United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Urges all contracting parties to the Hague Convention: (1) particularly Austria, Germany and Sweden, to comply fully with their international obligations; (2) to ensure their compliance by enacting effective implementing legislation and educating their judicial and law enforcement authorities; (3) to honor their commitments and return abducted or wrongfully retained children to their place of habitual residence without reaching the merits of any underlying custody dispute and to remove obstacles to the exercise of parental access rights; and (4) to further educate their central authority and local law enforcement authorities regarding the Convention, the severity of the problem of international child abduction, and the need for immediate action when a parent of an abducted child seeks their assistance. Urges the Secretary of State to disseminate to all Federal and State courts the Department of State's annual report to Congress on Convention compliance and related matters.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that a major objective of the foreign assistance program of the United States is to control tuberculosis and that consequently Congress expects the agency primarily responsible for the administration of tuberculosis control health programs to focus upon implementation of Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS), or other internationally accepted primary tuberculosis control strategies developed in consultation with the World Health Organization and other designated organizations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Fuel Energy Affordability and Conservation Act - Title I: Drawdown of Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to cite additional circumstances for a presidential determination of when a severe energy supply interruption shall be deemed to exist. Mandates that proceeds from sales of petroleum drawn down pursuant to such determinations be: (1) deposited in the SPR Petroleum Account; and (2) used only for specified purposes. Directs the President to report to certain congressional committees on causes and potential consequences if the price of a barrel of crude oil exceeds $25 for a period greater than 14 days. Title II: Credits for Energy Efficiency Improvements by Homeowners and Small Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a tax credit of 20 percent of the expenses (up to $2000) of qualified energy efficiency improvements by: (1) the taxpayer to an existing home; and (2) eligible small businesses to improvements placed in service during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) if the March 27 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) summit does not result in a decision to increase production sufficiently to reduce the price of oil in the United States, then the President and the Secretary of Energy should draw down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to combat unfair OPEC foreign trade practices and alleviate the severely deleterious consequences to people and business in the United States that those practices have caused; (2) Congress should immediately pass, and the President should sign into law, legislation to reauthorize the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and extend the President's authority to release SPR oil; and (3) the President and the Secretary should prepare for potential future threats to the economy and energy supply of the United States by developing methods to increase crude oil quantities in the SPR and promote a diversified energy portfolio.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 - Amends the matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct that the matching portion equal 50 percent if: (1) such grant is to a unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; (2) the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance determines that the quantity of vests to be purchased with such grant is reasonable; and (3) such portion does not cause such grant to violate certain maximum amount requirements. Directs that: (1) funds available be awarded, without regard to specified "preferential consideration" provisions, to each qualifying unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; and (2) any remaining funds available be awarded to other qualifying applicants. Provides that if an application is submitted in conjunction with a transaction for the purchase of armor vests, grant amounts may not be used to fund any portion of that purchase unless, before the application is submitted, the applicant: (1) receives clear and conspicuous notice that receipt of the grant amounts requested in the application is uncertain; and (2) expressly assumes the obligation to carry out the transaction regardless of whether such amounts are received. Redefines "armor vest" to include body armor which has been tested through a specified voluntary compliance testing program, and found to meet or exceed the requirements of NIJ Standard 0115.00, or any subsequent revision of such standard. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Suspends exports of Alaskan North Slope crude oil until the President determines and reports to Congress that the U.S. economy is not experiencing a shortage of foreign crude oil or an inflationary impact due to the demand for foreign crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Veterans' Special Monthly Compensation Gender Equity Act - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide a monthly rate of compensation for the service-connected loss of one or both breasts due to a radical or modified radical mastectomy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) part C (Local Innovative Education Programs) to include, among authorized uses of innovative assistance funds, programs to: (1) improve identification of students with eating disorders; (2) increase awareness of such disorders among parents and students; and (3) train educators with respect to effective eating disorder prevention and assistance methods. