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 · 26 June 2000
Glacier National Park Rehabilitation and Enhancement Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of Going-to-the-Sun Road located in Glacier National Park, Montana. Authorizes appropriations. Instructs the Secretary to prepare an impact mitigation plan in connection with any adverse economic impact to local communities resulting from rehabilitation of the Road. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to complete a Commercial Services Plan for the Park to assess the provision of commercial services in the Park. Authorizes the Secretary to competitively lease to any person a lodging facility in the Park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, subject to specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide necessary assistance to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other entities seeking to restore tour buses used in the Park; (2) enter into partnerships with local educational institutions to facilitate the development of skills needed for employment opportunities in and around the Park; (3) evaluate the use of designated training programs; and (4) conduct an assessment to determine Glacier National Park Resources and needs; (5) construct a new visitor center; and (6) continue to maintain and improve Park utility systems. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Emergency Methamphetamine Response Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) acting through the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to reimburse States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, other public entities, and multi- jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof, for expenses incurred to clean up and safely dispose of substances associated with clandestine methamphetamine laboratories which may present a danger to public health or the environment; and (2) to hire up to five additional DEA personnel to administer this Act. Directs the Attorney General to make specified unobligated balances available to the Department of Justice for FY 2000 available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
National and Community Service Amendments Act of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) to reauthorize and revise various programs. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions for school-based and community-based service-learning programs to: (1) include Indian tribes as qualified organizations for program participation; and (2) eliminate a requirement that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) give priority to grant applications containing specified proposals. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions for the national service trust program to: (1) eliminate provisions authorizing CNCS to transfer funds to another Federal agency to support a national service program; (2) limit the CNCS's share of the aggregate cost of national service positions, through a formula based on a specified amount per participant; (3) eliminate Federal agency positions from eligibility for approval for national service positions or educational awards; (4) establish a State minimum for national service grant awards; (5) provide for grants to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities, and for demonstration programs of outreach to such individuals; (6) reserve certain funds to support programs reducing CNCS costs; and (7) modify provisions relating to participant performance, selection, terms of service, and living allowances. (Sec. 105) Revises provisions for the national service trust to include, as an allowable use of trust funds, national service scholarships (under the program established by this Act). Makes expenditures from the trust available for interest payments during forbearance on loan repayment and for national service scholarship awards. Provides that a prohibition against using the educational award to pay off loans made to parents also applies to loans made to parents under the direct student loan program. Allows educational awards to be used to pay off private or State loans. Permits the trust to be used to support a national service scholarship program to recognize secondary school juniors and seniors engaged in community service activities. (Sec. 106)Authorizes the Director of the Civilian Community Corps (CCC) to select individuals with prior supervisory or service experience to be team leaders. Requires team leaders to be selected without regard to a specified age limitation. Revises authorized benefits for CCC members. (Sec. 107) Repeals the authority of State commissions and any division of CNCS to enter into agreements for coordinating functions. (Sec. 108) Eliminates a provision relating to staggered terms for CNS board members. Allows appointed board members whose terms have expired to continue to serve for a specified limited period. Authorizes the chief executive officer (CEO) of CNCS to enter into agreements with other agencies to carry out activities to implement national service laws. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the CEO of CNCS to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board of directors of the Points of Light Foundation. (Sec. 110) Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for programs under NCSA. Title II: Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to reauthorize and revise: (1) title I National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs, part A Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) including VISTA Literacy Corps, part B University Year for VISTA, part C Special Volunteer Programs including literacy challenge grants; and (2) title II National Senior Service Corps (currently National Senior Volunteer Corps), part A Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), part B Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and part C Senior Companion Program (SCP). (Sec. 203) Includes as a VISTA objective the encouragement of supportive efforts by local agencies and organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of programs in the absence of Federal assistance. Encourages the VISTA Director to enter into agreements under which public agencies and private organizations pay all or part of the direct cost of supporting volunteers. Authorizes the VISTA Director to provide a stipend of a maximum of $200 per month to individuals designated as volunteer leaders. (Sec. 204) Renames the National Senior Volunteer Corps as the National Senior Service Corps (NSSC). Eliminates the priority for enrolling individuals age 60 and older (but continues to allow individuals age 55 and older to enroll). Allows individuals age 55 (currently 60) or older to enroll in FGP, but gives priority to enrolling individuals age 60 or older. Requires any stipend under FGP to be at least $2.55 per hour and be adjusted for inflation once prior September 30, 2005. Allows individuals age 55 (currently 60) or older to enroll in SCP, but gives priority to enrolling individuals age 60 or older. Requires the SCP Director spend certain amounts each year to promote SCP. Prohibits awarding national significance grants for RSVP, FGP, or SCP unless the appropriated allocation for each program exceeds the appropriated allocations for each of the two preceding years. (Sec. 206) Extends through 2005 the authorization of appropriations for programs under DVSA. Title III: Technical Amendments to Other Laws - Revises references and makes other technical and conforming amendments to various other Federal laws.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include within the definition of "vegetative cover" certain plantings in areas of low precipitation or limited native seed for purposes of conservation reserve contract requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2000
