United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2000
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act to extend for an additional two years the authority under which postal patrons may contribute to funding for breast cancer research through the voluntary purchase of certain specially issued U.S. postage stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Home Health Payment Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare prospective payment system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Amendments Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network: (1) be a private network; (2) have a policy board elected by Network members (currently, have a board of directors that includes organ procurement organization representatives), with 50 to 55 percent being transplant surgeons and transplant physicians and 20 to 25 percent being transplant candidates, recipients, donors, and their family members; (3) establish medical criteria for allocating organs and for listing and de-listing patients; and (4) establish transplant policies, including allocation policies and policies that affect patient outcomes. Sets forth requirements for those policies, including that: (1) the policies be designed to avoid wasting organs and futile transplants; (2) priority rankings be based on standardized medical criteria and ordered according to medical urgency and appropriateness; and (3) disparities in transplantation resulting from socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or being medically underserved be reduced. Regulates policy adoption procedures. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Scientific Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation, empowering it to disapprove of comments or revisions by the Secretary to policies revised by the Board. Prohibits, when the Committee so disapproves, revised policies from becoming effective until the Committee approves the policy or revisions. Requires that Committee members be appointed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to contract, through competitive bidding, with a nonprofit private entity for Network administration and operation (Administrator). Limits contracts to five years. Authorizes the Administrator to assess and collect fees for Network membership and listing of potential recipients in amounts that are reasonable and customary and sufficient to cover Network operational costs. Requires the Board and Administrator to monitor Network participants' operations for compliance with Board criteria and policies. Requires the Board to establish a peer review system and conditions for the application of peer review requirements to ensure compliance. Requires the Board or Administrator to advise the Secretary on action concerning noncompliance or a risk to the health of transplant patients or public safety. Authorizes the Board or the Secretary to impose sanctions for violations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, by contract, to develop and maintain a scientific registry of transplant recipients. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish an interagency task force on organ donation and research to improve coordination and evaluation of federally supported or conducted organ donation and basic, clinical, and health services research. Allows termination of the task force at the discretion of the Secretary after completion of two annual reports. Directs the Secretary: (1) on termination, to provide for ongoing coordination; (2) directly or though grants or contracts, to carry out a comprehensive national public education program to increase donation, including living donation; (3) to support the development and dissemination of model curricula to train health care and other professionals (including religious leaders and law enforcement officials) in donation issues, including approach methods and cultural sensitivities; and (4) contract with the Institute of Medicine for an evaluation of the donation practices of organ procurement organizations, States, other countries, and other organizations that have achieved a higher than average organ donation rate and examine existing donation barriers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2000
Water Adjudication Fee Fairness Act of 2000 - Subjects the United States, in any State administrative or judicial proceeding for the adjudication or administration of water rights in which the United States is a party, to the imposition of fees and costs on its claims to water rights under either State or Federal law to the same extent as a private party to the proceeding. Sets forth reporting requirements by heads of Federal agencies that file or have pending water rights claims.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize funding to reach the Federal Government's goal of providing 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure to assist States and local educational agencies with the excess costs of educating children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities, in specified amounts for FY 2001 through 2010, and as necessary thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to permit States that operate child support collection systems by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network to continue to operate such systems if they meet specified criteria, including that they: (1) satisfy certain functional capacity requirements; (2) allow employers to send all wage withholding payments to a single address; (3) provide data on a quarterly basis that demonstrates that, under the system, for the most recent four fiscal quarters, at least 90 percent of all child support obligations paid are disbursed within two days after receipt; and (4) comply with other applicable requirements. Makes this Act effective as if included in the enactment of title III of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to HIV Health Care Program - Subtitle A: Purpose; Amendments to Part A (Emergency Relief Grants ) - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions relating to emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services relating to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease to revise the duties of HIV health services planning councils. