United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2000
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to make the Act inapplicable to employment performed in a workplace through the use of a telephone, computer, or other electronic device which is located in the employee's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Title I: Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act - Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to include in subsequent regulations: (1) additional definitions to those set forth in this Act with respect to vendors, processors, or producers of beryllium or related products; and (2) criteria by which a claimant may establish the existence of a covered illness. (Sec. 105) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the Secretary to administer this Act; (2) determinative criteria for exposure to beryllium in the performance of duty; (3) compensation for disability or death, medical services, and vocational rehabilitation; (4) computation of pay; (5) limitations on receiving compensation; (6) coordination of benefits; and (7) retroactive compensation. (Sec. 112) Declares: (1) this Act to be the exclusive remedy against the United States, its instrumentalities, and specified contractors and subcontractors; and (2) acceptance of payment under this Act shall be in full settlement of all claims. Declares void any assignment of a claim for compensation under this Act. (Sec. 120) Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Fund for the payment of compensation and other benefits and expenses under this Act. (Sec. 121) Provides for forfeiture of benefits by persons convicted of fraud with respect to Federal or State workers' compensation benefits. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the administration and enforcement of this Act. Mandates that such regulations provide for a Beryllium Compensation Appeals Panel to make final decisions on appeals. (Sec. 125) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Energy Employees Pilot Project Act - Energy Employees Pilot Project Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to examine the relationship between workplace exposures to radiation, hazardous materials, and occupational illness or other adverse health conditions. (Sec. 203) Mandates that a physicians' panel of specialists in health conditions related to occupational exposure to radiation and hazardous materials selected by the contractor that managed DOE's East Tennessee Technology Park (facility) prepare a report on medical examinations of a specified number of current and former facility employees. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Secretary to make specified compensation awards to facility employees found to have sustained an adverse health condition resulting from exposure to radiation or hazardous materials. Grants employees the option to elect such award in lieu of compensation under the Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act. Deems such award to be payment in full settlement of claims against the United States, contractors, and subcontractors. (Sec. 211) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Paducah Employees' Exposure Compensation Act - Paducah Employees Exposure Compensation Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Paducah Employees' Exposure Compensation Fund to be disbursed exclusively by the Attorney General for the payment of compensation claims to eligible Paducah employees. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund. (Sec. 305) Deems such award to be payment in full settlement of claims against the United States, contractors, and subcontractors. (Sec. 308) Limits the amount of claimants' attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from prescribing any rules authorizing the operation of new, low power FM radio stations, or establishing a low power radio service, as currently proposed. Terminates previously prescribed rules which would violate such prohibition and voids licenses issued pursuant to such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999
Fair Credit Reporting Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to exclude from its definition of "consumer report" certain employer investigative reports concerning possible violations of law by an employee. Requires any person intending to take adverse action based in whole or part on such report to disclose to such employee the nature and substance of information in the report on which the proposed adverse action is based, and to make such report available to any employee who brings an action concerning such information.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Water Regulation Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require permits for discharges from municipal storm sewers to: (1) recognize the responsibility of governmental entities to carry out specified control measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants; and (2) absolve local governmental entities of liability in cases where such an entity relies on a co-permittee or another governmental entity to comply with any requirement to implement a control measure in which the co-permittee or other entity assumes responsibility but fails to implement the measure. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for certain stormwater discharges for which permits are not required, from requiring a local governmental entity to obtain a permit for any stormwater discharge associated with an above-ground vegetated drainage ditch or a drainage way owned or operated in connection with a road or street under its jurisdiction. Provides that such discharges and those regulated as being associated with industrial activity or with significant violation of a water quality standard or significant contributions of pollutants shall not include stormwater discharges associated with: (1) a construction activity that disturbs no more than five acres of land; or (2) a routine maintenance activity associated with a road, street, or vegetated road ditch or drainage way.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1999
Employment Security Financing Act of 1999 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Chapter 23 to revise Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) employer excise tax rate requirements. (Sec. 101) Repeals the 0.2 surtax for calendar years after 1999. (Ends the current FUTA employer tax rate of 6.2 percent of total employee wages after 1999, and begins a 6.0 rate in 2000). (Sec. 103) Sets forth additional requirements for approval of State laws. (Sec. 105) Revises the definition of State unemployment funds. (Sec. 106) Defines a State Employment Security Administration Account (State ESAA) as a special account within the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund) to provide administrative funds to pay the cost of services performed by the State agency in accordance with FUTA and the Social Security Act. (Sec. 107) Provides for collection of FUTA taxes by, as well as payment of FUTA taxes to, State agencies. (Sec. 109) Amends the IRC to repeal the prohibition against assessment of unpaid FUTA taxes. Title II: Unemployment Trust Fund Accounts - Amends title IX (Employment Security Administrative Financing) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish in the Fund: (1) a State Employment Security Administration Account (State ESAA) for each State; (2) a Supplemental Employment Security Administration Account (Supplemental ESAA) for the administration of employment security programs, under FUTA and SSA titles IX and III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration), by States whose average civilian labor force populations number less than one million; and (3) the Secretary of Labor Employment Security Administration Account (Labor Secretary ESAA) for the Secretary to carry out administrative duties under such SSA and FUTA provisions. Makes appropriations to the Fund for credit to such accounts according to specified formulas. (Sec. 201) Authorizes to be made available from State ESAAs, upon State request and subject to appropriation by the legislative body of each State, in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated by the Congress, special administrative funds. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IX to repeal authority for the Employment Security Administration Account (the ESAA) in the Unemployment Trust Fund. (Sec. 203) Authorizes, for FY 2005 and thereafter, certain administrative expenditures from State ESAAs for: (1) State administration of unemployment compensation laws; (2) public employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act; (3) certain veterans' programs; (4) collection of amounts due under FUTA; and (5) administration of statistical programs essential for development of estimates of the gross domestic product and other national statistical series, including those related to employment and unemployment. Provides for such expenditures upon State request, subject to appropriation by the State legislative body, in amounts up to 140 percent of the amount appropriated to the State agency from Federal employment security funds for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes $5 million out of the Supplemental ESAA for each of FYs 2005 and beyond expenditures by States whose average civilian labor force populations number less than one million for allocation by the Council of States with Lesser Populations. Establishes such Council. Authorizes, for FY 2005 and thereafter, expenditures from the Labor Secretary ESAA, in amounts up to 140 percent of that appropriated for the prior year, for the Department's performance of functions for the same administrative purposes for which expenditures from State ESAAs are authorized, plus: (1) establishment and maintenance of the employment security system under the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) payments of the Federal share of annual amortization costs of the unfunded liability for the State employment security agencies with independent retirement plans as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, for FY 2005 and thereafter, to pay from the Labor Secretary ESAA into the Treasury the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor to be allocated to the Department of the Treasury to cover its costs for performing its functions under: (1) SSA titles III (Unemployment Insurance), IX (Employment Security), and XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds), including the expenses of banks for servicing unemployment benefit payment and clearing accounts which are offset by the maintenance of balances of Treasury funds with such banks; (2) FUTA; and (3) any Federal unemployment compensation law with respect to which responsibility for administration is vested in the Secretary of Labor. (Sec. 204) Provides for transfer of amounts attributable to reduced credits to State ESAAs. (Sec. 205) Provides for advances from a revolving fund within the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) to State ESAAs. (Sec. 206) Provides for treatment of excess amounts in State ESAAs. (Sec. 207) Requires that excess amounts in the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) be transferred to State ESAAs according to a State allocation formula. (Sec. 208) Repeals a reporting requirement relating to transfers between FUA and the ESAA. (Sec. 209) Revises treatment of certain amounts in the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA). Transfers, at the end of FY 2004 and each fiscal year thereafter, excess EUCA amounts to State ESAAs, as specified. (Sec. 210) Provides for treatment of amounts elected by ineligible States. (Sec. 211) Revises SSA requirements relating to State use of certain funds (known as Reed Act funds) transferred to a State unemployment benefit account. (Sec. 212) Revises SSA provisions for the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund). Requires deposit into: (1) the State's Unemployment Compensation Benefit Account (UCBA) of contributions and payments in lieu of contributions under the State law; (2) the State ESAA of State agency collections under FUTA and of certain other transfers or deposits under SSA and FUTA; and (3) the Transition ESA of IRS collections under FUTA after January 1, 2001. (Sec. 213) Provides as separate book accounts in the Fund: (1) the Transition ESA; (2) each State UCBA; (3) each State ESAA; (4) the Supplemental ESAA; (5) the Labor Secretary ESAA; (6) the FUA; (7) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account; and (8) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Administration fund. (Sec. 214) Revises SSA provisions for the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to use a specified formula to determine the excess in EUCA at the close of FY 2004 and each subsequent fiscal year. Sets forth the terms of transfer of such excess EUCA funds to State UCBAs. (Sec. 215) Amends SSA title IX to repeal interfund borrowing authority with respect to the ESAA, FUA, EUCA, and other Federal accounts. Title III: Grants to States for Employment Security Administration - Repeals requirements for use and payments of specified available funds to assist States in administering their unemployment compensation laws, under SSA title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration). (Sec. 302) Revises requirements relating to: (1) certification of State laws; (2) limitations on use of State UCBA funds; and (3) proper use of administrative funds, and replacement of such fund expended for other purposes. (Sec. 303) Provides that States shall not be required to comply with the Secretary of Labor's interpretations of methods of administration requirements under SSA title III, if such interpretations impose additional administrative burdens on them, unless the Congress enacts legislation approving such an interpretation. Title IV: Extended Unemployment Compensation - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to: (1) eliminate certain requirements relating to State laws; and (2) provide that payments to the States go to their Unemployment Compensation Benefit Accounts (UCBAs). Title V: Federal Employment Security Service - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (WPA) to direct the U.S. Employment Security Service (USESS), as of October 1, 2000, to assist in coordinating public employment services throughout the country and assure that the requirements of SSA titles III and IX and of FUTA are met. (Eliminates current functions of the USESS as of such date.) (Sec. 503) Revises WPA requirements for: (1) transfer of USESS property to States; and (2) State use of public employment service funds. (Sec. 504) Repeals, as of October 1, 2004, WPA provisions for: (1) Federal appropriations authority; (2) Federal use of funds; (3) State and Federal planning, fiscal controls, and accounting procedures; (4) the Secretary's authority to make rules and establish performance standards; and (5) authorization of appropriations to the Secretary to provide funds for reimbursable agreements with the States to operate certain statistical programs for estimates of gross national product and other national statistical series, including those related to employment and unemployment. Title VI: Advances to State Unemployment Compensation Benefit Accounts - Amends SSA title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) to revise requirements for: (1) transfers from the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) to State UCBAs; (2) State use of such transferred funds; (3) determination of interest rate on such advances to States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Common Sense Protections for Endangered Species Act - Title I: Improving Scientific Integrity of Listing Decisions and Procedures - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Secretary of Commerce or the Interior, as appropriate: (1) to accord greater weight and preference to empirical data rather than extrapolations developed through modeling, when making determinations as to whether a species is endangered or threatened; and (2) consider the future conservation benefits to be provided to the species under species conservation plans or management or conservation agreements in making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to promulgate scientifically valid standards for rendering taxonomic determinations of species and subspecies. Requires such standards to provide that to be eligible for determination as a subspecies under the Act, a subspecies must be reproductively isolated from other subspecific population units and constitute an important component in the evolutionary legacy of the species. Expands provisions which allow petitions for proposed additions to, or removals from, endangered or threatened lists to authorize petitions for changing a species status from a previous determination with respect to such lists. Sets forth minimum requirements for information to be provided by petitions, including: (1) descriptions of available data on the historical and current range, population, and distribution of the species; (2) scientific evidence that the species population is declining or has declined from historic population levels; (3) appraisals of available data on the threats to the species or the causes of its decline; (4) an identification of information contained in the petition that has been peer-reviewed or field-tested; and (5) the reason that the petitioned action is warranted. Sets forth requirements for notification of State Governors and affected tribes to solicit advice as to whether the petitioned action is warranted. Provides for peer review of any determination that an action is warranted if it is in direct conflict with information submitted by a Governor or tribe. Permits any person to intervene as a matter of right in suits under judicial review upon demonstrating that a determination to list a species will have a direct economic effect on the person. Prohibits the Secretary from making a determination that a species is threatened or endangered in a State if a Governor or a tribe provides scientific evidence that a determination is not warranted, unless the Secretary shows by a preponderance of scientific evidence that the information submitted by the State or tribe is incorrect. Requires a public meeting to be held in each State that would be affected by a proposed regulation regarding endangered or threatened species, at the request of any person. Limits the total number of meetings to five. Requires proposed regulations to implement endangered or threatened species determinations to be based on peer-reviewed scientific information that has been, to the maximum extent feasible, verified by field testing. Directs the Secretary, concurrently with a determination that a species warrants listing, to publish an analysis of the economic, social, and other public health, safety, and welfare effects the listing may have. (Sec. 102) Replaces provisions regarding recovery plans with those setting forth requirements for scientific peer review of proposed actions to list a species, remove a species from the list, designate, or revise the designation of, critical habitat, propose alternatives, or establish mitigation obligations. (Sec. 103) Makes data or information considered by the Secretary in making the determination to list subject to the Freedom of Information Act unless the Secretary determines that the information must be kept confidential. Bars the Secretary from publicly disclosing the location of particular private