United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2000
Children's Classroom Trust Fund Act - Designates a portion of the Federal budget surplus to establish and fund the Children's Classroom Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Education to make direct awards from the Trust Fund, based on average daily attendance, to enable local educational agencies ( LEAs) to support programs or activities appropriate for kindergarten through grade 12 students. Requires failing LEAs to use such awards, as well as funds provided for disadvantaged students under title I the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, only for specified authorized uses directly related to improving elementary school and secondary school students' academic performance. Requires plans and reports by failing LEAs. Allows failing LEAs that meet State performance-based accreditation or categorization standards for two consecutive fiscal years to: (1) cease being subject to special requirements under this Act; and (2) receive bonus awards, which may be used for rewards and professional development opportunities for teachers and principals who improved student performance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2000
Records Access Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to reduce by ten percent each year, beginning with FY 2001, the total amount appropriated to each State from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund until its chief executive officer certifies to the Attorney General that at least 95 percent of the records of persons prohibited from access to firearms in that State have been and continue to be provided to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to support implementation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Includes as prohibited from firearms access persons who are: (1) adjudicated as mental defectives or committed; (2) under indictment for, or convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; (3) fugitives from justice; (4) unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance; (5) subject to a domestic violence court restraining order; or (6) convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000
Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to oppose the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared, and to encourage other countries and international organizations to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared. Sets forth certain measures that shall be applied in the event that a Palestinian state is unilaterally declared, including: (1) to make it unlawful for the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), or any successor entities to establish an office in the United States; (2) to bar of U.S. assistance to the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority (or to any successor entity), and any programs or projects in the West Bank or Gaza (except humanitarian assistance); (3) to withhold a specified percentage of the U.S. contribution to any international organization that recognizes a unilaterally declared Palestinian state; and (4) to oppose such state's membership in any international financial institution or the extension by such institution of any loan or other financial assistance to it. Authorizes the President to suspend, for one year, the application of a specified number of such measures provided he determines and certifies to specified congressional committees that such suspensions are in the national security interests of the United States or the application of such measures would significantly hinder the prospects for a negotiated peace agreement in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2000
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a maximum of 500,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Mandates that the proceeds from sales surcharges be paid promptly to the Library of Congress to purchase and maintain historical documents and other materials associated with the life and legacy of Dr. King.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2000
National Moment of Remembrance Act - Establishes a White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance to provide national coordination for, and encourage national, State, local, and tribal participation in, the commemoration of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. Establishes as an agency of the Commission the Moment of Remembrance Alliance to assist the Commission, including by: (1) planning, organizing, and implementing an annual White House Conference on the National Moment of Remembrance and other similar events; (2) promoting the observance of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance; and 3) establishing incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance. Requires the Director of the Committee Management Secretariat Staff of the General Services Administration to appoint an individual as Executive Director and White House Liaison to: (1) serve as a liaison between the Commission and the President; (2) serve as chief of staff of the Commission; and (3) coordinate the Commission's and the President's efforts on all matters relating to this Act, including matters relating to the National Moment of Remembrance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2000
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise requirements relating to the use of accrued compensatory time by public employees of State, local, and interstate governmental agencies. Sets forth additional remedies and sanctions for employer violations of such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2000
Commends the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, for its successful conduct of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and congratulates the U.S. Olympic Team for its outstanding accomplishments there.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2000
James Madison Commemoration Commission Act - Establishes a James Madison Commemoration Commission and an advisory committee to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison. Prescribes the duties of the Commission, including, in cooperation with the advisory committee and the Library of Congress, to: (1) direct the Government Printing Office to compile and publish a book containing a selection of James Madison's most important writings and tributes to him; and (2) plan and coordinate symposia that will be devoted to providing a better understanding of James Madison's contribution to American culture. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by February 15, 2002, on its recommendations, including regarding disposition of historically significant items donated to it.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2000
Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2000 - Directs that, in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various U.S. administrative bureaus and agencies, the words "person," "human being," "child," and "individual" shall include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive (as defined in this Act) at any stage of development.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2000
