United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1999
Calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to: (1) release all prisoners of conscience and put an immediate end to the harassment detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of Chinese citizens exercising their legitimate rights to free belief, expression, and association; and (2) demonstrate its willingness to abide by internationally accepted norms of freedom of belief, expression, and association by repealing or amending laws and decrees that restrict those freedoms and proceeding promptly to ratify and implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1999
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1999 - Mandates that: (1) one bankruptcy judgeship position be filled for each of the districts of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico; and (2) the first vacancy occurring five years or more after the appointment date in such districts shall not be filled.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the erosion of the independence of judicial and electoral branches of the Government of Peru and the blatant intimidation of journalists in Peru are matters of serious concern to the United States; (2) efforts by any person or political movement in Peru to undermine that country's constitutional order for personal or political gain are inconsistent with the standard of representative democracy in the Western Hemisphere; (3) the U.S. Government supports the effort of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to report on the pattern of threats to democracy, freedom of the press, and judicial independence by the Government of Peru; and (4) systematic abuse of the rule of law and threats to democracy in Peru could undermine the confidence of foreign investors in, as well as the creditworthiness of, Peru.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1999
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Reauthorization Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize and revise title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities (also known as the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994). Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for such title IV, including: (1) part A subpart 1, State grants for drug and violence prevention programs; and (2) part A subpart 2, national programs. Authorizes appropriations for a National Coordinator Program Initiative. Revises requirements relating to State and local educational agency (SEA and LEA) programs. Requires SEAs, LEAs, and Governors, when developing program applications, to consult with advisory councils established at the State and local levels. Requires the independent biennial evaluation to report on whether funded community and LEA programs have: (1) provided a thorough assessment of the substance abuse and violence problem; (2) used objective data and the knowledge of a wide range of community members; (3) developed measurable goals and objectives; (4) implemented effective research-based programs; (5) conducted and used periodic program evaluations; (6) targeted relevant research-based variables or risk factors predictive of drug use, violence, or dropping out of school, and targeted protective factors, buffers, or assets that are known to protect children and youth from exposure to such risk; (7) appreciably reduced the level of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and school violence and the presence of firearms at schools; and (8) conducted effective parent involvement and voluntary training programs. Revises requirements relating to national programs, including specified Federal activities as well as grants for local hate crime prevention. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Coordinator Program of grants to LEAs to hire drug prevention and school safety program coordinators. Establishes the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Advisory Committee to review regulations and standards.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a gratuity of $20,000 to veterans (or their surviving spouse) who: (1) served at Bataan or Corregidor in the Philippines during World War II; (2) were captured and held as prisoners of war by Japan during such service; and (3) were required by Japan to perform slave labor in Japan during such War.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Agricultural Job Opportunity Benefits and Security Act of 1999 - Title I: Adjustment to Legal Status - Directs the Attorney General to adjust the status of a qualifying alien agricultural worker to that of a lawfully admitted nonimmigrant. Provides, with respect to such status, for: (1) a maximum seven-year period of validity; and (2) termination and removal for failure to meet specified agricultural work requirements. Sets forth employer record-keeping requirements. Provides for adjustment to permanent resident status upon completion of required agricultural work for five years. Provides for: (1) status termination and removal for fraud or misrepresentation, or certain criminal activities; and (2) deportation for failure to apply for status adjustment within the specified application period. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) adjustment of status applications, including penalties for false statements; (2) waiver of numerical limitations and certain grounds for inadmissibility; (3) temporary stay of removal and work authorization; (4) administrative and judicial review; and (5) dissemination of program information. Title II: Agricultural Worker Registries - Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to establish a database system of U.S. worker and nonimmigrant agricultural worker registries to provide temporary and seasonal agricultural job opportunity and referral information. States that such registries may be established as part of the "America's Job Bank" and "America's Talent Bank" databases. Bases registry coverage on job opportunities in a single State, except for the New England States which may be represented by a single registry. Requires prospective employers of H-2A visa agricultural workers to first apply for registry workers before a petition to import H-2A workers may be approved. Sets forth individual registrant requirements. States that an agricultural worker may apply for registry inclusion in the State