United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2000 - Prohibits the President from prohibiting or regulating travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful resident aliens, including specified transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, financial or otherwise. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize the importation into the United States of any goods for personal consumption acquired in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Ending Discrimination Against Parents Act of 1999 - Prohibits employment discrimination against parents and those with parental responsibilities. Grants such protected status to parents of children under 18 years of age and children who remain under parental supervision because of a mental or physical disability, if such individuals are biological, adoptive or foster parents, stepparents, custodians of legal wards, or actively seek legal custody or adoption, or stand in loco parentis. Prohibits public and private employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs controlled by employers, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees (all covered entities) from discriminating with respect to employment, in specified ways, against individuals because of their status as parents, including discrimination in recruitment, referral, hiring, promotions, discharge, training, and other terms and conditions of employment. Prohibits retaliation and coercion with respect to rights granted or protected under this Act. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on their employment of parents, or compelling the collection of such statistics by covered entities, unless such statistics are to be used in investigation, litigation, or resolution of a claim of discrimination under this Act. Prohibits covered entities from adopting or implementing quotas with respect to their employment of parents. Sets forth guidelines with respect to mixed-motive discrimination. Establishes an unlawful employment practice under this Act when the complaining party demonstrates that a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated the practice, was: (1) an individual's status as a parent; or (2) retaliation, coercion, or threats against, intimidation of, or interference with an individual with respect to exercising rights under this Act. Provides, when an individual proves such a violation and the respondent demonstrates that it would have taken the same action in the absence of the prohibited motivating factor, that a court or other authorized entity: (1) may grant declaratory relief, injunctive relief (with specified exceptions), and attorney's fees and costs demonstrated to be directly attributable only to the pursuit of such a mixed-motivation claim; and (2) shall not award damages or issue an order requiring any admission, reinstatement, hiring, promotion, or payment. Declares that the fact that an employment practice has a disparate impact on parents, as disparate impact is used in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, shall not establish a violation of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) defenses where actions are taken in a foreign country; (2) enforcement and remedies; (3) Federal immunity from punitive damages (but not from other remedies); and (4) posting of notices. Authorizes the EEOC to issue regulations to carry out this Act in general, and the following officials to do so with respect to certain covered employees: (1) the Librarian of Congress; (2) the Board of the Office of Compliance, under the Congressional Accountability Act; (3) the President; and (4) the EEOC and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
High-Speed Rail Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of a qualified Amtrak bond. Sets forth definitions, State matching requirements, and other rules.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Lyme Disease Initiative of 1999 - Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, of Agriculture, of the Interior, and of Defense to: (1) establish specified detection test, improved surveillance and reporting system, and prevention goals to provide for a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease and related tick borne infectious diseases; and (2) establish a five-year plan of activities toward achieving those goals, and carry them out. Establishes the Lyme Disease Taskforce to advise the Secretaries with respect to achieving such goals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Student Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to prohibit any funds authorized under ESEA from being used by an applicable program to allow a third party to monitor, receive, gather, or obtain information intended for commercial purposes from any student under age 18 without prior, written, informed consent of the student's parent. Requires a school, local educational agency, or State, before entering into a contract with a third party, to inquire as to: (1) whether the third party intends to gather, collect, or store information on students; (2) the nature of the information to be gathered; (3) how the information will be used; (4) whether the information will be sold, distributed, or transferred to other parties; and (5) the amount of class time that will be consumed by such activity. Requires the consent form to include the answers to such inquiries and to indicate the dollar amount and nature of the contract. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study, including specified documentation and considerations, regarding the prevalence and effect of commercialism in elementary and secondary education.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Interstate Transportation of Dangerous Criminals Act of 1999 or Jeanna's Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations relating to the transportation of violent prisoners in or affecting interstate commerce which shall include: (1) minimum standards and requirements for employees and potential employees of private prisoner transport companies; (2) prisoner clothing and restraint requirements; and (3) immediate notification of appropriate law enforcement officials in the event of a prisoner escape during transportation. Provides civil penalties for the violation of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Health Care Fairness Act of 1999 - Title I: Improving Minority Health Through the National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the Center for Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to be headed by a Director who shall: (1) chair a trans-NIH task force (task force) that will establish a comprehensive plan and budget estimates for minority health that should be conducted or supported by NIH and recommend an appropriate agenda for such research; (2) establish a minority health research information system to track minority-related research, training, and construction; (3) act as the primary Federal official for monitoring all minority health research conducted or supported by NIH; and (4) identify areas of insufficient minority health research at NIH and its institutes and centers, and provide funds to such entities for the awarding of peer-review grants for innovative projects that address high priority areas of minority health research. Provides a fiscal year limit on grant funds. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an advisory council for providing advice to the Director for carrying out responsibilities under this Act. Requires the Director and task force to: (1) establish a comprehensive plan and budget for conducting and supporting all minority health research activities of NIH agencies; (2) ensure that such plan and budget establish minority health research priorities; (3) ensure that budget amounts are properly expended; and (4) review the plan and budget at least annually. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Directs the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, designated biomedical research institutions and other public and nonprofit health or educational entities to assist such entities in supporting programs of excellence in biomedical research education for under-represented minority individuals. Outlines entity requirements and grant conditions, including a grant term limit of five years. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Directs the Secretary to contract with qualified health professionals who agree to engage in minority health research or research into the nature of health disparities that affect racial, ethnic, and indigenous populations, in return for the Federal repayment of up to $35,000 for each year of such research of the principal and interest of educational loans of such health professionals. Requires the Secretary to ensure the active participation of appropriately qualified minority health professionals, including extensive outreach and recruitment efforts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress and the Secretary on progress and expenditures made with regard to minority health research. Requires the Secretary to provide administrative and support services to the Director and ensure that such support takes maximum advantage of existing administrative structures at NIH agencies. Requires the use of appropriate scientific expertise and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an evaluation of minority health research programs at NIH institutes; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on evaluation results. Title II: Medical Education - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public and private nonprofit entities to carry out research and demonstration projects which develop curricula to reduce disparity in health care outcomes, including cultural competency in graduate and undergraduate health professions education. Outlines eligibility requirements and grant conditions, including a maximum of 20 grants and a term limit of three years. Directs the Secretary to award up to 20 grants, contracts, or agreements to eligible entities to establish demonstration projects which develop curricula to reduce minority disparity in health care and health care outcomes (health care disparity) as part of continuing medical education. Limits such grants, contracts, or agreements to a three-year term. Requires monitoring of awardees. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the effectiveness of such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to convene a national conference on continuing health professions education as a method for reducing health care disparity, including continuing medical education on cultural competency. Requires the publication of conference findings. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a committee to advise the Secretary on matters related to development, implementation, and evaluation of graduate and continuing education curricula for health care professionals to decrease the health care disparity. Terminates the committee four years after appointment of its first member. (Sec. 204) Requires the Director of the Office of Minority Health within HHS to establish within the Resource Center of such Office, or through the awarding of a contract provide for the establishment of, an information clearinghouse for curricula to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparity. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Minority Health Research by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research - Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support research for improving the quality and outcomes of health care services for minority populations and the causes of such health care disparities; (2) identify, test, and evaluate strategies for eliminating such disparities; and (3) endeavor to increase the number of minority health care researchers and health services research capacity of institutions that train minority health care researchers. Authorizes the use of demonstration projects as part of such research. Requires the Administrator to support the development of measures that assess the experience of minority populations with health care systems. Requires a report from the Secretary to the appropriate congressional committees describing quality measurement for minority populations which will identify critical unmet needs and activities to address those needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Title IV: Data Collection Relating to Race or Ethnicity - Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study of HHS data collection systems and practices relating to the collection of data on race or ethnicity, including other Federal data collection systems with which HHS interacts. Requires a report from the Academy to specified congressional committees on study results and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Public Awareness - Directs the Secretary to conduct a national media campaign for informing the public about racial and ethnic health care disparities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
FERS Buyback Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to make certain temporary Federal service creditable for retirement purposes. Sets forth provisions relating to persons who have separated from Government service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Designates November 23, 2000, Thanksgiving Day, as a day to "Give Thanks, Give Life" and to discuss organ and tissue donation with other family members so that informed decisions can be made if the occasion to donate arises.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
Science and Educational Networking Act - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to submit to Congress a report that: (1) identifies the current status of high-speed, large bandwidth capacity access to all public elementary and secondary schools and libraries in the United States; (2) identifies how high-speed large bandwidth capacity access to the Internet to such schools and libraries can be effectively utilized within each school and library; (3) considers the effect that specific or regional circumstances may have on the ability of such institutions to acquire high-speed, large bandwidth capacity to achieve universal connectivity as an effective tool in the education process; and (4) includes options and recommendations for the various entities responsible for elementary and secondary education to address the challenges and issues identified.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to exclude from the definition of "member business loan" an extension of credit made to a nonprofit religious organization (thus allowing any credit union, including one based on a religious organization, to sell to other credit unions, via a loan participation agreement, any loans to a religious organization, without counting them against the member business loan cap under the Credit Union Membership Access Act).
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1999
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Act - Redesignates the Coastal Barrier Resources System as the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System.
