United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
Declares that the Congress joins the international community in supporting peace and democracy in the Republic of Sierra Leone. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (UN) to work to bring before the UN Security Council a resolution imposing comprehensive sanctions against the sale of diamonds by rebels in Sierra Leone; (2) rebels in Sierra Leone should be condemned by the UN and the international community for murdering Kenyan troops serving as UN peacekeepers and for inflicting suffering on Sierra Leonean civilians; (3) U.S. diplomats should be dispatched to Sierra Leone to remind the rebel leaders that the peace agreement provides no amnesty for any war crimes committed since its signing; (4) because international law does not provide amnesty for war criminals, the United States should initiate actions to bring any individual who has committed war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war to justice; and (5) U.S. authorities should not grant a visa to any individual who committed such war crimes or to members of the individual's family and should turn over any such individual found in the United States to the International War Crimes Tribunal for prosecution.
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 · 4 May 2000
MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2000 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (MediKids Program) under which an eligible individual born after December 31, 2001, who has not attained age 23 may enroll in the MediKids Program for entitlement to benefits specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among such benefits the following: (1) at least the same benefits available under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) under SSA title XVIII; (2) early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX); and (3) prescription drugs and biologicals. Provides for cost-sharing, a payment schedule for covered benefits, and a monthly MediKids premium and the means for payment of it. Provides for a reduction in premium for certain low-income families. (Sec. 2) Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for collected premiums, appropriated amounts, and other revenues for use in funding the coverage provided under the MediKids Program and maintaining its financial solvency. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a care coordination services program including specified elements under which eligible individuals may elect to have health care services covered under new SSA title XXII managed and coordinated by a designated care coordinator. Sets forth administration and miscellaneous provisions applicable to new SSA title XXII, including provisions for coordination with Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) and the maintenance of Medicaid eligibility and benefits for children. Amends SSA title XVIII to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission from 17 to 19 members, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. (Sec. 3) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. (Sec. 5) Mandates deposit in the Treasury of any amounts: (1) recovered by the United States in the civil action brought on September 22, 1999, under the Medical Care Recovery Act and other specified provisions of Federal law in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the tobacco industry and associated parties; and (2) attributable to expenditures of HHS for tobacco-related illnesses. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress: (1) a gold medal to the family of Andrew Jackson Higgins in recognition of his contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II; (2) an identical medal to the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for public display; and (3) a gold medal to the Museum in honor of the World War II employees of Higgins Industries and in recognition of their contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Congratulates Latvia on the tenth anniversary of the reestablishment of its independence and the role it played in the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Commends Latvia for its success in implementing political and economic reforms that may speed its integration into European and Western institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2000
United States Capitol Fire Protection Act of 2000 - Establishes in the Office of the Architect of the Capitol the position of Director of Fire Safety and Protection to assume responsibility for all fire safety and protection activities of the Architect of the Capitol. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to assign at least 12 full-time employees to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Requires any employer under a Federal contract or subcontract exceeding $10,000 to pay each employee working on or hired in conjunction with such contract or subcontract the greater of: (1) $8.20 an hour; or (2) an hourly wage necessary for such employee to earn, while working 40 hours a week on a full-time basis, the amount of the Federal poverty level for a family of four. Exempts employers that are: (1) small business concerns; or (2) nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, if the ratio of the total compensation of the chief executive officer to that of the full-time equivalent of their lowest-paid employee is not greater than 25 to 1. Makes ineligible for such required living wage level any employee participating in: (1) an apprenticeship program; or (2) any other training program, which is not longer than six months and is offered to an employee while employed in productive work, that provides training, technical and other related skills, and personal skills essential to full and adequate job performance. Prohibits employers from avoiding paying the required living wage by laying off or otherwise terminating an employee with the intention of replacing that employee with one not eligible for such wage because of participation in an apprenticeship or training program. Requires all Federal contracts and subcontracts to require such living wage payment. Requires Federal contract and subcontract suspension and a five-year ineligibility period for employers who violate such requirement. Makes such employers liable for unpaid wages and an equal amount of liquidated damages. Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay the employees who were not paid such living wage the amount recovered from their employers.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 - States that the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) shall be sustained as a permanent standing committee administered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Sets forth ICCVAM objectives, including: (1) increasing the efficiency of Federal test method review; and (2) reducing animal testing. Directs the Institute to establish a Scientific Advisory Committee. Requires each Federal agency to: (1) identify and forward to ICCVAM those guidelines or regulations it follows requiring or recommending animal testing; (2) promote valid alternatives to animal testing; and (3) adopt ICCVAM recommendations unless such recommendations are inadequate or unsatisfactory.