United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000
Satellite Exports With Security Act of 2000 - Declares that all satellites and related items that were on the Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations on October 16, 1998, and any other dual-use communications satellites and related items, shall be controlled under the Export Administration Act of 1979, as continued in effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Defines related items as specified satellite fuel, ground support equipment, test equipment, payload adapter or interface hardware, replacement parts, and nonembedded solid propellant orbit transfer engines. Prescribes a procedure for approval or disapproval by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, and the President of any export of satellites and related items intended for launch from a launch vehicle in or owned by the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000
Declares that Federal funding for diabetes research should be increased in accordance with the recommendations of the Diabetes Research Working Group so that a cure for juvenile diabetes can be found.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2000
Oceans Act of 2000 - Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy and requires it to report to Congress and the President. Directs the President to submit to Congress: (1) after considering the Commission's report, proposals for a coordinated, comprehensive, and long range national policy for the responsible use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources for the benefit of the United States; and (2) a biennial report on all existing Federal programs related to ocean and coastal activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Consumer Financial Privacy Act - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide that the customer's affirmative consent is a prerequisite to financial institution disclosure to affiliates of customer nonpublic personal information, including information about personal spending habits (currently such consent is only required for financial institution disclosure to nonaffiliated third parties). (Sec. 4) Emphasizes that this Act neither modifies, limits, nor supersedes standards established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with respect to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information. (Sec. 5) Sets forth limits upon redisclosure and reuse of nonpublic consumer personal information received by an affiliated or nonaffiliated third party from a financial institution. (Sec. 6) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) consumer rights to access and correct information; and (2) Federal and State enforcement powers under this Act. (Sec. 8) Revises requirements for the timing of a financial institution's disclosure to consumers of its privacy policies and practices, including a new requirement that the disclosure first occur before a customer relationship is established (currently, when it is established). (Sec. 9) Prohibits a financial institution from disclosing to either an affiliate or nonaffiliated third party its customer's account number or comparable access number or code. (Sec. 10) Permits financial institution disclosure of nonpublic personal information: (1) in connection with performing services or functions solely on such institution's behalf regarding its own customers, including marketing of the institution's own products or services to its customers; and (2) in order to facilitate certain customer services. (Sec. 12) Directs specified Federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, to prescribe implementing regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
East Timor Repatriation and Security Act of 2000 - Declares the sense of Congress that the U.S. Government should utilize all diplomatic and economic means to press for: (1) the safe repatriation to East Timor of all East Timorese in West Timor and elsewhere who wish to return; (2) an end to border incidents, infiltration of militias, and to any other violent actions by militias and the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia against the people or territory of East Timor; (3) processes and prosecutions leading to justice for the victims of the 1999 violence in East Timor; (4) rapid reconstruction of East Timor, including maximum consultation with and inclusion of local personnel; and (5) a significant increase in employment for East Timorese in all internationally-sponsored reconstruction and United Nations efforts relating to East Timor. Prohibits resumption of U.S. military relations with, and military assistance for, the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia suspended by the President on September 9, 1999, until the President certifies to Congress that the Government and armed forces of Indonesia provide for: (1) the territorial integrity of East Timor; (2) the security and safe return of refugees; and (3) have brought to justice those individuals who have committed murder, rape, torture, and other crimes against humanity in East Timor and elsewhere. Recognizes and salutes those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have assisted the international peacekeeping operation in East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Safe and Successful Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY 2005, and revise or establish requirements for, assistance for various programs, including: (1) reading and literacy; (2) technology for education; (3) safe and drug-free schools and communities; (4) class size reduction through hiring more teachers; (5) higher standards and higher pay for teachers and principals in public schools of low-income local educational agencies (LEAs); (6) the Fund for the Improvement of Education; (7) public charter schools; (8) arts in education; (9) civic education; (10) Ellender fellowships; (11) early learning; (12) Holocaust education; (13) 21st Century Learning Centers for after-school programs; (14) parental information and resource centers; (15) urban educational assistance; (16) coordinated services, including child opportunity zone family centers; (17) public school repair and renovation; and (18) support and assistance programs to improve education and establish America's educational goals. (Sec. 1) Prohibits any services under ESEA from being provided through voucher or certificate. (Sec. 2) Revises ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) (IA) to require State plans to describe: (1) specific steps the State educational agency (SEA) will take to assist schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive IA funds (IA LEAs) to ensure that all their students reach a minimum proficient level of performance; (2) actions the State will take to ensure that critical education services and resources are available in IA LEAs to the extent that they are available in non-IA LEAs; and (3) annual measures and reports comparing IA LEAs and non-IA LEAs in terms of services, teachers, curricula, and instructional materials and resources. Requires each IA LEA to obtain SEA approval of a comprehensive plan to ensure comparability in use of State and local funds and educational services among its IA schools and its other schools with respect to: (1) teacher experience and qualifications; (2) curriculum range and opportunity to take rigorous courses, including advanced placement; and (3) quality and availability of instructional materials and resources including technology. Requires IA LEAs to update annually records relating to compliance with such comparability requirements. (Sec. 3) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Reading and Literacy Grants program (part C of ESEA title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 4) Revises, redesignates, and reauthorizes certain programs under ESEA title III (Technology for Education). Revises and renames part A as National Long-Range Technology Plans and Activities. Eliminates programs of: (1) national challenge grants for technology in education (but establishes a similar program, the Next-Generation Technology Innovation Awards program, as the new subpart 2 of part B); and (2) regional technical support and development (but establishes a similar program, Regional Technology in Education Consortium, as the new subpart 1 of part F). Redesignates as part B State and Local Programs for School Technology Resources (currently subpart 2 of part A). Eliminates the current part B Star Schools Program. Establishes the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund as a new subpart 1 of part B. Provides for grants to support State and local activities relating to education technology to improve student achievement, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools, and teachers' ability to integrate technology into the curriculum. Establishes the Next-Generation Technology Innovation Awards program as a new subpart 2 of part B. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for up to 50 percent of costs to eligible applicants, which are consortia that include: (1) at least one SEA or LEA; and (2) at least one institution of higher education (IHE), for-profit entity, museum, library, other public or private entity with appropriate expertise. Establishes a new part C, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to develop or redesign teacher preparation programs to enable prospective teachers to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Requires applicants to be consortia that include at least one IHE that offers a baccalaureate degree and prepares teachers for their initial entry into teaching, at least one SEA or LEA, and at least one other of specified types of entities with the capacity to contribute to the technology-related reform of teacher preparation programs. Establishes a new part D, Getting Our Girls Ready for the 21st Century Act (Go Girl). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts and cooperative agreements with, LEAs to provide subgrants to elementary and secondary schools for services that: (1) encourage the ongoing interest of girls in science, mathematics, and technology; and (2) prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers in those fields. Establishes a new part E, Library Resources. Eliminates the current part E Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment program. Directs the Secretary, under a part E subpart 1 Library Media Resources program, to make allotments to States for library media resources and discretionary grants for school library access during non-school hours. Requires SEAs to make allocations to applicant LEAs that have: (1) the greatest need for school library media improvement; and (2) the highest percentages of poverty. Authorizes the Secretary, under a part E subpart 2 School Library Access Program, to make grants to applicant LEAs to provide students with access to libraries in elementary schools and secondary schools during non-school hours, including the hours before and after school, weekends, and summer vacation periods. Requires that priority be given to LEAs that: (1) seek to provide activities that will increase reading skills and student achievement; (2) have effectively coordinated services and funding with entities involved in other Federal, State, and local efforts to provide programs and activities for students during non-school hours; and (3) have a high level of community support. Sets forth a new part F, Special Projects of National Significance, with a subpart 1 Regional Technology in Education Consortium which revises and replaces a similar regional technical support and development program currently under subpart 3 of part A. Establishes a program for Community Technology Centers, as subpart 2 of part F. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to create or expand community technology centers that expand access to information technology and related training for disadvantaged residents of distressed urban or rural communities or to provide technical assistance and support to such centers. Redesignates and renames as subpart 3 of part F, Ready-to-Learn-Digital-Television (currently part C, Ready-To-Learn Television), including provisions for Special Projects of National Significance. Redesignates and renames as subpart 4 part F, Telecommunications Project for Mathematics (currently part D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics). Establishes a program for Future Math and Science Teacher Recruitment, as subpart 5 of part F. Makes available 500 scholarship grants and stipends to outstanding students enrolled in nationally accredited teacher training graduate programs who are committed to pursuing teaching careers in secondary school mathematics and science teaching. Authorizes the Secretary to award funds for such National Math and Science Teacher Scholarships on a competitive basis to qualifying IHEs with graduate programs in teacher training. Makes an institution eligible for such funds only if it is ranked by the Secretary in the top 25 percent of schools in its State with the highest percentage of graduates passing the State teacher qualification assessment for new teachers. Directs the Secretary to give priority to eligible IHEs that have one or more of these: (1) a year-long internship program in a professional development school; (2) mentoring programs for novice teachers in their first three years; (3) a history of placing graduates in rural and urban schools; and (4) a high retention rate of teachers that the institution places in teaching positions. Requires scholarship recipients to agree to teach in an urban or rural public secondary school for at least three full academic years, or (with specified exceptions) repay the pro rata amount of awards received, plus interest, for any failure to fulfill such obligation. (Sec. 5) Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Revises ESEA title IV to change the short title (currently, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994). Extends the authorization of appropriations for title IV Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) programs. Eliminates provisions relating to a National Trust for Drug-Free Youth. Sets forth title IV part A subpart 1 provisions for State grants for drug and violence prevention programs. Establishes principles of effectiveness to be applied to title IV programs. Sets forth title IV part A subpart 2 provisions for National Programs. Directs the Secretary to carry out national programs to promote: (1) drug-free, safe, and orderly learning environments for students at all educational levels, from preschool through postsecondary; and (2) lifelong physical activity for such students. Requires the Secretary to reserve a specified amount of national program funds to make competitive grants to LEAS and community organizations for hate crime prevention activities. Establishes a title IV part B Technical Assistance program of comprehensive prevention technical assistance grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such grants to SEAs that meet specified requirements to implement prevention programs that meet a high scientific standard of program effectiveness. Establishes a title IV part C Alternative Education program to assist SEAs and LEAs in providing: (1) sound and equitable policies that ensure a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment for all children, while reducing the need to suspend or expel students and the number of such suspensions and expulsions; and (2) educational supports, services, and programs, using trained and qualified staff, for children aged five through 21 who have been suspended or expelled, so such children make continuing progress toward meeting the State's challenging academic standards. Establishes a title IV part D Resource Staff for Students program of establish a grants program to assist States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, train, and hire 100,000 school-based resource staff to work with students to: (1) reduce the student-to-counselor ratios nationally, in grades six through 12, to an average of one such staff for every 250 students; (2) help address the mental, emotional, and developmental needs of public school students; and (3) support other school staff and teachers in reaching students early before problems arise, conducting behavioral interventions to improve school discipline, and developing the awareness and skills to identify early warning signs of violence and the need for mental health services. Directs the Secretary to make such grants, for up to three years for each grant, to establish or expand the number of resource staff available for students' needs. Provides that resource staff means an individual with a specified kind of licensure, certification, or educational qualifications who has documented competence and training in mental health to be able to provide services to children and adolescents in a school setting. Establishes a title IV part E program, Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) under which the Secretary to carry out Project SERV directly, or through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements shall provide education-related services to LEAs in which the learning environment has been disrupted due to a violent or traumatic crisis, such as a shooting or major accident. Requires the establishment of a Federal Coordinating Committee on school crises, to coordinate Federal responses to crises that occur in schools or directly affect the learning environment in schools. Gun-Free Schools Act - Revises and transfers to title IV part F the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act (currently under title XIV part F). Requires each State receiving Federal funds under ESEA to have in effect a State law that: (1) requires LEAs to expel from school, for at least one year, any student determined to have possessed a firearm at school under the jurisdiction of the LEA in that State; and (2) allows the chief administering officer of that LEA to modify the expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis. Prohibits awarding ESEA funds to any LEA unless it has a policy ensuring that: (1) any student who possesses a firearm at a school served by such agency is referred to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system; (2) students who possess a firearm at school are referred to mental health professionals for assessment as to whether they pose an imminent threat of harm to themselves or others; and (2) any student determined to pose such a threat receives appropriate mental health services, in addition to other services, before being permitted to return to school. Requires each SEA and LEA that receives title IV funds to have a policy that prohibits cigarette vending machines, and the illegal possession or use of drugs and alcohol, in any form, at any time, and by any person, in school buildings, on school grounds, or at any school-sponsored event. (Sec. 6) Revises and reauthorizes ESEA title VI, Innovative Educational Strategies. Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) title VI programs; and (2) additional allotments to States of funds for LEAs demonstrating adequate yearly progress. Establishes, as a new part E under title VI, a Class Size Reduction program. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes, as a new part F of title VI, a Higher Standards, Higher Pay program. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs to attract and retain fully qualified teachers and high-quality principals through better pay and benefits. