United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Directs the Secretary of State to initiate and report to Congress a U.S. plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual week-long summit of the World Health Assembly in May 2000 in Geneva, Switzerland, and instruct the U.S. delegation to Geneva to implement such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Helping to Improve Technology Education and Achievement Act of 2000 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Employment-Based Immigration - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make employment-based visas available on a quarterly basis without regard to per-country limitations if unused visas are available. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Labor to take into account Internet recruiting in determining whether an employer has undertaken required efforts to recruit U.S. workers. (Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish an Internet-based system that will permit tracking of benefit filings required under such Act. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an on-line filing feasibility study. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce to jointly establish a related Technology Advisory Committee. Title II: Provisions Relating to H-1B Nonimmigrants - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase available nonimmigrant H-1B specialty occupation visas for FY 2001 through 2003, with specified visa reservations for: (1) aliens with master's or higher degrees; and (2) institutions of higher education and other research organizations. Makes additional visas available for FY 1999 under specified conditions. (Sec. 202) Requires employers to file W-2 forms for H-1B employees. (Sec. 203) Provides one-year extensions of authorized H-1B stay pending specified status adjudications. Title III: Collection and Use of H-1B Nonimmigrant Fees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase H-1B petition fees. (Sec. 302) Obligates specified amounts from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account for: (1) student loan forgiveness; (2) upward bound; and (3) regional skills training alliances. Eliminates obligations for job training. Decreases obligations for low-income scholarships. Amends the Higher Education Act to establish an educational loan forgiveness program for mathematics and science teachers. Amends the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide matching grants to: (1) eligible entities for job skills training in specific industries; and (2) States for consortia planning assistance. (Sec. 306) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase certain H-1B administrative fees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Resolves that Congress: (1) joins the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) in recognizing AHEPA members who served as members of the U.S. armed forces; and (2) acknowledges the honor with which that service is being commemorated by the presentation of the special commemorative AHEPA Medal for Military Service to those members on March 20, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Designates cyberterrorism as an emerging threat to the national security of the United States and the nation's electronic infrastructure. Calls for: (1) a partnership between the Federal Government and private industry in combating the cyber menace; (2) a revised legal framework for the prosecution of hackers and cyberterrorists; and (3) a new interagency study to be conducted by the Departments of Commerce and Defense, the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assess the threat posed by cyberterrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to set forth the due process rights, including procedures, that shall be afforded a law enforcement officer (officer) who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) an investigation of specifically alleged conduct by an officer that, if proven, would constitute a definite violation of a statute providing for criminal penalties; or (2) a non-disciplinary action taken in good faith on the basis of an officer's employment-related performance. Declares that an officer shall not be: (1) prohibited from engaging in political activity or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in such activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; and (2) prohibited from being a candidate for an elective office or from serving in such elective office solely because of the officer's status as an officer, or required to resign or take an unpaid leave from employment with a law enforcement agency (agency) to be a candidate for an elective office or to serve in an elective office unless such service is determined to conflict with or be incompatible with service as an officer. Considers an action by a public agency against an officer, including requiring the officer to take unpaid leave from employment, in violation of this Act to be an adverse personnel action. Requires each agency to adopt and thereafter comply with a written complaint procedure that: (1) authorizes persons from outside the agency to submit written complaints about an officer to the agency employing the officer, or to any other agency charged with investigating such complaints; (2) sets forth the procedures for the investigation and disposition of such complaints; (3) provides for public access to required forms and other information concerning the submission and disposition of written complaints; and (4) requires notification to the complainant in writing of the final disposition of the complaint and the reasons for such disposition. Requires (with exceptions) that an investigation based on a complaint from outside the agency commence not later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint by the agency employing the officer against whom the complaint has been made, or any other agency charged with investigating such complaint. Prohibits the complainant or victim of the alleged violation of law giving rise to an investigation from conducting or supervising the investigation or serving as an investigator. Directs that any officer who is the subject of an investigation be notified of the investigation 24 hours prior to the commencement of questioning or to otherwise being required to provide information to an investigating agency. Specifies that such notice shall include: (1) the nature and scope of the investigation; (2) a description of any allegation contained in a written complaint; (3) a description of each violation of law alleged in the complaint for which suspicion exists that the officer may have engaged in conduct that may subject the officer to disciplinary action; and (4) the name, rank, and command of the officer or any other individual who will be conducting the investigation. Establishes rights of officers prior to and during questioning incidental to an investigation, including provisions regarding: (1) counsel and representation; (2) reasonable hours and time; (3) place of questioning; (4) identification of questioner; (5) single questioner; (6) reasonable time period; (7) absence of threats, false statements, or promises to be made (with an exception); (8) recording; and (9) use of honesty testing devices (prohibits compelled submission to the use of a lie detector). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) notice of investigative findings and disciplinary recommendation, and opportunity to submit a written response; (2) conduct of a disciplinary hearing; (3) waiver of rights; (4) summary punishment; (5) emergency suspension; (6) retaliation for exercising rights; (7) other remedies (not impaired); (8) declaratory and injunctive relief; (9) protection of officer personnel files; (10) States' rights; and (11) collective bargaining agreements. (Sec. 4) Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any U.S. department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control of any police force or criminal justice agency of any State or political subdivision thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 2000 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2.7 billion in FY 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) upon approval of the accession of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States representative to the WTO should request that the WTO General Council consider Taiwan's accession to the WTO as its next order of business; and (2) the United States should be prepared to counter any effort by any WTO member country, upon China's accession, to block Taiwan's.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress, with respect to a proposed regulation on ergonomics by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), that: (1) Congress should support Federal regulations based solely on sound science and fact; (2) public comments should play a vital role in shaping OSHA's proposed regulation on ergonomics; and (3) adequate time must be provided for the public to review thoroughly a regulation of the magnitude and length of such proposed regulation on ergonomics.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Condemns the repressive anti-Baha'i policies and actions of the Government of Iran. Continues to hold such Government responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals in a manner consistent with Iran's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens. Expresses concern that individual Baha'is continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion. Urges the Government of Iran to: (1) permit Baha'i students to attend and Baha'i faculty to teach at Iranian universities, return property confiscated from the Baha'i Open University (OU), free imprisoned faculty members of OU, and permit OU to continue to function; (2) implement fully the conclusions and recommendations on the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community made by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Professor Abdelfattah Amor, in his March 1996 report to the UN Commission of Human Rights; and (3) extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants of human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of its concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the Iranian Government's human rights practices, particularly its treatment of such community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the U.S. Government's relations with the Government of Iran; (3) emphasize the need for the UN Special Representative for Human Rights to be granted permission to enter Iran; (4) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants on human rights; and (5) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Iranian Government, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, including the UN, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities through joint appeals and other appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the participation of American athletes in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Mandates that coin design be selected by the Secretary after consultation with: (1) the Commission of Fine Arts; (2) the United States Olympic Committee; and (3) Olympic Properties of the United States-Salt Lake 2002 (created and owned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee). States that all surcharges from the coin sales ($35 for a $5 coin and $10 for a $1 coin) shall be distributed by the Secretary to: (1) Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002; and (2) the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 - Title I: Wildlife Restoration - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to specify the amounts authorized to be set aside for FY 2001 and thereafter for expenses of the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) in administering such Act. Authorizes any administrative portions remaining in a fiscal year to be apportioned among the States for purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the amounts so apportioned as well as amounts obligated for administrative expenses; and (2) publish the amounts so certified in the Federal Register. Specifies authorized administrative uses of such amounts. Prohibits the Secretary from using such amounts to supplement any function for which general appropriations are made for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or any other entity of the Department of the Interior (Department). Requires the Department's Inspector General to conduct biennial audits of such expenditures, and requires an annual expenditure certification report from the Secretary and the Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs (Assistant Director) (established under this Act). Earmarks funds under such Act other than administrative funds for grants for hunter education programs, hunter and sporting firearm safety programs, and hunter development programs, including the construction or enhancement of firearm shooting and archery ranges. Limits to 75 percent the Federal share of any grant activity or program. Earmarks funds under such Act for multi-State conservation grants under which the Secretary makes grants that will benefit at least 26 States for wildlife restoration projects submitted each fiscal year by State