United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000
Children's Day Care Health and Safety Improvement Act - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments to States and territories to enable them to establish programs to improve the health and safety of children receiving child care outside the home by preventing illnesses and injuries associated with such care and promoting the health and well-being of such children. Sets forth an allotment formula. Requires States to submit applications to the Secretary in order to be eligible for an allotment. Describes activities to be carried out by States through the use of such allotments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) reiterates its condemnation of the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and honors the victims; and (2) desires a lasting, warm relationship between the United States and Argentina built on mutual abhorrence of terrorism and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the Western Hemisphere. Urges the Government of Argentina to pursue the local and international connections to such terrorist act and to duly punish all those who were involved. Calls on the President to: (1) raise this issue in bilateral discussions with Argentine officials and to underscore U.S. concern regarding the six-year delay in the resolution of this case; and (2) direct U.S. law enforcement agencies to provide support and cooperation to such Government, if requested, for purposes of the investigation into this bombing and terrorist activities in the tri-border area. Recommends that the United States Representative to the Organization of American States seek support from countries comprising the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist, if required by that Government, in the investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2000
International Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Act of 2000 - Revises U.S. policy with respect to the provision of development assistance to foreign countries to require the President in assessing the commitment and progress of a country to use such assistance to help satisfy basic human needs of its poor to utilize certain criteria, including but not limited to, progress in combating corruption and improving transparency and accountability in the public and private sector. Requires technical assistance provided by a certain program to foreign governments and foreign central banks of developing or transitional countries also to include elements designed to combat anti-competitive, unethical, and corrupt activities, including protection against actions that may distort or inhibit transparency in market mechanisms and, to the extent applicable, privatization procedures. Authorizes the President to establish programs that combat corruption, improve transparency and accountability, and promote other forms of good governance in developing countries or countries eligible to receive assistance under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. Requires the President to give priority to establishing programs in countries that received a significant amount of U.S. foreign assistance for the prior fiscal year, or in which the United States has a significant economic interest, and that continue to have the most persistent problems with public and private corruption. Requires the President to report to specified congressional committees with respect to such programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Calls upon the Government of Japan to: (1) formally issue an apology for the war crimes committed by the Japanese military during World War II; and (2) pay reparations to the victims.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
Recognizes that the Birmingham Pledge has made a significant contribution in fostering racial harmony and reconciliation in the United States and around the world. Commends the people involved with the Pledge's creation and signatories to it for the steps they are taking to make the Nation and the world a better place for all people. Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Birmingham Pledge Week should be established.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2000
DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out, for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses of samples: (1) taken from individuals convicted of a qualifying violent or sexual offense under State law; and (2) from crime scenes or crime victims. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) State eligibility criteria for grants, including assurances of State implementation of a comprehensive plan for the expeditious DNA analysis of samples; and (2) grant preference to States that propose the use of allocated amounts to conduct DNA analyses of those samples that relate to crimes for which there are no suspects. Directs that: (1) the comprehensive plan require the DNA analysis of each sample specified above which was collected but not analyzed before the this Act's enactment; (2) in the case of a crime scene sample, if the statute of limitations has expired for each crime with respect to which the sample might reasonably be used as evidence in a court of law, the plan may (but need not) require the DNA analysis of that sample; and (3) the plan require that each DNA analysis be carried out in a laboratory that satisfies quality assurance standards and is operated by the State, or by a private entity pursuant to a contract with the State. Requires the Director of the FBI to maintain and make available to States a description of quality assurance protocols and practices that such Director considers adequate to assure the quality of a forensic laboratory. States that a laboratory satisfies quality assurance standards if it satisfies specified protocols and practices, or is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) restrictions on the use of funds (including limiting the Federal cost share to 75 percent); (2) reporting requirements (to the Attorney General and to Congress); and (3) expenditure records. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Requires that: (1) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons collect a DNA sample from each individual in the Bureau's custody who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying Federal offense (including murder, sexual abuse, kidnaping, and attempting or conspiring to commit any such offense); and (2) the probation office responsible for the supervision under Federal law of an individual on parole or supervised release collect a DNA sample from each such individual convicted of a qualifying Federal offense. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons or the probation office responsible: (1) for each such individual, if CODIS contains a DNA analysis with respect to that individual, to collect a DNA sample from that individual; and (2) to use or authorize the use of such means as are reasonably necessary to detain, restrain, and collect a DNA sample from an individual who refuses to cooperate in the collection of the sample. Sets penalties with respect to the failure of an individual from whom the collection of a DNA sample is authorized to cooperate in the collection of that sample. Requires the Director of: (1) the Bureau of Prisons or the probation office responsible to furnish each DNA sample collected to the Director of the FBI, who shall carry out a DNA analysis and include the results in CODIS; and (2) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make available model procedures for such activities of probation officers. (Sec. 4) Directs: (1) the Government of the District of Columbia (DC) to collect a DNA sample from each individual in its custody who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying DC offense; (2) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to collect a DNA sample from each individual in the Bureau's custody who is or has been convicted of such offense; and (3) the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC, or the Trustee appointed under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, to collect a DNA sample from each individual under the supervision of the Agency or Trustee who is on supervised release, parole, or probation and who is or has been convicted of such offense. Sets forth analogous provisions regarding: (1) individuals already in CODIS; (2) collection procedures; (3) criminal penalties; (4) analysis and use of samples; (5) what constitutes a qualifying DC offense; and (6) commencement of collection. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs that the Secretary concerned collect a DNA sample from each member of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction who is or has been convicted of a qualifying military offense. Authorizes the Secretary concerned, for each member, if the CODIS contains a DNA analysis with respect to that member, to collect a DNA sample from that member. Directs: (1) the Secretary to furnish each DNA sample collected to the Secretary of Defense; (2) the Secretary of Defense to furnish each DNA sample to the Director of the FBI; and (3) such Director to carry out a DNA analysis on each such DNA sample and include the results in CODIS. (Sec. 6) Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to require the Director of the FBI to expand CODIS to include analyses of DNA samples collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying Federal offense, a qualifying DC offense, or a qualifying military offense. Modifies provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) regarding the index to facilitate law enforcement exchange of DNA identification information (Index) to authorize the FBI Director to include an index of analyses of DNA samples: (1) recovered from victims of crime; and (2) collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying offense. Directs that the index include information on DNA identification records and DNA analyses that are prepared by laboratories and DNA analysts that undergo semiannual (currently, at regular intervals of not to exceed 180 days) external proficiency testing. Requires the Director to promptly expunge from the index the DNA analysis of a person if the Director receives, for each conviction of the person of a qualifying offense, a certified copy of a final court order evidencing that such conviction has been overturned. (Sec. 7) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the court to: (1) provide, as an explicit condition of a sentence of probation, that the defendant cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample; and (2) order, as an explicit condition of supervised release, that the defendant cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample. Requires the United States Parole Commission to impose, as a condition of parole, that the parolee cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample. Makes cooperation by the individual in the authorized collection of a DNA sample a condition of probation, parole, or supervised release. (Sec. 8) Amends the Omnibus Drug Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (regarding drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants and DNA identification grants) and the VCCLEA to provide for proficiency testing of personnel who perform DNA analyses semiannually (currently, at regular intervals not exceeding 180 days). Directs that the Index include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories: (1) satisfying the quality assurance protocols and practices that the Director of the FBI considers adequate to assure the quality of a forensic laboratory; or (2) accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Commends the members of Western European and Other Group (WEOG) at the United Nations for extending temporary membership to Israel. Congratulates Israel on its new-found role in the UN. Reaffirms Israel's right to be a full participating member and equal partner in the UN. Urges WEOG members to extend full and permanent membership to Israel, without conditions, until such time as Israel can serve as an effective member of the Asian States Group.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Declares that Congress: (1) needs to pass legislation that amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for persons who commit acts of violence against other persons because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person; (2) condemns the culture of hate and the hate groups that foster such violent acts; (3) commends the communities throughout our Nation that are united in condemning such acts of hate in their neighborhoods, and the efforts of Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials; (4) reaffirms its commitment to a society that fully respects and protects all people.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding the fight against tuberous sclerosis with respect to the role of: (1) all Americans; (2) national and community organizations and health care providers; (3) the Federal Government; and (4) the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2000
Cuban Internal Opposition Assistance Act of 2000 - Instructs the President to: (1) use specified funds to implement assistance for victims of the most extreme political repression and to assist independent nongovernmental opposition organizations inside Cuba; (2) ensure adequate verification and monitoring of such funds' destination; and (3) authorize issuance of licenses to independent nongovernmental organizations to send monetary remittances to independent nongovernmental opposition organizations to implement specified activities under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2000
Commends Israel for its decision to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and for taking risks for peace in the Middle East. Calls upon the United Nations Security Council to: (1) recognize Israel's fulfillment of its obligations under Security Council Resolution 425 and to provide the necessary resources for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to implement its mandate under that resolution; and (2) insist upon the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanese territory. Urges UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese armed forces, to gain full control over southern Lebanon, including by taking actions to ensure the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other such groups to eliminate all terrorist activity originating from that area. Appeals to the Government of Lebanon to grant clemency and assure the safety and rehabilitation into Lebanese society of all members of the South Lebanon Army and their families. Calls upon the international community to ensure that southern Lebanon does not once again become a staging ground for attacks against Israel and to cooperate in bringing about the reconstruction and reintegration of southern Lebanon. Recognizes Israel's right to defend itself and its people from attack and reasserts U.S. support for maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge to ensure Israel's long-term security. Urges all parties to reenter the peace process with the Government of Israel to bring peace and stability to all the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2000
Amends Federal law to direct the Postal Service to establish a special (semipostal) postage rate for first-class mail in order to afford the public a convenient way to contribute to funding for the establishment of the World War II Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) directly or indirectly cause a net decrease in total funds received by the American Battle Monuments Commission below the level that would otherwise have been received but for the enactment of this section; or (2) affect regular first-class rates of postage or any other regular rates of postage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Health Care Financing Administration should: (1) consider the unique nature of the emergency medical services (EMS) delivery system in New Jersey when implementing new reimbursement guidelines for paramedics and hospitals under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; and (2) promote innovative EMS systems enacted by States that reduce reimbursement costs to the Medicare program while ensuring that all residents receive quick and appropriate emergency care when needed.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Federal Employees Health Insurance Premium Conversion Act - Requires the Office of Personnel Management to make available to Federal annuitants the option to pay their Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program enrollment charges through a health insurance premium conversion arrangement beginning on the same date as when such option first becomes available to Federal employees generally, but no later than the deadline specified below. Requires: (1) each employing entity within the legislative branch to establish a plan, similar to the health insurance premium conversion arrangement, for their employees; and (2) the Secretary of Defense (or each appropriate Secretary with respect to the Coast Guard and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service) to establish such a plan for members and retired members of the uniformed services. Requires that all such plans be completed so that such option shall become available no later than the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Fair Regulation of Homeowners Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include customer connection fees (including fees to connect a customer's line to or extend a main water or sewer line) as an excludable corporate income item within the definition of "contribution in aid of construction."