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Revises ESEA title X Programs of National Significance. Revises and reauthorizes title X part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education) (FIE). Includes among authorized uses of assistance: (1) senior mentoring of at-risk students; (2) student community service programs; (3) assisting all students to meet challenging State standards; (4) cultural education centers; (5) museum-operated Indian education programs in public schools; (6) improving academic achievement through innovative partnerships between LEAs and teachers unions; and (7) hiring and supporting school nurses. Extends the authorization of appropriations for FIE. Revises part A provisions for character education. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out programs of: (1) grants for State and local character education; and (2) grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for character education research, dissemination, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Smaller Learning Communities grants program under part A. Includes among authorized uses of such funds design and construction of improvements to the learning environment, including daylighting, energy conservation technologies, and renewable energy. Eliminates part A provisions for: (1) elementary school counseling demonstration programs; (2) Promoting Scholar Athlete Competitions; (3) National Student and Parent Mock Election; and (4) Model Projects. (Sec. 8) Extends the authorization of appropriations for title X part C, Public Charter Schools. (Sec. 9) Extends the authorization of appropriations for title X part D, Arts in Education, including: (1) Arts Education; and (2) Cultural Partnerships for At- Risk Children and Youth. Includes, among authorized uses of Arts Education funds, supporting model programs and projects in the performing arts for children and youth through arrangements with the Division of Cultural History of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. (Sec. 9 (sic)) Education for Democracy Act - Revises ESEA title X, part F, Civic Education to provide for grants or contracts for the Center for Civic Education (CCE) to carry out civic education activities under: (1) (as under current law) (the We the People...) The Citizen and the Constitution program; and (2) (the We the People...) The Project Citizen program. Includes among program requirements: (1) civic education materials and services to address specific problems such as prevention of school violence and drug and alcohol abuse; and (2) optional simulated hearings of Congress (Citizen and Constitution) and State legislatures (Project Citizen). Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 10) Reauthorizes ESEA title X part G, the Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program (which is administered by the Close Up Foundation, provides financial aid to enable economically disadvantaged middle and secondary students, their teachers, economically disadvantaged older Americans, recent immigrants, and students of migrant parents to come to Washington, D.C., to study the operations of the Federal Government). Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 11) Establishes a new ESEA title X part H, Early Learning Program to improve educational opportunities for young children, from birth through age five. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth allowable program activities under categories of promoting: (1) children's learning at home, through parenting education; (2) quality teaching in child care settings; and (3) quality child care. (Sec. 12) Holocaust Education Assistance Act - Establishes a new ESEA title X part L, Holocaust Education. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to LEAs to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Revises ESEA title X part H, 21st Century Learning Centers program (known as the 21st Century Learning Centers Act) for program grants to SEAs for after-school center projects addressing educational, health, social service, cultural, and recreational needs of inner and small cities and rural and disadvantaged suburban communities. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 14) Establishes a new ESEA title X part M for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for Parental Information and Resource Centers. Authorizes appropriations. Eliminating Educational Disparities and Promoting Learning for Urban Students Act of 1999 (sic) - Establishes a new ESEA title X part N, Urban Education Assistance, for urban school grants to eligible LEAs serving urban areas (or to SEAs which are LEAs) for activities to assist schools with high concentrations of students from racial and language minority groups to improve schoolwide academic achievement. Requires particular attention to be given to narrowing or overcoming disparities in achievement scores and school completion: (1) between minority and nonminority group students; and (2) between urban and nonurban public school students. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15) Revises ESEA title XI, Coordinated Services, to: (1) continue certain coordinated services provisions; and (2) provide for coordinated services through child opportunity zone family centers (school-based or school-linked community service centers that provide and link children and their families with comprehensive information, support, services, and activities to improve the children's and families' education, health, mental health, safety, and economic well-being). Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible partnerships for the Federal share of costs of establishing and expanding such child opportunity zone family centers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15 (sic)) Establishes a new ESEA title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need LEAs to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Revises and renames ESEA title XIII as Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education and Establish America's Educational Goals (currently Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education). Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) part A, Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers; and (2) part B (currently part C), Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia. Eliminates the current part B, National Diffusion Network, and part D, Technology-Based Technical Assistance. Establishes a new part C, America's Educational Goals Panel and America's Educational Goals. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 17) Revises ESEA title XIV, General Provisions, to revise part E, Uniform Provisions, to prohibit any services under ESEA from being provided through voucher or certificate. Requires all SEAs that receive ESEA funds to have plans in place to have all teachers fully qualified by September 30, 2003. Prohibits any funds authorized under ESEA from being used to allow a third party to monitor, receive, gather, or obtain information intended for commercial purposes from any student under age 18 without prior, written, informed consent of the student's parent. Requires a school, LEA, or SEA, before entering into a contract with a third party, to inquire as to: (1) whether the third party intends to gather, collect, or store information on students; (2) the nature of the information to be gathered; (3) how the information will be used; (4) whether the information will be sold, distributed, or transferred to other parties; and (5) the amount of class time that will be consumed by such activity. Authorizes one-time grants to ESEA funds recipients to develop their data systems to help them make continuous program improvement. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) establish performance measures for each program under ESEA and subtitle B of title VII of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; and (2) require applicants for funds under such Acts to include information on how they will use such measures, and report data relating to such measures. Requires collaboration with SEAs, LEAs, and other ESEA funds recipients in establishing such measures. Revises part G, Sense of Congress, to eliminate provisions expressing the sense of Congress with respect to increasing the total share of Federal spending on education.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for projects for the conservation of great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans), using amounts in a Great Ape Conservation Fund established by this Act. Allows a project proposal to be submitted by: (1) any wildlife management authority of a country that has within its boundaries any part of the range of a great ape if such authority's activities affect a great ape population; (2) the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Secretariat; or (3) any person or group with the demonstrated expertise required for the conservation of such apes. Sets forth project proposal requirements, including for review and approval, and reporting. Prohibits the use of grant amounts for captive breeding of such apes other than for captive breeding for release into the wild. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Digital Divide Access to Technology Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that computers and Internet access provided by an employer to employees shall be treated as a "de minimis fringe" benefit (and thus excluded from gross income) provided specified requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