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to broadcast public service announcements to improve public awareness, and to promote the identification and prevention, of eating disorders. Requires consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. Requires the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics to: (1) study the impact eating disorders have on educational advancement and achievement; (2) report on current State and local programs to educate youth on the dangers of eating disorders; and (3) recommend Federal, State, and local measures that could be undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Sierra Leone Peace Support Act of 2000 - Urges the President to: (1) vigorously promote efforts to end further degradation of conditions in the Republic of Sierra Leone; (2) dramatically increase U.S. assistance to demobilization, demilitarization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts and humanitarian initiatives; (3) assist in the collection of documentation about human rights abuses by all parties; and (4) engage in diplomatic initiatives aimed at consolidating the peace and protecting human rights. (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 2001 for certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to the Sierra Leone DDR Trust Fund of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for demobilization, demilitarization, and reintegration assistance in Sierra Leone (but not for stipends to ex-combatants of the civil war in that country). (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 2001 for assistance to: (1) train political parties in Sierra Leone in democratic processes; and (2) assist with the preparation for democratic elections in Sierra Leone. Allows such assistance only to political parties whose leaders and members cooperate with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 2001 for assistance to: (1) rebuild and strengthen the capacity of the judiciary in Sierra Leone; and (2) assist efforts to establish the rule of law and maintain law and order there. (Sec. 5) Declares the sense of Congress in favor of a thorough and nonpartisan initiative to collect comprehensive and detailed information on human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict in Sierra Leone, including the identification of specific units, individuals, and commanders found to have been especially abusive. Calls upon the administration strongly to support: (1) an independent process of data collection on human rights abuses in Sierra Leone, for use by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when it has been established; and (2) any future initiatives of international accountability for Sierra Leone. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for the establishment and support of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to establish accountability for human rights abuses in Sierra Leone. Authorizes the Secretary of State, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, to collect human rights data with respect to Sierra Leone and assist the TRC. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) establishment and support of the TRC; and (2) human rights data collection. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to report to a specified congressional committee, in classified or unclassified form, information concerning: (1) intelligence estimates of arms flows into Sierra Leone, particularly detailing any role of Liberia and Burkina Faso; and (2) illicit sales of Sierra Leonean gold and diamonds through Liberia. Authorizes U.S. assistance to the Central Government of a neighboring country if such government: (1) provides demonstrated support for the peace process in Sierra Leone; and (2) does not provide training or other support for the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and the former Sierra Leonean army (AFRC) forces, or any other forces organized against the elected government of Sierra Leone. Conditions assistance on such Government's cooperation with efforts to monitor arms flows to Sierra Leone. (Sec. 7) Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) mechanisms should be in place to provide for an increase in assistance to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force to enable it to protect civilians from atrocities in the event of a breakdown in the peace agreement and a return to fighting; and (2) if the governments of countries neighboring Sierra Leone are determined to be aiding insurgents in Sierra Leone and armed conflict resumes, the United States should impose sanctions against RUF-AFRC supporters in the region by denying visas to the President and other high government officials in Liberia and Burkina Faso, freezing their assets in the United States, and considering an embargo of diamonds coming from areas not under the control of the Government of Sierra Leone. (Sec. 8) Declares that Sierra Leone shall be treated as if it had been designated under the Immigration and Nationality Act a foreign state whose nationals qualify for temporary protected status in the United States. Extends such treatment until such time: (1) as the President certifies to the Congress that conditions are sufficiently improved to allow aliens to return to Sierra Leone; or (2) as the designation with respect to Sierra Leone expires and is not extended, whichever occurs later. Specifies criteria for such qualifying nationals. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) give prior consent to travel abroad under the Immigration and Nationality Act to an alien who is granted temporary protected status under this Act, if the alien establishes that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the alien's control require the alien to depart for a brief, temporary trip abroad; and (2) treat an alien returning to the United States in accordance with such an authorization the same as any other returning alien provided temporary protected status.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey, without consideration, specified land located in the West Thompson Lake project area to the town of Thompson, Connecticut, for use for fire fighting and related emergency services purposes.
