United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Main Street Business Incentive Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to accelerate, from taxable years beginning in 2003 to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998, the $25,000 maximum dollar limitation applicable to the expensing of certain depreciable assets under section 179 of the IRC. Expands the definition of section 179 property (while maintaining the exclusion for air conditioning and heating units) to include any tangible property used in a trade or business.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Declares that the Senate: (1) condemns anti-Muslim intolerance and discrimination; (2) while respecting and upholding free speech, acknowledges that individuals and organizations fostering intolerance create an atmosphere of hatred and fear; (3) resolves to uphold a level of political discourse that does not involve making a scapegoat of an entire religion or drawing political conclusions from religious doctrine; and (4) recognizes the contributions of American Muslims.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999
Reforestation Tax Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to a taxpayer who has a qualified timber gain in an amount equal to the qualified percentage of such gain. Decreases the amortization period for reforestation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1999
Timber Tax Simplification Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the application of capital gain treatment to outright sales of timber whether or not the owner retains economic interest.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Health Care Access and Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of individuals not covered by an employer-subsidized plan; (2) expand the availability of medical savings accounts; (3) permit the carryover of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts; and (4) permit contributions towards a Medical Savings Account through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999 - Title I: Use of Controlled Substances Consistent With the Controlled Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that for purposes of such Act, alleviating pain or discomfort in the usual course of professional practice is a legitimate medical purpose for the dispensing, distributing, or administering of a controlled substance consistent with public health and safety even if the use of such a substance may increase the risk of death. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes intentionally dispensing or administering a controlled substance for purposes of causing death or assisting another person in causing death. Prohibits the Attorney General, in determining whether a controlled substance manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser registration is consistent with the public interest under the Act, from giving force and effect to State law permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia. Authorizes certain educational and research programs carried out by the Attorney General under the Act to include educational and training programs for local, State, and Federal personnel on the necessary and legitimate use of controlled substances in pain management and palliative care and means by which investigation and enforcement actions by law enforcement personnel may accommodate such use. Title II: Promoting Palliative Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to carry out a program to: (1) develop and advance scientific understanding of palliative care; and (2) collect and disseminate protocols and evidence-based practices regarding such care, with priority given to pain management for terminally ill patients, and make such information publicly available. Defines "palliative care" as the active total care of patients whose prognosis is limited due to progressive, far-advanced disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other entities for programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in palliative care. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants. Provides for the evaluation of such programs to determine their effect on knowledge and practice regarding palliative care. Makes funds available for such grants and contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Litigation Fairness Act of 1999 - Subjects the Federal Government or any State, in any civil action to recover directly from any defendant any benefits or services the United States or such State has provided or paid for, to the same procedural rules and substantive law (including notification requirements, limitations, and affirmative defenses) that would apply to the person on whose behalf the action is brought.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Academic Achievement for All Act (Straight A's Act) - Allows States flexibility in combining and using use specified Federal elementary and secondary education formula program funds for State education priorities and programs, in exchange for being held accountable for meeting, in a five- year period, certain performance goals which they propose. (Sec. 3) Allows a State to opt to enter into such a performance agreement with the Secretary of Education, under which provisions of law relating to specified eligible programs shall not apply to the State, with certain exceptions. Includes under the terms of such agreements requirements relating to: (1) use of such funds to improve student achievement; (2) an accountability system; (3) performance goals and measures, and student achievement data; (4) fiscal responsibilities; (5) civil rights; (6) private school student and staff participation; (7) State financial participation; and (8) annual reports. (Sec. 4) Lists such eligible programs, under various provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Department of Education Appropriations Act of 1999, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 5) Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) within-State distribution of funds; (2) local participation; and (3) a set-aside for State administrative expenditures. (Sec. 8) Requires performance reviews at the end of the five-year period. Requires reductions of State administrative funds for States that have made little or no progress. Allows States that have met at least 80 percent of their performance goals to apply for renewal of performance agreements for an additional five-year period. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary annually to set aside sufficient funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Education under ESEA to grant achievement gap reduction rewards to States. Requires a performance reward to equal at least five percent of funds allocated to the State during the first year of the performance agreement for programs included in the agreement. Makes a State eligible to receive a reward if, over the five-year term of the performance agreement, it reduces by at least 25 percent the difference between the percentage of highest and lowest performing groups of students that meet the State's definition of proficient, with such reduction occurring in at least: (1) two content areas, one of which must be mathematics or reading; and (2) one grade level.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend until March 26, 2005, the construction commencement deadline for the Arrowrock Dam Hydroelectric Project in the State of Idaho.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Spaceport Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide the same treatment for spaceports as is provided for airports under the exempt facility bond rules.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Family Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for: (1) time-and-a-half compensatory time off; and (2) biweekly work programs (allowing more than 40 hours of work in one week and correspondingly less in the other). (Thus provides private sector employees opportunities under such programs similar to those enjoyed by Federal employees). Requires, with respect to such compensatory time and biweekly work programs, that employee participation be voluntary, and that collective bargaining agreements be honored. Sets forth: (1) procedures for employer discontinuance of, or employee withdrawal from, certain of such programs; and (2) prohibitions against coercion. Amends the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for certain executive, administrative, and professional employees and outside salesmen. Prohibits from consideration in determining whether an employee is exempt: (1) the fact that the employee is subject to deductions in compensation for absences from employment of less than a full workday or less than a full workweek; or (2) the payment of overtime compensation or other additions to the compensation of an employee employed on a salary based on hours worked. Allows consideration, in such a determination, of an actual reduction in compensation, with a specified exception. Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to grant third priority (allowed unsecured claims for wages, salaries, or commissions) in bankruptcy proceedings to claims relating to compensatory time off.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Establishes the Special Committee on 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 and make recommendations, including any for legislation. 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 · 10 June 1999
Farmer Tax Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income averaging for farmers shall not increase alternative minimum tax liability.
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 · 27 May 1999
Amends the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act to: (1) decrease the funding available to the fish and wildlife protection program of the Northwest Power Planning Council; (2) make such program permanent; and (3) prescribe specified procedures for the Independent Scientific Review Panel review of programs or measures proposed in a Federal agency budget to be reimbursed or directly paid for by the Bonneville Power Administration with respect to Columbia Basin fish and wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Directs: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, by January 1 of each year, to transmit to the Director of National Drug Control Policy a list of those individuals who play a significant role in international narcotics trafficking; and (2) the Director, by February 1 of each year, to transmit to the President the list, together with recommendations for individuals to be included or excluded. Prohibits the inclusion of the name of any individual if the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) determines that the disclosure of that person's role in international narcotics trafficking could compromise U.S. intelligence sources or methods. Requires: (1) the DCI to advise the President when a determination is made to withhold an individual's identity; and (2) the President to submit a report in classified form to the House and Senate intelligence committees in each such case setting forth the reasons for the determination. Prohibits the President from determining later than March 1 of each year whether to designate persons on the list as persons constituting an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. Directs the President to: (1) notify the Secretary of any person so designated; and (2) report to Congress the reasons for any determination not to designate any person on such list as such a threat. Sets forth provisions regarding changes in designations of individuals as threats. (Sec. 4) Finds that a national emergency exists with respect to any individual who is a specially designated narcotics trafficker. Blocks all property of the following persons which is, or which comes within, the possession or control of a U.S. person, with exceptions: (1) a specially designated narcotics trafficker; (2) a person who materially assists in, provides financial or technological support for, or provides goods or services in support of, the narcotics trafficking activities of a specially designated narcotics trafficker; and (3) a person determined by the Secretary to be owned or controlled by, or to act for or on behalf of, a specially designated narcotics trafficker. Prohibits (with exceptions) any transaction or dealing by a U.S. person, or within the United States: (1) in property or interests therein of any specially designated narcotics trafficker; and (2) that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate provisions regarding the blocking of assets under this section. Authorizes the Secretary to take such actions and to employ all powers granted to the President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as may be necessary to carry out this section. Subjects violations of licenses, orders, or regulations under this Act to the same penalties as provided by the IEEPA. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary of State (with exceptions) to deny a visa to, and the Attorney General to not admit to the United States, any: (1) specially designated narcotics trafficker; or (2) alien who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe is a spouse or minor child of such trafficker, who materially assists such trafficker, or who is owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, such trafficker.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Fair Access to Indemnity and Reimbursement Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act to allow the recovery of attorney's fees and costs by certain employers and labor organizations who are prevailing parties in administrative proceedings brought against them by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) or in court proceedings brought by or against the NLRB or OSHRC. Requires that such employers or labor organizations have not more than 100 employees and a net worth of not more than $7 million at the time of such proceedings. Provides for such recovery without regard to whether the position of the NLRB, the Secretary of Labor, or a court was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Title II: Product Seller Fair Treatment Small Business Liability Reform Act of 1999 - Title I: Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection - Allows punitive damages to be awarded against a small business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant through willful misconduct or with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others was the proximate cause of the harm that is the subject of the action. Limits such punitive damages to the lesser of two times the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses, or $250,000. (Sec. 104) States that, in any civil action against a small business: (1) each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the harm caused to the plaintiff; and (2) the court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant describing such percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 105) Excepts from such liability limitations any misconduct of a defendant: (1) that constitutes a crime of violence, international terrorism, or a hate crime; (2) that results in liability for damages under specified provisions of the Oil Pollution Control Act of 1990 or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (3) that involves a sexual offense or violation of a Federal or State civil rights law; or (4) caused by being under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or a drug. (Sec. 106) Preempts inconsistent State law. Title II: Product Seller Fair Treatment - States that this title governs any product liability action brought in any Federal or State court. Excludes from this title actions for commercial loss, negligent entrustment, negligence per se concerning firearms and ammunition, and actions brought under a dram-shop or third-party liability arising out of the sale or provision of alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor. (Sec. 204) Mandates that, in any product liability action covered by this Act, a product seller other than a manufacturer shall be liable to a claimant only if such claimant establishes that: (1) the product that caused the harm was sold, rented, or leased by the seller, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was the proximate cause of harm to the plaintiff; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to such product, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the harm to the plaintiff; or (3) the product seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing (as determined under applicable State law), and such wrongdoing caused the harm to the plaintiff. States that a seller shall not be considered to have failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to a product based upon a failure to inspect if: (1) there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect; or (2) such inspection would not have revealed the aspect of the product that allegedly caused the claimant's harm. Allows a seller to be liable as a manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to appropriate service of process; or (2) the court determines that the claimant is or would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Provides limited liability for persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing a product.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Semiconductor Equipment Investment Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make semiconductor manufacturing equipment three-year depreciable property.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to include within the definition of poultry birds of the order Ratitae (ostriches, emus, rheas) that are raised for commercial distribution as human food.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Carbon Cycle and Agricultural Best Practices Research Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to state that the Department of Agriculture shall be the lead agency with respect to Federal agricultural soil carbon research, including research on agricultural practices to increase soil carbon storage. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Economic Research Service, to analyze the impact of the U.S. farm economy under the Kyoto Protocol and other international agreements under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Authorizes the Secretary to designate not more than two carbon cycle and agricultural best practices (as defined by this Act) research consortia. Authorizes specified appropriations. Directs the Secretary to develop a carbon cycle remote sensing technology program, to be carried out through the Regional Earth Science Application Center at the University of Kansas under specified circumstances. Authorizes specified appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to producers in conservation programs following agricultural best practices, to: (1) make conservation premium payments for related research activities; and (2) provide educational and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to provide developing nations with agricultural best practices and natural resource management information. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a nationwide carbon cycle monitoring system. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Environmental Stewardship and Natural Resources Act of 1999 - Designates the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory as the Center of Excellence of Environmental Stewardship of the Department of Energy (DOE). Cites Center duties, including development, testing, and demonstration of methods and technologies necessary for DOE's long-term stewardship of defense nuclear facility lands affected by legacy waste. Requires the Center to enter into memoranda of understanding with Federal agencies to establish administrative procedures to: (1) participate in work for other programs on lands of the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture; and (2) solve pressing long-term stewardship problems. Establishes a Natural Resources Institute as a pilot demonstration project within the Center to: (1) serve as partner and facilitator in performing enumerated Center duties; (2) perform multidisciplinary research regarding long-term stewardship; (3) support formulation and implementation of long-term stewardship public policy; and (4) act as an information resource center. Mandates Institute cooperation with governmental agencies, colleges and universities, national laboratories, and with the public.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999
Freedom and Fairness Restoration Act of 1997 - Title I: Tax Reduction and Simplification; Supermajority Required for Tax Changes - Subtitle A: Tax Reduction and Simplification - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 20 percent tax (17 percent after December 31, 1998) on the taxable income of every individual. Redefines "taxable income" to mean the amount by which wages, retirement distributions, and unemployment compensation exceed the standard deduction. Increases the basic standard deduction and includes an additional standard deduction for dependents. Includes in taxable income the taxable income of each dependent child under the age of 14. Provides for inflation adjustments. (Sec. 102) Replaces the current tax on corporations with a tax on every person engaged in a business activity equal to 20 percent (17 percent after December 31, 1998) of the business taxable income of such person. Makes the person engaged in the business activity liable for the tax. Imposes a tax of 20 percent (17 percent after December 31, 1998) on the value of excludable compensation provided during the year by an employer for the benefit of employees. Makes the employer liable for the tax. (Sec. 103) Repeals: (1) numerous provisions relating to pension plans; and (2) provisions imposing a tax on any employer reversion from a qualified plan. Revises requirements regarding transfers of excess pension assets. (Sec. 104) Repeals from the Internal Revenue Code: (1) the part relating to alternative minimum tax; (2) the part relating to credits against tax; (3) the subtitle relating to estate and gift taxes; and (4) subject to exception, the chapter relating to normal taxes and surtaxes. Subtitle B: Supermajority Required for Tax Changes - Makes it not in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate, unless waived or suspended in the House or the Senate by a three-fifths vote of the Members, to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment thereto, or conference report thereon that includes any provision that increases an income tax rate, creates an additional tax rate, reduces the standard deduction, or provides any exclusion, deduction, credit, or other benefit that results in a reduction in Federal revenues. Title II: Spending Restraint and Budget Process Reform - Subtitle A: Balanced Budget by Fiscal Year 2002 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish maximum spending amounts for FY 1998 through 2002 and revises sequestration procedures for enforcement. (Sec. 203) Makes it not in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate, unless waived or suspended in the House or the Senate by a three-fifths vote of the Members, to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment thereto, or conference report thereon that includes any provision that would result in total spending for a fiscal year exceeding the maximum permissible total spending amount for that fiscal year. Subtitle B: Zero Based Budgeting and Decennial Sunsetting - Terminates, effective October 1, 1997, the spending authority for each unearned entitlement and high-cost discretionary spending program unless such spending is reauthorized after enactment of this Act. Provides that effective on the first day of the fiscal year beginning in the first decennial census after the year 2001 and each ten years thereafter, such spending authority shall terminate unless reauthorized after the last date it was required to be reauthorized under this subtitle. Terminates, effective October 1, 1998, spending authority for each discretionary spending program (not including high-cost discretionary spending programs) unless such spending authority is reauthorized after the enactment of this Act. Provides that effective on the first day of the fiscal year beginning in the first decennial census after the year 2001 and each ten years thereafter, such spending authority shall terminate unless reauthorized after the last date it was required to be reauthorized under this subtitle. Defines the terms: (1) "unearned entitlement" to mean an entitlement not earned by service or paid for in total or in part by assessments or contributions such as social security, veterans, benefits, and retirement programs; and (2) "high-cost discretionary program" to mean the most expensive one-third of discretionary programs within each budget function account. (Sec. 212) Prohibits the House of Representatives or the Senate from considering any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that includes any provision appropriating funds unless such appropriation has been previously authorized by law. Permits the waiver or suspension of the provisions of this section by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999
Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1999 - Authorizes a property owner to file a civil action to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action as a violation of the Fifth Amendment in a district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (claims court). (Sec. 5) Grants the district court and the claims court concurrent jurisdiction over both claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of a Federal agency affecting private property rights. Authorizes the plaintiff to elect to file an action under this section in a district court or the claims court. Waives sovereign immunity of the United States regarding such an action. Sets a six-year statute of limitation from the date of the taking of private property. Authorizes the court to award costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to any prevailing plaintiff. (Sec. 6) Grants the claims court the power to grant injunctive and declaratory relief when appropriate, as well as supplemental jurisdiction (concurrent with designated courts) to render judgment upon any related tort claim. Specifies that any claim brought herein to redress the deprivation of a right or privilege to use and enjoy real property as secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Federal judicial code to grant the district courts original jurisdiction, concurrent with the claims court, of any civil action filed under this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding district court civil rights jurisdiction. (Sec. 7) Authorizes recovery of attorney's fees and costs in a civil action for deprivation of rights where a takings claim is not substantially justified, with exceptions. Requires the district court to decide any motion to dismiss in such an action on an expedited basis. (Sec. 8) Prohibits a party seeking redress in such an action for a taking of real property without the payment of compensation from commencing an action in district court before 60 days after the date on which written notice has been given to any potential defendant. (Sec. 9) Requires a Federal agency that takes an agency action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by this Act to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights, and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them, under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Motor Vehicle Franchise Contract Arbitration Fairness Act of 1999 - Provides that each party to a motor vehicle franchise contract providing for the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or relating to the contract shall have the option, after the controversy arises and before both parties commence an arbitration proceeding, to reject arbitration as the means of settling the controversy. Requires that any such rejection be in writing. Requires the arbitrator, whenever a party elects arbitration, to provide the parties with a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award.
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 · 5 May 1999
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act with respect to shared appreciation agreements to: (1) exclude capital improvements from the recapture value; and (2) require appraisals by appraisers whose principal place of business is in the State in which the property is located.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1999
Designates: (1) the week of May 2 through 8, 1999, as the 14th Annual Teacher Appreciation Week; and (2) Tuesday, May 4, 1999, as National Teacher Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1999
National Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Act of 1999 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy to cooperate in promoting research and development of biobased industrial products. Establishes: (1) the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Board to coordinate Federal programs promoting the use of biobased industrial products; (2) the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Technical Advisory Committee; and (3) a Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Research Initiative to provide for related grants and contracts (authorizes appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Plant Protection Title II: Inspection and Enforcement Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Federal Coordination Title V: Authorization of Appropriations Noxious Weed Coordination and Plant Protection Act - Title I: Plant Protection - Prohibits a person from importing, exporting, or moving in interstate commerce an authorized plant pest. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit such introduction or movement. Prohibits the unauthorized mailing, and knowing delivery by a mail carrier, of plant pests. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary to restrict the importation, movement, and means of conveyance of plants, plant products, biological control organisms, plant pests, and noxious weeds in order to prevent their U.S. introduction and interstate movement. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to publish lists of noxious weeds and biological control agents; and (2) private petitions to add or remove listings. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the Secretary of such articles' arrival, and hold them at the port of entry until inspected and authorized for U.S. movement by the Secretary. Prohibits a person from moving unauthorized and uninspected articles from a port of entry or interstate. (Sec. 104) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to take specified remedial and emergency measures either directly or by the owner, including treatment or disposal, to avoid dissemination of a plant pest or noxious weed; and (2) owner compensation for unauthorized disposals. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to carry out a grasshopper and Mormon Cricket control program, including: (1) cost sharing for State and private land; and (2) personnel training. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Secretary to make phytosanitary export certificates based upon foreign requirements. Title II: Inspection and Enforcement - Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) inspections, warrants, and seizures, (2) information collection; (3) subpoena authority; (4) criminal and civil penalties; and (5) enforcement authority of the Attorney General. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into reimbursable fee agreements for preclearance outside the United States. (Sec. 304) States that this Act shall not apply to U.S. postal employees in the course of their duties. (Sec. 307) Repeals specified Acts. Title IV: Federal Coordination - Establishes the Invasive Species Council to provide national leadership regarding invasive species, including networking and other specified activities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a related advisory committee. Directs the Council to develop and submit to the Congress a national invasive species action plan. Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 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 · 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 · 26 April 1999
Fuels Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for purposes of regulating and listing substances anticipated to cause death or serious health or environmental effects in the case of an accidental release, from regulating non-acute toxic flammable fuels when used or stored for fuel purposes or retail sale unless the fuels are hazardous waste.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999
Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to mandate that an incumbent local exchange carrier shall not be subject to Federal requirements concerning: (1) facilities and equipment used exclusively to provide advanced communications service; and (2) the provision of such service in any State in which 70 percent of such carrier's loops in its service territory are DSL-capable (capable of transporting an advanced service). Provides that the prices, terms, and conditions of any advanced service by such a carrier shall not be subject to Federal regulation if the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determines that advanced service is being offered by an unaffiliated provider in competition with such carrier within a geographic area served by a central office. States that prices, terms, and conditions offered by a carrier or an affiliate shall not be subject to FCC regulation in an area in which such carrier was not the carrier on February 8, 1996. Requires carriers not subject to regulation to file with the FCC a schedule of charges and practices. Provides that the duty not to prohibit or impose unreasonable or discriminatory conditions on the resale of telecommunications services shall not apply to such a carrier with respect to its provision of advanced service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999
Anesthesia Services Preservation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise any regulations under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act establishing conditions of participation for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers relating to anesthesia services under Medicare to: (1) prohibit such regulations from imposing any supervisory or other related requirements on the performance of such services by certified registered nurse anesthetists; and (2) permit States to determine such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999
Transportation Tax Equity and Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 4.3-cent motor fuel excise taxes on railroads and inland waterway transportation which remain in the general fund of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999
Requests the President to advance: (1) the late Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel to the grade of admiral on the retired list of the Navy; and (2) the late Major General Walter C. Short to the grade of lieutenant general on the retired list of the Army. Prohibits any change in compensation or benefits based on the military service of such officers as a result of such advancements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such officers performed their duties competently and professionally and that losses incurred by the United States in attacks on military targets on Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, were not a result of their dereliction of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
Freedom to E-File Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish in the Department of Agriculture a public use electronic filing and information retrieval system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
USDA Grade Recission (sic) Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to deem as misbranded imported meat or meat food products (including any carcass or part, meat, or meat food product from cattle, sheep, or goats that have not been U.S.-fed for at least 90 days) bearing a Department of Agriculture quality grade.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
Medicare Cancer Clinical Trial Coverage Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project which provides for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of routine patient care costs for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who are enrolled in an approved clinical trial program, while still applying the beneficiary cost sharing provisions of such program to project participants. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact on Medicare of covering such costs as well as the cost of extending routine patient care coverage to Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis other than cancer.
![Official portrait of Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000858_200.jpg)