United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Authorizes: (1) the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Governmental Affairs to produce records of the committee, and present and former committee employees from whom testimony is required to testify, in the case of United States v. Yah Lin "Charlie" Trie, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for persons who, whether or not acting under color of law, willfully cause bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device, attempt to cause such injury, because of the actual or perceived: (1) race, color, religion, or national origin of any person; or (2) religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person, where in connection with the offense, the defendant or the victim travels in interstate or foreign commerce, uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce, or engages in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or where the offense is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce. (Sec. 5) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study the issue of, and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for, adult defendants who recruit juveniles to assist in the commission of hate crimes. (Sec. 6) Requires the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to State and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations, including programs to train local law enforcement officers in investigating, prosecuting, and preventing hate crimes. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and to DOJ to increase the number of personnel to prevent and respond to alleged violations of provisions regarding interference with specified federally protected activities, such as voting.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Printed Circuit Investment Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify as three-year depreciable property any printed wiring board or printed wiring assembly equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Recognizes and honors Joe DiMaggio for his storied baseball career, for his many contributions to the nation, and for transcending baseball and becoming a symbol of talent, commitment, and achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Commends U.S. Senator J. Robert Kerrey of Nebraska, on the 30th anniversary of the events giving rise to his receiving the Medal of Honor, for service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the specific guarantees of provision of legitimate defense arrangements to Taiwan contained therein; and (2) Congress has grave concerns over the People's Republic of China's growing arsenal of nuclear and conventionally armed ballistic missiles, the movement of those missiles into a closer geographic proximity to Taiwan, and the effect that buildup may have on stability in the Taiwan Strait. Calls on the President to: (1) direct all appropriate officials to raise with Chinese officials such concerns; (2) seek from Chinese leaders a public renunciation of any use of (or threat to use) force against Taiwan; and (3) provide an annual report detailing the military balance on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Calls for the Secretary of Defense to inform the appropriate congressional committees when officials from Taiwan seek to purchase defense articles for self-defense. Declares that: (1) the U.S. Government should encourage a high-level dialogue with officials from Taiwan and other U.S. allies in East Asia; and (2) it should be U.S. policy to publicly support Taiwan's admission to the World Trade Organization and encourage others to adopt similar policies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Medical Information Privacy and Security Act - Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect and copy the information. (The list of specified parties varies throughout this Act and includes such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, health researchers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, emergency medical personnel, and their agents.) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) supplements to protected information; and (2) the provision of notice of privacy practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to establish safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Mandates development of model safeguard guidelines. Requires specified parties to establish a record of disclosures not related to payment or treatment. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information, except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure if authorized by the information subject. Mandates model written authorizations and model limitations. Provides for segregation of files on request, authorization revocation, and records of authorizations and revocations. (Sec. 203) Sets forth rules governing authorizations for disclosure of protected information for purposes other than for treatment or payment. Mandates model authorizations. (Sec. 204) Allows any person to disclose protected health information: (1) in order to allay or remedy a threat of imminent physical or mental harm to an information subject; and (2) if there is an identifiable threat of serious injury or death to an identifiable individual or group and other requirements are met. (Sec. 205) Authorizes disclosure to: (1) a public health authority; (2) certain protection and advocacy agencies if an individual is vulnerable to abuse or neglect by an agency providing health or social services; (3) a health oversight agency, under specified circumstances; and (4) on court order, a law enforcement authority. (Sec. 209) Regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin; and (2) in directories of individuals admitted to a facility. (Sec. 210) Applies the requirements and protections of specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations to research conducted by all research facilities using personally identifiable health information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress whether written informed consent should be required and, if so, under what circumstances, before personally identifiable data can be used for medical research. (Sec. 211) Allows specified parties to disclose for certain judicial and administrative purposes. (Sec. 212) Sets forth a sequence regulating who may exercise an individual's rights under this Act when the individual cannot knowingly or effectively do so, designating first a person named in a health care power of attorney, then an individual authorized by law or by an instrument recognized under law to act as the individual's representative, then next of kin, and last the health care provider, in each case moving to the next level if the person cannot be contacted after a reasonable effort. