United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income as contributions to capital certain amounts received by electric energy, gas, steam, or water utilities. (Currently, the exclusion applies to water and sewage disposal utilities.)
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Better America Bonds Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited income tax credit to a holder of a Better America Bond. Requires the proceeds of such bonds to be used for specified purposes, including: (1) the acquisition of land for use as open space, wetlands, public parks, or greenways, and the provision of visitor facilities for land so used; (2) the remediation of land so acquired to enhance water quality; and (3) the environmental assessment and remediation of real property owned by a State or local government.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Permits payments to be made by employing authorities of the House of Representatives to reimburse Members, officers, and employees for qualified adoption expenses. Limits such amount for each child adopted to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. (Such FLSA prohibitions are also known as the Equal Pay Act). (Sec. 3) Amends FLSA to provide for enhanced enforcement of equal pay requirements, adding a nonretaliation requirement. Increases penalties for such violations. Provides for the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in such cases. (Sec. 4) Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, including convening a national summit and carrying out other specified activities. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria, to be used voluntarily by employers to compare wages for different jobs to determine if pay scales adequately and fairly reflect each job's educational and skill requirements, independence, working conditions, and responsibility, in order to eliminate unfair pay disparities between occupations traditionally dominated by men or women; and (2) establish a program to recognize employers who use such guidelines to ensure that women are paid fairly in comparison to men without lowering men's wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for employers to carry out such evaluations. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Robert Reich National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace, which shall be evidenced by a medal. Sets forth criteria for specified types of entities to receive such an award. (Sec. 8) Amends the Civil Rights Act to direct the EEOC to: (1) complete a survey of data currently available to the Government relating to employee pay information for use in the enforcement of Federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination, and identify additional data collections to enhance enforcement of such laws; and (2) based on survey results and consultations with other relevant Federal agencies, issue regulations for the collection of pay information data from employers as described by the sex, race, and national origin of employees. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
National Center for Research on Domestic Health Disparities Act - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), as amended by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, to establish, as another agency of the National Institutes of Health, a National Center for Research on Domestic Health Disparities to conduct and support basic and clinical research, training, and dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to minority health. Directs the Director of the Center to assist in the administration of certain PHSA clinical research requirements with respect to the inclusion of minority groups as clinical research subjects. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an advisory council to assist the Director. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Comprehensive HIV Prevention Act of 1999 - Title I: General Programs Regarding Prevention of HIV Infection - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace title XXV (Prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) with a new title (Prevention of HIV Infection). (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to plan, coordinate, and evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection prevention activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (designated agencies), and other specified agencies and offices. Directs the Secretary to establish the Secretary's Advisory Council on HIV Prevention. Mandates, for each designated agency, a comprehensive plan and certain implementation activities regarding the conduct and support of all HIV prevention activities. Requires annual budget requests by the Secretary and each designated agency. (Sec. 102) Requires each designated agency (except NIH) to establish an office to carry out HIV prevention activities. (Sec. 103) Requires that the remainder of this title be carried out through the CDCP. Authorizes HIV epidemiology and surveillance activities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes financial assistance to health departments of States and subdivisions for HIV prevention projects in communities of at-risk individuals. Mandates local and statewide HIV community planning groups. Allows use of assistance for: (1) certain counseling and testing; and (2) counseling for any victim of a crime involving force or the threat of force to compel sexual activity. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, directly or through financial assistance, to carry out HIV public education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes HIV prevention activities regarding specific populations identified by the Secretary, including minority groups and adolescents through school-based programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes, directly or through financial assistance, the conduct of HIV prevention research and the carrying out of demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes, directly or through financial assistance, HIV prevention activities in addition to those specified above in this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Preventive Health Programs Regarding Women and HIV Infection - Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions (as amended by title I of this Act) relating to the CDCP to authorize grants, with regard to women (and their partners) and HIV, for preventive health services, referrals, follow-ups, outreach, and training on the effective provision of such services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Authorizes grants to provide HIV prevention education to women. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to provide: (1) substance abuse treatment to women; (2) counseling to women who engage in substance abuse on the prevention of infection with, and the transmission of, the etiologic agent for AIDS; and (3) such counseling to women who are the partners of individuals who abuse substances. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for grants under existing provisions to provide early intervention services for women and related technical assistance. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes technical assistance to applicants and recipients under provisions of this Act relating to the CDCP, subject to certain requirements for States regarding partner counseling and referrals and epidemiological activities. Authorizes grants for State programs for partner counseling and referral. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations to the Department of Labor for FY 1999 through 2001 for: (1) trade adjustment assistance to displaced workers and for firms; and (2) the North American Free Trade Agreement Transitional Adjustment Assistance Program. Increases the total amount of payments for job training of displaced workers due to import competition to $30 million for the period October 1, 1998, through June 30, 1999. Provides that a certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance shall not cover a worker whose last total or partial separation from a firm occurred more than two years (currently, one year) before the date of a petition on which such certification was granted (effectively extending the time for filing the petition for worker assistance).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Recognizes: (1) the severity of the issue of fibromyalgia; (2) the leadership of the Arthritis Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the States in developing the National Arthritis Action Plan which includes strategies to address fibromyalgia; (3) the importance of committing resources to such Plan; (4) the importance of scientific research in determining the cause (or causes) and effective treatments; and (5) the importance of committing resources to the Arthritis Foundation, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other relevant Federal research institutions to help pinpoint the cause (or causes) and to find a cure. Calls on the United States to support individuals affected by fibromyalgia through public awareness and education.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999
Energy Efficient Technology Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a credit for defined energy efficient property (including defined vehicles) used in business. Revises the reforestation credit. Extends, by two years, the credit for qualified electric vehicles. Revises the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable sources. Establishes a credit for certain nonbusiness energy efficient property (including defined residences and vehicles).
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999
Expresses that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns the crimes that occurred in Sacramento, California, at Congregation B'Nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Kenesset Israel Torah Center on June 18, 1999; (2) interprets such attacks as an attack on all Americans; (3) is committed to using Federal law enforcement personnel and resources to bring the persons who committed these attacks to justice; (4) recognizes the residents of the Sacramento, California, area who have so quickly joined together to lend support and assistance to the victims and who remain committed to preserving the freedom of religion of all members of the community; and (5) calls upon all Americans to categorically reject similar crimes of hate and intolerance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1999
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns the hate crimes that occurred in Sacramento, California, at Congregation B'Nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Kenesset Israel Torah Center on June 18, 1999; (2) applauds the people of Sacramento for coming together to condemn these acts and to renew their community; (3) reaffirms the determination of all Members of the House of Representatives to oppose any individuals or organizations which seek to divide Americans on the grounds of race, religion, or ethnic origin; (4) denounces all those who practice or promote racism, anti-Semitism, prejudice, or religious or other intolerance; (5) implores the Sacramento and Federal law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of such crimes swiftly to justice; and (6) calls upon all Americans to reject all forces of hatred and bigotry.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1999 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities. Declares that a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares that this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees, applicants, and members.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Safety Net Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a new prospective payment system for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Medicare Patient Appeals Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) revise Medicare determinations and appeals requirements, providing for deadlines for reconsiderations and appeals under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and for reviews and appeals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); and (2) eliminate sua sponte motions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on decisions of the Provider Reimbursement Review Board. Subjects national coverage determinations to review by the Departmental Appeals Board of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and local coverage determinations to review by an HHS administrative law judge, whose determination may also be reviewed by the HHS Departmental Appeals Board.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Prohibits any contract from being made or any plan approved under the health benefits program for Federal employees which does not include coverage for hearing aids and examinations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Increases from 50 to 100 percent the amount of gain excluded from the sale of certain small business stock. Reduces from five to three years the holding period applicable to such a sale. Makes such exclusion available to corporations. Makes the stock of larger businesses eligible. Repeals the minimum tax preference for the exclusion for incentive stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