of his or her residency. Grants referral preference to U.S. workers. Provides that adjusted nonimmigrants: (1) may only be employed in the State of their registration, or in contiguous States; and (2) shall be temporarily or permanently removed from the registry for failure to report for a committed job or jobs. Title III: H-2A Reform - Sets forth registry application requirements for H-2A employers and employer associations, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is not the result of a labor dispute, and is temporary or seasonal; (2) respecting required wages and benefits, and compliance with labor laws; (3) respecting advertising in the registry and other labor market sources; and (4) respecting provision of workers compensation. Provides that: (1) the Secretary, upon application approval, shall complete a registry search and notify an employer of available registered workers within seven days of the beginning work date; (2) if insufficient workers are available, the Secretary shall so notify an employer, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State; (3) an employer shall pay a user fee for each admitted alien worker; (4) an employer may apply directly to the Secretary of State for alien worker admissions if such worker referral has not been received within the seven-day period; and (5) an employer may file a request for redetermination of need. (Sec. 304) Sets forth employment requirements with respect to: (1) wages; (2) housing; (3) transportation reimbursement; and (4) obligation to employ U.S. workers. (Sec. 305) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise provisions respecting the admission and extension of stay of temporary H-2A workers. Directs the Attorney General to conduct a study regarding H-2A workers overstays, and whether a partial wage withholding is a necessary inducement to assure timely departure. States that nothing in this Act shall preclude the Secretary and the Attorney General from continuing to apply special procedures to the employment, admissions, and extension of aliens in the range production of livestock. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a process to receive and enforce complaints against employers by aggrieved persons or third party organizations (including bargaining representatives). Sets forth related provisions respecting: (1) expedited investigation of housing, wage, and child labor violations; (2) written notice of findings and opportunity for appeal; (3) ability of alien workers to change employers; and (4) remedies. Establishes the Commission on Housing Migrant Agricultural Workers which shall study the problem of in-season housing for migrant agricultural workers. Directs the Secretaries of Labor, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the relationship between child care of migrant agricultural workers and child labor violations in agriculture. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Agriculture to conduct a study of agricultural field sanitation conditions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of persistent and serious agricultural labor standards violations. (Sec. 402) Authorizes and requests the Attorney General to establish bilateral commissions between the United States and each country having specified numbers of H-2A workers in the United States. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to establish registry user and alien employment user fee schedules and related collection processes. (Sec. 405) States that additional funds for agricultural worker registry startup costs may be taken from amounts available to Federal or State entities under the Wagner-Peyser Act. (Sec. 406) Sets forth reporting requirements to the congressional Judiciary committees describing the results of a review of the implementation of this Act. Establishes an advisory board to advise the Comptroller General in the preparation of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999
Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the definition of "agency or instrumentality of a foreign state" for purposes of provisions regarding exceptions to: (1) the jurisdictional immunity of a foreign state where money damages are sought against a foreign state for personal injury or death that was caused by an act of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or the provision of material support or resources for such an act (jurisdictional provisions); and (2) the immunity from attachment or execution where the judgment relates to a claim for which the foreign state is not immune (attachment provisions). Directs that moneys due from or payable by the United States to any State against which a judgment is pending under jurisdictional provisions be subject to attachment and execution in like manner and to the same extent as if the United States were a private person. Authorizes the President, upon determining on an asset-by-asset basis that a waiver is necessary in the national security interest, to waive attachment provisions in connection with (and prior to the enforcement of) any judicial order directing attachment in aid of execution or execution against the premises of a foreign diplomatic mission to the United States, or any funds held by or in the name of such foreign diplomatic mission determined by the President to be necessary to satisfy actual operating expenses of such foreign diplomatic mission. Specifies that a waiver shall not apply to the proceeds of: (1) such use if the premises of a foreign diplomatic mission has been used for any non-diplomatic purpose (including use as rental property); or (2) a sale or transfer if any asset of a foreign diplomatic mission is sold or otherwise transferred for value to a third party. Treats all assets of any agency or instrumentality of a foreign state as assets of that foreign state.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1999
Clear Extenders Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide extend the: (1) credit for increasing research activities (permanently); (2) the zero tentative minimum tax; (3) subpart F (Controlled Foreign Corporations) exemption for active financing income; (4) taxable income limit on percentage depletion for marginal oil and gas production; and (5) work opportunity credit and welfare-to-work credit. Sets forth a revenue offset provision (modifies the estimated tax safe harbor).
