United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Disapproves the President's determination contained in the foreign assistance certification submitted to the Congress on February 26, 1999, that Mexico has cooperated fully with the United States to achieve full compliance with the goals and objectives established by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Makes the requirement to withhold U.S. assistance and to vote against multilateral development bank assistance contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 inapplicable with respect to Mexico until March 1, 2000, if at any time after the date of this Act's enactment the President submits to Congress a determination and certification consistent with that Act that the vital national interests of the United States require that the assistance be provided for Mexico and that the United States not vote against multilateral development bank assistance for Mexico. Deems this Act to have been enacted within 30 calendar days after February 26, 1999, for purposes of certification provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the National Islamic Front (NIF) Government for its genocidal war in southern Sudan, support for terrorism, and continued human rights violations; and (2) deplores the Government-sponsored and tolerated slave raids in southern Sudan and calls on that Government to immediately end slavery. Calls on the United Nations Security Council to: (1) condemn the slave raids and bring to justice those responsible for these crimes against humanity; (2) impose an arms embargo on the Government of Sudan and implement its resolution 1070 relating to an air embargo; (3) condemn, and take actions against the perpetrators of, enslavement; (4) implement reforms within Operation Lifeline Sudan to enhance independence from NIF; (5) make a determination that NIF's war policy constitutes genocide; and (6) create no-fly zones to protect innocent civilians from aerial bombardment by the NIF air force. Calls for the President to take specified actions, including to increase support for relief organizations that are working outside the U.S.-coordinated relief effort in opposition-controlled areas, to intensify and expand U.S. diplomatic and economic pressures on NIF, and to provide the Sudan People's Liberation Army with defensive anti-aircraft weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Department of Veterans Affairs Nurses Appreciation Act of 1999 - Amends Federal provisions relating to the pay of health care personnel within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide that, effective October 1, 1999, pay adjustments for registered nurses and certain other positions within the VHA shall be made in the same manner as those generally applicable to Federal employees. Provides that, effective October 1, 2002, whenever the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that such rates of pay are inadequate to recruit or retain high-quality health care personnel at such a facility, the Secretary shall adjust such pay to achieve consistency with the rate of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals in the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor market area of that facility.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Amends Federal civil service provisions relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to expand the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include (and thus extend the applicability of such provisions to): (1) a revenue officer of the Internal Revenue Service; (2) a customs inspector of the U.S. Customs Service; (3) a customs canine enforcement officer of the U.S. Customs Service; (4) an Immigration and Naturalization Service inspector; (5) a Department of Defense police officer; (6) a Department of Defense Command Investigations Division detective; (7) a Bureau of Engraving and Printing officer; (8) a postal police officer; (9) a Secret Service special officer; (10) a Drug Enforcement Administration diversion investigator; (11) a U.S. Customs Operation Enforcement Officer; and (12) a U.S. Customs Detection System Specialist Airborne and Flight Engineer. Prohibits applying the amendments made by this Act with respect to any period of service preceding this Act's enactment unless the employee involved (or, if applicable, an appropriate survivor) pays into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to the total additional amounts which should have been deducted and withheld from pay (in excess of amounts actually deducted and not refunded) if such amendments had then been if effect, with interest. Requires the appropriate agency, no later than 90 days after the date on which such payment is made by an individual, to pay into the Fund any additional amounts which should have been paid by that agency into such Fund, with interest, as if this Act's amendments had been in effect during the prior periods of service involved.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Professional Boxing Integrity Act - Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to prohibit any person from arranging, promoting, organizing, producing, or fighting in a professional boxing match held in a State that does not require that each judge's score be made public at the end of each round by loudspeaker, scoreboard or equivalent means.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan. Declares that such benefit reductions shall be equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount by which the total amount of the combined monthly benefit (before reduction) and monthly pension exceeds $1,200, adjusted for inflation; or (2) an amount equal to two-thirds of the amount of any such monthly pension plan payment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Servicemembers Educational Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 1999: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Requires each such member to also have completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma or its equivalent by no later than the original ending date before such extension of duty. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance, with a special rule for certain early separations. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program, including 90 percent of the costs of tuition and fees, and reasonable costs of books, and other supplies. Requires such amounts to be considered income for purposes of eligibility for Federal educational loans or grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education, with different rates for programs pursued on a full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time basis; and (2) tutorial assistance. (Sec. 3) Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; and (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dietitians and nutrition professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 1999 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator (facility) from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste (MSW) for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new (entered into on or after enactment of this Act) or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the State, as provided in this Act). Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding the facility available prior to seeking authorization from an affected local government to receive such waste pursuant to a new host community agreement. Sets forth other formal requirements for the authorization process, including those for notification of the State, contiguous local governments, and contiguous Indian tribes. Requires, for an exemption, that the owner or operator provide either information establishing that the owner or operator of the facility: (1) received before enactment of this Act a State permit specifically authorizing acceptance of the waste; or (2) has entered into a binding contract before March 18, 1999, committing to the delivery and receipt of a specific quantity of out-of-State MSW and has permitted capacity actually available on the date of enactment of this Act for receipt of the quantity committed to in the contract. Authorizes States to establish limits on the amount of out-of-State waste received annually for disposal at each facility and affected local governments to limit the amount received at a particular facility pursuant to such an exemption. Prohibits State limits from conflicting with permits or host community agreements that set higher (or no) limits. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented out-of-State waste before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993. Requires such documentation to be such as would result in criminal penalties under State law in case of false or misleading information. Prohibits discrimination against shipments of such waste on the basis of State of origin. Allows a State to provide by law that it will deny or refuse to renew a permit for the construction or operation of a facility (or a major modification thereto) if: (1) the State has approved a State or local comprehensive MSW management plan developed under Federal or State law; and (2) such denial is based on a determination that there is no local or regional need for the facility in the State. Allows States to require that a permit issued for a new facility or an expansion include an annual limitation of not less than 20 percent on the total quantity of out-of-State MSW relative to the total waste received by the facility. Allows a facility with specific authorization to receive a specific quantity of out-of-State waste pursuant to a host community agreement entered into prior to enactment of this Act to receive that quantity, notwithstanding the foregoing State requirement. Requires percentage limitations to be uniform for all facilities and not discriminate against out-of-State waste according to the State of origin. Allows a State to limit the amount of out-of-State MSW received annually at each facility to the amount received during 1995 if the State has enacted a comprehensive, statewide recycling program. Prohibits such limits from conflicting with permits or host community agreements that set higher (or no) limits. Prohibits, in the establishment of limitations, discrimination against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. Allows States to impose cost recovery surcharges on the processing, combustion, or disposal of out-of-State waste in