United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Prohibits any U.S. assistance for reconstruction efforts in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, or any contiguous country, on account of the armed conflict or atrocities that have occurred there since March 24, 1999, from consisting of, or from being used for the procurement of, any article produced outside the United States or any service provided by a foreign person. Waives such prohibition if it would require procurement of any article or service that is prohibitively expensive or unavailable.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Prohibits any officer or employee of the Department of the Interior from entering any private land to conduct an inspection or search and seizure without first obtaining a warrant or the owner's consent, except: (1) if the officer or employee has reason to believe that a violation of law is being committed; or (2) as required as part of an emergency response being conducted by the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. share of the costs of reconstruction measures carried out in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or contiguous countries on account of the armed conflict and atrocities that have occurred in Yugoslavia since March 24, 1999, should not exceed the U.S. share of the common-funded budgets of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Bear Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State to discuss issues involving such trade with the appropriate representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Affordable Housing Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999
Students Learning in Safe Schools Act of 1999 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make matching grants to States, local governments, Indian tribes, and local educational agencies to purchase equipment designed to detect weapons and otherwise enhance safety in and near elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such new matching grant program for school safety equipment, as well as for the current matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding American-made products and equipment. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding school security. Amends such Act to direct the National Institute of Justice to conduct research and otherwise work to develop new weapons detection technologies and safety systems that are appropriate to school settings.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999
Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 1999 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tribal Self-Governance Program within the Indian Health Service of HHS to provide for further self-governance by Indian tribes. Sets forth program requirements and related provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal self-governance demonstration project for appropriate programs, services, functions, and activities of HHS, other than the Indian Health Service; and (2) consult with Indian tribes to determine a study protocol for consultation prior to consultation with other specified entities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, at the request of an Indian tribe, to enter into an agreement for the acquisition of any goods, services or supplies available to the Secretary from other Federal agencies that are not directly available to the tribe under this Act or any other Federal law, including acquisitions from prime vendors. Repeals on October 1, 1999, current provisions of the Act that provide for a Tribal Self-Governance Project and makes funds for such Project available for use under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999
Intergovernmental Gaming Agreement Act of 1999 - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to revise provisions concerning tribal-State compacts governing the conduct of Class III gaming activities on Indian lands. Authorizes such activities on Indian lands only if they are authorized by such a compact approved by the governing body of the Indian tribe with jurisdiction. Permits (current law requires) a tribe to request a State to negotiate such a compact. Sets deadlines for the State to respond and for the commencement and conclusion of negotiations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, at the request of a tribe, if agreement has not been reached on the compact within a prescribed period, to initiate a mediation process to: (1) conclude a compact; or (2) provide for the issuance of gaming procedures by the Secretary. Permits a State to: (1) elect to participate in the mediation; or (2) decline to participate, in which case the Secretary shall issue such procedures. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) selection of a mediator; (2) the process by which such mediator will submit to the Secretary recommendations for the operation and regulation of gaming; (3) the deadlines by which the Secretary shall make a final determination and issue gaming procedures; and (4) jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia over challenges of the Secretary's gaming procedures or decisions to complete a compact or initiate mediation and over actions to enforce compact provisions or to enjoin gaming activities conducted in violation of a compact. Prohibits: (1) any compact or procedures from requiring that a State undertake any regulation of gaming on Indian lands unless the State consents and the State's laws permit such regulation; and (2) the Secretary from approving a compact that requires State regulation of gaming without the State's or tribe's consent. Directs the National Indian Gaming Commission to monitor, regulate, and license gaming consistent with an approved compact.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1999