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999
Small Watershed Rehabilitation Act of 1999 - Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to an eligible local organization to cover a portion of the total costs incurred for the rehabilitation of structural measures originally constructed as part of a covered water resource project (except that the local organization shall be responsible for securing all land, easements, or rights-of-ways necessary for the project). Limits the amount of Federal funds that may be made available to such an organization for construction of a particular rehabilitation project to 65 percent of the total rehabilitation costs, but not exceed 100 percent of actual construction costs incurred, and makes the local organization responsible for resource rights costs and all Federal, State, and local permits. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to provide technical assistance to a requesting organization in planning, designing, and implementing rehabilitation projects. Prohibits any assistance authorized under this Act from being used to perform operation and maintenance activities. Outlines assistance application requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a system of approving rehabilitation assistance requests from eligible organizations equitably. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2009 to provide financial and technical assistance. Earmarks funds authorized for the first two fiscal years for an assessment by the Secretary of the rehabilitation needs of covered projects. Requires: (1) the Secretary to maintain a database to track the benefits derived from rehabilitation projects and expenditures and report annually to the Congress on the status of activities conducted; and (2) eligible local organizations that received assistance to report to the Secretary on the status of rehabilitation efforts undertaken using financial assistance after the completion of the specific projects for which assistance was provided.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1999
Alliance with Colombia and the Andean Region (ALIANZA) Act of 1999 - Title I: United States Policy and Personnel - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding support for democracy, peace, rule of law, and human rights in Colombia. (Sec. 102) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control of the Senate on the current U.S. policy and strategy regarding U.S. counter narcotics assistance for Colombia and the front line states (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela). (Sec. 103) Sets forth certain conditions and limitations on the availability of U.S. assistance to Colombia. (Sec. 105) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. anti-drug assistance to Colombia depends on unimpeded access by Colombia law enforcement officials to all areas of Colombia; (2) the Government of Colombia and governments of the front line states should ensure that narcotics traffickers that are indicted in the United States are arrested and prosecuted and, upon the request of the U.S. Government, extradited to the United States for trial for their egregious offenses against the U.S. people; (3) the President should designate a special coordinator on Colombia to coordinate efforts to implement a comprehensive regional strategy to maximize international political and financial support for Colombia and the front line states; (4) the Government of Colombia should resolve the case of the three U.S. citizens killed in Colombia in March 1999; and (5) links between members of Colombian irregular forces and members of Colombian security forces are deeply troubling and counter-productive in the effort to combat drug trafficking and the prevention of human rights violations. (Sec. 107) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing additional personnel requirements of the U.S. Mission in Colombia that are necessary to implement this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Activities Supported - Subtitle A: Democracy, Peace, the Rule of Law, and Human Rights in Colombia - Authorizes the President to support programs and activities to advance democracy, peace, the rule of law, and human rights in Colombia. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government should provide assistance to forcibly displaced Colombian persons and that the Government of Colombia should support their return home; and (2) the President is authorized to support the efforts by the Attorney General of Colombia to investigate and prosecute members of Colombian irregular forces and members of Colombian security forces involved in the production or trafficking in illicit drugs and gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary of State, with specified exceptions, to deny a visa to, and the Attorney General not to admit to the United States, any alien who the Secretary has credible evidence: (1) is a person who is or was an illicit drug trafficker in Colombia; or (2) ordered carried out gross violations of internationally recognized human rights there. Subtitle B: Eradication of Drug Production and Interdiction of Drug Trafficking - Authorizes the President to support programs and activities by the Government of Colombia (including its security forces) to: (1) target eradication and law enforcement activities in areas of new cultivation of coca and opium poppy; (2) reinvigorate a nationwide program to interdict shipments of illicit drugs in Colombia; and (3) support anti-drug law enforcement activities by the National Police and Navy of Colombia nationwide. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the President to support programs and activities by the U.S. Government, the Government of Colombia, and the governments of the front line states to enhance interdiction of illicit drugs in that region. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 216) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to provide additional assistance for counter-drug activities in Colombia and Peru. (Sec. 217) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to U.S. counter narcotic assistance to Brazil. (Sec. 218) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense and the Department of State to monitor the use of U.S. assistance by the Colombian armed forces. (Sec. 219) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the development of economic alternatives to the illicit drug trade. Authorizes appropriations (earmarking amounts to Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru).