fish and game departments acting through the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association). Prohibits grant funds from being used for activities that promote or encourage opposition to regulated hunting or trapping of regulated wildlife. Title II: Sport Fish Restoration - Amends the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act to make post-administrative amounts under such Act available each fiscal year to the Secretary for making multi-State (at least 26 States benefitting) conservation grants for sportfish restoration projects prepared and submitted by State fish and game departments acting through the Association. Prohibits grant funds from being used for activities that promote or encourage opposition to the regulated taking of fish. Earmarks fiscal year grant amounts for specified marine fisheries commissions. Specifies the amounts authorized to be set aside for FY 2001 and thereafter for expenses of the Secretary in administering such Act. Authorizes remaining administrative portions in a fiscal year to be apportioned among the States for purposes of such Act. Specifies authorized administrative uses of such amounts. Prohibits the Secretary from using such amounts to supplement any function for which general appropriations are made for the USFWS or another Department entity. Requires the Department's Inspector General to conduct biennial audits of such expenditures, and requires an annual expenditure certification report from the Secretary and the Assistant Director. Directs the Secretary to: (1) certify to the Secretary of the Treasury and each State fish and game department the amounts so apportioned as well as amounts obligated for administrative expenses; and (2) publish the amounts so certified in the Federal Register. Title III: Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs - Designates the programs established under the amended Acts as the Federal Assistance Program for State Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs. Establishes within the USFWS an Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs to administer, manage, and oversee the wildlife and sport fish restoration programs under the amended Acts. Abolishes the position of Chief of the Division of Federal Aid of the Department of the Interior and places responsibilities of such position with the Assistant Director. Makes the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks of the Department of the Interior ultimately responsible for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 - Designates the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in southern California, to be managed jointly by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture. Provides that nothing in the establishment of the Monument shall be construed as: (1) affecting Indian Reservations, individually held trust lands, Indian allotments, lands or interests in lands held by the State of California or its political subdivision, a special district, or the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, or private property rights within the Monuments boundaries; nor (2) granting the Secretaries authority on or over non-Federal lands not already provided by law. Requires the Secretaries to prepare a management plan for the conservation and protection of the Monument. Provides for the continued use by the University of California of certain Federal lands within the Monument (including other specified existing and historical uses). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, without further authorization by law, to exchange lands with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretaries to jointly establish an advisory committee for the Monument to advise them with respect to the preparation and implementation of the management plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
United States-Panama Partnership Act of 2000 - Authorizes the President to certify and report to specified congressional committees that the United States and the Government of Panama have reached an agreement permitting the United States, for a period of not less than 15 years, to maintain a presence, alone or in conjunction with other friendly countries, sufficient to carry out counternarcotics, search and rescue, logistical, training, and related missions at Howard Air Force Base, Fort Kobbe, Rodman Naval Station, and Fort Sherman, under terms similar to those applied to the U.S. presence at those facilities during the period from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1999. (Sec. 4) Authorizes certain assistance to Panama upon the President's certification and report, including: (1) grants for the construction of a new bridge across the Panama Canal and the construction of a new sewage treatment plant for Panama City; (2) an allocation of funds each year to the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships program for scholarships for deserving students from Panama to study in the United States; and (3) certain preferential and duty-free treatment of, and no quantitative restrictions on, certain textile and apparel products (including certain other products) from Panama. Sets forth penalties and requirements for illegal transshipments and circumvention of existing quotas with respect to such products.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Law Enforcement Officers Privacy Protection Act - Amends rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to authorize: (1) a party to obtain discovery of law enforcement personnel records otherwise discoverable only upon a showing that there exists a reasonable basis, supported by facts, for contending that the records sought are necessary and material to an issue involved in the pending action; and (2) the court, in its discretion and after in camera review of such records, to order discovery of such records when the required showing has been made, subject to a protection order. Prohibits a party from obtaining discovery of any matter by reason of its relevance with respect to, or its use in leading to the discovery of admissible evidence as to, the existence of the reasonable basis. Defines: (1) "law enforcement personnel records" to include documents that evaluate an officer's performance or a candidate's qualifications or that contain information of a personal nature about the office or the officer's family; and (2) "law enforcement officer" to include police, corrections, probation, parole, and judicial officers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Directs the Secretary of Defense to expand and make permanent a demonstration project which allows individuals