Reservists Tax Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the deduction, as a trade or business expense, of certain expenses of members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces incurred while away from home in connection with such service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2000
Putting Parents First Act - Prohibits any person from knowingly performing an abortion upon or prescribing an abortifacient to a pregnant woman under age 18 unless the attending physician has secured: (1) the informed written consent of the minor; and (2) the informed written consent of the minor's parent or guardian; or (3) a court order waiving the need for the parent's or guardian's consent pursuant to a judicial bypass procedure. Requires a court to issue such an order if it finds by clear and convincing evidence on an individual basis that: (1) the process of obtaining such consent is not in the best interests of the minor petitioner; or (2) the minor petitioner is an emancipated minor. Sets forth procedures regarding confidentiality, filing of the petition, preference over other proceedings, findings, and expedited appellate review.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2000
Packers and Stockyards Enforcement Improvement Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) implement by a specified date the recommendations of a certain General Accounting Office report regarding anti-competitive practices in the livestock industry; (2) consult with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission respecting anti- competitive complaint investigations; (3) develop and implement related Department of Agriculture staff training; and (4) report to Congress. Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to require the Secretary to annually report regarding the economic state of the cattle and hog industries, including possible violations of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2000
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act - Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a temporary education center for educating people about the Memorial. Requires the center to remain for ten years, after which Congress may reevaluate the continuing need for the center. Requires the Fund, in designing the center, to consult with the Commission on Fine Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2000
Senior Care Safety Act of 2000 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities, respectively, to conduct criminal background checks on applicants for employment. Establishes civil money penalties for noncompliance. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on the effects of background checks in nursing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2000
International Consumer Safety Information Act - Directs the President to begin negotiations for an international agreement governing the dissemination of information about recalls by manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment with safety-related defects. Sets forth certain criteria the President shall consider in negotiating such agreement. Urges the President to designate the Secretary of Transportation as the competent authority in the United States with respect to foreign recalls of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment. Directs the Department of State to establish procedures by which U.S. embassies abroad will inform the Secretary immediately about an impending or announced recall of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. Conditions such use on the State's grant application including a certification that the State has an established a forensic science laboratory or forensic science laboratory system or a medical examiner's office that meets specified requirements, including accreditation requirements. Establishes a forensic sciences improvement grant program. Directs the Attorney General to award such grants if specified conditions are met, including that any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's office funded uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures. Sets forth requirements regarding applications, allocation of funds, permissible uses of grants, and administrative and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the elimination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) convicted offender database sample backlogs and for other related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to temporarily increase the limit on marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments. Provides payments for certain crop marketings.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2000
Title I: An Act to Prevent Internet Fraud and Fraud Against the Elderly - An Act to Prevent Internet Fraud and Fraud Against the Elderly - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to disseminate in each State information to educate senior citizens and raise awareness about the dangers of telemarketing fraud and fraud over the Internet, as well as ways to protect themselves from, and report instances of, such fraud. Title II: Telemarketing Fraud Over the Internet - Amends the Federal criminal code to include Internet communications within its criminal fraud provisions. Directs the FTC to issue a rulemaking proceeding for the application of the Federal Trade Commission Act and other statutory provisions regarding deceptive acts or practices to acts or practices in connection with the promotion, advertisement, offering for sale, or sale of goods or services through the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Grants the consent of Congress to the Kansas and Missouri Metropolitan Culture District Compact entered into between the State of Kansas and the State of Missouri regarding planning and development of the metropolitan culture district. Reserves the right of Congress to amend or repeal this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2000
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2000 - Provides that neither a person (including any corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other entity) who donates re-certified fire control or fire rescue equipment nor a State or local agency that administers the distribution of such equipment shall be liable for personal injuries, property damage, or death proximately caused by a defect in such equipment. Excepts such a person or agency from such liability protection if: (1) the person's act or omission causing the injury, damage, or loss constitutes malice, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct; or (2) the person is the manufacturer of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2000
Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2000 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration from implementing any reduction to the rates of reimbursement for outpatient cancer therapy services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) unless such reductions: (1) are developed in consultation with the Comptroller General of the United States, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), and representatives of the cancer care community; (2) provide for the appropriate payment rates for outpatient cancer therapy services based upon the determinations made by the Comptroller General in the nationwide analysis required by this Act; and (3) are authorized by an Act of Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a nationwide analysis and report to Congress on the physician and non- physician clinical resources necessary to provide safe outpatient cancer therapy services and the appropriate payment rates for such services under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Middle East Peace Process Support Act - Prohibits U.S. assistance to any unilaterally-declared Palestinian state. Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations to oppose admission to the United Nations of a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state or formal recognition by the United Nations of such a state.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Declares that: (1) the International Committee of the Red Cross should immediately recognize the Magen David Adom Society and the Society should be granted full membership in the International Red Cross (IRC) and Red Crescent Movement; (2) the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies should grant full membership to the Society immediately following recognition by the IRC; (3) the Society should not be required to give up or diminish its use of its emblem as a condition for membership; and (4) the Red Shield of David should be accorded the same recognition under international law as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000
Children's Public Health Act of 2000 - Title I: Injury Prevention - Subtitle A: Traumatic Brain Injury - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a national education and awareness campaign regarding prevention of traumatic brain injury. Modifies requirements and authorizes appropriations regarding a currently-mandated study of traumatic brain injury. Authorizes an existing trauma research program to include research on cognitive disorders and neurobehavioral consequences of traumatic brain injury. Authorizes appropriations for that program. (Sec. 104) Authorizes grants for projects (currently, for demonstration projects) to improve access to health and other services regarding traumatic brain injury. Allows required matching funds to be in cash or in kind (currently, in cash). Regulates the use of grant funds. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Child Care Safety and Health Grants - Directs the Secretary to make allotments to States to establish programs to improve the health and safety of children receiving child care outside the home. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Maternal and Infant Health - Subtitle A: Safe Motherhood and Infant Health Promotion - Pregnant Women and Infants Health Protection Act - Directs the Secretary to carry out programs relating to prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug use. Authorizes grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement a national surveillance program regarding investigation of deaths and severe complications during pregnancy; (2) expand the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System; and (3) expand the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Healthy Start Initiative - Healthy Start Initiative Continuation Act - Directs the Secretary to continue the Healthy Start Initiative (to reduce infant mortality and improve perinatal outcomes) and authorizes carrying it out on a national basis. Authorizes, if funding increases, additional grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to provide other health services (including ultrasound, prenatal care, genetic counseling, and fetal and other surgery) for pregnant women or infants that are medically appropriate to prevent or mitigate congenital defects or other serious obstetric complications. Allows using grant funds for paying transportation and subsistence expenses to assist the woman in obtaining health services from the grantee involved. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities - Establishes the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available date on birth defects and developmental disabilities; and (2) conduct applied epidemiological research, and provide information and education to the pubic, on prevention of such defects and disabilities. Transfers to such Center all activities, budgets, and personnel of the National Center for Environmental Health that relate to birth defects, folic acid, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, child development, newborn screening, autism, Fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, pediatric genetics, disability prevention, and other activities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Folic Acid Education Program - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of professional and public education and training, research, and epidemiological activities regarding folic acid and birth defects. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Pediatric Public Health Promotion - Subtitle A: Asthma - Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide comprehensive asthma-related services for children and other individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Allows preventive health and health services block grant funds to be used for projects to reduce the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related illnesses among urban populations, especially children, by reducing exposure to cockroach allergen or other known asthma triggers through pest management that minimizes or avoids pesticide chemicals through a combination of site maintenance, cleaning, and monitoring. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify all Federal programs carrying out asthma-related activities; (2) develop a Federal plan for responding to asthma; and (3) submit recommendations to Congress on ways to strengthen and improve Federal coordination of such activities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) to: (1) conduct local asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma and the quality of asthma management; and (2) compile and annually publish data on the prevalence of children suffering from asthma in each State and the childhood mortality rate associated with asthma nationally and in each State. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Childhood Obesity Prevention - Directs the Secretary to award grants for the development and implementation of State and community-based intervention programs promoting good nutrition and physical activity in children and adolescents. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct research on physical activity, diet, health, health-related behaviors, and childhood obesity and its effects in adulthood; (2) develop and evaluate strategies to prevent and treat obesity and eating disorders; (3) identify obesity behaviors and risk factors; (4) evaluate materials and programs providing nutrition education to parents, teachers, and food service staff of child care and pre-school entities; and (5) evaluate materials and programs designed to educate and encourage physical activity in child care and pre-school facilities. Directs the Secretary to develop a national public campaign to promote and educate children and parents regarding health risks associated with obesity, inactivity, and poor nutrition, ways to incorporate physical activity into daily living, the benefits of good nutrition, and strategies to improve eating habits. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a program to educate and train health professionals in effective strategies to identify and assess patients with, or at risk for, obesity or an eating disorder, counsel, refer, or treat patients with obesity or an eating disorder, and educate patients and their families about strategies to improve dietary habits and establish appropriate levels of physical activity. Subtitle C: Early Detection and Treatment Regarding Childhood Lead Poisoning - Modifies application and reporting requirements for existing grants regarding lead poisoning. Directs the Secretary to develop national guidelines for the uniform and complete reporting of all blood lead test results to State and local health departments. Requires the CDCP Director to assist with the improvement of data links between local and State health departments and the CDCP, help States with the development of data management systems for the surveillance of children with lead poisoning, and take other actions regarding lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 322) Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants where data suggests that at least five percent of preschool-age children have an elevated blood level; and (2) conduct education and training programs for health care providers regarding childhood lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Oral Health - Directs the Secretary to support: (1) community-based research on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric oral, dental, craniofacial diseases and conditions and their sequelae in high risk populations; (2) demonstrations of preventive interventions in those populations; and (3) the development of clinical approaches to assess individual patients for the risk of pediatric dental disease. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 332) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of repayment of oral health professionals' educational loans in return for the professionals agreeing to conduct pediatric oral, dental, and craniofacial disease and condition research or training. (Sec. 333) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to increase the resources available for community water fluoridation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 334) Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to assist rural water systems in implementing the CDCP's water fluoridation guidelines. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 335) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the development of programs to improve children's school-based access to sealants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 336) Directs the Secretary to: (1) fund innovative oral health activities that improve the oral health of children under six years who are eligible for services under a Federal health program; and (2) make grants or contracts to increase training of oral health services providers or to increase children's use of dental services. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Pediatric Research - Subtitle A: Pediatric Research Initiative - Mandates the establishment of a Pediatric Research Initiative to conduct and support research and coordination directly related to illnesses and conditions of children. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to make available enhanced support for extramural activities relating to the training and career development of pediatric researchers. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to repay the educational loans of pediatricians in return for conducting pediatric research. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Autism - Requires the NIH Director to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH activities regarding autism. Requires the Director, among other things, to make grants and contracts for centers of excellence regarding autism research. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 412) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, through grants or cooperative agreements, at least three regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology to collect and analyze information on autism and developmental disabilities; (2) establish a clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring programs created by this title; (3) coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health department officials regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters. Authorizes appropriations; and (4) establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the public. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 414) Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee. Subtitle C: Long-Term Child Development - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to establish a consortium of Federal agency representatives to: (1) plan and implement a prospective cohort study of the effects of chronic and intermittent exposures on human development; and (2) investigate basic mechanisms of developmental disorders and environmental factors that influence growth and developmental processes. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Research on Rare Diseases in Children - Requires the NIH Director to report to Congress on NIH activities regarding children's rare diseases. Subtitle E: GME Programs in Children's Hospitals - Extends the mandate to make annual payments to each children's hospital for the direct and indirect expenses of operating graduate medical residency training programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000
Congratulates: (1) the Mexican people for their struggle for representative democracy and the rule of law: (2) Vincente Fox Quesada for his electoral triumph; and (3) Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon, current President of the United Mexican States, for his commitment to ensure the peaceful and stable transition of power. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) expand and intensify its cooperation with the newly elected Government of Mexico to promote economic development and to reduce poverty to achieve an improved quality of life for citizens of both countries; (2) confront common threats such as the trafficking in illicit narcotics; and (3) act in solidarity to promote representative democracy and the rule of law throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2000