a facility in the State and prescribes procedures for the collection and use of such charges. Declares that prohibitions, limitations, and the planning and permitting processes under, and laws and regulations implementing, this Act shall not be considered to impose an undue burden on or to otherwise impair, restrain, or discriminate against interstate commerce. Requires owners or operators of facilities to annually report to Governors of the States in which the facilities are located the amount of out-of-State waste received during the preceding year. Requires States to publish annual reports on the amount of such waste received for disposal in the State. Requires the General Accounting Office to report annually to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on incidents or circumstances in each State importing MSW in which materials not authorized by permit to be disposed of at a facility have been discovered in such waste. (Sec. 3) Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables), directing such waste and materials to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated as of the suspension date (defined below) if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of the suspension date; (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act that was in effect on the suspension date, or was in effect prior to the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, or was in effect immediately prior to suspension of the law by legislative or administrative action expressly because of such a court order; and (3) the State or political subdivision has for one or more such designated facilities, on or before the suspension date, presented eligible bonds for sale, made certain official preparations for such sale, or executed a legally binding contract or agreement for delivery of, and payment for, a minimum quantity of waste or recyclables. (The "suspension date" is either: May 16, 1994; the date of an injunction or court order based on a ruling that a law or other official act violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution; or the date of a suspension or partial suspension of a law or official act expressly because of the existence of an injunction or court order described above.) Imposes identification and volume restrictions on the exercise of flow control authority to the classes or categories of materials to which such authority was applicable on the suspension date. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any person to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any active portion of a MSW landfill unit if contamination of such portion is a basis for listing on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the person has been indemnified by the government or the owner-operator against all liability under that Act with respect to such materials. Imposes limitations on the use of revenues derived by a State or political subdivision from the exercise of flow control authority. Provides for the enforceability under State law of certain legally binding interim contracts. Allows a State to exercise flow control authority over solid waste if, on or before January 1, 1984, the State: (1) adopted regulations under a State law that required or directed the transportation, management, or disposal of such waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to specifically identified waste management facilities and applied those regulations to every political subdivision; and (2) subjected the facilities to the jurisdiction of a State public utilities commission. Provides for expiration of such authority. Lists additional conditions under which: (1) solid waste districts or political subdivisions of a State may exercise flow control authority for 20 years after enactment of this Act; and (2) a facility will be treated as having been designated for the exercise of flow control authority by all members of a consortium of political subdivisions. Prohibits recovery of damages or costs in a claim against a State or local government, or official or employee thereof, based on the exercise of flow control authority on or before May 16, 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction (subject to limitations) an amount equal to the qualified tuition and related expenses of an eligible postsecondary student paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that : (1) treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation is a unique chiropractic service which Congress recognizes as a Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) benefit; (2) it is the unequivocal intent of Congress to ensure that every Medicare+Choice beneficiary under SSA title XVIII part C has access to all services covered under the original Medicare part B fee-for-service program; and (3) as a covered Medicare part B service, such treatment provided by a doctor of chiropractic is a guaranteed service for Medicare+Choice beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend and the U.S. Postal Service should issue a series of commemorative postage stamps in 1999 honoring the legacy and the continuing contributions of veterans service organizations to America.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Country-of-Origin Meat Labeling Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require a packer or processor of domestic or imported livestock or meat offered for U.S. sale to affix and maintain throughout the chain of distribution country-of-origin labeling until sale to a consumer, food-serving institution, or restaurant. States that food-serving institutions and restaurants shall not be required to notify customers of the country-of origin of meat and meat food products served. Restricts the use of "U.S. meat" label to a carcass or part, meat, or meat food product, consisting entirely of domestic meat. Includes country-of-origin requirements in the definition of misbranded under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act - Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants on a competitive basis to a variety of fire departments for any of a number of specified purposes, including: (1) hiring additional firefighting personnel; (2) training them; (3) funding creation of rapid intervention teams to protect firefighting personnel at the scenes of fires and other emergencies; (4) certifying fire inspectors; (5) establishing wellness and fitness programs for firefighting personnel; (6) funding emergency medical services; (7) acquiring additional firefighting vehicles and equipment, including personal protective equipment required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (8) modifying fire stations, fire training facilities, and other facilities; (9) enforcing fire codes; (10) funding fire prevention programs; and (11) educating the public about arson prevention and detection. Requires the FEMA Director to establish an office to set specific criteria for the selection of grant recipients and administer the grants. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Produce Consumers' Right-to-Know Act - Requires retailers to provide consumers with country of origin labeling of perishable agricultural commodities. Exempts food service establishments from such requirement. Authorizes fines for violations of such provision.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to designate a specified portion (but not less than $1) of any income tax overpayment and any cash contributions included with a return to be used for the benefit of units of the National Park System. Establishes a National Parks Trust Fund into which appropriated or credited amounts are received. Requires that expenditures from such Fund be used only for operations, maintenance, and construction of units of the National Park System. Prohibits the use of such expenditures for the purposes of land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a qualified historic home which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which may be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend and the U.S. Postal Service should issue a postage stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the Junior League.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Federal Civilian and Uniformed Services Long-Term Care Insurance Act of 1999 - Amends Federal civil service provisions to establish a program to provide for long-term care insurance for certain Federal employees and annuitants, current and retired members of the uniformed services, and qualified relatives of such individuals. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), without regard to statutes requiring competitive bidding, to contract with up to three qualified carriers to provide group long-term care insurance under this Act. Sets forth contract terms, including a requirement that coverage may not be canceled, except for nonpayment of charges. Provides for five-year, automatically renewable insurance contracts. Describes conditions under which coverage may be terminated. Sets forth required elements of contracts, including portability of benefits. Requires OPM to ensure that at least one of the benefits plans is a Governmentwide plan. Makes insured individuals responsible for 100 percent of the charges of coverage and allows sponsoring individuals to have amounts withheld from pay for coverage for qualified relatives. Provides for an open enrollment period at least annually.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 60-month limitation period on the allowance of the interest deduction on loans for higher education expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Constitutional Amendment - States that the moneys of the United States held for purposes of the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act (SSA)) and the Hospital Insurance program (SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part A) shall be held in separate and independent trust funds and shall be segregated from all other moneys of the United States. Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of such programs, including program revenues, from being included in either the President's or Congress' budget. States that Congress may make no law authorizing the use of such trust funds (social security as well as hospital insurance trust funds) for any purpose other than for providing for the prompt and effective payment of benefits, administrative expenses, and such amounts as may be necessary and appropriate to correct prior incorrect payments. Bars any agency or instrumentality of the United States, or any officer or employee thereof, from using or authorizing the use of such trust funds for any purpose other than as congressionally authorized in accordance with this constitutional amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Expanding Coverage Title II: Enhancing Fairness for Women and Children Title III: Increasing Portability for Participants Title IV: Strengthening Pension Security and Enforcement Title V: Reducing Regulatory Burdens Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to pensions. Title I: Expanding Coverage - Restores the amounts of certain limitations formerly in effect under the Code for: (1) defined benefit plans; (2) defined contribution plans; (3) qualified trusts; (4) elective deferrals; (5) deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations; (6) simple retirement accounts; and (7) cost-of-living adjustments. (Sec. 102) Amends the Code and ERISA to revise requirements relating to plan loans for subchapter S owners, partners, and sole proprietors. (Sec. 103) Allows employers to elect salary reduction only arrangements under Code requirements for simple plans. (Sec. 104) Revises specified top-heavy rules. Repeals family aggregation rules. Revises the definition of key employee. Provides that, at the election of the employer, any employee elective contribution to a plan shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining: (1) whether a plan is a top-heavy plan (or whether any aggregation group which includes such plan is a top-heavy group); or (2) compensation. Requires that employer matching contributions be taken into account for purposes of minimum contribution requirements. Revises requirements for qualifications. Provides for distributions during the last year before a determination date is taken into account. Excludes from the definition of top-heavy plan: (1) cash or deferred arrangements using alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements; and (2) defined contribution plans using alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements. Provides that elective deferrals will not be taken into account for purposes of a special rule where the maximum contribution is less than three percent. (Sec. 105) Provides that qualified staffing firms are to be considered employers for purposes of: (1) specified employment taxes; and (2) providing employee benefits. Provides for coverage of leased employees in employment benefit plans by: (1) applying to leased employees certain requirements concerning cash or deferred arrangements, matching contributions, and employee contributions; and (2) setting forth special rules for the leasing organization's plan. Revises safe harbor plan requirements. (Sec. 106) Provides that elective deferrals shall not be taken into account for purposes of limits on certain plan contributions. (Sec. 107) Amends ERISA to provide for a phase-in of an additional premium for new plans to pay to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). (Sec. 108) Repeals specified coordination requirements under the Code for deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 109) Eliminates user fee requirements for requests to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concerning the status of pension plans. (Sec. 110) Sets forth an alternative method of meeting nondiscrimination requirements for automatic contribution trusts. (Sec. 111) Revises certain deduction limits for stock bonus and profit sharing trusts and for defined contribution plans. (Sec. 112) Provides for optional treatment of elective deferrals as plus contributions. (Sec. 113) Establishes a tax credit for pension plan startup costs of small employers. Title II: Enhancing Fairness for Women and Children - Allows additional salary reduction catch-up contributions for those approaching retirement under Code requirements relating to: (1) elective deferrals; (2) simple retirement accounts; and (3) deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 202) Sets forth requirements relating to equitable treatment for contributions of employees to defined contribution plans. Requires that certain contributions by church plans are not to be treated as exceeding a specified limit. (Sec. 203) Provides for faster vesting of certain employer matching contributions under the Code and ERISA. (Sec. 204) Amends Federal civil service law to revise requirements for deferred annuities for surviving spouses of Federal employees under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). (Sec. 205) Revises minimum distribution rules under the Code. Revises requirements for actuarial adjustment of benefit under a defined benefit plan. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) simplify and finalize the regulations relating to minimum distribution requirements; and (2) modify such regulations to reflect increases in life expectancy, and revise required distribution methods so that, under reasonable assumptions, the amount of the required minimum distribution does not decrease over a participant's life expectancy. Provides that, during the first year that such revised regulations are in effect, required distributions for future years may be redetermined, with the opportunity to choose a new designated beneficiary and to elect a new method of calculating life expectancy. Excludes specified amounts from minimum distribution requirements. Repeals a rule relating to distributions begun before death occurs. (Sec. 206) Revises requirements relating to tax treatment of division of section 457 plan benefits upon divorce. (Sec. 207) Amends Federal civil service law to eliminate certain percentage limitations on contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund (TSF) under FERS and CSRS. (Sec. 208) Allows certain contributions to TSF of eligible rollover distributions of eligible retirement plans. (Sec. 209) Eliminates certain waiting periods for purposes of contributions to TSF. Title III: Increasing Portability for Participants - Permits rollovers from and to various types of plans under the Code. (Sec. 302) Permits individual retirement plan (IRA) rollovers only if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 303) Permits rollover of after-tax contributions in an exempt trust under specified conditions. Sets forth a hardship exception to the 60-day rule. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for treatment of forms of distribution available under transferor and transferee plans, under both the Code and ERISA. (Sec. 305) Revises restrictions on distributions, including the same desk exception. Repeals business sale requirements. (Sec. 306) Authorizes trustee-to-trustee transfers to purchase permissive service credit with respect to governmental defined benefit plans. (Sec. 307) Allows employers to disregard rollovers for purposes of cash-out amounts, under retirement plan provisions of the Code and ERISA. Title IV: Strengthening Pension Security and Enforcement - Amends the Code and ERISA to revise the percentage of current liability funding limit. Revises maximum contribution deduction rules and applies them to all defined benefit plan under the Code. (Sec. 402) Amends ERISA to revise requirements relating to missing participants. Direct the PBGC to prescribe rules relating to missing participants for multiemployer plans covered by the PBGC that terminate. Allows the administrator of a plan not otherwise subject to such PBGC regulation to elect to transfer a missing participant's benefits to the PBGC upon termination of the plan, under specified conditions. (Sec. 403) Amends ERISA to revise requirements for periodic pension benefits statements. (Sec. 404) Amends ERISA to make discretionary the imposition and amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility. Revises requirements for the applicable recovery amount and related rules. (Sec. 405) Amends the Code to allow an employer, in determining the amount of nondeductible contributions for any taxable year, to elect not to take into account any contributions to a defined benefit plan except to the extent that they exceed the full-funding limitation. (Sec. 406) Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to make specified amendments inapplicable to elective deferrals used to pay indebtedness, incurred before a certain date, on plan acquisition of employer securities or real property. (Sec. 407) Amends ERISA to revise requirements for notice of significant reductions in plan benefits. Title V: Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Amends the Code to provide intermediate sanctions for inadvertent failures. Provides for protection from disqualification upon timely correction or payment of fine under requirements for: (1) qualified pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans; (2) qualified cash or deferred arrangements (section 401(k) plans); and (3) annuity contracts. Provides that, under requirements relating to taxability of the beneficiary of a nonexempt trust, income inclusion for disqualification is not applicable to nonhighly compensated employees. (Sec. 502) Repeals a multiple use test. Directs the Secretary prescribe regulations permitting appropriate aggregation of plans and contributions. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to provide by regulation that a plan shall be deemed to satisfy specified requirements of the Code if it satisfies a certain facts and circumstances test, under specified conditions. (Sec. 504) Revises line of business rules to: (1) repeal a gateway test; and (2) provide a line of business exception. Directs the Secretary to modify regulations relating to special rules for separate lines of business under the Code to: (1) simplify the administrability of the rules for both the Secretary and plans; and (2) permit employees to be allocated among lines of business based on all the facts and circumstances. (Sec. 505) Grants the Secretary discretion in applying a specified coverage test to a plan. (Sec. 506) Amends the Code and ERISA to provide for an annual inflation adjustment to increase the retirement plan cash-out amount. (Sec. 507) Amends the Code and ERISA to revise requirements relating to timing of plan valuations. (Sec. 508) Makes inapplicable to certain mirror plans specified Code requirements relating to deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 509) Amends ERISA rules for substantial owners relating to plan terminations to revise: (1) the phase-in of the guarantee; and (2) the allocation of assets. (Sec. 510) Amends Code requirements for applicable dividends to allow dividends of employee stock ownership plans to be reinvested without loss of dividend deduction. (Sec. 511) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the regulations regarding the exclusion allowance to render void the requirement that contributions to a defined benefit pension plan be treated as previously excluded amounts. (Sec. 512) Provides for a special limitation rule for multiemployer plans as well as governmental plans. (Sec. 513) Eliminates partial termination rules for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 514) Revises the notice and consent period regarding distributions. Directs the Secretary to modify certain regulations under the Code to provide that the description of a participant's right, if any, to defer receipt of a distribution shall also describe the consequences of failing to defer such receipt. (Sec. 515) Sets forth conforming amendments relating to election to receive taxable cash compensation in lieu of nontaxable parking benefits. (Sec. 516) Extends to international organizations the moratorium on application of certain nondiscrimination rules applicable to State and local plans. (Sec. 517) Directs the Secretary to modify certain regulations with respect to certain plan participation by employees of tax-exempt entities under the Code. (Sec. 518) Provides for permissive aggregation of collective bargaining units in specified circumstances relating to plan participation under the Code. (Sec. 519) Repeals a transition rule relating to certain highly compensated employees under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. (Sec. 520) Treats the provision of certain retirement planning services by an employer to an employee as a de minimis fringe benefit to the extent it is not treated as a working condition fringe. Prohibits including an amount in an employee's gross income solely because the employee may choose between any retirement planning fringe and compensation otherwise includible in gross income, providing such choices are available in a way that does not discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees. (Sec. 521) Revises ERISA requirements for annual report dissemination. (Sec. 522) Revises the ERISA definition of an excess benefit plan. (Sec. 523) Directs the Secretary of Labor to modify a regulation requiring a benefit suspension notification to allow such notification to: (1) be included in the summary plan description, rather than in a separate notice; and (2) not include a copy of the relevant plan provisions. (Sec. 524) Prescribes requirements for plan amendments or annuity contract amendments under the Code and ERISA. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide simplified annual filing requirements for: (1) one-participant (an owner and spouse) retirement plans with assets below a specified amount; or (2) retirement plans for fewer than 25 employees. (Sec. 526) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue model defined contribution and benefit plans that fit the needs of small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of making medical assistance for breast and cervical cancer-related treatment services available during a presumptive eligibility period to certain low-income women without creditable coverage who have already been screened for such cancers under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breast and cervical cancer early detection program and need treatment. Provides for an enhanced match with regard to such Medicaid treatment services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 1999 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether State law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. (Sec. 5) Requires the FLRA to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such FLRA regulations and authority through appropriate State courts. (Sec. 6) Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes. (Sec. 7) Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for specified terrorist attacks against mass transportation, including derailing or setting fire to a mass transportation vehicle or vessel (vehicle), and incapacitating any person while such person is employed in operating or maintaining such vehicle with intent to endanger passenger or employee safety, or with a reckless disregard for the safety of human life. Prohibits and sets penalties for knowingly possessing or causing to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon on board a vehicle, and for doing so with intent that it be used in the commission of a crime (including in a mass transportation passenger terminal facility). Sets penalties for killing or attempting to kill a person in the course of a violation or an attack on a vehicle or such facility. Lists exceptions, including for Federal, State, or local government agents or employees while engaged in the lawful performance of official duties. Prohibits and sets penalties for willfully or recklessly propelling dangerous objects or substances at a vehicle, knowing or having reason to know that doing so would likely cause personal injury, under specified circumstances. Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation to lead investigation of all offenses under this Act, and to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Department of Transportation, and the Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in safety investigations and in firearms or explosives possession investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1999 - Directs the President, acting through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to submit annually to the Congress an accounting statement and associated report containing: (1) an estimate of the total annual costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs in the aggregate; by agency, agency program, and program component; and by major rule; (2) an analysis of direct and indirect impacts of Federal rules and paperwork on Federal, State, local, and tribal government, the private sector, small business, wages, consumer prices, productivity, economic growth, and distributional effects; (3) an identification and analysis of overlaps, duplications, and potential inconsistencies among such programs; and (4) recommendations to reform inefficient or ineffective regulatory programs or program components. Requires the Director, in estimates contained in any submission, to quantify the net benefits or net costs of each program component, each major rule, and each option for which costs and benefits were included in any regulatory impact analysis issued for any major rule. Requires the Director to include in each submission a table stating the number of major and nonmajor rules issued by each agency in the preceding fiscal year. Requires the accounting statement, at a minimum, to: (1) cover expected costs and benefits for the fiscal year for which the statement is submitted and the four following fiscal years; (2) cover previously expected costs and benefits for the two preceding fiscal years, or the most recent revision of such costs and benefits; and (3) with respect to each major rule, include the estimates of costs and benefits for each of the fiscal years referred to that were included in the regulatory impact analysis that was prepared for such major rule. Requires the Director to: (1) issue guidelines to agencies to standardize most plausible measures of costs and benefits and the format of information provided for accounting statements; and (2) review agency submissions for consistency with such guidelines. Requires the Director: (1) before submitting the statement and report and before preparing final guidelines, to provide public notice and an opportunity to comment and to consult with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office; and (2) to include an appendix to the report or guidelines addressing public and peer review comments. Directs the Director to arrange for two or more organizations that are independent of the Government and that have nationally recognized expertise in regulatory analysis and regulatory accounting to provide peer review of each accounting statement and associated report and the guidelines before such statement, report, or guidelines are final.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 1999 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 1999: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance, with a special rule for certain early separations. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program, including tuition and fees, books, and other supplies. Provides: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education, with different rates for programs pursued on a full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time basis; and (2) tutorial assistance. (Sec. 3) Increases the monthly rates of basic educational assistance. (Sec. 4) Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance; (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance; and (4) provisions limiting an individual's opportunity to withdraw an election not to enroll in such assistance program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes an individual entitled to basic educational assistance to receive an accelerated payment of such allowance, beginning on March 1, 2000, under certain conditions. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the use of basic educational assistance for: (1) the payment of vocational or professional licensing or certification tests required under Federal, State, or local law; (2) preparatory courses for college and graduate school entrance exams; and (3) training for technological occupations offered by entities other than educational institutions. (Sec. 9) Authorizes enrollment in the basic educational assistance program for individuals who: (1) before October 10, 1996, were enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program (VEAP); (2) had continuously served on active duty since October 9, 1996; and (3) if discharged or released from active duty after the date on which the individual elects to participate in the basic educational assistance program, were discharged or released with an honorable discharge. Discontinues, after the enactment of this Act, the required reduction in basic pay for VEAP participants.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Medicare Full Access to Cancer Treatment Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude cancer treatment services from the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Entitles to an annuity under either the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee Retirement System a military reserve technician who is separated from service as a technician after either: (1) becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of such service; or (2) completing 25 years of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Military Family Food Stamp Tax Credit Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to annually allow a $500 refundable credit to certain low-income members of the uniformed services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Recognizes and honors Joe DiMaggio for his storied baseball career, for his many contributions to the nation, and for transcending baseball and becoming a symbol of talent, commitment, and achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1999
