United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit: (1) a national committee of a political party from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (3) a candidate or an incumbent for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office, or disbursing funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Requires the filing of additional statements on electioneering communications with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Sets out provisions with regard to electioneering communications, including rules prohibiting corporate and labor disbursements for such communications. Adds requirements for reporting certain independent expenditures to the FEC. Prohibits a committee of a political party from making both independent and coordinated expenditures for a nominee. Requires coordinated activities to be considered as contributions to and expenditures by a candidate. Lists the permitted and prohibited uses of amounts contributed by a candidate or an incumbent. Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against campaign fundraising on Federal property. Amends FECA concerning contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with Federal, State, or local elections. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to codify the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make revisions under which: (1) a husband and wife may make a combined return with separate rates; (2) estate taxes will be reduced; (3) there will be a deduction for qualified higher education expenses; (4) greater benefits will be applicable towards child care expenses; (5) there will be a credit for givers of long-term care to family members; (6) the earned income credit will be increased for two or more qualified children and other modifications will be made to the credit; (7) 100 percent of the health insurance costs of the self-employed will be deductible; (8) credits for pension plans will be increased; and (9) the adoption credit will be expanded.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a special rule allowing a charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Social Security and Medicare Off-Budget Lockbox Act of 2001 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that the receipts and disbursements of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal or congressional budgets or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) (thus, making it off-budget). Provides for related points of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate to enforce such requirement. Amends the Social Security Act to provide the same budgetary treatment for the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund as is provided to the Federal Disability and Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Funds. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide a point of order in the House or the Senate against consideration of any budget resolution or legislation that would cause or increase an on-budget deficit for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter in recognition of their service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages (such FLSA provisions are also known as the Equal Pay Act) to: (1) add nonretaliation requirements; (2) increase penalties; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Directs the Secretary to provide for certain studies, information, national summit, and guidelines, awards, and assistance for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria. Establishes the Alexis Herman National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect certain pay information.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Broadband Internet Access Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the broadband credit which shall be the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines terms.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
National Electricity and Environmental Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, chemical feedstocks, and transportation fuel; (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies; and (3) implement a power plant improvement initiative program demonstrating commercial applications of advanced coal-based technologies applicable to new or existing power plants including co-production plants, which must advance the effectiveness, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond that which is in operation or has been demonstrated on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for investment in: (1) a qualifying clean coal technology unit in an existing coal-based electricity generation facility; and (2) early commercial applications of qualifying advanced clean coal technologies. Sets forth formulae for determining tax credits for unit production of both kinds of technologies. Exempts the installation of a qualifying system of continuous emission control from new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act. Grants a ten-year exemption from any new or increased emission control requirements for the specific pollutant controlled by such a system to any existing coal-based electricity generating unit on which it has been installed, if the system meets or exceeds the specified standard of performance for new stationary sources. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a financial risk pool for a limited time to offset the modification costs resulting from the failure of qualifying advanced clean coal technology to achieve its design performance. Cites conditions under which credits for emission reductions and efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generating facilities of electric cooperatives or publicly owned electric utilities may be treated as offset credits. Entitles the Tennessee Valley Authority to aggregate certain clean coal technology credits and apply them as a credit against obligations for annual returns on the appropriations investment and annual repayment sums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Federal Elections Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit: (1) a national committee of a political party from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (3) a candidate or an incumbent for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office, or disbursing funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Adds requirements for reporting certain independent expenditures to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Prohibits a committee of a political party from making both independent and coordinated expenditures for a nominee. Requires coordinated activities to be considered as contributions to and expenditures by the candidate. Authorizes the FEC to conduct random audits to ensure voluntary FECA compliance. Prohibits false representation to solicit contributions. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to codify the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al. Lists the permitted and prohibited uses of contributions received by a candidate or an incumbent. Amends Federal postal law to limit congressional use of the franking privilege. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit campaign fundraising on Federal property. Amends FECA to: (1) increase penalties for certain violations; (2) revise restrictions on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in Federal, State, or local elections; and (3) protect equal participation of eligible voters in campaigns and elections. Establishes within FEC a clearinghouse of public information regarding the political activities of foreign principals and their agents. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to condition the receipt of amounts from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund in a presidential election upon the candidate's certification not to solicit any funds for influencing such election unless the funds are subject to FECA. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit use of White House meals and accommodations for political fundraising. Amends FECA to require reimbursement for certain political fundraising involving use of Federal property. Amends IRC to ban coordination of soft money for issue advocacy by presidential candidates receiving public financing. Establishes the Commission on Voting Rights and Procedures to study and make recommendations on matters such as election technology and systems, designs and uniformity of ballots, and voter education. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to implement the Commission's recommendations. Military Voting Rights Act of 2001 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, with respect to voting, to require that a person absent from a State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence, be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence or domicile in that State; (2) acquired a residence or domicile in any other State; or (3) become resident in or a resident of any other State. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require States, with respect to elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee voting by uniformed services members.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
New Urban Agenda Act of 2001 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish executive agency purchase requirements, including recycled products, for businesses located in empowerment zones or enterprise communities. Requires specified amounts of foreign assistance to be in the form of credits for the purchase of goods produced in such zones and communities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance preference to Manufacturing Technology Outreach Centers located in such zones and communities. Establishes a preference for Federal facility construction or relocation in distressed urban areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide specified tax incentives to stimulate urban development, including provisions respecting: (1) rehabilitation credit treatment; (2) tax-exempt commercial development bonds; (3) small issue bonds; (4) arbitrage interest rebate waiver; (5) residential rental project bonds; and (6) the targeted jobs tax credit. Allows a home buyer tax credit for principal residence purchases in such zones or communities. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of consolidating public and low-income housing programs into a comprehensive block grant system. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and the Housing and Community Development Act, respectively, to make home ownership assistance available to qualifying municipal employees and teachers. Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to establish a Brownfield program in the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Educational Excellence for All Learners Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise and reauthorize certain ESEA programs. School Improvement Accountability Act - Revises ESEA title I programs for helping disadvantaged schoolchildren, with respect to: (1) reservations of funds for schools identified for corrective action or improvement; (2) accountability for yearly progress under State plans, assessments, and improvement aid; and (3) financial incentives for comprehensive school reform. Revises teacher professional development programs to require: (1) State plans to include goals for increasing numbers of fully qualified teachers; and (2) local educational agencies (LEA) to notify parents of their right to information about teacher qualifications. Revises innovative education programs to add requirements for State plans, sanctions, reports, standards, and assessment enhancements. Requires performance objectives for States and LEAs receiving funds for programs to assist limited English proficiency students. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) grants to States for annual State, LEA, and school report cards on elementary and secondary educational quality; and (2) awards to States for high performance in education. Extends the authorization of appropriations for ESEA title I programs for helping disadvantaged schoolchildren. Directs the Secretary annually to review how such funds are allocated to ensure that LEAs with the highest need are receiving funds in proportion to that need as compared to other LEAs. Establishes the Opportunities to Improve Our Nation's Schools (OPTIONS) program, under which the Secretary may make grants to States and LEAs to support programs that promote innovative approaches to high-quality public school choice. Sets forth parental involvement requirements for State plans for improving basic programs operated by LEAs. Establishes a program for Parental Assistance and Child Opportunity (which replaces current provisions relating to programs for children and youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out). Authorizes the Secretary, under such program, to make: (1) grants to nonprofit organizations, and such organizations in consortia with LEAs, to establish school-linked or school-based parental information and resource centers; and (2) grants to and contracts with local nonprofit parent organizations to support local family information centers to help ensure that parents of students in schools assisted under State plans for improving basic programs have training, information, and support they need to participate effectively in helping their children to meet challenging State standards. Revises, and reauthorizes appropriations for, ESEA title II teacher quality under professional development programs. Renames and revises such programs to emphasize provision of a qualified teacher in every classroom. Authorizes the Secretary to make: (1) grant allotments to States for State- and local-level teacher professional development, mentoring, and recruitment activities, including subgrants to LEAs, recruiting partnerships using teacher corps programs, and partnerships of higher education institutions and LEAs; and (2) grants to and contracts with various entities for national activities for the improvement of teaching and school leadership, including the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, Transition-to-Teaching programs, Hometown Teacher programs, and Early Childhood Educator Professional Development. Establishes a program of grants for school renovation. Directs SEAs to reserve certain amounts for grants to LEAs for repair and renovation and for technology and activities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Amends the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2001 to revise the authorization of appropriations for a charter school credit enhancement initiative program. America's Better Classrooms Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a limited tax credit for: (1) qualified public school modernization bonds (construction and zone academy bonds); and (2) qualified tribal school modernization bonds. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities. Reauthorizes appropriations for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program under ESEA. Establishes an ESEA program of grants for class size reduction. Reading Excellence Act - Revises, renames, and reauthorizes appropriations for certain reading excellence programs under ESEA. Repeals ESEA provisions for tutorial assistance grants. Training for Technology Act of 2001 - Revises ESEA title III technology for education provisions. Requires local applications for school technology resource grants to demonstrate how LEAs will use portions of such funds for in-service teacher training. Establishes a program authorizing the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Technology, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible consortia for developing or redesigning teacher preparation programs to enable prospective teachers to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Allows technology-specific professional development grant funds to be used to provide incentives, including bonus payments, to teachers who achieve certain technology standards or information-technology certification. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 for assistance for education of all children with disabilities (part B of IDEA). Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding full funding of IDEA. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the maximum Pell grant should be increased under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Establishes an IRC tax deduction for higher education expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Financial Information Privacy Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide that the customer's affirmative consent is a prerequisite to financial institution disclosure to affiliates of customer nonpublic personal information, including information about personal spending habits (currently such consent is only required for financial institution disclosure to nonaffiliated third parties). Emphasizes that this Act neither modifies, limits, nor supersedes standards established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with respect to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information. Sets forth limits upon redisclosure and reuse of nonpublic consumer personal information received by an affiliated or nonaffiliated third party from a financial institution. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) consumer rights to access and correct information; and (2) Federal and State enforcement powers under this Act. Revises requirements for the timing of a financial institution's disclosure to consumers of its privacy policies and practices, including a new requirement that the disclosure first occur before a customer relationship is established (currently, when it is established). Prohibits a financial institution from disclosing to either an affiliate or nonaffiliated third party its customer's account number or comparable access number or code. Permits financial institution disclosure of nonpublic personal information: (1) in connection with performing services or functions solely on such institution's behalf regarding its own customers, including marketing of the institution's own products or services to its customers; and (2) in order to facilitate certain customer services. Directs specified Federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, to prescribe implementing regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Securing a Future for Independent Agriculture Act of 2001 - Sets forth prohibitions against unfair practices involving agricultural commodity transactions. Establishes a related Family Farmer and Rancher Claims Commission. Requires an agricultural contract to carry an obligation of good faith. Sets forth specified agricultural contract-related provisions. Revises the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize private investors to establish the National Rural Cooperative and Business Equity Fund to raise and provide capital to rural businesses. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require retailers of covered commodities to inform consumers at the final point of sale of the commodity's country of origin. Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to set forth marketing loan rates for feed grains, upland and extra long staple cotton, rice, and oilseeds. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to revise the farmland protection program. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should take necessary actions to ensure the participation of socially disadvantaged farmers in Department of Agriculture programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Right Start Act of 2001 - Extends authorizations of appropriations for: (1) the Head Start Act; (2) the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (3) funding for child care under the Social Security Act; and (4) the Early Learning Opportunities Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the formula to increase the dependent care income tax credit for certain taxpayers, indexed for inflation, with an even greater credit for employment-related dependent care expenses; (2) allow a minimum dependent care income tax credit for stay-at-home parents; (3) provide for advance payment by the employer of an employee's dependent care income tax credit; and (4) allow a business-related tax credit for employer-provided child care expenditures. Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Time for Schools Act of 2001 - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for Federal employees. Amends FMLA and Federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
21st Century Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, and Victims Assistance Act - Extends: (1) the community policing (COPS) program by providing for hiring more police and prosecutors; (2) Project Exile; and (3) the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative. Imposes a gun ban for juveniles convicted or adjudicated delinquent for violent crimes. Requires revocation of a firearms dealer's license for failing to have secure gun safety devices available for sale with firearms. Requires criminal background checks for all gun sales at gun shows. Establishes new crimes and increases penalties for killing Federal officers. Enhances the penalty for assaults and threats against Federal officials engaged in official duties. Provides a limited protective function privilege for Secret Service agents. Prohibits the interstate franchising of street gangs. Increases penalties for crimes involving the use of body armor or laser-sighting devices. Doubles the maximum criminal penalties for: (1) using or threatening physical violence against witnesses; and (2) voluntary manslaughter. Provides for jurisdiction over foreign banks engaged in money laundering that have U.S. accounts and for criminal forfeiture for money laundering conspiracies. Provides: (1) a model Bill of Rights for crime victims in the Federal system; and (2) assistance for shelters and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. Makes available to States grants for victim-related training and notification systems. Authorizes grants for pilot programs to operate Victim Ombudsman Information Centers. Establishes new offenses and increases penalties for crimes against senior citizens. Reauthorizes the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and creates a new juvenile justice block grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Program) (OPDBP) to provide Medicare coverage of certain outpatient prescription drugs and biological products for individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for an outpatient prescription drug benefit program for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Outlines premiums and cost-sharing provisions, including those for a $250 deductible waivable for generic drugs, as well as coinsurance provisions. Sets out patient protections. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement an Employer Incentive Program that encourages sponsors of employment-based health care coverage to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals. Establishes a Medicare Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Committee. Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) to require each Medicare+Choice plan, with specified exceptions, to provide enrolled members items and services for which benefits are available under new part D. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to exclude Medicare part D costs from determination of the part B monthly premium. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) include in Medicare cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries premiums under OPDBP; and (2) provide for expanding medical assistance with regard to OPDBP coinsurance and deductible. Sets at 100 percent the Federal Medicaid percentage with respect to such medical assistance. Amends SSA title XI to increase Medicaid payments to territories. Amends SSA title XVIII to revise requirements for benefit packages for Medicare supplemental policies, and with regard to comprehensive immunosuppressive drug coverage for transplant patients. Directs the Secretary to study whether to: (1) establish a uniform format for pharmacy benefit cards provided to beneficiaries by eligible entities under OPDBP; and (2) develop systems to transfer prescriptions electronically under OPDBP from the prescriber to the pharmacist. Outlines provisions for General Accounting Office and Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) studies involving OPDBP.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Enhancing Economic Security for America's Working Families Act - Amends various Federal laws relating to the economic security of workers and their families. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.75 an hour beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.25 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2002; and (3) $6.65 an hour beginning on January 1, 2003. Makes Federal minimum requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends FLSA to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages (such FLSA provisions are also known as the Equal Pay Act) to: (1) add nonretaliation requirements; (2) increase penalties; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Directs the Secretary to provide for certain studies, information, national summit, and guidelines, awards, and assistance for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria. Establishes the Alexis Herman National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect certain pay information. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration programs or projects to provide technical skills training for workers, including both employed and unemployed workers, through grants to local or regional public-private partnerships. FamilyCare Act of 2001 - Renames the State Children's Health Insurance program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) as the FamilyCare program to provide for: (1) FamilyCare coverage of parents under Medicaid (SSA title XIX) as well as new SSA title XXI; (2) optional FamilyCare coverage of parents of targeted low-income children; (3) automatic eligibility for FamilyCare coverage of children born to a parent on FamilyCare assistance; (4) optional coverage of legal immigrants and of children through age 20 under both Medicaid and FamilyCare; (5) application of simplified FamilyCare procedures under Medicaid; (6) increased welfare-to-work transition under FamilyCare; (7) elimination of the 100 hour rule (eligibility requirement that a dependent child be deprived of parental support or care by reason of the parent's death, incapacity, unemployment, or continued absence from home) and other SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) related eligibility restrictions under FamilyCare; (8) limitations on specified conflicts of interests under SSA titles XIX and XXI; (9) increased FamilyCare allotment for FY 2002 through 2004; (10) authority to pay Medicaid expansion costs from the FamilyCare appropriation; and (11) appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to a limited number of States to conduct innovative programs designed to improve outreach to homeless individuals and families under specified programs. Makes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the earned income credit to: (1) increase it for an eligible individual with two or more children; (2) revise definitions of earned income and child dependent credit; and (3) modify joint return requirements and rules where there are two or more eligible individuals. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to restore eligibility for food stamp benefits for legal immigrants and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Patients' Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to protect consumers in managed care plans and other health coverage. Sets forth standards relating to: (1) grievance and appeals procedures; (2) access to care; (3) access to information; and (4) protection of the doctor-patient relationship. Applies such quality care and patient protection standards to group health plans, group health coverage, and individual health coverage under specified provisions of PHSA, ERISA, and IRC. Directs the Secretaries of Labor, of Health and Human Services (HHS), and of the Treasury to ensure coordination in the implementation of this Act. Establishes the Health Care Panel to Devise a Uniform Explanation of Benefits. Requires the Panel to devise a single form for use by third-party health care payers for remittance of claims to providers. Directs the Secretary of HHS to determine the composition of the Panel, including equal numbers of representatives from specified types of groups. Prohibits this Act from having any effect upon the Social Security Act or its trust funds.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Self-Employed Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for 100 percent of a self-employed individual's health insurance costs for himself or herself, spouse, and dependents, unless such individual participates in an employer-maintained health plan. (Current law provides for a phased-in 100 percent deduction and disallowance upon participation eligibility.