eligible for medical care and services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to obtain pharmaceuticals by mail in order to permit individuals who are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and who are members or former members of the armed forces, dependents of certain former members, or dependents of members who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days to participate in the project. Requires the Secretary to modify each managed health care program which includes a managed care network of community retail pharmacies in order to supply pharmaceuticals to the above individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medicaid DSH Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), to require allotments for FY 2001 (currently, FY 2003) and succeeding fiscal years to DSH to be equal to the allotment for the State for the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement of 1996 should terminate on a specified date, with no extension or further quota agreement; and (2) the President should consult with appropriate stakeholders and continue discussions with the Government of Canada to promote open trade of softwood lumber between Canada and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Authorizes the President, on behalf of Congress, to present a gold medal to Charles M. Schulz, in recognition of his lasting artistic contributions to the Nation and the world. Authorizes a specified amount to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of such medals. Mandates that sales proceeds from duplicate bronze medals be deposited into such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize and revise title VIII Impact Aid programs. (Sec. 2) Adds as program purposes: (1) promotion of local educational agency (LEA) control of the assisted educational services for federally connected children; and (2) special construction assistance to LEAs as a result of their inability to tax Federal property. Eliminates the purpose of providing financial assistance to LEAs that experience sudden or substantial increases or decreases in enrollments because of military realignments. (Sec. 3) Revises the program of payments to LEAs relating to Federal acquisition of real property (which makes that property non-taxable) with respect to: (1) fiscal years in which insufficient funds are appropriated; (2) special payments; (3) additional assistance for certain LEAs; and (4) data requirements for preliminary and final payments. (Sec. 4) Revises the program of payments for eligible federally connected children. Includes under such program's LEA payment formula, as eligible children who resided on Federal property and had a parent on active duty in the uniformed services military personnel, those children who: (1) would have resided in housing on Federal property except that such housing was undergoing renovation or rebuilding for not more than two fiscal years (current law only refers to renovation); or (2) reside in housing initially acquired or constructed under the military Build-to-Lease program housing, if such property is within the fenced security perimeter of a military facility, with appropriate reductions in such payments with respect any such housing which is not federally-owned and which is subject to State or local taxation. (Sec. 5) Establishes a separate (rather than the current additional) program of basic support payments for LEAs heavily impacted by the presence of federally connected children in their schools. Prohibits an LEA from receiving a basic support payment under both the standard and the heavily impacted programs. Sets forth: (1) eligibility requirements for continuing and for new heavily impacted LEAs; and (2) maximum payment amounts for regular and for large heavily impacted LEAs. Sets forth a revised formula for computing each LEA's learning opportunity threshold (LOT), a factor used in determining actual amounts of basic support payments when sufficient funds are not available to pay the maximum amounts, in the case of LEAs with total enrollments of less than one thousand students and per-pupil expenditures less than their State average. (Sec. 6) Provides for basic support payments for certain LEAs affected by removal of Federal property, if such property is transferred to a non-Federal entity so that it is subject to State or local taxation and if such LEAs meet specified additional requirements. (Sec. 7) Repeals provisions for additional payments to LEAs with high concentrations of children with severe disabilities. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the Secretary of Education from accepting or approving any LEA application for Impact Aid filed more than 60 days after the Secretary sends written notice to the LEA. (Sec. 9) Repeals provisions for payments for sudden and substantial increases in attendance of military dependents. (Sec. 10) Revises requirements for eligibility for and allocation of school construction and renovation payments to certain categories of LEAs, including those receiving basic support payments and impacted by military dependent children or children living on Indian lands. Requires that 70 percent of specified funds be used for such construction payments, with the remaining 30 percent to be used for school facility modernization grants for specified types of LEAs. Sets forth award criteria for such grants, including certain emergency grants. (Sec.11) Revises provisions relating to Federal administration. (Sec. 12) Revises certain deadlines with respect to administrative hearings and judicial review. (Sec. 13) Includes under the definition of Federal property, as a basis of eligibility for Impact Aid payments, affordable housing assisted under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996. (Sec. 14) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid programs, including: (1) payments for Federal acquisition of real property; (2) basic support payments for LEAs and for heavily impacted LEAs; (3) payments for children with disabilities; (4) construction; (5) facilities maintenance; and (6) additional assistance for certain LEAs impacted by Federal property acquisition. Repeals the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid payments for increases in military children.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Timber and Agriculture Environmental Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit for discharges composed entirely of agricultural stormwater discharges or for discharges from silviculture operations. Excludes discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural operations from the definition of "point source."