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 · 9 March 2000
Declares that Congress: (1) acknowledges that there remain 605 prisoners of war imprisoned in Iraq; (2) condemns and denounces the Iraqi Government's refusal to comply with international human rights instruments to which it is a party; (3) urges Iraq to disclose the names and whereabouts of those prisoners of war who are still alive; and (4) insists that Iraq allow humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit living prisoners and to recover the remains of those who have died in captivity. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should: (1) work with the international community and the Government of Kuwait to secure the release of Kuwaiti and other prisoners of war who are still missing nine years after the end of the Gulf War; and (2) exert pressure, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, on Iraq to bring this issue to a close, release all remaining prisoners of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, and rejoin the community of nations with a humane gesture of good will and decency.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that if the March 27 summit of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) does not result in a decision to increase production sufficiently to reduce the price of oil in the United States, reversing OPEC's market-distorting behavior, then the President and the Secretary of Energy should: (1) draw down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to combat OPEC's unfair foreign trade practices and alleviate the deleterious consequences to people and business in the United States that those practices have caused; and (2) prepare for future threats to the U.S. economy and energy supply by developing methods to draw down the SPR quickly when needed, and increase the quantity of SPR crude oil over time in an economically reasonable manner.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines within which the Postal Service shall propose changes in pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters which are to be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Grants certain qualified postmasters' organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Commends: (1) the Government of the Republic of South Africa for its quick response and assistance to the Mozambican people; (2) the Government of the United Kingdom for announcing debt cancellation for Mozambique so that financial resources may be dedicated to the national relief and recovery effort; and (3) the Administration for its growing involvement and leadership in coordinating America's disaster assistance package to Mozambique. Urges the U.S. Government to take the lead in coordinating international efforts to help Mozambique salvage what remains of this year's food crops and to provide seeds for rural agricultural growers. Calls for the international community to: (1) continue to provide emergency relief, airlift capacity, and other disaster assistance to Mozambique for the next 90 days;(2) take all necessary steps to locate and demarcate areas that may now harbor semi-boyant plastic land mines transported to new locations by the flooding in Mozambique; (3) develop a coordinated response to the Government of Mozambique's request for recovery and reconstruction assistance for buildings and transportation infrastructure; and (4) assist the nations of southern Africa to increase their capacity to respond to national emergencies and natural disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) music education enhances intellectual development and enriches the academic environment for children of all ages; and (2) music educators greatly contribute to the artistic, intellectual, and social development of children, and play a key role in helping children to succeed in school.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Serbian and Yugoslav Governments should account for all Kosovar Albanians held in their prisons and treat them in accordance with all applicable international standards; (2) the International Committee of the Red Cross should be given access to all Kosovar Albanians held in Serbian and Yugoslav prisons; (3) all Kosovar Albanians now held in Serbian or Yugoslav prisons should be released and any evidence against them turned over to the United Nations (UN) Interim Administration Mission in Kosova for legal processing; and (4) the UN Security Council should condemn the continued detention of Kosovar Albanians in Serbian and Yugoslav prisons and call for their return to Kosova.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Stable Oil Supply Home Heating Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that voluntary plans for home heating oil reserve be submitted to the Secretary of Energy by importers, refiners, and wholesalers holding oil inventories for sale to markets in the Northeast in order to ensure stability in energy fuel markets and to protect consumers from dramatic price swings. Prescribes implementation and certification guidelines, including an antitrust defense for actions taken in compliance with this Act. Exempts certain small-sized importers and refiners. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue an order requiring the establishment of a private home heating oil reserve for the Northeast if a certified plan has not been implemented within a specified time frame for an importer, refiner, or wholesaler that stores heating oil for sale in the Northeast; (2) periodically monitor supply levels to ensure that home heating oil inventories in the Northeast are adequate to supply customer needs during the present or following winter season so as to obviate sudden price increases caused by inadequate inventories; (3) require an importer, refiner, or wholesaler to increase its inventory if the Secretary determines that inventories are insufficient; and (4) establish civil penalties and cooperate with State energy authorities in carrying out this Act. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take action to enable importers, refiners, or wholesalers to sell their remaining excess inventories at the end of each winter season.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Recognizes the right of the Austrian people to express their political views through a democratic election, but reaffirms the right and obligation of the U.S. House of Representatives to express its opposition to the anti-democratic, racist, and xenophobic views that have been expressed by Joerg Haider and other leaders of the FPO and to state its opposition to the party's participation in the Austrian Government. Condemns the insulting, racist, and xenophobic statements which have been made over many years by Haider and other leaders of the party. Expresses regret and dismay that the FPO will play a major role in the new Austrian Government. Commends the leaders of the European Union (EU), the 14 other member states of the EU, Canada, Norway, and other countries which have expressed their serious concerns regarding the participation of the FPO in such Government. Calls upon: (1) the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. Government officials and agencies to emphasize to Austrian Government officials the concern about the inclusion of any party in the Austrian Government, including the FPO, that has been associated with xenophobic, racist policies, and statements supportive of Nazi-era programs; (2) Members of Congress to use any meetings with ministers and other political leaders of that Government to express concern for Austria's continued adherence to democratic standards and full respect for human rights; and (3) the Secretary of State to continue to scrutinize the policies of the new Austrian Government and to be prepared to take additional measures if circumstances so warrant.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