History of the House Awareness and Preservation Act - Directs the Librarian of Congress to: (1) prepare a new and complete written history of the U.S. House of Representatives; (2) in preparing the history, consult, commission, or engage the services or participation of eminent historians and Members or former Members of the House; (3) arrange for the printing of the history and the dissemination of excerpts of the history over the Internet; (4) make the history available for sale to the public; and (5) make available, free of charge, a limited number of copies to each Member of the House of Representatives and to the Senate. Sets forth guidelines for the history. Authorizes the Librarian to solicit and accept private funding for the publication, marketing, and public distribution of the history. Directs the Librarian to accept for deposit, preserve, maintain, and make accessible, an oral history of the House as told by its Members and former Members, compiled and updated (on a voluntary or contract basis) by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress or other outside organization. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) orientation programs for freshman Members of the House should contain a seminar on the history of the House; and (2) the Speaker of the House should conduct a series of forums on the topic of such history.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require plans by area agencies on aging to provide that such agencies will coordinate education relating to osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and cooperate with State or localities which have implemented such programs. Includes osteoporosis screening in the list of disease prevention and health promotion services eligible for grants under the Act. Adds to the list of demonstration projects to receive special consideration for grants and contracts to improve supportive services to, or otherwise promote the well-being of, older individuals projects that: (1) determine the best practices for providing information and outreach services relating to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis; and (2) measure the effectiveness of osteoporosis prevention programs over a three-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
New Millennium Classrooms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the tax deduction for computer donations by corporations to tax-exempt schools to include donations to public libraries; (2) increase from two to three years the age of computers that can be contributed for such deduction; and (3) allow a business tax credit of 30 percent of the value of computers donated to tax-exempt schools and public libraries. Increases the amount of such credit to 50 percent for contributions to schools or public libraries in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that all Americans should recognize their responsibility to become trained in the life-saving technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and seek the opportunity to halt the devastation of cardiac arrest. Supports the efforts of the National CPR Task Force in its development of mass CPR training programs in ten States by the end of 1999, and in every State by the end of 2001. Commends the goals and ideas of the National CPR Weekend initiated by the Task Force in order to facilitate awareness of its program and the need for individuals to receive training in administering CPR.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Interest Allocation Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise interest allocation rules under Part I (Source Rules and General Rules Relating to Foreign Income) of Subchapter N (Tax Based on Income From Sources Within or Without the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income (under the qualified scholarship provisions) certain amounts provided by an employer to the child of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Alternative Fuels Promotion Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit for qualified electric vehicles meeting certain range requirements. Increases the deduction for the cost of installing alternative fueling stations. Establishes a credit for the retail sale of clean burning fuels as motor vehicle fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) any premium support, privatization, or voucher plan for the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) should be rejected; (2) the eligibility age for Medicare should not be increased; (3) no copayment should be imposed on home health care; (4) specified changes should be made to Medicare to improve and extend it; and (5) the current guarantee of Medicare benefits should not be eliminated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Medicare Early Access Act of 1999 - Title I: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age). Makes eligible to enroll in Medicare during a specified period individuals between the ages of 62 and 65 who: (1) are not eligible for coverage under group health plans or Federal health insurance; but (2) would be Medicare-eligible if age 65. Requires prior notification of each individual seeking to enroll of the deferred monthly premium amount for which the individual will be liable upon attaining age 65. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine rates for: (1) the base monthly premium; (2) the base annual premium for individuals age 62 or older, adjusted appropriately for each premium area; as well as the maximum amount of such premium; and (3) the deferred premium for such individuals. Directs the Secretary to provide for payment and collection of the base monthly premium. Makes the enrollee liable for the deferred monthly premium payment. Requires collection of both premiums in the same manner as for the payment of monthly premiums under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold collected premiums. Directs: (1) the Trust Fund's Board of Trustees to report annually to Congress on the need for adjustments in the new program in order to maintain its financial solvency; and (2) the Comptroller General to report periodically to Congress on the adequacy of program financing along with appropriate recommendations to accomplish such end. Requires: (1) individuals enrolled under the new part D program to be treated for Medicare purposes as though they were entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B; and (2) new part D program benefits to be payable under Medicare to such individuals in the same manner as if they were so entitled and enrolled. Provides that the new part D program shall not be treated as Medicare for purposes of the Medicaid program (SSA title XIX), including the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance, nor for purposes of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Title II: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII part D to rename the newly established part D program the Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 55-to-65 Years of Age. Provides for part D coverage for certain displaced workers and spouses between the ages of 55 and 62 under arrangements similar to those in title I. Directs the Secretary to provide for continued enrollment of displaced workers who attain 62 years of age. Title III: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Title IV: Financing - Provides that any increase in payments under SSA title XVIII resulting from enactment of this Act shall be offset by reductions in payments under such program pursuant to the anti-fraud and anti-abuse