Medicare Rx Drug Discount and Security Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Discount and Security Program) to create the Commissioner of Medicare Prescription Drugs who shall establish a Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Discount and Security Program under which an eligible beneficiary may voluntarily enroll with an eligible private entity and receive described benefits, including a catastrophic benefit. Makes the costs of providing program benefits payable from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes as an independent executive agency a Medicare Prescription Drug Agency to administer the new part D program through the Commissioner. Authorizes appropriations. Amends SSA title XVIII part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to provide for the exclusion of new part D costs from the determination of the Medicare part B monthly premium. Revises Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) requirements with respect to revision of the 1991 National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Regulation to accord with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2000
Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Management and Administration - Subtitle A: Establishment of the Competitive Medicare Agency - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Medicare Competition and Prescription Drugs) to establish, as an independent agency in the executive branch, a Medicare Competition Agency, headed by a Commissioner, to administer the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program (program) under part B (established by title II of this Act) and the Medicare+Choice program under part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare). (Sec. 101) Establishes a Medicare Competition and Prescription Drug Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XVIII to make the Commissioner a member of the Board of Trustees of the Medicare trust funds. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal civil service law to provide for a salary increase for the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Subtitle B: Redefined Medicare Solvency Measures - Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Board of Trustees to make a separate annual report on the operation and status of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and on the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part B (Supplementary Insurance), including the Medicare Prescription Drug Account (created by title II of this Act) within it. (Sec. 151) Expresses the sense of Congress that the committees of jurisdiction shall hold hearings on such reports. Title II: Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program - Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part B (Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program) requiring the Commissioner to establish the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program under which an eligible beneficiary may voluntarily enroll in, and receive access to covered outpatient prescription drugs and other benefits through, a Medicare Prescription Plus plan (plan) offered by a private entity or by a Medicare+Choice plan. Makes the costs of providing program benefits payable from the Medicare Prescription Drug Account. (Sec. 201) Outlines program procedures, including procedures for: (1) enrollment; (2) a Commissioner study and report to Congress on permitting individuals enrolled under Medicare part B but not entitled to benefits under Medicare part A to buy into the program; (3) plan election; (4) beneficiary outreach; (5) application of Medicare+Choice secondary payor requirements to the program in the same manner as they apply under the Medicare+Choice program; (5) alternative coverage requirements; (6) access to negotiated prices; (7) actuarial valuation and determination of annual percentage increases; (8) beneficiary protections, including grievance resolution; (9) requirements for entities offering plans, including licensure; (10) submission and approval of plans; (11) payments to plans for benefits; (12) computation and collection of beneficiary share of premium; (13) additional prescription drug subsidies through reinsurance; (14) plan fees for administrative costs; and (15) creation and use of the Medicare Prescription Drug Account. (Sec. 202) Revises requirements for the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to comply with this Act. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to prohibit a Medicare+Choice organization from offering prescription drug coverage to a Medicare+Choice plan enrollee unless such drug coverage is at least qualified prescription drug coverage under this Act, and unless specified requirements for such coverage are met. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require a State, as a condition for receiving Federal financial assistance for its Medicaid plan, to make Medicare prescription drug benefit eligibility determinations for low-income premium and cost-sharing subsidies. Mandates specified increases in applicable Federal matching rates for State expenditures for additional administrative costs. Provides for phased-in Federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs in the case of an individual dually entitled to qualified prescription drug coverage under a Medicaid plan or under a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C. (Sec. 205) Prohibits any new Medigap policy covering prescription drugs from being issued, on or after January 1, 2003, to an individual unless it replaces a Medigap policy that was issued to that individual and that provided some coverage of expenses for prescription drugs. Prohibits the issuer of a Medigap policy from denying or conditioning Medigap coverage for an individual who terminates certain kinds of Medigap policies and applies for certain other kinds. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish Medigap protections for individuals who lose Medicare prescription plus plan coverage. (Sec. 206) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the extent to which reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology overpays for the cost of such drugs and biologicals compared to the average acquisition cost paid by physicians or other drug suppliers. Title III: Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends Medicare part C with respect to: (1) increasing in national per capita Medicare+Choice growth percentage in 2001 and 2002; (2) removing application of budget neutrality beginning in 2002; (3) payments to Medicare+Choice organizations based on risk-adjusted bids; (4) premium reduction and Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium; (5) rules relating to premiums owed by Medicare+Choice enrollees; (6) allowing plans to include described reductions and other benefits in their basic benefits; (7) a special rule for end-stage renal disease; (8) information comparing plan premiums; (9) national coverage determinations; (10) disclosure requirements; (11) geographic adjustment; (12) Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium; (13) a freeze of the health risk adjuster at 20 percent after 2002; and (14) adjustment in payment to include the Commissioner's estimate of the amount of additional payments that would have been made in the area involved if individuals entitled to Medicare+Choice benefits had not received services from facilities of the Departments of Veterans Affairs or of Defense for purposes of calculating annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. Title IV: Medicare Beneficiary Outreach and Education - Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part C (Medicare Consumer Coalitions) authorizing the Commissioner of the Competitive Medicare Agency to establish Medicare Consumer Coalitions to conduct information programs comparing the original Medicare fee-for-service program, available Medicare+Choice plans, and available Medicare Prescription Plus plans. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000
