United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
National Materials Corridor Partnership Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a comprehensive program to promote energy efficient, environmentally sound economic development along the United States-Mexico border through the research, development, and use of new materials technology; (2) give due consideration to the proposal made to the United States-Mexico Binational Commission for the Materials Corridor Partnership Initiative; (3) organize and conduct the program jointly with designated Federal agencies; and (4) emphasize the transfer and use of materials technology developed by the national laboratories of the Department of Energy. (Sec. 6) Mandates that activities funded under this Act be primarily focused upon materials that promote: (1) improved energy efficiency; (2) elimination or minimization of emissions of global climate change gases and contaminants; (3) minimization of industrial wastes and pollutants; and (4) use of recycled resources as primary materials for industrial production. Sets forth guidelines for major program elements and for participation by Federal departments and agencies. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee consisting of representatives of the private, academic, and public sectors to consult and coordinate with Federal entities in identifying and implementing the appropriate projects to be funded under this Act. (Sec. 9) Prescribes financial and technical assistance guidelines. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999 - Amends the Reigle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to add to title I a new subtitle C, which may be cited as the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999. Directs the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to establish a microenterprise technical assistance and capacity building program to provide Fund grants to qualified non profit organizations to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs; (2) provide training and capacity building services to help microenterprise development organizations and programs develop microenterprise training and services; and (3) aid in researching and developing the best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Sets forth an allocation formula for such assistance and for grants benefitting very low-income persons, including those residing on Indian reservations. Authorizes a qualified organization to provide subgrants to small and emerging microenterprise entities. Mandates matching funds from non-Federal sources. Authorizes 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 · 4 February 1999
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a 404-mile trail from the Rio Grande River near El Paso, Texas, to San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, as a component of the National Trails System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer the trail. Requires owner consent for any Federal land acquisition along the trail. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage volunteer groups to develop and maintain the trail; and (2) consult with affected Federal, State, and tribal agencies in its administration. Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate trail activities and programs with the Government of Mexico and Mexican non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Central American and Caribbean Relief Act - Title I: United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement - United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) to accord, for a specified period, the same tariff and quota treatment (duty-free treatment, free of any quantitative limitations) given certain textile and apparel articles imported from North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries to such articles from CBERA beneficiary countries planning to become parties to the Free Trade Area of the Americas, or a comparable trade agreement. Subjects to certain penalties exporters or countries that engage in the transshipment of such articles (preferential treatment claimed on the basis of material false information concerning the country of origin, manufacture, processing, or assembly of the article or any of its components). (Sec. 104) Directs the U.S. International Trade Commission to report biennially to Congress and the President on the economic impact of this Act on U.S. industries and consumers, including its effectiveness in promoting drug-related crop eradication and crop substitution efforts of CBERA beneficiary countries. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the President (with respect to factors considered in the designation of a country as a beneficiary country) to determine that a country is not providing adequate protection of intellectual property rights even if it is in compliance with its obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. (Sec. 106) Grants duty-free treatment of rum liqueurs and spirituous beverages from Canada and Mexico if certain conditions are met. Title II: Economic Support Fund and Other Assistance - Authorizes appropriations to: (1) provide economic support fund (ESF) assistance to areas of Central America and the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Mitch in October 1998 for roads, agricultural investment, microcredit loans, water sanitation, health clinics, vaccinations, and technical assistance for housing; (2) provide international disaster assistance for such areas; and (3) the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct imaging and analysis in Honduras and Nicaragua to minimize future loss of life and property. Earmarks specified amounts, over a five year period, for eligible expenses in connection with developing new or renovating existing structures to provide decent, safe, and sanitary nonluxury dwellings (Habitat for Humanity) in the affected Central American and Caribbean countries. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Interior to develop a river monitoring system in Honduras. Title III: Department of Defense - Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of defense articles and services from the stocks of the Department of Defense (DOD) for the purpose of providing disaster relief and reconstruction to the affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the New Horizons Program, earmarking amounts for use for Central America and the Dominican Republic (including the National Guard and Reserve); (2) Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid programs; and (3) the Commanders-in-Chief CINC Initiative Fund. Title IV: International Monetary Relief - Authorizes the President, subject to specific appropriations, to reschedule the repayment of interest on, and reduce the amount of, the indebtedness owed by Honduran and Nicaraguan governments to the United States in FY 1999 and 2000. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the U.S. Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) to contribute $25 million to the Central American Emergency Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: OPIC - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should foster U.S. private investment and enhance the ability of private enterprise to make its full contribution in the hurricane-affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 501) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make Central American and Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Mitch and Hurricane Georges eligible for equity investment financing under the pilot equity finance program. Increases the amount of transfers that OPIC can make from its noncredit account revolving fund to its revolving fund for acquisition of equity. Title VI: Microcredit and Agricultural Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to use credit and microcredit assistance to provide disaster assistance to rehabilitate agriculture production in the hurricane-affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 603) Authorizes the Administrator of AID to utilize relevant foreign assistance programs and initiatives for the Central America and Caribbean region to support private producer-owned cooperative marketing associations there, including rural business associations owned and controlled by farmer shareholders. (Sec. 604) Directs the Administrator of AID to develop a comprehensive plan to coordinate and build on the research and extension activities of U.S. land-grant universities, international agricultural research centers, and national agricultural research and extension centers in Central America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 605) Provides assistance through the nonemergency food assistance programs of the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to the hurricane- affected Central American and Caribbean areas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Declares that: (1) the final political status of the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority can only be determined through negotiations and agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority; (2) any attempt to establish Palestinian statehood outside the negotiating process will invoke the strongest congressional opposition; and (3) the President should unequivocally assert U.S. opposition to the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit the use of any reference to the Postmaster General, a citation to Federal statute, or implication that nonmailable matter is afforded any special protections or status by the Federal Government if such matter constitutes a solicitation by a non-governmental entity for: (1) the purchase of or payment for products or services and containing a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement; or (2) information or the contribution of funds or membership fees and containing such terms