East Timor Repatriation and Security Act of 2000 - Declares the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should utilize all diplomatic and economic means to press for: (1) the safe repatriation to East Timor of all East Timorese in West Timor and elsewhere who wish to return; (2) an end to border incidents, infiltration of militias, and to any other violent actions by militias and the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia against the people or territory of East Timor; (3) processes leading to justice for the victims of the 1999 violence in East Timor; (4) rapid reconstruction of East Timor, making maximum use of local personnel; and (5) a significant increase in employment for East Timorese in all internationally-sponsored reconstruction and United Nations efforts relating to East Timor. Prohibits resumption of U.S. military relations with, and military assistance for, the armed forces of the Republic of Indonesia suspended by the President on September 9, 1999, until the President certifies to Congress that the Government of Indonesia provides for: (1) the territorial integrity of East Timor; (2) the security of refugees and the safety of the East Timor population; and (3) has brought to justice those individuals who have committed murder, rape, torture, and other crimes against humanity in East Timor and elsewhere. Recognizes and salutes those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have assisted the international peacekeeping operation in East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Federal Employees Health Insurance Premium Conversion Act - Requires the Office of Personnel Management to make available to Federal annuitants the option to pay their Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program enrollment charges through a health insurance premium conversion arrangement beginning on the same date as when such option first becomes available to Federal employees generally, but no later than the deadline specified below. Requires: (1) each employing entity within the legislative branch to establish a plan, similar to the health insurance premium conversion arrangement, for their employees; and (2) the Secretary of Defense (or each appropriate Secretary with respect to the Coast Guard and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service) to establish such a plan for members and retired members of the uniformed services. Requires that all such plans be completed so that such option shall become available no later than the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Elk Valley Land Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust for the benefit of the Elk Valley Band of Indians of the Elk Valley Rancheria of California any real property located in Del Norte County, California, if: (1) such property is conveyed or otherwise transferred to the Secretary by or for the Tribe's benefit; and (2) at the time of such conveyance or transfer, there are no adverse legal claims to such property, including outstanding liens, mortgages, or taxes owed. Provides that any such property taken into trust shall be considered part of the Tribe's initial reservation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter a gold medal in recognition of their service to the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
National Museum of the American Indian Commemorative Coin Act of 2000, or American Buffalo Coin Commemorative Coin Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a maximum of 500,000 $1 dollar coins in commemoration of the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Mint Facility in Denver, Colorado, should strike such coins unless the Secretary determines that it would be technically or cost-prohibitive. Mandates that the proceeds from sales surcharges be paid promptly to the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution to: (1) commemorate the opening of the Museum; and (2)supplement the Museum's endowment and educational outreach funds. Subjects the Museum to certain Federal audit requirements. Instructs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that coin minting and issuance will not result in any net cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the armed forces who served during World War II, especially those who gave their lives in such service. Expresses support for the goals and ideas of Day of Honor 2000 to celebrate and recognize such service. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor such veterans with appropriate programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Safe Highways Resolution - Expresses the sense of Congress that certain statutory proscriptions and restrictions: (1) on longer combination vehicles should not be amended so as to weaken the current "freeze" on those vehicles or result in any less restrictive prohibition or restrictions upon them; and (2) should not be amended so as to permit operation of commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than that currently allowed under Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000
Teaching Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise a formula pertaining to additional payments to hospitals with indirect costs of medical education to maintain the value of a variable used in the indirect teaching adjustment factor at the FY 1999 level on or after October 1, 2000. (Current law requires a lesser value for such variable in FY 2001 and thereafter.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Home Health Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system. Makes this Act effective as if included in the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Early Learning and Opportunity State Grants Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make competitive grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children under three years of age. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Declares that: (1) the immediate and unconditional release from prison in Turkey of the Kurdish Democracy Party parliamentarians Leyla Zana, Hatip Dicle, Orhan Dogan, and Selim Sadak is a vital step in upholding due process in Turkey and facilitating Turkey's integration into the European Union; and (2) the prompt recognition by the Government of the Republic of Turkey of full cultural and language rights for the Kurdish people within its borders, including the right of education and broadcasting in Kurdish, is a vital step in promoting tolerance and cultural diversity in a manner consistent with Turkey's commitment as a participating state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Innocence Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Exonerating the Innocent through DNA Testing - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a court established by an Act of Congress, at any time after conviction, to apply to the court that entered the judgment for forensic DNA testing of any biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the judgment; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the Government; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Sets forth procedures regarding notice to the Government and preservation of remaining biological material. Directs the court to order DNA testing pursuant to such application upon a determination that testing may produce non-cumulative, exculpatory evidence relevant to an applicant's claim that the applicant was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Specifies that the cost of DNA testing shall be borne by the Government or the applicant, as the court may order in the interests of justice, if it is shown that the applicant is not indigent and possesses the means to pay. Authorizes the court at any time to appoint counsel for an indigent applicant. Establishes post-testing procedures, including ordering a hearing and entering any order that serves the interests of justice, including an order setting aside the judgment or granting a new trial or re-sentencing if the results of the DNA testing are favorable to the applicant. Requires the Government to preserve any biological material secured in connection with a criminal case for such period as any person remains incarcerated in connection with that case, with exceptions. (Sec. 103) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to include among the requirements for DNA identification grants, and for drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants, that the State will: (1) preserve all biological material secured in connection with a State criminal case for not less than the period of time that biological material is required to be preserved under this Act in the case of a person incarcerated in connection with a Federal criminal case (biological material preservation requirements); and (2) make DNA testing available to any person convicted in State court to the same extent, and under the same conditions, that DNA testing is available under this Act to any person convicted in a court established by an Act of Congress. Makes DNA samples obtained by, and DNA analyses performed at, a forensic laboratory accessible for criminal defense purposes to a defendant, who shall have access to samples and analyses performed in connection with the case in which such defendant was charged or convicted. Requires applications for public safety and community policing grants, if any part of funds received from such a grant is to be used to develop or improve a DNA analysis capability in a forensic laboratory, or to obtain or analyze DNA samples for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System, to make specified certifications including that: (1) DNA analyses performed at such laboratory will satisfy or exceed the current standards for a quality assurance program for DNA analysis issued by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the DNA Identification Act of 1994; (2) DNA samples and analyses obtained and performed by such laboratory will be accessible only consistent with specified requirements; (3) the laboratory and each analyst performing DNA analyses at the laboratory will undergo, at regular intervals not exceeding 180 days, external proficiency testing by a DNA proficiency testing program that meets certain standards; and (4) the State will meet biological material preservation requirements. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a State from denying a request, made by a person in custody resulting from a State court judgment, for DNA testing of biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the conviction of the person or the sentence imposed on the person; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the State; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Makes an exception upon a judicial determination that testing could not produce non-cumulative evidence establishing a reasonable probability that the person was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Bars a State from relying upon a time limit or procedural default rule to deny a person an opportunity to present non-cumulative, exculpatory DNA results in court, or in an executive or administrative forum in which a decision is made in accordance with procedural due process. Authorizes a person to enforce this section in a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief, filed either in a State court of general jurisdiction or in U.S. district court. Specifies that no State or State executive or judicial officer shall have immunity from such actions. Title II: Ensuring Competent Legal Services in Capital Cases - Amends the Safe Streets Act (regarding Byrne grant programs) to require that State applications include, if the State prescribes, authorizes, or permits the death penalty for any offense, a certification that the State has established and maintains an effective system for providing competent legal services to indigents at every phase of a State criminal prosecution in which a death sentence is sought or has been imposed, up to and including direct appellate review and post-conviction review in State court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to promulgate regulations specifying the elements of an "effective system" including: (1) a centralized and independent appointing authority which shall have authority and responsibility to undertake specified activities, such as to recruit attorneys who are qualified to represent indigents in capital proceedings, draft and annually publish a roster of such attorneys, draft and annually publish qualifications and performance standards for such attorneys, and periodically review the roster, monitor attorney performance, provide a mechanism by which members of the Bar may comment on the performance of their peers, and delete the name of any attorney who fails to meet specified requirements; and (2) specified compensation and reimbursement requirements of private attorneys and public defender organizations. Requires applications for discretionary (justice system improvement) grants to include satisfying such certification requirement. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to include in a report to Congress on such grants to each State a description and a comparative analysis of the systems established by each State in order to satisfy the certification requirement, including qualifications and performance standards, rates of compensation, and rates of reimbursement. (Sec. 202) Amends the judicial code to direct the court, in a proceeding instituted by an indigent applicant under sentence of death, to neither presume a finding of fact made by a State court to be correct nor decline to consider a claim on the ground that the applicant failed to raise such claim in State court at the time and in the manner prescribed by State law, unless: (1) the State provided the applicant with legal services at the stage of the State proceedings at which the State court made the finding of fact or the applicant failed to raise the claim; and (2) the legal services the State provided satisfied the regulations promulgated by the Director of the Administrative Office pursuant to the Safe Streets Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Director of the Administrative Office to: (1) award grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing defense services in capital cases; and (2) develop guidelines to ensure that defense services provided by recipients of such grants and contracts are consistent with applicable legal and ethical proscriptions governing the duties of counsel in capital cases. Title III: Compensating the Unjustly Condemned - Rewrites judicial code provisions regarding compensation for unjust imprisonment. Limits the amount of damages awarded to $50,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration, except that a plaintiff who was unjustly sentenced to death may be awarded not more than $100,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration. Directs the court, in assessing damages, to consider: (1) the circumstances surrounding the unjust conviction, including any misconduct by Federal officers or employees; (2) the length and conditions of the unjust incarceration; and (3) family circumstances, loss of wages, and pain and suffering of the plaintiff. (Sec. 302) Amends the Safe Streets Act to require applicants for criminal justice facility construction grants to provide reasonable assurance that the applicant, or the State in which it is located, does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the death penalty for any offense, or: (1) has established and maintains an effective procedure by which any person unjustly convicted of an offense against the State and sentenced to death may be awarded reasonable damages upon substantial proof that the person did not commit any of the acts with which the person was charged; and (2) the conviction of that person was reversed or set aside on the ground that the person was not guilty of the offense or offenses of which the person was convicted, the person was found not guilty of such offenses on new trial or rehearing, or the person was pardoned upon the stated ground of innocence and unjust conviction. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the criminal code to prohibit the Government from seeking the death penalty in any case initially brought before a U.S. district court that sits in a State that does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the imposition of such penalty for the alleged conduct, except upon written certification of the Attorney General (or designee) that: (1) the State does not have jurisdiction or refuses to assume jurisdiction over the defendant with respect to the alleged conduct; (2) the State has requested that the Government assume jurisdiction; or (3) the offense charged is one of certain listed offenses, including destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, assassination, kidnapping, and assault of specified Government officials. (Sec. 402) Rewrites Controlled Substances Act provisions regarding continuing criminal enterprises to direct the court, upon a recommendation that the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release, to sentence the defendant accordingly (otherwise, the court shall impose any lesser sentence that is authorized by law). (Sec. 403) Rewrites provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-In-Sentencing Incentive Grants to require State applicants to provide assurances to the Attorney General that: (1) the State has implemented policies that provide for the recognition of the rights and needs of crime victims; and (2) in any capital case in which the jury has a role in determining the sentence imposed on the defendant, the court, at the defendant's request, shall inform the jury of all statutorily authorized sentencing options in the particular case, including applicable parole eligibility rules and terms. (Sec. 404) Requires the Attorney General, within two years and annually thereafter, to prepare and transmit to Congress a report concerning the administration of capital punishment laws by the Government and the States. Directs the Attorney General or the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, as appropriate, to ensure that the reports are: (1) distributed to national print and broadcast media; and (2) posted on an Internet website maintained by the Department of Justice. (Sec. 405) Amends the judicial code to provide that, regarding exhaustion of remedies available in State courts, if the highest court of a State has discretion to decline appellate review of a case or a claim, a petition asking that court to entertain a case or a claim is not an available State court procedure. (Sec. 406) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the death penalty is disproportionate and offends contemporary standards of decency when applied to a person who is mentally retarded or who had not attained age 18 at the time of the offense.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Underground Campaign Disclosure Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a political organization to file statements of organization and contributions and disbursements, which shall be available to the public for a three-year period. Establishes penalties for failure to file such statements or to provide public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Amends specified Federal law to authorize appropriations without fiscal year limitations for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. (Current law authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.) Continues the Council, but transfers some of its functions to the Museum. Directs the Chairperson of the Council to appoint a Museum Director who will be the Museum's chief executive officer and serve at the Council's pleasure. (Current law provides, instead, for appointment of an Executive Director of the Council.) Requires the Museum Director's annual report to Congress to include an examination of the Federal role in the funding of the Museum and its activities, and any changes that may be warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