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Clinton Administration should: (1) condemn the arrest and continued prosecution of the 13 Iranian Jews arrested in 1999 by the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and accused of spying for the United States and Israel; (2) demand that such charges be dropped and such individuals be released; and (3) ensure that Iran's treatment of this case is a benchmark for determining the nature of current and future U.S.-Iran relations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Condemns violations of human rights by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime in the Republic of Belarus, especially the conviction and sentencing of Andrei Klimov, Vasiliy Leonov, and Vladimir Koudinov on politically motivated charges. Urges their release. Expresses grave concern about the disappearances of Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and Yuri Zakharenka. Calls on the Lukashenka regime to ensure a full and timely investigation of these cases. Calls for immediate dialogue between the Lukashenka regime and the opposition and the restoration of a democratically elected government in Belarus. Urges the Lukashenka regime to: (1) respect and ensure the human rights of all Belarusian citizens, including members of the opposition currently being illegally detained in violation of their constitutional rights; (2) respect the rule of law and an independent judiciary; and (3) hold legitimate, free and fair parliamentary elections. Supports the appeal by the Consultative Council of Belarusian opposition parties to the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Duma, and the Federation Council calling for a cessation of support for the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the international community to support the opposition in Belarus by continuing to meet with the legitimately elected parliament. Supports Belarus's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its market democratic transformation and integration among the broader trans-Atlantic community of nations. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) ensure assistance to and cooperation with Belarusian opposition figures; (2) ensure that adequate resources are made available on an urgent basis to support those programs aimed at strengthening independent media, human rights, civil society, independent trade unions, and the democratic opposition in Belarus; (3) support the free flow of information into Belarus; (4) raise the issue of financial support provided by the Russian Federation to the Lukashenka regime at the highest levels of the Russian Federation Government; and (5) urge the Government of the Russian Federation, in accordance with its international commitments, to fully respect the sovereignty of Belarus, particularly in light of the illegitimate nature of the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the President to report to Congress on: (1) the human rights situation, democratic process, elections, independence of the media, and the Lukashenka regime's control of the economy in Belarus; (2) steps undertaken to persuade the Russian Federation Government to end support to the Lukashenka regime; and (3) the status of Russian Federation-Belarus military integration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Safe Highways Resolution - Expresses the sense of Congress that certain statutory proscriptions and restrictions: (1) on longer combination vehicles should not be amended so as to weaken the current "freeze" on those vehicles or result in any less restrictive prohibition or restrictions upon them; and (2) should not be amended so as to permit operation of commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than that currently allowed under Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000
Teaching Hospital Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise a formula pertaining to additional payments to hospitals with indirect costs of medical education to maintain the value of a variable used in the indirect teaching adjustment factor at the FY 1999 level on or after October 1, 2000. (Current law requires a lesser value for such variable in FY 2001 and thereafter.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Global Democracy Promotion Act of 2000 - Declares that, in eligibility determinations for certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, foreign nongovernmental organizations and multilateral organizations shall not be: (1) subject to requirements relating to the use of non-United States Government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to United States nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance; and (2) ineligible for such assistance solely on the basis of health or medical services provided by them with non-United States Government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they being provided, and would not violate United States Federal law if provided in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Innocence Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Exonerating the Innocent through DNA Testing - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a court established by an Act of Congress, at any time after conviction, to apply to the court that entered the judgment for forensic DNA testing of any biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the judgment; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the Government; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Sets forth procedures regarding notice to the Government and preservation of remaining biological material. Directs the court to order DNA testing pursuant to such application upon a determination that testing may produce non-cumulative, exculpatory evidence relevant to an applicant's claim that the applicant was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Specifies that the cost of DNA testing shall be borne by the Government or the applicant, as the court may order in the interests of justice, if it is shown that the applicant is not indigent and possesses the means to pay. Authorizes the court at any time to appoint counsel for an indigent applicant. Establishes post-testing procedures, including ordering a hearing and entering any order that serves the interests of justice, including an order setting aside the judgment or granting a new trial or re-sentencing if the results of the DNA testing are favorable to the applicant. Requires the Government to preserve any biological material secured in connection with a criminal case for such period as any person remains incarcerated in connection with that case, with exceptions. (Sec. 103) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to include among the requirements for DNA identification grants, and for drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants, that the State will: (1) preserve all biological material secured in connection with a State criminal case for not less than the period of time that biological material is required to be preserved under this Act in the case of a person incarcerated in connection with a Federal criminal case (biological material preservation requirements); and (2) make DNA testing available to any person convicted in State court to the same extent, and under the same conditions, that DNA testing is available under this Act to any person convicted in a court established by an Act of Congress. Makes DNA samples obtained by, and DNA analyses performed at, a forensic laboratory accessible for criminal defense purposes to a defendant, who shall have access to samples and analyses performed in connection with the case in which such defendant was charged or convicted. Requires applications for public safety and community policing grants, if any part of funds received from such a grant is to be used to develop or improve a DNA analysis capability in a forensic laboratory, or to obtain or analyze DNA samples for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System, to make specified certifications including that: (1) DNA analyses performed at such laboratory will satisfy or exceed the current standards for a quality assurance program for DNA analysis issued by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the DNA Identification Act of 1994; (2) DNA samples and analyses obtained and performed by such laboratory will be accessible only consistent with specified requirements; (3) the laboratory and each analyst performing DNA analyses at the laboratory will undergo, at regular intervals not exceeding 180 days, external proficiency testing by a DNA proficiency testing program that meets certain standards; and (4) the State will meet biological material preservation requirements. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a State from denying a request, made by a person in custody resulting from a State court judgment, for DNA testing of biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the conviction of the person or the sentence imposed on the person; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the State; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Makes an exception upon a judicial determination that testing could not produce non-cumulative evidence establishing a reasonable probability that the person was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Bars a State from relying upon a time limit or procedural default rule to deny a person an opportunity to present non-cumulative, exculpatory DNA results in court, or in an executive or administrative forum in which a decision is made in accordance with procedural due process. Authorizes a person to enforce this section in a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief, filed either in a State court of general jurisdiction or in U.S. district court. Specifies that no State or State executive or judicial officer shall have immunity from such actions. Title II: Ensuring Competent Legal Services in Capital Cases - Amends the Safe Streets Act (regarding Byrne grant programs) to require that State applications include, if the State prescribes, authorizes, or permits the death penalty for any offense, a certification that the State has established and maintains an effective system for providing competent legal services to indigents at every phase of a State criminal prosecution in which a death sentence is sought or has been imposed, up to and including direct appellate review and post-conviction review in State court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to promulgate regulations specifying the elements of an "effective system" including: (1) a centralized and independent appointing authority which shall have authority and responsibility to undertake specified activities, such as to recruit attorneys who are qualified to represent indigents in capital proceedings, draft and annually publish a roster of such attorneys, draft and annually publish qualifications and performance standards for such attorneys, and periodically review the roster, monitor attorney performance, provide a mechanism by which members of the Bar may comment on the performance of their peers, and delete the name of any attorney who fails to meet specified requirements; and (2) specified compensation and reimbursement requirements of private attorneys and public defender organizations. Requires applications for discretionary (justice system improvement) grants to include satisfying such certification requirement. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to include in a report to Congress on such grants to each State a description and a comparative analysis of the systems established by each State in order to satisfy the certification requirement, including qualifications and performance standards, rates of compensation, and rates of reimbursement. (Sec. 202) Amends the judicial code to direct the court, in a proceeding instituted by an indigent applicant under sentence of death, to neither presume a finding of fact made by a State court to be correct nor decline to consider a claim on the ground that the applicant failed to raise such claim in State court at the time and in the manner prescribed by State law, unless: (1) the State provided the applicant with legal services at the stage of the State proceedings at which the State court made the finding of fact or the applicant failed to raise the claim; and (2) the legal services the State provided satisfied the regulations promulgated by the Director of the Administrative Office pursuant to the Safe Streets Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Director of the Administrative Office to: (1) award grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing defense services in capital cases; and (2) develop guidelines to ensure that defense services provided by recipients of such grants and contracts are consistent with applicable legal and ethical proscriptions governing the duties of counsel in capital cases. Title III: Compensating the Unjustly Condemned - Rewrites judicial code provisions regarding compensation for unjust imprisonment. Limits the amount of damages awarded to $50,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration, except that a plaintiff who was unjustly sentenced to death may be awarded not more than $100,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration. Directs the court, in assessing damages, to consider: (1) the circumstances surrounding the unjust conviction, including any misconduct by Federal officers or employees; (2) the length and conditions of the unjust incarceration; and (3) family circumstances, loss of wages, and pain and suffering of the plaintiff. (Sec. 302) Amends the Safe Streets Act to require applicants for criminal justice facility construction grants to provide reasonable assurance that the applicant, or the State in which it is located, does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the death penalty for any offense, or: (1) has established and maintains an effective procedure by which any person unjustly convicted of an offense against the State and sentenced to death may be awarded reasonable damages upon substantial proof that the person did not commit any of the acts with which the person was charged; and (2) the conviction of that person was reversed or set aside on the ground that the person was not guilty of the offense or offenses of which the person was convicted, the person was found not guilty of such offenses on new trial or rehearing, or the person was pardoned upon the stated ground of innocence and unjust conviction. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the criminal code to prohibit the Government from seeking the death penalty in any case initially brought before a U.S. district court that sits in a State that does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the imposition of such penalty for the alleged conduct, except upon written certification of the Attorney General (or designee) that: (1) the State does not have jurisdiction or refuses to assume jurisdiction over the defendant with respect to the alleged conduct; (2) the State has requested that the Government assume jurisdiction; or (3) the offense charged is one of certain listed offenses, including destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, assassination, kidnapping, and assault of specified Government officials. (Sec. 402) Rewrites Controlled Substances Act provisions regarding continuing criminal enterprises to direct the court, upon a recommendation that the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release, to sentence the defendant accordingly (otherwise, the court shall impose any lesser sentence that is authorized by law). (Sec. 403) Rewrites provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-In-Sentencing Incentive Grants to require State applicants to provide assurances to the Attorney General that: (1) the State has implemented policies that provide for the recognition of the rights and needs of crime victims; and (2) in any capital case in which the jury has a role in determining the sentence imposed on the defendant, the court, at the defendant's request, shall inform the jury of all statutorily authorized sentencing options in the particular case, including applicable parole eligibility rules and terms. (Sec. 404) Requires the Attorney General, within two years and annually thereafter, to prepare and transmit to Congress a report concerning the administration of capital punishment laws by the Government and the States. Directs the Attorney General or the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, as appropriate, to ensure that the reports are: (1) distributed to national print and broadcast media; and (2) posted on an Internet website maintained by the Department of Justice. (Sec. 405) Amends the judicial code to provide that, regarding exhaustion of remedies available in State courts, if the highest court of a State has discretion to decline appellate review of a case or a claim, a petition asking that court to entertain a case or a claim is not an available State court procedure. (Sec. 406) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the death penalty is disproportionate and offends contemporary standards of decency when applied to a person who is mentally retarded or who had not attained age 18 at the time of the offense.