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop epidemiologic measures for establishing the number of individuals living with HIV disease (defined as infection with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including any condition arising from AIDS) who are not receiving HIV-related health services; and (2) provide advice and technical assistance to planning councils regarding the process for establishing fund allocation priorities. (Sec. 102) Requires the chief elected official of an area that receives an emergency relief grant to establish a quality management program to assess the extent to which medical services provided to patients under the grant are consistent with the most recent Public Health Service guidelines for the treatment of HIV disease and related opportunistic infection and to develop strategies for improvements in the access to and quality of medical services. Allows use of emergency relief grant funds for the program. (Sec. 103) Requires, in order to receive an emergency relief grant, that: (1) the State or private service provider have a participation agreement under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act; and (2) funded entities maintain relationships with area entities that constitute key points of access to the health care system (such as emergency rooms, substance abuse treatment programs, and sexually transmitted disease clinics) for individuals with HIV disease to facilitate early intervention. (Sec. 104) Requires that emergency relief grants be used: (1) for outpatient and ambulatory health services (currently, for outpatient and ambulatory health and support services, including case management) and other specified services; and (2) if the service provider meets specified requirements, for early intervention services. Requires that State and political subdivision grant recipients use the grants to increase funding for HIV-related services specified in provisions relating to outpatient and inpatient services (currently, HIV-related services to individuals with HIV disease). (Sec. 106) Makes permanent the provisions of current law requiring disbursal of 50 percent of the amounts appropriated 60 days after an appropriation for emergency relief grants and grants under provisions relating to grants to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease becomes available. (Sec. 107) Requires that the amount of a grant to an eligible area be not less than 98 percent of the amount the area received in the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 108) Requires emergency relief grants to be used for infants, children, and women with HIV disease in the same ratio as each of those populations bears to the general population in that area of individuals with HIV disease. Subtitle B: Amendments to Part B (Care Grant Program ) - Modifies requirements regarding the contents of applications for grants to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease (care grants), including regarding peer review and quality management. Limits the amount a State may spend on its quality management program. Changes requirements regarding the amount a State that is receiving a small allotment may use for planning, evaluation, and administration. (Sec. 123) Requires, in order to receive a care grant, that funded entities maintain relationships with area entities that constitute key points of access to the health care system (such as emergency rooms, substance abuse treatment programs, and sexually transmitted disease clinics) for individuals with HIV disease to facilitate early intervention. (Sec. 124) Applies to care grants the use conditions and limitations that apply to emergency relief grant use provisions. (Sec. 125) Allows care grants to be used for early intervention services if the service provider meets specified requirements. (Sec. 126) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for specified services for pregnant women and newborns. (Sec. 128) Directs the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for comprehensive services of the type described in care grant provisions to supplement services in areas that are not eligible to receive emergency relief grants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) reserve an amount for States with a metropolitan area that is not eligible for an emergency relief grant and that has 1,000 - 2,000 cases of AIDS; and (2) use 50 percent of any increase in the amount appropriated for emergency relief and care grants to carry out the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 129) Requires, in addition to other requirements, that States use therapeutics funds provided from care grants to encourage, support, and enhance adherence to and compliance with treatment regimens, but only if the State is able to provide to all eligible individuals appropriate HIV/AIDS therapeutic regimens as recommended in the most recent Federal treatment guidelines. Mandates supplemental grants to States with a severe need for providing access to AIDS/HIV-related medications for individuals at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line. (Sec. 130) Doubles the minimum care grant allotments to States. Adds the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to the definition of "territory of the United States" for determination of care grant allotments. (Sec. 131) Requires care grants to be used for infants, children, and women with HIV disease in the same ratio as each of those populations bears to the general population of that State of individuals with HIV disease. Subtitle C: Amendments to Part C (Early Intervention Services ) - Repeals provisions mandating formula grants for HIV disease early intervention services. (Sec. 142) Allows currently-authorized planning and development grants to be used to expand the capacity, preparedness, and expertise to deliver primary care services to individuals with HIV disease in underserved low-income communities. Increases the limit on the amount of a care grant. (Sec. 143) Extends the authorization of appropriations for early intervention grants. (Sec. 144) Increases the limit on spending for administration (currently, for administration including planning and evaluation) of grants under early intervention provisions. Requires grantees to establish a quality management program to assess: (1) the extent to which medical services funded under title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act are consistent with the most recent Public Health Service guidelines for the treatment of HIV disease and related opportunistic infections; and (2) whether improvements in access to and quality of medical services are addressed. (Sec. 145) Requires that preference in making early intervention grants be given to serving areas that are not otherwise eligible to receive emergency relief grants. Subtitle D: Amendments to Part D (General Provisions ) - Eliminates requirements that a significant number of women, infants, children, and youth who are patients of the grantee (under provisions mandating grants to provide opportunities for women, infants, children, and youth to be voluntary participants in research of potential benefit to individuals with HIV disease) participate in research projects. Requires grantees to: (1) inform and educate individuals regarding opportunities to participate in HIV/AIDS-related clinical research; and (2) implement a quality management program. Directs the Secretary to examine the distribution and availability of ongoing and appropriate HIV/AIDS- related research to existing sites under provisions amended by this paragraph to enhance and expand voluntary access to HIV-related research, especially in communities that are not reasonably served by the research. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the provisions amended by this paragraph. (Sec. 152) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the administrative, program support, and direct service-related activities carried out under title XXVI general provisions to ensure that eligible individuals have access to quality, HIV-related health and support services and research opportunities; and (2) determine the relationship between the costs of those activities and the access of eligible individuals to those services and opportunities. (Sec. 153) Authorizes appropriations to carry out: (1) program evaluations; (2) emergency relief grant provisions; and (3) care grant provisions. Subtitle E: Amendments to Part F (Demonstration and Training ) - Extends the authorizations of appropriations to carry out provisions relating to AIDS Education and Training Centers (including schools, centers, and dental schools). Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on appropriate epidemiological measures and their relationship to the financing and delivery of primary care and health-related support services for low-income, uninsured, and under-insured individuals with HIV disease; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding how the Institute of Medicine's conclusions and recommendations can be addressed and implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2000
Worker Economic Opportunity Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt employee stock option, stock appreciation right, stock purchase, and similar employer-provided grants or rights programs from being included in overtime pay calculations, under specified conditions. Provides that employers have no overtime pay liability because of any employee stock options or similar programs prior to enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Coal Market Competition Act of 2000 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to increase: (1) from 46,080 to 75,000 the maximum aggregate acreage of Federal coal leases an entity may hold in any one State; and (2) from 100,000 to 150,000 the maximum aggregate acreage of Federal coal leases an entity may hold within the United States altogether.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the participation of American athletes in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Mandates that coin design be selected by the Secretary after consultation with: (1) the Commission of Fine Arts; (2) the United States Olympic Committee; and (3) Olympic Properties of the United States-Salt Lake 2002 (created and owned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee). States that all surcharges from the coin sales ($35 for a $5 coin and $10 for a $1 coin) shall be distributed by the Secretary to: (1) Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002; and (2) the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Family Opportunity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment for part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage to up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Small Business Tax Accounting Simplification Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain small businesses to use cash accounting. Declares that a taxpayer: (1) (including certain C corporations or partnerships with a C corporation partner) shall not be required to use an accrual method of accounting for any taxable year by reason of using merchandise or inventory, if the taxpayer's (or any predecessor's) average annual gross receipts for the three-year period ending with such prior taxable year does not exceed $5 million; and (2) shall not be required to use inventories to determine income if merchandise costs for the preceding year were less than 50 percent of gross receipts for such year.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
National Museum of the American Indian Commemorative Coin Act of 2000, or American Buffalo Coin Commemorative Coin Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a maximum of 500,000 $1 dollar coins in commemoration of the opening of the Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Mint Facility in Denver, Colorado, should strike such coins unless the Secretary determines that it would be technically or cost-prohibitive. Mandates that the proceeds from sales surcharges be paid promptly to the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution to: (1) commemorate the opening of the Museum; and (2)supplement the Museum's endowment and educational outreach funds. Subjects the Museum to certain Federal audit requirements. Instructs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that coin minting and issuance will not result in any net cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
American Social Security Protection and Debt Repayment Act - Prohibits, beginning with FY 2001, budgeted outlays from exceeding budgeted revenues. Requires actual revenues to exceed actual outlays in order to provide for the reduction of the Federal debt held by the public. Provides for a reduction in the public debt of $15 billion in FY 2001, increased by an additional $15 billion every fiscal year until the entire debt has been paid. Requires the surplus funds in the Federal Old Age and Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds to be used to reduce the debt owed to the public until Congress enacts major social security reform legislation. Defines "social security reform legislation" as legislation that: (1) insures the long-term financial solvency of the social security system; and (2) includes an option for private investment of social security funds by beneficiaries. Provides a point of order against consideration of any concurrent resolution on the budget that does not comply with this Act. Authorizes a waiver of this Act for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Bars any bill to increase revenues from being deemed to have passed the House of Representatives or the Senate unless approved by a majority of each House. Directs Congress to review actual revenues on a quarterly basis and adjust outlays to assure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000
Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, to: (1) establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas resources in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska); (2) ensure that such program does not result in significant adverse effects upon either fish, wildlife, or the environment; and (3) ensure receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. (Sec. 3) Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the proscription against the leasing or development for oil or gas production on the Coastal Plain. Declares that: (1) Congress has determined that such oil and gas leasing activities are compatible with the purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established; and (2) no further findings or decisions are required. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to a total of 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as Special Areas closed to leasing, but within which the Secretary may permit: (1) restrictive lease terms with respect to surface use and occupancy; and (2) the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites located outside the designated Special Areas. States that this Act constitutes the Secretary's sole authority to close lands to oil and gas exploration and production within the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to convey: (1) the surface estate of specified Coastal Plain lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation; and (2) the subsurface estate beneath such surface estate to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. (Sec. 6) Prescribes procedural guidelines for lease sales on the Coastal Plain, including lease terms, conditions, and bonding requirements. Provides for expedited judicial review in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia with respect to actions of the Secretary. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to grant rights of way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation. Mandates that all revenues received by the Federal Government from competitive transactions and charges derived from Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing be deposited into the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay semiannually to the State of Alaska the same percentage of such revenues as is set forth in specified law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000
Timber and Agriculture Environmental Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit for discharges composed entirely of agricultural stormwater discharges or for discharges from silviculture operations. Excludes discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural operations from the definition of "point source."
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
China-World Trade Organization Compliance Act - Directs the President, not later than 90 days after China accedes to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to submit to Congress a plan (including an estimate of the cost) for monitoring China's compliance with the commitments it makes as part of the accession. (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General, in order to determine the degree to which China is complying with its WTO commitments and to obtain information about any problems encountered by U.S. businesses, to survey annually and report to Congress on the 50 U.S. companies doing the most business with China in exporting nonagricultural and agricultural goods, exporting or providing services, investing, or importing goods. Directs the International Trade Commission to report annually to Congress on United States-China bilateral export and import statistics, including, to the extent practicable, reconciling any differences in U.S.-source and Chinese-source data. (Sec. 4) Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), not later than one year after China accedes to the WTO, and annually thereafter, to report to Congress on China's compliance with its commitments under the WTO, including both multilateral commitments and any bilateral commitments made to the United States. (Sec. 5) Authorizes specified congressional committees to instruct the USTR to: (1) take appropriate trade relief action after initiating an investigation under the Trade Act of 1974 to determine if U.S. rights under any agreement are being denied, or an act, policy, or practice of China violates the provisions of, or otherwise denies benefits to the United States under, any trade agreement, or is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce; or (2) initiate action before the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the USTR, for purposes of making an affirmative determination with respect to an investigation, to draw an inference adverse to the interest of a country that fails or refuses to cooperate in the investigation. Directs the USTR, if he or she makes an affirmative determination with respect to China, to initiate an action before the Dispute Settlement Body, unless there exists another, more effective action. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be a special multilateral process at the WTO for conducting an annual review of China's compliance with the commitments it makes as part of its accession to the WTO. Directs the USTR to propose that: (1) as part of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism of the WTO, a thorough review of China's trade policies be conducted each year; (2) the Trade Policy Review Mechanism be significantly enhanced and expanded in connection with the review of China; and (3) the Trade Policy Review Mechanism of China include onsite visits and active participation by representatives of WTO members. (Sec. 7) Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for providing assistance to China to build the institutions necessary to carry out the obligations China has made as part of its accession to the WTO. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2000