America's Better Classroom Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds (qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds). Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
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 · 22 March 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 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure to assist States and local educational agencies with the excess costs of educating children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities, in specified amounts for FY 2001 through 2010, and as necessary thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Act for Effective National Firearms Objectives for Responsible, Common-sense Enforcement of 2000 (ENFORCE Act) - Title I: The Criminal Gun Trafficker Apprehension Act of 2000 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (the Act) to provide that it shall be presumed that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of a firearm is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain if a person transfers more than 50 firearms in any period of 12 consecutive months, or more than 30 firearms in any period of 30 consecutive days excluding any infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means by an individual to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 102) Requires that a firearms licensee, as a condition of obtaining a license to deal in firearms or ammunition (license), operate from a fixed premises primarily devoted to the sale of firearms and conspicuously designated to the public as such, other than a private residence. (Sec. 103) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from storing firearms on the premises in a manner not in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary, in issuing such regulations, to take into consideration the type and quantity of the firearms to be stored, as well as the standards of safety and security recognized in the firearms industry. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license or to subject the licensee to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Limits review of the Secretary's actions. Requires that the firearms inventory of the business be stored in compliance with this Act and regulations issued thereunder within 30 days after the application is approved. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a common or contract carrier from failing to report the theft or loss of a firearm within 48 hours after discovery. Requires that such theft or loss be reported to the Secretary and to the appropriate local authorities. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil fine of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Title II: The Criminal Gun Dealer Detection Act of 2000 - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to inspect or examine the records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer without reasonable cause or warrant for ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements not more than four times (currently, once) during any 12-month period, or as otherwise specified in the Act. (Sec. 202) Provides that a personal collection of firearms of a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer shall be considered part of the business inventory of the licensee (thus making disposal of such collection subject to regulation), with an exception for the infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means from the personal collection of firearms of a licensee to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 203) Revises penalty provisions under the Federal criminal code (the code) to authorize the Secretary to: (1) suspend a license or subject a licensee to a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation (currently, the Secretary's options are limited to license revocation) for violations; and (2) compromise, mitigate, or remit at any time the liability with respect to any willful violation. Title III: The Violent Felon Gun Ban Enforcement Act of 2000 -Denies natural persons the opportunity to seek administrative relief from prohibitions against possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition and requires publication of additional information about such administrative relief granted to any person. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the possession of, or transactions in, firearms by any natural person convicted of a serious drug offense or violent felony, regardless of expungement of the conviction or restoration of other civil rights, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: The Intensive Gun Violence Reduction Strategy and Project Exile Implementation Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Funding Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for the improvement of the national instant criminal background check system, including improvements to criminal justice records as specified in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and to records required by the Attorney General under the Brady Act for the purpose of implementing that Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State or local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of improving the organization of criminal records, especially records relating to convictions for crimes of domestic violence and to restraining orders relating to domestic violence, and the reporting of such records to the national instant criminal background check system. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations for the hiring of 600 agents and inspectors for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. (Sec. 404) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State, Indian tribal, or local prosecutors for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of community-based justice programs for the prosecution of gun-related crimes. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 405) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) hire 114 additional Federal prosecutors to prosecute violations of Federal firearms laws; and (2) establish in each of the jurisdictions not more than 20 areas designated by the Attorney General as having high rates of firearm-related crime a gun enforcement team. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to expand: (1) to 50 the number of city and county law enforcement agencies that, through the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YGCII), submit to the Secretary identifying information relating to the types and origins of all firearms recovered during law enforcement investigations, including from individuals under 25; and (2) the resources devoted to law enforcement investigations of illegal youth possessors and users and of illegal firearms traffickers identified through YGCII. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select cities and counties for participation in the program; and (2) establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through on-line computer technology, can promptly provide firearms-related information to the Secretary and access information derived through YGCII as soon as such capability is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 407) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to public or private nonprofit entities for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of local anti-gun violence media campaigns. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of funds, and application and matching requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 408) Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program for the research and development of smart gun technology. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Ballistics Testing - Prohibits a licensed manufacturer or importer from transferring a firearm to any person before: (1) test firing the firearm; (2) preparing forensic ballistics records of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; and (3) making the records available to the Secretary for entry in a computerized database. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, for each violation by a licensed manufacturer or importer, to suspend the license for up to one year or revoke the license, impose on the licensee a civil fine of not more than $10,000, or both. Limits review of the Secretary's action. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with this section through: (1) the acquisition, disposition, and upgrades of computerized forensic ballistics equipment and bullet recovery equipment to be placed at the sites of licensed manufacturers and importers or at regional firearm centers established by the Secretary; and (2) the hiring or designation of personnel necessary to develop and maintain a database of forensic ballistics records, research, and evaluation. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through online computer technology, can promptly access forensic ballistics records, as soon as the capability to do so is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to work cooperatively with representatives of the firearm industry to: (1) provide education about the role of forensic ballistics as part of a comprehensive firearm crime reduction strategy; and (2) provide for coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Sets forth provisions regarding areas of concentrated efforts and annual reports and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to conduct mandatory forensic ballistics testing of all firearms that are or have been taken into the custody of, or procured or utilized by, their respective agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth reporting requirements.