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for projects for the conservation of great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans), using amounts in a Great Ape Conservation Fund established by this Act. Allows a project proposal to be submitted by: (1) any wildlife management authority of a country that has within its boundaries any part of the range of a great ape if such authority's activities affect a great ape population; (2) the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Secretariat; or (3) any person or group with the demonstrated expertise required for the conservation of such apes. Sets forth project proposal requirements, including for review and approval, and reporting. Prohibits the use of grant amounts for captive breeding of such apes other than for captive breeding for release into the wild. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Act - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (NSFA) to establish and expand programs relating to science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. (Sec. 3) Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize any Federal department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. (Sec. 4) Requires the NSF Director to make grants to State or local educational agencies (SEAs or LEAs) or private elementary or middle schools to hire master teachers. Requires grant applicants to describe their requirements for master teachers and how professional development will be integrated with their mathematics or science program. Requires such master teachers to: (1) provide support for not more than ten teachers at public and private schools in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology programs for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade; and (2) be responsible for in-classroom assistance and oversight of hands-on inquiry materials, equipment, and supplies, including supplying and repairing such materials. Requires such grants to be made out of funds available for the NSF for Education and Human Resources Activities. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Director to make competitive grants to secondary school and college students working with university faculty, software developers, and experts in educational technology, or to such faculty, developers, and experts working with such students, to develop high-quality educational software and Internet web sites. Requires the Director to: (1) designate official judges to recognize outstanding educational software and Internet web sites, developed with such assistance, that focus on core curriculum areas; (2) issue a certificate signed by the President and Director to each student and faculty member who develops such recognized software and sites; and (3) give priority to awarding grants to develop such software or sites in the areas of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. (Sec. 6) Establishes in NSF a working group to review and coordinate regular and supplemental curricula in kindergarten through the 12th grade for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director, subject to appropriations, to make demonstration project grants to eligible LEAS, which may use such funds to: (1) develop an information technology program that builds or expands mathematics, science, and information technology curricula; (2) purchase equipment necessary to establish such program; and (3) provide professional development in such fields. Requires such LEAs to enter into conditional agreements with representatives of the private sector which will participate by providing services and funds, including: (1) donating computer hardware and software; (2) establishing internship and mentoring opportunities for student participants in such program; and (3) donating higher education scholarship funds for eligible students who have participated in such program. Sets forth requirements for program applications, guidelines, assessment, study, and report. Authorizes appropriations to NSF for such program. Limits the maximum amount of such a grant award to any eligible LEA. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director, with the Secretary of Education, to compile and disseminate information on: (1) standard prerequisites for middle school and high school students who seek to enter a course of study at an institution of higher education in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology education for purposes of teaching in an elementary or secondary school; and (2) the licensing requirements in each State for science, mathematics, engineering, or technology elementary or secondary school teachers. (Sec. 9) Requires the Director to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for NAS to compile and evaluate studies on the effectiveness of technology in the classroom on learning and student performance, as measured by State standardized tests. Authorizes appropriations to NSF for such study-evaluation. (Sec. 10) Requires the Director to establish a grant program under which grants may be made for instruction of teachers for grades kindergarten through the 12th grade in the use of technology in the classroom. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Director to award grants to assist States in reaching the goal of making all middle school graduates technology-literate. Requires such grants to be used for teacher training in technology, with an emphasis on programs that prepare one or more teachers in each middle school in the State to become technology leaders who then serve as experts and train other teachers. Requires States to encourage schools that receive such assistance to provide matching funds. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director to convene, as the National Science Education Forum, a conference of representatives from Federal, State, and local governments, private industries, professional organizations, educators, science, mathematics, engineering, and technology educational resource providers, students, and other stakeholders. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Director to make grants to SEAs or LEAs or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools, under any grant program administered by the Director using funds appropriated for the NSF for Education and Human Resources Activities, for activities in which distance learning is integrated into the education process in kindergarten through the 12th grade. (Sec. 14) Requires the Director to make available through the Internet at no cost a complete field-test version of any curricular program for which the NSF provided development funds. (Sec. 15) Directs the President, acting through the NSF, to provide scholarships to teachers at public and private schools in kindergarten through the 12th grade to participate in Federal, State, or private research programs. Requires the Director to establish an Internet web site which may be used by students and teachers participating in such program to incorporate research knowledge and techniques into the educational process.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Incentive Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an eligible science, engineering, math, or technology teacher a limited credit for undergraduate tuition; and (2) permit an elementary and secondary science, mathematics, engineering, and technology credit (SMET) credit for qualified contributions of property or service to qualified elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for student loan forgiveness for public defenders under the Federal Perkins Loan program. Requires a reduction in the amount of Federal capital contributions to Federal student loan funds to offset the amount expended under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
