United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
State's and Parental Rights Improvement Act of 2000 - Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law, considering a State to have violated any term or condition of any Federal health care grant-in-aid program by requiring the consent or notification of a parent or guardian regarding dispensing a prescription drug or device (or any class of drugs or devices specified by the State) to a minor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Fairness for the Military Reserve Act of 1999 - Authorizes armed forces reserve and National Guard personnel traveling to perform annual training duty outside the continental United States to travel on a space-required basis between the member's home and place of duty if there is no available road or rail transportation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to allow the following persons to receive transportation on Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft on a space-available basis under the same terms and conditions that apply to members of the armed forces entitled to retired pay: (1) members of the Selected Reserve in good standing; (2) a former reserve member under 60 years of age who would be eligible for retired pay except for being under such age; and (3) dependents of the above. Limits the required identification for such travel. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations authorizing a reserve member traveling to inactive duty training at least 50 miles from home to be eligible for billeting (housing) in DOD facilities on the same basis as active-duty personnel traveling under orders away from such member's duty station. Requires proof of the reason for such travel. Increases the maximum number of reserve retirement points that may be credited in a year for reserve service from 75 to 90 for years during and subsequent to the date of enactment of the Reserve Component Equity Act of 1999. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide civil legal services to reserve personnel (and their dependents) not otherwise entitled to such services, but only during a period following a release from active duty under a call or order to such duty for more than 29 days under a mobilization authority that is not in excess of twice the length of the duty period served.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add a new chapter concerning communications satellite competition and privatization. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from issuing a license or construction permit to any separated entity (an entity that has been privatized under this Act), renewing or assigning any such license or permit, or authorizing such entity to use its space segment unless the FCC determines that such issuance, renewal, assignment, or use will not harm competition in the U.S. telecommunications market. Requires the FCC to substantially limit, deny, or revoke the authority of any U.S. entity to use any space segment owned, leased, or operated by INTELSAT (the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization) or Inmarsat (the International Maritime Satellite Organization) or any successor entities to provide non-core satellite services to, from, or within the United States, unless the FCC finds that INTELSAT and Inmarsat and their successor entities, by specified dates, have been privatized in a manner that will not harm competition in the U.S. telecommunications markets. Outlines competition requirements, including that users of non-core services currently provided by such entities are able to obtain such services from other providers at competitive rates, terms, and conditions. States that, unless the FCC determines appropriate privatization by INTELSAT or Inmarsat, then: (1) the President shall oppose any registration for new orbital locations for such entities after specified dates; and (2) the President and the FCC shall preclude procurement, registration, development, or use of new satellites which would provide non-core services (with an exception for replacement or currently-contracted satellites). Authorizes the FCC to issue an authorization, license, or permit for any provider of services using any INTELSAT or Inmarsat space segment for additional services or additional areas of business during the privatization period, subject to specified requirements, including three annual findings that substantial progress has been made in achieving pro-competitive privatization and that neither INTELSAT nor Inmarsat are hindering competitor access to the satellite services market. Provides an exception with respect to existing INTELSAT or Inmarsat contracts. Directs the President and the FCC, applying specified criteria, to secure a pro-competitive privatization of INTELSAT and Inmarsat. Requires each entity to be privatized as soon as practicable, but no later than April 1, 2001, for INTELSAT, and April 1, 2000, for Inmarsat. Requires successor and separated entities of INTELSAT and Inmarsat to be independent entities. Prohibits the preferential treatment currently provided to INTELSAT and Inmarsat from being extended to such successor and separated entities. Outlines transitional requirements during the privatization period. Requires INTELSAT, Inmarsat, and any successor and separated entities to return satellite orbital locations that were unused as of March 25, 1998. Includes as specific criteria for INTELSAT privatization: (1) a sufficient number of competitors to create a fully competitive market; and (2) the prevention of expansion during privatization. Includes as specific criteria for INTELSAT separated entities: (1) a public offering of the securities of such an entity within one year after its creation; (2) no privileges and immunities previously granted to INTELSAT; (3) a prohibition against interlocking directors and employees; and (4) a 15-year prohibition against the merger or ownership arrangements between a privatized INTELSAT or successor entity and any separated entity. Includes as specific criteria for Inmarsat privatization: (1) multiple signatories and direct access to Inmarsat; (2) the prevention of expansion during privatization; (3) a sufficient number of competitors to create a fully competitive market; (4) a 15-year prohibition against merger or ownership arrangements between Inmarsat or any of its successor or separated entities and ICO Global Communications, Inc.; and (5) a prohibition against Inmarsat and ICO interlocking directors or employees. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to the FCC a list of member countries of INTELSAT and Inmarsat that are not members of the World Trade Organization and that: (1) impose barriers to market access for private satellite systems; or (2) are not supporting pro-competitive privatization of INTELSAT and Inmarsat. Authorizes the FCC to prohibit U.S. carriers from paying to overseas carriers an amount for international message telephone services in excess of a cost-based settlement rate. Permits current users or providers of telecommunications services to obtain direct access to INTELSAT telecommunications services and space segment capacity through purchase of such capacity or services from, or investments in, INTELSAT. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking to determine whether such users or providers have sufficient opportunity to access such services and capacity directly from INTELSAT. Authorizes the FCC to restrict foreign ownership of an entity representing the United States in INTELSAT or Inmarsat (a U.S. signatory) if to not do so would constitute a threat to national security. States that no U.S. signatories shall be required after privatization is achieved. Revises the privileges and immunities currently provided to the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT). Terminates specified provisions of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. Requires annual reports from the President and the FCC to specified congressional committees on progress made in achieving the objectives and carrying out the purposes of this Act. Directs the President and the FCC to consult with such committees prior to each meeting of the INTELSAT or Inmarsat Assembly of Parties, the INTELSAT Board of Governors, the Inmarsat Council, or appropriate working groups. Prohibits the FCC from assigning by competitive bidding orbital locations or spectrum used for the provision of international or global satellite communications services. Directs the President to oppose any such assignment in international fora. Prohibits any satellite operator from acquiring or enjoying the exclusive right of handling telecommunications to or from the United States and any other country by reason of any arrangement to which such operator or any persons or companies controlling or controlled by the operator are parties (with an exception for existing services).
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Declares that: (1) notice is given to the Government of Panama of the decree of nullity of the 1977 Carter-Torrijos treaties; and (2) the United States recognizes the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 has never been voided and remains legally binding.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1999
Safe Pipelines Act of 2000 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act (the Act) to revise Federal minimum safety standards for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to require pipeline operators to be: (1) tested for qualification to perform enumerated activities related to the installation, testing, and maintenance of a pipeline; and (2) certified as qualified by the Secretary of Transportation to perform such activities. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to require an operator of a pipeline facility that: (1) has an instrumented internal inspection device (smart pig) to test the pipeline once every five years for corrosion and anomalies and make test results available to the public; and (2) is not covered by a certain certification under a State pipeline safety program or by a State pipeline safety agreement to test the pipeline hydrostatically once every five years to redetermine its maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline and make test results available to the public. (Sec. 4) Requires pipeline operators to report to the Secretary hazardous liquid spills of more than 40 gallons and ruptures to pipelines. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to make available on the Internet maps of the location of all pipeline facilities subject to the Act. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of: (1) external leak detection systems (including hydrocarbon sensor cables) for the purpose of improving pipeline leak detection; and (2) double-walled pipelines for the purpose of preventing ruptures and leaks. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to complete cost-benefit analyses of all recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board to the Secretary that the Board classifies as being "open". (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the optimal minimum burial depth of underground pipelines for the purpose of preventing the release of hazardous materials in the air.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1999
Telemarketing Victims Protection Act - Amends the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to include in rules respecting abusive telemarketing acts or practices requirements that telemarketers: (1) notify consumers who are called that they have the right to be placed on either the Direct Marketing Association's or the appropriate State's do-not-call list; (2) notify the Association or State if a consumer elects to be placed on such a list; (3) obtain and reconcile such lists on a regular basis; (4) not make any calls during the hours of 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM; and (5) not block the identity of the telephone from which they are making a telemarketing call. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on the violations of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, especially of repeated violations by a single telemarketer and of the provisions for penalizing telemarketers for such violations, including new provisions which would allow appropriate Federal action against telemarketers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Amends rule XXI (restrictions on certain bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of a bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that provides for the designation or redesignation of any building, highway, or other structure in honor of an individual who is serving as a Member of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1999
Food and Medicine for the World Act - Prohibits the President from imposing a unilateral agricultural sanction or unilateral medical sanction against a foreign country, except in specified circumstances, unless: (1) not less than 60 days before the sanction is proposed to be imposed, the President makes a specified report to Congress; and (2) Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the report.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1999
Know Your Caller Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person making a telephone solicitation to interfere with or circumvent a caller identification service from accessing or providing the call recipient with identifying information about the call. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations implementing such prohibition. Provides a cause of action for a person or entity, or a State attorney general on behalf of its residents, for violations of such prohibition or regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive review of the available scientific and commercial data regarding the northern spotted owl and its current conservation status. Provides funding.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1999