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Protecting Civil Rights for All Americans Act - Title I: Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001 - Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Attorney General (AG), at the request of a State law enforcement official or Indian tribe, to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or any other assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime that: (1) constitutes a crime of violence under the Federal criminal code; (2) constitutes a felony under the laws of a State or Indian tribe; and (3) is motivated by prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, or is a violation of the hate crime laws of a State or Indian tribe. Requires assistance priority to be given to crimes committed by offenders who have committed crimes in more than one State and to rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering the extraordinary expenses relating to the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Authorizes the AG to award grants to assist State, local, or Indian law enforcement officials with the extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Outlines grant application requirements and requires grant approval or disapproval within 30 days. Limits such grants to no more than $100,000 for any single jurisdiction within a one-year period. Requires a report from the AG to Congress on grant applications awarded. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Directs the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to award grants to State and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice for FY 2001 through 2003 to increase the number of personnel preventing and responding to alleged violations of hate crime acts. (Sec. 107) Amends the Federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for Federal violations of hate crime acts. (Sec. 108) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for adult defendants who engage in such recruitment. (Sec. 109) Amends the Hate Crimes Statistics Act to require the AG to acquire and maintain statistics on gender-related hate crimes. Title II: Traffic Stops Statistics Study Act - Traffic Stops Statistics Study Act of 2001 - Directs the AG to conduct a nationwide study for traffic violations by law enforcement officers. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) perform an initial analysis of existing data, including complaints alleging and other information concerning traffic stops motivated by race and other bias; (2) gather specified data on traffic stops from a nationwide sample of jurisdictions; and (3) report the results to Congress and make such report available to the public. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the AG to provide grants to law enforcement agencies to collect and submit the data to the appropriate agency as designated by the AG. (Sec. 204) Prohibits information released pursuant to this title from revealing the identity of any individual who is stopped or any law enforcement officer involved in a traffic stop. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Supporting Indigent Representation - Authorizes appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation. Title IV: Genetic Nondiscrimination of Health Insurance Discrimination on the Basis of Predictive Genetic Information - Subtitle A: Prohibition of Health Insurance Discrimination on the Basis of Predictive Genetic Information - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (regarding a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group insurance through a group plan) the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) (regarding such a plan or issuer, and with regard to an issuer offering health insurance in the individual market), the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) (regarding a group health plan), and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) (regarding Medicare supplemental policies) to prohibit, with respect to genetic information: (1) discriminating in individual enrollment; (2) discriminating in group eligibility or group premium or contribution rates; (3) requesting or requiring test performance; and (4) requesting, requiring, collecting, purchasing, or disclosing information, unless authorized by the individual. Allows a plan or issuer: (1) regarding payment for genetic services, to request evidence that the services were performed; and (2) regarding payment for other benefits, to request predictive genetic information in certain circumstances. Allows a court, for violations, to award any appropriate legal or equitable relief, attorney's fees and costs, and expert witness costs. Allows civil monetary penalties. Applies the requirements of this paragraph to plans that have fewer than two participants who are current employees. Amends ERISA and the PHSA to: (1) declare that the provisions of paragraph above do not preempt any provision of State law that protects genetic information confidentiality or privacy, or prohibits genetic discrimination, more completely than ERISA's and the PHSA's group health plan provisions; and (2) apply the requirements of the paragraph above to Medicare supplemental health insurance and similar supplemental coverage, if provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance. Amends the PHSA to disallow nonfederal governmental group plans from electing to be exempted from the requirements of this title. Subtitle B: Prohibition of Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Predictive Genetic Information - Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate because of predictive genetic information, including making it unlawful to request, require, collect, or purchase such information. Allows an employer to request, require, collect, or purchase such information: (1) where used for genetic monitoring of biological effects of workplace toxic substances; or (2) with consent of the employee, if results are received only by the employee (or the employee's family). (Sec. 416) Requires employers possessing such information to treat and maintain the information as part of the employee's confidential medical records. Prohibits disclosure, subject to exception. (Sec. 417) Empowers one or more employees, labor organization members, or training participants to bring an action in Federal or State court for violations. Applies to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for enforcement of this title, the powers, remedies, and procedures under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows a court to award any appropriate legal or equitable relief, attorney's fees and costs, and costs of experts. (Sec. 419) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Title V: Employment Nondiscrimination - Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2001 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities. Declares that a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares that this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees, applicants, and members. Title VI: Promoting Civil Rights Enforcement - Establishes, in the Department of Justice, a National Task Force on Violence Against Health Care Providers which shall: (1) coordinate the national investigation and prosecution of incidents of violence and other unlawful acts directed against reproductive health care providers; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information, for use by investigators and prosecutors, relating to acts of violence against reproductive health care providers; (3) make available security information and recommendations to enhance the safety and protection of reproductive health care providers; (4) provide training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement on issues relating to clinic violence; and (5) support Federal civil investigation and litigation of violence and other unlawful acts directed at reproductive health care providers. Authorizes increased FY 2002 (as compared to FY 2001) appropriations to specified Federal offices involved in the enforcement of civil rights.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