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
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter a gold medal in recognition of their service to the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
National Science Education Enhancement Act - Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize any Federal department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. Title I: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - Revises the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with respect to teacher professional development activities to include support for mentoring activities for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teachers. (Sec. 101) Includes information on model science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teacher mentoring programs among the information which the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (Clearinghouse) is required to disseminate. Requires States, in their plans in applications for teacher professional development grants, to describe how they will: (1) administer a mentoring system to ensure consistent implementation of mentoring programs for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology teachers; (2) provide a structure for local mentoring program evaluation; (3) provide technical assistance to local mentoring programs; (4) ensure compliance by local mentoring programs with State teacher training requirements; and (5) provide incentives for local educational agencies (LEAs) to take mentoring into consideration in assessing instructional staff hiring needs. Requires local activities under the teacher professional development program to include mentoring programs for novice teachers of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Requires States to include, in their accountability reports under the teacher professional development program, the impact of State and local mentoring programs on teaching quality and teacher retention rates. (Sec. 102) Revises ESEA provisions for the allocation and use of funds for the Clearinghouse. Requires such funds to be used to: (1) solicit and gather qualitative and evaluative materials and programs, review their evaluation, rank their effectiveness, and distribute results of reviews, as well as excerpts of materials and links to Internet sites and information on on-line communities of users to teachers; and (2) establish an Internet site offering a search mechanism to assist site visitors in identifying information on science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education instructional materials and programs, including electronic links to information on classroom demonstrations and experiments, teachers who have used materials or participated in programs, vendors, curricula, and textbooks. Directs the Clearinghouse to give particular attention to the effective use of materials and technology in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on the Clearinghouse. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants, from specified ESEA funds, for summer professional development institutes for teachers. Provides for such grants to be awarded to State agencies for higher education, working in conjunction with the State educational agency (if such agencies are separate). Requires the grantees to: (1) make subgrants to or cooperative agreements with various entities working in conjunction with an LEA or consortium of LEAs; and (2) give priority to applicants assuring use of a curriculum recognized by the working group established under specified provisions of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Sets forth requirements relating to such institutes and their activities and curricula. Requires peer review of grant applications under a process established by the Director of the National Science Foundation. Requires participants in such institutes to earn credit toward State continuing education requirements for teachers or a post-baccalaureate degree program at an institution of higher education. Revises provisions for allocation of certain appropriated amounts. Reserves specified funds for the summer institute program. (Sec. 104) Includes providing technology training software and instructional materials to teachers among local uses of ESEA school technology resource grants. (Sec. 105) Requires grant applicants, under the ESEA 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, to assure that they will use at least five percent of the grant amount to provide after-school day care services that focus on science activities. (Sec. 106) Includes after-school day care services that focus on science activities for children in kindergarten through sixth grade among uses of grants under the ESEA 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. Title II: Other Provisions - Revises the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to treat technology training, tutoring teachers in the uses of classroom technology, as community service by college students under the work-study program. Increases funding for such program and reserves the amount of such increase to compensate students employed in technology training or tutoring teachers in the uses of classroom technology. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study: (1) the feasibility and effectiveness of various incentives, including tax credits, for businesses to provide personnel with regular compensation for time spent as volunteers engaged in the technological training of teachers and facilities for such training; (2) alternative methods of providing financial support, through income tax credits, loan forgiveness, or otherwise, to individuals seeking training or retraining in mathematics, science, and technology education; (3) the effectiveness of higher education institutions in training teachers who can use technology and integrate it into lesson plans, curricula, and distance learning; (4) methods to coordinate working alliances at various levels of government between the business and academic community; and (5) other means of improving the efficiency of the technological training of teachers. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on such study, including proposals for a comprehensive approach to providing technologically competent teachers to the Nation's schools.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Federal Government, including government officials outside of the United States, should not purchase any goods made by forced labor; (2) the President should instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce strictly the prohibition on the importation of such goods; and (3) the President should urge each international body to which the United States belongs to adopt a policy prohibiting the purchase by that body of such goods.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Clinton Administration should: (1) condemn the arrest and continued prosecution of the 13 Iranian Jews arrested in 1999 by the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and accused of spying for the United States and Israel; (2) demand that such charges be dropped and such individuals be released; and (3) ensure that Iran's treatment of this case is a benchmark for determining the nature of current and future U.S.-Iran relations.
