To amend title 18, United States Code, to make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a drug or alcohol in the body of the driver at a land border port of entry, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

Amends the Federal criminal code (the code) to prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle at land border ports of entry with a drug or alcohol in his or her body in violation of applicable State law. Deems any individual who operates a motor vehicle at a land border port of entry to have given consent to submit to a test of the driver's blood, breath, or urine for drugs or alcohol by an officer or employee (officer) of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Directs the Attorney General to notify the State or foreign state that issued an individual's motor vehicle license or that is the residence of such individual of any refusal by such individual to submit to such a test and of any conviction of an individual under this Act for violating this Act. (Sec. 2) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to authorize an INS officer who: (1) inspects a driver at a land border port of entry and who has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver may be operating a motor vehicle in violation of State laws to require the driver to submit to a breath test to determine the presence or concentration of the alcohol; and (2) arrests a driver for such prohibited operation of a motor vehicle to require the driver to submit to a drug or alcohol test. (Sec. 3) Amends the INA to require the Attorney General, at each point where motor vehicles regularly enter a land border port of entry, to post a notice that operation of a motor vehicle with a drug or alcohol in the driver's body at a land border port of entry is an offense under Federal law. (Sec. 4) Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations authorizing an INS officer to impound a vehicle if the individual who operates it refuses to submit to such a test.

Bill· HRH.R. 4311 (106th)referred

Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000

Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2000 - Amends the Truth In Lending Act to prescribe obligations of a credit card issuer with respect to: (1) confirmation of cardholder change of address; and (2) notification to the cardholder of a request for additional cards. (Sec. 3) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency to submit notification of potential fraud to each creditor using a consumer report whenever the agency learns of a card application bearing a different address for the consumer than the one in the consumer's file. States that compliance with this Act shall be enforced by the following agencies with respect to entities under their jurisdiction that are also issuers of credit cards: (1) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (2) the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; (3) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board; (4) the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (5) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision; and (6) the Administrator of the National Credit Union Administration. (Sec. 4) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency and users of consumer credit information to comply with certain fraud alert procedures. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. (Sec. 5) Directs the FTC to promulgate regulations to require each consumer reporting agency to investigate discrepancies between certain information contained in its files with information supplied by the user of the consumer report. (Sec. 6) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to mandate, upon request, one free annual disclosure to a consumer by a consumer reporting agency. (Sec. 8) Requires an individual reference services provider to disclose, upon request and proper identification of the consumer, all information contained in its files pertaining to such consumer. (Sec. 9) Directs the FTC to develop model forms and standard procedures for consumers to inform creditors and credit reporting agencies of identity fraud.

Bill· HRH.R. 4272 (106th)open

National Science Education Enhancement Act

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.

Law· HRH.R. 4259 (106th)enacted

American Buffalo Coin Commemorative Coin Act of 2000

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4257 (106th)referred

Law Enforcement Quality Procurement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000

Law Enforcement Quality Procurement Act - Prohibits: (1) the use of Federal funds to give or withhold a preference to a marketer or vendor of firearms or ammunition based on whether the manufacturer or vendor is a party to a covered agreement (an agreement requiring a person engaged in a business licensed under Federal firearms provisions to abide by a designated code of conduct, operating practice, or product design respecting importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms or ammunition); or (2) the provision of Federal funds to a State or local entity that gives or withholds such a preference or that receives firearms or ammunition purchased for that State or local entity subject to such a preference.

Bill· HRH.R. 4248 (106th)referred

Working and Reacting (WAR) Against Meth Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000

Working and Reacting (WAR) Against Meth Act of 2000 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to make current penalties with respect to violations involving the manufacturing, distribution, importation, and exportation of specified amounts of methamphetamine applicable to such amounts of amphetamine. (Sec. 4) Modifies CSA provisions regarding endangering human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance to: (1) set penalties for harm to the environment, if the controlled substance consists of methamphetamine; (2) provide for imprisonment for up to 40 years, as well as a possible fine, for violations; and (3) make any penalty under provisions regarding the establishment of controlled substance manufacturing operations in addition to any penalty under such provisions regarding harm to human life or to the environment. Specifies that in any case where the conduct at issue is, relates to, or involves the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine, such conduct shall, by itself, be rebuttably presumed to constitute the creation of a substantial risk of harm to human life or to the environment. (Sec. 5) Provides that the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LA Clearinghouse), at the direction of the Attorney General, shall jointly and in concert constitute the National Center for Methamphetamine Clandestine Laboratory Information. Requires: (1) EPIC's National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure Intelligence database to provide for the nationwide electronic reporting, capture, and retrieval of clandestine laboratory seizure information; and (2) such information to be analyzed by the LA Clearinghouse, in concert and coordination with EPIC, and disseminated to appropriate law enforcement agencies in a timely manner. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4260 (106th)referred

Farm Income Fairness Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000

Farm Income Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from net earnings from self-employment: (1) certain farm rental income; and (2) payments under the environmental conservation acreage reserve program.

Bill· HRH.R. 4236 (106th)referred

Seniors Health Choice Preservation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000

Seniors Health Choice Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to: (1) application of the budget neutrality principle to the new Medicare+Choice risk adjustment methodology; (2) establishment of health-status risk adjustment methodology; (3) an additional minimum annual increase in Medicare+Choice capitation rates; and (4) payment of an additional drug inflation differential for Medicare+Choice plans offering qualified prescription drug coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to discontinue immediately all activity related to requiring Medicare+Choice organizations to submit encounter data for sites other than hospital inpatient departments, before final regulations are promulgated implementing the health-status risk adjustment methodology established under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4219 (106th)referred

Home Health Fairness Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000

Home Health Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system. Makes this Act effective as if included in the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999.

Bill· HRH.R. 4207 (106th)open

FDA Tobacco Authority Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000

FDA Tobacco Authority Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to, among other things: (1) include "nicotine in a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "drug" and to include "a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "device;" and (2) set forth provisions for tobacco products concerning special standards for such products, warnings regarding such products, and a rule of construction regarding farmers and related entities.

Bill· HRH.R. 4199 (106th)referred

Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000

Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2004; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2004. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Establishes the National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification to review: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Code; (2) whether the tax systems of other countries could provide more efficient and fair methods of funding government revenue requirements; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Requires a Commission report to Congress on review results, with recommendations for Code reform and simplification. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations (with interim funding). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be approved by Congress in its final form before July 4, 2004.