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
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Title I: Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Incorporates existing recordkeeping requirements of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the Act). (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement an accountability process to monitor entities that received funds under this Act to carry out activities under subtitles B, C, and D and determine the extent to which they have been responsive to this title's purposes and have taken actions consistent with stated policy. Requires the Secretary to develop a process for identifying and reporting on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities undertaken by such entities that resulted in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participating in the design of and having access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that promotes self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration in all facets of community life. Provides for development of indicators of progress for each area of emphasis (defined as areas related to quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation activities and other services offered to individuals in a community). Requires entities to meet such indicators of progress. Directs the Secretary to maintain the interagency committee authorized under the Act, except as otherwise provided by this Act. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary, using information submitted in the reports and required under subtitles B, C, D, and E of this Act, to report to the President, Congress, and the National Council on Disability at least biennially on the goals and outcomes of programs supported under such subtitles. (Sec. 107) Conditions assistance under this title on a recipient taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 109) Sets forth congressional findings with respect to the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Subtitle B: Federal Assistance to State Councils on Developmental Disabilities - Sets forth an allotment formula for assistance to States for services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 124) Requires States desiring to receive assistance under this subtitle to obtain the Secretary's approval of a five-year strategic plan. Requires plans to: (1) provide for the establishment of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities; (2) identify the State agency designated to support the Council; (3) describe the results of a review and analysis of the extent to which services, supports, and other assistance are available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and the extent of unmet needs for such assistance in the State; (4) focus on Council efforts to bring about this subtitle's purposes by specifying five-year goals for advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change related to the areas of emphasis under this Act to be undertaken by the Council; and (5) contain certain assurances and information similar to that required under the Act. Bases plans on public input. (Sec. 125) Requires each State that receives assistance under this subtitle to establish a Council to undertake advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that contribute to a coordinated consumer- and family-centered and directed system of community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that contributes to the achievement of this subtitle's purposes. Sets forth provisions regarding Council appointments and membership rotation similar to those existing under the Act. Requires at least 60 percent of Council membership to consist of: (1) individuals with developmental disabilities; (2) parents or guardians of children with such disabilities; or (3) immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. Incorporates provisions of the Act that bar employees of a State agency that receives funds or provides services under this subtitle or managing employees (as defined in the Social Security Act) of any entity that receives such funds or provides such services from being on Councils. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act regarding: (1) Council duties; (2) State agencies designated to provide support to Councils; (3) designated State agency duties; (4) Federal and non-Federal shares of project costs; (5) withholding of payments for certain failures to comply with plan provisions or regulations; and (6) appeals by States of certain actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 129) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights - Sets forth provisions similar to those under the Act regarding allotment to States of funds for protection and advocacy systems to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 143) Conditions the receipt of an allotment under this subtitle or subtitle B on certain requirements, including that the: (1) State have a system to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with disabilities; and (2) system have certain legal and investigative authorities and meet other specified requirements. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act that authorize an American Indian consortium established to provide protection and advocacy services to receive funding to provide such services. (Sec. 144) Requires systems to submit annual reports to the Secretary. (Sec. 145) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service in each State as well as grants for training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with disabilities and their families and technical assistance. (Sec. 153) Requires the Centers to be interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in specified core functions. (Sec. 154) Limits the Federal share of Center administration or operation costs or the costs of training initiatives to 75 percent, with exceptions for projects that target individuals in poverty areas. (Sec. 156) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Projects of National Significance - Requires the Secretary to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities for projects of national significance relating to the development of policies that reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion in community life of individuals with developmental disabilities. Authorizes Federal interagency initiatives to carry out such projects. (Sec. 163) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Family Support - Families of Children With Disabilities Support Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States on a competitive basis to support systems change activities to assist States in developing or enhancing statewide systems of family support services for families of children with disabilities, including individuals who are not younger than age 18 who have certain significant impairments and reside with and receive assistance from a family member. Limits the Federal share of such assistance to 75 percent of the cost of activities and the award period to three years. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and organizations to provide technical assistance and information with respect to the development or enhancement of such systems. (Sec. 210) Provides for a national evaluation of the grant program by the Secretary and a report to Congress. (Sec. 211) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review Federal programs to determine the extent to which programs facilitate or impede access to, provision of, and funding for family support services for families of children with disabilities; and (2) make grants or enter into contracts for projects of national significance to support the development of policies related to developing or enhancing family-centered and -directed systems of such services. (Sec. 212) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title III: Program for Direct Support Workers Who Assist Individuals With Developmental Disabilities - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education, State agencies, or a consortium of such agencies on a competitive basis to enable such entities to carry out scholarship programs by providing vouchers for postsecondary education to direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities residing in diverse settings. Limits the Federal share of the cost of such vouchers to 80 percent. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to award funding, on a competitive basis, to public or private entities for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a staff development curriculum and related guidelines for computer-assisted, competency-based, multimedia, interactive instruction relating to service as a direct support worker. Requires the curriculum to be provided to individuals who seek to: (1) become direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities or are such workers; and (2) upgrade their skills and competencies related to being such a worker. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title IV: Repeal - Repeals the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Veterans Claims and Appeals Procedures Clarification and Improvement Act - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) emphasize that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must assist a veteran in developing all facts pertinent to a veterans' claim for compensation or benefits; (2) make the current veterans' claims adjudication and hearing procedures exclusive with respect to hearings, investigations, and other proceedings in connection with the consideration of a claim; (3) preclude the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from entertaining any allegation of error by the Secretary in a decision which was not raised by the appellant or the Court; and (4) require such Court to set aside a previous finding of material fact not reasonably supported by a preponderance of the evidence (currently, when clearly erroneous).