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Installment Tax Correction Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (as amended by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) to repeal revisions to the Code (made by the Act) which repealed the use of the installment method of accounting for accrual method taxpayers and modified the pledge rules of installment obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Authorizes presentation of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan. Authorizes specified sums to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund for medal costs. Mandates that sale proceeds from duplicate bronze medals be deposited into such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Federal Contractor Flexibility Act of 2000 - Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be amended to: (1) address the use of personnel experience and educational requirements in the procurement of information technology goods and services; and (2) provide that solicitations for such procurement shall not set forth any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines and explains in writing that agency needs cannot be met without such requirement. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an evaluation of agency compliance with requirements set forth in such amendment, together with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
ADA Notification Act - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to deny a court jurisdiction over a civil action with respect to a place of public accommodation or a commercial facility unless: (1) before filing the complaint, the plaintiff provided to the defendant notice of the alleged violation (by registered mail or in person); (2) the notice identified the specific facts that constitute the alleged violation, including identification of the location at which, and the date on which, the violation occurred; (3) at least 90 days have elapsed after the date on which the notice was so provided; (4) the notice informed the defendant that the civil action could not be commenced until the expiration of such 90-day period; and (5) the complaint states that, as of the date on which the complaint is filed, the defendant has not corrected the alleged violation. Directs that, with respect to a civil action that does not meet the criteria: (1) the court shall impose an appropriate sanction upon the attorneys involved; and (2) if the criteria are subsequently met and the civil action proceeds, the court may not allow the plaintiff attorneys' fees or costs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Agricultural Market Access and Development Act of 2000 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to increase FY 2000 through 2002 funding caps for the market access program. Authorizes and sets forth the conditions under which unexpended Commodity Credit Corporation export enhancement program funds may be used for market access or development programs. Establishes FY 2000 through 2002 minimum funding amounts for the foreign market development cooperator program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Declares that Congress supports the goals and ideas of National Donor Day. Encourages all Americans to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation and to discuss such donation with their families and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2000
Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Includes as an employee, for purposes of Federal provisions authorizing enrollment under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: (1) a member of the armed forces who began service before June 7, 1956, and retired after a minimum of 20 years of such service or by reason of a service-connected disability; and (2) the surviving widow or widower of such member. Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide FEHB coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member of such member. Repeals a provision prohibiting coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services for persons entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2000
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, and expresses the gratitude of the American people for the service of members of the armed forces during such War.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2000
Designates the Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands as the Ronald Reagan Strategic Defense Initiative Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Pope John Paul II Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the presentation of a gold medal to Pope John Paul II in recognition of his contributions to peace and religious understanding. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates that proceeds from duplicate bronze medal sales be deposited in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Shark Finning Prohibition Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it unlawful to remove any of the fins of a shark, including the tail, and discard the carcass of the shark at sea.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Religious Broadcasting Freedom Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from establishing, expanding, or otherwise modifying requirements relating to the service obligations of noncommercial educational television stations except by means of Federal agency rulemaking procedures. Terminates the additional guidance contained in the FCC's memorandum opinion and order in WQED Pittsburgh (FCC 99-393), except as such guidance is prescribed in accordance with the above rulemaking procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Home Workplace Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to make the Act inapplicable to employment performed in a workplace which is located in the employee's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to make the Act inapplicable to employment performed in a workplace through the use of a telephone, computer, or other electronic device which is located in the employee's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1999
Panama Canal Security Act of 1999 - Directs that any accumulated unpaid balance required to be paid to the Republic of Panama by the Panama Canal Commission under terms of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be payable only upon completion of an agreement that: (1) leases to the United States at least 50 percent of Howard Air Force Base in Panama, including all runways, air traffic control facilities, and adjacent hangars; and (2) grants the United States continued authority to ensure the proper disbursement and use of the balance paid.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1999