Competitive Market Supervision Act - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) eliminate the general revenue fees on securities for the cost of the securities registration process; (2) set a uniform and higher rate for the offsetting collection fee schedule for FY 2001 through 2006; and (3) set a permanent rate for FY 2007 and thereafter (presently such rates phase out after FY 2006). (Sec. 3) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise the filing fees related to the purchase of securities by issuers and to preliminary proxy solicitations to reflect such modified offsetting collection fee schedule. Mandates that fees collected during any fiscal year be deposited and credited as offsetting collections. (Sec. 4) Replaces the statutory transaction fee formula for either a national securities exchange or national securities association with a transaction offsetting collection rate which is the uniform rate required to reach a specified transaction fee cap for the fiscal year. (Sec. 5) Prescribes guidelines for adjustments to fee rates, including: (1) estimates of collections; (2) a floor for total fee collections; and (3) a cap on total fee collections. Instructs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to explain to certain congressional committees the methodology used to make its estimates of collections. Shields SEC determinations and actions from judicial review. Requires the SEC to notify each national securities exchange or national securities association prior to taking action with respect to either a total fee collection floor or a total fee collection cap. (Sec. 7) Revises guidelines governing SEC employee appointment and compensation to include conformance with guidelines covering Federal agency employees under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2000
Launching Our Communities' Access to Local Television Act of 2000 - Establishes the Local Television Loan Guarantee Board to approve or disapprove loan guarantees under this Act. Allows loan guarantees to be approved only to the extent provided for in advance in appropriations Acts. Requires such loans to be used to finance the means by which local television broadcast signals will be delivered to an unserved or underserved area, with a loan priority for unserved areas. Prohibits the Board from approving a loan which will serve one of the 40 most populated designated market areas. Limits: (1) each loan guarantee to 70 percent of the total cost of a project; and (2) the aggregate value of all loan guarantees to$1.25 billion. Requires the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service to administer all loan guarantees approved under this Act. Requires loan applicants to enter into stipulated performance schedules with respect to the local television signals to be provided through the project. Outlines procedures governing loan application and credit requirements, default procedures, and recovery of payments for breach of conditions. Authorizes the Board to charge and collect a loan guarantee fee and use such fee to cover administrative costs. Requires an annual audit and report concerning the loan guarantee program. Prohibits any loan guarantee from being approved after December 31, 2006. Subjects all loan applicants to Federal copyright provisions relating to the required retransmission of local television stations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Waives the condition that a specified parcel of land conveyed by the United States to the town of Powell, Wyoming, under a 1906 act be used forever for a public purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from prescribing any rules authorizing the operation of new, low power FM radio stations, or establishing a low power radio service, as currently proposed. Terminates previously prescribed rules which would violate such prohibition and voids licenses issued pursuant to such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) any attack on or against the Panama Canal by any country will be considered an act of war against the United States; (2) the President should, prior to June 1, 2001, negotiate security arrangements with the Government of Panama that will protect the Canal and ensure that the Canal remains open, secure, and neutral, consistent with the Panama Canal Treaty and the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal; and (3) the President should consult with the leadership of both Houses of Congress and with the chairmen and ranking members of the appropriate congressional committees regarding the implementation of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to: (1) immediately release Rabiya Kadeer, a prominent ethnic Uighur from the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the People's Republic of China, her secretary, and her son; and (2) permit Kadeer, her secretary, and her son to move to the United States, if they so desire.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2000
High School and College Sports Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to include as unlawful sports gambling a lottery, sweepstakes, or other betting, gambling, or wagering scheme based, directly or indirectly, on one or more: (1) competitive games in which high school or college athletes participate; (2) performances of high school or college athletes in competitive games; or (3) competitive games at the Summer or Winter Olympics.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2000
Noncommercial Broadcasting Freedom Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from establishing, expanding, or otherwise modifying requirements relating to the service obligations of noncommercial educational television stations except by means of Federal agency rulemaking procedures. Terminates the additional guidance contained in the FCC's memorandum opinion and order in WQED Pittsburgh (FCC 99-393), except as such guidance is prescribed in accordance with the above rulemaking procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code (as amended by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) to repeal revisions to the Code (made by the Act) which repealed the use of the installment method of accounting for accrual method taxpayers and modified the pledge rules of installment obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1999