or symbols which could reasonably be interpreted or construed in the same manner. Allows the mailing of such matter if it does not contain a statement that implies that Federal Government benefits or services will be affected by any purchase, nonpurchase, response, or non-response to such matter. (Sec. 2) Declares that matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs if such matter constitutes a solicitation for the purchase of any products that is federally produced, may be obtained without cost from the Federal Government, and does not contain a statement giving notice of such information. Requires the Postal Service to regulate the manner in which such statement should be displayed. (Sec. 3) Prohibits matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails that relates to a sweepstakes, prize promotion, or award that does not meet specified Postal Service requirements from being carried or delivered by mail. Allows it to be disposed of as the Postal Service directs. Requires persons who: (1) use the mails for any matter that contains sweepstakes entry materials to adopt reasonable practices and procedures to prevent the mailing of such materials to persons who submit written requests that such materials should not be mailed to them; and (2) mail such solicitation materials to maintain or cause to be maintained records of all such requests that permit the suppression of the names of such requesters for a five-year period beginning on the date of the written requests. (Sec. 4) Makes postal law sanctions involving false representations and lotteries applicable to deceptive mailings under this Act. (Sec. 5) Allows the Postal Service to apply for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctions in the preparation for or during the pendency of proceedings concerning deceptive mailings. (Sec. 6) Increases civil penalties for violation of current postal law sanctions and establishes civil penalties for violation of this Act. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the use of administrative subpoenas by the Postmaster General in any investigation involving nonmailable matter.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Rural Employment in Telecommunications Industry Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to promote rural employment in the telecommunications industry through grants to States for telecommunications employment and training projects. Requires such projects to train eligible individuals for new telecommunications industry jobs in low-income rural areas pursuant to arrangements with employers participating in the project. Includes as eligible individuals: (1) a resident of a low-income rural area; (2) a low-income individual; (3) a dislocated worker from the oil and natural gas exploration and development industry; (4) an out-of-school youth; (5) a disabled individual; (6) an individual receiving assistance under the State temporary assistance for needy families program (part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of the Social Security Act); (7) a veteran; (8) a displaced homemaker; (9) an older individual; (10) a homeless individual; (11) an individual eligible to participate in certain activities carried out under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; (12) a long-term unemployed individual or individual with multiple barriers to employment; and (13) an individual who has been assessed and determined to need intensive services. Allows the Secretary to make grants to no more than three States. Outlines application requirements, including submission of a State plan containing certain information and assurances. Provides a priority for the determination of grant awards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any Medicaid-related funds recovered or paid to a State as part of a settlement or judgment reached in litigation the State initiated or pursued against one or more tobacco companies from being treated as an overpayment. Permits a State to use amounts recovered or paid to it as part of such a settlement or judgment for any appropriate expenditures, except with respect to any expenditure for administrative expenses incurred in initiating or pursuing tobacco litigation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Expanded Availability of Health Care Services Title II: Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Subtitle B: Elimination of Work Disincentives Subtitle C: Work Incentives Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Title III: Demonstration Projects and Studies Title IV: Technical Amendments Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 - Title I: Expanded Availability of Health Care Services - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for expanding State options under Medicaid for workers with disabilities, namely by creating State options to eliminate income, assets, and resource limitations for workers with disabilities who buy into Medicaid and to expand opportunities for such workers to make such a buy. Provides that Federal funds paid to a State for medical assistance provided to certain working disabled individuals must be used to supplement but not supplant the level of State funds expended as of FY 1999 for programs to enable working disabled individuals to work. (Sec. 102) Provides for certain continuation of Medicare coverage for working individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) award grants to eligible States to support establishment of State infrastructures to support the working disabled as well as to enable State outreach campaigns on infrastructure existence; and (2) submit a recommendation to specified congressional committees on whether such grant program should be continued after FY 2010. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 104) Authorizes State demonstration projects for certain Medicaid coverage of up to a specified maximum number of workers with a potentially severe disability, coverage equal to that afforded under the State option provided for above for eliminating income, assets, and resource limitations for disabled workers buying into Medicaid. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency - Amends part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to direct the Commissioner to establish a Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (TWSSP) under which a disabled beneficiary may use a TWSSP ticket issued by the Commissioner under a described system, designed to ensure quality assurance, to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services, pursuant to an appropriate individual beneficiary work plan that meets specified requirements, at the Commission's expense, from a participating employment network, public or private, which: (1) meets specified qualifications and is under an agreement with the Commissioner who must select a program manager to assist in administering TWSSP; (2) is chosen by the beneficiary, and (3) is willing to accept assignment of the beneficiary's TWSSP ticket. Allows State agencies administering or supervising the administration of the State plan under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to elect to participate as an employment network. Sets forth special requirements applicable to cross-referral to certain State agencies and requirements relating to provision of services. Describes employment network payment systems. Provides that during any period for which an individual is using a TWSSP ticket, the Commissioner and any applicable State agency may not initiate a continuing disability or similar review with regards to whether the individual is or is not disabled. Requires payments to employment networks to be made out of the social security trust funds in the case of ticketed SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) disability beneficiaries who return to work, or from the appropriation made available for making Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments under SSA title XVI, in the case of SSI disability beneficiaries who return to work. Provides for allocation of other costs. (Sec. 202) Establishes within the Social Security Administration the Work Incentives Advisory Panel to advise the Commissioner with respect to TWSSP, and other Federal officials on related issues. Provides that the costs for carrying out this paragraph shall be paid from amounts available for the administration of SSA titles II and XVI, and shall be allocated among those amounts as appropriate. Subtitle B: Elimination of Work Disincentives - Amends SSA title II to set forth a number of measures designed to eliminate work disincentives, namely prohibiting work activity as a basis for review of an individual's disability status and providing for expedited eligibility determinations for applications for disability benefits of former certain long-term disability beneficiaries that engaged in substantial gainful activity during a certain extended period following the end of a rehabilitation services trial work period. Subtitle C: Work Incentives Planning, Assistance, and Outreach - Amends SSA title XI part A (General Provisions) to direct the Commissioner to establish a community-based work incentives outreach program for disabled beneficiaries that includes the provision of technical assistance to organizations and entities that are designed to encourage disabled beneficiaries to return to work. Provides that the costs of carrying out this subtitle shall be paid from amounts made available for administration of SSA titles II and XVI, and shall be allocated among such amounts as appropriate. (Sec. 222) Amends SSA title XI to authorize the Commissioner to make certain minimum payments in each State to the protection and advocacy system established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act for the purpose of providing services to disabled beneficiaries, services which may include advocacy or other services that such a beneficiary may need to secure or regain gainful employment. Provides for funding similar to that in he paragraph above. Title III: Demonstration Projects and Studies - Amends the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 to provide for an extension of disability insurance program demonstration project authority to include any group of applicants for benefits under such program with impairments that may reasonably be presumed to be disabling for purposes of such demonstration project. (Sec. 302) Directs the Commissioner to conduct certain demonstration projects designed to provide for specified reductions in disability insurance benefits based on earnings. Requires expenditures for such demonstration projects to come out of the social security and Medicare trust funds to the extent provided in advance in appropriation acts. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should establish additional demonstration projects to assist individuals with disabilities to engage in work. (Sec. 304) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct and report to the Congress on various described studies concerning existing disability-related employment incentives and coordination of the OASDI disability insurance program and the SSI program as they relate to individuals entering or leaving concurrent entitlement under such programs, as well as on a study concerning the impact of the substantial gainful activity limit on return to work. Title IV: Technical Amendments - Amends the Contract with America Advancement Act of 1996 with respect to: (1) final adjudication of denied claims by drug addicts and alcoholics for SSA title II disability benefits; and (2) the effective dates of certain requirements concerning representative payees and treatment referrals for such individuals. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title II to: (1) provide for payments to State and local prisons for monthly reports on the identities of inmates whose OASDI benefits are determined by the Commissioner not to be payable as a result of such reports; (2) provide for a 50 percent reduction in such payments under SSA titles II and XVI in cases involving a comparable payment under the other title with respect to the same prisoner; (3) exempt from the Privacy Act of 1974 any agreements with State and local prisons to supply such information; (4) transfer from the OASDI trust funds any sums necessary to enable the Commissioner to make such payments; (5) eliminate the requirement that confinement stem only from a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year (thus denying OASDI benefits to individuals confined for any criminal offense); and (6) provide for continued denial of benefits to sex offenders remaining confined to public institutions upon completion of prison term. (Sec. 403) Provides for a two-year open season for members of the clergy who wish to revoke their exemption from social security coverage. (Sec. 404) Amends SSA title XI to make a miscellaneous technical amendment relating to cooperative research or development projects under SSA titles II and XVI. (Sec. 405) Amends SSA title XI to make miscellaneous technical amendments to provisions concerning the requirements of State income and eligibility verification systems, among other changes allowing a State to permit certain employers that make returns with respect to domestic service employment taxes on a calendar year basis to instead make such reports on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Production From Marginal and Inactive Wells Title II: Other Incentives United States Energy Economic Growth Act - Title I: Production From Marginal and Inactive Wells - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for marginal domestic oil and natural gas well production during any taxable year in the amount of $3 per barrel of qualified crude oil production and 50 cents per 1,000 cubic feet of qualified natural gas production, reduced, but not below zero, as oil and gas prices increase. States that the limitation to the general business credit, based on the amount of tax, shall not be reduced by the amount of the marginal oil and gas well credit. Excludes from gross income, at the taxpayer's election, any income attributable to independent producer oil from a recovered inactive well, under certain conditions, while disallowing any deductions directly connected with such excluded amounts. Provides that, with respect to the alternative minimum tax, the inclusion of certain items in the computation of earnings and profits shall not apply to any income attributable to independent producer oil from a recovered inactive well that is excluded from gross income. Title II: Other Incentives - Allows both geological and geophysical expenditures on domestic oil and gas exploration and development and delay rental payments, at the taxpayer's election, to be deducted from gross income at the time incurred. Extends the special rule for the spudding of oil and gas wells. Extends the enhanced oil recovery credit to certain nontertiary recovery methods.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1999
Federal Research Investment Act - Calls for Federal funding levels for fundamental, scientific, and pre-competitive engineering research to be increased to equal approximately 2.6 percent of the total annual Federal budget. Authorizes appropriations for civilian research and development (R&D) within specified agencies for FY 2000 through 2010. Directs the President to include with the annual budget request a report concerning Federal R&D program funding, future R&D strategies and targets, an analysis of funding levels across Federal agencies by funding methodology, and specific proposals for infrastructure development and R&D capacity building in States with less concentrated R&D resources. Requires the Director of the Office of Science Technology Policy to enter in an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study to develop methods for evaluating federally-funded R&D programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), based on study results, to promulgate one or more alternative forms for Federal R&D performance goals. Permits an agency head to apply such an alternative form without further authorization by OMB. Requires agency heads carrying out R&D activities, upon updating a strategic plan, to describe the current and future use of methods for determining an acceptable level of R&D success as recommended by the study. Authorizes appropriations for the study. Requires the OMB Director, based upon program performance reports, to identify the civilian R&D program activities or components which do not meet an acceptable level of success as defined under current law. Directs the head of an agency, for each program activity or component identified as being below the acceptable level of success for two consecutive fiscal years, to: (1) submit to the appropriate congressional committees a concise statement of the steps necessary to bring such program into compliance with performance goals; or (2) terminate such program should compliance efforts fail. Requires the inclusion of any legislative changes needed to effectuate the steps contained in such statement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1999
Patients' Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Patients' Bill of Rights - Subtitle A: Right to Advice and Care - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan covering emergency medical care to provide coverage, without requiring preauthorization, for appropriate emergency medical screening examinations to the extent that a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of health and medicine, would determine such examinations to be necessary to determine whether emergency medical care is necessary. (Sec. 101) Requires a plan to cover additional emergency medical services to stabilize an emergency medical condition following such an examination to the extent that a prudent emergency medical professional would determine such services to be necessary to avoid specified serious consequences. Requires a plan (other than a fully insured group health plan) providing benefit coverage only through a defined set of participating health care professionals to offer the option of point-of-service coverage (of the same benefits provided by a nonparticipating health care professional), unless the plan offers multiple issuer or coverage options. Exempts from this requirement any group health plan (other than a fully insured plan) of a small employer. Requires any plan offering gynecological, obstetric, or pediatric care not to require prior authorization from a participant's primary care provider if such provider is not a gynecologist, obstetrician, or pediatrician. Requires a plan to permit a participant or beneficiary undergoing a course of treatment to continue such treatment for a period of time even though the contract between the plan (other than a fully insured plan) and a health care provider is terminated, or the schedule of benefits or coverage is terminated by a change in the terms of the provider's participation in the plan. Specifies a 90-day continuation of coverage generally, and other transitional periods for institutionalization (until discharge), pregnancy (through post-partum care), and terminal illness (remainder of life). Declares that a plan shall not prohibit a health care professional from advising a patient about the patient's health status, medical care, or treatment for the patient's condition or disease, regardless of whether coverage for such care or treatment is provided under the contract, if the professional is acting within the lawful scope of the practice. Defines "fully insured group health plan" as a plan where benefits are provided pursuant to the terms of an arrangement between a group health plan and a health insurance issuer and are guaranteed by the health insurance issuer under a contract or policy of insurance. Subtitle B: Right to Information about Plans and Providers - Amends ERISA, as amended by the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, to require plans and group health insurance issuers to disclose specified plan information to enrollees and (upon request) potential enrollees. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) health care professionals information currently available to patients, consumers, States, and professional societies, nationally and on a State-by-State basis; (2) the legal and other barriers to the sharing of information about health care professionals; and (3) recommendations for disclosure of such information on health care professionals, including their competencies and professional qualifications, to better facilitate patient choice, quality improvement, and market competition. Subtitle C: Right to Hold Health Plans Accountable - Revises requirements for plan provision of a procedure for appealing denied claims. (Sec. 121) Requires a plan or health insurance issuer conducting utilization review to have: (1) specified procedures in place for coverage determinations, including expedited determinations; (2) written procedures for addressing grievances between a plan and enrollees; (3) an internal procedure for coverage determination appeals; and (4) an external review procedure for enrollee appeals, involving specified entities and independent medical experts, whose determination shall be binding. Prescribes external review standards. Directs the General Accounting Office to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a statistically appropriate sample of completed external reviews. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deem the requirements of subtitle B of this Act to be incorporated into the Code. Title II: Individual Rights with Respect to Personal Medical Information - Personal Medical Information Access Act - Subtitle A: Access to Medical Records - Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university, except in specified circumstances, to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information (or the individual's designee) to inspect and copy protected health information concerning the individual; (2) amend such information upon the individual's request; and (3) make reasonable efforts to inform any person to whom the unamended portion of the information was previously disclosed of any nontechnical amendment that has been made. (Sec. 212) Prescribes procedures for: (1) an entity's denial of a request to amend such information; and (2) an individual's filing of a statement of disagreement with such denial, which shall accompany any subsequent disclosure of the disputed portion of the information. (Sec. 213) Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to post notice of the entity's confidentiality practices, including specified information. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate model notices of confidentiality practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to establish and maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information the entity creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, transmits, or disposes of. Subtitle C: Enforcement; Definitions - Prescribes civil money penalties for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. (Sec. 232) Sets forth definitions. Title III: Genetic Information and Services - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1999 - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) (as amended by the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a health care plan or health insurance issuer from restricting enrollment or adjusting premium or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of predictive genetic information concerning an individual in the group or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). (Sec. 302) Prohibits a plan or issuer from requesting or requiring predictive genetic information concerning an individual or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). Permits a plan or issuer to request, but not require, such information for diagnosis, treatment, or payment purposes only. Title IV: Healthcare Research and Quality - Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999 - Amends PHSA to establish within the Public Health Service (PHS) an Agency for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. (Sec. 402) Directs the Agency to identify and disseminate methods or systems used to assess healthcare research results, particularly to rate the strength of the scientific evidence behind healthcare practice and technology recommendations in the research. Requires the Agency to employ research strategies and mechanisms that will link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the United States, including: (1) Healthcare Improvement Research Centers that combine demonstrated multidisciplinary expertise in outcomes or quality improvement research with linkages to relevant sites of care; (2) Provider-based Research Networks, including plan, facility, or delivery system sites of care (especially primary care), that can evaluate and promote quality improvement; and (3) other innovative mechanisms or strategies. Directs the Agency to: (1) award grants to enable eligible entities at geographically diverse locations throughout the United States to carry out research training programs dedicated to health services research training at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and junior faculty levels; and (2) provide specified scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve healthcare quality, including accrediting organizations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Agency Director, to establish a program of grants for one or more centers to conduct: (1) state-of-the-art clinical research on drugs, biological products, and devices; (2) research on the comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of drugs, biological products, and devices; and (3) other appropriate activities (excluding the review of new drugs). Requires the Agency Director to: (1) collect certain data on the cost and quality of healthcare; (2) support research on and initiatives to advance the use of information systems for the study of healthcare quality; and (3) provide ongoing administrative, research, and technical support for the Preventive Services Task Force, which shall review scientific evidence on the effectiveness, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive services regarding their usefulness in daily clinical practice. Establishes within the Agency a Center for Primary Care Delivery Research to serve as the principal funding source for HHS primary care delivery research and demonstrations with respect to the first contact when illness or health concerns arise, the diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialty care, preventive care, and the relationship between the clinician and the patient in the context of the family and community. Requires the Agency Director by specified activities to promote innovation in evidence-based clinical practice and healthcare technologies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to coordinate all research, evaluations, and demonstrations related to health services research and quality measurement and improvement activities undertaken and supported by the Federal Government. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to: (1) describe and evaluate current quality improvement research and monitoring processes; and (2) recommend options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such processes, and optimize public-private sector accreditation bodies. Establishes an Advisory Council for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Advisory Council for Health Care Policy, Research, and Evaluation. Requires the Agency Director to establish technical and scientific peer review groups to review each application for a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract under this title. Repeals the mandates for: (1) a demonstration program regarding centers for education and research on therapeutics; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Requires the Secretary, within 30 days after enactment of any Act providing for a qualifying health care benefit, to evaluate scientifically and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the safety, efficacy, cost, benefits and value of such benefit; (2) alternative approaches in improving care compared with such benefit; and (3) the benefit's overall impact on health care as measured through research. Title V: Enhanced Access to Health Insurance Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a full deduction from gross income of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 502) Repeals the limitation of the availability of medical savings accounts (MSAs) to employees of small employers and the self-employed. Reduces from $1,500 to $1,000 (self-only coverage) and from $3,000 to $2,000 (family coverage) the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan. Revises the formula for the monthly limitation on the allowable deduction for MSAs to increase the contribution limit to 100 percent of the annual deductible under a high deductible health plan. Waives the additional tax on MSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses to the extent any payment or distribution does not reduce the fair market value of the MSA assets to an amount less than the annual deductible for the account holder's high deductible health plan. (Sec. 503) Allows the annual carryover of up to $500 of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to contract for or approve catastrophic FEHBP plans, whose covered expenses exceed $500. Amends Federal civil service law, with respect to Government contributions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), to require an additional Government contribution, according to a certain formula, to an individual's MSA with respect to a catastrophic plan. Deems subscription charges for MSAs to be the amount of Government contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Carlsbad Irrigation District specified lands and interests within the Carlsbad Project in New Mexico. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress if the conveyance is not completed within 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide a written identification of all mineral and grazing leases in effect on such lands; and (2) notify all such leaseholders of the conveyance made by this Act. Requires receipts from leases, licenses, and permits accruing after the conveyance date to be used for Project purposes and for financing the portion of operations, maintenance, and replacement of the Summer Dam which, prior to conveyance, was the responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation, with the exception of major maintenance programs in progress prior to the conveyance. Requires receipts paid into the reclamation fund as construction credits to the Project to be credited to deficit reduction or retirement of the Federal debt.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to allow all States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership (Ed-Flex Partnership) program. (Sec. 4) Requires Ed-Flex Partnership States to: (1) have approved challenging content standards, challenging performance measures, and aligned assessments in place or have made substantial progress towards having an approved plan under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) hold local educational agencies (LEAs) accountable for meeting the educational goals submitted in their local applications for waivers, and for taking corrective actions if they have not met such goals; and (3) waive State educational requirements while holding LEAs or schools affected by such waivers accountable for student performance. Sets forth requirements for: (1) State educational agency (SEA) applications and approval by the Secretary; and (2) local applications and approval and monitoring by SEAs. Limits Federal waivers to five years, unless the Secretary extends such period upon determining that such waiver authority has been effective in enabling such SEAs or affected LEAs or schools to carry out local reform plans. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Ed-Flex Partnership program for FY 2000 through 2004. Includes as statutory or regulatory requirements that may be waived under this Act those of programs under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, and of the following programs under ESEA: (1) title I Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards; (2) part A Federal Activities under the title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program; (3) subpart 2 State and Local Programs for School Technology Resources (with specified exceptions), under part A Technology Education for All Students, of title III Technology for Education; (4) title IV Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities; (5) title VI Innovative Education Program Strategies; and (6) the part C Emergency Immigrant Education Program under title VII Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs. Prohibits waivers for specified types of requirements. Provides that this Act shall not affect the authority of any SEA under the Ed-Flex Demonstration program of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Sets forth accountability requirements. Requires the Secretary, in deciding whether to extend the authority of an SEA to issue waivers, to review the progress of the SEA, LEA, or school affected by the waiver or authority toward the desired results described in its application.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to allow all States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership (Ed-Flex Partnership) program. (Sec. 4) Requires Ed-Flex Partnership States to: (1) have approved challenging content standards, challenging performance measures, and aligned assessments in place or have made substantial progress towards having an approved plan under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) hold local educational agencies (LEAs) accountable for meeting the educational goals submitted in their local applications for waivers, and for taking corrective actions if they have not met such goals; and (3) waive State educational requirements while holding LEAs or schools affected by such waivers accountable for student performance. Sets forth requirements for: (1) State educational agency (SEA) applications and approval by the Secretary; and (2) local applications and approval and monitoring by SEAs. Limits Federal waivers to five years, unless the Secretary extends such period upon determining that such waiver authority has been effective in enabling such SEAs or affected LEAs or schools to carry out local reform plans. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Ed-Flex Partnership program for FY 2000 through 2004. Includes as statutory or regulatory requirements that may be waived under this Act those of programs under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, and of the following programs under ESEA: (1) title I Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards; (2) part A Federal Activities under the title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program; (3) subpart 2 State and Local Programs for School Technology Resources (with specified exceptions), under part A Technology Education for All Students, of title III Technology for Education; (4) title IV Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities; (5) title VI Innovative Education Program Strategies; and (6) the part C Emergency Immigrant Education Program under title VII Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs. Prohibits waivers for specified types of requirements. Provides that this Act shall not affect the authority of any SEA under the Ed-Flex Demonstration program of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Sets forth accountability requirements. Requires the Secretary, in deciding whether to extend the authority of an SEA to issue waivers, to review the progress of the SEA, LEA, or school affected by the waiver or authority toward the desired results described in its application.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, specified real property near Coyote, New Mexico, known as the Old Coyote Administrative Site, to be used for public purposes. Requires land withdrawals under Public Land Order 3730 and Executive Order 4599 to be revoked simultaneous with such conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to convey certain lands (Old Jicarilla Site) in San Juan County, New Mexico, to San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico. Revokes a specified Public Land Order as it pertains to such land conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) facilitate the development of guidelines and a program of technical assistance and grants that will set priorities for the preservation of the Route 66 corridor; (2) designate National Park Service (NPS) officials to perform the functions of the Cultural Resource Programs (NPS programs to support cultural resources related to the corridor); (3) support efforts of State and local public and private persons, nonprofit Route 66 preservation entities, Indian tribes, State Historic Preservation Offices, and entities in the States to preserve the corridor by providing technical assistance, participating in cost-sharing programs, and making grants; (4) act as a clearinghouse for communication among such parties and Federal, State, and local agencies; and (5) assist the States in determining the appropriate form of, and establishing and supporting, a non-Federal entity or entities to perform the functions of the Cultural Resource Programs after those programs are terminated. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements, accept donations, provide cost-share grants and information and technical assistance in historic preservation, and conduct research. Requires the Secretary: (1) to provide assistance in the preservation of the corridor that is compatible with the idiosyncratic nature of the highway; (2) not to prepare or require an overall management plan, but to cooperate with public and private entities in developing local preservation plans to guide efforts to protect the most important or representative resources of the corridor; (3) to develop a technical assistance program in the preservation of Route 66, including guidelines for setting priorities for preservation needs; (4) to coordinate a program of historic research, curation, preservation strategies, and collection of oral and video histories of events that occurred along the corridor designed for continuing use after the Cultural Resource Programs are terminated; (5) to make available cost-share grants for the preservation of the corridor for resources that meet the guidelines under the technical assistance program; and (6) provide information about existing cost-share opportunities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
National Missile Defense Act of 1999 - States as U.S. policy to deploy as soon as technologically possible a National Missile Defense system capable of defending U.S. territory against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate).
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1999
National Missile Defense Act of 1999 - States as U.S. policy to deploy as soon as technologically possible a National Missile Defense system capable of defending U.S. territory against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate).
