United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to modify the Act's findings, purposes, policies, and definitions. (Sec. 5) Revises sanctuary designation standards. Removes a requirement that the Secretary of Commerce (as part of the environmental impact statement required by the Act) draft a resource assessment report. (Sec. 6) Changes designation and implementation procedures, including: (1) requiring a resource assessment; and (2) allowing changes to designation terms by following procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (currently, only by the same procedures by which the original designation is made). Modifies the circumstances in which the Secretary may withdraw an entire designation. (Sec. 7) Adds to the list of unlawful activities: (1) the offering for sale, purchasing, importing, or exporting of any sanctuary resource; and (2) provisions specifying activities that constitute interference with enforcement of the Act. (Current law makes interference unlawful, but does not specify what acts constitute interference.) (Sec. 8) Empowers officers authorized to enforce the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to arrest any person on reasonable cause to believe that the person has interfered with enforcement. Makes interference punishable by fine or imprisonment. Authorizes the Secretary bring a civil action to assess and collect any civil penalty for which a person is liable for violation of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to subpoena electronic files. Allows, in any action by the United States under the Act, process to be served where the defendant is found, resides, transacts business, or has appointed an agent for service or process. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct, support, or coordinate (currently, directs the Secretary to conduct) research, monitoring, evaluation, and education programs. (Sec. 11) Mandates public notice before the Secretary identifies any activity subject to a sanctuary special use permit. Requires a permittee to have insurance or an equivalent bond (currently, to have insurance). Authorizes the Secretary to assess and collect special use permit fees for the fair market value of the sanctuary resource (currently, for the fair market value of the sanctuary resource and a reasonable return to the U.S. government). Allows, for nonprofit activities and for activities the Secretary considers to be beneficial to the system, waiver or reduction of certain fee portions or acceptance of in-kind services in lieu of fees. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to apply for and use grants from Federal, State, regional, interstate, or local agencies, foundations, or other persons to carry out the purposes of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use by agreement the personnel, services, or facilities of Federal, State, or local agencies on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis to assist in carrying out the Act. (Sec. 13) Makes a vessel that injures (currently, that is used to injure) a sanctuary resource liable in rem. Declares that nothing in specified Federal laws limits the liability of any person or vessel (currently, of any person) under the Act. Directs the Secretary to request the Attorney General to begin a civil action against any person or vessel that may be liable for response costs and damages. Sets a statute of limitations on actions for response costs and damages. (Sec. 14) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 16) Changes the function of sanctuary advisory councils from assisting to giving advice and recommendations to the Secretary. (Sec. 17) Allows the Secretary to solicit and accept monetary or in-kind contributions from official sponsors of the national program or of an individual sanctuary for the use of, including the sale of items bearing, the symbol of the national program or a sanctuary (currently, for the use of the symbol). Allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization authorizing it to: (1) assist in the administration of the sponsorship program; (2) use the symbols; (3) solicit persons to be official sponsors; (4) collect the statutory contribution from the sponsor; and (5) retain not more than five percent of the collected amounts to offset the organization's administrative costs in soliciting sponsors, transferring the remainder to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Adopted Orphans Citizenship Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the acquisition of U.S. citizenship (as of the date of birth) by certain foreign-born children adopted by a U.S. citizen parent or parents.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Federal Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 1999 - Title I: Hours of Service - Amends Federal transportation law to define "dually employed" to mean being at the same time in the employ of two or more railroad carriers, of two or more railroad contractors, or of both one or more railroad carriers and one or more railroad contractors. Declares that a railroad carrier and a railroad contractor (and their managers, supervisors, officers, and agents), if such carrier or contractor has actual knowledge of a train employee's dual employment and schedule, shall not require or allow the employee to remain or go on duty, nor may such employee remain or go on duty: (1) unless that employee has had at least eight consecutive hours off duty during the prior 24 hours; or (2) after that employee has been on duty for 12 consecutive hours, until that employee has had at least ten consecutive hours off duty. Makes similar changes with respect to signal employees and dispatching service employees. (Sec. 105) Makes certain sleeping quarters limitations and imputed knowledge provisions applicable to railroad carrier managers and supervisors. (Sec. 106) Requires each Class I, Class II, and Class III railroad carrier, each railroad carrier providing intercity rail passenger transportation, and each railroad carrier providing commuter or other short-haul railroad passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area, to submit to the Secretary of Transportation a fatigue management plan designed to reduce: (1) fatigue experienced by railroad employees covered by hours of service laws; and (2) the likelihood of accidents and injuries caused by such fatigue. (Sec. 107) Provides a process for the waiver of requirements contained in this Act. (Sec. 108) Prohibits a railroad carrier and its managers, supervisors, officers, and agents from providing sleeping quarters (including crew quarters, camp or bunk cars, and trailers) for employees, and any individuals employed to maintain the right of way of a railroad carrier in an area or in the immediate vicinity of an area in which