States that Congress should: (1) enact a new farm bill during the first session of the 107th Congress; (2) include in the budget resolution for FY 2002 sufficient funds to provide an adequate farm income safety net and eliminate the need for off-budget, emergency spending; (3) ensure that all farm-related payments are allocated fairly and reasonably and in relation to need; and (4) provide such additional sums as are necessary to fund other farm bill priorities, such as priorities involving rural development and telecommunication, conservation, research, nutrition, and food safety.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000
Offering People True Insurance Options Nationwide Act of 2000 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a health insurance program that offers Federal employees health benefits plans to individuals who are not Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2000
Resolves that the Senate: (1) congratulates the Reverend Clay Evans on his retirement as Pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (in Chicago, Illinois); (2) acknowledges the affection that Reverend Evans' congregation shares for him; and (3) extends its best wishes to Reverend Evans and his family on the occasion of his retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2000
Voting Study and Improvement Act of 2000 - Directs the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to: (1) study the feasibility and advisability of alternative means and instruments of voting in Federal elections and to make appropriate recommendations; and (2) develop and make public a plan to award and disburse Voting Improvement Grants to States to facilitate their adoption of FEC recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2000
Medicaid DSH Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, to apply the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) transition rule under title XIX of the Social Security Act to public hospitals in all States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000
Peace Through Negotiations Act of 2000 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to oppose the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared, and to encourage other countries and international organizations to withhold diplomatic recognition of any Palestinian state that is unilaterally declared. Sets forth certain measures that shall be applied in the event that a Palestinian state is unilaterally declared, including: (1) to make it unlawful for the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), or any successor entities to establish an office in the United States; (2) to bar of U.S. assistance to the government of any unilaterally declared Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority (or to any successor entity), and any programs or projects in the West Bank or Gaza (except humanitarian assistance); (3) to withhold a specified percentage of the U.S. contribution to any international organization that recognizes a unilaterally declared Palestinian state; and (4) to oppose such state's membership in any international financial institution or the extension by such institution of any loan or other financial assistance to it. Authorizes the President to suspend, for one year, the application of a specified number of such measures provided he determines and certifies to specified congressional committees that such suspensions are in the national security interests of the United States or the application of such measures would significantly hinder the prospects for a negotiated peace agreement in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000
Mental Health Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health insurance issuer to impose a preexisting condition exclusion relating to a preexisting mental condition only if: (1) such exclusion relates to a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within the six-month period ending on the enrollment date; (2) such exclusion extends for no more than 12 months after the enrollment date; and (3) the exclusion period is reduced by the aggregate periods of creditable coverage applicable to the individual or dependent as of the enrollment date. Prohibits any such issuer from requiring an individual or dependent with a preexisting mental health condition to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than that charged to an individual without such condition when the additional charge is based solely on such preexisting condition.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2000
Declares that: (1) the period preceding the elections held in Belarus on October 15, 2000, was plagued by continued human rights abuses and a climate of fear for which the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko is responsible; (2) these elections were conducted in the absence of a democratic electoral law; (3) the Lukashenko regime purposely denied the democratic opposition access to state-controlled media; and (4) these elections were for seats in a parliament that lacks real constitutional power and democratic legitimacy. Declares the support of Congress for the Belarus' democratic opposition and commends the efforts of the opposition to boycott these illegitimate parliamentary elections. Reaffirms recognition of the 13th Supreme Soviet as the sole and democratically and constitutionally legitimate legislative body of Belarus. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should call upon Lukashenko and his regime to: (1) provide a full accounting of the disappearances of specified individuals in that country; and (2) release specified individuals imprisoned in Belarus for their political views.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2000
Child Support Distribution Act of 2000 - Title I: Distribution of Child Support - Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for the distribution of child support collected by States on behalf of children receiving certain welfare benefits. Title II: Review and Adjustment of Child Support Orders - Requires the chief executive officer of a State to certify that the State has established procedures to ensure that the State agency administering the child support enforcement program will be notified of certain families leaving the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program under SSA title IV part A. (Sec. 201) Requires the State child support enforcement agency to review and, if appropriate, adjust any child support order relating to any individual leaving the TANF program. Title III: Demonstration of Expanded Information and Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations which address the participation of public non-IV-D child support enforcement agencies in establishing and enforcing child support obligations. (Sec. 302) Prescribes requirements for ten demonstration projects involving establishment and enforcement of child support obligations by such public non-IV-D agencies. (Sec. 303) Requires a Comptroller General report to Congress on private child support enforcement agencies. Title IV: Expanded Enforcement - Reduces from $5,000 to $2,500 the amount of child support arrearage which shall trigger denial of a passport. (Sec. 402) Revises requirements for the use of tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of non-minor children. (Sec. 403) Prohibits garnishment of certain compensation for a service-connected disability paid to a former member of the Armed Forces for: (1) alimony; or (2) child support less than 60 days in arrears. Permits no more than 50 percent of such compensation to be garnished to pay for such child support. Title V: Fatherhood Programs - Directs the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to eligible entities to establish programs to promote marriage and successful parenting, and help fathers and their families avoid or leave cash welfare (TANF) and improve their economic status. Establishes the Fatherhood Grants Recommendations Panel to review grant applications and recommend awards. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to award a $5 million grant to an experienced, nationally recognized, nonprofit fatherhood promotion organization to develop a media campaign and establish a national clearinghouse for information relating to fatherhood promotion. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to award grants to States to encourage such media campaigns. (Sec. 504) Directs the Secretary to award block grants to encourage States to support the efforts of local governments, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations to promote responsible fatherhood. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) an interim evaluation of abstinence education programs; and (2) on undistributed child support payments. (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary to disclose new hire information to a State to assist in the administration of unemployment compensation programs. (Sec. 604) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make ineligible to receive a visa and to exclude from admission to the United States any nonimmigrant alien more than $2,500 in arrears in legally obligated child support. (Sec. 605) Declares that certain (welfare-to-work and child support) amendments made by Public Law 106-246 shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 806 of H.R. 3424 of the 106th Congress by Public Law 106-113. (Sec. 606) Eliminates the set-aside of welfare-to-work funds for payment of a successful performance bonus. (Sec. 607) Provides for an increase in payment rate, according to a specified formula, to States for short term training of staff of State-licensed or State-approved child welfare agencies providing services. Title VII: Effective Date - Specifies the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2000
Genetically Engineered Foods Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations that require a producer of a genetically engineered food, in order to obtain approval to introduce such food into interstate commerce, to use a specified premarket consultation and approval process. Requires: (1) the producer to submit to the Secretary each summary of research, test results, and related materials concerning such food; and (2) such information to be made publicly available. Requires information submitted to be adequate to allow the Secretary to fully assess the safety of the food. Allows the Secretary to issue a proposed rule that exempts from such regulations: (1) a narrowly defined category of specific genetically engineered foods if at least ten foods in such category have been found to be safe; and (2) genetically engineered foods that the Secretary determines are regulated under other Federal law. Requires the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare and submit to the appropriate congressional committees reports on genetically engineered foods and related concerns. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a program for the marketplace testing of genetically engineered foods; and (2) a registry for such foods that includes their regulatory status. Prohibits the introduction into commerce of such foods that do not meet the requirements of this Act. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grant program for research on the economic and environmental risks and benefits of using biotechnology in food production.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2000
National Moment of Remembrance Act - Establishes a White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance to provide national coordination for, and encourage national, State, local, and tribal participation in, the commemoration of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. Establishes as an agency of the Commission the Moment of Remembrance Alliance to assist the Commission, including by: (1) planning, organizing, and implementing an annual White House Conference on the National Moment of Remembrance and other similar events; (2) promoting the observance of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance; and 3) establishing incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance. Requires the Director of the Committee Management Secretariat Staff of the General Services Administration to appoint an individual as Executive Director and White House Liaison to: (1) serve as a liaison between the Commission and the President; (2) serve as chief of staff of the Commission; and (3) coordinate the Commission's and the President's efforts on all matters relating to this Act, including matters relating to the National Moment of Remembrance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2000
Commends the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for their courage in participating in the September 24, 2000, elections and for their decision to embrace democracy, the rule of law, and integration into the international community by rejecting dictatorship and isolationism. Reasserts the strong desire to reestablish the historic friendship between the American and Serbian people. Expresses support for a comprehensive assistance program and full economic integration for Yugoslavia once a democratic government that respects the rule of law, human rights, and a market economy is established.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2000
Commends the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, for its successful conduct of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and congratulates the U.S. Olympic Team for its outstanding accomplishments there.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2000
Authorizes Frederick Douglass Gardens, Inc., to establish a memorial and gardens on Department of the Interior lands in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and commemoration of Frederick Douglass.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2000
Declares Edwardo Reyes, Dianelita Reyes, and their children, Susy Damaris Reyes, Danny Daniel Reyes, and Brandon Neil Reyes to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2000
Immigrant Fairness Restoration Act of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise specified restrictions respecting: (1) cancellation of removal; (2) deportability and admissibility; (3) judicial review; and (4) right to counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2000
Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act of 2000 - Title I: Central American and Haitian Parity Act - Central American and Haitian Parity Act of 2000 - 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. Title II: Adjustment of Status of Other Aliens - Makes certain aliens from the Soviet Union, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Roumania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, East Germany, Yugoslavia, and Liberia residing in the United States eligible for status adjustment as applicable under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act. Title III: Restoration of Section 245(i) Adjustment of Status Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the restriction that only aliens with preference petitions or labor certifications filed by January 14, 1998, are eligible to adjust to permanent resident status without leaving the United States if they entered without inspection or fall within one of other specified classes (including aliens accepting unauthorized employment and aliens not maintaining legal nonimmigrant status). Title IV: Extension of Registry Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend registry benefits to aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2000
Fair and Simple Shortcut Tax Plan - Title I: Fair and Simple Shortcut Tax Plan - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an electing individual to be subject to a 15 percent tax on wage income through a tax return free filing system. Permits individuals, as deductions under such system, only the standard deduction, the deduction for personal exemptions, and the homeowner expense deduction. Permits individuals, as credits under such system, only the child tax credit, the earned income credit, and the credit for overpayment of tax. Allows a limited Fair and Simple Shortcut Tax plan start-up credit for employers. Title II: Provisions to Simplify the Tax Code - Makes the standard deduction on a joint return twice that of a single return. Increases the alternative minimum tax exemption amount for self-employment income. Allows a limited nonrefundable credit for tax preparation expenses. Permits, for individuals not making the election under title I, a limited exclusion from income for interest and dividends.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2000
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Act - Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a temporary education center for educating people about the Memorial. Requires the center to remain for ten years, after which Congress may reevaluate the continuing need for the center. Requires the Fund, in designing the center, to consult with the Commission on Fine Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2000
Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act of 2000 - Title I: Central American and Haitian Parity Act - Central American and Haitian Parity Act of 2000 - 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. Title II: Adjustment of Status of Other Aliens - Makes certain aliens from the Soviet Union, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Roumania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, East Germany, and Yugoslavia residing in the United States eligible for status adjustment as applicable under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act. Title III: Restoration of Section 245(i) Adjustment of Status Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the restriction that only aliens with preference petitions or labor certifications filed by January 14, 1998, are eligible to adjust to permanent resident status without leaving the United States if they entered without inspection or fall within one of other specified classes (including aliens accepting unauthorized employment and aliens not maintaining legal nonimmigrant status). Title IV: Extension of Registry Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Ac to extend registry benefits to aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2000
Support for Overseas Cooperative Development Act - Declares that Congress supports the development and expansion of economic assistance programs that fully utilize cooperatives and credit unions, particularly those programs committed to: (1) international cooperative principles, democratic governance and involvement of women and ethnic minorities for economic and social development; (2) market-oriented and value-added activities with the potential to reach large numbers of low income people and help them enter into the mainstream economy; (3) a strengthened participation of rural and urban poor to contribute to their country's economic development; and (4) utilization of technical assistance and training to better serve the member- owners. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide that, in meeting the goal of strengthening the participation of the rural and urban poor in their country's development through the use of development funds for technical and capital assistance in the development and use of cooperatives in less developed countries, that priority be given to: (1) technical assistance to low income farmers who form and develop member-owned cooperatives for farm supplies, marketing, and value-added processing; (2) the promotion of national credit union technical assistance that strengthens the ability of low income people and micro-entrepreneurs to save and to have access to credit for their own economic advancement; (3) the establishment of rural electric and telecommunication cooperatives for universal access for rural people and villages that lack reliable electric and telecommunications services; and (4) the promotion of community- based cooperatives which provide employment opportunities and important services such as health clinics, self-help shelter, environmental improvements, group-owned businesses, and other activities. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to report to Congress on implementation of such goals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2000
Medicare, Medicaid, and MCH Smoking Cessation Promotion Act of 2000 - Amends titles V (Maternal and Child Health Services), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of counseling for cessation of tobacco use under the Maternal and Child Health Services, Medicare, and Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2000
Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to require the District of Columbia government performance and accountability plan to be submitted concurrently with the submission of the District's budget to Congress, beginning with 2001. (Currently, such plan is required to be submitted no later than March 1 of each year, beginning with 1998.)
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. Conditions such use on the State's grant application including a certification that the State has an established a forensic science laboratory or forensic science laboratory system or a medical examiner's office that meets specified requirements, including accreditation requirements. Establishes a forensic sciences improvement grant program. Directs the Attorney General to award such grants if specified conditions are met, including that any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's office funded uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures. Sets forth requirements regarding applications, allocation of funds, permissible uses of grants, and administrative and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the elimination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) convicted offender database sample backlogs and for other related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to temporarily increase the limit on marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments. Provides payments for certain crop marketings.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)