Amends Federal rail transportation law to prohibit a railroad carrier (including its officers and agents) from requiring a train employee who has been on duty or available for it for any portion of each of seven consecutive days to go on duty or be available for it until at least 72 consecutive hours have passed after the employee is released from duty or availability.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1999
Condemns the abduction of Houa Ly and Michael Vang and the current regime in Laos for its role in their disappearance. Expresses to the Department of State: (1) congressional dissatisfaction with the flawed investigation of this case undertaken by Ambassador Wendy Chamberlain and the U.S. Embassy in Laos; and (2) the urgent need to initiate a new independent investigation free from coordination with the Government of Laos. Calls upon the regime in Laos and the Department of State to expeditiously release any and all information regarding the whereabouts or current circumstances of Ly and Vang to their families and to Congress. Urges the Lao Government to return Ly and Vang, or their remains, to U.S. authorities and their families in America at once. Warns the Lao Government of the serious consequences, including sanctions, of any unjustified arrest, abduction, imprisonment, disappearance, or other act of aggression against U.S. citizens. Urges the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, as well as its counterpart in the Senate, to suspend any further review, consideration, or action regarding normal trade relations status for Laos until Ly and Vang are fully accounted for and this case is satisfactorily resolved.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman- Hollings Act) to require a sequestration to reduce the amount of discretionary outlays in the current policy baseline for the budget year of the affected congressional session to a level equal to total non-social security receipts. Provides that, if: (1) after June 30, any discretionary appropriation is enacted that would cause total non-social security outlays to exceed total non- social security receipts (after taking into account a sequestration), the discretionary spending limits shall be reduced by the amount of the excess; and (2) after Congress adjourns to end the session for a budget year but before July 1 of that fiscal year, an appropriation for that fiscal year is enacted that would cause such outlays to exceed such receipts, there shall be a sequestration to eliminate the excess. Applies this Act beginning with FY 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1999
Budget Responsibility and Efficiency Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate to conform with the biennial framework. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the appropriations are authorized will require no further appropriations and will be completed or terminated after the appropriations have been expended. (Sec. 8) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 9) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority or a limitation on obligations under the jurisdiction of any Appropriations subcommittee for only the first fiscal year of a biennium unless the program, project, or activity for which such authority or limitation is provided will require no additional authority beyond one year and will be completed or terminated after the amount provided has been expended.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1999
Urges the President to: (1) seek a global consensus supporting a permanent international ban on tariffs on electronic commerce, including a ban on special, multiple, and discriminatory taxation of electronic commerce and the Internet; (2) instruct the U.S. delegation to the November 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in Seattle, Washington, to seek to make permanent the moratorium on tariffs on electronic transmissions adopted by the WTO in May 1998; (3) seek adoption by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development of an international ban on special, multiple, and discriminatory taxation of electronic commerce and the Internet; and (4) oppose any proposal by any country, the United Nations, or any other multilateral organization to establish a "bit tax" on electronic transmissions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Ecosystem and Indigenous Peoples Protection Act - Expresses congressional pleasure that the institutions of the World Bank Group have adopted environmental assessment and information access procedures, but states the sense of Congress that the World Bank Group has not made significant progress in complying with environmental and social mandates. Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to provide that no U.S. funds may be made available to the World Bank Group: (1) if a determination is made that the use of any part of the funds will have a significant adverse environmental impact, or will violate an environmental or social policy of the World Bank Group; (2) if there is significant involuntary resettlement (with an exception); or (3) if a 'pay-for-performance policy' (requiring pay reduction or termination of employees involved in projects violating environmental or social policies) has not been implemented. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. executive directors in the World Bank Group to use their influence to achieve funding conditions. Provides for enforcement through payment reductions. Calls for public release of information on non- complying projects. Describes the scope of World Bank Group environmental and social policies to include, among other matters, environmental assessment, pest management, safety of dams, cultural property and indigenous peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Federalism Preservation Act of 1999 - Directs the head of each Federal agency to ensure that each agency activity carried out by the agency is carried out in accordance with all the provisions of Executive Order 12612 (as in effect on October 26, 1987). Provides that Executive Order 13132, issued August 4, 1999, shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Amends Federal employee provisions to include the following as an employee, for purposes of authorized enrollment under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: (1) a member of the armed forces who began service before June 7, 1956, and retired after a minimum of 20 years of such service or by reason of a service-connected disability; and (2) the surviving widow or widower of such member. Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide FEHB coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member who is entitled to Medicare hospital insurance benefits; and (5) a family member of such member. Repeals a provision prohibiting coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services for persons entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the practice of removing the fins of a shark and dumping its carcass back into the ocean, commonly known as shark finning, is a wasteful and unsportsmanlike practice; (2) the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Hawaii, and the National Marine Fisheries Service should promptly and permanently end such practice in all Federal and State waters in the Central Pacific Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean; and (3) the Secretary of State should continue to advocate for the coordinated management of sharks and the elimination of shark finning in all other waters.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999