railroad switching or humping operations are performed. Title II: Monitoring of Railroad Radio Communications - Authorizes officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary to monitor railroad radio communications for purposes of conducting any rulemaking, investigating accidents, and acquiring general railroad safety information on railroad operations. Prohibits the use of information obtained from such monitoring as evidence for the assessment or collection of civil penalties or for implementation of other enforcement activities, except as background for further investigation which might lead to the discovery of other useful evidence. Prohibits such information from being conveyed to a railroad carrier. (Sec. 202) Amends Federal criminal law to authorize officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary in the normal course of employment and in furtherance of Federal railroad safety laws to intercept radio communications broadcast to a railroad carrier and disclose or use the information in conducting rulemaking, investigating accidents, and in acquiring general information as to railroad operations. Title III: Rulemaking Authority - Amends Federal transportation law to require a rail carrier, if no qualifying accident or incident occurs, to report at least quarterly to the Secretary on all accidents and incidents resulting in injury or death to an individual or damage to equipment or a roadbed arising from the carrier's operations during such period. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations governing noise emissions from high-speed rail systems (including magnetic levitation systems) when operating at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. Provides that railroad-related noise regulations under the Noise Control Act of 1972 shall govern noise emissions from locomotives and cars that operate at speeds equal to or less than 150 miles per hour. Title IV: Whistleblower Protection - Revises certain railroad employee protection requirements to prohibit a rail carrier from discharging or discriminating against an employee because the employee: (1) notified, or attempted to notify, the carrier of a work-related personal injury or illness; (2) cooperated with a safety investigation; (3) refuses to authorize the use of safety-related equipment, track, or structures because he or she believes that they are in a hazardous condition and their use would endanger human life; and (4) where possible, has notified the carrier not to use hazardous equipment, track, or structures, unless they are repaired properly or replaced. (Sec. 401) Permits resolution of any dispute, grievance, or claim arising under this title through a tort action brought by the employee in a U.S. district court. Declares that if an employee has been found by the National Railroad Adjustment Board or the court to have been discharged, suspended, or otherwise discriminated against, the Board or the court: (1) may award reasonable damages (including punitive damages) sufficient (up to $100,000) to deter the carrier from such conduct in the future; and (2) shall make the employee whole, including reinstatement, with an award of back pay, and with all benefits and accumulated seniority. Title V: Grade Crossing Safety - Revises grade crossing safety requirements to direct the Secretary to promote establishment of emergency toll-free telephone numbers the public can use to convey to railroad carriers information about malfunctions of automated warning devices or other safety problems at highway-rail grade crossings. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to review current local, State, and Federal laws regarding violations of highway-rail grade crossing signals. Directs the Secretary to develop and make available to State and local governments model State legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of highway-rail grade crossing signals. (Sec. 503) Requires each railroad carrier to: (1) report to the Secretary certain information concerning each highway-rail crossing through which the carrier operates; or (2) otherwise ensure that such information has been reported to the Secretary by a specified date. Sets forth similar requirements for each State. Requires each carrier and State to report such information periodically to the Secretary. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of such requirements. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the adjustment of civil penalties for inflation with respect to violations of Federal railroad safety law. (Sec. 602) Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to prohibit a State from continuing in force any State law, rule, or standard adopted before enactment of this Act requiring any railroad in the Region to employ any specified number of persons to perform any particular task, function, or operation, or requiring the railroad to pay protective benefits to its employees. (Sec. 603) Authorizes the Secretary to impose on, and collect fees from, railroad carriers to cover the costs related to railroad safety inspections and Federal Railroad Administration activities in connection to the transportation of hazardous materials. (Sec. 604) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1999
Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to revise additional grants requirements, providing for: (1) additional State entitlements to grants for designated qualified empowerment zones and qualified enterprise communities as well as for strategic planning communities (currently not provided for); (2) specified funding for such additional designated qualified empowerment zone State grants (according to urban or rural status) as well as for additional designated qualified enterprise community State grants and strategic planning community State grants; (3) direct grants to the governing bodies of eligible Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations, subject to certain conditions; (4) use of grant funds for revolving loan fund loans to residents, institutions, organizations, or businesses that hire disadvantaged adults and youths; and (5) environmental review to ensure that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable Federal law are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of grant funds under SSA title XX additional grants provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1999
United States Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative Coin Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue ten-dollar bimetallic coins, one-dollar silver coins, half-dollar clad coins, and if the Secretary determines that the minting and issuance of bimetallic coins is not feasible, five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the first meeting of the United States Congress in the U.S. Capitol Building. Mandates that all surcharges received from the coin sales be deposited in the Capitol Preservation Fund and made available to the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission to aid in the construction, maintenance, and preservation of a Capitol Visitor Center.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999