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
Cross-Border Cooperation and Environmental Safety in Northern Europe Act of 2000 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States Northern Europe Initiative is a sound framework for future United States involvement in Northern Europe; (2) the European Union should move expeditiously to authorize and fund the proposed "Northern Dimension" Initiative at appropriate yet substantial levels of assistance; (3) the United States should continue to support a wide-ranging strengthening of democratic and civic institutions on a regional basis to provide a foundation for political stability and investment opportunities, including cross-border exchanges, in Northern Europe; (4) the United States should demonstrate continued commitment to address environmental security challenges in Northwest Russia, in cooperation with partners in the region; and (5) recently-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin should rapidly conclude pending nuclear waste management agreements to enable assistance programs to go forward. Allocates specified sums from previously authorized appropriations for assistance and related programs for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States for the United States Northern Europe Initiative projects relating to environmental cleanup, law enforcement, public health, energy, business and trade promotion. Instructs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on: (1) the threat to environmental security presented by Russian marine nuclear reactor, waste, and contamination; and (2) possibilities for expanded United States and multilateral assistance programs for environmental clean-up in Northwest Russia, including technical exchanges and private- public partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the armed forces who served during World War II, especially those who gave their lives in such service. Expresses support for the goals and ideas of Day of Honor 2000 to celebrate and recognize such service. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor such veterans with appropriate programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Condemns violations of human rights by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime in the Republic of Belarus, especially the conviction and sentencing of Andrei Klimov, Vasiliy Leonov, and Vladimir Koudinov on politically motivated charges. Urges their release. Expresses grave concern about the disappearances of Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and Yuri Zakharenka. Calls on the Lukashenka regime to ensure a full and timely investigation of these cases. Calls for immediate dialogue between the Lukashenka regime and the opposition and the restoration of a democratically elected government in Belarus. Urges the Lukashenka regime to: (1) respect and ensure the human rights of all Belarusian citizens, including members of the opposition currently being illegally detained in violation of their constitutional rights; (2) respect the rule of law and an independent judiciary; and (3) hold legitimate, free and fair parliamentary elections. Supports the appeal by the Consultative Council of Belarusian opposition parties to the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Duma, and the Federation Council calling for a cessation of support for the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the international community to support the opposition in Belarus by continuing to meet with the legitimately elected parliament. Supports Belarus's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its market democratic transformation and integration among the broader trans-Atlantic community of nations. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) ensure assistance to and cooperation with Belarusian opposition figures; (2) ensure that adequate resources are made available on an urgent basis to support those programs aimed at strengthening independent media, human rights, civil society, independent trade unions, and the democratic opposition in Belarus; (3) support the free flow of information into Belarus; (4) raise the issue of financial support provided by the Russian Federation to the Lukashenka regime at the highest levels of the Russian Federation Government; and (5) urge the Government of the Russian Federation, in accordance with its international commitments, to fully respect the sovereignty of Belarus, particularly in light of the illegitimate nature of the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the President to report to Congress on: (1) the human rights situation, democratic process, elections, independence of the media, and the Lukashenka regime's control of the economy in Belarus; (2) steps undertaken to persuade the Russian Federation Government to end support to the Lukashenka regime; and (3) the status of Russian Federation-Belarus military integration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Early Learning and Opportunity State Grants Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make competitive grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children under three years of age. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
FDA Tobacco Authority Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to, among other things: (1) include "nicotine in a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "drug" and to include "a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "device;" and (2) set forth provisions for tobacco products concerning special standards for such products, warnings regarding such products, and a rule of construction regarding farmers and related entities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Global Democracy Promotion Act of 2000 - Declares that, in eligibility determinations for certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, foreign nongovernmental organizations and multilateral organizations shall not be: (1) subject to requirements relating to the use of non-United States Government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to United States nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance; and (2) ineligible for such assistance solely on the basis of health or medical services provided by them with non-United States Government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they being provided, and would not violate United States Federal law if provided in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Declares that: (1) the International Committee of the Red Cross should immediately recognize the Magen David Adom Society and the Society should be granted full membership in the Committee and in the Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and (2) the Red Shield of David should be accorded the same protections under international law as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to: (1) post on the official public Internet site of the House each registration and report filed with and retained by the Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995; and (2) provide notice of such posting on each registration and report form prepared and provided by the Clerk.