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the rights of minors; and (2) deceased individuals. (Sec. 213) Prohibits retaliation for the exercise of rights under this Act or disclosure of information regarding a possible violation of this Act. Title III: Office of Health Information Privacy of the Department of Health and Human Services - Subtitle A: Designation - Establishes the Office of Health Information Privacy, including in its duties receiving and investigating violation complaints and providing for the conduct of audits. Subtitle B: Enforcement - Chapter 1: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. (Sec. 312) Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers are found guilty of such obtaining or disclosing. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Chapter 2: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Office determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 323) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Agricultural Trade Freedom Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to exempt, with specified exceptions, commercial sales of agricultural commodities from unilateral economic sanctions imposed by the United States upon another country. States that the President: (1) may determine that for reasons of foreign policy or national security such exemption shall not apply; and (2) shall determine whether such exemption shall apply to each existing sanction. Sets forth related reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) U.S. agricultural trade negotiation objectives; (2) sale or barter of food assistance; and (3) relief from foreign trade practices restricting U.S. agricultural commodities, including the use of specified agricultural authorities in instances of undue delay in resolving disputes. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to repeal the micronutrient fortification pilot program. Makes specified amendments to the: (1) Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996; (2) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990; and (3) Agricultural Trade Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Class Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to help States and local educational agencies recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers over a seven-year period in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) allotments to States; (2) within-State allocations; (3) local uses of funds; and (4) cost-sharing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Comprehensive Methamphetamine Abuse Reduction Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities to carry out: (1) school-based programs concerning the dangers of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, including initiatives that give students the responsibility to create their own anti-drug abuse education programs for their schools; and (2) community based methamphetamine abuse and addiction prevention programs. Requires that: (1) sums made available be used for planning, establishing, or administering methamphetamine prevention programs; and (2) the Director give priority in making grants to rural and urban areas that are experiencing a high rate or rapid increases in methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Sets forth: (1) provisions regarding allotment of specified sums available for analyses and evaluations of effective prevention programs and the development of strategies for disseminating information about, and implementing, such programs; and (2) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend existing Federal sentencing guidelines to increase the base offense levels for offenses relating to the manufacture, attempt to manufacture, or conspiracy to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine. Authorizes appropriations to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to combat the trafficking of methamphetamine in areas designated by the Director of National Drug Control Policy as high intensity drug trafficking areas. Earmarks specified sums to assist drug analysis laboratories in areas with a high rate of methamphetamine abuse or addiction. (Sec. 4) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities for the purpose of expanding activities for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, and for the treatment of methamphetamine addicts who also abuse other illegal drugs. Sets forth analogous provisions regarding the use of funds, permissible treatment programs and activities, priority in making grants, analyses and evaluation, reporting requirements, and authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to make grants to expand interdisciplinary research relating to methamphetamine abuse and addiction and other biomedical, behavioral, and social issues related to methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Requires the Director to promptly disseminate research results to Federal, State, and local entities involved in combating methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Authorizes appropriations. appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders; and (2) the integrated administration of specified other sanctions and services, including mandatory periodic drug testing during any period of supervised release or probation for each participant, referral to a community-based treatment facility, and aftercare services. Directs the Attorney General to suspend funding for any grant upon finding that violent offenders are participating. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Conference on Methamphetamine Abuse and Treatment; and (2) the Attorney General, jointly with the Secretaries of Education and HHS and the Director of ONDCP, to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to combat the methamphetamine problem in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