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Four Corners Interpretive Center Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Four Corners Interpretive Center within the boundaries of the Four Corners Monument Tribal Park using land designated and made available by the Navajo Nation or the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Authorizes the Secretary, under specified conditions, to award a Federal grant to a recipient (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah, or any consortium of two or more of these States) for up to 50 percent of the cost to construct the Center. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pay and Allowances Title II: Retirement Benefits Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's, and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Title I: Pay and Allowances - Waives during FY 2000 any required adjustment in the rates of monthly military basic pay in conformance with the General Schedule of the Federal Government. Increases such pay by 4.8 percent, effective on January 1, 2000. Provides: (1) an increase in such pay as of July 1, 2000, for officer and enlisted personnel within specified pay grades; and (2) a pay increase for fiscal years after 2000 of one percent over the percentage increase as calculated under the Employment Cost Index. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay a special subsistence allowance of $180 for each month in which a member is eligible to receive food stamp assistance. Terminates or reestablishes such entitlement under certain conditions. Title II: Retirement Benefits - Authorizes the payment of a lump-sum bonus of $30,000 to a member who: (1) first became a member on or after August 1, 1986; (2) has completed 15 years of active duty; and (3) executes a written agreement to remain on active duty until the completion of 20 years of such service. Requires notification of those eligible for such bonus. Requires a pro rata repayment of such bonus when the full additional period is not completed. Authorizes a waiver of the repayment requirement when against equity or good conscience or contrary to the best interests of the United States. (Sec. 202) Authorizes a member serving on active duty for more than 30 days to participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan, with a maximum annual contribution of five percent of basic pay and any special or incentive pay. Prohibits matching Federal agency contributions. Adds a representative of such members to the Employee Thrift Advisory Council. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to enter into an agreement to make contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund for the benefit of a member who: (1) is in a specialty designated as critical; and (2) agrees to continue to serve on active duty in such specialty for a period of six years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Public Safety Medal of Valor Act- Authorizes the President to award, and present in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer who is cited by the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. States that the Public Safety Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. Establishes a Medal of Valor Review Board to select candidates as recipients of the Medal from among applications received by the National Medal Office. Establishes within the Department of Justice a National Medal Office to support the Board and, with the Board's concurrence, to establish criteria and procedures for the submission of recommendations of nominees for the Medal. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 establishing the President's Award for Outstanding Public Safety Service and the Secretary of Commerce's Award for Distinguished Public Safety Service. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) consult with the Institute of Heraldry within the Department of Defense regarding the design and artistry of the Medal of Valor; and (2) consider suggestions received by the Department of Justice regarding the design of the medal, including those made by persons not employed by the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate to conform with the biennial framework. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the appropriations are authorized will require no further appropriations and will be completed or terminated after the appropriations have been expended; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; (2) any matter considered in Executive Session; or (3) an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill. (Sec. 8) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 9) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority or a limitation on obligations under the jurisdiction of any Appropriations subcommittee for only the first fiscal year of a biennium unless the program, project, or activity for which such authority or limitation is provided will require no additional authority beyond one year and will be completed or terminated after the amount provided has been expended. (Sec. 10) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to the Budget Committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a biennial budget process based on the two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Title II: Emergency Spending Reforms Title III: Clarifying Changes to Pay-As-You-Go Title IV: Reform of the Senate's Consideration of Appropriations Bills, Budget Resolutions, and Reconciliation Bills Title V: Budget Act Amendments Regarding the Senate's Consideration of Budget Resolution and Reconciliation Bills Budget Enforcement Act of 1999 - Title I: Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations - Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 104) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate to conform with the biennial framework. (Sec. 105) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 106) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 107) Amends the CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the appropriations are authorized will require no further appropriations and will be completed or terminated after the appropriations have been expended; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; (2) any matter considered in Executive Session; or (3) an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill. (Sec. 108) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 109) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority or a limitation on obligations under the jurisdiction of any Appropriations subcommittee for only the first fiscal year of a biennium unless the program, project, or activity for which such authority or limitation is provided will require no additional authority beyond one year and will be completed or terminated after the amount provided has been expended. (Sec. 110) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to the Budget Committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a biennial budget process based on the two-year period. Title II: Emergency Spending Reforms - Amends the CBA to require the President, in designating a provision of legislation as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), to submit to the Congress an analysis of whether a proposed emergency requirement meets criteria specified under this title. Requires the committee report accompanying such legislation to make such analysis as well. Provides that a proposed expenditure or tax change is an emergency requirement if it is: (1) necessary, essential, or vital; (2) sudden, quickly coming into being, and not building up over time; (3) an urgent, pressing, and compelling need requiring immediate action; (4) unforeseen, unpredictable, and unanticipated; and (5) not permanent, temporary in nature. Requires the President or the committee report to justify why a proposed requirement is an emergency if it fails to meet such criteria. Strikes: (1) emergency requirements in legislation under consideration in the Senate when a point of order is sustained against such requirements; and (2) non-emergency provisions in emergency supplemental appropriations legislation when a point of order is so sustained. Title III: Clarifying Changes to Pay-As-You-Go - Amends H. Con. Res. 67 (104th Congress) to apply a point of order in the Senate against consideration of direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase or cause an on-budget deficit (currently, that would increase the deficit) for specified time periods. (Sec. 302) Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to make conforming amendments to pay-as-you-go provisions to assure that legislation increasing, or causing, an on-budget deficit will trigger sequestration. Adds the estimate of the on-budget surplus for the budget year in the calculation of the deficit increase or decrease. (Sec. 303) Amends the CBA to consider to be extraneous matter in a reconciliation measure provisions that would increase net outlays or decrease revenues and cause an on-budget deficit in a fiscal year after the years covered by such measure, when taken with other provisions in the bill. Title IV: Reform of the Senate's Consideration of Appropriations Bills, Budget Resolutions, and Reconciliation Bills - Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Amends Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for continuing appropriations in the absence of regular appropriations. Sunsets this title after FY 2001. Title V: Budget Act Amendments Regarding the Senate's Consideration of Budget Resolution and Reconciliation Bills - Amends the CBA to prohibit the budget resolution from including precatory language. Revises provisions regarding Senate procedure for consideration of the budget resolution. Provides that it shall not be in order in the Senate to proceed to consideration of the budget resolution unless the resolution's text has been available to Members for at least one calendar day prior to consideration. Decreases the time for debate in the Senate on the resolution and amendments. Sets forth new provisions regarding the disposition and filing of amendments and other matters after a period of debate, limits on second-degree amendments, debate on motions to recommit, and disposition of conference reports. (Sec. 502) Defines "major functional category" as the allocation of budget authority and outlays separated into the following subtotals: (1) defense discretionary; (2) nondefense discretionary; (3) direct spending; and (4) other subsets of discretionary and direct spending, as necessary. (Sec. 503) Changes the pay rates for the Director and Deputy Director of the Congressional Budget Office.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1998