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 · 4 April 2000
Calls upon the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the subject of autism awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2000
Congratulates the Republic of Hungary and Hungarians everywhere on the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the Kingdom of Hungary. Commends Hungary for its recent transition to a democratic state dedicated to upholding universal rights and liberties, a free market economy, and integration into European and transatlantic institutions.
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 · 29 March 2000
Calls for: (1) the European Union to disburse its pledged funds for Kosova more rapidly and funds required to provide baseline services (such as police, sanitation, water, telecommunications, and electrical supply) immediately; (2) the administration of these services to be put in the hands of the people of Kosova at the earliest possible date; (3) the U.S. Government to make it a priority to promote noncorrupt government and business practices in Kosova by providing judicial training and technical advice and assistance to police, border police, and customs officers; and (4) the United Nations Security Council to demand the immediate and unconditional return of all Kosova citizens from Serbia. Declares that: (1) the strategy for economic reconstruction in Kosova should be focused on utilizing private investment and empowerment of the people of Kosova; and (2) a more capable international peacekeeping force should be established in Mitrovice so that all residents are able to return in security to their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Requests the President to restate and make clear to the leadership of the Government of Vietnam: (1) the firm commitment of the American people to political, religious, and economic freedom for the citizens of Vietnam; and (2) the U.S. expectation for equal protection under law for all Vietnamese citizens. Urges the Government of Vietnam to: (1) implement provisions called for under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998; (2) release all religious, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience and cease the harassment, detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of Vietnamese citizens who have exercised their legitimate rights to freedom of belief, expression, and association; (3) abolish article 4 of the Vietnamese Constitution (that ensures the supremacy of the Vietnamese Communist Party as the only political party in Vietnam) and repeal any and all regulations, codes, and decrees prohibiting citizens rights to free expression, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and religious worship; and (4) formally commit to a framework and set a timetable for open and fair elections for local and national leaders. Commends the Vietnamese-American community for initiating an international memorial to American and South Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom during the Vietnam War.
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 · 23 March 2000
Stamp Out Breast Cancer Reauthorization Act - Amends the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act to extend until July 29, 2002, or the end of the two-year period beginning on this Act's enactment, whichever is later, the authority under which postal patrons may contribute to funding for breast cancer research through the voluntary purchase of certain specially issued U.S. postage stamps. Requires the Comptroller General to make a report to Congress on the operation of this Act, in addition to a previous mandated report.
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
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 · 22 March 2000
Congratulates: (1) the people of Taiwan for the successful conclusion of presidential elections on March 18, 2000; (2) President Lee Teng-hui for his significant contributions to freedom and democracy on Taiwan; (3) President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President-elect Annette Hsiu-lien Lu for their victory. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the People's Republic of China should abandon its provocative threats against Taiwan and undertake steps that would lead to a substantive dialogue, including a renunciation of the use of force against Taiwan and progress toward democracy, the rule of law, and protection of human and religious rights in the People's Republic of China. Affirms the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act as the legal standard by which U.S. policy toward Taiwan shall be determined.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Fisheries Recovery Act of 2000 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) regarding avoiding and minimizing bycatch and bycatch mortality. Modifies the definition of "essential fish habitat" to include nonmanaged fish. Requires a fishery management plan to close an area to a gear or practice that may affect such habitat unless the Regional Fishery Management Council determines that closure is not necessary and the Secretary of Commerce finds that the gear or practice will have a minimal adverse impact on habitat and minimal bycatch. Requires a Federal agency to which the Secretary has recommended habitat conservation measures to ensure that its action is not likely to adversely modify or impair habitat. Requires that conservation organization representatives be included on Councils. Removes references to international agreements from provisions relating to rebuilding overfished fisheries. Directs the Secretary, during preparation of a highly migratory species plan or amendment, to take into account (currently, to minimize, to the extent practicable) any disadvantage to U.S. fishermen in relation to foreign competitors. Amends the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 to modify the composition of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. (Sec. 7) Amends the Magnuson Act to mandate observers on commercial fishing vessels to collect data necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery. Requires a permit and fees regarding: (1) a vessel fishing in the