Violence Against Women Act of 2000 - Title I: Strengthening Law Enforcement to Reduce Violence Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General (AG) to make grants to provide technical assistance and equipment to police departments, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions to facilitate the widespread enforcement of protection orders. Revises provisions of the Federal criminal code governing the full faith and credit of protection orders. Designates State, local, and Indian tribal courts as eligible grantees under the program to combat violent crimes against women. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 various programs which address violence against women, including domestic violence and stalking offenses. Title II: Strengthening Services to Victims of Violence - Authorizes the AG to award grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 various grants and programs under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. Title III: Limiting the Effects of Violence on Children - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for the provision of supervised visitation and safe visitation exchange of children by and between parents in situations involving domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 runaway and homeless youth grants and programs for victims of child abuse. Title IV: Strengthening Education and Training to Combat Violence Against Women - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for model programs of education and training in appropriate responses to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Title V: Battered Immigrant Women - Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide certain protections to battered immigrant women. Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Extends through FY 2005 the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Declares that Congress: (1) acknowledges that there remain 605 prisoners of war unaccounted for in Iraq; (2) condemns and denounces the Iraqi Government's refusal to comply with international human rights instruments; (3) urges Iraq to disclose the names and whereabouts of those prisoners of war who are still alive; and (4) insists that Iraq allow humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit living prisoners and to recover the remains of those who have died in captivity. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Government should: (1) work with the international community and the Government of Kuwait to secure the release of Kuwaiti and other prisoners of war who are still missing nine years after the end of the Gulf War; and (2) exert pressure, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, on Iraq to bring this issue to a close, release all remaining prisoners of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, and rejoin the community of nations with a humane gesture of good will and decency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Amends Federal law to direct the Postal Service to establish a special (semipostal) postage rate for first-class mail in order to afford the public a convenient way to contribute to funding for the establishment of the World War II Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) directly or indirectly cause a net decrease in total funds received by the American Battle Monuments Commission below the level that would otherwise have been received but for the enactment of this section; or (2) affect regular first-class rates of postage or any other regular rates of postage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Tax-Exempt Political Disclosure Act - Title I: Section 527 Organizations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a political organization from being treated as such unless it gives notice within 24 hours of being established that it is to be so treated. Provides that if notice is given after such period, the organization shall not be so treated for any period before such notice is given. Requires, in the case of an organization failing to give such notice, such organization's taxable income to be computed by taking into account any exempt function income (and any deductions directly connected with the production of such income). Excepts certain organizations from the notification requirement. Makes information on organizations that file such notices, and such notices, publicly available. Prohibits treating an organization as a political organization unless it makes required disclosures. Makes such disclosures publicly available and prescribes monetary penalties for failures to make disclosures available for inspection. Requires political organizations which have gross receipts of $25,000 or more per taxable year, with an exception, to file tax returns. Provides for public disclosure of such returns and prescribes monetary penalties for failures to file or provide correct information. Title II: Tax-Exempt Business and Labor Organizations Engaging in Political Activity - Requires any labor organization described in paragraph 5 or any business league, chamber of commerce, or board of trade described in paragraph 6 of section 501(c) (tax exempt organizations) from being considered a 501 (c) organization unless specified information is submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury concerning the organization's activities, contributors, and expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Value-Added Development Act for American Agriculture - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible applicants for an agricultural innovation center demonstration program to assist value-added agricultural businesses. Sets forth: (1) permitted fund uses; and (2) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Fair Play for Family Farms Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor competitive conditions in the agricultural economy and review specified mergers or acquisitions. (Sec.4) Establishes within the Department of Justice an Assistant Attorney General for Agriculture Competition, who shall be responsible for agriculture-related antitrust matters. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to require, with exemptions, livestock dealers (including market agencies) to hold in trust proceeds from livestock purchased in cash sales for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of such livestock until receipt of full payment. Authorizes monetary penalties for violations of such provisions. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations for additional Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration staff, including litigating attorneys, in order to monitor the meat packing industry. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to study whether disparities exist in the Administration's authority respecting the poultry, beef, and pork industries. (Sec. 9) States that non-trade secret confidentiality clauses in livestock or grain production contracts are unenforceable. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administration to establish a trust fund for producers harmed by packer anticompetitive behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Farmers' Value-Added Agricultural Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of the general business credit, for either an eligible farmer or a farmer-owned entity, the value-added agricultural property investment credit for any taxable year is 50 percent of the basis of any qualified value-added agricultural property placed in service during the taxable year. Provides that, in the case of a farmer-owned entity, such credit shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among eligible persons holding qualified interests in such entity as of the last day of such taxable year. Limits such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2000 - Prohibits U.S. cooperation with the International Criminal Court (including restrictions on U.S. military participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations and the transfer of U.S. classified national security information, and the provision of U.S. military assistance, to the Court and its members). Authorizes the President to use all means necessary to bring about the release of U.S. military personnel and certain other persons held captive by or on behalf of the Court. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the degree to which each existing status of forces agreement with a foreign government, or other similar international agreement, protects U.S. military and other personnel from extradition to the Court Authorizes funds withheld from the U.S. share of assessments to the UN or other international organizations pursuant to the Admiral James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 to be transferred to the Embassy Security, Construction and Maintenance Account of the Department of State. Terminates the requirements of this Act upon the United States becoming a party to the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Declares that the Senate: (1) recognizes the need to encourage active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children and that while there are millions of fathers who serve as a wonderful caring parent for their children, there are children on Father's Day who will have no one to celebrate with; (2) urges fathers to participate in their children's lives both financially and emotionally and to understand the level of responsibility required when fathering a child and to fulfill that responsibility; (3) encourages fathers to devote time, energy, and resources to their children; (4) is committed to assist absent fathers become more responsible and engaged in their children's lives; (5) designates June 18, 2000, as National Responsible Father's Day; and (6) calls on fathers around the country to use the day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, to spend such day with them, and to express their love and support for their children.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2000
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home; (2) Members of the Senate should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; and (3) Members of the Senate and contributing organizations should sponsor and construct two homes in the District of Columbia, each of which to be known as a "House That the Senate Built."
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Trade Injury Compensation Act of 2000 - Establishes in the Treasury the Beef Industry Compensation Trust Fund. Appropriates and transfers to the Fund (estimated) amounts equal to the amount received as a result of the imposition of additional duties on the products of a U.S. beef retaliation list. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to a nationally recognized beef promotion and research board to assist U.S. beef producers: (1) improve U.S. beef quality; and (2) promote and develop overseas markets. Terminates the Fund when: (1) the European Union complies with the World Trade Organization ruling allowing U.S. producers access to the European market; and (2) additional duties are no longer imposed on products listed on the beef retaliation list.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Patients Before Paperwork Medicare Red Tape Reduction Act of 2000 - Establishes the Patients Before Paperwork Medicare Red Tape Commission to: (1) review existing paperwork burdens and related regulations under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with the goal of reducing the paperwork burdens under the Medicare program; (2) analyze whether existing and proposed paperwork requirements and related regulations have proven benefits, including a positive health benefit for Medicare beneficiaries; (3) make recommendations regarding methods to streamline and simplify the coding method for items and services for which reimbursement is provided under Medicare; (4) make recommendations regarding the facilitation of electronic filing of Medicare claims for reimbursement and the elimination of paperwork of paperwork; (5) develop a standard form that will minimize any duplication of data and that relies on less paperwork than the current system; (6) determine the effect of Medicare paperwork requirements on relationships between doctors and patients; and (7) review and analyze other appropriate matters relating to paperwork reduction. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2000 - Title I: Brownfields Revitalization Funding - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish programs to provide grants to eligible entities (including local government units, redevelopment agencies, States, and Indian tribes) for: (1) inventorying, characterizing, assessing, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites; and (2) remediating brownfield sites through loans. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Includes within such definition a site contaminated by a controlled substance or mine-scarred land. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Brownfields Liability Clarifications - Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release that is not owned by such persons. (Sec. 202) Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any casefor which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. (Sec. 203) Deems a person, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to have undertaken appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person demonstrates that inquiries were undertaken in accordance with specified requirements (for property purchased after May 31, 1997, compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard until standards are issued by the Administrator). Deems the appropriate inquiry requirements to be satisfied by a facility inspection and title search that reveal no basis for further investigation in the case of property for residential or similar use purchased by a nongovernmental or noncommercial entity. Title III: State Response Programs - Adds CERCLA provisions authorizing the Administrator to provide grants to States or Indian tribes to establish or enhance response programs comprised of elements including survey and inventory of brownfield sites, public participation opportunities, oversight and enforcement authorities, and certification mechanisms. Authorizes appropriations. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan. Authorizes the President to bring enforcement actions in certain instances, including cases where a State requests assistance, there is migration of contamination across State lines or onto Federal property, or there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment and additional response actions are likely to be necessary. Makes restrictions on the President's authority to take such actions applicable only at sites in States that maintain, update at least annually, and make publicly available a record of sites at which response actions have been completed in the previous year and are planned to be addressed under the State response program in the upcoming year. Applies enforcement action requirements only to response actions conducted after June 8, 2000. (Sec. 302) Requires the President to defer final listing of an eligible response site on the National Priorities List if the State is conducting a response action in compliance with a State response program that will provide long-term health and environmental protection or is actively pursuing an agreement to perform such an action with a capable person. Requires reasonable progress toward completion of actions for deferral of listing. Permits the President to decline to defer, or discontinue a deferral if: (1) deferral would be inappropriate because the State, as an owner, operator, or significant contributor is a potentially responsible party; (2) the criteria under the National Contingency Plan for issuance of a health advisory have been met; or (3) the other conditions under this section for deferral are no longer being met.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Broadband Internet Access Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the broadband credit which shall be the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus; (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines terms. Requires a study and report.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Advanced Technology Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Act of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a credit for hybrid vehicles; and (2) extend the credit for qualified electric vehicles. Title II: Amendments to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to provide for studies of: (1) voluntary, mandatory, and other measures used to conserve energy in the transportation of goods and people; and (2) lean burn technology. Extends the manufacturing incentives for dual fuel vehicles and the maximum fuel economy increase for alternative fueled automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2000
Pension Opportunities for Women's Equality in Retirement Act - Title I: Expanding Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the$90,000 limit on defined benefit plans to $160,000. Changes the age from which such limit will be reduced from the social security retirement age to 62 and the age from which the limit will be increased from the social security retirement age to 65. Increases the $30,000 limit for defined benefit contribution plans to $40,000. Increases the $150,000 compensation limit to $200,000. Increases the elective deferral limit to $15,000. (Sec. 102) Provides that elective deferrals shall not be taken into account for purposes of limits on certain plan contributions. (Sec. 103) Revises the definition of compensation, for purposes of the deduction rules, to include salary reduction amounts treated as a participant's compensation. (Sec. 104) Provides for optional treatment of elective deferrals as plus contributions. (Sec. 105) Increases the contribution limit for an individual retirement plan (IRA) until it reaches $5,000 in 2006 and provides a cost-of-living adjustment. Title II: Enhancing Fairness for Women - Provides that individuals who have attained age 50 may make additional catch-up elective contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plan. (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. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements relating to tax treatment of division of section 457 plan benefits upon divorce. Title III: Increasing Portability for Participants - Permits rollovers from and to various types of plans. (Sec. 302) Permits IRA rollovers into workplace retirement plans only if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 303) Permits rollover of after-tax contributions in an exempt trust under specified conditions. (Sec. 304) Sets forth a hardship exception to the 60-day rule. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the 60-day rollover period if the failure to waive such requirement would be against equity or good conscience, including cases of casualty, disaster, or other events beyond the reasonable control of the individual subject to such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2000
Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the list of requirements to be met by qualified organ procurement organizations that an organization has been certified or recertified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services within the previous four-year period as meeting performance standards. Requires certification or recertification to be made through a process that either granted certification or recertification with such certification or recertification in effect as of January 1, 2000, and remaining in effect through the earlier of January 1, 2002, or the completion of recertification under regulations promulgated by the Secretary, or that is defined through regulations promulgated by January 1, 2002, that: (1) require recertifications of such organizations no more frequently than once every four years; (2) rely on outcome and process performance measures that are based on empirical evidence of organ donor potential and other related factors in each service area of such organizations; (3) use multiple outcome measures as part of the certification process; and (4) provide for a qualified organization to appeal a decertification to the Secretary on substantive and procedural grounds.
![Official portrait of Sen. Ashcroft, John [R-MO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000356_200.jpg)