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program) to provide Medicare coverage of certain outpatient prescription drugs and biological products for individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to provide for an outpatient prescription drug benefit program for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Makes the cost of providing benefits under this part payable from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for an eligible Medicare beneficiary (including one enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice)) to elect to enroll under new SSA title XVIII part D. Requires an eligible Medicare beneficiary to enroll under new SSA title XVIII part D in order to be eligible for covered outpatient drugs under Medicare. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information to eligible and prospective eligible beneficiaries. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to determine and promulgate a monthly premium rate for the succeeding year in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires monthly premiums to be credited to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to increase the monthly premium as outlined for certain high-income Medicare beneficiaries. Outlines cost-sharing provisions, including those for a $250 deductible waivable for generic drugs, coinsurance payments for the drug in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the cost of the drug, and inflation adjustment. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for accepting bids and awarding competitive contracts for benefit administration. Sets out patient protections. Provides for: (1) accessibility of outpatient drugs; (2) continuity of care; (3) medically necessary drugs; (4) denials of care; (5) procedures to ensure a timely internal and external review and resolution of denials of coverage and complaints regarding the use of formularies; (6) confidentiality; (7) transfer of medical records; and (8) medical errors. Requires the eligible entity, among other things, to have in place procedures to control fraud, abuse, and waste. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement a Employer Incentive Program, including incentive payments, that encourages employers and other sponsors of employment-based health care coverage to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals by subsidizing, in part, the sponsor's cost of providing coverage under qualifying plans. Outlines sponsor requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a Medicare Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Committee with regard to the development of: (1) guidelines for administration of the outpatient prescription drug benefit program; (2) standards for required pharmacy and therapeutics committees of eligible entities; (3) procedures for determining if a drug is medically necessary to prevent or to slow the deterioration of, or improve or maintain, the health of an eligible beneficiary; (4) standards for defining therapeutic classes and other specified matters; (5) procedures to evaluate the bids submitted by eligible entities under SSA title XVIII part D; and (6) procedures to ensure that eligible entities under contract are in compliance with requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Applies to SSA title XVIII part D the exclusions from coverage under Medicare parts A or B for any expenses incurred for certain items or services. Provides that prescription drugs are not excluded from such coverage if reasonable and necessary. (Sec. 3) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to: (1) require each Medicare+Choice plan, with specified exceptions, to provide enrolled members items and services for which benefits are available under part D; (2) permit a Medicare+Choice organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan to elect a benefit provider as long as the organization complies with outpatient drug access requirements; (3) require the Secretary to determine a Medicare+Choice capitation rate for outpatient drug benefits for enrollees in accordance with specified payment rules; and (4) prohibit a Medicare+Choice organization from requiring an enrollee to pay an outpatient prescription drug benefit deductible or a coinsurance percentage exceeding the applicable amount. (Sec. 4) Amends SSA title XVIII part D to exclude Medicare part D costs from determination of the part B monthly premium. (Sec. 5) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the Secretary's written request, to disclose to officers and employees of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) certain limited return information with respect to a taxpayer exclusively for use in establishing the appropriate monthly premium under SSA title XVIII part D. (Sec. 6) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) include in Medicare cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries premiums under the Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program; and (2) provide for expanding medical assistance with regard to the coinsurance and deductible under such Program. Sets at 100 percent the Federal Medicaid percentage with respect to such medical assistance. Provides for the nonapplicability of payment differential requirements to SSA title XVIII part D cost-sharing. Amends SSA title XI to increase according to a certain formula Medicaid payments to territories for FY 1998 and thereafter. (Sec. 7) Amends SSA title XVIII to revise requirements for benefit packages for Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of: (1) establishing a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries by eligible entities under the Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and (2) developing systems to transfer prescriptions electronically under such program from the prescriber to the pharmacist. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Health Care Access and Rural Equality Act of 2000 - Title I: Increase in Market Basket Percentage Adjustment for Rural Hospitals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for an increase in the market basket percentage adjustment for rural hospitals. Title II: Capital Relief for Rural Health Care Infrastructure - Amends part A (Determination of Benefits) of SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to establish a Capital Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make loans up to a specified amount from the loan and loan guarantee fund to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements. Title III: Refinement of the Medicare Dependent, Small Rural Hospital Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to make the Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital program permanent and to give any hospital under such program the option of basing eligibility for payment on discharges during any of the three most recent audited cost reporting periods in lieu of the current basing of eligibility for payment on discharges during the cost reporting period beginning in FY 1987. Title IV: Exemption for Medicare Swing Bed Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII to exempt Medicare swing bed hospitals from the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to make January 1, 2001, the effective date of the elimination of certain restrictions with respect to the hospital swing bed program. Title V: Treatment of Physician Pathology Services - Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Title VI: Technical Corrections to the Balanced Budget Refinement Act - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) payments to critical access hospitals for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (2) the all-inclusive payment option for outpatient critical access hospital services; and (3) the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. Makes technical corrections to the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished by a critical access hospital and other specified matters. Amends Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to authorize the Secretary to make grants of up to a specified amount to applicant hospitals to assist eligible small rural hospitals in meeting the costs of establish data systems required to meet requirements established under Medicare pursuant to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Energy Efficient Buildings Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for a limited time period, deductions and credits for commercial and residential properties using specified energy efficient construction or reconstruction materials or technologies, including solar energy. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) allocation of deductions for public property; and (2) property financed by subsidized energy financing. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish specified certification and compliance procedures. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy.
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
Postmasters Fairness and Rights Act - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines within which the Postal Service shall propose changes in pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefit programs affecting postmasters which are to be in effect during the period covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Postal Service and certain recognized bargaining representatives. Grants certain qualified postmasters' organizations the right to participate in program planning and development pertaining to pay policies, schedules, and fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Social Security Number Protection Act of 2000 - Provides for the regulation of the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish criminal sanctions for sales and purchases of the Social Security number and Social Security account number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States.
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
Gray Market Cigarette Compliance Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to cigarettes manufactured for export, but which nevertheless are sold domestically. Sets additional restrictions on tobacco products labeled for export. Requires imported cigarettes to meet specified requirements of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, as well as other specified requirements. Establishes additional civil penalties for, and requires the forfeiture of, cigarettes sold for domestic consumption without the precise warnings required by the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act.
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 · 8 June 2000
Calls upon the President to: (1) issue a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, reasserting the U.S. commitment to full implementation of the Act, and urging all signatory states to abide by their obligations under the Act; and (2) convey to all signatory states that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, economic liberty, and the implementation of related commitments continue to be vital elements in promoting a new era of democracy, peace, and unity in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey the parcels of real property consisting of the Miles City Veterans Administration Medical Center complex to Custer County, Montana, for use for veterans activities and community and economic development. Requires the Secretary to make a grant to the County for activities to convert and redevelop the real property and any improvements, equipment, fixtures, and other personal property conveyed for the prescribed use. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Access to Innovation for Medicare Patients Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of self-injected biologicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration that are prescribed as a complete replacement for a drug or a biological that otherwise cannot be self-administered.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2000
Trade Normalization With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1971 to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise of certain authorities placed upon the President under the Trading With the Enemy Act. Removes proscriptions against exports to Cuba. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; and (3) the sugar quota prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba after enactment of this Act. Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by United States citizens or residents. Requires the United States Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Directs the President to negotiate with the Government of Cuba for the purpose of: (1) settling claims of U.S. nationals for the taking of property by such government; and (2) securing the protection of internationally recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit rural mail carriers to treat qualified vehicle expenses in excess of reimbursements as miscellaneous itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Commends Israel for its decision to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and for taking risks for peace in the Middle East. Calls upon the United Nations Security Council to: (1) recognize Israel's fulfillment of its obligations under Security Council Resolution 425 and to provide the necessary resources for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to implement its mandate under that resolution; and (2) insist upon the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanese territory. Urges UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese armed forces, to gain full control over southern Lebanon, including by taking actions to ensure the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other such groups to eliminate all terrorist activity originating from that area. Appeals to the Government of Lebanon to grant clemency and assure the safety and rehabilitation into Lebanese society of all members of the South Lebanon Army and their families. Calls upon the international community to ensure that southern Lebanon does not once again become a staging ground for attacks against Israel and to cooperate in bringing about the reconstruction and reintegration of southern Lebanon. Recognizes Israel's right to defend itself and its people from attack and reasserts U.S. support for maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge to ensure Israel's long-term security. Urges all parties to reenter the peace process with the Government of Israel to bring peace and stability to all the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2000
Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funding for the improvement, repair, and new construction of tribal schools. Permits a tribe to use amounts received through the issuance of a bond to: (1) enter into contracts with architects, engineers, and construction firms to determine the needs of the tribal school and for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) enter into contracts with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals who would be able to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds. Makes any tribal construction bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement between the tribe and a trustee. Requires payment of the principal portion of such bonds to be guaranteed by amounts deposited in the tribal school modernization escrow account. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $30 million of unobligated funds into such account beginning in FY 2001. Requires the Secretary to use any amounts deposited or invested to make payments to holders of such bonds. Prohibits: (1) a tribe that issues such a bond from being obligated to repay the principal on the bond; and (2) any land or facilities purchased or improved with amounts derived from such bonds from being mortgaged or used as collateral for such bonds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a tax credit to individuals who hold such bonds. Sets forth requirements, limitations, and a special rule for issuance and redemption. Provides for the carryover of any excess credit. Requires that if any bond that is held by a regulated investment company, such credit be allowed to such company's shareholders under procedures described by the Secretary. Permits a separation (including at issuance) of the ownership of such a bond and the entitlement to the credit with respect to such bond. Provides that nothing in any law or rule of law shall be construed to limit the transferability of such credit through sale and repurchase agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2000
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. Prescribes monetary penalties for failures to meet certain public availability requirements. Grants existing organizations to whom this Act applies 30 days after this Act's enactment date to file a notice. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2000
Amends the Small Business Act to qualify as a HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) small business concern: (1) an Alaska Native Corporation owned and controlled by Alaska Natives (or a corporation, joint venture, or partnership of such Corporation when so owned); (2) a small business that is wholly owned by one or more Indian tribal governments (or by a corporation so owned); or (3) a small business owned in part by one or more tribal governments (or corporation so owned) if all other owners are either U.S. citizens or small businesses. Includes as a qualified HUBZone small business a small business owned in whole or part by an Indian tribal government, when at least 35 percent of its employees performing a Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded HUBZone contract reside either within an Indian reservation or in any HUBZone adjoining such reservation. Includes for participation in the HUBZone pilot program for sparsely populated areas, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 and ending on September 30, 2003, a small business concern the principal office of which is in Alaska, an Alaska Native Corporation, or a subsidiary, joint venture, or partnership thereof, if: (1) its principal office is located within a HUBZone in Alaska; (2) at least 35 percent of its employees who will perform work under an SBA awarded contract will perform such work in Alaska; or (3) at least 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone within Alaska or in any Alaska Native Village. Provides an exception.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to allow a new composite theoretical performance level established by the President for high-performance computers subject to certain export controls to take effect 30 (currently 180) days after the President reports to specified congressional committees setting forth the new level and its justification. Applies such revised effective date to any changes to the composite theoretical performance level proposed by the President on or after January 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000
Medicare Expansion for Needed Drugs (MEND) Act of 2000 - Title I: Prescription Drug Benefit Program - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Prescription Drug Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) outlining the following program components: (1) establishment of a voluntary insurance program to provide prescription drug benefits for individuals who are aged or disabled or have end-stage renal disease and who elect to enroll under such program, to be financed from enrollee premium payments together with contributions from Federal appropriations; (2) scope of benefits; (3) payment of benefits and benefit limits; (4) eligibility and enrollment; (5) monthly premium rates; (6) creation within the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Prescription Drug Insurance Account for payments; (7) administration of benefits through private entities; (8) authorization for the Employer Incentive Program to encourage employers to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals and to maintain such existing benefit programs by subsidizing, in part, the sponsor's cost of providing coverage under qualifying plans; and (9) authorization of appropriations to the Account to cover Government contributions. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing an annual open enrollment period under the new part D program. (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) provide for coverage for certain low-income individuals of part D premiums; (2) require State Medicaid plans to provide that in the case of any individual whose eligibility for medical assistance is not limited to Medicare or Medicare drug cost-sharing, and for whom the State elects to pay monthly premiums under part D, the State will purchase all prescription drugs, without regard to whether the benefit limit for such individual has been reached; (3) require Government payment of Medicare drug cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries and for Medicare-eligible individuals with incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the Federal poverty line; and (4) make provisions on payment for covered outpatient drugs inapplicable to prescription drugs purchased under part D pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary under the special eligibility, enrollment, and copayment rules below for low-income individuals. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to outline special eligibility, enrollment, and copayment rules for low-income individuals, which include options for continuation of Medicaid coverage or enrollment under such part. Amends SSA title XIX to remove the sunset date for cost-sharing in Medicare part B premiums for certain qualifying individuals. Repeals provisions on State coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress recommendations on structuring a catastrophic drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. Establishes the Catastrophic Prescription Drug Coverage Reserve Fund and makes appropriations to it. (Sec. 104) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for comprehensive immunosuppressive drug Medicare coverage for organ transplant patients. (Sec. 105) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the prescription drug benefit program under part D. (Sec. 106) Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to take similar action, including an analysis of such program's impact on the pharmaceutical market, franchise, independent, and rural pharmacies, and beneficiary access to prescription drugs. Title II: Enhanced Medicare Prevention Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct MEDPAC to report annually to Congress on the actuarial equivalence of Medicare and private sector benefit packages. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of the National Institute on Aging to conduct studies on improving the quality of life for the elderly, developing better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease among the elderly, and developing means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study and report to the President along with appropriate legislative recommendations for Congress with respect to current literature and best practices in the field of health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. Provides for fast-track consideration by Congress of such presidential report and accompanying recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Secretary of Education should work with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Day National Committee, and veterans service organizations to encourage, prepare, and disseminate educational materials and activities for elementary and secondary school students aimed at increasing awareness of the contributions of veterans; and (2) the week that includes Veterans Day should be designated as National Veterans Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Telehealth Improvement and Modernization Act of 2000 - Revises the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to: (1) revise telehealth payment methodology; (2) eliminate certain fee-sharing requirements; (3) eliminate the requirement for a telepresenter; (4) revise reimbursement guidelines for Medicare beneficiaries who do not reside in a health professional shortage area to include eligible telehealth beneficiaries; (5) modify telehealth coverage for direct patient care; (6) redefine physicians and practitioners eligible for telehealth reimbursement; (7) include certain store-and-forward technologies in Federal telemedicine demonstration programs in Alaska or Hawaii; and (8) permit a home health agency to furnish a home health service via a telecommunications system under certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2000
Universal Service Support Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from enforcing its regulations limiting the annual amount of the total nationwide loop (connection) costs to be paid from the Universal Service Fund. Prohibits the FCC from: (1) enforcing individual caps imposed on carriers in connection with requests for study area waivers; or (2) imposing any new cap that would limit the per-loop support calculated under FCC regulations. Requires the FCC to calculate: (1) high-cost (in excess of 115 percent of the nationwide average) loop support portions; and (2) the nationwide average of such support.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Rural Telework Act of 2000 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Rural Utility Service, to establish a National Centers for Distance Working Program to provide grants to eligible organizations for the Federal share of establishing National Centers for Distance Working in rural areas. Directs a recipient Center to use grants for five-year projects to: (1) identify needed skills and provide training and employment-related services to persons in rural areas and Indian tribes to support the use of teleworking (the use of telecommunications to perform work functions over a distance) in technology fields; and (2) recruit employers and provide for high-speed employer-employee communications. Authorizes the Secretary to make limited grants for teleworking studies, including development of best practices for businesses that employ teleworkers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Water Resources Development Act of 2000 - Approves the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to modify the Central and Southern Florida (CSF) Project to restore, preserve, and protect the South Florida ecosystem. Authorizes implementation, at specified total costs, of certain pilot projects and other projects included in the Plan. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to implement modifications to the CSF Project that are consistent with the Plan and that will produce independent and substantial restoration, preservation, or protection benefits to the ecosystem, provided that the total cost of each project accomplished under such authority shall not exceed $35 million and the total Federal cost of all such projects shall not exceed $250 million. Requires a specific authorization of Congress for all other future projects included the Plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged individuals within the South Florida ecosystem are informed of the Plan, given the opportunity to review and comment on each project feature, provided opportunities to participate as a small business concern contractor, and given opportunities for employment or internships in emerging industry sectors. Requires the Secretary to establish a goal that not less than ten percent of the amounts made available for construction of projects be expended with small business concerns owned and controlled by such individuals within the ecosystem. Requires the Secretary: (1) to dedicate and manage