United States Training on and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Resolution - Calls upon the President: (1) to provide for appropriate training and materials to all Foreign Service officers, officials of the Department of State, and any other executive branch employee involved in responding to issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide by familiarizing them with the U.S. record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the failure to enforce the judgments of the Turkish courts against the responsible officials; and (2) in his annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide issued on or about April 24, to characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that, in order to protect the safety and well-being of United States citizens traveling in Mexico, the President should begin negotiations with the Government of Mexico to establish a humanitarian exemption to Mexican bond requirements, in order to ensure that U.S. citizens injured in Mexico can be immediately transferred to U.S. facilities for necessary medical treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999
Convicted Offender DNA Index System Support Act - Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to: (1) develop a plan to assist States in performing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses of DNA samples collected from convicted offenders, aimed at eliminating the backlog of convicted offender DNA samples awaiting analysis in State or local forensic laboratory storage in an efficient, expeditious manner that will provide for their entry into the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS); and (2) give preference in assistance to those States that have developed a comprehensive program for the DNA analysis of crime scene evidence in casework for which there are no suspects. Sets forth provisions regarding plan conditions and plan implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the Attorney General to develop a plan to assist States in performing DNA analyses of crime scene evidence in casework for which there are no suspects aimed at eliminating the backlog of crime scene evidence awaiting DNA analysis in State or local forensic laboratory storage, including evidence that needs to be re-analyzed using upgraded methods, in an efficient, expeditious manner that will provide for the entry of those analyses into CODIS. Sets forth provisions regarding plan conditions and plan implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Requires the FBI Director to develop a plan to effectively eliminate the backlog of crime scene evidence awaiting DNA analysis in forensic laboratory storage of the Bureau, including evidence that needs to be re-analyzed using upgraded methods, in an efficient, expeditious manner that will provide for the entry of those analyses into CODIS. Sets forth provisions regarding plan conditions and plan implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Requires the FBI Director to expand CODIS to include information on missing persons, including analyses of DNA samples voluntarily contributed from relatives of missing persons. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Revises the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to authorize the Director of the FBI to expand CODIS to include information on DNA identification records and analyses related to criminal offenses and acts of juvenile delinquency under Federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the District of Columbia (DC) Code. Modifies the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Director to establish an index of individuals convicted of criminal offenses or adjudicated delinquent for acts of juvenile delinquency, including specified qualifying offenses, and an index of analyses of DNA samples voluntarily contributed from relatives of missing persons. Directs that the index include only information on DNA identification records and DNA analyses that undergo semiannual external proficiency testing and that meet other specified requirements. Requires the Director to establish a list of qualifying offenses, including each criminal offense or act of juvenile delinquency under Federal law that constitutes a crime of violence (or, in the case of an act of juvenile delinquency, would, if committed by an adult, constitute a crime of violence), and each criminal offense under the DC Code that would, if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, constitute a crime of violence. Requires: (1) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to collect a DNA sample from each individual in the custody of the Bureau who has been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for a qualifying offense, and to specify the time and manner of collection of DNA samples; and (2) the agency responsible for the supervision under Federal law of an individual on supervised release, parole, or probation to collect a DNA sample from each individual who has been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for a qualifying offense, and to specify the time and manner of collection of DNA samples. Authorizes the Government of DC to: (1) identify one or more categories of individuals who are in the custody of, or under supervision by, DC as a result of a conviction of a qualifying offense, from whom DNA samples should be collected; and (2) collect a DNA sample from each such individual. Directs the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC, or the Trustee appointed under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as appropriate, to collect a DNA sample from each individual under Agency or Trustee supervision who is on supervised release, parole, or probation and who has been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for a qualifying offense, and to specify the time and manner of collection of DNA samples. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) prescribe regulations that specify categories of conduct punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (qualifying military offenses) that are comparable to qualifying offenses, and sets forth standards and procedures for the analysis of DNA samples collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying military offense, their inclusion in an index, and the expungement of DNA identification records and such DNA analyses from the index in any circumstance in which the underlying conviction for the qualifying military offense has been reversed or the underlying record has been expunged for any other reason; and (2) specify the time and manner of collection of DNA samples. Sets criminal penalties for individuals from whom the collection of a DNA sample is required or authorized who fail to cooperate in the collection of that sample. Requires such cooperation as a condition of probation, supervised release, or release generally. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth report and evaluation requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999
Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the results of a study of production alternatives for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program and the effects on the tactical fighter aircraft industrial base of each alternative considered.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999
All American Cruise Act of 1999 - Title I: Tax Incentives for Cruise Ship Construction and Operation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit contractors building certain cruise ships to use the completed contract method of accounting; (2) exclude from the gross income of a corporation amounts derived from the operation of a U.S. built and documented cruise ship; (3) allow a cruise ship construction credit; (4) classify a cruise ship as seven-year property under the accelerated cost recovery system; (5) revise requirements concerning the deduction for business expenses on cruise ships; and (6) allow a credit for the use of clean-burning engines on U.S. cruise ships. Title II: Capital Construction Funds for Passenger Vessel Construction - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to, among other things: (1) add passenger vessels in the oceangoing domestic trade to the list of vessels for which a capital construction fund may be established; (2) redefine "eligible vessel" and "qualified vessel;" and (3) define "foreign commerce", "foreign trade," "passenger vessel," and "oceangoing domestic trade." Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning tax incentives relating to merchant marine capital construction funds to, among other things, deem withdrawals qualified if they are for payments that reduce the principal of a qualified lease of a qualified vessel. Title III: Domestic Cruise Industry Phase-In - Permits the issuance of a temporary certificate of documentation to certain foreign-built cruise ships. Sets forth provisions concerning permit exclusions, expiration, and revocation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1999
Honors the service and sacrifice of the members of the armed forces and Federal civilian employees who, during the Vietnam era, served in the Republic of Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia or otherwise served in support of U.S. operations in Vietnam and in support of U.S. national security interests throughout the world. Recognizes and honors the sacrifice of the families of those individuals who lost their lives or remain unaccounted for or were injured during that era in Southeast Asia or elsewhere in the world in defense of U.S. national security interests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to place within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial a plaque to honor those Vietnam veterans who died after service in the Vietnam War, but as a direct result of such service, and whose names are not otherwise eligible for placement on the Memorial wall.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Calls on the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam era and commemorating the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, during that era, served the nation in Southeast Asia or otherwise served in support of U.S. operations in Vietnam or in support of U.S. security interests throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Act of 1999 - Directs the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice, for each of FY 2000 through 2004, to award a grant to the Police Athletic League (PAL) for the purposes of establishing PAL chapters to serve public housing projects and other distressed areas and expanding existing chapters to serve additional youths. Requires PAL, in order to be eligible to receive a grant, to submit to the Assistant Attorney General an application which shall include: (1) a long-term strategy to establish 250 additional chapters and a detailed summary of those areas in which new chapters will be established, or in which existing chapters will be expanded to serve additional youths, during the next fiscal year; (2) a plan to ensure that there are a total of not less than 570 chapters in operation before January 1, 2003; (3) a certification that there will be appropriate coordination with those communities where new chapters will be located; and (4) an explanation of the manner in which new chapters will operate without additional, direct Federal financial assistance once assistance under this Act is discontinued. Directs the Assistant Attorney General to review, and take action on, an application within 120 days after the date of submission. (Sec. 6) Directs that amounts made available under a grant awarded under this Act be used by the PAL to provide funding for the establishment of PAL chapters serving public housing projects and other distressed areas, or the expansion of existing PAL chapters. Requires that each new or expanded PAL chapter assisted carry out not less than four programs during non-school hours, of which: (1) not less than two programs shall provide mentoring assistance, academic assistance, recreational and athletic activities, or technology training; and (2) any remaining programs shall provide drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; health and nutrition counseling; cultural and social programs; conflict resolution training, anger management, and peer pressure training; job skill preparation activities; or Youth Police Athletic League Conferences or Youth Forums. (Sec. 7) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. Sets aside specified percentages of grant sums for research and evaluation, technical assistance, and management and administration.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1999
Commercial Driver's License Devolution Act of 1999 - Amends Federal transportation law to allow an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the transportation of property having a gross rating of up to 65,000 pounds solely within the borders of a State if such individual has passed written and driving tests meeting State-prescribed minimum standards. Provides penalties for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle in another State under a driver's license issued solely for operation within one State.