Amends S. Res. 209 to establish budgetary levels for FY 1999 through 2003 for Federal revenues, new budget authority, total budget outlays, and revenues and outlays of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance Trust Funds. Authorizes the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to file one set of revisions to the levels, amounts, and allocations provided by this resolution and permits such revisions to reflect only legislation enacted in the 105th Congress and not assumed in this resolution. Directs the chairman, upon making revisions, to reduce balances of direct spending and receipts for any fiscal year to zero. Requires this resolution to: (1) take effect on the earlier of the date the Congress adjourns sine die or the 105th Congress expires; and (2) expire on the date a concurrent budget resolution for FY 1999 is agreed to. Directs the chairman, upon adoption of this resolution, to file committee spending allocations pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1998
Rural Employment in Telecommunications Industry Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to promote rural employment in the telecommunications industry through grants to States for telecommunications employment and training projects. Requires such projects to train eligible individuals for new telecommunications industry jobs in low-income rural areas pursuant to arrangements with employers participating in the project. Includes as eligible individuals: (1) a resident of a low-income rural area; (2) a low-income individual; (3) a dislocated worker from the oil and natural gas exploration and development industry; (4) an out-of-school youth; (5) a disabled individual; (6) an individual receiving assistance under the State temporary assistance for needy families program (part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of the Social Security Act); (7) a veteran; (8) a displaced homemaker; (9) an older individual; (10) a homeless individual; (11) an individual eligible to participate in certain activities carried out under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; (12) a long-term unemployed individual or individual with multiple barriers to employment; and (13) an individual who has been assessed and determined to need intensive services. Allows the Secretary to make grants to no more than three States. Outlines application requirements, including submission of a State plan containing certain information and assurances. Provides a priority for the determination of grant awards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Valles Caldera National Preserve and Trust Title II: Acquisition of Inholdings and Disposal of Surplus Land Title I: Valles Caldera National Preserve and Trust - Valles Caldera Preservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire all or part of the Baca ranch in New Mexico. Provides for the subsequent addition of such land to the Bandelier National Monument, under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to utilize funds appropriated for the National Park Service to acquire the Elk Meadows subdivision within the boundary adjusted to encompass the ranch addition. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) develop a study of management alternatives which may provide more coordinated land management within the Lower Alamo watershed, allow for improved management of elk and other wildlife populations ranging between the Santa Fe National Forest and the Bandelier National Monument, and include a proposed boundary adjustment between such Forest and Monument to facilitate those objectives; and (3) submit the study to specified congressional committees. Makes the acquisition of the ranch subject to all outstanding valid existing mineral interests. Directs the Secretary to negotiate the acquisition of any fractional interest in the subsurface estate on a willing seller basis for the appraised fair market value. (Sec. 105) Establishes: (1) upon the date of acquisition of the Baca ranch, the Valles Caldera National Preserve as a unit of the National Forest System; and (2) the Valles Caldera Trust, as a wholly owned Government corporation, to provide management and administrative services for the Preserve and for other specified purposes. (Sec. 107) Requires the Trust: (1) to be governed by a seven member Board of Trustees; and (2) to manage the land and resources of the Preserve, subject to specified requirements, including development of a comprehensive program for the management of lands, resources, and facilities within the Preserve. Authorizes the Trust to construct and upgrade roads and bridges and provide other facilities for recreational activities. Directs that the public be given reasonable access to the Preserve for recreational purposes. (Sec. 109) Sets forth provisions regarding authorities of the Secretary, termination of the Trust, and funding limitations. (Sec. 112) Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct an interim study, and a subsequent study, of the activities of the Trust. Title II: Acquisition of Inholdings and Disposal of Surplus Land - Acquisition of Inholdings and Disposal of Surplus Lands Facilitation Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to: (1) establish a multi-agency evaluation team to identify, by State, inholdings within federally designated areas and establish the dates upon which the lands or interests therein became inholdings; and (2) provide notice to the public in the Federal Register, and through other means as deemed appropriate, of a program of identification of inholdings within federally designated areas by which any owner who wants to sell such an inholding to the United States shall provide to the Secretaries such information as is required by the notice. Sets forth reporting and funding requirements. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to complete appraisals and other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of land identified for disposal under approved land use plans maintained and in effect on this title's enactment date. Sets forth reporting and program termination requirements. (Sec. 206) Requires that gross proceeds generated by the sale or exchange of public land under this title be deposited in a Federal Land Disposal Account of the Treasury. (Sec. 207) Sets forth provisions regarding use of the Account, contaminated sites and sites difficult and uneconomic to manage, investment of principal, and program termination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1998
Medicare Home Health Fair Payment Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, in order to: (1) create a new formula for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998 with the agency-specific per beneficiary annual limitation calculated on a different basis which still makes use of the agency's census division; (2) revise the rules for new providers for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998; (3) provide for a five percent increase in per visit cost limits for such cost reporting periods; (4) provide for a one year delay in establishment of a prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and in implementation of the mandatory 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits under such interim system; and (5) adjust the home health market basket update for home health services under PPS and such interim system, reducing it by a specified percentage for any cost reporting period beginning in FY 2000 or 2001, and increasing it by another specified percentage for any cost reporting period beginning in FY 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat: (1) a taxpayer as having omitted a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) for purposes of mathematical error assessment if information provided by the taxpayer on the return with respect to the individual whose TIN was provided differs from the information the Secretary of the Treasury obtains from the person issuing the TIN; and (2) as a mathematical error the inclusion on a return of a TIN if it is of an individual whose age affects the amount of the tax credit involved and the computation of such credit reflects the treatment of such individual as being of an age different from the individual's age based on such TIN. Adds the vaccine against rotavirus gastroenteritis to the list of taxable vaccines for Federal sales tax purposes. Limits specified liability losses for purposes of the net operating loss deduction to those attributable to a liability under a Federal or State law requiring the reclamation of land, decommissioning of a nuclear power plant (or any unit thereof), dismantlement of an offshore drilling platform, remediation of environmental contamination, or payment of workmen's compensation. Limits the rule waiving the accrual method requirement for any portion of payment amounts which will not be collected to persons performing services in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, or consulting. Applies to any organization a significant trade or business of which is the lending of money the requirement of filing a return relating to the cancellation of indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1998
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue $10 bimetallic coins of gold and platinum in lieu of the gold coins. Requires payment of coin sale surcharges to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to support Library activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1998
Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Equity Act of 1998 - Establishes the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Commission to determine the validity of certain land claims arising out of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848. Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate bilateral agreements with the governments of Mexico and Spain to obtain their full cooperation with the Commission so that it will have access to certified copies of all relevant documents in those countries relating to community lands grants in the State of New Mexico. Directs the Commission to: (1) develop specified procedures for land grant evaluations, including some, acceptable to various Native American Tribes and Pueblos, that clearly protect the status quo regarding existing Indian Lands; and (2) submit the Code of Land Claims Procedure to specified congressional committees for hearings and examination, before beginning examination of specific community land claims. Makes eligible under this Act descendants of certain persons who were: (1) Mexican citizens before the Treaty; (2) members of a community land grant; and (3) U.S. citizens within ten years after the Treaty became effective. Authorizes three or more eligible descendants in New Mexico who are also descendants of the same community land grant to petition the Commission for such a determination on behalf of themselves and all other descendants. Directs the Commission to establish a Community Land Grant Study Center at the Onate Center in Alcalde, New Mexico, to be responsible for directing the research, study, and investigations necessary to assist the Commission in its duties. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1998
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting and recognizing the right of U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico to express democratically their views regarding their future political status through a referendum or other public forum, and to communicate those views to the President and Congress; and (2) urging the Federal Government to review any such communication.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1998
Requests the President to advance: (1) the late Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel to the grade of admiral on the retired list of the Navy; and (2) the late Major General Walter C. Short to the grade of lieutenant general on the retired list of the Army. Prohibits any change in compensation or benefits based on the military service of such officers as a result of such advancements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such officers performed their duties competently and professionally and that losses incurred by the United States in attacks on military targets on Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, were not a result of their dereliction of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Measures to Encourage Results in Teaching Act of 1998 - Amends title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new part D (State Incentives for Teacher Testing and Merit Pay). Directs the Secretary of Education to make an award to each State that: (1) administers a test to each elementary school and secondary school teacher in the State, with respect to the subjects taught by the teacher, every three to five years; and (2) has an elementary school and secondary school teacher compensation system based on merit. Allows States to use Federal education funds for teacher testing and merit pay programs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Small Business Programs Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $8 million to $12 million, for FY 1999 and thereafter, the authorization of appropriations for the women's business center program. Repeals a provision concerning the terms of assistance to certain organizations under the program. Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to review the administration of such program and report review results to the congressional small business committees. Requires a follow-up report from the CG. (Sec. 3) Amends provisions of the Act relating to the Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) to: (1) direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to encourage Federal agencies to fund programs for the research and development of assistive and universally designed technology intended to lead to new products for individuals with disabilities; (2) increase for FY 2001 and thereafter the amounts required to be expended by certain Federal agencies for uses specifically connected with SBIR programs; (3) revise SBIR limitations relating to administrative costs; and (4) repeal a provision which terminates the SBIR on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 5) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the SBA to authorize certain qualifying State and local development companies to foreclose and liquidate loans in the portfolios of those companies that are funded with the proceeds of debentures guaranteed by the SBA under the Small Business Development Company Program. Outlines development company qualification requirements. Requires a qualified development company to submit to the SBA a proposed liquidation plan, and authorizes such a company to submit a proposed workout plan. Prohibits any action by a State or local development company that would result in a conflict of interest with any third party lender participating in the liquidation or foreclosure of the loan. Authorizes the SBA to suspend or revoke the authority of a qualified company under appropriate circumstances. Directs the SBA to report annually to the small business committees on the results of the delegation of authority to liquidate and foreclose such loans. Terminates the current SBA loan liquidation pilot program on the date on which final regulations implementing this section are promulgated. (Sec. 6) Directs the SBA to submit to the small business committees certain information concerning the participation in Federal procurement contracts by small businesses, including those owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and by women. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the SBA: (1) the position of Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development; and (2) an Office of Veterans Business Development, to be administered by the Associate Administrator. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the SBA Administrator, the Congress, and the President. Directs the Administrator to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) for the appointment by SCORE of a National Veterans Business Coordinator, who shall establish and administer the provision of entrepreneurial counseling and training to veterans through SCORE chapters in the United States. Requires notification of the availability of such services through a toll-free telephone number and an Internet website. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the small business committees on the needs of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans. Requires the SBA's Office of Advocacy to evaluate Federal and private efforts to assist small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans and to make appropriate recommendations to the Administrator and the Congress. Adds the provision of assistance to veterans to authorized purposes and activities under the Microloan Program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and local health care entities to strengthen their response to domestic violence by building the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify, address, and prevent domestic violence. Prescribes guidelines for State and local demonstration grants. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1998 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require that curricula, materials, and training programs developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education be balanced and scientifically sound. (Sec. 2) Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director of the Office and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. (Sec. 3) Reduces from 25 percent to 15 percent the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits the use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Requires the EPA Science Advisory Board to review and approve any guidance by the EPA Administrator before it is issued to applicants for such grants. (Sec. 4) Repeals the authority for environmental internships and fellowships. (Sec. 5) Eliminates all environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. (Sec. 6) Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Requires that membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Repeals specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. (Sec. 7) Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the National Environmental Learning Foundation. Increases the size of the Foundation's Board of the Directors. Repeals the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Allows acknowledgement of donors, but prohibits such acknowledgement from: (1) appearing in educational material to be presented to students; and (2) identifying a donor by means of a logo, letterhead, or other corporate commercial symbol, slogan, or product. (Sec. 8) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations to the EPA for such Act. Revises funding limitations. Limits to 25 percent the amount available for administrative costs. Directs the EPA Administrator to report on expenses annually to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Declares that the Congress honors the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police for the selfless acts of heroism they displayed on July 24, 1998, in sacrificing their lives in the line of duty so that others might live. Provides that, when the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourn on this date, they shall do so out of respect for the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to place a plaque in honor of the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut at an appropriate site in the U.S. Capitol, with the approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to make arrangements for funeral services for Officers Gibson and Chestnut, including payments for travel expenses of immediate family members, and for expenses incurred by Members of the House of Representatives in attending such services. Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to pay survivor's gratuities to the widows of Officers Gibson and Chestnut. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be established under law a U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund for the surviving spouses and children of members of the U.S. Capitol Police who are slain in the line of duty.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)