Milton Friedman Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Milton Friedman in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to individual freedom and opportunity in American society through his exhaustive research and teaching of economics and his extensive writings on economics and public policy. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such national medal. Requires proceeds to be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1999
Declares that the Senate: (1) recognizes the contribution of older persons to their communities; and (2) commends the work of organizations that participate in programs assisting older persons and that promote the goals of the International Year of Older Persons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Powder River Basin Resource Development Act of 1999 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to mandate that all operations in the Powder River Basin (Wyoming and Montana) for development and production of coal, oil, or natural gas, including coalbed methane, be conducted under Federal and State law so as not to cause undue interference and in a manner compatible with such multiple use. Encourages the pertinent lessees of coal, oil, and natural gas to enter into written agreements detailing the operations and costs for concurrent or sequential development of those resources. Prescribes implementation guidelines that include: (1) exploration activities; (2) negotiations concerning priority for certain operations; (3) compensation procedures for assignment of development priority; (4) credit against royalties for certain payments by lease holders; and (5) encouragement of expedited development of Federal minerals that are leased within common areas which might otherwise be lost or bypassed.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to ensure that the basis and procedure for calculating cabin user fees on National Forest System lands shall reflect the probable value of the use and occupancy of a lot to the cabin owner. States that such value shall: (1) not be equivalent to the lot's rental fee; and (2) reflect regional economic influences, as determined by appraisal. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) appraisal requirements and right of second appraisals; (2) cabin user fees and annual adjustments; and (3) right of arbitration and judicial review. (Authorizes appropriations for the arbitration program.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Authorizes a qualified S corporation to make a one-time corporate conversion under special tax treatment which shall: (1) in the case of a transfer to partnership form result in no shareholder gain or loss recognition on transferred money or property; and (2) treat other money or property transfers as payment for such corporation's stock. Requires the partnership to maintain a five- year continuity of business in order to avoid a conversion recapture tax.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Park County, Wyoming, a specified parcel of land to be: (1) used for the promotion of economic development; or (2) transferred to a local organization formed for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Minimum Wage State Flexibility Act of 1999 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow a State to preempt the Federal minimum wage if the State has adopted minimum wage rate legislation that sets wages for at least 95 percent of the workers in that State at an hourly rate not less than 85 percent of the Federal minimum wage. Authorizes a State Governor to set, for up to 12 months, such a wage rate for such a portion of workers in the State (or in a particular county) under any of the following emergency circumstances: (1) the State welfare-to-work programs would be sufficiently harmed by a higher rate; (2) the State (or county) is experiencing a period of high unemployment; or (3) the State (or county) is experiencing a period of slow economic growth. Makes Federal minimum requirements applicable to U.S. territories and possessions, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, in the same manner as to the States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Urges the Government of Germany to: (1) uphold its commitments to take effective measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination against individuals or communities on the grounds of religion or belief and to foster a climate of mutual tolerance and respect between believers of different communities, as required by the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe's Vienna Concluding Document of 1989; and (2) enter into a constructive dialogue with minority groups subject to government discrimination based on religion or belief. Declares that the Senate continues to hold such Government responsible for protecting the right of freedom of religion or belief of U.S. citizens who are living, performing, doing business, or traveling in Germany. Calls upon the President to assert the concern of the U.S. Government to the Government of Germany regarding government discrimination in Germany based on religion or belief.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Bonus Incentive Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that an employee's regular pay rate, for purposes of calculating overtime compensation, will not be affected by additional payments to reward an employee or group of employees for meeting or exceeding productivity, quality, efficiency, or sales goals under a gain sharing, incentive bonus, commission, or performance contingent bonus plan. Requires such a plan to: (1) be in writing and made available to employees; (2) provide that the amount of the payments to be made under the plan be based upon a formula that is stated in the plan; and (3) be established and maintained in good faith for the purpose of distributing to employees additional remuneration over and above the wages and salaries that are not dependent upon the existence of such plan or payments made pursuant to it.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
Declares that a specified final rule relating to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the equitable and medically effective allocation of organs for transplantation shall have no force or legal effect. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing or exercising further regulatory authority regarding the Network, as well as regulatory authority under specified provisions of the Social Security Act (SSA) (relating to general SSA regulations, disclosure of information, organ procurement, and general Medicare regulations), before the enactment of amendments to reauthorize and revise provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to organ transplants.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1999