Home Energy Generation Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to mandate that: (1) each retail electric supplier make available an electric energy meter capable of net metering to certain retail customers that have installed an energy generation unit intended for net metering; and (2) rates, charges, and contract terms for electric energy sales to customer-generators be equal to those that would be applicable if the customer-generator did not own or operate a qualified generation unit and use a net metering system. Prescribes the manner in which such retail electric suppliers shall calculate the net energy measurement and billing for a customer using a net metering system. Sets forth public disclosure and safety and performance standards. Grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulatory oversight with respect to safety standards and attendant charges. Sets a deadline for FERC to promulgate: (1) model interconnection standards between local distribution systems and qualified generation units and electric generation units; and (2) regulations ensuring simplified contracts will be used for the interconnection of electric energy by electric energy transmission or distribution systems and generating facilities with a power production capacity of 250 kilowatts or less.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999
Access to Innovation for Medicare Patients Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of self-injected biologicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration that are prescribed for use in the treatment of the same disease or medical condition in lieu of a drug or biological which cannot be self-administered.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should: (1) request that the new Government of Panama, under the leadership of President Mireya Moscoso, nullify the lease agreements for the Balboa and the Cristobal port facilities on each end of the Panama Canal and initiate a new bidding process that is both transparent and fair; (2) request that the new Government of Panama investigate charges of corruption related to the granting of the Panama Canal port leases by the previous Balladares administration; and (3) negotiate security arrangements with the Government of Panama that will protect the canal and ensure the territorial integrity of the Republic of Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1999
Seniors' Health Care Freedom Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries to eliminate the requirement that non-Medicare physicians and practitioners file affidavits pledging they will not file any Medicare claims for two years with respect to the Medicare beneficiaries with whom they contract.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present congressional gold medals to astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, in recognition of their monumental and unprecedented feat of space exploration, as well as their achievements in the advancement of science and promotion of the space program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Requires receipts from such sales to be deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Pacific Salmon Recovery Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, subject to appropriations, to provide financial assistance for salmon habitat restoration activities to: (1) Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California; and (2) tribal governments or Alaska native regional corporations of Indian tribes on behalf of which lands located within, or on the border of, such States are held in trust by the United States and that the Secretary determines have economic or other interests in salmon habitat restoration. Allocates shares equally to States and treats all tribal governments collectively as a State. Provides for a memorandum of understanding regarding use of the assistance between the Secretary and a State or tribal government seeking assistance under this Act. Permits the use of assistance outside the jurisdiction of the recipient if the assisted activity will provide conservation benefits to naturally produced salmon in streams of concern to the recipient. Requires: (1) States to match grants provided under this Act; and (2) tribal governments to pay certain administrative costs. Directs States and tribal governments seeking assistance under this Act to establish citizens advisory committees or other similar fora for the public to participate in obtaining and using assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Transportation Infrastructure and Local Government Capital Enhancement Act - Establishes the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to any State, local government, Indian tribe, and regional or multistate organization for the development of certain transportation- and water and hazardous treatment-related capital infrastructure facility projects. Sets forth specified loan and borrower eligibility requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that capitalization grants to States for the establishment of water pollution control revolving funds ( revolving funds) shall be for providing assistance to accomplish the purposes of such Act. (Currently, such grants are provided for assistance for specific purposes.) Removes certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist states in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the Act. Requires amounts available to revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance to activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters. Adds activities to the list of those which may be assisted. Provides for a repayment period of the lesser of 40 years or the expected life of the project to be financed with loan proceeds with respect to loans made to disadvantaged communities from revolving funds. Requires loans made from such funds to be fully amortized upon the expiration of the loan term (currently, no later than 20 years after project completion). Requires such funds to provide: (1) loan guarantees for developing and implementing innovative technologies; and (2) technical, planning, and other specified assistance to small systems. Treats a treatment works as a publicly owned treatment works, for purposes of eligibility for construction assistance from a revolving fund, if the treatment works, without regard to ownership, would be considered a publicly owned treatment works and is principally treating municipal waste water or domestic sewage. Provides for negative interest rates of up to two percent to reduce the unpaid principal on loans from revolving funds made to disadvantaged communities. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for the revolving fund program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants each individual who is a victim of a crime for which the defendant can be imprisoned for a period longer than one year, or any other crime that involves violence, the following rights: (1) to reasonable notice of, and to not be excluded from, any public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) to be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at all public proceedings to determine a conditional release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence and at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent such rights are afforded to the convicted offender; (3) to reasonable notice of, and an opportunity to submit a statement concerning, any proposed pardon or commutation of sentence; (4) to reasonable notice of a release or escape from custody relating to the crime; (5) to consideration of the interest of the victim that any trial be free from unreasonable delay; (6) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (7) to consideration for the safety of the victim in determining any conditional release from custody relating to the crime; and (8) to reasonable notice of the rights established by this amendment. (Sec. 2) Grants the victim or the victim's lawful representative standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds to stay or continue any trial, reopen any proceeding, or invalidate any ruling, except with respect to conditional release or restitution or to provide rights guaranteed by this amendment in future proceedings, without staying or continuing a trial; and (2) give rise to or authorize the creation of a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public officer or employee. (Sec. 3) Empowers the Congress to enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation. Allows exceptions to the rights established by this amendment only when necessary to achieve a compelling interest. (Sec. 4) Makes: (1) the right to a restitution order established by this amendment inapplicable to crimes committed before its effective date; and (2) the rights and immunities established by this amendment applicable in Federal and State proceedings, including military proceedings to the extent that the Congress may provide by law, juvenile justice proceedings, and proceedings in the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1999
Separation of Powers Restoration Act - Repeals the War Powers Resolution. Terminates after 90 days all powers and authorities of the President and any other Federal officer or employee or executive agency from a declaration of national emergency. States that, to the extend that any Act of Congress grants to the President or any other executive officer or employee the power to declare a national emergency, such power is divested to Congress alone. Directs the President to include with each presidential order a statement of the specific statutory or constitutional authority for such action. States, with exceptions, that a presidential order neither constitutes nor has the force of law and is limited in application and effect to the executive branch. Authorizes both Houses of Congress, a Senator or Representative, certain State and local officials, and certain aggrieved persons to bring an action to challenge the validity of any presidential order which exceeds the power granted to the President by the relevant authorizing statute or the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999
Taxpayer's Defense Act - Amends Federal provisions concerning discretionary congressional review of agency rules to prohibit a rule that establishes or increases a tax, however denominated, from taking effect before the enactment of a bill specifically authorizing the rule. Exempts a rule promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires an agency promulgating such a rule to submit to each House of Congress a report containing the text of the part of the rule that establishes or increases a tax, and an explanation of the rule. Outlines procedures for House and Senate consideration of the bill authorizing the rule to take effect.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to provide that a quorum of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States shall consist of at least three members (currently, a majority). States that if, between July 21, 1999, and February 1, 2000, fewer than three persons hold office on such Board, the entire Board membership shall constitute a quorum until the end of such period.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Private Property Protection Act of 1999 - Requires the Federal Government to compensate a property owner whose use of that property has been limited by an agency action, pursuant to a specified regulatory law, that diminishes the fair market value of that property by 20 percent or more, for that diminution in value. Requires the Government to buy at fair market value any portion of a property whose value has been diminished by more than 50 percent. Declares that property with respect to which compensation has been paid under this Act shall not thereafter be used contrary to the limitation imposed by the agency action, unless: (1) the action is later rescinded or vitiated; and (2) the property owner refunds the amount of the compensation to the Treasury. Provides that if a use is a nuisance as defined by State law or local zoning ordinance, no compensation shall be made under this Act with respect to a limitation on that use. Prohibits compensation from being made under this Act with respect to: (1) an agency action the primary purpose of which is to prevent an identifiable hazard to public health and safety or damage to specific property other than the property whose use is limited; or (2) an agency action pursuant to the Federal navigational servitude, except as such servitude is applied by U.S. courts to wetlands. Sets forth the procedures by which a property owner may seek compensation under this Act. Requires any agency taking an action limiting private property use to give appropriate notice of rights and compensation procedures to the property owners. Declares that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit any right to compensation under the Constitution or other Federal law; and (2) payment of compensation shall not confer on the Federal Government any rights other than the use limitation resulting from the agency action.