Federal Bureaucracy Accountability Act of 1999 - Requires a Federal agency and its officers and employees, in civil cases, in administering a statute, rule, regulation, program, or policy (statute) within a judicial circuit, to adhere to the existing precedent respecting the interpretation and application of such statute, as established by the decisions of the U.S. court of appeals for that circuit, with exceptions. Allows an agency to take a position, either in administration or litigation, that is at variance with such precedent if: (1) it is uncertain whether the administration of the statute will be subject to review exclusively by the appeals court that established that precedent or a court of appeals for another circuit; (2) the Government did not seek further review of the case in which that precedent was first established in that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court because neither the United States nor any agency or officer thereof was a party to the case or because the decision establishing that precedent was otherwise substantially favorable to the Government; or (3) it is reasonable to question the continued validity of that precedent in light of a subsequent decision of that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court, a subsequent change in any pertinent statute or regulation, or any other subsequent change in the public policy or circumstances on which that precedent was based.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999
Energy and Climate Policy Act of 1999 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to replace provisions establishing a Director of Climate Protection with those establishing an Office of Global Climate Change in the Department of Energy. Requires the Office to serve as a focal point for coordinating for the Secretary of Energy and Congress all departmental issues and policies regarding climate change and related matters and to be headed by a Director, appointed by the Secretary. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of giving annual public recognition to all persons and entities voluntarily reporting information on sources of greenhouse gases who demonstrate voluntarily achieved greenhouse gas reductions, including information reported prior to this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, to conduct and submit to specified congressional committees a review of what changes should be made to guidelines for accuracy and reliability of voluntarily reported information on greenhouse gas reductions. Provides for incorporation into such guidelines of changes found to be beneficial and cost effective in improving the accuracy and reliability of reported information. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to establish a long-term Climate Technology Research, Development, and Demonstration Program to foster development of: (1) new technologies and the enhancement of existing technologies that reduce or avoid anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and improve energy efficiency; (2) new technologies that are able to remove and sequester greenhouse gases from emissions streams; and (3) new technologies and practices to remove and sequester such gases from the atmosphere. Requires submission of a ten-year plan to guide such activities to Congress. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for conducting such activities. Describes applicant qualifications, proposal requirements, and criteria for proposal selection. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to report annually to Congress: (1) a certification that the program objectives are adequately focused, peer- and merit-reviewed, and not unnecessarily duplicative with other Federal science and technology research; and (2) whether the program addresses an adequate breadth and range of technologies and solutions to address anthropogenic climate change. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to require a specified energy research, development, and demonstration plan to include solutions to the effective management of greenhouse gas emissions in the long term by the development of technologies and practices designed to reduce or avoid anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and remove and sequester greenhouse gases from emissions streams and the atmosphere. Includes within program elements and activities research, development, and demonstration designed to pursue a long-term climate technology strategy to demonstrate a variety of technologies by which stabilization of greenhouse gases might be best achieved.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999
Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the International Visitors Program. Commends the achievements of the thousands of volunteers who are part of the National Council for International Visitors "citizen diplomats."
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. voluntary contributions from programs and projects of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran unless the Secretary of State makes a determination in writing to certain congressional committees that such programs and projects are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals, will not provide Iran with training or expertise relevant to nuclear programs' development, and are not being used as a cover for the acquisition of sensitive nuclear technology. Instructs the Secretary to review and report to Congress annually for five years on all Agency programs and projects in specified countries to determine if they are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Requires the Secretary to direct the U.S. representative to the Agency to oppose Agency programs determined inconsistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress for five years on specified aspects of annual Agency assistance to Iran, including nuclear materials technology transfer, and inconsistencies between Agency technical assistance programs and U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should pursue internal Agency reforms that will ensure that all programs funded under the Technical Cooperation and Assistance Fund are compatible with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and international nuclear nonproliferation norms.