the water made available from project features for the temporal and spatial needs of the natural system; and (2) after notice and opportunity for public comment and with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Interior, to issue programmatic regulations identifying the amount of water to be dedicated and managed. Requires that such regulations be completed within two years of the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for public comment, to develop project feature specific regulations to ensure that the benefits anticipated from each feature are achieved and maintained. Requires Secretary to ensure that Plan implementation, including physical or operational modifications to the CSF Project, does not cause substantial adverse impacts on existing legal water uses, including annual water deliveries to Everglades National Park, water for the preservation of fish and wildlife in the natural system, and other legal uses. Prohibits the Secretary from eliminating existing legal sources of water supply until new sources of comparable quantity and quality are available. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Interior to jointly submit to Congress a report on Plan implementation beginning on October 1, 2005 and periodically thereafter (but at least every five years) until October 1, 2036. (Sec. 4) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to replace provisions for the study of water resources needs of river basins and regions with provisions for the assessment of such needs, including cost sharing requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to provide assistance to non-Federal interests in the remediation and restoration of abandoned or idled industrial and commercial sites where such assistance will improve the quality, conservation, and sustainable use of the nation's streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and floodplains. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with federally recognized Indian tribes and other Federal agencies, to study and determine the feasibility of implementing water resources development projects that will substantially benefit Indian tribes and that are located primarily within Indian country or in proximity to Alaska Native villages. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to apply ability to pay requirements relating to flood control or agricultural water supply projects to cost sharing agreements for a feasibility study or for construction of an environmental protection and restoration project. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to implement a program to reduce vandalism and destruction of property at water resources development projects. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to participate in the National Recreation Reservation Service on an interagency basis and fund the Department of the Army's share of those activities required for implementing, operating, and maintaining such Service. (Sec. 10) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to: (1) provide that activities currently performed by personnel under the direction of the Secretary in connection with the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power generating facilities at Army Corps of Engineers water resources projects are to be considered as inherently governmental functions and not as commercial activities where such activities require specialized training related to hydroelectric power generation; and (2) subject such activities to specified labor standards. (Sec. 11) Amends such Act to increase funding for the Secretary to engage in interagency and international support activities to address problems of national significance to the United States. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to identify and set aside areas at civil works projects that may be used to re-inter Native American remains that have been discovered on project lands and which have been rightfully claimed by a lineal descendant or Indian tribe; (2) in consultation and consent with the lineal descendant or the respective Indian tribe, to recover and re-bury the remains at such sites at full Federal expense; and (3) to transfer to such Indian Tribe the land for use as a cemetery. (Sec. 13) Amends the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 to provide that the approval required of the location and plans, or any modification of plans, for any dam or dike, applies only to any dam or dike that would completely span a waterway currently used to transport interstate or foreign commerce when existing commerce could be adversely affected. (Sec. 14) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to revise cost sharing requirements with respect to the non-Federal share of the cost of a structural project assigned to flood control. (Sec. 15) Authorizes the Secretary to participate with the appropriate Federal and State agencies in the planning and management activities associated with the CALFED Bay Delta Program and to integrate the activities of the Corps of Engineers in the San Joaquin and Sacramento River basins with the long-term goals of the Program. Allows the Secretary to accept and expend funds from other Federal agencies and non- Federal public, private, and non-profit entities to carry out ecosystem restoration projects and activities associated with such Program and to enter into contracts, cooperative research and development agreements, and cooperative agreements with Federal agencies and such entities in carrying out these projects and activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to revise provisions governing water resources project de-authorizations. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress annually a list of projects that have been authorized for construction: (1) but for which no appropriations have been obligated during the four preceding fiscal years; and (2) for which construction funds have been obligated in the past but for which no appropriations have been obligated for construction during the two previous consecutive fiscal years. Requires any authorized project to be de-authorized: (1) after seven years after its most recent authorization unless construction funds have been obligated; or (2) if construction funds have been obligated but no new construction appropriations have been obligated during five subsequent fiscal years. (Sec. 17) Requires that the guidelines for the preparation of floodplain management plans also require non-Federal interests to take measures to preserve the level of flood protection provided by the project for which required compliance with Federal floodplain management and flood insurance programs applies. (Sec. 18) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, the States of South and North Dakota of the affected interest, and with the affected Indian tribes, for the transfer of land that was acquired by the Secretary for the implementation of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River basin program and that is located within the reservations of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, ND, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of