New Millennium Classrooms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from two to three years the age of computer equipment that corporations may donate to tax-exempt schools and for which they may receive a tax deduction; and (2) allow a business tax credit of 30 percent of the value of computer equipment donated to tax-exempt schools. Increases the amount of such credit to 50 percent for contributions to schools in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Crop Insurance Coverage Title II: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and Risk Management Agency Crop Insurance for the 21st Century Act - Title I: Crop Insurance Coverage - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to specify expected market price criteria for revenue or production-based insurance. Provides for 75 percent additional coverage. Revises Federal Crop Insurance Corporation premium subsidy provisions, including making provision for certain mandatory and discretionary payments. (Sec. 102) Provides average production history adjustments for: (1) new producers; (2) producers who are working new land or rotating crops; or (3) producers suffering from multiyear disaster losses. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Corporation to pay a part of the premiums for specified additional coverage. (Sec. 105) Directs the Office of Risk Management to contract for a rating methodologies development pilot program. (Sec. 106) Includes livestock within crop insurance coverage. Title II: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and Risk Management Agency - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to revise the membership of the Corporation's Board of Directors. (Sec. 202) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to place the Office of Risk Management under the direction of the Board. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Office of Private Sector Partnership to provide specified Board-private sector liaison functions (Sec. 204) Directs the Board to review approved providers' insurance plans for commodity coverage adequacy, including development of insurance plans where appropriate. (Sec. 205) Authorizes specified insurance plan fees. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to carry out a flexible subsidy pilot program to encourage private sector innovation through exclusive marketing rights and premium rate competition.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Graduate Medical Education Technical Amendments of 1999 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the ceiling on the total number of full-time equivalent interns and residences in allopathic and osteopathic medicine in either a hospital or nonhospital setting for purposes of indirect and direct graduate medical education (GME) payments. Repeals the current limitation on program residents in a hospital with respect to the hospital's most recent cost reporting period ending on or before December 31, 1996. Replaces such limitation with one based on the number of residents who were appointed by a hospital's approved medical residency training program for such reporting period. Provides that beginning on or after January 1, 1997, in the case of a hospital that sponsors only one allopathic or osteopathic residency program, the new limit determined above for such hospital may, at the hospital's discretion, be increased by one for each calendar year but shall not exceed a total of three more than such limit. Limits to programs established between January 1, 1995, and September 30, 1999, (currently, programs established on or after January 1, 1995) the mandate for special rules applying limitations on interns and residents in any kind of medical residence training program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in promulgating such rules, to include in the special consideration for facilities meeting the needs of underserved rural areas any facility not located in an underserved rural area which has established a separately accredited rural training track. Makes this Act's amendments effective as if included in the enactment of BBA '97.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Health Insurance Cost Tax Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disregard certain Native American housing assistance in determining whether a building is federally subsidized for low-income housing credit purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Morris King Udall, a former Representative from the State of Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and revise provisions for the National Writing Project (NWP). Increases the maximum amount for any one contractor under limits on the Federal share of NWP teacher training programs. Repeals the classroom teacher grants program under NWP. Increases and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for NWP.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for use by public schools to develop or expand gifted and talented education programs through one or more of the following activities: (1) professional development programs; (2) technical assistance; (3) direct services and materials for gifted and talented students, through revised curricula, acceleration, independent study, dual enrollment or other strategies; (4) innovative approaches and curricula; and (4) emerging technologies, including distance learning. Allows States to use a limited portion of such grant funds for information, education, and support to parents and caregivers for their participation in deciding on educational programs for their gifted and talented children. Sets forth requirements for grant applications, allotment to States, and reporting. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of NIH with respect to autism. Requires the Director, among other things, to make awards of grants and contracts to public or nonprofit entities for centers of excellence regarding research on autism. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) make awards of grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities to public or nonprofit private entities; (2) establish up to five regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology, through grants or cooperative agreements, for purposes of collecting and analyzing information on autism and developmental disabilities; (3) establish a clearinghouse within the Center for the collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring programs created by this Act; and (4) coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health department officials regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the general public. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Makes appointments to the following Senate committees for the 106th Congress: (1) Veterans' Affairs; (2) Aging; (3) Indian Affairs; and (4) Year 2000 Technology Problems.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Determined and Full Engagement Against the Threat of Methamphetamine or DEFEAT Meth Act of 1999 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines with respect to any offense relating to the manufacture, attempt to manufacture, or conspiracy to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, by: (1) increasing the base offense level, as specified; and (2) increasing such level even higher if the offense created a substantial risk of danger to the health and safety of another person. Directs the Commission to promulgate amendments pursuant to this Act in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the authority of that Act had not expired. (Sec. 3) Directs the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to implement a comprehensive approach for targeting and investigating methamphetamine production, trafficking, and abuse to combat the trafficking of methamphetamine in areas designated by the Director of National Drug Control Policy as high intensity drug trafficking areas. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to: (1) combat methamphetamine trafficking in areas designated as high intensity drug trafficking areas, including by hiring new laboratory technicians in rural communities; and (2) engage in specified methamphetamine abuse prevention efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Grants priority to assisting rural and urban areas that are experiencing a high rate or rapid increases in methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Sets forth provisions regarding analyses and evaluation and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Amends the CSA to include: (1) among list II chemicals red phosphorus and sodium dichromate; and (2) within the definition of "drug paraphernalia" items primarily intended or designed for use in introducing methamphetamine into the body.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide certain Medicare beneficiaries with an exemption to the financial limitations imposed on physical, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the specified effects of this Act for a report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
State and Local Investment Opportunities Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the State ceiling on private activity bonds. Provides for inflation adjustment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
Veterans' Equal Access to Medicare Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Veterans Affairs (VA) (the administering Secretaries) to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary reimburses the VA Secretary for Medicare health care services furnished to certain veterans at a VA medical facility. Makes eligible for such services a veteran who has attained age 65, is entitled to Medicare benefits, and was enrolled for Medicare benefits on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires voluntary participation of eligible veterans under the demonstration program. Directs the administering Secretaries to establish a data matching program under which there is an exchange of information between HHS and VA to identify those entitled to such benefits. Allows the administering Secretaries to select up to ten demonstration sites in geographically dispersed sites for program participation. Requires at least one site to: (1) be near a base which was closed under a defense base closure law; and (2) serve a predominately rural population area. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted during the three-year period beginning on January 1, 2000. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to waive certain Medicare requirements in connection with the program. Requires the administering Secretaries to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the demonstration program agreement. Authorizes the VA Secretary to establish and operate up to four managed health care plans at demonstration sites. Requires such Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for the use of appropriate sites and entities. Requires certain certifications from the VA Inspector General before a plan may be implemented. Directs the HHS Secretary to reimburse the VA Secretary for demonstration project services at specified rates. Provides for such payments from Medicare trust funds, with an annual limit of $50 million. Authorizes the reduction of such reimbursement payments for VA failure to maintain its effort level for targeted veterans. Directs the administering Secretaries to closely monitor the expenditures made under the Medicare program for targeted veterans during the period of the demonstration project compared to expenditures that would have been made for such veterans if the demonstration project had not been conducted. Requires: (1) an annual report by the Comptroller General during each year of the demonstration project; (2) the administering Secretaries to take certain steps in the case of increased costs under the demonstration project and arrange for an independent evaluation of the project; (3) annual reports from such independent entity during the demonstration project period; and (4) a report from the administering Secretaries on the possibility of extending the demonstration project, making it permanent, or expanding it to cover additional demonstration sites.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1999
Requests that the U.S. Postal Service issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should issue a proclamation declaring the week that begins on the Sunday before Presidents' Day of each year as United States Presidential History Week. Redesignates the legal public holiday of Washington's Birthday as Presidents' Day in honor of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt and in recognition of the importance of the institution of the Presidency and the contributions that Presidents have made to our nation's development and the principles of freedom and democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Designates the week of March 21 through March 27, 1999, as National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week. Encourages parents to learn about the dangers of inhalant abuse and to discuss those dangers with their children.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist for his service in presiding over the Senate while sitting on the trial of the articles of impeachment against President William Jefferson Clinton.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Declares that the Senate censures President William Jefferson Clinton and condemns his conduct. Urges that future Congresses recognize the importance of allowing this statement of censure and condemnation to remain intact for all time. Resolves that the Senate now move on to other matters, reconcile differences between and within the branches of government, and work together for the benefit of the American people.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Designates the week beginning April 30, 1999, as National Youth Fitness Week. Urges parents, families, caregivers, and teachers to encourage and help youth to participate in athletic activities and to teach adolescents to engage in healthy lifestyles.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Suspends specified provisions of rule IV of the Rules for the Regulation of the Senate Wing of the U.S. Capitol (prohibiting the taking of pictures in the Senate Chamber) to permit photographs to be taken on February 11 or 12, 1999, during the roll call vote on the Articles of Impeachment in the impeachment trial of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1999