Chiropractic Patients' Freedom of Choice Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare reimbursement for all physicians' services furnished by doctors of chiropractic within the scope of their license.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1999
Date Certain Tax Code Replacement Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2002; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2002. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be: (1) a simple and fair system; and (2) approved by the Congress in its final form no later than July 4, 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Permits the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor a free, public event, the 17th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, on the Capitol grounds on May 15, 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Workplace Preservation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from promulgating, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, any standard or guideline on ergonomics until the National Academy of Sciences completes a study and submits a report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Directs the President to impose quotas, tariff surcharges, or negotiate enforceable voluntary export restraint agreements in order to ensure that the volume of imported steel products (semifinished, plates, sheets and strips, wire rods, wire and wire products, rail type products, bars, structural shapes and units, pipes and tubes, iron ore, and coke products) during any month does not exceed the average volume of imported steel for the 36-month period preceding July 1997. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Commerce to implement a program for administering and enforcing the restraints on such imports. Authorizes the Customs Service to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory for a three year period of any steel products that exceed the allowable levels of such products. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement a steel import notification and monitoring program. Requires any person who intends to import steel products into the United States to first obtain an import notification certificate. Sets forth specified import notification certificate requirements. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish on a weekly basis through the Internet certain information obtained from steel import notification certificate applications regarding imported steel, including country of origin, the port of entry, quantity, value of steel imported, single producer or exporter countries, and whether such imports are entered into a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to charge reasonable fees to defray the costs of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Airport and Airway Improvements Title II: Airline Service Improvements Subtitle A: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service Subtitle B: Regional Air Service Incentive Program Title III: FAA Management Reform Title IV: Family Assistance Title V: Safety Title VI: Whistleblower Protection Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VIII: National Parks Air Tour Management Title IX: Truth in Budgeting Title X: Aviation Spending Guarantee Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvements - Amends Federal Aviation law to reauthorize through FY 2004: (1) the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); and (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Program. Earmarks a specified amount for the voluntary purchase and installation of universal access systems. (Sec. 103) Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize appropriations for FAA operations through FY 2004. Makes specified allocations, including for: (1) wildlife hazard mitigation measures and management of the wildlife strike database of the FAA; and (2) a university consortium established to provide an air safety and security management certificate program. Sets forth fiscal year limits on amounts appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for certain aviation improvement programs. (Sec. 104) Makes specified allocations out of the Trust Fund for the aviation safety accelerated program. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation through FY 2004 to make grants out of such amounts for eligible projects to: (1) reduce delays and congestion at airports and in the air traffic control system; (2) construct airport improvements or acquire air traffic equipment to enhance competition among air carriers; and (3) enhance air service to small and medium-sized communities. Directs the Secretary to establish innovative methods for processing, reviewing, and approving such projects in order to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the time required from an applicant's request for project approval through the completion of the project. (Sec. 105) Makes specified changes to the formula for crediting airport improvement fund amounts to the discretionary fund. Revises the apportionment of airport improvement fund amounts to sponsors of primary (including cargo only) airports and to the States for each fiscal year. Provides minimum apportionments for reliever and nonprimary commercial service airports. Authorizes the use of airport improvement funds apportioned to Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii for any of their public airports. Authorizes the use of State-apportioned airport improvement funds for integrated airport system planning that encompasses one or more primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of State highway specifications for airfield pavement construction using airport improvement funds at nonprimary airports serving certain aircraft provided safety will not be negatively affected and the life of the pavement will not be shorter than it would be if constructed using FAA standards. Increases the apportionment for airport improvement funds for airport noise compatibility programs. Authorizes the use of the supplemental apportionment of airport improvement funds for Alaska for any of its public airports. Repeals a certain limitation on the apportionment of airport improvement funds for commercial service airports in Alaska. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to use certain unobligated funds to make discretionary grants for airport planning and development. (Sec. 107) Increases from 12 to 20 at any time the number of current or former military airports that may receive airport improvement funds. Increases the amount of discretionary funds that are available to designated sponsors of current or former military airports to construct, improve, or repair airport terminal building facilities and airport surface parking lots, fuel farms, utilities, hangers, and air cargo terminals (50,000 square feet or less). (Sec. 108) Revises U.S. policies regarding aviation programs to encourage the funding and use of integrated in-pavement lighting systems for runways and taxiways and other runway and taxiway incursion prevention devices. (Sec. 109) Provides for an eligible agency to impose a passenger facility fee of more than three dollars (currently, one, two, or three dollars) on each airline passenger of a domestic or foreign air carrier boarding an aircraft at an airport the agency controls to finance an eligible airport-related project, provided certain conditions are met. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the approval of a passenger facility fee or airport improvement grant for a covered airport (one that has more than .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports, and at which one or two air carriers control more than 50 percent of the passenger boardings) unless it submits a competition plan containing certain airport gate and related facility information. (Sec. 111) Provides that the lesser of $15 million or 20 percent of small airport grant funds be set-aside for each of the next four fiscal years to assist sponsors of airports (not located in Alaska and serve aircraft designed for more than nine but less than 31 passenger seats) in meeting the safety terms in airport operating certificates. Requires the Secretary to notify the grant recipient that the source of the grant is from the small airport fund. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to contract for air traffic control services at Level I air traffic control towers that do not qualify for the Contract Tower Program. Sets forth specified program requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 113) Authorizes the Secretary to approve not more than 20 projects in which airport improvement grant funds may be used for innovative financing techniques for airport development projects. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary, in order to improve security at public U.S. airports, to carry out not less than one project to test and evaluate innovative airport security systems and related technology. (Sec. 115) Declares that the Government's share of costs shall be: (1) not more than 90 percent for airport improvement projects funded under the State block grant program; (2) 100 percent for airport security projects funded with airport improvement funds; and (3) in FY 2000, 100 percent for any airport improvement funded project at a nonprimary airport, or at a primary airport having less than .05 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports. (Sec. 116) Prohibits the Secretary from requiring an eligible agency to impose a passenger facility fee in order to obtain a letter of intent with respect to airport development projects. (Sec. 117) Treats as an eligible airport-related project with respect to which an eligible agency may impose a passenger facility fee: (1) the construction of a terminal building (including aircraft fueling facilities adjacent to it); and (2) the costs of terminal development at an airport that did not have more than .25 percent of the total U.S. annual passenger boardings and at which total passenger boardings declined by at least 16 percent between 1989 and 1997. (Sec. 119) Requires the Secretary to publish notice in the Federal Register and provide an opportunity for comment before any modification can be made with respect to airport development project grant assurances made by an airport owner or operator (before December 29, 1987) with respect to the disposal of surplus property for the airport. Declares that the Secretary may only release an option of the United States for a reversionary interest in property conveyed to a public agency sponsoring an airport development project after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. Requires any Federal, executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality to grant priority to a request by a public agency (except another Federal executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality) for surplus property for use at a public airport. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, without charge, a term of a gift of an interest in such property after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment and other conditions are met. (Sec. 120) Authorizes the Secretary to obligate airport improvement funds and amounts from the Trust Fund for any project to construct a new runway at an international airport. (Sec. 121) Extends the instrument landing system program through FY 2004. Directs the Secretary to maintain and upgrade Loran-C navigation facilities throughout the transition period to satellite-based navigation. (Sec. 122) Includes charter air transportation at an airport that is not in Alaska and serves aircraft designed for more than nine but less than 31 passenger seats within the eligible categories for issuance of an airport operating certificate. Directs the FAA Administrator to permit such airports to preclude scheduled passenger operations (including public chartered operations) if it notifies the Administrator that it does not intend to obtain a certificate. (Sec. 123) Directs the FAA Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees a copy of the annual budget estimates of the FAA (including line item justifications) at the same time such budget estimates are submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 124) Revises the amount of certain funds apportioned to the discretionary and small airport funds. Authorizes the Secretary to distribute specified percentages of funds from the small airport fund for grants for projects at small hub airports, public-use airports, and certain commercial service airports. Requires the Secretary to give priority consideration to airport development projects to support operations by turbine powered aircraft (if the non-Federal share of project costs is at least 40 percent) when making small airport fund grants to sponsors of public-use airports. Declares that an airport development project shall remain eligible for funding from the discretionary fund (subject to the availability of funds) even though the airport's status changes from a primary to a nonprimary airport. Permits certain regulations to authorize a public agency to request waiver of a passenger facility fee for: (1) any class of domestic or foreign air carrier that enplanes not more than one percent of the total number of passengers enplaned annually at an airport; or (2) passengers enplaned on a flight to an airport with scheduled passenger service but fewer than 2,5000 passenger boardings each year, or in a community with a population of less than 10,000 and not connected by land to the National Highway System. (Sec. 125) Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a study of the long term physical performance, safety implications, and environmental benefits of using recycled materials (including recycled pavements, waste materials, and byproducts) in aviation pavement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 126) Repeals the pavement maintenance pilot program. Revises the definition of "airport development," for purposes of grant eligibility for airport development funds, to include routine work to preserve and extend the useful life of runways, taxiways, and aprons at nonprimary airports. Title II: Airline Service Improvements - Subtitle A: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service - Repeals requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibiting the increase or decrease by the Administrator in the number of takeoffs and landings (the High Density Rule) at airports (except Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from the High Density Rule to air carriers that provide nonstop air transportation using jet aircraft that comply with stage 3 noise levels and whose flights begin or end within 1,250 miles (perimeter rule) between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and an airport that has had less than two million enplanements or between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and a airport that does not have nonstop transportation. Requires the Secretary to treat all commuter air carriers that have cooperative agreements (including code share agreements with other air carriers) equally for determining eligibility for exemptions regardless of the form of the corporate relationship between the commuter air carrier and the other air carrier. (Sec. 202) Earmarks specified funds for: (1) the essential air service program; (2) air carriers to subsidize service to and from an underserved airport (not to exceed three years); (3) underserved airports to obtain jet aircraft service to and from the underserved airports; and (4) rural air safety at airports with less than 100,000 annual boardings. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the FAA Administrator to give priority in funding to airports in which the community will provide from local sources a portion of project costs. (Sec. 203) Waives the State or local contribution requirement with respect to the compensation of an air carrier providing air service to certain noneligible places. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary, in carrying out aviation policy, to consider, among other things, as being in the public interest and consistent with public convenience and necessity ensuring that consumers in all regions of the United States, including those in small communities and rural and remote areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air service. Subtitle B: Regional Air Service Incentive Program - Authorizes the Secretary to provide through one or more lenders guaranteed loans (including the extension of credit) to commuter air carriers (maximum seating capacity of 75 or less) for the purchase of regional jet aircraft which are to be used to provide service to underserved markets. Outline loan conditions and limitations, Including that: (1) the maximum amount guaranteed on a loan or extended on credit shall be no more than 50 percent, or $100,000; (2) such aircraft comply with certain Federal noise-level requirements; and (3) the air carrier agrees that the purchased aircraft be used to provide service to an underserved market. Authorizes the Secretary to make use of federal facilities and assistance in carrying out the incentive program. Terminates the Secretary's program authority five years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: FAA Management Reform - Establishes the Air Traffic Control Oversight Board within the Department of Transportation. Sets forth the Board's responsibilities, including to oversee the FAA in its administration, management, conduct, direction, and supervision of the air traffic control system. (Sec. 303) Provides for the appointment, by the FAA Administrator, and with the approval of the Board, of a Chief Operating Officer for the air traffic control system. (Sec. 304) Provides that the Secretary (currently, by the President, and with the consent of the Senate) shall make subsequent appointments of Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council members. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for aviation infrastructure projects that require the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (or any other environmental review or approval by operation of law). Sets forth the elements of such review process. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the FAA Administrator from issuing a proposed or final regulation that is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, or by the private sector, of $250 million (currently, $100 million) or more in aggregate (adjusted annually for inflation), or any regulation which is significant, unless the Secretary approves the issuance of the regulation in advance. (Sec. 307) Directs the Inspector General to conduct an assessment of the overall method of calculating FAA costs and attributing such costs to the user is reasonable. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Family Assistance - Amends Federal transportation law to revise provisions prohibiting unsolicited communication concerning potential action for personal injury or wrongful death by an attorney to an individual injured in an accident involving a domestic air carrier before the 45th day (currently, 30th day) following the accident to provide that such prohibition include accidents involving a foreign air carrier in the United States. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to bring a civil action in a district court for violations committed under this title. (Sec. 401) Prohibits a State or political subdivision from preventing nonprofit organization employees with experience in disasters and post-trauma communication with families from providing mental health and counseling services within the 30 day period after an accident. Includes within the definition of "passenger" for purposes of the provision of assistance to families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents: (1) foreign air carrier employees aborad the aircraft; and (2) any other person aboard the aircraft without regard to whether the person paid for the transportation, occupied a seat, or held a reservation for the flight. (Sec. 402) Revises air carrier plans that provide assistance to the families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents to require them to include, at a minimum, an assurance that: (1) upon request of the family of a passenger, the air carrier will inform the family of whether the passenger's name appeared on a preliminary passenger manifest for the flight involved in the accident; and (2) the air carrier will provide adequate training to air carrier employees and agents to meet the needs of survivors and family members following an accident. Prohibits the Secretary from approving an application of an air carrier for a certificate of public convenience and necessity unless the applicant has included, among other things, an agreement that in the event that the air carrier volunteers assistance to U.S. citizens within the United States in the case of an aircraft accident outside the United States involving major loss of life, the air carrier will consult with the NTSB and the Department of State on the provision of such assistance. Declares that an air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the performance of an air carrier in providing information concerning a flight reservation. (Sec. 403) Makes similar changes to foreign air carrier plans. Title V: Safety - Directs the FAA Administrator to require by regulation that collision avoidance equipment (TCAS-II) be installed on each cargo aircraft with a payload capacity of 15,000 kilograms or more. (Sec. 502) Declares that an air carrier does not need to obtain the employment records of an applicant pilot who has been employed by a branch of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard, or reserve before allowing such individual to begin service as a pilot. Provides for electronic access to the employment records of FAA air pilots. (Sec. 503) Provides for the enforcement of whistleblower laws for FAA employees. (Sec. 504) Directs the FAA Administrator to issue guidelines and encourage the development of air safety risk management programs throughout the aviation industry, including self-audits and self- disclosure programs. (Sec. 505) Directs the FAA Administrator to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking: (1) to develop procedures to protect air carriers and their employees from civil enforcement actions under the Flight Operations Quality Assurance program; and (2) on implementing a certain section of title 49 relating to the issuance of airport operating certificates for small scheduled passenger air carrier operations. (Sec. 507) Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require the safe disposition of life-limited parts removed from an aircraft. Sets forth civil penalties. (Sec. 508) Subjects to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 any individual who interferes with the duties or responsibilities of the flight crew or cabin crew of a civil aircraft, or who poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or other individuals on the aircraft. Title VI: Whistleblower Protection - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to air safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air safety. Sets forth a department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Provides for award of attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to a prevailing employer for any such complaint found frivolous or brought in bad faith. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal transportation law to provide that a proposal under a competitive bid process that is in the possession of the FAA Administrator may not be made available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, with a specified exception. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to make a multiyear contract of not more than ten years (currently, such contracts for the procurement of goods and services are limited to no more than five years) for telecommunication services that are provided through the use of a satellite if the FAA Administrator finds that the longer contract period would be cost beneficial. (Sec. 704) Provides that a proposed change to the FAA personnel management system that has not lead to an agreement between the FAA employee bargaining unit and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall not become effective until 60-days after the FAA Administrator has submitted the change to Congress. Provides that such period shall not include any period during which Congress has adjourned sine die. Authorizes FAA employees who have been the subject of a major adverse personnel action to contest such action either through any contractual grievance procedure through the employee's collective bargaining unit or through the FAA's internal process relating to review of FAA major adverse personnel actions (under the Guaranteed Fair Treatment or a specified section of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Requires such employees who can contest such personnel action through more than one forum to elect the appropriate forum (no more than one). Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize FAA employees under the new FAA personnel management system to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board and seek judicial review of Board decisions. (Sec. 705) Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit domestic (including interstate) air carriers and foreign air carriers from discriminating against an air passenger on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Prohibits foreign air carriers from discriminating against handicapped individuals. Provides a civil penalty for violations committed against handicapped individuals. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate international organizations and the aviation authorities of other nations to establish higher standards, if appropriate, to accommodate handicapped air passengers, particularly with respect to foreign air carriers that code share with domestic air carriers. (Sec. 706) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to make improvements to real property leased for an air navigation facility, regardless of whether the cost of making such improvements exceeds the cost of leasing such property, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to enter into bilateral agreements with the aeronautical authorities of another country to exchange with that country all or part of their respective safety oversight functions and duties with respect to certain domestic and foreign aircraft. (Sec. 708) Provides for the availability of airman certificate records to the public. (Sec. 709) Authorizes a person to file with the NTSB a petition for a ten-day emergency stay of emergency orders revoking an airman's certificate. (Sec. 712) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish new fees for, among other things, FAA services to any entity obtaining such services outside the United States (except no fee shall be imposed for production-certification related service performed outside the United States). (Sec. 714) Directs the FAA Administrator to study, and submit the results to Congress on, the feasibility of requiring U.S. airports to install enhanced vision technologies to replace or enhance conventional landing light systems over a ten-year period. Includes the installation of such technologies at airports as an activity eligible for airport development project funds. (Sec. 715) Amends the Airport Noise and capacity Act to make foreign air carriers eligible for a waiver from stage three noise level requirements for certain aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure under which a person may operate a stage one or stage two aircraft in nonrevenue service to or from a U.S. airport in order to: (1) sell the aircraft outside the United States; (2) sell the aircraft for scrapping; or (3) obtain modifications to the aircraft to meet stage three noise levels. (Sec. 718) Extends the Secretary's authority to approve an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: (1) for airport development project grants; or (2) to impose a passenger facility fee. (Sec. 719) Declares that a memorandum of agreement between the FAA Administrator and any person that directly obtains aircraft situational display data shall require that such person: (1) demonstrate the capability of selectively blocking the display of any aircraft-situation-display-to-industry derived data related to any identified aircraft registration number; and (2) agree to block selectively the aircraft registration numbers of any aircraft owner or operator upon FAA request. (Sec. 720) Authorizes the Secretary to hire additional personnel to eliminate the backlog of pending equal employment opportunity complaints to the department of Transportation (DOT) and to ensure that investigations of complaints are completed no later than 180 days after the initiation of the investigation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 721) Directs the Secretary, subject to specified conditions, to waive any term contained in the deed of conveyance with respect to airport property that is no longer required for purposes of the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport. (Sec. 722) Authorizes the City of Los Angeles Department of Airports to grant an easement to the California Department of Transportation to lands required to provide a right-of-way for the construction of the California State Route 138 bypass. (Sec. 723) Declares that flight operations conducted by Alaska guide pilots shall be regulated under the general operating and flight rules contained in part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to modify the general operating and flight rules by establishing special rules requiring Alaska guide pilots to: (1) operate aircraft inspected no less often than after 125 hours of flight time; (2) participate in an annual flight review; (3) have at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot; (4) have a commercial rating; (5) hold at least a second-class medical certificate; and (6) hold a letter of authorization certifying that the pilot is in compliance with the rules issued by the Administrator. (Sec. 