property as habitat for an endangered or threatened species unless the property owner is notified first and consents or the information is otherwise public. Title II: Complying With All Federal Laws and Missions - Authorizes Federal agencies implementing land use or land and resource management plans to authorize, fund, or carry out a site-specific ongoing or previously scheduled action prior to completing consultation with the Secretary if no consultation is required or the Secretary issues a biological opinion and the action satisfies relevant requirements. Requires Federal agencies, upon determining that duties under other Federal laws conflict with those under the ESA, to request the President to resolve the conflict. Authorizes Federal agencies to proceed with proposed actions if consultation is not concluded and the Secretary fails to provide a required statement by the applicable deadline. Provides for the participation of persons who have sought authorization or funding subject to consultation in consultation proceedings. Bars permit or license applicants subject to consultation requirements regarding endangered or threatened species from being subject to new or additional requirements for the specific protection of any species beyond those identified in the Secretary's original statement. (Sec. 202) Permits consultation to be waived by a Federal agency, in response to a natural event or other emergency, for the repair or maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline, flood control facility, or electrical distribution transmission or substation facility if the repair or maintenance is necessary to address an imminent threat to human lives or a significant threat to the environment. (Sec. 203) Replaces provisions regarding the Endangered Species Committee (established for the purpose of granting exemptions to consultation requirements) with those authorizing the Secretary to grant exemptions for reasons of national security and the President to grant exemptions for major disaster areas, subject to certain conditions. Eliminates specified requirements for exemptions and judicial review under consultation provisions. Title III: Permitting and Enforcement - Describes conditions under which an activity of a non-Federal person is not a taking of a species, including if it: (1) addresses a critical threat to public health or safety or a natural event; or (2) is incidental to carrying out an otherwise lawful activity such as maintenance, use, or repair of pipelines, flood control facilities, fire breaks, transmission and distribution lines, specified water facilities, and roads and rights-of-way or certain emergency repair. (Sec. 302) Revises provisions regarding citizen suits to permit civil suits by injured parties to enjoin the United States if the violation poses immediate and irreparable harm to a threatened or endangered species. (Current law authorizes suits to enjoin any person alleged to be in violation of the Act.) (Sec. 303) Revises provisions regarding incidental take permits, adding deadlines and administrative requirements for the Secretary on permit actions. Provides that no additional measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is the subject of such a permit shall be required of a permittee that is in compliance with the permit. Bars any additional restrictions on land or water under the permit without the permittee's consent. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring, as a condition of an incidental take permit, that a permittee for a public project take any measures to minimize or mitigate impacts of a taking: (1) if the costs of implementing such measures will exceed ten percent of the total project costs; or (2) for any activity that occurred prior to the date of permit issuance. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into "safe harbor" agreements with non-Federal persons to benefit the conservation of endangered or threatened species by creating, restoring, or improving habitat or by maintaining currently unoccupied habitat; and (2) provide a grant of up to $10,000 to any individual private landowner to assist the landowner in carrying out such an agreement. Title IV: Recovery Planning - Requires the Secretary, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, to develop and implement plans for the conservation and recovery of endangered and threatened species unless a plan will not promote the conservation of the species or an existing plan or strategy for conservation already serves as the functional equivalent of such plan. Gives priority to plans that: (1) address significant and immediate threats to the survival of a species, have the greatest likelihood of achieving species recovery, and will benefit species that are more taxonomically distinct; (2) address multiple species that are dependent on the same habitat as the endangered or threatened species; (3) reduce conflicts with construction, development projects, jobs, agriculture, private property, or other economic activities; and (4) reduce conflicts with military training and operations. Establishes deadlines for the publication of draft and final recovery plans. Sets forth requirements for: (1) recovery teams appointed to develop recovery plans; and (2) recovery plans, including objective, measurable benchmarks to determine whether progress is being made toward the biological recovery goal recommended by the team. Establishes deadlines for the Secretary's review of existing and future plans. Provides for revision of plans if new information indicates that recovery goals will not achieve conservation and recovery. Revises provisions regarding designations of critical habitat. Authorizes the Secretary to designate critical habitat concurrently with the determination that a species is endangered or threatened if such designation is essential to avoid imminent extinction. Sets forth conditions under which States may develop recovery plans. Requires the Secretary to establish the Office of Species Recovery in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to: (1) provide support services to recovery teams to develop recovery plans; (2) seek the recovery of all endangered or threatened species; (3) make all determinations to remove a species from a list; and (4) assist in the designation of critical habitat. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture to carry out the ESA.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Calls upon the Secretary of the Navy and the Attorney General to ensure that the Federal property located at the Vieques training range, Puerto Rico, is safe and secure and for the Secretary to resume critical live fire training there. Calls on the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to ensure that U.S. forces deploy with 100 percent of the combat qualifications needed to meet national security requirements. Urges the Department of Defense and Government of Puerto Rico to reestablish a mutually supportive relationship, resolve issues, and implement a program that addresses the economic and social needs and safety concerns of residents of Vieques and citizens of Puerto Rico. Recognizes the significant contribution to U.S. defense by such residents and citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1999
Grants the consent of Congress to the Red River Compact entered into between the States of Texas and Oklahoma and the new boundary established by the compact.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1999
Express the sense of Congress that: (1) prayers and invocations at public school sporting events are constitutional under the First Amendment; and (2) the Supreme Court should uphold the constitutionality of such practices.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Russian Economic Restoration and Justice Act of 1999 - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to use the U.S. vote to urge the IMF to: (1) not provide any assistance to the Russian Federation government until there is in effect a Russian federal law that implements specified economic reforms; and (2) provide assistance to the Russian Federation only to aid in implementation of such reforms. Establishes a Russian-American financial oversight commission to monitor the use of Western resources in Russia. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) there should be established joint United States-Russian business, economics, and agricultural education programs in which Russian Federation students on completion of their studies in the United States be required to return to the Russian Federation and work for the federal or regional government in Russia; and (2) the United States and the government of the Russian Federation should create a program which would link successful U.S. business leaders with their Russian Federation counterparts so that Russian Federation companies will be better able to access a pool of resources and knowledge to assist them in their transition to successfully competing in a market-based economy. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the IMF to use the U.S. vote to urge the IMF to create a commission, composed of prominent international financial experts, to draw up recommendations for reforming the IMF, with a view to achieving more transparency in the structures of the IMF and increasing the effectiveness of its programs while decreasing financial risk. Establishes a pilot housing loan program (to be administered through a nonprofit corporation) in which the average Russian citizen may attain affordable home ownership.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to provide that if the United States initiates a retaliation list (list of products of a foreign country that has failed to comply with the report of the panel or Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO)), or the United States Trade Representative (USTR) takes specified trade action against the goods of a foreign country because of its failure to implement the recommendation made pursuant to a dispute settlement proceeding under the WTO, the USTR shall periodically revise the list or action to affect the other goods of the country. Declares that the USTR is not required to revise the retaliation list or the action with respect to a country, if: (1) the USTR determines that implementation of the recommendation by the country is imminent; or (2) the USTR together with the petitioner involved in the initial unfair trade investigation (or if no petition was filed, the affected U.S. industry) agree that it is unnecessary to revise the retaliation list.