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, during FY 2000 through 2004, to establish a pre-disaster mitigation program for making loans to enable small businesses to use mitigation techniques in support of a formal program established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, except that no such loan may be extended to a small business unless it is otherwise unable to obtain credit for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to report to the congressional small business committees evaluating such program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1999
Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) from FY 2000 through FY 2003 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. Provides that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid (SSA title XIX) plan. Makes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1999
Expresses: (1) condolences to the family of King Hussein and to all the people of Jordan; (2) admiration for King Hussein's enlightened leadership and gratitude for his support for peace throughout the Middle East; and (3) support and best wishes for the new government of Jordan under King Abdullah. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening the vital relationship between our two governments and peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1999
Bond Fairness and Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt bond financing of certain electric facilities, to exclude a permitted open access transaction (as defined by this Act) from the definition of private business use. Permits, as specified, termination of tax-exempt bond financing for certain electric output facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1999
Requires all flags located on the Capitol Buildings or on the Capitol grounds to be flown at half-staff on the day of the interment of R. Scott Bates (Legislative Clerk of the U.S. Senate).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Establishment Act of 1999 - Establishes the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, in South Dakota, as a unit of the National Park System. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a general management plan for the Site and to consider coordinating or consolidating appropriate administrative, management, and personnel functions of the Site and the Badlands National Park. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Secretary any funds specifically appropriated to the Air Force in FY 1999 for the maintenance, protection, or preservation of the land or interests in lands comprising the Minuteman II ICBM launch control facilities, including areas surrounding the facilities known as Delta 1 and Delta 9.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Amends the Congressional Award Act to change from April 1 to June 1 the deadline for the annual report of the Congressional Award Board. Provides that of the Board's six members appointed by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, respectively, one shall be a Congressional Award recipient (currently, a member of the Congressional Award Association) and one shall be a local Congressional Award program volunteer (currently, a representative of a local Congressional Award Council). Sets forth the same requirement for the six members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and appointed by the Minority Leader of the House, respectively. Requires the Comptroller General to continue to determine through calendar year 2004 if the Director of the Board is complying or not complying with requirements regarding financial operations of the Congressional Award Program and to submit such results in the annual audit report to Congress. Extends the Board from October 1, 1999, to October 1, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Radiation Exposure Compensation Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to add to the definition of "affected area" the parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico comprising the Navajo Nation Reservation that were subjected to fallout from nuclear weapons testing in Nevada. Modifies the definition of "specified disease." Amends provisions regarding claims relating to uranium mining to expand their applicability to include any individual employed to transport or handle uranium ore. Includes as eligible such individuals in currently-specified States and in any other State in which uranium was mined, milled, or transported. Includes as a uranium mine above-ground mines, open pit mines, and uranium mills. Expands the dates between which exposure must have taken place. Increases the amount of compensation provided, decreases the required period of exposure, eliminates the distinction between smokers and nonsmokers, and expands the compensable conditions to include any condition associated with uranium mining, milling, or transport. Mandates compensation for individuals employed in uranium mining, milling, or transport and who: (1) were, without the individual's knowledge or informed consent, intentionally exposed to radiation for research by the Federal Government; or (2) in the course of the individual's employment suffered death, injury, or disability but were barred from the worker's compensation system or civil actions available to similarly situated employees in non-uranium mines or mills. Modifies and establishes various definitions. Changes procedures and requirements regarding the determination and payment of claims, including setting forth certain requirements relating to Native Americans. Declares that payment of an award under any provision of the Act does not preclude an award under any other provision of the Act, but that no individual may receive more than one award for any compensable cancer or other disease. Allows claims to be filed for 20 years after the enactment of this Act and applies the amendments made by this Act to any claim pending or commenced after a specified date. Mandates a report to the Congress that: (1) summarizes medical knowledge on adverse health effects on residents of communities adjacent to uranium mills or mill tailings, above ground uranium mines, or open pit mines; (2) summarizes information on the availability and accessibility of medical care for individuals with malignancies and other compensable diseases relating to exposure to uranium as a result of mining and milling; (3) summarizes reclamation efforts regarding uranium mines, mills, and mill tailings in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and Utah; and (4) makes recommendations for further actions to ensure health and safety regarding such efforts.
![Official portrait of Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000064_200.jpg)