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to replace provisions regarding the purchase of prison-made products by Federal departments with provisions establishing a Government-wide procurement policy relating to purchases from Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Provides that: (1) when a procurement activity of a Federal department or agency has a requirement for a specific product or service (product) that is authorized to be offered for sale by FPI and is listed in a catalog of FPI products, such activity shall solicit an offer from FPI if the purchase is expected to be in excess of the micro-purchase threshold; and (2) a contract award for such product or service shall be made using competitive procedures, except where FPI cannot expect to receive the contract award on a competitive basis and that award is necessary to maintain work opportunities to prevent circumstances expected to significantly endanger penal or correctional facility administration. Requires a contract to be awarded to FPI if the contracting officer determines that: (1) the prison-made product will meet the requirements of the procurement activity; (2) timely performance can be reasonably expected; and (3) the contract price does not exceed a current market price. Sets forth provisions regarding determinations by the Attorney General, competitive offers from FPI, performance by FPI, finality of the contracting officer's decision, reporting of purchases, and publication, maintenance, and revision of the catalog. (Sec. 3) Modifies provisions regarding: (1) FPI administration to require that a decision to authorize FPI to offer a new specific product or to expand the production of an existing product be made by its board of directors, in conformance with specified requirements; and (2) an analysis of the probable impact of a proposed expansion of inmate-work activities by FPI on private sector firms and their non-inmate workers whenever FPI proposes to authorize the sale of a new specific product or service or to expand production of a current product or service. Requires such analysis to identify and consider specified factors, such as whether: (1) the specific product is an import-sensitive product; and (2) authorizing the production of the new product or performance of a new service will provide inmates with the maximum opportunity to acquire knowledge and skill in trades and occupations that will provide them with a means of earning a livelihood upon release. Prohibits the board of directors from approving a proposal for inmates to provide a service in which an inmate worker has access to: (1) personal or financial information about individual private citizens, including information relating to such person's real property, however described, without giving prior notice to such persons; or (2) data that is classified, or that will become classified after being merged with other data. Sets forth public comment requirements. Requires that the board of directors: (1) solicit comments on the required analysis from trade associations representing vendors and labor unions representing private sector workers who could reasonably be expected to be affected by approval of the proposal; and (2) be provided copies of all comments received on the expansion proposal. Authorizes the Chief Operating Officer of FPI, based on the comments received on the initial expansion proposal, to provide the board a revised expansion proposal. Makes such revised proposal subject to public comment requirements of this Act if it provides for expansion of inmate work opportunities in an industry different from that initially proposed. (Sec. 4) Prohibits FPI from offering products or services as a subcontractor or supplier to a private for-profit business concern, notwithstanding that the product or service being furnished by such concern will ultimately be supplied to the U.S. Government, the government of the District of Columbia, an agency of a State government or any political subdivision thereof, or an eligible not-for-profit organization. (Sec. 5) Amends the Federal criminal code to require that wages earned by an inmate worker of FPI be paid in the name of such worker, and that deductions aggregating to not more than 80 percent of gross wages be taken from the wages due for: (1) applicable taxes; (2) payment of fines and restitution pursuant to court order; (3) payment of additional restitution for victims of the inmate's crimes (at a rate not less than ten percent of gross wages); (4) allocations for support of the inmate's family pursuant to statute, court order, or agreement with the inmate; (5) allocations to a fund in the inmate's name to facilitate such inmate's assimilation into society, payable at the conclusion of incarceration; and (6) such other deductions as may be specified by the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. (Sec. 6) Amends the code to require that not less than 20 percent of the gross profits of the corporation at the end of each fiscal year be allocated to fund vocational training for inmates without regard to the type of work activities to which they are assigned. (Sec. 7) Revises requirements for reporting by the board to Congress to: (1) include additional information within its annual reports, such as certain analyses of sales and purchases and of the inmate workforce, and data concerning employment obtained by released inmates; and (2) require that copies of such reports be made available to the public at a price not exceeding the cost of printing. (Sec. 9) Sets forth provisions regarding revisions to the Government-wide Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act, including requirements of public participation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Department of Defense Anthrax Vaccination Moratorium Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a single protection measure such as the mandatory anthrax vaccine immunization program should not be implemented by the Department of Defense (DOD) without regard to its effect on morale, retention, recruiting, and budget; and (2) an insufficiently proven vaccine should not be advocated as a substitute for research, development, and production of truly effective vaccines and antibiotics, adequate protective equipment, and nonproliferation measures. Directs the Secretary of Defense to suspend implementation of the DOD anthrax vaccination program. Requires: (1) an independent study of the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine used; and (2) a report from the Director of the National Institutes of Health to specified congressional committees on study results. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and comment to Congress on the vaccine program and the effect of the use of contractor-operated facilities for such program. Requires expedited consideration by the respective Boards for Correction of Military Records for current or former military personnel for remedies for adverse personnel actions that were the result of the vaccine program. States that if the Director determines that the vaccine used in the DOD program meets specified criteria, the Secretary may resume such program. Provides that if such program is resumed, the Secretary may use only newly produced vaccine for vaccinations after such resumption.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1999