States that Congress condemns all violations of internationally recognized human rights norms based on the real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of an individual, and commends nongovernmental human rights organizations for documenting the ongoing abuse of human rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
American Institute in Taiwan Facilities Enhancement Act - Authorizes appropriations for plans for, acquisition of a new site for, and construction of a new facility suitable for the mission of the American Institute in Taipei, Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting Act - Prohibits any Federal agency from making a decision to privatize, outsource, contract out, or contract for the performance of a function currently performed by such agency or to conduct a study to convert a function from Federal to contractor performance. Authorizes any agency to apply to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for a waiver of such prohibition with respect to a particular function. Authorizes the Director to grant such waiver when: (1) necessary for the preservation of national security; (2) critical for the provision of patient care; or (3) necessary to prevent extraordinary economic harm. Requires waiver requests to be published in the Federal Register. Provides additional exceptions for functions with respect to which a labor organization is accorded exclusive recognition. (Sec. 5) Requires each agency to: (1) establish a centralized reporting system that allows it to generate periodic reports on its contracting efforts during the preceding and current fiscal years; and (2) generate and annually submit to the Director such reports. Requires each agency to report to specified congressional committees on the number of Federal employee positions and positions held by non-Federal employees under a contract between such agency and an individual or entity that has been subject to public-private competition. Requires such reports to be made available through the Internet. (Sec. 6) Requires, after the termination of the contracting prohibition, any decision by an agency to privatize, outsource, or contract out for the performance of a function to be based on the results of a public-private competition process that: (1) formally compares the costs of Federal employee performance of such function with the costs of performance by a contractor; (2) employs the most efficient organizational process; and (3) is conducted in consultation or through bargaining with the exclusive representative of the Federal employees performing the function, if applicable. (Sec. 7) Requires an agency to either conduct a new public-private competition or convert a function to performance by Federal employees if a report indicates that: (1) contracting out costs exceed costs of performance by Federal employees; or (2) contracting out fails to meet quality control standards. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a survey of the wages and quantifiable benefits provided by contractors to non-Federal personnel working under contract and to report survey results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Director to review the survey and report findings. (Sec. 9) Requires the Comptroller General to report on compliance by Federal agencies with requirements of this Act.
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
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to allow a new composite theoretical performance level established by the President for high-performance computers subject to certain export controls to take effect 30 (currently 180) days after the President reports to specified congressional committees setting forth the new level and its justification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medicare HMO Administrative Payment Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to prohibit Medicare funds paid to such organizations from being used for expenditures that would not be recognized as reasonable under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Disallows expenditures not recognized as reasonable under the FAR in determining the adjusted community rate for purposes of computing additional benefits in cases where a Medicare+Choice organization has excess amounts available for a contract year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Character Counts for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for character education programs and research under title X (Programs of National Significance) part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education). (Replaces current provisions for an elementary school counseling demonstration program and a partnerships in education pilot project.) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), or consortia of such educational agencies for the design and implementation of character education programs. Limits the duration of such a grant to not more than five years, with not more than one year for planning and program design. Directs the Secretary to make such grant awards to support programs that serve different geographic areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, and other public or private agencies or organizations to carry out research, development, dissemination, technical assistance, and evaluation activities that support or inform character education programs assisted under this Act, including a national clearinghouse for information that may be useful to character education program participants and other educators and administrators nationwide.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Home Heating Readiness Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (acting through the Administrator of the Energy Information Agency) to submit to Congress a Home Heating Readiness Report on the readiness of the heating oil and propane industries to supply fuel under various weather conditions, including rapid decreases in temperature. Specifies Report contents.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Child Citizenship Act of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify the provisions governing acquisition of citizenship for children born outside of the United States, including persons born outside the United States and admitted under the age of 18.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the people of the Republic of Croatia are to be congratulated on successful parliamentary and presidential elections and the outgoing Government of Croatia is to be commended for the democratic standards with which it managed the elections; (2) the United States should support the efforts of the new Government of Croatia to increase its work on refugee return, privatization reform, media reform, and further cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ITCY); (3) Congress strongly supports Croatia's commitment to western democratic standards and will give its full support to the new Government to fully implement democratic reforms; (4) the United States continues to promote Croatian-American economic, political, and military relations and recognizes Croatia as a loyal partner in south central Europe; and (5) Congress recommends establishing a strategic partnership with the Republic of Croatia and supports its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Partnership for Peace program and its accession into the World Trade Organization.
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
Designates the Federal building located at 2201 C Street, Northwest, in the District of Columbia, currently headquarters for the Department of State, as the Harry S Truman Federal Building.