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce by five percent the general income tax rate. Increases the maximum taxable income level for the ten percent rate bracket and the minimum taxable income level for the 23 percent rate bracket by specified applicable dollar amounts of: (1) $10,000 for calendar 2000, $10,000 for calendar 2001, and $20,000 for calendar 2002 and thereafter for joint returns and surviving spouses; and (2) $5,000 for calendar 2000, $5,000 for calendar 2001, and $10,000 for calendar 2002 and thereafter for heads of households, unmarried individuals, and married individuals filing separate returns. Increases the basic standard deduction, for the purpose of eliminating the marriage penalty, from: (1) $5,000 to $8,500 for joint returns and surviving spouses; (2) from $4,400 to $6,250 for heads of households; and (3) from $3,000 (unmarried individuals) and $2,500 (married individuals filing separate returns) to $4,250 for all others. Repeals the separate categories for unmarried individuals and married individuals filing separate returns. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments. Allows an individual taxpayer a deduction (even if the taxpayer does not itemize) for the amount paid during the taxable year for insurance covering medical care or for any qualified long-term care insurance contract for the taxpayer, and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents. Increases from $2,000 to $3,500 the limit on the deductible amount of an individual's qualified retirement contributions. Increases from $7,000 to $15,000 the limit on the amount of elective deferrals (of compensation contributed to a qualified pension, profit- sharing, or stock bonus plan) which is excluded from an individual's gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase-in an increase from the current 50 percent deduction to an 80 percent deduction for meal and entertainment expenses of small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
National Monument Public Participation Act of 1999 - Amends the Antiquities Act to require the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to promulgate regulations that establish procedures to ensure that Federal, State, and local governments and the public have the right to participate in the formulation of plans relating to the declaration of a national monument on Federal land. Requires the Secretaries, prior to making any recommendations for declaration of a national monument in an area, to: (1) ensure compliance with all applicable Federal land management and environmental laws; (2) cause mineral surveys to be conducted by the Geological Survey to determine the mineral values that may be present in the area; (3) cause an assessment of the land's surface resource values to be completed and made available by the appropriate agencies; (4) identify all existing rights held on Federal land contained within such area; and (5) identify all State and private land contained within such area. Requires: (1) either Secretary, on completion of such reviews and mineral surveys, to submit to the President recommendations as to whether any area on Federal land warrants declaration as a national monument; and (2) no later than two years after the receipt of such a recommendation, the President to advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the President's recommendations and provide them with maps and descriptions of the boundaries of those areas evaluated for declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Amends the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to contract with qualified financial institutions that are regulated by a federal bank regulatory agency for the investment of all funds presently managed in trust status for Indian tribes and individual Indians, unless: (1) a tribe whose money is held in trust requests in writing that its funds continue to be invested by the Interior Department; or (2) contracting of a particular fund would be inconsistent with the U.S.'s trust responsibility or would contravene any provision of law specifically related to that fund. Requires the Secretary to afford a tribe an opportunity to designate in writing a qualified financial institution to manage its funds.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Law Enforcement Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers carrying appropriate written identification from State and local laws prohibiting the carrying of a concealed firearm. Consents to the formation of interstate compacts or agreements for cooperative efforts in enabling authorized individuals to carry concealed weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act of 1999 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase: (1) bullet resistant equipment for use by law enforcement officers; and (2) video cameras for use by State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in law enforcement vehicles. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, preferential consideration, minimum and maximum allocations, matching funds, awards to local governmental units with fewer than 100,000 residents, and application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should purchase only American-made equipment and products. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to: (1) conduct research and otherwise work to develop new bullet resistant technologies for use in police equipment; (2) inventory bullet resistant technologies used in the private sector, in surplus military property, and by foreign countries; and (3) promulgate relevant standards for, and conduct technical and operational testing and evaluation of, bullet resistant technology and equipment, and otherwise facilitate the use of that technology in police equipment. Directs NIJ to give priority in testing and engineering surveys to law enforcement partnerships developed in coordination with High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase from ten to 15 years the maximum term of imprisonment for offenses involving the transportation, transfer, or use of stolen firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Expresses support for the U.S. military personnel who are engaged in military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and recognizes their professionalism, dedication, patriotism, and courage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1999