725) Extends, through December 31, 2004, the aviation war risk insurance program. (Sec. 726) Amends the centennial of Flight Commemoration Act to include as one of the duties of the Centennial of Flight Commission to publish popular and scholarly works related to the history of aviation or the anniversary of the centennial of powered flight. Requires the Commission to adopt a policy to protect against possible conflicts of interest involving its members and employees. Requires Commission duties to be carried out by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (Sec. 727) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a pilot program to test and evaluate the benefits of long-term capital leasing contracts of aviation equipment and facilities. (Sec. 729) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Aircraft Repair and Maintenance Advisory Panel to review issues related to the use and oversight of aircraft and aviation component repair and maintenance facilities located within, or outside of, the United States; and (2) seek the advice of the panel on methods to increase safety by improving the oversight of aircraft repair facilities. Directs the Secretary to require, by regulation, domestic and foreign air carriers and repair facilities to submit certain information (including the existence of employee drug and alcohol testing programs at foreign repair facilities) in order to assess balance of trade and safety issues with respect to work performed on aircraft used by domestic and foreign carriers and corporate operators. Requires the Secretary to make such information available to the public. Title VIII: National Parks Air Tour Management - National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1999 - prohibits a commercial air tour operator from conducting commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands, except in accordance with this Act, conditions prescribed for that operator by the FAA Administrator, and with any commercial air tour management plan for the park or tribal lands. (Sec. 803) Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) the granting of authority to commercial air tour operators to conduct air tour operations over national parks or tribal lands, with specified exceptions; and (2) establishment of commercial air tour management plans. Exempts from the requirements of this Act: (1) the Grand Canyon National Park, or any Indian country within or abutting such park; or (2) any land or waters located in Alaska. (Sec. 804) Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director of the National Park Service (Director) to establish, jointly, an advisory group to provide continuing advice and counsel with respect to the operation of commercial air tours over and near national parks. (Sec. 805) Directs the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the effects proposed overflight fees are likely to have on the commercial air tour industry. Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director to report jointly to Congress on the effectiveness of this Act in providing incentives for the development and use of quiet aircraft technology. Title IX: Truth in Budgeting - Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman- Hollings Act). Amends Federal aviation law to require the Secretary to estimate annually: (1) what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such year. Title X: Aviation Spending Guarantee - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency deficit Control Act of 1985 to establish discretionary spending categories in budget authority and outlays for the traditional aviation general fund (FAA operation account (69-1301- 0-1-402)) for FY 2000 through 2004 (including adjustment for inflation). Provides for the reduction in discretionary spending limits for budget authority and outlays for FY 2000 through 2002. (Sec. 1002) Prohibits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from making any estimates of changes in direct spending outlays and receipts for any fiscal year resulting from this title. (Sec. 1003) Sets forth FAA guaranteed spending levels for budget resources for FY 2000 through 2004 (including adjustments to align with revenues). Authorizes appropriations for the AIP program. Sets forth estimated aviation income levels for FY 2000 through 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Aviation Safety Protection Act - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to any violation of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order, regulation, or standard, or any other Federal law relating to air carrier safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to such violations. Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Jacob Joseph Chestnut-John Michael Gibson United States Capitol Visitor Center Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to: (1) plan, construct, equip, administer, and maintain under the East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol the Jacob Joseph Chestnut-John Michael Gibson United States Capitol Visitor Center; and (2) reconstruct the East Plaza and environs to enhance its attractiveness, safety, and security.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Amends rule XXI (On Bills) of the House of Representatives to require a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members voting before considering as passed or agreed to any bill or joint resolution that: (1) authorizes the President to enter into a trade agreement implemented by legislation that is considered by each House of Congress under procedures that preclude amendments (fast track); or (2) implements any trade agreement without being subject to amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Republic of Slovakia should be commended for its progress toward political and economic liberty and meeting the guidelines for prospective North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members; and (2) the Republic of Slovakia should become a full NATO member at the earliest opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1999 or Aimee's Law - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any individual convicted of: (1) murder should receive the death penalty or be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole; and (2) rape or a dangerous sexual offense involving a child under age 14 should be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole. Requires the Attorney General to transfer the following amounts from Federal law enforcement assistance funds that have been allocated to but not distributed to the State that convicted a person of a first offense of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense to a State that convicts that person for a subsequent such offense: (1) up to $100,000 for transfer to each victim of the subsequent offense; and (2) the cost of incarceration, prosecution, and apprehension of such person. Sets forth provisions regarding situations where a person has a prior conviction in more than one State. Directs the Attorney General to seek to obtain information for each calendar year, starting with calendar year 1999, about the number of convictions for murder, rape, and any sex offenses in the United States: (1) where the victim has not attained age 14 and the offender has attained age 18; and (2) that are second or subsequent convictions of the defendant for such a crime. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Disapproves the President's determination contained in the foreign assistance certification submitted to the Congress on February 26, 1999, that Mexico has cooperated fully with the United States to achieve full compliance with the goals and objectives established by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Makes the requirement to withhold U.S. assistance and to vote against multilateral development bank assistance contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 inapplicable with respect to Mexico until March 1, 2000, if at any time after the date of this Act's enactment the President submits to Congress a determination and certification consistent with that Act that the vital national interests of the United States require that the assistance be provided for Mexico and that the United States not vote against multilateral development bank assistance for Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1999
American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the Secretary to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1999
Prohibits the United States from supporting the admission of China into the World Trade Organization (WTO) unless the Congress passes a joint resolution, according to specified procedures, allowing the United States to support such admission. Directs the President to: (1) notify the Congress if China becomes a member of the WTO without the support of the United States; and (2) submit notice of the withdrawal of the United States from the WTO Agreement. Makes a conforming amendment to the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Save Our Satellites Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish different predictive models for making determinations of the television broadcast signal boundaries of areas within the Grade B Contour of television broadcast stations for purposes of such Act and other Federal statutes and regulations. Requires any subscriber who, on February 24, 1999, is receiving from a satellite carrier for private home viewing secondary transmissions of programming contained in a primary transmission made by a network station, to be treated, during the period beginning on such date and until the FCC completes the above action, as residing in an unserved household for purposes of Federal copyright license requirements for secondary transmissions by satellite carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to: (1) restrict the application of the windfall elimination provision to individuals whose combined monthly income from the individual's primary insurance amount under such title and the portion of the monthly periodic payment attributable to noncovered service performed after 1956 exceeds $2,000; and (2) provide for a graduated implementation of such provision by specified percentages with respect to incremental amounts above such threshold, up to 100 percent for combined amounts over $3,000.
![Official portrait of Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000350_200.jpg)