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) support and expand the NIH's involvement in clinical research; (2) support and expand the resources available for the clinical research community; and (3) establish peer review mechanisms. (Sec. 4) Mandates grants to: (1) establish general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research, including clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) support individual careers in clinical research at general clinical research centers or at other institutions (to be known as Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Awards); (3) support individual clinical research projects at general clinical research centers or at other institutions (to be known as Mid-Career Investigator Awards in Patient-Oriented Research); (4) support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in clinical investigation (to be known as Graduate Training in Clinical Investigation Awards); and (5) develop and support programs for training clinical investigators in biostatistics, pharmacology, and other core curricula (to be known as Clinical Research Curriculum Awards). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a loan repayment program for qualified health professionals who have contracted with the Federal Government to conduct clinical research in return for the Government's repayment of a specified amount of their educational loans for each year of service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the loan repayment provisions. (Sec. 7) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the extent to which the NIH has complied with requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Hunger Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to remove specified restrictions on qualified aliens' eligibility for food stamp and supplemental security income benefits. Exempts food stamp provisions respecting aliens from: (1) the five-year waiting period for Federal means-tested public benefits eligibility; (2) inclusion of sponsor income and resources to an alien for State benefits eligibility; and (3) sponsor reimbursement requirements in cases of hardship. Sets forth effective dates for: (1) aliens; and (2) refugees and asylees. (Sec. 3) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize a State to use an alternative State auto valuation rather than the Federal one in order to provide a lower household resource attribution for food stamp program purposes. (Sec. 4) Increases, and indexes for inflation, the food stamp excess shelter deduction. (Sec. 5) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize additional appropriations for commodity purchases under the emergency food assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the June 30, 1999, termination date for the research tax credit. Increases by one percent the alternative incremental tax credit for qualified research. Extends such credit to qualified research performed after December 31, 1999, in Puerto Rico or any other U.S. possession.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, Papers Preservation Act - Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to acquire or purchase papers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, from Dr. King's estate. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1999
Food and Medicine for the World Act - Prohibits the President from imposing a unilateral agricultural sanction or unilateral medical sanction against a foreign country, except in specified circumstances, unless: (1) not less than 60 days before the sanction is proposed to be imposed, the President makes a specified report to Congress; and (2) Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the report.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 1999 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use funding under COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community policing efforts; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for the costs associated with seeking a college or graduate school education. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations; (3) school-based partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school systems by using school resource officers who operate in and around elementary and secondary schools (current law) to serve as a law enforcement liaison with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and to combat gang membership and criminal activity, firearms and explosives-related incidents, illegal use and possession of alcohol, and the illegal possession, use, and distribution of drugs; and (4) innovative programs that bring together a community's sheriff, police chief, and elderly residents to address the public safety concerns of older citizens. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities. Requires the technical assistance provided by the Attorney General to include the establishment and operation of regional community policing institutes training centers or facilities. Permits the functions of the centers or facilities to include instruction and seminars for specified individuals, including representatives of police labor and management organizations and community residents. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding: (1) termination of grants for hiring officers; and (2) preferential consideration of applications for certain grants. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for units of local government with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted specifically for retention of police officers to grantees in good standing, with preference to those that demonstrate financial hardship or severe budget constraint that impacts the entire local budget and may result in the termination of employment for officers. Redefines: (1) "career law enforcement officer" to include sheriffs' deputies charged with supervising offenders who are released into the community but also engaged in local community policing efforts; and (2) "school resource officer" to mean a career law enforcement officer deployed in community-oriented policing and assigned to work in collaboration with schools and community-based organizations (as under current law) to engage in specified activities, including serving as a law enforcement liaison with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies to address and document crime and disorder problems, training students in conflict resolution and crime awareness, and assisting school administrators with the preparation of an annual report on the number of students expelled per year for bringing a weapon, firearm, or explosive to school. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1999
Social Security Consumer Protection Act - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit any person from charging fees for services or products the person knows or should know are provided without charge by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Permits the offer of assistance for a fee only if, at the time of offer, the person gives prominent written notice that the services or products involved are available for free from SSA or HHS. Prohibits the sale, transfer, or use of any information obtained in connection with such offer, except with prior authorization from the individual receiving assistance. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for violation of this Act.