Requires the Secretary of State to raise the matter of Zachary Baumel (a U.S. citizen), Yehuda Katz, and Zvi Feldman with the appropriate government officials of Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and with other governments in the region and elsewhere which in the Department's view may be helpful in locating and securing the return of these soldiers. Urges decisions with regard to U.S. economic and other forms of assistance to such countries and U.S. policy towards these governments and authorities to take into consideration their willingness to assist in locating and securing the return of such soldiers. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on her consultations with the appropriate governments and any changes in U.S. policies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Farm and Ranch Risk Management Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual engaged in an eligible farming (or ranching) business a deduction (in computing adjusted gross income) for any taxable year of up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to the eligible farming business which was paid in cash by the taxpayer to a Farm and Ranch Risk Management Account (FARRM Account). Includes distributions from a FARRM account in the taxpayer's gross income, and subjects to a special ten percent surtax any distributions not made within five years of contribution. Establishes a tax on excess contributions, but exempts the taxpayer from the tax on certain prohibited transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Condemns anti-Semitic statements made by members of the Russian Duma. Commends: (1) actions taken by members of the Duma to condemn such statements made by other Duma members; and (2) President Yeltsin and other members of the Russian Government for condemning such statements. Declares that peace and justice cannot be achieved as long as governments and legislatures promote policies based upon anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Commends U.S. Senator J. Robert Kerrey of Nebraska, on the 30th anniversary of the events giving rise to his receiving the Medal of Honor, for service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Indian Tribal Regulatory Reform and Business Development Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Regulatory Reform and Business Development on Indian Lands Authority to facilitate identifying and removing obstacles to investment, business development, and the creation of wealth with respect to Indian reservation economies. Requires the Authority to: (1) conduct a review of laws and regulations relating to investment, business, and economic development that affect investment and business decisions concerning activities conducted on Indian lands; and (2) report to specified congressional committees and Indian tribes review findings and recommendations for proposed revisions to laws. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act of 1999 - Establishes the Commission on Indian Recognition as an independent establishment which shall assume the authority of the Department of the Interior to recognize a petitioning Indian group's tribal status. Sets forth operating and petitioning procedures. Requires petitions to contain detailed, specific evidence, including: (1) a statement of facts establishing that the petitioner has been identified as an American Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1871; (2) a statement of facts establishing that a predominant portion of the petitioner's membership comprises a community distinct from those communities surrounding it and has existed as a community from historical times to the present; (3) a statement of facts establishing that the petitioner has maintained political influence or authority over its members as an autonomous entity from historical times until the time of the petition; (4) a copy of the petitioner's governing document or description of the petitioner's membership criteria and the petitioner's governing procedures; and (5) a list of the petitioner's current members, a copy of each available former list of members based on the petitioner's defined criteria, and a description of the methods used in preparing those lists. Requires the Commission to publish an annual list of recognized Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award petition assistance grants. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Indian Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a uniform method, criteria, and procedures for determining, analyzing, and compiling the program and service assistance needs of Indian tribes and Indians nationwide. Requires Federal agencies to conduct Indian Needs Assessments aimed at determining the actual needs of tribes and Indians eligible for programs and services administered by such agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform method, criteria, and procedures for compiling, maintaining, keeping current, and reporting to Congress all information concerning: (1) agency annual expenditures for programs and services for which Indians are eligible; (2) services or programs specifically for the benefit of Indians; and (3) agency methods of delivery of services and funding. Requires Federal agencies responsible for providing services or programs to or for the benefit of tribes or Indians to: (1) file Annual Indian Program Evaluations with specified congressional committees; and (2) publish annual listings in the Federal Register of all agency programs and services for which Indian tribes may be eligible. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to specified congressional committees on the coordination of Federal program and service assistance for which tribes are eligible; and (2) file a Strategic Plan for the Coordination of Federal Assistance for Indians. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Indian Tribal Economic Development and Contract Encouragement Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to remove the applicability of certain restrictions on agreements with non-U.S. citizen individual Indians. Makes a requirement that a contract bear the approval of the Secretary of the Interior inapplicable to any contract in any case in which: (1) the Secretary fails to approve or disapprove the contract within 90 days of its filing with the Secretary or the Indian tribe notifies the Secretary that the contract is not subject to requirements prescribed under existing law; and (2) the Secretary fails to inform the tribe within a certain time period that the Secretary intends to review the contract by the date specified in (1). Directs the Secretary to refuse to approve a contract if it: (1) violates Federal law; or (2) is subject to existing requirements and does not include provisions that provide for remedies in case of breach of contract, that reference a tribal code, ordinance, or court ruling that discloses the tribe's right to assert sovereign immunity as a defense in an action brought against the tribe, or that include an express waiver of such right to sovereign immunity. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any contract not covered under existing provisions. Requires the Secretary to notify tribes if a contract is not so covered. Authorizes tribes to bring actions for recovery of amounts paid to any person in excess of an amount approved by the Secretary in cases where contracts are in violation of existing requirements and determined to be null and void. Requires recovered amounts to be for the use of the tribe for whom they were recovered. Amends the Indian Reorganization Act to remove a requirement that a tribe's choice of legal counsel and fixing of fees be subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Intergovernmental Tax Agreement Act of 1999 - Grants U.S. consent to States and Indian tribes to enter into intergovernmental compacts and agreements concerning the collection and remittance of : (1) applicable State taxes on retail commercial transactions involving non-Indians on Indian lands; or (2) covered tribal equivalency taxes. Permits: (1) a tribe to request the Secretary of the Interior to initiate negotiations on that tribe's part with a State for the purpose of entering into a tax compact; and (2) a State to request the Secretary to initiate negotiations between a tribe and the State to enter into such a tax compact. Requires: (1) a request by a tribe or State to be in writing; (2) the Secretary to issue a written response within 30 days after receiving a request to the submitting tribe or State; (3) the Secretary to commence negotiations with respect to the tax compact that is the subject of the request submitted by the tribe or State within 30 days after receiving such request; and (4) the parties to complete the negotiations within 120 days, unless the parties agree to an extension. Directs the Secretary to initiate a mediation process, with the goal of achieving a tax compact, if: (1) the party that was requested to enter into negotiations failed to respond to that request; or (2) upon the completion of an applicable period for negotiations, the parties have failed to execute a compact. Establishes an Intergovernmental Dispute Resolution Panel to consider and render decision on: (1) a dispute between a State and a tribe that is referred to the Panel at the Secretary's discretion if negotiations and mediation do not result in the execution of a compact; and (2) any claim involving the collection or payment of retail taxes claimed by a State with respect to transactions conducted on Indian lands. Grants, except as provided, original jurisdiction to U.S. district courts with respect to: (1) the enforcement of any compact; and (2) any civil action, claim, counterclaim, or setoff brought by any party to secure equitable relief, including injunctive and declaratory relief. Prohibits any action from being brought to recover damages arising out of or in connection with an agreement or compact, except as specifically provided for in that agreement or compact. Provides for each compact to specify that each party to the compact: (1) consents to litigation to enforce the compact; and (2) waives any defense of sovereign immunity to the extent necessary to enforce that compact.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Agricultural Trade Freedom Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to exempt, with specified exceptions, commercial sales of agricultural commodities from unilateral economic sanctions imposed by the United States upon another country. States that the President: (1) may determine that for reasons of foreign policy or national security such exemption shall not apply; and (2) shall determine whether such exemption shall apply to each existing sanction. Sets forth related reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) U.S. agricultural trade negotiation objectives; (2) sale or barter of food assistance; and (3) relief from foreign trade practices restricting U.S. agricultural commodities, including the use of specified agricultural authorities in instances of undue delay in resolving disputes. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to repeal the micronutrient fortification pilot program. Makes specified amendments to the: (1) Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996; (2) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990; and (3) Agricultural Trade Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1999
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for alternative certification procedures for assistance to major drug producing and drug transit countries. Authorizes the President to submit to the Congress with respect to a country a certification specifying: (1) that the withholding of assistance and opposition to multilateral development bank assistance to the country are not in the national interests of the United States; and (2) conditions that must be met to terminate a prohibition of bilateral and multilateral assistance to such country. Prohibits bilateral assistance, and requires the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to vote against any loan or other fund assistance, to such country until such conditions have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