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the U.S.S. Wisconsin and those who served on that vessel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1999
Teacher Liability Protection Act of 1999 - Preempts State law, except where such law provides additional protection from liability of teachers. Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in State court against a teacher in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State enacts a statute electing that this Act not apply. Provides that no teacher in a school shall be liable for harm caused by an act or omission on behalf of the school if the teacher was acting within the scope of employment or responsibilities relating to providing educational services, subject to specified requirements and exceptions. Limits punitive damages and liability for non-economic loss.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1999
Educational Opportunities Act of 1999 - Title I: HELP Scholarships - Helping Empower Low-Income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1999 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs), except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 105) Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an empowerment zone or enterprise community. (Sec. 106) Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program. Title II: Education Tax Credit - Children's Education Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a tax credit (of up to $1,000) for the qualified educational expenses (tuition, attendance fees, books, supplies, equipment, but excluding meals and lodging) paid by a taxpayer for the education at an eligible zone educational institution of each individual with respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction as a dependent. (Sec. 202) Provides for: (1) the inclusion of certain home schooling expenses; and (2) adjustments for certain scholarships. Defines "eligible zone educational institution" as a secondary school, an elementary school, or any private, parochial, religious, or home school that: (1) provides elementary or secondary education; and (2) is located in an empowerment zone or enterprise community.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1999
Congratulates Henry "Hank" Aaron on his great achievements in baseball and recognizes him as one of the greatest professional baseball players of all times. Commends him for his commitment to young people, earning him a permanent place in both sports history and American society.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Prescribes penalties. Defines a "partial birth abortion" as an abortion in which a person, deliberately and intentionally, partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Directs the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional committees on the current U.S. policy and strategy regarding U.S. counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999
Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional veterans' committees, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House (the entities) a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the processing of claims for veterans' compensation and pension. Requires such plan to include the training of claims adjudicators and the enhancement of accountability standards to improve the timeliness and accuracy of such claims processing. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan within 60 days after its submission. Allows for plan modifications, but requires prior notification to the entities followed by a 30-day waiting period. Requires biannual reports from the Secretary to the entities assessing plan implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Foreign Money Laundering Deterrence and Anticorruption Act - Amends Federal law governing monetary transactions to set forth requirements relating to transactions and accounts with or on behalf of foreign entities. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that, in its deliberations with another country concerning money laundering and corruption issues, the United States should: (1) emphasize an approach that addresses not only the laundering of traditional criminal activity proceeds, but also the endemic problem of governmental corruption and the corruption of ruling elites; and (2) encourage enactment and enforcement of laws in such country to prevent money laundering and systemic corruption. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) instruct the United States Executive Directors of each international financial institution to oppose any loan, disbursement, or other utilization of resources by the international financial institution (other than to address basic human needs) for any country the Secretary determines has a high level of corruption and is not taking meaningful steps to reduce it; and (2) report annually to Congress on deliberations between the United States and other countries regarding money laundering and corruption issues. (Sec. 5) Revises Federal law with respect to immunity from civil liability for disclosures of suspicious monetary transactions made by a financial institution and any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents to: (1) limit such disclosures to those made to an appropriate governmental agency; and (2) extend such immunity to an independent accountant who audits a financial institution. Extends such immunity also to any failure to notify either the subject of such disclosure, or any other person identified in it. Makes such immunity inapplicable to any disclosure or communication required under Federal securities law unless such law specifically refers to this Act. Prohibits notification of such disclosures or their contents: (1) to any person involved in the suspect transaction; or (2) by any government staff to other government agencies. Exempts from such prohibition any use of related information by government officers in the conduct of either official duties or law enforcement, regulatory, or investigative proceedings. States that written employment references submitted by a financial institution to another upon request may disclose information concerning possible involvement in suspicious transactions relevant to possible illegalities. Shields from civil liability any financial institution and its directors, officers, employees, and agents for any such disclosures. (Sec. 6) Amends Federal criminal law to specify new unlawful money laundering activities, including: (1) fraud committed against a foreign governmental entity; (2) certain munitions smuggling or export; (3) misuse of funds of certain international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund; and (4) failure to report to the appropriate Federal agency the ownership or control of a foreign corporation, of a financial account, or of a beneficial interest in a foreign trust. Imposes a fine or imprisonment penalty for false statements concerning the identity of customers of financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Highway Noise Reduction Act - Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to repeal a prohibition on the use of Highway Trust Fund sums to construct type II noise barriers if such barriers were not part of a project approved by the Secretary of Transportation before the date of that Act's enactment (with an exception).