Credit Cost Reduction Act of 1999 - Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to: (1) exclude from the definition of "communication" any actions taken pursuant to Federal or State rules of civil procedure, or a nonjudicial foreclosure; and (2) permit collection activities and communications during the 30 days following initial notice to the consumer about a debt collection unless the consumer requests cessation of such activities. Extends to any series of class actions arising out of the same violations by the same debt collector the current limit on the total amount of the debt collector's liability for additional damages that can be awarded to a plaintiff in the case of a successful class action to enforce liability of a noncompliant debt collector. Disallows recovery to the consumer of attorney's fees accruing after the consumer's refusal of such debt collector's settlement offer, if the amount of the final judgment awarded to the consumer is less than such offer. Shields a debt collector from liability in the case of good faith compliance with Federal or State rules of civil procedure. Exempts from certain debt collection disclosure requirements those mortgage servicers for which delinquent debt collection is secondary to the servicing of federally related mortgage loans secured by a first lien. Requires such mortgage servicers to furnish the debtor with certain validation statements prior to debt acceleration.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1999
Immigration Reorganization and Improvement Act of 1999 - Establishes in the Department of Justice: (1) the Bureau of Immigration Services; and (2) the Bureau of Immigration Enforcement. Sets forth provisions respecting the transfer of functions, personnel, and appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1999
Folic Acid Promotion and Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to carry out a program, directly or through grants or contracts, for professional and public education and training, research, and epidemiological activities regarding folic acid and birth defects. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to define "high speed data service" as a service capable of transmitting electronic information at a rate generally not less than 384 kilobits per second in at least one direction. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and each State, except as expressly provided in this Act, from regulating the rates, charges, terms or conditions for, or entry into the provision of, any high speed data service or Internet access service, or to regulate the facilities used in the provision of such service. Prohibits the FCC from requiring an incumbent (established) local exchange carrier to: (1) provide unbundled access to any network elements used in the provision of any high speed data service, other than those elements described in FCC regulations; or (2) offer for resale at wholesale rates any high speed data service. States that nothing in this Act shall: (1) limit or affect the authority of any State to regulate voice telephone exchange services; (2) affect the ability of the FCC to retain or modify the exemption from interstate access charges for enhanced service providers; or (3) prohibit the FCC from modifying the regulation concerning the number of networks subject to its unbundling requirement. Requires each incumbent local exchange carrier to provide: (1) Internet users with the ability to subscribe to and have access to any Internet service provider that interconnects with such carrier's high speed data service; (2) any Internet service provider with the right to acquire necessary facilities and services to facilitate such interconnection; and (3) any Internet service provider with the ability to collocate equipment in order to achieve such interconnection. Includes high speed data service or Internet access service within the definition of "incidental interLATA services" permitted for a Bell operating company (BOC). States that, until the date a BOC is authorized to offer interLATA services originating in an in-region State, such BOC offering any high speed data service or Internet access service may not, in such State, bill or collect for interLATA voice telecommunications service obtained by means of such high speed data or Internet access service provided by such company.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Medicare+Choice Risk Adjustment Amendments of 1999 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require that the new risk adjustment methodology for Medicare+Choice payment rates be implemented in a budget neutral manner; and (2) eliminate any further adjustment in the national per capita Medicare+Choice growth percentage.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Internal Revenue Service, as we know it, must be abolished, and the Internal Revenue Code must be replaced with a new, simple, and fair tax system that reduces taxes and applies a single, low rate to all Americans; and (2) the President should submit to Congress a comprehensive proposal to reform the Internal Revenue Code by April 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
County Schools Funding Revitalization Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine, for a specified eligibility period, State and county full payment amounts of National Forest System shared revenues for public education and other public services. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to: (1) make Forest Service payments to eligible States for affected counties for public education and transportation; and (2) make Bureau of Land Management payments to eligible counties for public education, law enforcement, and other public services. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Forest Counties Payments Committee to develop long-term methods to ensure that State and counties in which Federal lands are situated receive adequate payments for public education and other public services. Terminates the Committee three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) in favor of the Committee's mandate to develop a long-term payment solution; and (2) that the regulatory or legislative solution should be completed within two years of the Committee's report. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