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 · 12 October 1999
School Environment Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools. Directs local educational agencies (LEAs) of school districts to develop and implement systems in schools in compliance with this Act. Permits LEAs to continue to implement existing State systems that meet this Act's standards and criteria. Applies this Act's requirements to pesticide application in school buildings and on school grounds. Requires schools to prohibit: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or (2) the use of an area or room treated by a pesticide, other than a least toxic pesticide, during the 24-hour period beginning at the end of the treatment. Requires the Administrator to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board. Directs the Board, among other duties, to: (1) review pesticides used in schools for their acute toxicity and chronic effects; and (2) recommend a list of least toxic pesticides. Authorizes the Board to recommend restrictions on pesticide use in schools. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a list of least toxic pesticides that may be used in schools; (2) publish pesticide restrictions in the Federal Register; and (3) issue findings on whether use of registered pesticides in schools may endanger children's health. Directs the Administrator to appoint an official for school pest management within the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs to coordinate integrated pest management systems in schools. Requires LEAs to: (1) designate contact persons for carrying out such systems; (2) maintain all pesticide use data for each school in the district and make such data publicly available; and (3) include notice of such systems in forms of universal notification at the beginning of each school year. Permits the use of a pesticide only if the pesticide has been disclosed in such notice. Prescribes procedures to be followed if a pest cannot be controlled after having used an integrated pest management system and least toxic pesticides, including prior notification of parents, guardians, and staff members of the use of a pesticide and posting of signs. Prescribes alternative procedures in emergency situations. Provides for public comments, through school board meetings, on integrated pest management systems. Establishes a complaint procedure to remedy violations of this Act. Prescribes civil penalties for violations. Establishes the Integrated Pest Management Trust Fund to carry out education, training, propagation, and development activities under integrated pest management systems of schools to remedy the harmful effect of actions taken by persons who paid civil penalties. Describes remedies for employees alleging violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to LEAs to develop systems under this Act. Prohibits, no later than six years after this Act's enactment, the use of any pesticide other than a least toxic pesticide in schools unless the Administrator has met the requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1999
Leif Ericson Millennium Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins, in conjunction with the simultaneous minting and issuance of commemorative coins by the Republic of Iceland, in commemoration of the millennium of the discovery of the New World by Leif Ericson. Mandates that all coin surcharges be paid to the Leifur Eirikson Foundation for the purpose of funding student exchanges between the United States and Iceland.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1999
Pension Reduction Disclosure Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth notice requirements for pension plans which significantly reduce future benefit accruals. Requires additional information to be provided in such notice by large pension plans with 100 or more active participants. Imposes an excise tax upon failure of pension plans to provide such notice.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Debt Relief for Poor Countries Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, subject to authorization of appropriations, to cancel or reduce all amounts owed to the United States by heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) as a result of concessional and nonconcessional loans made, guarantees issued, or credits extended prior to January 1, 1996, under any provision of law. Sets forth eligibility requirements for cancellation or reduction of debt. Directs the President, in canceling or reducing debt, to give priority to HIPCs that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to poverty alleviation or have recently suffered a major natural disaster. (Sec. 2) Provides that cancellation or reduction of debt shall not be considered to be assistance for purposes of any law limiting assistance to a country. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth certain procedures for the making of new loans, extending new credits, or issuing new guarantees to the governments of developing countries. (Sec. 3) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to urge the President, in order to accelerate multilateral debt relief and promote economic and human development and poverty alleviation in HIPCs, to commence diplomatic efforts within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, as well as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions to make certain modifications in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, including: (1) the placing of a limit on maximum waiting period before a country receives debt relief; (2) the revision of country eligibility requirements under the HIPC Initiative; (3) the adoption of an economic opportunity and human development action plan by HIPCs; (4) limits on the amount of debt reduction; (5) transparency and participation by HIPCs in HIPC decision making; and (6) the provision of HIPC review. Authorizes appropriations for the HIPC Trust Fund. Declares the sense of Congress that the amounts that would otherwise be provided by the United States for development aid or other debt relief should not be reduced on account of any such appropriations. Directs the President to work with the member countries of international financial institutions to ensure transparency and public participation in decisions to make new loans to developing countries, including terms and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Commends the past and present personnel of the submarine force of the U.S. Navy for their technical excellence, accomplishments, professionalism, and sacrifices. Congratulates them for the 100 years of exemplary service that they have provided the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that, in the next millennium, the submarine force should continue to constitute an integral part of the Navy, and to carry out missions that are key to maintaining the Nation's freedom and security as the superior submarine force in the world.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999
Medicare Beneficiary Access to Care Act of 1999 - Title I: Hospitals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) multiyear transition to prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services and a special rule for rural and cancer hospitals; (2) limitation in reduction of payments to disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals; (3) revision of criteria for designation as a critical access hospital; and (4) sole community and Medicare-dependent, small rural hospitals and the applicable percentage increase for FY 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year. (Sec. 103) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase DSH hospital allotments for Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to make the Medicaid DSH transition rule permanent. Title II: Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to revision of multiyear reduction of indirect graduate medical education (GME) payments. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII parts D (Miscellaneous) and C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to acceleration of payment to hospitals of indirect and direct GME costs for Medicare+Choice enrollees. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with respect to the exclusion of nursing and allied health education costs in calculating the Medicare+Choice payment rate. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to: (1) payment to hospitals of nursing and allied health education program costs for Medicare+Choice enrollees; and (2) adjustments to limitations on the number of interns and residents and GME payments for certain interns and residents. Title III: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to increase payments for routine home care and other services included in hospice care for a fiscal year after FY 1999. Title IV: Skilled Nursing Facilities - Provides that, for purposes of applying any formula under the PPS for covered skilled nursing facility services (SNFs) for services provided between April 1, 2000, and the end of FY 2001, the Secretary shall increase, by a specified applicable payment add-on, the adjusted Federal per diem rate otherwise determined for services provided to any individual during the period in which such individual is in a RUG III case mix category. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XVIII to exclude clinical social worker services and services performed under a contract with a rural health clinic or a Federally-qualified health center from the PPS for SNFs, as well as certain ambulance services, chemotherapy administration services, and other specified items, services, and devices, including swing beds in critical access hospitals. Title V: Outpatient Rehabilitation Services - Amends title XVIII to repeal for three years a specified financial limitation on outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient occupational therapy services, and outpatient speech-language pathology services covered under Medicare and furnished on or after January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary to implement by January 1, 2003, a payment system for such services that takes into account the needs of Medicare beneficiaries for differing amounts of therapy based on certain factors. Title VI: Physicians' Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for physicians' services to revise the formula for determining the update adjustment factor and the formula for determining the sustainable growth rate for all physicians' services. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register an estimate of the single conversion factor to be used in the next calendar year for reimbursement of physicians' services, and data on which such estimate is based. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPac) to review annually and report to the Secretary and specified congressional committees on such estimates and data. Title VII: Home Health - Amends BBA '97 and SSA title XVIII to delay application of the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services until one year after implementation of the PPS for home health services. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XVIII to increase the FY 2000 per visit limit for home health agencies furnishing home health services, but in such a way that has no effect on the PPS for home health services. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary to pay such excess reasonable cost to a home health services provider that furnishes services appropriate to an individual's condition at a reasonable cost which significantly exceeds the applicable per beneficiary limit because of unusual variations in the type or amount of medically necessary care required. (Sec. 704) Eliminates the 15-minute billing requirement for the payment of claims for home health services furnished on or after October 1, 1998. (Sec. 705) Provides that, in the case of an overpayment by the Secretary to a home health agency for services furnished during a cost reporting period beginning on or after October 1, 1997, as a result of certain payment limitations, the home health agency may elect to repay the amount of such overpayment ratably over a 36-month period beginning on the overpayment notification date. (Sec. 706) Amends SSA title XVIII to include medical supplies (but not durable medical equipment) as home health services for purposes of home health consolidated billing. Title VIII: Medicare+Choice - Amends Medicare part C to delay the submission of proposed premiums, adjusted community rates, and related information each Medicare+Choice organization is required to submit to the Secretary for each Medicare+Choice plan for the service area in which it is intended to be offered in the following year. (Sec. 802) Reduces from five years to three years the general exclusion period for Medicare+Choice organizations whose contract has been terminated. (Sec. 803) Authorizes enrollment in alternative Medicare+Choice plans and Medigap coverage in the event of an involuntary termination of Medicare+Choice enrollment. Guarantees access for certain Medicare beneficiaries to Medigap policies in case of such an involuntary termination. (Sec. 804) Removes certain age-related restrictions with respect to Medigap protection against medical condition or pre-existing condition discrimination. Permits an individual who develops end-stage renal disease while enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan and remains so enrolled to elect to continue enrollment in another Medicare+Choice plan if the original enrollment is discontinued. (Sec. 805) Extends the Medicare+Choice disenrollment window for certain involuntarily terminated enrollees. (Sec. 806) Provides under the Medicare+Choice program for continuation of any State law that requires the comprehensive coverage of prescription drugs, or any regulation that carries out such a law if: (1) the State has a waiver in effect with respect to requiring such coverage under Medigap policies; or (2) the Secretary provides for a waiver for the State to impose such a requirement. (Sec. 807) Exempts certain frail elderly Medicare+Choice beneficiaries from the risk-adjustment system if they are enrolled in a specialized program for the frail elderly. Sets forth special rules for frail elderly Medicare+Choice beneficiaries enrolled in such specialized programs. Provides for continuous open enrollment for certain such beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to measure the quality of care provided in specialized programs for the frail elderly in order to reflect their unique health aspects and needs. (Sec. 808) Extends for an additional three years Medicare community nursing and ambulatory care demonstration projects under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. Title IX: Clinics - Amends SSA title XIX to establish a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics under which the State Medicaid plan may provide for payment in any fiscal year to such a center or clinic for certain services in an amount exceeding the amount otherwise required to be paid under the PPS.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Condemns the repressive anti-Baha'i policies and actions of the Government of Iran. Continues to hold such Government responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals in a manner consistent with Iran's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens. Expresses concern that individual Baha'is continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion. Urges the Government of Iran to: (1) permit Baha'i students to attend and Baha'i faculty to teach at Iranian universities, return property confiscated from the Baha'i Open University (OU), free imprisoned faculty members of OU, and permit OU to continue to function; (2) implement fully the conclusions and recommendations on the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community made by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Professor Abdelfattah Amor, in his March 1996 report to the UN Commission of Human Rights; and (3) extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants of human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of its concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the Iranian Government's human rights practices, particularly its treatment of such community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the U.S. Government's relations with the Government of Iran; (3) emphasize the need for the UN Special Representative for Human Rights to be granted permission to enter Iran; (4) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants on human rights; and (5) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Iranian Government, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, including the UN, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities through joint appeals and other appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1999