Regulatory Openness and Fairness Act of 1999 - Title I: Issuance and Continuation of Tolerances - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to apply the requirements of this paragraph to any proposed or final rule, order, notice, report, guidance document, or risk assessment (document) based on any review or reassessment by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a tolerance or of the uses of a pesticide chemical for which a tolerance is in effect (except when the Administrator finds or recommends that no adverse action regarding a tolerance is required) issued after 1998 and before the completion of the review of tolerances mandated by current law. Requires the Administrator to conduct a transition analysis before any such document is issued and to include with the document a report (with specified contents) on the analysis. Defines "tolerance," for this paragraph and the next paragraph, to mean a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue, or an exemption from the requirement of such a tolerance, established under specified FDCA provisions. (Sec. 102) Applies this paragraph to any review or reassessment by the Administrator of a tolerance (initiated by the Administrator or by petition) or of any registration of a pesticide chemical under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) associated with that tolerance review issued after 1998 and before the completion of the review of tolerances mandated by current law. Prohibits the Administrator, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from basing an adverse action regarding a tolerance or registration on any information, calculation, or assumption described under specified provisions of this Act. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator, in implementing provisions regarding pesticide chemical residue tolerances (as amended by this Act), to issue rules and guidance, including guidance regarding aggregate pesticide chemical exposure and cumulative effects of exposure to two or more chemicals having a common toxicity mechanism. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines specifying the kinds of information that will be required to support the issuance or continuation of a tolerance or a tolerance exemption. Requires the guidelines to specify the conditions under which data requirements will apply to particular types of pesticide chemical residues. Amends the FDCA and FIFRA to mandate notice and an opportunity to comment. (Sec. 105) Amends FIFRA to require the Administrator to expedite the review of a pesticide registration or amended registration, an experimental use permit, or an emergency exemption in specified circumstances. Amends the FDCA to require the Administrator to give priority to petitions to establish or modify a tolerance or exemption that is needed in connection with an application under specified FIFRA provisions for approval of an effective and economic alternative. Authorizes establishment of a tolerance associated with an emergency exemption without regard to other tolerances and before reviewing those other tolerances if the Administrator finds that any incremental exposure that may result will not pose any significant risk to food consumers. Title II: Studies and Reports - Defines "tolerance," for this title, to mean a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue, or an exemption from the requirement of such a tolerance, established under specified FDCA provisions. (Sec. 202) Directs the Administrator to prepare a proposal for revising the priorities of and resources available to the Administrator that will allow the Administrator to: (1) process promptly all FIFRA pesticide registration applications, FDCA tolerance petitions, experimental use permits requests, new inert ingredient approval requests, emergency exemption requests, and requests for decisions on the merits of those applications, petitions, and requests; and (2) perform tolerance reviews and other duties regarding pesticide chemicals under the FDCA and FIFRA. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a proposal for revising the priorities of and resources available to the Secretary that will allow the Secretary to: (1) obtain and provide to the Administrator adequate and timely information on food consumption, pesticide residues in or on food and drinking water, and pesticide use; (2) review actions proposed by the Administrator under the FDCA and FIFRA; and (3) perform other duties regarding pesticide regulation. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary to report to Congress on those proposals. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a program to continuously assess the strength of major U.S. agricultural commodities and products in the international marketplace, including regarding the sustainability and competitive strength of each commodity and product in that marketplace and the relationship of those factors to regulatory actions under the FDCA and FIFRA. Mandates periodic reports to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 204) Establishes the Pesticide Advisory Committee to: (1) provide advice to the Administrator and the Secretary regarding implementation of specified FDCA and FIFRA provisions; (2) foster communication between the Administrator, the Secretary, and interested organizations; and (3) carry out the functions performed by the Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee. Makes inapplicable to the Pesticide Advisory Committee provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act mandating the termination of any advisory committee two years after the committee is established.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999