provisions enacted as part of the Medicare Fraud and Reimbursement Reform Act of 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Declares that Congress recognizes: (1) the severity of the issue of colorectal cancer; (2) such disease's preventable nature; and (3) the importance of the Screen for Life Campaign. Calls on health educators, elected officials, and the people of the United States to: (1) broaden the message of the Screen for Life Campaign to reach all individuals; and (2) learn about colorectal cancer and its preventable nature and learn to recognize the risk factors and symptoms which enable early detection and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Secret Evidence Repeal Act of 1999 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to repeal alien terrorist removal provisions (title V). (Sec. 4) Entitles an alien in a removal proceeding to examine all evidence and admissibility records. (Current law excludes national security information and confidential information.) (Sec. 5) Prohibits the use of secret evidence in an application for immigration benefits (including withholding of deportation or removal, or granting of asylum, temporary protected status, status adjustment, or naturalization). (Sec. 6) Entitles an alien subject to arrest and detention for removal or deportation to: (1) judicial review; and (2) non-federally provided counsel and access to all evidence. (Sec. 7) Exempts an alien who is a lawful permanent resident, parolee, or asylee from the security and related removal provisions. (Such provisions provide for limited hearings and use of nondisclosed information.) (Sec. 8) Provides for transitional application of information access provisions to alien detainees and aliens seeking immigration benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Bear Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State to discuss issues involving such trade with the appropriate representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Young American Workers' Bill of Rights - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise and increase requirements relating to child labor standards, including: (1) reporting, recordkeeping, and certification; (2) orders and regulations; (3) penalties; (4) coverage regardless of sales volume; (5) civil actions; and (6) migrant or seasonal agricultural labor. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) compile (jointly with the Census Bureau) annual child labor data with respect to individuals under age 18; (2) provide for coordination among enforcement personnel for Federal and State labor standards, occupational health and safety laws, and Federal immigration laws; (3) establish an Advisory Committee for Child Labor; and (4) publicize violators of child labor laws. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Child Care Quality Improvement Act of 1999 - Establishes a Child Care Quality Improvement Grant program under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make such grant program allotments to eligible States to pay the Federal share of costs of State grants to local collaboratives for activities to improve the quality of child care. Bases such allotment amounts on relative numbers of children in poverty in the States. Requires State Governors, in order for their States to be eligible for such grants, to establish or designate an entity to serve as a Child Care Quality Advisory Board (State board), which shall receive the grant and make the grants to local collaboratives. Requires such State boards, in order to be eligible for such grants, to submit to the Secretary annual applications containing specified information, including comprehensive State plans for reaching quantifiable goals for child care quality improvements in the following areas: (1) increased training for child care providers and administrators; (2) enhanced licensing standards that will apply to a broader range of providers; (3) reduced numbers of unlicensed providers; (4) increased monitoring and enforcement; (5) reduce caregiver turnover, through incentives such as increased compensation or scholarships for continuing education; and (6) higher levels of accreditation among licensed providers. Provides for monitoring, enforcement, and technical assistance by the Secretary. (Sec. 3) Requires State boards to use such grants to: (1) establish and enforce State child care licensing requirements; and (2) make competitive grants to local collaboratives to carry out child care quality improvement activities. Sets forth requirements for composition and eligibility of local collaboratives and their uses of grant funds to carry out planned activities and make reports. Requires State boards to: (1) ensure that at least 60 percent of the funds made available through each grant are used to provide the activities to improve the quality of child care to children (and parents of children) who reside in school districts in which half or more of the students would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches under the National School Lunch Act; and (2) monitor activities of local collaboratives that receive such grants. (Sec. 6) Amends the Social Security Act to make appropriations for the Child Care Quality Improvement Grant program. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Advisory Commission on Quality Child Care to study and report to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary on: (1) the most important issues affecting the quality of child care; and (2) the most efficient and effective manner of ensuring that families in the United States receive quality health care. Directs the Commission to make recommendations regarding: (1) feasible goals and targets for child care programs to improve the quality of child care; and (2) national standards for the quality of child care.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Legal Amnesty Restoration Act of 1999 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to repeal, effective as if enacted in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the judicial review limitation on denial of status adjustment to permanent resident with respect to certain aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to revise additional grants requirements, providing for: (1) additional State entitlements to grants for designated qualified empowerment zones and qualified enterprise communities as well as for strategic planning communities (currently not provided for); (2) specified funding for such additional designated qualified empowerment zone State grants (according to urban or rural status) as well as for additional designated qualified enterprise community State grants and strategic planning community State grants; (3) direct grants to the governing bodies of eligible Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations, subject to certain conditions; (4) use of grant funds for revolving loan fund loans to residents, institutions, organizations, or