exclusive economic zone or special areas or for anadromous species of Continental Shelf fishery resources; (2) the operator of such a vessel; or (3) the first U.S. processor to receive the fish. (Sec. 8) Modifies: (1) the definition of "overfishing" and "overfished" to include jeopardizing the ecological integrity and sustainability of marine ecosystems; (2) conservation and management measure requirements; and (3) fishery management plan requirements to add ecosystem considerations. Requires each: (1) fishery management plan to have a fishery impact statement; and (2) Council established under the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to prepare a Fisheries Ecosystem Plan for each major marine ecosystem in its jurisdiction. (Sec. 9) Modifies requirements regarding the contents of fishery management plans and rebuilding overfished fisheries. (Sec. 10) Defines "precautionary approach" as exercising additional caution in favor of conservation when information is absent, uncertain, unreliable, or inadequate. Applies that approach to conservation and management measures. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Magnuson Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
FDA Tobacco Jurisdiction Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction over tobacco products as drugs or devices. Declares lawful a specified Federal regulation regarding tobacco. Deems, for tobacco, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access. Provides for model state tobacco control programs. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Mother-to-Child HIV Prevention Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to recognize: (1) the international dilemma of children with the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) and the merits of intervention programs aimed at this problem; and (2) the fact that mother-to-child transmission prevention strategies can serve as a major force for change in developing regions, and it is, therefore, a major objective of the foreign assistance program to control the AIDS epidemic. Mandates that the primary administering agency: (1) coordinate with UNAIDS, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, local governments, and other organizations to develop and implement effective strategies to prevent vertical transmission of HIV; and (2) coordinate with those organizations to increase in scale intervention programs and introduce voluntary counseling and testing, antiretroviral drugs, replacement feeding, and other strategies. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Civil Rights for International Travelers Act - Prohibits U.S. Customs Service inspectors or other officials from subjecting travelers to detentions and searches based on race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation of the traveler, except when acting upon specific information that a particular traveler suspected of engaging in specific illegal activity is described by one or more of such characteristics. Requires all Customs Service inspectors and other similar officials to undergo periodic training on the procedures for detention and searches of travelers, with particular emphasis on the prohibition against profiling of travelers based on such characteristics. Directs the Commissioner of the Customs Service to study and report annually to Congress on detentions and searches of travelers by the Service during the previous year, including the number of searches of travelers, their race, gender, and national origin, the type of searches conducted (including but not limited to pat down searches and intrusive nonroutine searches), and their results. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 16 March 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should ensure the safety and well being of the U.S. citizen and Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia nun, Sister Maria, in the Jericho Gardens Monastery in Jericho; (2) the United States should express to the Palestine Authority its concerns that property disputes in Jericho and Hebron are being settled arbitrarily by military fiat rather than in courts of law; (3) the dispute over seizure of the Church by the Palestinian Authority must be resolved in accordance with the rule of law; (4) the Palestinian Authority must ensure the rights of Sister Maria and the Church so that the dispute can be resolved in a fair manner; (5) the Monastery, as well as the other Church property in Jericho and Hebron, should be returned to the conditions that existed before the illegal seizures, pending a resolution of this dispute in a court of law following international standards of due process; and (6) the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem is to be commended for its immediate response and ongoing support for the two U.S. citizen nuns in Jericho.
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 · 9 March 2000
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 2000 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2.7 billion in FY 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Declares that Congress: (1) acknowledges that there remain 605 prisoners of war imprisoned in Iraq; (2) condemns and denounces the Iraqi Government's refusal to comply with international human rights instruments to which it is a party; (3) urges Iraq to disclose the names and whereabouts of those prisoners of war who are still alive; and (4) insists that Iraq allow humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit living prisoners and to recover the remains of those who have died in captivity. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should: (1) work with the international community and the Government of Kuwait to secure the release of Kuwaiti and other prisoners of war who are still missing nine years after the end of the Gulf War; and (2) exert pressure, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, on Iraq to bring this issue to a close, release all remaining prisoners of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, and rejoin the community of nations with a humane gesture of good will and decency.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000090_200.jpg)