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Measures to Encourage Results in Teaching Act of 1999 - Amends title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new part E (State Incentives for Teacher Testing and Merit Pay). Directs the Secretary of Education to make an award to each State that: (1) administers a test to each elementary school and secondary school teacher in the State, with respect to the subjects taught by the teacher, every three to five years; and (2) has an elementary school and secondary school teacher compensation system based on merit. Allows States to use Federal education funds for teacher testing and merit pay programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) this Congress has taken strong steps to reform our Nation's educational system and allowed States, local schools and parents more flexibility and authority over their children's education; and (2) the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 will enable this Congress to continue its efforts to send decision making back to States, local schools, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
St. Simons Island Lighthouse Preservation Act - Requires the Postal Service to terminate its lease entered into on July 3, 1961, with Capital Properties Inc. for use of property at St. Simons Island in Brunswick, Georgia, as a post office. Directs the Administrator of General Services to transfer to the Postal Service Federal property of equal value to the property subject to such lease.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
Declares that President Clinton should not have granted clemency to the FALN (Armed Forces of National Liberation) terrorists and that in doing so he has made deplorable concessions to terrorists, undermined national security, and emboldened domestic and international terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
United States Cruise Ship Tourism Development Act of 1999 - Title I: Operations Under Permit - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a permit for an eligible cruise vessel to operate in the transportation of passengers in the coastwise trade between ports in the United States. Terminates permit-issuance authority after three years. Sets forth itinerary operating requirements. Prohibits permitted cruise vessels operating in domestic itineraries from operating as ferries, carrying for hire both passengers and cargo, and operating between or among the islands of Hawaii. Provides for approving limited employment of foreign flag vessels. Requires the establishment of a priority system for cruise vessels, first priority being given to U.S.-built or rebuilt vessels. Prohibits eligible cruise vessels from operating in a domestic itinerary unless a proposed itinerary has been submitted. Title II: Post-Permit Operations of Eligible Cruise Vessels - Sets forth the requirements to be met following the expiration of a permit issued under this Act for an eligible cruise vessel not documented under the laws of the United States. Title III: Other Provisions - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 relating to risk factors. Makes special provision for vessels carrying passengers for hire into Glacier Bay or other National Park Service areas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Date-Rape Drug Control Act of 1999 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to add gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) to schedule I, ketamine to schedule III, and gamma butyrolactone (GBL) as an additional list I chemical. Provides for a limited exemption from Schedule I manufacturing and distributing facility security requirements for facilities manufacturing and distributing GHB for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical study, pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, in which case Schedule III facility security requirements apply. Places an FDA-approved GHB drug product into Schedule III, but adds reporting and accountability requirements for the approved GHB drug product (see section 4). Adds Schedule I penalties for the unlawful use of an approved drug product that contains GHB. Specifies that the designation of GBL or any other chemical as a listed chemical under the CSA does not preclude a finding that the chemical is a controlled substance analogue. Includes controlled substance analogues within the scope of provision regarding penalties for distribution of a controlled substance. (Sec. 4) Amends the CSA to authorize the Attorney General to establish specified reporting requirements for GHB products in Schedule III, including annual reports of end-of-year inventories and requirements that dispensing practitioners maintain certain records regarding prescriptions. (Sec. 5) Directs the Attorney General to make a grant for the development of forensic field tests to assist law enforcement officials in detecting the presence of GHB and related substances. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress annual reports providing an estimate of the number of incidents of the abuse of date-rape drugs that occurred during the most recent one-year period for which data are available. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan for carrying out a national campaign to educate young adults, youths, law enforcement personnel, educators, school nurses, counselors of rape victims, and hospital emergency room personnel on: (1) the dangers of the date-rape drugs; (2) the applicability of the CSA to such drugs, including penalties; (3) recognizing symptoms indicating that an individual may be a victim of such drugs, including symptoms of sexual assault; and (4) appropriately responding when an individual has such symptoms. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding the plan. Sets forth provisions regarding plan implementation and evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to establish a class A license for qualifying low-power television (LPT) stations. Requires notification of LPT licensees of the requirements for class A designation. Requires requesting licensees to submit to the FCC a certification of eligibility based on the requirements of this Act. Requires the FCC to: (1) grant such certification absent a material deficiency; and (2) act to preserve the contours of LPT stations pending final resolution of such applications. Allows an LPT station to submit an application for class A designation only within 30 days after final regulations are adopted. Defines as a qualifying LPT station one which, during the 90 days preceding the date of enactment of this Act: (1) broadcast for at least 18 hours per day; (2) broadcast an average of at least three hours per week of programming that was produced within the market area served by such station or the market area served by a group of commonly controlled stations that carry common local or specialized programming not otherwise available to their communities; and (3) complied with other requirements applicable to LPT stations and, after the date of its license application, complies with the FCC's operating rules for full power television stations. Allows the FCC to treat non-qualifying stations as LPT stations under this Act if public interest, convenience, and necessity would be so served. Provides that: (1) the FCC is not required to issue any additional licenses for advanced television services to the licensees of class A television stations; and (2) the FCC shall approve such license applications proposing facilities that will not cause interference to any other broadcast facility authorized on the date of the filing of the class A advanced television application. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt Federal provisions concerning the allocation and assignment of new public safety services licenses and commercial licenses. Prohibits the FCC from granting a class A license to an LPT station operating between 698 and 806 megahertz, but requires the FCC to provide to LPT stations assigned to and temporarily operating within such bandwidth the opportunity to meet the licensing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to release tobacco production and marketing information to State trusts or similar organizations engaged in the distribution of national trust funds to tobacco producers and other related persons, to the extent that such release is: (1) in the interest of tobacco producers; and (2) to a State trust or other organization engaged in the distribution of funds to tobacco producers or other parties with an interest in tobacco production or farms under a national or State trust or settlement. Directs the Secretary, prior to release of such information, to allow at least 15 days for persons whose release consent would otherwise be required to elect to be exempt from such release. Requires a person obtaining released information to maintain records and not to use such information for other than permitted purposes. Provides penalties for knowing violations of the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) cigarette manufacturer production records; (2) tobacco quota purchase intention records; and (3) buyer aggregate purchase records.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Drug-Free Workplace Fair Demonstration Act - Amends the Small Business Act to increase and extend through FY 2002 the authorization for the drug-free workplace demonstration program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Expresses: (1) profound appreciation for the service of Captain Jose A. Santiago, Captain Jennifer J. Odem, Chief Warrant Officer, W-2, Thomas G. Moore, Private First Class T. Bruce Cluff, and Private First Class Ray E. Krueger, all of the United States Army, who lost their lives in service of their country during an antidrug mission in Colombia; (2) condolences to the families and loves ones of the U.S. and Colombian personnel killed during that mission; and (3) gratitude to all members of the U.S. armed forces who fight the scourge of illegal drugs and protect the security and well-being of all people of the United States through their detection and monitoring of illicit production and trafficking of illicit narcotics. Urges U.S. and Colombian officials to take all practicable measures to recover the remains of the victims and to fully inform the family members of the circumstances of the accident which cost their lives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to release tobacco production and marketing information to State trusts or similar organizations engaged in the distribution of national trust funds to tobacco producers and other related persons, to the extent that such release is: (1) in the interest of tobacco producers; and (2) to a State trust or other organization engaged in the distribution of funds to tobacco producers or other parties with an interest in tobacco production or farms under a national or State trust or settlement. Directs the Secretary, prior to release of such information, to allow at least 15 days for persons whose release consent would otherwise be required to elect to be exempt from such release. Requires a person obtaining released information to maintain records and not to use such information for other than permitted purposes. Provides penalties for knowing violations of the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) cigarette manufacturer production records; (2) tobacco quota purchase intention records; and (3) buyer aggregate purchase records.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Establishes the Special Committee on American Culture in the Senate to: (1) study the causes and reasons for the substantial social and cultural regression; (2) make findings of fact, especially about the impact of such negative cultural trends and developments on our broader society, particularly in regards to child well-being; and (3) explore a means of cultural renewal. Declares that no proposed legislation shall be referred to the Special Committee, and the Committee shall have no power to report by bill or otherwise have legislative jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1999
Teacher Empowerment Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise and rename title II as Teacher Quality (replacing the current title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 2) Sets forth a new title II part A Teacher Empowerment program of grants to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such grants to States, according to certain hold-harmless provisions and allotment formulas. Requires States to distribute such grant funds as follows: (1) 90 percent for subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) according to specified formulas, with 20 percent of that LEA subgrant total amount reserved for competitive subgrants and at least three percent of the competitive subgrant total amount going to eligible partnerships; and (2) ten percent for authorized State activities. Sets forth requirements for coordination, public accountability, and applications, including provisions to ensure program development participation of teachers and parents. Includes among authorized State activities: (1) reform of teacher certification, recertification, or licensure requirements; (2) support, such as mentoring, during the initial teaching experience; (3) alternative routes to State certification of teachers, especially in mathematics and science, for highly qualified individuals; (4) mechanisms to assist LEAs and schools in teacher and principal recruitment and retention; (5) reform of tenure systems and use of teacher testing to remove incompetent and ineffective teachers from classrooms; (6) measurement of performance of professional development programs and strategies; (7) technical assistance to LEAs; (8) promotion of reciprocity of teacher certification or licensure between or among States, without weakening any State requirements; (9) development of cost-effective and easily accessible professional development delivery strategies, including use of technology and distance learning; and (10) assistance to LEAs and eligible partnerships in developing professional development programs to train teachers in the use of technology to improve teaching and learning. Requires eligible partnerships to use such subgrants for: (1) professional development activities in core academic subjects to ensure that teachers have content knowledge in the subjects they teach; and (2) assistance to LEAs and their teachers, principals, and administrators for professional development activities. Requires LEAs to use portions of such subgrants for: (1) professional development activities in mathematics and science, in an amount at least equal to that under the current Eisenhower Program (unless given a State waiver); and (2) professional development activities that give teachers, principals, and administrators the knowledge and skills to provide students with the