businesses that hire disadvantaged adults and youths; and (5) environmental review to ensure that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable Federal law are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of grant funds under SSA title XX additional grants provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Reform and Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and permanently extend the work opportunity credit. Provides that the amount equal to the work opportunity credit amount with respect to any wages paid by an eligible tax-exempt employer shall be treated as a payment by such employer of such employer's employment tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Nuclear Decommissioning Funds Clarification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning, among other things: (1) the limitation on the amounts which may be paid into the Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund; and (2) the deduction allowed for nuclear decommissioning costs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Clinton administration should: (1) be commended for supporting United Nations Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1999-13 (concerning continued discrimination against religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran), and should continue to work through the United Nations to assure that Iran implements that resolution's recommendations; (2) condemn the recent arrest of members of Iran's Jewish minority and urge their immediate release; (3) urge all nations having relations with Iran to condemn the treatment of religious minorities in Iran and call for the release of all prisoners held on the basis of their religious beliefs; and (4) maintain the current U.S. policy toward Iran unless and until that country moderates its treatment of religious minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
International Tax Simplification for American Competitiveness Act of 1999 - Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to subpart F (Controlled Foreign Corporations) to set forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) permanently extend the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operation overseas; (2) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study on the feasibility of treating all countries included in the European Union as a single country for purposes of applying the same country exceptions under subpart F; (3) provide for the determination of subpart F earnings and profits under generally accepted U.S. accounting principles; (4) exclude from the definition of "foreign base company oil related income" the pipeline transportation of oil or gas within such foreign country; and (5) exclude from the definition of the term "foreign base company services income" income derived in connection with the performance of services which are related to the transmission of high voltage electricity. Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit - Revises section 904 (Limitation On Credit) of the (IRC) to, among other things: (1) extend the period to which excess foreign taxes may be carried; (2) define overall domestic loss and sets forth provisions for determining taxable income for any taxpayer sustaining such a loss; (3) provide an exception for interest on certain securities; (4) revise provisions concerning the of application of look-thru rules to dividends from noncontrolled section 902 corporations to provide, in general, that any dividend from a noncontrolled section 902 corporation with respect to the taxpayer shall be treated as income in a separate category in proportion to the ratio of the portion of earnings and profits attributable to income in such category to the total amount of earnings and profits; (5) repeal the 90 percent limitation on the utilization of the foreign tax credit; and (6) repeals section 907 (Special Rules In Case of Foreign Oil and Gas Income) of the IRC. Title III: Other Provisions - Applies constructive ownership rules for purposes of determining certain post-1986 undistributed U.S. earnings. Applies capitalization rules to nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. Repeals the special rule for military property with respect to exempt foreign trade income. Revises the definition of U.S. property to exclude certain assets acquired by dealers in the ordinary course of business. Exempts from the taxes on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations certain regulated investment company dividends. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit, to exclude from the definition of the term "intangible property" any preliminary agreement which is not legally enforceable. Sets forth provisions concerning airline mileage awards to certain foreign persons. Repeals subpart G (Export Trade Corporations) of part III of subchapter N of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a corporation to report any information with respect to any foreign person which is a related person if the aggregate value of the transactions between the corporation and the related person does not exceed $5 million.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Export Enhancement Act of 1999 - Sets forth policy recommendations for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the International Trade Administration (ITA). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend through FY 2003 OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees. Revises the purposes of the Trade and Development Agency to include, with respect to the promotion of U.S. private sector participation in development projects in developing and middle-income countries, special emphasis on economic sectors with significant U.S. export potential, such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and environment. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the ITA for its Market Access and Compliance program, Trade Development program, and Commercial Service program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to take steps to ensure the appointment of United States and Foreign Commercial Service employees in no fewer than ten sub-Saharan African countries, including the adequate appointment of personnel for South and Central America and the Caribbean, in order that U.S. businesses are made aware of existing market opportunities for goods and services. Directs the ITA to undertake the Global Diversity and Urban Export Initiative in order to increase exports from minority-owned businesses, focusing on businesses in under-served areas, including inner-city urban enterprise zones. Authorizes the ITA to advertise in newspapers, business journals, and other relevant publications and related media to inform businesses about ITA services. Revises the composition of the OPIC Board of Directors. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to develop a Federal trade promotion plan that, among other things, shall: (1) ensure that all export promotion activities of the U.S. Agency for International Development are fully coordinated and consistent with those of other agencies; (2) identify the means for providing more coordinated export promotion services to small and medium-sized businesses; and (3) establish a set of priorities to promote U.S. exports to, and free market reforms in, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and other emerging markets, that are designed to stimulate job growth both in the United States and those regions and emerging markets. Requires the TPCC to: (1) report on actions taken to eliminate the areas of overlap and duplication identified among Federal export promotion activities; (2) coordinate efforts to sponsor or promote any trade show or trade fair; (3) work with all relevant State and national organizations, including the National Governors' Association, that have established trade promotion offices; and (4) report to Congress on actions taken to promote better coordination among State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Civil Rights Tax Fairness Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received by a claimant on account of claims based on unlawful discrimination (as defined). Permits income averaging for backpay and frontpay awards received on account of such claims.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Anesthesia Outcomes Study Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on mortality and adverse outcome rates of Medicare patients with respect to anesthesia services by providers of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Medicare's Elderly Receiving Innovative Treatments (MERIT) Act of 1999 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to the frail elderly, modifying: (1) payment rules (including requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a new payment system); (2) eligibility, election, and enrollment provisions (adding special rules for frail elderly Medicare+Choice beneficiaries enrolling in specialized programs for the frail elderly that establish a continuous open enrollment period for such individuals); and (3) benefits and beneficiary protections provisions (requiring the Secretary to develop and implement a program to measure the quality of care provided in specialized programs for the frail elderly). Exempts Medicare+Choice beneficiaries in a specialized program for the frail elderly from any risk adjustment system until the Secretary certifies to Congress that a comprehensive risk adjustment methodology taking certain factors into account is being fully implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
States that in the case of a taxable year beginning before January 1, 1980, the determination of whether a tax deduction as a trade or business expense is allowable under the Internal Revenue Code for flight training expenses shall be made without regard to whether the taxpayer was reimbursed for any portion of such expenses through certain veterans educational assistance programs. Sets forth statute of limitations provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Declares that: (1) no Member of Congress or any other American should generalize or stereotype the actions of an individual to an entire group of people; (2) Americans of Asian ancestry are entitled to all rights and privileges afforded to all Americans; and (3) the Attorney General, the Secretary of Energy, and the Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should, within their respective jurisdictions, vigorously enforce the security of the national laboratories and investigate all allegations of discrimination in public or private workplaces.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Calls for the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the U.S. Submarine Force on its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a congressional gold medal to Father Theodore M. Hesburgh in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the International Labor Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work is an important achievement that may help advance core labor standards in a competitive global economy; and (2) the President should use all means at the President's disposal to ensure that the Declaration and its Follow Up Mechanism evolve into an effective means of monitoring worldwide compliance with core labor standards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Condemns prejudice against Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Supports Asian and Pacific Islander American participation in the political, public, and civic affairs of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1999
Iran Nonproliferation Act of 1999 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons who, on or after January 22, 1998, have transferred to Iran: (1) controlled goods, services, or technology; or (2) non-controlled goods, services, or technology that would nevertheless would be, if they were U.S. goods, services, or technology, prohibited for export to Iran because of their potential contribution to the development of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or ballistic missile systems. Excludes from identification in such reports any such persons who were previously identified, or who have acted on behalf of, or in concert with, the U.S. Government. Authorizes the President, with specified exceptions, to apply to such foreign person certain measures: (1) set forth in Executive Order 12938 prohibitions; (2) prohibiting the sale to such persons of defense items on the United States Munitions List and defense articles and defense services, or design and construction services under the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) prohibiting the export to such persons of controlled goods and technology under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Prohibits any U.S. agency from making extraordinary payments to the Russian Space Agency in connection with the International Space Station, or any other organization or entity of the Government of the Russian Federation, unless the President has determined, and reported to specified congressional committees, that: (1) it is the policy of the Government of the Russian Federation to oppose the proliferation to Iran of weapons of mass destruction and missile systems capable of delivering such weapons; (2) such government is taking the necessary steps to prevent the transfer from Russia to Iran of goods, services, and technology useful in the development of such weapons and systems; and (3) neither the Russian Space Agency, nor any organization under its control, has, during the one-year period prior to the determination, made transfers to Iran of controlled goods, services, or technology or non-controlled goods, services, or technology that has potential to contribute to Iran's development of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or of ballistic missile systems.