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Underground Campaign Disclosure Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a political organization to file statements of organization and contributions and disbursements, which shall be available to the public for a three-year period. Establishes penalties for failure to file such statements or to provide public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Amends specified Federal law to authorize appropriations without fiscal year limitations for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. (Current law authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.) Continues the Council, but transfers some of its functions to the Museum. Directs the Chairperson of the Council to appoint a Museum Director who will be the Museum's chief executive officer and serve at the Council's pleasure. (Current law provides, instead, for appointment of an Executive Director of the Council.) Requires the Museum Director's annual report to Congress to include an examination of the Federal role in the funding of the Museum and its activities, and any changes that may be warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Secure Our Schools Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to provide improved security, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures, at schools and on school grounds. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) permissible uses of funds (including for locks, lighting, and security assessments and training), preferential consideration, matching funds, equitable geographical distribution of funds, and limits on administrative costs; and (2) application and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
America's Better Classroom Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds (qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds). Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that a major objective of the foreign assistance program of the United States is to control tuberculosis and that consequently Congress expects the agency primarily responsible for the administration of tuberculosis control health programs to focus upon implementation of Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS), or other internationally accepted primary tuberculosis control strategies developed in consultation with the World Health Organization and other designated organizations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Act for Effective National Firearms Objectives for Responsible, Common-sense Enforcement of 2000 (ENFORCE Act) - Title I: The Criminal Gun Trafficker Apprehension Act of 2000 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (the Act) to provide that it shall be presumed that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of a firearm is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain if a person transfers more than 50 firearms in any period of 12 consecutive months, or more than 30 firearms in any period of 30 consecutive days excluding any infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means by an individual to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 102) Requires that a firearms licensee, as a condition of obtaining a license to deal in firearms or ammunition (license), operate from a fixed premises primarily devoted to the sale of firearms and conspicuously designated to the public as such, other than a private residence. (Sec. 103) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from storing firearms on the premises in a manner not in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary, in issuing such regulations, to take into consideration the type and quantity of the firearms to be stored, as well as the standards of safety and security recognized in the firearms industry. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license or to subject the licensee to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Limits review of the Secretary's actions. Requires that the firearms inventory of the business be stored in compliance with this Act and regulations issued thereunder within 30 days after the application is approved. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a common or contract carrier from failing to report the theft or loss of a firearm within 48 hours after discovery. Requires that such theft or loss be reported to the Secretary and to the appropriate local authorities. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil fine of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Title II: The Criminal Gun Dealer Detection Act of 2000 - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to inspect or examine the records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer without reasonable cause or warrant for ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements not more than four times (currently, once) during any 12-month period, or as otherwise specified in the Act. (Sec. 202) Provides that a personal collection of firearms of a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer shall be considered part of the business inventory of the licensee (thus making disposal of such collection subject to regulation), with an exception for the infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means from the personal collection of firearms of a licensee to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 203) Revises penalty provisions under the Federal criminal code (the code) to authorize the Secretary to: (1) suspend a license or subject a licensee to a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation (currently, the Secretary's options are limited to license revocation) for violations; and (2) compromise, mitigate, or remit at any time the liability with respect to any willful violation. Title III: The Violent Felon Gun Ban Enforcement Act of 2000 -Denies natural persons the opportunity to seek administrative relief from prohibitions against possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition and requires publication of additional information about such administrative relief granted to any person. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the possession of, or transactions in, firearms by any natural person convicted of a serious drug offense or violent felony, regardless of expungement of the conviction or restoration of other civil rights, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: The Intensive Gun Violence Reduction Strategy and Project Exile Implementation Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Funding Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for the improvement of the national instant criminal background check system, including improvements to criminal justice records as specified in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and to records required by the Attorney General under the Brady Act for the purpose of implementing that Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State or local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of improving the organization of criminal records, especially records relating to convictions for crimes of domestic violence and to restraining orders relating to domestic violence, and the reporting of such records to the national instant criminal background check system. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations for the hiring of 600 agents and inspectors for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. (Sec. 404) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State, Indian tribal, or local prosecutors for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of community-based justice programs for the prosecution of gun-related crimes. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 405) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) hire 114 additional Federal prosecutors to prosecute violations of Federal firearms laws; and (2) establish in each of the jurisdictions not more than 20 areas designated by the Attorney General as having high rates of firearm-related crime a gun enforcement team. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to expand: (1) to 50 the number of city and county law enforcement agencies that, through the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YGCII), submit to the Secretary identifying information relating to the types and origins of all firearms recovered during law enforcement investigations, including from individuals under 25; and (2) the resources devoted to law enforcement investigations of illegal youth possessors and users and of illegal firearms traffickers identified through YGCII. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select cities and counties for participation in the program; and (2) establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through on-line computer technology, can promptly provide firearms-related information to the Secretary and access information derived through YGCII as soon as such capability is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 407) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to public or private nonprofit entities for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of local anti-gun violence media campaigns. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of funds, and application and matching requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 408) Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program for the research and development of smart gun technology. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Ballistics Testing - Prohibits a licensed manufacturer or importer from transferring a firearm to any person before: (1) test firing the firearm; (2) preparing forensic ballistics records of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; and (3) making the records available to the Secretary for entry in a computerized database. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, for each violation by a licensed manufacturer or importer, to suspend the license for up to one year or revoke the license, impose on the licensee a civil fine of not more than $10,000, or both. Limits review of the Secretary's action. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with this section through: (1) the acquisition, disposition, and upgrades of computerized forensic ballistics equipment and bullet recovery equipment to be placed at the sites of licensed manufacturers and importers or at regional firearm centers established by the Secretary; and (2) the hiring or designation of personnel necessary to develop and maintain a database of forensic ballistics records, research, and evaluation. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through online computer technology, can promptly access forensic ballistics records, as soon as the capability to do so is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to work cooperatively with representatives of the firearm industry to: (1) provide education about the role of forensic ballistics as part of a comprehensive firearm crime reduction strategy; and (2) provide for coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Sets forth provisions regarding areas of concentrated efforts and annual reports and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to conduct mandatory forensic ballistics testing of all firearms that are or have been taken into the custody of, or procured or utilized by, their respective agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 - Amends the matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct that the matching portion equal 50 percent if: (1) such grant is to a unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; (2) the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance determines that the quantity of vests to be purchased with such grant is reasonable; and (3) such portion does not cause such grant to violate certain maximum amount requirements. Directs that: (1) funds available be awarded, without regard to specified "preferential consideration" provisions, to each qualifying unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; and (2) any remaining funds available be awarded to other qualifying applicants. Provides that if an application is submitted in conjunction with a transaction for the purchase of armor vests, grant amounts may not be used to fund any portion of that purchase unless, before the application is submitted, the applicant: (1) receives clear and conspicuous notice that receipt of the grant amounts requested in the application is uncertain; and (2) expressly assumes the obligation to carry out the transaction regardless of whether such amounts are received. Redefines "armor vest" to include body armor which has been tested through a specified voluntary compliance testing program, and found to meet or exceed the requirements of NIJ Standard 0115.00, or any subsequent revision of such standard. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2000
Urges the President to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against oil- producing nations for violating their obligations under WTO rules.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each eligible institution participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to: (1) prepare, publish, and distribute to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report which discloses specified types of information about that institution's campus fire safety standards and practices; (2) make periodic reports to the campus community on fires and false alarms that are reported to local fire departments, to aid in preventing similar occurrences; and (3) submit annually to the Secretary of Education a copy of statistics on campus occurrences of fires and false fire alarms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review such statistics; (2) make copies available to the public; (3) identify exemplary fire safety policies, procedures, and practices, and disseminate information concerning those policies, procedures, and practices that have proven effective in the reduction of campus fires; and (4) report to the Congress analyses of the current status of fire safety systems in college and university facilities, and of the appropriate fire safety standards to apply to these facilities, as well as cost estimates and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to set forth the due process rights, including procedures, that shall be afforded a law enforcement officer (officer) who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) an investigation of specifically alleged conduct by an officer that, if proven, would constitute a definite violation of a statute providing for criminal penalties; or (2) a non-disciplinary action taken in good faith on the basis of an officer's employment-related performance. Declares that an officer shall not be: (1) prohibited from engaging in political activity or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in such activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; and (2) prohibited from being a candidate for an elective office or from serving in such elective office solely because of the officer's status as an officer, or required to resign or take an unpaid leave from employment with a law enforcement agency (agency) to be a candidate for an elective office or to serve in an elective office unless such service is determined to conflict with or be incompatible with service as an officer. Considers an action by a public agency against an officer, including requiring the officer to take unpaid leave from employment, in violation of this Act to be an adverse personnel action. Requires each agency to adopt and thereafter comply with a written complaint procedure that: (1) authorizes persons from outside the agency to submit written complaints about an officer to the agency employing the officer, or to any other agency charged with investigating such complaints; (2) sets forth the procedures for the investigation and disposition of such complaints; (3) provides for public access to required forms and other information concerning the submission and disposition of written complaints; and (4) requires notification to the complainant in writing of the final disposition of the complaint and the reasons for such disposition. Requires (with exceptions) that an investigation based on a complaint from outside the agency commence not later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint by the agency employing the officer against whom the complaint has been made, or any other agency charged with investigating such complaint. Prohibits the complainant or victim of the alleged violation of law giving rise to an investigation from conducting or supervising the investigation or serving as an investigator. Directs that any officer who is the subject of an investigation be notified of the investigation 24 hours prior to the commencement of questioning or to otherwise being required to provide information to an investigating agency. Specifies that such notice shall include: (1) the nature and scope of the investigation; (2) a description of any allegation contained in a written complaint; (3) a description of each violation of law alleged in the complaint for which suspicion exists that the officer may have engaged in conduct that may subject the officer to disciplinary action; and (4) the name, rank, and command of the officer or any other individual who will be conducting the investigation. Establishes rights of officers prior to and during questioning incidental to an investigation, including provisions regarding: (1) counsel and representation; (2) reasonable hours and time; (3) place of questioning; (4) identification of questioner; (5) single questioner; (6) reasonable time period; (7) absence of threats, false statements, or promises to be made (with an exception); (8) recording; and (9) use of honesty testing devices (prohibits compelled submission to the use of a lie detector). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) notice of investigative findings and disciplinary recommendation, and opportunity to submit a written response; (2) conduct of a disciplinary hearing; (3) waiver of rights; (4) summary punishment; (5) emergency suspension; (6) retaliation for exercising rights; (7) other remedies (not impaired); (8) declaratory and injunctive relief; (9) protection of officer personnel files; (10) States' rights; and (11) collective bargaining agreements. (Sec. 4) Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any U.S. department, agency, officer, or employee to exercise any direction, supervision, or control of any police force or criminal justice agency of any State or political subdivision thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Annual Assay Commission Act - Sets forth procedural guidelines under which an assay commission appointed by the President shall conduct an annual assay to test and examine, in the presence of the Director of the Mint, the fineness and weight of coins reserved by the several mints, in order to secure conformity in the composition and weight of U.S. coinage. Authorizes the Director to continue the practice of producing assay commission medals for assay commission members if bronze copies of such medals are made available for sale to the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines within which the Postal Service shall propose changes in pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters which are to be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Grants certain qualified postmasters' organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Commends: (1) the Government of the Republic of South Africa for its quick response and assistance to the Mozambican people; (2) the Government of the United Kingdom for announcing debt cancellation for Mozambique so that financial resources may be dedicated to the national relief and recovery effort; and (3) the Administration for its growing involvement and leadership in coordinating America's disaster assistance package to Mozambique. Urges the U.S. Government to take the lead in coordinating international efforts to help Mozambique salvage what remains of this year's food crops and to provide seeds for rural agricultural growers. Calls for the international community to: (1) continue to provide emergency relief, airlift capacity, and other disaster assistance to Mozambique for the next 90 days;(2) take all necessary steps to locate and demarcate areas that may now harbor semi-boyant plastic land mines transported to new locations by the flooding in Mozambique; (3) develop a coordinated response to the Government of Mozambique's request for recovery and reconstruction assistance for buildings and transportation infrastructure; and (4) assist the nations of southern Africa to increase their capacity to respond to national emergencies and natural disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000
Oil Price Reduction Act of 2000 - Declares it to be U.S. policy: (1) to determine the political, economic, and security relations of the United States with the major net oil exporting countries according to whether they engage in oil price fixing; and (2) to work multilaterally with other countries that are major net oil importers to bring about the complete dismantlement of international oil price fixing arrangements. Directs the President to report to Congress with respect to: (1) the overall economic and security relationship between the United States and each major net oil exporting country (including Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)); (2) the effect that coordination among such countries with respect to oil production and pricing has had on the U.S. economy and global energy supplies; (3) information on all assistance provided to such countries under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act (including licenses for the export of defense articles and defense services); and (4) the President's determination as to whether or not each such country is engaging in oil price fixing to the detriment of the U.S. economy. Requires the President to reduce, suspend, or terminate such assistance to each country determined to be engaged in oil price fixing to the detriment of the U.S. economy. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should continue to undertake a diplomatic campaign to convince : (1) all major net oil exporting countries that the current oil price levels are unsustainable and will negatively affect global economic growth rates in oil consuming and developing countries; and (2) other major net oil importing countries to join in multilateral efforts to bring about the complete dismantlement of international oil price fixing arrangements. Requires the President to report to Congress with respect to such diplomatic efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000
Global Health Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to mandate that activities supported in connection with health programs include activities to improve the capacity of developing nations to conduct disease surveillance and prevention programs, and to respond promptly and effectively to disease outbreaks. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 2001 for specified allocations, including the health and nutrition of children and pregnant women and mothers, voluntary family planning, and the prevention and control of HIV-AIDS and other infectious diseases. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, should coordinate with specified Federal departments and agencies to ensure that such appropriations are used effectively.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2000
Stable Oil Supply Home Heating Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that voluntary plans for home heating oil reserve be submitted to the Secretary of Energy by importers, refiners, and wholesalers holding oil inventories for sale to markets in the Northeast in order to ensure stability in energy fuel markets and to protect consumers from dramatic price swings. Prescribes implementation and certification guidelines, including an antitrust defense for actions taken in compliance with this Act. Exempts certain small-sized importers and refiners. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue an order requiring the establishment of a private home heating oil reserve for the Northeast if a certified plan has not been implemented within a specified time frame for an importer, refiner, or wholesaler that stores heating oil for sale in the Northeast; (2) periodically monitor supply levels to ensure that home heating oil inventories in the Northeast are adequate to supply customer needs during the present or following winter season so as to obviate sudden price increases caused by inadequate inventories; (3) require an importer, refiner, or wholesaler to increase its inventory if the Secretary determines that inventories are insufficient; and (4) establish civil penalties and cooperate with State energy authorities in carrying out this Act. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take action to enable importers, refiners, or wholesalers to sell their remaining excess inventories at the end of each winter season.