Education for Democracy Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions for Civic Education, under part F of title X (Programs of National Significance). (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with: (1) the Center for Civic Education (CCE) to carry out civic education activities under the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program, and under Cooperative Educational Exchange programs; and (2) the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) to carry out economic education activities under Cooperative Educational Exchange programs. Revises requirements for CCE implementation of the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program. Sets forth requirements for the Cooperative Educational Exchange programs of civic education by CCE and economic education by NCEE. Makes eligible for such programs Central European countries, an Eastern European country, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union. Allows such program eligibility also for the Republic of Ireland, the province of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, and any developing country as defined under the Education for the Deaf Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2004 for: (1) the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program; and (2) the Cooperative Educational Exchange programs. (Sec. 3) Repeals title VI (International Education Program) of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the retroactive eligibility dates for financial assistance for higher education for spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1999
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for certain conservation and management activities in Long Island Sound through FY 2005. Increases the amount available for grants for projects and studies to implement the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1999
Central American and Haitian Parity Act of 1999 - Amends the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (Act) to: (1) extend permanent resident status adjustment provisions to qualifying Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Haitian nationals; and (2) extend the application filing deadline. Permits certain pending applications filed by Salvadoran or Guatemalan nationals under the Act or Haitian nationals under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to be converted to an application for status adjustment under the Act. Amends such Acts to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility; and (2) provide for issuance of immigrant visas to certain spouses and children. Provides for the limited reopening of certain orders of deportation, exclusion, or removal by certain Haitian, Cuban, or Nicaraguan nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999
Children's Sleepwear Safety Act of 1999 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to propose for comment and issue a final rule amending its Flammable Fabrics Act standards to revoke the amendments to the standards for the flammability of children's sleepwear issued by the Commission on September 9, 1966. Provides that: (1) the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, or any other statute or executive order shall not apply with respect to the promulgation of such rule; and (2) sleepwear manufactured or imported before the effective date of the Commission's revocation shall not be considered in violation of the Flammable Fabrics Act if it complied with the rules in effect at the time it was manufactured or imported.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors to the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension by such institutions of financial assistance of any kind to the Government of Indonesia (except humanitarian assistance to it or East Timor). Expresses the sense of Congress that such institutions should withhold the balance of any undisbursed approved loans or other assistance to the Government of Indonesia. Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to Indonesia for: (1) economic and development assistance, except subject to the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications; and (2) military assistance. Prohibits the licensing of exports of defense articles and defense services to Indonesia. Urges the President to coordinate with other countries (particularly member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including urging other countries to take measures similar to those contained in this Act. Imposes such prohibitions on the Government of Indonesia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) a safe environment exists for the return of Timorese who were forced to flee the militia-led violence; (2) the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can resume its mandate pursuant to the June 11, 1999, authorization by the UN Security Council without threat or intimidation; (3) steps have been taken to implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status; and (4) the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia is conducting itself in a manner consistent with its responsibilities to its citizens and its international commitments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strongly support the authorization of an international peacekeeping force for East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 - Title I: Amendment to Title I of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add certain definitions. Title II: Amendments to Title II of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises the duties of the Administration on Aging. Provides for a set of performance outcome measures to be used for planning, managing, and evaluating activities performed and services provided under the Act. Reauthorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging. Title III: Amendments to Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes appropriations indefinitely for making grants relating to: (1) supportive services, (2) senior centers; (3) congregate nutrition services, (4) home delivered nutrition services; (5) in-home services; and (6) special needs. Authorizes appropriations for a nutrition services incentive program. Authorizes a State to require or permit cost sharing by recipients for all direct services, with specified exceptions, provided for in the Act. Expands the list of supportive services for which grants to States are provided. Establishes grant programs for support services for family caregivers, education and training related to programs for older individuals, and pension counseling projects. Title IV: Amendments to Title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Repeals provisions regarding training, research, and discretionary projects Title V: Amendments to Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish projects to place community service employment program participants in unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors. Reauthorizes the community service employment for older Americans program. Title VI: Amendments to Title VI of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Makes the authorization of appropriations for title VI of the Act indefinite, with exceptions. Establishes programs for grants to carry out vulnerable elder rights protection activities and for a Native American caregiver support program. Title VII: Amendments to Title VII of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises provisions regarding the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Title VIII: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Medicare Beneficiary Access to Quality Nursing Home Care Act of 1999 - Modifies the case-mix categories for the formula for determination of the payment to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), under the prospective payment system (PPS), for routine service costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate otherwise determined for services provided to any individual during the period in which such individual is in a Nursing Home Case-Mix and Quality Demonstration resource utilization group (RUGS III) category of care, by the applicable payment add-on (updated for FY 2001 by the applicable SNF market basket percentage change), according to a specified table of such categories (especially for high-acuity and medically complex patients). Limits the application of this Act to services provided on or after October 1, 1999, and before the earlier of October 1, 2001, or the date on which the Secretary implements a case-mix methodology that takes into account adjustments for the provision of non-therapy ancillary services and supplies such as drugs and respiratory therapy. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formula for facility specific per diem rates with respect to the market basket update (inflation adjuster) to repeal the mandatory annualized one percent reduction in basket amount.