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
Saving Women's Lives through International Family Planning Act of 2000 - Authorizes appropriations for U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations and programs, including the United Nations Environmental Fund for support of international measures to protect and improve the environment. Earmarks amounts for the United Nations Population Fund. Authorizes appropriations for certain population planning activities. Prohibits the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in determining eligibility of nongovernmental and multilateral organizations for population planning assistance or other population assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, from applying requirements to such organizations more restrictive than requirements applicable to foreign governments for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Emergency Commodity Distribution Act of 2000 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise provisions relating to the level of commodity purchases under the school lunch program. Requires a specified portion of such program assistance to be in the form of commodity assistance. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from using commodities provided under the authority of any other Act to meet such program requirement for the school year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2000
Home Heating Oil Price Stability Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to immediately create a fuel oil reserve containing two million barrels of heating oil in leased storage facilities in the New York Harbor area and 4.7 million barrels in one of the four Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) caverns in the Gulf Coast. Permits the Secretary to fill such heating oil reserve by trading SPR crude oil for heating oil. Authorizes the President to immediately draw down the Fuel Oil Product Reserve only when domestic fuel oil prices rise sharply because of anticompetitive activity, during a fuel oil shortage, or during periods of extreme winter weather. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
State Children's Health Insurance Program Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act to allow as reasonable administrative costs any State expenditures for the use of independent administrative vendors in marketing health benefits coverage to low-income children, or in otherwise administering the State child health plan, if certain conflict-of-interest restrictions are observed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000
Recognizes the right of the Austrian people to express their political views through a democratic election, but reaffirms the right and obligation of the U.S. House of Representatives to express its opposition to the anti-democratic, racist, and xenophobic views that have been expressed by Joerg Haider and other leaders of the FPO and to state its opposition to the party's participation in the Austrian Government. Condemns the insulting, racist, and xenophobic statements which have been made over many years by Haider and other leaders of the party. Expresses regret and dismay that the FPO under Haider's leadership will play a major role in the new Austrian Government. Commends the leaders of the European Union (EU), the 14 other member states of the EU, Canada, Norway, and other countries which have expressed their serious concerns regarding the participation of the FPO in such Government. Calls upon: (1) the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. Government officials and agencies to emphasize to Austrian Government officials the dissatisfaction with the inclusion of the FPO in the Government by not promoting or accepting any official contacts at a political level with officials of that Government which includes the FPO, by giving no support to Austrian candidates seeking positions in international organizations, and by receiving Austrian ambassadors only at a technical level; (2) Members of Congress to refuse to meet with ministers and other political leaders of the Austrian Government and to refuse to meet with members of the Austrian Parliament who are members of the parties participating in the governing coalition; and (3) the American people and others to show their strong disapproval of FPO participation in the Austrian governing coalition by refusing to travel to Austria, use Austrian products and services (including Austrian airlines), or invest in Austrian businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000
Hospital Preservation and Equity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to the one year sole community hospital payment increase, to reset the applicable percentage increase for FY 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year to the market basket percentage increase for hospitals in all areas for purposes of updating payments to prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
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 · 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 · 27 January 2000
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the Secretary of Labor from issuing a special certificate, which allows payment of wages lower than the Federal minimum wage to handicapped workers, to any individual by reason of that individual's impaired vision or blindness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize funding to reach the Federal Government's goal of providing, by 2010, 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure for education of all children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for IDEA programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities, in specified amounts for FY 2000 through 2010, and in such amounts as necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2010 in certain amounts for IDEA programs for: (1) preschool grants; (2) infants and toddlers with disabilities; (3) State program improvement grants for children with disabilities; (4) personnel preparation to improve services and results for children with disabilities; and (5) technical and related assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Commuter Tax Equity Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the $65 transportation fringe benefit limitation (applicable to commuter highway vehicles and transit passes) to an amount ($175) that equals the amount permitted for qualified parking (thus providing for a uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Declares that the House of Representatives recognizes the significant death and destruction in parts of northern Venezuela as a result of the floods of December 1999 and expresses its deepest sympathy to the people of Venezuela. Commends: (1) the Government and people of Venezuela for their rescue and relief efforts; and (2) the U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela, the Agency for International Development (AID), the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and the Department of Defense for their swift reaction to the disaster and the timely assistance provided. Pledges continued U.S. support. Urges: (1) the administration to seek additional emergency relief funds, if appropriate, to assist the people of Venezuela to recover from this disaster; and (2) the Administrator of AID to encourage other international donors to continue to contribute to the relief efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Urges the Nobel Commission to award the year 2000 Nobel Prize for Peace to former United States Senator George J. Mitchell for his dedication to fostering peace in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Authorizes use of the Rotunda of the Capitol on May 4, 2000, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.