New Millennium Classrooms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from two to three years the age of computer equipment that corporations may donate to tax-exempt schools and for which they may receive a tax deduction; and (2) allow a business tax credit of 30 percent of the value of computer equipment donated to tax-exempt schools. Increases the amount of such credit to 50 percent for contributions to schools in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Morris King Udall, a former Representative from the State of Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to waive, in whole or in part, the matching requirement of the grant program for law enforcement armor vests in cases of fiscal hardship.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the President to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Bring Them Home Alive Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General to grant refugee status in the United States to any alien (and the parent, spouse, and child of such) who: (1) is a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and (2) personally delivers into U.S. custody a living American Vietnam War POW or MIA. Requires the granting of the same status to any alien (and parent, spouse, and child) who is a national of North Korea, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union and who personally delivers a living American Korean War POW or MIA. Directs the International Broadcasting Bureau to broadcast to such foreign countries information that promotes such refugee programs. Requires: (1) a minimum level of such broadcasting; and (2) the Bureau to ensure that such information is made available on the Internet. Expresses the sense of the Congress that RFE-RL, Inc., Radio Free Asia, and any other recipient of Federal grants that broadcasts to such countries should also broadcast such information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
Veterans' Equal Access to Medicare Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Veterans Affairs (VA) (the administering Secretaries) to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary reimburses the VA Secretary for Medicare health care services furnished to certain veterans at a VA medical facility. Makes eligible for such services a veteran who has attained age 65, is entitled to Medicare benefits, and was enrolled for Medicare benefits on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires voluntary participation of eligible veterans under the demonstration program. Directs the administering Secretaries to establish a data matching program under which there is an exchange of information between HHS and VA to identify those entitled to such benefits. Allows the administering Secretaries to select up to ten demonstration sites in geographically dispersed sites for program participation. Requires at least one site to: (1) be near a base which was closed under a defense base closure law; and (2) serve a predominately rural population area. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted during the three-year period beginning on January 1, 2000. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to waive certain Medicare requirements in connection with the program. Requires the administering Secretaries to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the demonstration program agreement. Authorizes the VA Secretary to establish and operate up to four managed health care plans at demonstration sites. Requires such Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for the use of appropriate sites and entities. Requires certain certifications from the VA Inspector General before a plan may be implemented. Directs the HHS Secretary to reimburse the VA Secretary for demonstration project services at specified rates. Provides for such payments from Medicare trust funds, with an annual limit of $50 million. Authorizes the reduction of such reimbursement payments for VA failure to maintain its effort level for targeted veterans. Directs the administering Secretaries to closely monitor the expenditures made under the Medicare program for targeted veterans during the period of the demonstration project compared to expenditures that would have been made for such veterans if the demonstration project had not been conducted. Requires: (1) an annual report by the Comptroller General during each year of the demonstration project; (2) the administering Secretaries to take certain steps in the case of increased costs under the demonstration project and arrange for an independent evaluation of the project; (3) annual reports from such independent entity during the demonstration project period; and (4) a report from the administering Secretaries on the possibility of extending the demonstration project, making it permanent, or expanding it to cover additional demonstration sites.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1999
Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or impose requirements regarding: (1) the transfer of distilled spirits (including imported distilled spirits) between bonded premises; (2) operations as a bonded dealer conducted on the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant; (3) establishment and operation of such a plant by a bonded dealer; (4) election to be treated as a bonded dealer; (5) the time at which the tax on distilled spirits is determined; (6) distilled spirits lost or destroyed in bond or returned to bonded premises; (7) the time for tax payment and payment by electronic transfer; and (8) application to a plant used by a bonded dealer of provisions relating to sales by proprietors of controlled premises. Directs the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to assess and collect registration fees to defray costs resulting from the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress concerning cooperative agreements regarding the collection of distilled spirits excise taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Designates the week of March 21 through March 27, 1999, as National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week. Encourages parents to learn about the dangers of inhalant abuse and to discuss those dangers with their children.
![Official portrait of Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000077_200.jpg)