the Crow Creek Reservation, SD, the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of such Indian tribes. (Sec. 19) Authorizes the Secretary to participate in Critical Restoration Projects in the area of Puget Sound and its adjacent waters, including the watersheds that drain directly into the Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Hood Canal, Rosario Strait, and the eastern portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Preservation Act of 2000 - Requires amounts allotted to a State under title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act for FY 1998 and 1999 to remain available through FY 2002, notwithstanding a specified time limitation on the availability of such amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Commends the accomplishments and unfailing spirit of women in the 20th century. Recognizes the 20th Century as the Century of Women in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Expresses support for: (1) the objectives of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and for measures to attain them; and (2) strengthening the international verification system operated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and for the new Additional Safeguards Protocol to the IAEA Safeguards Agreement that IAEA is negotiating with each adherent to the Treaty. Calls on all parties participating in the Sixth Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference to make a good faith effort to ensure its success.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Farmers and Ranchers Fair Competition Act of 2000 - Sets forth prohibitions against specified unfair practices involving agricultural commodity transactions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Family Farmer and Rancher Claims Commission to review related violation claims. Funds the Commission from related civil penalties and authorizations of appropriations. (Sec. 5) Sets forth the conditions under which a dealer, processor, commission broker, or operator of a warehouse or other agricultural operation must file premerger notice with the Secretary for discretionary review (mandatory upon a member of Congress' request). (Sec. 6) Sets forth plain language and disclosure requirements for contracts. (Sec. 7) Requires certain dealers, processors, commission merchants, or brokers to file annual corporate structure reports with the Secretary. (Sec. 8) Provides specified Treasury funds to the Secretary to hire and train staff to carry out the additional responsibilities under this Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of competition in the domestic farm economy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Honoring the Navajo Code Talkers Act - Authorizes the President to: (1) present to each of the original twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers or a surviving family member, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal honoring the Navajo Code Talkers; and (2) award to each man who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker (MOS 642) or a surviving family member a silver medal. Provides that such medals are to express recognition by the United States and its citizens in honoring the Navajo Code Talkers who distinguished themselves in performing a unique, highly successful communications operation that greatly assisted in saving countless lives and in hastening the end of World War II in the Pacific. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act to extend for an additional two years the authority under which postal patrons may contribute to funding for breast cancer research through the voluntary purchase of certain specially issued U.S. postage stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Home Health Payment Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements, under part A (Strengthening Institutions) of title III (Institutional Aid), for grant applications and awards under programs for: (1) American Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities; and (2) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. Requires regulations to prescribe a simplified and streamlined format for such program grant applications that takes into account the limited number of institutions that are eligible for assistance. Prohibits any Tribal College or University or Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian-serving institution that receives such program funds from concurrently receiving funds under other provisions of part A or part B (Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Exempts such program grantees from a two-year wait-out-period requirement for eligibility for an additional grant. Directs the Secretary of Education, in awarding such grants, to ensure maximum and equitable distribution among all eligible institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Conservation Reserve Program Tax Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat conservation reserve program payments as real estate rentals for self-employment earnings purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal Subchapter B (Communications) of Chapter 33 (Facilities and Services) of Subtitle D (Miscellaneous Excise Taxes).
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Rural Broadband Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a proceeding to provide Federal universal service support for the deployment of broadband telecommunications service (high speed voice, data, graphic, and video telecommunications) to eligible rural communities ( non-metropolitan areas with no more than 20,000 inhabitants). Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administrative Organization Act to direct the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture to make loans or other credit extensions to eligible telecommunications carrier providers, or to companies that accept the obligations of such carriers, to finance the deployment of broadband service to eligible rural communities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2000
Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to authorize appropriations through FY 2005 for: (1) carrying out certain provisions relating to water resources research and technology institutes; and (2) for reimbursement of the direct cost expenses of additional research or synthesis of research by the institutes which focuses on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which relate to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary of the Interior and the institutes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of China, provided, prior to such determination, the President certifies to Congress that the terms and conditions for China's accession to the World Trade Organization are at least equivalent to those agreed between the United States and China on November 15, 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Family Opportunity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment for part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage to up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers.
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