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
Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to undertake a program for improving the supply of water for the Texas counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Jim Hogg, Zapata, Webb, Maverick, Val Verde, Kinney, Terrell, Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth, and El Paso through specified water transportation, conservation, and education activities. Makes a project ineligible for implementation unless: (1) the project plan shows an estimate of the amount of water that will be conserved; and (2) the design for the project includes a cost-of-project-to- water-developed ratio statement. Limits: (1) the non-Federal share of the costs of any such activity to 40 percent; and (2) payments by the State of Texas to 30 percent of such costs. Permits provision of the remainder of the non-Federal share to include in-kind contributions of goods and services. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the counties, and other non-Federal entities, to: (1) assess alternative water supply options for the counties of Maverick, Kinney, Edwards, Val Verde, Terrell, Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth, and El Paso for alleviating water supply shortages and project water demands; and (2) submit recommendations to Congress regarding such alternatives which shall emphasize water management actions that encourage the incorporation of prudent, responsible, and economically feasible water conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to assess the feasibility of wastewater reuse for irrigation and groundwater recharge and other nonpotable purposes. Limits the Federal share of the cost of any such activity to 50 percent. Prohibits the Secretary from carrying out any activity except under an agreement with a non- Federal entity that has legal authority under the laws of the State to obligate funds or provide in- kind services for such activity, under which the non-Federal entity is obligated to provide the non-Federal share of the cost of the activity. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 27 July 1999
Medicare Glaucoma Detection Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of glaucoma detection tests for certain eligible individuals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1999
Realistic Tests for Realistic Threats National Security Act of 1999 - Requires the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization of the Department of Defense to: (1) conduct, no later than September 30, 2001, at least one intercept test of the Navy Theater-Wide defense system and the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system against target missiles with velocities of not less than the maximum velocity of the Taepo Dong I missile of North Korea; (2) take immediate steps to modify plans for managing the development of such systems to meet such deadline. Urges the Director, in order to improve the likelihood that the tests are successful, to review changes in the configuration of the systems to: (1) increase the speed of their interceptor missiles to well in excess of three kilometers-per-second; and (2) allow such missiles to receive and use targeting data provided by a variety of external sensors.
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 · 15 July 1999
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase the maximum amount of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments that an agricultural producer may receive for crop year 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1999
Adoption Awareness Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to national adoption organizations for programs to train the staff of eligible health centers in providing adoption counseling to pregnant women and infertile married couples. Makes it a condition for receipt of such a grant that the national adoption organization involved agree to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the eligible health centers with respect to which training under the grant is provided include centers that: (1) receive grants relating to voluntary family planning projects; (2) receive grants relating to community health centers, migrant health centers, and centers regarding homeless individuals and residents of public housing; (3) receive grants for the provision of services in schools; and (4) do not perform or make referrals for abortions, or provide or make referrals for counseling that presents abortion as an option. Directs the Secretary to require programs providing voluntary family planning services with such a grant to provide nondirective counseling and referrals regarding prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care, and adoption. Makes religious organizations eligible for such grants without discrimination and mandates their independence from Federal, State, and local governments, providing certain safeguards to ensure such independence. Provides the beneficiaries of assistance from religious organizations with certain rights, including the right not to be discriminated against by the religious organization. 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
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
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to extend authority to receive full or part payment of production flexibility contracts at times specified by the producer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999
Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction under civil rights provisions in an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising or relinquish its jurisdiction to a State court in an action in which no claim of a violation of a State law, right, or privilege is alleged, if a parallel proceeding in State court arising out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding is not pending. Specifies that: (1) if the district court has jurisdiction over such an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property and which cannot be decided without resolution of an unsettled question of State law, it may certify the State law question to the highest appellate court of that State; and (2) after the State appellate court resolves the question certified to it, the district court shall proceed with resolving the merits. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of State law unless such question will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action brought under provisions regarding civil actions for deprivation of rights to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of any State or territory of the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets forth provisions regarding what constitutes a "final decision." Specifies that: (1) the party seeking redress shall not be required to apply for an appeal or waiver if no such appeal or waiver is available, if it cannot provide the relief requested, or if the application or re-application would be futile; and (2) a final decision shall not require the party seeking redress to exhaust judicial remedies provided by any State or territory of the United States. (Sec. 3) Declares that any claim brought under provisions regarding the United States as a defendant, or under provisions regarding jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims, that is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. (Sec. 5) Requires a Federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1999
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1999 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Prescribes procedural guidelines for both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and State access to records of a holding company (including subsidiaries, associates and affiliates) of a public utility or natural gas company. Precludes such State access to any person that is a holding company solely by reason of ownership of one or more qualifying facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. Instructs FERC to promulgate a final rule to exempt specified holding companies from such access requirements. Requires FERC to exempt any person or transaction from such access requirements if it finds that regulation of such person or transaction is irrelevant to the jurisdictional rates of a public utility or natural gas company. Retains the jurisdiction of FERC and State commissions to determine whether a public utility company or natural gas company may recover in rates any costs of affiliate transactions. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) the United States; (2) a State or its political subdivision; and (3) a foreign governmental authority not operating in the United States. Grants FERC certain Federal Power Act enforcement powers. Transfers from the Securities and Exchange Commission to FERC all books and records that relate primarily to the functions vested in FERC by this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal its conflict of jurisdiction guidelines.