American Values Tax Savings Plan for the 21st Century - Title I: Marriage Penalty Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard deduction for married individuals shall be twice the deduction for unmarried individuals. Eliminates the marriage penalty in individual income tax rates. Title II: Phaseout of Estate and Gift Taxes - Provides for the phaseout of the estate and gift taxes. Title III: Phaseout of Alternative Minimum Tax for All Taxpayers - Provides for the phaseout of the alternative minimum tax. Title IV: Reduction in Individual Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces individual capital gain tax rates. Title V: Increased Incentives for Retirement Savings - Increases and indexes the IRA contribution limit. Increases the income limitation applicable to conversions. Title VI: Incentives for Health Insurance Coverage - Provides for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed. Permits the carryover of unused benefits from cafeteria and flexible spending arrangements. Title VII: Incentives for Education - Excludes from gross income education distributions from qualified State tuition plans. Expands such plans to include eligible educational institutions. Title VIII: Repeal of Telephone Excise Tax - Provides for the phaseout of the telephone excise tax. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Communications Commission E-rate discount program for schools and libraries should be terminated. Title IX: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Provides extensions for the: (1) credit for increasing research activities; (2) work opportunity credit; and (3) subpart F exemption for active income financing. Title X: Pay-Go Reform - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to set forth pay-as-you-go provisions.
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 · 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
Academic Achievement for All Act (Straight A's Act) - Allows States flexibility in combining and using use specified Federal elementary and secondary education formula program funds for State education priorities and programs, in exchange for being held accountable for meeting, in a five- year period, certain performance goals which they propose. (Sec. 3) Allows a State to opt to enter into such a performance agreement with the Secretary of Education, under which provisions of law relating to specified eligible programs shall not apply to the State, with certain exceptions. Includes under the terms of such agreements requirements relating to: (1) use of such funds to improve student achievement; (2) an accountability system; (3) performance goals and measures, and student achievement data; (4) fiscal responsibilities; (5) civil rights; (6) private school student and staff participation; (7) State financial participation; and (8) annual reports. (Sec. 4) Lists such eligible programs, under various provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Department of Education Appropriations Act of 1999, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 5) Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) within-State distribution of funds; (2) local participation; and (3) a set-aside for State administrative expenditures. (Sec. 8) Requires performance reviews at the end of the five-year period. Requires reductions of State administrative funds for States that have made little or no progress. Allows States that have met at least 80 percent of their performance goals to apply for renewal of performance agreements for an additional five-year period. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary annually to set aside sufficient funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Education under ESEA to grant achievement gap reduction rewards to States. Requires a performance reward to equal at least five percent of funds allocated to the State during the first year of the performance agreement for programs included in the agreement. Makes a State eligible to receive a reward if, over the five-year term of the performance agreement, it reduces by at least 25 percent the difference between the percentage of highest and lowest performing groups of students that meet the State's definition of proficient, with such reduction occurring in at least: (1) two content areas, one of which must be mathematics or reading; and (2) one grade level.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Congressional Responsibility Act of 1999 - Prohibits a regulation from taking effect before the enactment of a bill comprised solely of the text of the regulation. Requires an agency, whenever it promulgates a regulation, to submit to each House of Congress a report containing its text and an explanation. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for consideration of agency regulations.
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 · 16 June 1999
Small Business Superfund Fairness Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve a small business concern of liability for response costs at a National Priority List facility under provisions governing arrangement for treatment, disposal, or transport, or acceptance for transport, of hazardous substances to the extent that the materials concerned consist of municipal solid waste or other materials that do not or would not contribute significantly to the cost of the response action. Defines a "small business concern" as an entity that on average over the previous three years has no more than 100 full-time employees. Makes this Act retroactively applicable to actions brought before its enactment in which there was no final judgment. Requires the President, as promptly as possible, to offer to reach a final administrative or judicial settlement with potentially responsible parties who are small businesses demonstrating an inability to pay response costs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the external debt of developing countries with Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) loans nearly doubled and their economic growth was slower than that for non-ESAF developing countries; (2) poor countries should no longer have to go through years of harsh International Monetary Fund (IMF)-imposed policies; (3) it should be U.S. policy to oppose gold sales to fund the IMF's ESAF program; and (4) any proceeds from the sale or other conversion of IMF gold stocks should go directly to cancel debts owed to the IMF and not to programs controlled by the IMF or the World Bank.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Metcalf, Jack [R-WA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000669_200.jpg)