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
Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1999 - Urges the President to seek an agreement with governments that trade with the United States to secure an international ban on trade in products of child labor (commercial exploitation of children under 15). Requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to identify foreign countries that: (1) do not comply with national laws that prohibit child labor in the workplace; (2) utilize child labor in the export of products; and (3) have on a continuing basis exported such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary requesting that a particular foreign industry and its host country be identified. Requires the Secretary, before making such identification, to: (1) consult with the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Treasury; (2) hold at least one public hearing for public comment; and (3) publish notice in the Federal Register, inviting public comment, that such identification is being considered. Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of this prohibition. Authorizes appropriations for a U.S. contribution to: (1) the International Labor Organization for the activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor; and (2) the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for those activities relating to bonded child labor that are carried out by the Subcommittee and Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to eligible intermediaries to deposit into child care revolving funds for technical and financial assistance to eligible recipients to pay the Federal matching share of costs of acquisition, construction, or improvement of center-based or home-based child care facilities or equipment, or for the improvement of related management and business practices. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
21st Century School Modernization Act - Title I: School Modernization and Improvement - Establishes a grants program for modernization of public elementary and secondary education facilities. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to award such grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) in specified categories based on numbers of students enrolled, and to set maximum award amounts for each such category. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds to provide assistance to Indian schools. (Sec. 102) Sets forth requirements for grant award criteria, allocation among categories, and frequency. (Sec. 103) Sets forth application requirements for eligible LEAs. (Sec. 104) Requires grant funds to be used only to ensure the health and safety of students through the repair, renovation, alteration, or construction of a public elementary school or secondary school facility. Authorizes use of grant funds to meet specified requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 105) Sets forth general program provisions for the Secretary, relating to budget and accounting, use of funds, legal powers, and applicability of the Government Corporation Control Act. (Sec. 106) Requires program contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers and mechanics at least at the rate required under the Davis-Bacon Act, and provides for coverage under the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act. (Sec. 107) Sets forth requirements for maintenance of effort, supplementation of other funds, and environmental safeguards. Prohibits use of grant funds for acquiring real property, for paying associated maintenance costs, or for athletic and similar facilities. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds for data collection, studies and evaluations, and a report to the Congress. (Sec. 109) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: State Infrastructure Banks for Schools - Establishes a pilot program for State infrastructure banks. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks in States that have entered into cooperative agreements to provide initial capital for loans to LEAs for building or repairing public elementary or secondary schools and to public libraries for building or repairing library facilities. Sets forth requirements for such State infrastructure banks, including provisions for loan applications, criteria for loans, qualifying projects, Davis-Bacon wage rate coverage, program administration costs, and Secretarial review and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Schools as Centers of the Community - Establishes a grants program to assist LEAs and their communities to increase the involvement of parents, teachers, students, and community groups in the planning and design of new and renovated public elementary and secondary school buildings that: (1) enhance teaching and learning, and accommodate the needs of all learners; (2) serve as a center of the community; (3) promote health, safety, and security; (4) effectively use all available resources; and (5) are flexible and can accommodate changing community needs. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to award such one-year matching grants to LEAs participating in eligible consortia to support such planning and design. (Sec. 304) Requires such grants to be used for planning and design of a new, or of the renovation of an existing, school building. Allows grants to be used for: (1) community outreach activities; (2) developing a master plan for a school district, involving all stakeholders; and (3) administrative support. (Sec. 305) Sets forth grant application requirements for LEAs. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to repeal a provision which prohibits a State or local government from regulating the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations concerning such emissions. Requires, in an action in which a person is seeking to place, construct, or modify a telecommunications facility, that such person bear the burden of proof as to the necessity of such placement, construction, or modification. Prohibits the FCC from adopting as a final rule a specified proposed rule which preempts State and local authority over the placement of broadcast transmission facilities. States that no provision of the Act may be interpreted to: (1) authorize any person or entity to place, construct, or modify telecommunications facilities in a manner inconsistent with State or local law if alternative technology is capable of delivering the broadcast or telecommunications signals without the use of a tower; or (2) prohibit a State or local government from requiring the production of safety and interference studies with respect to such facilities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out an independent assessment of the effects of radio frequency emission on human health. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Extension Act of 1999 - Amends the U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Act of 1998 to extend through December 31, 2000, the deadline for the final report to the President of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States with regard to any recommendations for legislative, administrative, or other action with respect to certain assets of victims of the Holocaust that are in the control or possession of the U.S. Government (including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any Federal reserve bank) at any time after January 30, 1933. Authorizes appropriations for Commission activities through FY 2001.
![Official portrait of Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000388_200.jpg)