Seniors as Volunteers in Our Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require that appropriately qualified senior citizens be given an opportunity to serve as mentors, tutors, and volunteers for: (1) State Governors', local, and national programs for drug and violence prevention; (2) gifted and talented children's programs; (3) 21st Century Learning Centers; (4) programs for education of Indian children, through local educational agencies and special projects; (5) inclusion in training for professions that serve Indians; (6) Native Hawaiian community-based education learning centers; and (7) Alaska Native student enrichment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1999
Child Support Miscellaneous Amendments of 1999 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from disapproving a noncompliant State plan for child and spousal support, because of failure to operate an approved State Disbursement Unit (SDU) by October 1, 1999, if the State makes a good faith effort to comply and has submitted an approved corrective compliance plan by April 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary to reduce the amount otherwise payable to the State for the fiscal year by an alternative penalty amount determined according to a specified scale, which increases for each fiscal year of noncompliance. Requires waiver of all penalties for any State subject to a penalty which achieves compliance by April 1, 2000. Reduces the penalty amount for any State achieving compliance after April 1 but before September 30, 2000. Prohibits a penalty against a State for a fiscal year for which the State has already been penalized for noncompliance with respect to the automated data processing system requirement. Exempts failure to comply substantially with SDU or automated systems requirements from the current penalty of loss of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds under part A of SSA title IV.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1999
Declares that Congress: (1) deplores the slaying of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Vazgen Sargsian, the Chairman of the Armenian Parliament, Karen Demirchian, the Deputy Chairman of the Armenian Parliament, Yuri Bakhshian, the Minister of Operative Issues, Leonard Petrossian, and other members of the Armenian Government; (2) strongly shares the determination of the Armenian people that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice so that Armenia may demonstrate its resolute opposition to acts of terror; (3) commends the efforts of the late Prime Minister and the Armenian Government for their commitment to democracy and the rule of law and for supporting free market movements internationally; and (4) continues to cherish the strong friendship between Armenia and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Title I: Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Incorporates existing recordkeeping requirements of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the Act). (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement an accountability process to monitor entities that received funds under this Act to carry out activities under subtitles B, C, and D and determine the extent to which they have been responsive to this title's purposes and have taken actions consistent with stated policy. Requires the Secretary to develop a process for identifying and reporting on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities undertaken by such entities that resulted in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participating in the design of and having access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that promotes self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration in all facets of community life. Provides for development of indicators of progress for each area of emphasis (defined as areas related to quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation activities and other services offered to individuals in a community). Requires entities to meet such indicators of progress. Directs the Secretary to maintain the interagency committee authorized under the Act, except as otherwise provided by this Act. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary, using information submitted in the reports and required under subtitles B, C, D, and E of this Act, to report to the President, Congress, and the National Council on Disability at least biennially on the goals and outcomes of programs supported under such subtitles. (Sec. 107) Conditions assistance under this title on a recipient taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 109) Sets forth congressional findings with respect to the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Subtitle B: Federal Assistance to State Councils on Developmental Disabilities - Sets forth an allotment formula for assistance to States for services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 124) Requires States desiring to receive assistance under this subtitle to obtain the Secretary's approval of a five-year strategic plan. Requires plans to: (1) provide for the establishment of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities; (2) identify the State agency designated to support the Council; (3) describe the results of a review and analysis of the extent to which services, supports, and other assistance are available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and the extent of unmet needs for such assistance in the State; (4) focus on Council efforts to bring about this subtitle's purposes by specifying five-year goals for advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change related to the areas of emphasis under this Act to be undertaken by the Council; and (5) contain certain assurances and information similar to that required under the Act. Bases plans on public input. (Sec. 125) Requires each State that receives assistance under this subtitle to establish a Council to undertake advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that contribute to a coordinated consumer- and family-centered and directed system of community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that contributes to the achievement of this subtitle's purposes. Sets forth provisions regarding Council appointments and membership rotation similar to those existing under the Act. Requires at least 60 percent of Council membership to consist of: (1) individuals with developmental disabilities; (2) parents or guardians of children with such disabilities; or (3) immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. Incorporates provisions of the Act that bar employees of a State agency that receives funds or provides services under this subtitle or managing employees (as defined in the Social Security Act) of any entity that receives such funds or provides such services from being on Councils. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act regarding: (1) Council duties; (2) State agencies designated to provide support to Councils; (3) designated State agency duties; (4) Federal and non-Federal shares of project costs; (5) withholding of payments for certain failures to comply with plan provisions or regulations; and (6) appeals by States of certain actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 129) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights - Sets forth provisions similar to those under the Act regarding allotment to States of funds for protection and advocacy systems to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 143) Conditions the receipt of an allotment under this subtitle or subtitle B on certain requirements, including that the: (1) State have a system to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with disabilities; and (2) system have certain legal and investigative authorities and meet other specified requirements. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act that authorize an American Indian consortium established to provide protection and advocacy services to receive funding to provide such services. (Sec. 144) Requires systems to submit annual reports to the Secretary. (Sec. 145) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service in each State as well as grants for training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with disabilities and their families and technical assistance. (Sec. 153) Requires the Centers to be interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in specified core functions. (Sec. 154) Limits the Federal share of Center administration or operation costs or the costs of training initiatives to 75 percent, with exceptions for projects that target individuals in poverty areas. (Sec. 156) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Projects of National Significance - Requires the Secretary to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities for projects of national significance relating to the development of policies that reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion in community life of individuals with developmental disabilities. Authorizes Federal interagency initiatives to carry out such projects. (Sec. 163) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Family Support - Families of Children With Disabilities Support Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States on a competitive basis to support systems change activities to assist States in developing or enhancing statewide systems of family support services for families of children with disabilities, including individuals who are not younger than age 18 who have certain significant impairments and reside with and receive assistance from a family member. Limits the Federal share of such assistance to 75 percent of the cost of activities and the award period to three years. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and organizations to provide technical assistance and information with respect to the development or enhancement of such systems. (Sec. 210) Provides for a national evaluation of the grant program by the Secretary and a report to Congress. (Sec. 211) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review Federal programs to determine the extent to which programs facilitate or impede access to, provision of, and funding for family support services for families of children with disabilities; and (2) make grants or enter into contracts for projects of national significance to support the development of policies related to developing or enhancing family-centered and -directed systems of such services. (Sec. 212) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title III: Program for Direct Support Workers Who Assist Individuals With Developmental Disabilities - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education, State agencies, or a consortium of such agencies on a competitive basis to enable such entities to carry out scholarship programs by providing vouchers for postsecondary education to direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities residing in diverse settings. Limits the Federal share of the cost of such vouchers to 80 percent. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to award funding, on a competitive basis, to public or private entities for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a staff development curriculum and related guidelines for computer-assisted, competency-based, multimedia, interactive instruction relating to service as a direct support worker. Requires the curriculum to be provided to individuals who seek to: (1) become direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities or are such workers; and (2) upgrade their skills and competencies related to being such a worker. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title IV: Repeal - Repeals the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999
Authorizes the President to issue an order only if such order is authorized under a provision of the Constitution or expressly authorized by statute. Requires the President, before issuing an order, to: (1) cite all constitutional and statutory provisions that authorize the order; (2) conduct and publish in the Federal Register a cost benefit analysis of the order; and (3) provide no less than 30 days after publication for public comment before the order takes effect. Sets forth special requirements respecting orders that include classified information. States that any order that is not compliance with this Act shall have no force and effect. Provides that an order in effect before this Act's effective date shall have no force or effect one year after such effective date unless the President reissues such order in compliance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing civil actions challenging an order not in compliance with this Act and judicial review thereof.