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting Act - Prohibits any Federal agency from making a decision to privatize, outsource, contract out, or contract for the performance of a function currently performed by such agency or to conduct a study to convert a function from Federal to contractor performance. Authorizes any agency to apply to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for a waiver of such prohibition with respect to a particular function. Authorizes the Director to grant such waiver when: (1) necessary for the preservation of national security; (2) critical for the provision of patient care; or (3) necessary to prevent extraordinary economic harm. Requires waiver requests to be published in the Federal Register. Provides additional exceptions for functions with respect to which a labor organization is accorded exclusive recognition. (Sec. 5) Requires each agency to: (1) establish a centralized reporting system that allows it to generate periodic reports on its contracting efforts during the preceding and current fiscal years; and (2) generate and annually submit to the Director such reports. Requires each agency to report to specified congressional committees on the number of Federal employee positions and positions held by non-Federal employees under a contract between such agency and an individual or entity that has been subject to public-private competition. Requires such reports to be made available through the Internet. (Sec. 6) Requires, after the termination of the contracting prohibition, any decision by an agency to privatize, outsource, or contract out for the performance of a function to be based on the results of a public-private competition process that: (1) formally compares the costs of Federal employee performance of such function with the costs of performance by a contractor; (2) employs the most efficient organizational process; and (3) is conducted in consultation or through bargaining with the exclusive representative of the Federal employees performing the function, if applicable. (Sec. 7) Requires an agency to either conduct a new public-private competition or convert a function to performance by Federal employees if a report indicates that: (1) contracting out costs exceed costs of performance by Federal employees; or (2) contracting out fails to meet quality control standards. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a survey of the wages and quantifiable benefits provided by contractors to non-Federal personnel working under contract and to report survey results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Director to review the survey and report findings. (Sec. 9) Requires the Comptroller General to report on compliance by Federal agencies with requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified intercity passenger rail carrier bonds. Sets forth definitions, State matching requirements, and other rules.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Condemns practices, such as those prevalent at Bob Jones University, that seek to discriminate against and divide Americans on the basis of race, ethnicity, and religion. Denounces individuals who seek to subvert the American ideals of inclusion, equality, and social justice.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Condemns the repressive anti-Baha'i policies and actions of the Government of Iran. Continues to hold such Government responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals in a manner consistent with Iran's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens. Expresses concern that individual Baha'is continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion. Urges the Government of Iran to: (1) permit Baha'i students to attend and Baha'i faculty to teach at Iranian universities, return property confiscated from the Baha'i Open University (OU), free imprisoned faculty members of OU, and permit OU to continue to function; (2) implement fully the conclusions and recommendations on the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community made by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Professor Abdelfattah Amor, in his March 1996 report to the UN Commission of Human Rights; and (3) extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants of human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of its concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the Iranian Government's human rights practices, particularly its treatment of such community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the U.S. Government's relations with the Government of Iran; (3) emphasize the need for the UN Special Representative for Human Rights to be granted permission to enter Iran; (4) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants on human rights; and (5) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Iranian Government, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, including the UN, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities through joint appeals and other appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the participation of American athletes in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Mandates that coin design be selected by the Secretary after consultation with: (1) the Commission of Fine Arts; (2) the United States Olympic Committee; and (3) Olympic Properties of the United States-Salt Lake 2002 (created and owned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee). States that all surcharges from the coin sales ($35 for a $5 coin and $10 for a $1 coin) shall be distributed by the Secretary to: (1) Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002; and (2) the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Campaign Integrity Act of 2000 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding tax-exempt organizations to expand the definition of "political organization" to require such an organization, in order to be defined as such, to file an annual statement certifying compliance with reporting requirements under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) added by this Act. Excepts from such filing requirement: (1) organizations which exist for the exclusive purpose of influencing the appointment of any individual to a State, local, or Federal public office or office in a political organization; (2) a group of persons (other than a separate segregated fund established under FECA) which accepts contributions or makes expenditures during a calendar year of less than $5,000; or (3) political committees as defined under FECA. Prohibits an organization from being treated as one described under (1) above if it makes payments for certain communications which mention a clearly identified candidate for election for Federal office or contain the likeness of such candidate during an election cycle. Amends FECA to provide that, for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding tax-exempt political organizations, a political organization is in compliance if it files with the Federal Election Commission: (1) a statement of organization no later than ten days after receiving or spending an aggregate amount equal to or greater than $5,000 during the year for an exempt function described under the Code; and (2) reports of its receipts and disbursements at the same time and in the same manner as reports are filed by political committees under existing FECA requirements. Describes contents of such statement and report.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000
Home Heating Readiness Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (acting through the Administrator of the Energy Information Agency) to submit to Congress a Home Heating Readiness Report on the readiness of the heating oil and propane industries to supply fuel under various weather conditions, including rapid decreases in temperature. Specifies Report contents.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the inspirational life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mandates prompt payment of all surcharges received from the coin sales to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Legacy Fund of the Library of Congress for the purpose of securing the personal papers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for the Library of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2000
Home Heating Oil Price Stability Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to immediately create a fuel oil reserve containing two million barrels of heating oil in leased storage facilities in the New York Harbor area and 4.7 million barrels in one of the four Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) caverns in the Gulf Coast. Permits the Secretary to fill such heating oil reserve by trading SPR crude oil for heating oil. Authorizes the President to immediately draw down the Fuel Oil Product Reserve only when domestic fuel oil prices rise sharply because of anticompetitive activity, during a fuel oil shortage, or during periods of extreme winter weather. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rothman, Steven R. [D-NJ-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000462_200.jpg)