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
Upper Mississippi River Basin Conservation Act of 2000 - Title I: Sediment and Nutrient Monitoring Network - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), through the United States Geological Service, to establish a nutrient and sediment monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin, to be headquartered at the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. (Sec.102) Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and other involved parties, to establish guidelines for related data collection and storage activities. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to: (1) collaborate with other public and private monitoring efforts in establishing the nutrient and sediment monitoring program; and (2) target resources of the State Water Resources Research Institute Program to promote nutrient and sediment studies in the Basin. Title II: Initiative, Grant, Demonstration, and Outreach Programs - Requires the Director of the United States Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to establish a computer modeling program of nutrient and sediment sources in the Basin, which shall include models of: (1) processes affecting field sediment and nutrient loss; (2) watersheds; (3) river channels; and (4) connections between sediment and nutrient yields and sources, land uses, and management practices. States that such information shall be headquartered at the Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) work with public and private entities to evaluate best management practices designed to reduce nutrient and sediment loss; and (2) assess such practices' economic risks. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer a grant program to supplement non-Federal funds being used by public and private entities to demonstrate new best management practices to reduce nutrient and sediment loss in the Basin. (Sec. 204) Requires the Director to: (1) establish an Internet-based system to distribute information about nutrient and sediment loss reduction projects, including Basin projects, and nutrient and sediment levels in the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries; and (2) report with respect to monitoring and modeling activities. Title III: Financial and Technical Assistance under Department of Agriculture Conservation Programs - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to increase assistance for nutrient and sediment reduction in the Basin, including new assistance to Basin subwatersheds that are nutrient and sediment sources. (Sec. 302) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to designate the Basin as a conservation priority area. (Sec. 303) Increases enrollment authority under the conservation reserve and the wetland reserve programs. (Sec. 304) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act to increase funding for the wildlife habitat incentives program. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase funding for the environmental quality incentives program. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with public and private agencies, including agreements for goods and services (and personal services). Title IV: Protection of Personal Data - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide for privacy of personal data received by the Department of Agriculture and data collection locations with respect to natural resources conservation programs. Sets forth limited disclosure exceptions. Subjects disclosure violations to specified penalty provisions of such Act. Title V: Advisory Council on the Upper Mississippi River Stewardship Initiative - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Advisory Council on the Upper Mississippi River Stewardship Initiative. Authorizes the Advisory Council to establish specified task groups. Title VI: Interagency Working Group on Upper Mississippi River Basin Initiative - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish an Interagency Working Group to coordinate Federal nutrient and sediment reduction efforts in the Basin. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 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
Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2000 - Title I: Law Enforcement Accreditation - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) perform an initial analysis of existing accreditation standards and methodology developed by law enforcement accreditation organizations nationwide; (2) recommend additional areas for the development of national standards for the accreditation of law enforcement agencies; (3) recommend, after completion of the initial review and analysis, the adoption of additional standards, including standards relating to early warning programs, civilian review procedures, traffic stop documentation and procedures, administrative due process requirements, and training; and (4) adopt policies and procedures to partner with law enforcement accreditation organizations, professional law enforcement associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and professional civilian oversight organizations to continue the development of further accreditation standards and to encourage the pursuit of accreditation of Federal, State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies by certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to make funds available to State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies to assist in gaining or maintaining accreditation from certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Title II: Law Enforcement Development Programs - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, or other public and not-for-profit private entities, or to any multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities, to study and implement effective management, training, recruiting, hiring, and oversight policies and programs for law enforcement agencies. Directs that such grants be used for the study of management and operations standards for law enforcement agencies, including standards relating to administrative due process, residency requirements, compensation and benefits, use of force, racial profiling, early warning programs, civil review boards or analogous procedures, or research into the effectiveness of existing programs, projects, or other activities designed to address misconduct by law enforcement officers (officers). Directs that such grants be used to develop pilot programs and implement effective programs in the areas of training, hiring, and recruitment, and oversight that are designed to improve management and address misconduct by officers. Lists program characteristics with respect to: (1) training; (2) recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion; (3) oversight; and (4) victim services. Specifies proportions of funds to be allocated. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) provide technical assistance to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, and to other public and private entities in furtherance of this Act's purposes; and (2) use any components of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in carrying out this title. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds, applications, performance evaluation, and revocation or suspension of funding. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to support enhancements to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics program of the Bureau of Justice States for the collection of information from grant recipients, and to support the national evaluation. Title III: Administrative Due Process Procedures - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a nationwide study of the prevalence and effect of any law, rule, or procedure that allows an officer to delay for an unreasonable or arbitrary period of time the answer to questions posed by a local internal affairs officer, prosecutor, or review board on the investigative integrity and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct; (2) perform an initial analysis of New York City's 48-hour rule to determine whether, at a threshold level, the effect of this type of rule or procedure raises material investigatory issues that could impair or hinder a prompt and thorough investigation of possible misconduct, including criminal conduct, that would justify a wider inquiry; (3) gather additional data nationwide on rules similar to the New York rule from a representative and statistically significant sample of jurisdictions, after completion of the initial analysis and considering material investigatory issues, to determine where such rules and procedures raise such material investigatory issues. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Enhanced Funding to Combat Police Misconduct - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) additional expenses related to the enforcement of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) (unlawful conduct, regarding a "pattern or practice by police"), criminal enforcement under the Federal criminal code (the code) (deprivation of rights under color of law, and federally protected activities), and administrative enforcement by DOJ's Office of Civil Rights, and related to conflict resolution by DOJ's Community Relations Service; and (2) such sums as may be necessary to collect data on the use of excessive force by law enforcement in accordance with the VCCLEA. Title V: Enhanced Authority in Pattern and Practice Investigations - Amends the VCCLEA to: (1) expand the scope of "pattern or practice" provisions to cover conduct related to adults and the criminal justice system (currently, limited to "juvenile justice" administration or incarceration issues); and (2) provide for a private cause of action for violation of such provisions. Title VI: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law - Amends code provisions regarding deprivation of rights under color of law to prohibit, and set penalties for, conduct relating to the use of excessive force or engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Prohibits prosecution of such a case except upon certification in writing by the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights that, in that official's judgment, a prosecution by the United States is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice. (Sec. 602) Provides for payment of expert witness fees in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Title VII: Study of Deaths in Custody - Amends the VCCLEA to require a State, to be eligible for truth-in-sentencing incentive grants, to submit an application to the Attorney General that demonstrates that such State has provided an assurance that it shall follow guidelines that may be established by the Attorney General in reporting, on a quarterly basis, information regarding: (1) the death of any person who is in the process of arrest, has been arrested, has been incarcerated, or is en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility) that at a minimum includes the name, gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, and age of the deceased; the date, time, and location of death; and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the death; and (2) the medical treatment given to or withheld from any person who was injured while in the process of arrest, incarceration, or en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility). Title VIII: National Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight - Establishes within DOJ the Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight. Sets forth provisions regarding composition, and powers and duties, of the Task Force. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Immigration Enforcement Review Commission - Establishes the Immigration Enforcement Review Commission (the Commission), comprised of a Board of Commissioners (the Board), an Investigations Office, and a Community Outreach Office. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service (the Services) to cooperate fully with the Commission in carrying out its duties, and to provide appropriate records. (Sec. 902) Makes the Commission responsible for investigating civil rights abuse complaints against any of the Services, their employees or divisions, or any facilities where detainees are held in custody of any of the Services. Directs the Commission to make: (1) recommendations to the Services regarding discipline of Services' employees responsible for committing abuses; and (2) policy recommendations. (Sec. 903) Sets forth: (1) administrative provisions regarding the Board, Investigations and Community Outreach Offices, and Commission facilities; and (2) provisions regarding Commission operations, including complaint filing procedures, public outreach, Services employees' duty to inform the Commission, complaint investigation and disposition, hearings, disciplinary recommendations, an early warning program (periodic review of all complaints), and records of complaints and statistical summaries. (Sec. 906) Prohibits "retaliation" (i.e., any action or threat of action because of a complaint, testimony, assistance, or participation in an investigation or hearing related to the complaint procedures), which shall constitute the basis for a complaint to the Commission. (Sec. 907) Prohibits the use of any testimony or other information gathered as part of a complaint, investigation, or hearing under this title in any proceeding under the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 908) Makes funds authorized to be appropriated for the Offices of the Inspector General of DOJ and the Department of the Treasury available to carry out this title. Title X: Federal Data Collection on Racial Profiling - Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Interior to collect data that is sufficiently detailed to permit an analysis of investigatory actions carried out by Federal law enforcement agencies by race, ethnicity, and gender. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides for the protection of individual identities. Title XI: Whistleblower Protection - Prohibits retaliation or discrimination (including attempts) against any local, State, Indian tribal, or Federal law enforcement officer because the officer acting in good faith: (1) engaged in any disclosure of information relating to the unlawful behavior of any fellow officer in the line of duty; (2) advocated on behalf of a civilian with respect to the treatment received from an officer; or (3) initiated, cooperated, or otherwise participated in any investigation or proceeding of any law enforcement agency relating to a pattern and practice of officer misconduct. Prohibits any person by contract, policy, or procedure from prohibiting or restricting any officer from engaging in any action for which a protection against discrimination or retaliation is provided under this title, subject to a specified limitation. (Sec. 1102) Sets forth provisions regarding confidentiality of complaints to Government agencies, enforcement (private cause of action, and civil and criminal penalties), the burden of proof, notice, and non-preemption of State authority. Title XII: Sexual Abuse in Correctional Facilities - Amends the code to increase penalties and expand jurisdiction for sexual abuse offenses in correctional facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Medicare Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Direct Reimbursement Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of surgical first assisting services furnished by certified registered nurse first assistants. Provides for payment of such nurses on an assignment-related basis. Excludes services of such nurses from the definition of "covered skilled nursing facility services" for purposes of applying a prospective payment formula for such services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce the amount of Medicare payments otherwise made to hospitals to eliminate estimated duplicate payments for historical or current costs attributable to surgical first assisting services furnished by certified registered nurse first assistants. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on recommendations for adjustments to the payment amounts established under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare for surgical first assisting services furnished by such nurses to ensure that the payment amounts reflect the approximate costs of furnishing such services, taking into account the costs of compensation, overhead, and supervision attributable to such nurses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Quality Teacher Recruitment Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase from $5,000 to $17,750 the amount of student loans that may be forgiven for service as a teacher in a school with a high concentration of low-income students, in specified guaranteed and direct loan programs under title IV Student Assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each eligible institution participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to: (1) prepare, publish, and distribute to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report which discloses specified types of information about that institution's campus fire safety standards and practices; (2) make periodic reports to the campus community on fires and false alarms that are reported to local fire departments, to aid in preventing similar occurrences; and (3) submit annually to the Secretary of Education a copy of statistics on campus occurrences of fires and false fire alarms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review such statistics; (2) make copies available to the public; (3) identify exemplary fire safety policies, procedures, and practices, and disseminate information concerning those policies, procedures, and practices that have proven effective in the reduction of campus fires; and (4) report to the Congress analyses of the current status of fire safety systems in college and university facilities, and of the appropriate fire safety standards to apply to these facilities, as well as cost estimates and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to define a qualified individual, for purposes of coverage of bone mass measurement, as any individual (currently, estrogen-deficient women) at clinical risk of osteoporosis. Makes this Act effective on or after October 1, 2000.
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
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all Americans should take an active role in the fight to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis; (2) the role played by national and community organizations and health care professionals in promoting continued funding for research and in providing information about, and access to, the best medical treatment and support services for multiple sclerosis should be recognized; and (3) the Federal Government has a responsibility to continue to fund research so that the causes of, and improved treatment for, multiple sclerosis may be discovered, to continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for people with multiple sclerosis, and to endeavor to raise public awareness about the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and health professionals' awareness about the diagnosis of, and treatment for, the disease.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Includes as a service-connected and therefore compensable injury under veterans' disability compensation provisions a stroke or heart attack incurred while performing inactive duty training.
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 · 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 · 29 February 2000
Medicaid Safety Net Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals, to require DSH allotments for FY 2002 to be equal to the State allotment for FY 2000. Sets the DSH allotment for FY 2001 and for FY 2002 at the FY 2000 level.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified intercity passenger rail carrier bonds. Sets forth definitions, State matching requirements, and other rules.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Condemns practices, such as those prevalent at Bob Jones University, that seek to discriminate against and divide Americans on the basis of race, ethnicity, and religion. Denounces individuals who seek to subvert the American ideals of inclusion, equality, and social justice.
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
Campaign Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding tax-exempt organizations to expand the definition of "political organization" to require such an organization, in order to be defined as such, to file an annual statement certifying compliance with reporting requirements under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) added by this Act. Excepts from such filing requirement: (1) organizations which exist for the exclusive purpose of influencing the appointment of any individual to a State, local, or Federal public office or office in a political organization; (2) a group of persons (other than a separate segregated fund established under FECA) which accepts contributions or makes expenditures during a calendar year of less than $5,000; or (3) political committees as defined under FECA. Prohibits an organization from being treated as one described under (1) above if it makes payments for certain communications which mention a clearly identified candidate for election for Federal office or contain the likeness of such candidate during an election cycle. Amends FECA to provide that, for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding tax-exempt political organizations, a political organization is in compliance if it files with the Federal Election Commission: (1) a statement of organization no later than ten days after receiving or spending an aggregate amount equal to or greater than $5,000 during the year for an exempt function described under the Code; and (2) reports of its receipts and disbursements at the same time and in the same manner as reports are filed by political committees under existing FECA requirements. Describes contents of such statement and report.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J. [D-RI-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000113_200.jpg)