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 · 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 · 17 June 1999
Alternative Fuels Promotion Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit for qualified electric vehicles meeting certain range requirements. Increases the deduction for the cost of installing alternative fueling stations. Establishes a credit for the retail sale of clean burning fuels as motor vehicle fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 1999 - Declares that: (1) it is the policy of the United States to permit exploration, development, production and transportation of oil and gas resources in a designated area of the Coastal Plain Study Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (2) such exploration, development, production and transportation should proceed with dispatch; and (3) such activities should be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of the Coastal Plain's fish and wildlife resources and environment and the needs of the area's subsistence users. (Sec. 4) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will: (1) result in an environmentally sound program; (2) not result in significant adverse effects upon fish and wildlife; and (3) ensure the receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and any leasing or development leading to such production. States that Congress determines that the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program and activities authorized by this Act are compatible with the purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established, and that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. States this Act is the sole authority for Coastal Plain leasing, and that such Plain is considered "Federal land" for purposes of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate a maximum total of Coastal Plain acreage as "Special Areas" and close them to leasing if the Secretary determines that these Areas require special management and regulatory protection; (2) permit leasing in those Special Areas by setting lease terms that limit or condition surface use and occupancy by lessees but permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the designated Special Areas. Declares that this Act constitutes the Secretary's sole authority to close Coastal Plain lands to oil and gas leasing and to exploration, development, and production. (Sec. 6) States that lands may be leased to any person qualified to obtain a lease for oil and gas deposits under the Mineral Leasing Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe lease procedures. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to grant to the highest responsible qualified bidder by sealed competitive cash bonus bid any Coastal Plain lands upon payment of such bonus and a royalty which shall not be less than a certain amount. Prescribes lease terms and conditions. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act of 1999 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency; and (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline to be extended for an additional two years if enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Sets forth criteria for such review. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Amends the Department of Energy (DOE) Organization Act to establish the Nuclear Security Administration within DOE, headed by an Administrator who shall be accountable directly to the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary). States that the Under Secretary for National Security shall serve as the Administrator. Identifies the Administrator's duties to: (1) manage a program designed to ensure the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile; (2) direct nuclear weapons production facilities and the national laboratories; and (3) be primarily responsible for other DOE national security functions involving nuclear weapons research and development. Directs the Secretary to assign to the Administrator direct authority over and responsibility for the nuclear weapons production facilities and the national laboratories. Establishes in DOE an Under Secretary for National Security who is specially qualified to: (1) manage a program designed to ensure the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile, production facilities, and the national laboratories; and (2) implement the functions of the Administrator of the Nuclear Security Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Tough on Drugs Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a panel to study and report to Congress with regard to specified issues related to Federal benefits received by persons convicted of drug offenses, including impediments to and mechanisms for denying such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Removal of Barriers to Housing Affordability Title II: Homeownership Through Mortgage Insurance and Loan Guarantees Title III: Section 8 Homeownership Option Title IV: Community Development Block Grants Title V: Home Investment Partnerships Program Title VI: Local Homeownership Initiatives Title VII: Manufactured Housing Improvement Title VIII: Indian Housing Homeownership Title IX: Transfer of Unoccupied and Substandard Hud-Held Housing to Local Governments and Community Development Corporations Title X: Private Mortgage Insurance Cancellation and Termination American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 1999 - Title I: Removal of Barriers to Housing Affordability - Housing Affordability Barrier Removal Act of 1999 - Requires proposed and final agency rules to analyze their impact upon affordable housing availability, including provision for interested parties to offer alternatives, which shall be incorporated into the final rule if found to accomplish required objectives with a less deleterious effect upon housing. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop model housing impact analyses. (Sec. 103) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize direct appropriations for State and local grants for regulatory barrier removal. Makes consortia of local governments eligible grantees. Requires grant use in coordination with the local comprehensive affordability strategy under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. (Sec. 104) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require jurisdictions to make good faith efforts at affordable housing barrier removal in order to qualify for community development block grants (CDBG) (without creating a private right of action). (Sec. 105) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to state that the regulatory barriers clearinghouse shall be established within the Office of Policy Development of HUD under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. Title II: Homeownership Through Mortgage Insurance and Loan Guarantees - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of mandatory inspection requirements under the single family housing mortgage insurance program. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Housing Act to extend the loan term for manufactured home lot purchases. (Sec. 203) Neighborhood Teachers Act - Amends the National Housing Act to establish a (temporary) discounted home purchase program for elementary and secondary teachers. Sets forth program provisions, including a three-year residential use requirement. (Sec. 204) Authorizes mortgage insurance to refinance existing home equity conversion mortgages. Title III: Section 8 Homeownership Option - Amends the United States Housing Act to provide a single grant home ownership downpayment option under the section 8 housing assistance program. Title IV: Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the CDBG program. Prohibits set-asides, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 403) Authorizes block grant use for: (1) qualifying municipal employee (including teachers) home ownership assistance; and (2) brownfields projects environmental cleanup and economic development. (Sec. 405) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize appropriations for the housing opportunities for persons with AIDS program. Title V: Home Investment Partnerships Program - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize appropriations for affordable housing programs. Prohibits set-asides, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 502) Makes limited equity cooperatives and mutual housing associations eligible for home investment partnerships. (Sec. 503) Permits loan pool investment of partnership funds. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Secretary to make home investment partnerships loan guarantees. Sets forth an aggregate loan guarantee limitation. (Sec. 505) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to make qualifying municipal employees (including teachers) eligible for home ownership assistance. Title VI: Local Homeownership Initiatives - Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. (Sec. 602) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to revise the home ownership zone grant program, including providing: (1) grant eligibility for units of general local government (currently nonprofit organizations); and (2) assistance targeting for specified low-income home buyers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 603) Expresses the sense of Congress in favor of lease-to-own tenancies as home ownership tools. (Sec. 604) Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 to make the National Association of Housing Partnerships eligible for local capacity grants. Removes the specified amount of authorized appropriations. (Sec. 605) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide for a consolidated application and planning submission under the following programs: (1) HOME investment partnerships; (2) CDBG; (3) the economic development initiative; (4) emergency shelter grants; and (5) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS. Title VII: Manufactured Housing Improvement - Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Title VIII: Indian Housing Homeownership - Establishes the Lands Title Report Commission to facilitate home loan Mortgages on Indian trust lands. Terminates the Commission one year after its initial meeting. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 802) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to make permanent Indian housing loan guarantee authority. Title IX: Transfer of Unoccupied and Substandard HUD-Held Housing to Local Governments and Community Development Corporations - Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transfer ownership of qualified HUD-held properties (substandard or unoccupied multifamily or unoccupied single family properties) to local governments and community development corporations under specified conditions. Title X: Private Mortgage Insurance Cancellation and Termination - Amends the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 with respect to adjustable rate mortgages to: (1) revise definitions of "cancellation date" and "termination date"; (2) define "amortization schedule"; and (3) revise high risk loan provisions. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes modifications of termination, cancellation, and final termination date provisions. (Sec. 1003) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) disclosure; and (2) balloon payments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1999
Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to convey to Clark County, Nevada, certain Federal public lands in Ivanpah Valley, Nevada, for the development of an airport facility and related infrastructure. Prohibits such conveyance from being made until: (1) the County has conducted an airspace assessment to identify any potential adverse effects on access to the Las Vegas basin under visual flight rules that would result from the construction and operation of a commercial or primary airport, or both, on the land to be conveyed; (2) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration certifies to the Secretary that such assessment is thorough, and that alternatives have been developed to address each adverse effect identified in such assessment; and (3) the County has entered into an agreement with the Secretary to retain ownership of Jean Airport, located at Jean, Nevada, and to maintain and operate such Airport for general aviation purposes. Requires conveyance of small parcels over 20 years as may be needed by the County to construct and develop the airport facility and infrastructure on the lands conveyed. Provides for the deposit of payments received from the County as consideration for the conveyance of each parcel in the special account described in the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Withdraws the conveyed lands from mineral entry under the Act of May 10, 1872, known as the Mining Law of 1872 and the Mineral Leasing Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the Secretary in the development of an airspace management plan for the Ivanpah Valley Airport that shall, to the maximum extent practicable and without adversely impacting safety considerations, restrict aircraft arrivals and departures over the Mojave Desert Preserve in California.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1999
Internet Growth and Development Act of 1999 - Title I: Authorization of Electronic Signatures in Commerce - Requires all electronic signatures that have been electronically authenticated under provisions of this Act to have standing equal to paper-based, written signatures for purposes of any record, rule, or law that requires a valid signature. Considers an electronic signature authenticated if it: (1) reliably establishes the identity of the maker, sender, or originator of a document or communication in electronic commerce; and (2) reliably establishes that such document or communication has not been altered. Provides methods of proof of such authentication. Title II: Electronic Mail Advertisements - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a registered user of an electronic mail (e-mail) service provider to use such provider's equipment in violation of provider policy prohibiting or restricting the use of its service or equipment for the initiation of unsolicited e-mail advertisements. Requires compliance by senders with any such policy. States that a provider shall not be required to create such a policy. Provides a right of civil action by providers whose stated policy has been violated. Title III: Online Privacy Protection - Requires any person operating a commercial Internet website to clearly and conspicuously provide notice of its collection, use, and disclosure policies concerning personally identifiable information. Provides for enforcement of such requirement under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Title IV: Broadband Deployment - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to state that the term "interLATA service" shall not include services that consist of or include the transmission of any data or information by means of the Internet or any other network that employs Internet protocol-based or other packet-switched technology. Prohibits any Bell operating company or affiliate from providing through any such technology two-way voice-only interLATA telecommunications services originating in any of its in-region States until the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves the application of such company for such State. Requires each local (telephone) exchange carrier to submit to the State commission in each State in which it does business a plan to provide broadband telecommunications service in all local exchange areas in which such carrier has telephone exchange service customers as soon as such service is economically reasonable and technically feasible. Requires such plan to include all terms and conditions under which broadband services will be provided. Provides for State commission certification of such plan, followed by plan implementation. Provides conditions under which a local exchange carrier shall no longer be obligated by the terms of such plan, such as the presence of another broadband service or Internet access provider in that local exchange area. Prohibits a State commission from modifying any submitted plan, and prohibits the FCC from approving or rejecting a plan. States that a local exchange carrier's provision of broadband local telecommunications services shall not be subject to FCC unbundled access and resale requirements when such carrier makes certain certifications to the appropriate State commissions with respect to the provision of broadband transmission loops to other carriers. Title V: Antitrust and Criminal Provisions - States that, in any civil action based on Federal antitrust law, evidence that an incumbent local exchange carrier that has market power in the broadband service provider market has willfully and knowingly failed to provide conditioned unbundled local loops when economically reasonable and technically feasible, or restrains the ability of a carrier to compete in such services, shall be sufficient to establish a presumption of an antitrust violation. Makes an identical presumption with respect to a broadband access transport provider's contracts for access to a service provider on terms less favorable than those offered to itself, an affiliate service provider, or another service provider. Makes it unlawful for such a provider to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices which discriminate in favor of an affiliated service provider, or to restrain the ability of another service provider from competing in the provision of such services. Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person or entity to: (1) initiate the transmission of a bulk unsolicited e-mail message to a protected computer with knowledge that such message falsifies information concerning the identity of such person or entity; or (2) intentionally sell or distribute any computer program the primary purpose of which is to conceal the source of transmitted information. Provides fines for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Patent Fairness Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to require, if the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks determines that certain standards are met, restoration of the term of any patent, in force on September 24, 1984, and on the filing date of a patent term restoration application under this Act, that claims: (1) a drug product; (2) a method of using a drug product; or (3) a method of manufacturing a drug product. (Sec. 2) Defines such standards as: (1) a regulatory review period from application submission to application approval exceeding 60 months; and (2) the absence of substantial evidence overcoming the rebuttable presumption that the applicant for patent term restoration for the drug product acted with due diligence. Requires subtraction from the total amount of the restoration term of any time during the regulatory review period during which the Commissioner finds that the applicant for patent term restoration did not act with due diligence. Limits a restoration period, after specified adjustments, to five years. Requires restoration term applications to be filed within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Provides for: (1) claim determination procedure; (2) interim restoration of the patent term pending final disposition; and (3) appeal of the Commissioner's determinations to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit only. Entitles to compensation by the patent owner of any person who has submitted an new drug application under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for a drug product covered by a patent for which a patent term was restored under this Act, if such application has been found by the Food and Drug Administration on or before enactment of this Act to be sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. Sets the amount of compensation at: (1)$1 million; or (2) $500,000 for any holder of a Type II Drug Master File that has permitted a reference to its File to be made in such application. Limits a patent owner's overall liability to: (1) $5 million to persons submitting new drug applications; or (2) $2.5 million to holders of Type II Drug Master Files. Requires the Commissioner to report to Congress: (1) an evaluation of the patent term restoration review procedure established by this Act; and (2) a recommendation whether Congress should consider establishing such a patent term review procedure for patents not covered by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a transition analysis report with respect to pesticide tolerances before releasing any product safety information to the public, or making final tolerance decisions. Includes within such report's requirements a description of the extent to which specified assumptions have been used to support findings or regulatory recommendations. (Sec. 5) Sets forth interim review or reassessment procedures. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to issue within one year of enactment of this Act final implementing rules for tolerances and exemptions for pesticide chemical residues. (Sec. 7) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator to issue guidelines specifying required data in support of tolerances and exemptions. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for related notice and opportunity for hearing. (Sec. 8) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for an expedited replacement product registration process. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize an expedited tolerance for an emergency exemption if no significant (food) consumer risk exists. (Sec. 9) Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture to report with respect to related pesticide, residue, and food use priorities and resources. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to develop a program to monitor the competitive international market strength of major U.S. agricultural commodity sectors. (Sec. 11) Establishes the Pesticide Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to remove intrastate distribution restrictions on State-inspected meat and poultry by a specified date. Requires early waiver of such restrictions for States meeting specified inspection, reinspection, and sanitation criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to restore the link ended by the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 1995 between the rules relating to substantial gainful activity for blind individuals and the rules relating to excess earnings under the social security earnings test for individuals who have attained retirement age (thus allowing blind individuals, once again, to earn up to the social security excess earnings threshold without being regarded as having demonstrated an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity and without losing entitlement to OASDI benefits). Makes this Act effective with respect to taxable years ending after 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the court-martial charges against then-Captain Charles McVay, U.S. Navy, arising from the sinking of the USS INDIANAPOLIS on July 30, 1945, while under his command were not morally sustainable; (2) Captain McVay's conviction was a miscarriage of justice; (3) the American people should now recognize Captain McVay's lack of culpability for the loss of such ship and the lives of the men who died as the result of her sinking; and (4) the President should award a Unit Citation to the final crew of the INDIANAPOLIS in recognition of their courage and fortitude in the face of tremendous hardship and adversity after their ship was torpedoed and sunk.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that health care coverage available through the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program) is substantially similar to the health care coverage available under similar health benefits plans offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the portability of benefits under the TRICARE program; (2) minimize the certification requirements imposed upon TRICARE beneficiaries; and (3) implement, with respect to the first two contracts awarded after this Act for the provision of managed care support under the TRICARE program, redesigned procedures for the payment and processing of claims. Authorizes a military medical treatment facility under the TRICARE program to collect from third party insurers reasonable charges for health care services incurred by the facility on behalf of covered beneficiaries under the program. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress assessing the effects of the requirements and authorities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improvement of Classroom Services and Activities Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions Dollars to the Classroom Act - Title I: Improvement of Classroom Services and Activities - Authorizes the Secretary of Education award grants to States for use by States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve classroom services and activities for students. (Sec. 102) Requires reservation of specified portions of title I funds for: (1) outlying areas, to be distributed on the basis of their relative need; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior for programs in schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Sets forth a formula for distribution of title I funds to States, including a hold harmless provision with respect to amounts received in FY 1999 under current formula grant programs (which are under specified Acts and programs repealed by this Act). Requires States to distribute at least 95 percent of allotted funds to LEAs. Requires States and LEAs to use title I funds to supplement and not to supplant funds from non-Federal sources. Requires State annual reports to the Secretary and specified congressional committees to be made available to parents and the public. (Sec. 103) Requires States to consider certain factors when distributing funds within the State. Sets forth hold-harmless provisions for LEAs with respect to: (1) funds received for FY 1999 under current formula grant programs; and (2) funds the LEA is eligible to receive during FY 1999 through 2003 under multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Lists local uses of title I funds. Requires LEAs to involve parents and members of the public in planning for the use of title I funds. (Sec. 104) Provides for participation of private school children and teachers in title I activities and services. (Sec. 106) Declares that nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize any Federal officer or employee to require, direct, or control a State, LEA, or school's specific instructional content of pupil performance standards and assessments, curriculum, or program of instruction as a condition of eligibility to receive funds under this title. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this title. Provides that LEAs shall not be required to provide services under this title through a particular instructional method or in a particular instructional setting in order to receive funding under this title. (Sec. 107) Repeals the following programs under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act: (1) State and local education systemic improvement; (2) parental assistance; and (3) international education exchange and study. Repeals the following programs under the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994: (1) school-to-work opportunities system development and implementation grants to States; (2) Federal implementation grants to local partnerships; and (3) national programs. Repeals the following programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA): (1) demonstrations of innovative practices; (2) innovative elementary school transition projects; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program, including national programs and State and local activities; (4) Technology for Education, including national programs, State and local programs for school technology resources, Star Schools, Ready-to-Learn Television, telecommunications demonstration project for mathematics, elementary mathematics and science equipment, and elementary and secondary school library media resources; (5) Magnet Schools Assistance; (6) Women's Educational Equity; (7) Innovative Education Program Strategies; (8) Native Hawaiians Education; (9) Alaska Native Education; (10) Fund for the Improvement of Education; (11) Gifted and Talented Education; (12) Arts in Education; (13) Civic Education; (14) Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program (Close-Up programs for middle and secondary school students and teachers); (15) 21st Century Community Learning Centers; (16) Urban and Rural Education Assistance; (17) National Writing Project; (18) Extended Time for Learning and Longer School Year; (19) Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers; and (20) Eisenhower Math and Science Regional Consortia. Repeals the Education for Homeless Children program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to waive statutory or regulatory requirements for a State educational agency (SEA), LEA, or school under certain conditions for specified programs under ESEA and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. (Sec. 201) Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Act - Authorizes the Secretary to allow all 50 States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Act program (currently under title III of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, which is repealed by this Act). Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the progress of agencies or schools affected by waivers under title II; and (2) publish and disseminate the decision to grant, or to authorize SEAs to issue, such waivers. (Sec. 202) Amends ESEA to eliminate criteria which a school must meet in order for its LEA to use funds for schoolwide programs at that school.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the Class I milk price structure known as Option A as part of the final rule to consolidate Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
Higher Education Reporting Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement that educational institutions and certain other trades and businesses file returns reporting information about recipients of Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credits. Requires taxpayers taking such credits to include on their returns the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the eligible educational institution concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Quality Health-Care Coalition Act of 1999 - Entitles any health care professionals negotiating with a health plan regarding contract terms under which they provide health care items or services for which plan benefits are provided to the same treatment under antitrust laws as that accorded to a collective bargaining unit recognized under the National Labor Relations Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1999 - Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation - Establishes the Asbestos Resolution Corporation which shall: (1) have exclusive authority to adopt rules for cost recovery, physician qualifications, alternative dispute resolution, exceptional medical cases, and disease eligibility; and (2) appoint a Medical Advisory Board. Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations - Sets forth claimant medical eligibility determination criteria for: (1) nonmalignant conditions; (2) mesothelioma; (3) lung cancer; and (4) other cancer. (Sec. 205) Sets forth procedures for Corporation determination of a claimant's certificate of medical eligibility. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to establish one or more exceptional medical claims panels. Sets forth application and acceptance provisions. (Sec. 207) Provides for: (1) confidentiality; and (2) U.S. district court review, following exhaustion of administrative remedies, of Corporation determinations that a claimant fails to meet medical criteria or that a claim does not qualify as an exceptional medical claim. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Directs the Board to establish procedural rules for an alternative dispute resolution process. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) motions officers; (2) respondent notification; (3) additional respondents; (4) grace period; (5) mediation and arbitration; and (6) subpoena powers. Title IV: Civil Actions - Prohibits: (1) a civil asbestos action unless the plaintiff has obtained a certificate of medical eligibility and release from mediation; and (2) a class action or other collective action without the consent of each defendant. (Sec. 404) Requires a penalty for a final offer made by a respondent in mediation if such offer is below a certain amount assigned by the jury or fact-finder. Title V: Rules Applicable to Arbitrations and Civil Actions - Sets forth arbitration and civil action rules with respect to: (1) relief; (2) timeliness defenses; (3) attorney's fees; and (4) nonpreclusion of nonmalignant claims upon subsequent malignancy claims. Title VI: Funding - Directs the Corporation to estimate its annual medical review and administrative and overhead costs and allocate proportionate cost shares among the previous year's respondents. Provides monetary penalties for noncooperation with the Corporation. (Sec. 602) Provides for mediation and arbitration costs to be charged on a per capita basis to participating respondents. (Sec. 603) Directs the Corporation to establish procedures for informal resolution of cost assessment disputes. Provides for U.S. district court review of cost assessment disputes. Title VII: Applicability; Pending Civil Actions - Makes this Act applicable to any civil asbestos action that has not resulted in a final, nonappealable judgment, with specified conditions applicable to pending civil actions. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines specified terms. (Sec. 804) Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) existing asbestos trusts, with an elective trust exception; and (2) any settlement agreement or related agreement concerning asbestos claims entered into by claimants, defendants, or their counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Dry Cleaning Environmental Tax Credit Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a dry cleaning equipment credit for any taxable year equivalent to 20 percent of the basis of each qualified dry cleaning property placed in service during the year which is designed primarily to dry clean clothing and other fabric if: (1) such equipment does not use any hazardous solvent (a chlorinated or petroleum-based solvent, or any other hazardous or regulated substance) as the primary process solvent; (2) the original use of such property commences with the taxpayer; and (3) with respect to which depreciation (or amortization in lieu of depreciation) is allowable. Excludes from the meaning of hazardous solvent any solvent: (1) not more than ten percent of which consists of petroleum or petroleum derivatives; and (2) which does not contain any substance determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' National Toxicology Program, or the director of any other appropriate Federal agency to possess carcinogenic potential in humans, or bioaccumulative properties.
![Official portrait of Rep. Thornberry, Mac [R-TX-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000238_200.jpg)