opportunity to meet challenging State or local content standards and student performance standards. Authorizes LEAs to use such subgrants for highly qualified teacher recruitment programs, including: (1) recruiting, hiring, and training certified teachers, including teachers certified through State and local alternative routes, in order to reduce class size (unless given a State waiver), or for hiring special education teachers; (2) signing bonuses or other financial incentives for teaching in academic subject areas where there is a shortage; (3) recruiting and providing alternative routes to teacher certification for professionals from other fields; (4) providing increased opportunities for minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other individuals underrepresented in teaching; (5) hiring policies that identify teachers certified through alternative routes and intensively screen for the most qualified applicants; (6) highly qualified teacher retention programs (including master mentoring of newly hired teachers and principals); (7) teacher quality improvement and professional development programs, including technology training through partnerships with institutions of higher education, delivery of professional development activities through technology and distance learning, instruction in how to teach children with different learning styles, particularly those with disabilities or special learning needs (including gifted and talented), and instruction in classroom discipline and identifying early and appropriate interventions; (8) programs related to tenure reform, merit pay, and testing of teachers in the subject areas they teach; and (9) teacher opportunity payments. Prohibits the provision of professional development funds from LEA subgrants for a teacher and an activity if the activity is not: (1) directly related to the curriculum and content areas in which the teacher provides instruction; or (2) designed to enhance the teaching of such areas. Permits the use of such funds for instruction in methods of disciplining children. Sets forth various requirements for such professional development activities, including appropriate provision of teacher training in the use of technology to improve teaching and learning in the curriculum and academic content areas they teach. Authorizes LEAs to use subgrants for teacher opportunity payments to certain teachers or groups of teachers for professional development activities of their own choosing. Requires certain LEAs, if they fail to meet State teaching standards, to make such teacher opportunity payments. Requires providing notice to teachers regarding the availability of such funds. Sets forth a process for selecting teachers in the event of inadequate funds. Requires LEAs receiving subgrants to: (1) collaborate with teachers, principals, administrators, and parents in preparing subgrant applications; and (2) provide parents information regarding the professional qualifications of students' classroom teachers. Sets forth certain national activities under part A of title II of ESEA. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible consortia for Teacher Excellence Academies, in elementary or secondary school facilities, to carry out specified activities promoting alternative routes to State teacher certification or specified model professional development activities. Authorizes continuation of the Troops-to-Teachers Program under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant or contract to continue the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2004 for part A (Teacher Empowerment) of title II (Teacher Quality) of ESEA. (Sec. 3) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the Reading Excellence Act (REA) program. Redesignates REA as part B of title II of ESEA. Provides that such part B may be cited as the Reading Excellence Act. (Sec. 4) Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) using Federal funds to plan, develop, implement, or administer any national teacher test or certification or licensing; or (2) withholding funds from any State or LEA that fails to adopt a specific method of teacher certification or licensing. Provides that: (1) nothing in ESEA title II shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home school, whether or not a home school is treated as a private school or home school under State law; and (2) private, religious, or home schools are not barred, by the previous provision, from participation in programs or services under ESEA title II.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1999
United States Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative Coin Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue ten-dollar bimetallic coins, one-dollar silver coins, half-dollar clad coins, and if the Secretary determines that the minting and issuance of bimetallic coins is not feasible, five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the first meeting of the United States Congress in the U.S. Capitol Building. Mandates that all surcharges received from the coin sales be deposited in the Capitol Preservation Fund and made available to the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission to aid in the construction, maintenance, and preservation of a Capitol Visitor Center.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999
Regulatory Openness and Fairness Act of 1999 - Title I: Issuance and Continuation of Tolerances - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to apply the requirements of this paragraph to any proposed or final rule, order, notice, report, guidance document, or risk assessment (document) based on any review or reassessment by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a tolerance or of the uses of a pesticide chemical for which a tolerance is in effect (except when the Administrator finds or recommends that no adverse action regarding a tolerance is required) issued after 1998 and before the completion of the review of tolerances mandated by current law. Requires the Administrator to conduct a transition analysis before any such document is issued and to include with the document a report (with specified contents) on the analysis. Defines "tolerance," for this paragraph and the next paragraph, to mean a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue, or an exemption from the requirement of such a tolerance, established under specified FDCA provisions. (Sec. 102) Applies this paragraph to any review or reassessment by the Administrator of a tolerance (initiated by the Administrator or by petition) or of any registration of a pesticide chemical under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) associated with that tolerance review issued after 1998 and before the completion of the review of tolerances mandated by current law. Prohibits the Administrator, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from basing an adverse action regarding a tolerance or registration on any information, calculation, or assumption described under specified provisions of this Act. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator, in implementing provisions regarding pesticide chemical residue tolerances (as amended by this Act), to issue rules and guidance, including guidance regarding aggregate pesticide chemical exposure and cumulative effects of exposure to two or more chemicals having a common toxicity mechanism. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines specifying the kinds of information that will be required to support the issuance or continuation of a tolerance or a tolerance exemption. Requires the guidelines to specify the conditions under which data requirements will apply to particular types of pesticide chemical residues. Amends the FDCA and FIFRA to mandate notice and an opportunity to comment. (Sec. 105) Amends FIFRA to require the Administrator to expedite the review of a pesticide registration or amended registration, an experimental use permit, or an emergency exemption in specified circumstances. Amends the FDCA to require the Administrator to give priority to petitions to establish or modify a tolerance or exemption that is needed in connection with an application under specified FIFRA provisions for approval of an effective and economic alternative. Authorizes establishment of a tolerance associated with an emergency exemption without regard to other tolerances and before reviewing those other tolerances if the Administrator finds that any incremental exposure that may result will not pose any significant risk to food consumers. Title II: Studies and Reports - Defines "tolerance," for this title, to mean a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue, or an exemption from the requirement of such a tolerance, established under specified FDCA provisions. (Sec. 202) Directs the Administrator to prepare a proposal for revising the priorities of and resources available to the Administrator that will allow the Administrator to: (1) process promptly all FIFRA pesticide registration applications, FDCA tolerance petitions, experimental use permits requests, new inert ingredient approval requests, emergency exemption requests, and requests for decisions on the merits of those applications, petitions, and requests; and (2) perform tolerance reviews and other duties regarding pesticide chemicals under the FDCA and FIFRA. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a proposal for revising the priorities of and resources available to the Secretary that will allow the Secretary to: (1) obtain and provide to the Administrator adequate and timely information on food consumption, pesticide residues in or on food and drinking water, and pesticide use; (2) review actions proposed by the Administrator under the FDCA and FIFRA; and (3) perform other duties regarding pesticide regulation. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary to report to Congress on those proposals. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a program to continuously assess the strength of major U.S. agricultural commodities and products in the international marketplace, including regarding the sustainability and competitive strength of each commodity and product in that marketplace and the relationship of those factors to regulatory actions under the FDCA and FIFRA. Mandates periodic reports to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 204) Establishes the Pesticide Advisory Committee to: (1) provide advice to the Administrator and the Secretary regarding implementation of specified FDCA and FIFRA provisions; (2) foster communication between the Administrator, the Secretary, and interested organizations; and (3) carry out the functions performed by the Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee. Makes inapplicable to the Pesticide Advisory Committee provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act mandating the termination of any advisory committee two years after the committee is established.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999
Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Revises related fee provisions to: (1) apply such fees to manufactured home manufacturers (currently fees apply to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers); and (2) establish in the Treasury the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 30th Anniversary of the first lunar landing should be a day of celebration and reflection on the Apollo-11 mission to the moon and the accomplishments of the Apollo program throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 30th Anniversary of the first lunar landing should be a day of celebration and reflection on the Apollo-11 mission to the moon and the accomplishments of the Apollo program throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Drug-Free Families Act of 1999 - Directs the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to make a grant to the Parents Collaboration (a tax-exempt entity aimed at helping parents prevent drug use, abuse, and addiction within their communities, that meets specified requirements) to conduct a national campaign to build a new parent and family movement to help prevent drug abuse among children. Terminates such grant after five years. Authorizes appropriations. Limits administrative costs to five percent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Calls upon the Senate, when it adjourns on July 19, 1999, to do so as a further mark of respect for the grieving families of John F. Kennedy, Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Lauren Bessette.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1999
Responsible Fatherhood Act of 1999 - Title: I Public Awareness and Community Involvement In Fatherhood Issues - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and territories to: (1) develop and carry out media campaigns promoting the formation and maintenance of married two-parent families, strengthen fragile families, and promote responsible fatherhood; and (2) obtain donations of media access necessary for such campaigns. Requires the Secretary to contract with a fatherhood promotion organization (meeting certain requirements) to: (1) develop and distribute a media campaign to interested States, local governments, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations; and (2) develop a national clearinghouse to assist States and communities to promote and support responsible fatherhood by making available to other States information regarding media campaigns and programs instituted by States using grant funds under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to mandate block grants to States to provide support to responsible fatherhood efforts of local governments, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Removal of Burdensome Federal Restrictions - Amends SSA title IV part A with regard to TANF grant recipient requirements, custodial and non-custodial parent requirements, in-kind donations, additional use of TANF funds, and a TANF bonus to reward a State's effort to encourage the formulation and maintenance of two-parent families. Amends SSA title IV part D to give States various specified options to: (1) pass through directly to the family a portion of child support collected, including amounts collected pursuant to a continued assignment; (2) disregard child support received in determining a family's eligibility for, or amount of, TANF assistance; and (3) use amounts collected by a State as child support, and otherwise payable to the Federal Government, to provide fatherhood services (especially to low income non-custodia fathers) encouraging the appropriate involvement of both parents in the life of any of their children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Father Theodore M. Hesburgh in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Coverdell, Paul [R-GA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000813_200.jpg)