Medicare Waste Tax Reduction Act of 1999 - Amends titles XI and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and other specified Federal law to mandate various specified measures to combat Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse. (Sec. 2) Includes among such measures: (1) increased medical, utilization, and fraud reviews in a fiscal year; (2) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversight of home health agencies; (3) an information system for ensuring that Medicare does not reimburse claims owed by other payers; (4) civil monetary penalties for services ordered or prescribed by an excluded individual or entity, as well as for false certification of eligibility for partial hospitalization and hospice services; (5) exemption of health plans, plan issuers, and employees from liability for providing information regarding health care fraud; (6) exclusion of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and an individual's personal residence from covered locations for the provision of partial hospitalization services; (7) new health, safety, and anti-fraud requirements for community mental health centers with respect to partial hospitalization services; (8) authority for the HHS Secretary to establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for partial hospitalization services provided by a community mental health center or by a hospital; (9) repeal of certain factors required by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 for determination of the inherent reasonableness of costs for all Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) services other than physicians' services; (10) mandatory establishment of standards regarding payment for certain orthotics and prosthetics; (11) authority for the Secretary to contract for Medicare claims processing with agencies and organizations that are not insurance companies, and to renew contracts with fiscal intermediaries meeting performance requirements without competitive procedures; and (12) addition of Y2K compliance to fiscal intermediary contract performance requirements. Makes specified increases in appropriated amounts for Medicare and Medicaid activities, including the Medicare Integrity program. (Sec. 4) Reduces the reimbursement to physicians, suppliers, or other service providers for drugs and biologicals from 95 percent of the average wholesale price to the lowest of 83 percent of such price, the actual acquisition cost, or an even lower amount according to a specified formula. Repeals the mandate of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 for reports on the average wholesale price of drugs and biologicals. (Sec. 9) Provides that Medicare- and Medicaid-related actions shall not be stayed by bankruptcy proceedings, nor Medicare- and Medicaid-related debt discharged in bankruptcy. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a procedure for enrolling and re- enrolling, for an appropriate fee, non-service providers that furnish covered health care items or services. (Sec. 12) Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a comprehensive plan of activities to increase Medicare compliance, education, and assistance for health care providers; and (2) contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to establish a committee to study Medicare administrative requirements applicable to Medicare health care providers, and make recommendations on how Medicare paperwork and administrative requirements can be minimized. Authorizes appropriations for such study. (Sec. 14) Specifies application of certain sanctions to Federal health care programs. (Sec. 15) Revises alternative criteria for payments for durable medical equipment (DME) to include the least expensive amount that the item supplier is paid by a Medicare+Choice organization or by any Federal health care program. Requires the Secretary to adjust the payment rate for any DME administrative costs exceeding those associated with providing a particular item to a Medicare+Choice organization or another Federal health care program. (Sec. 16) Outlines provisions for implementation of a commercial claims auditing system for Medicare carriers in processing claims under Medicare part B. (Sec. 18) Authorizes appropriations for carrying out and expanding nationwide the Health Care Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Community Volunteer Demonstration Projects (Medicare Senior Waste Patrol) conducted by the Administration on Aging. (Sec. 21) Repeals certain conditions for the termination of agreements with agencies or organizations for the processing of Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) claims. Revises requirements for performance standards and criteria for fiscal intermediaries. Changes certain cost reimbursement provisions from mandatory to discretionary. Repeals the Secretary's mandate, in determining administration costs, to take into account the reasonable and adequate amount to meet such costs which must be incurred by an efficiently and economically operated carrier in carrying out its contract terms. (Sec. 22) Exempts from requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 any Office of Inspector General established within an agency under the Inspector General Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999
Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Revises related fee provisions to: (1) apply such fees to manufactured home manufacturers (currently fees apply to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers); and (2) establish in the Treasury the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1999
Sales Tax Safety Net and Teacher Funding Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a retail excise tax on merchandise sold via the Internet, through catalogs, or sold other than through local merchants in order to supplement the funding for elementary and secondary school teacher salaries. Establishes a Sales Tax Safety Net Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to annually award a grant to each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to be used to supplement State and local funding for compensation and benefits payable to elementary and secondary school teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1999
Coastal Stewardship Act - Title I: Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to it annually amounts received by the United States as rents, royalties, net profit share payments, and related late-payment interest from natural gas and oil leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) for tracts meeting specified requirements. Directs the Secretary, notwithstanding specified provisions of OCSLA and without further appropriations, to make payments from the Fund each year as specified in certain provisions of this Act. (Sec. 102) Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law, counting the receipts and disbursements under this Act as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Makes the receipts and disbursements exempt from any general budget limitation on expenditures and net U.S. lending (budget outlays). Title II: Cooperative Coastal Stewardship - Subtitle A: Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Zone Management Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to revise the purposes of the Act and various definitions. (Sec. 206) Extends provisions authorizing management program development grants. (Sec. 207) Allows grants to States for administering the State's coastal zone management program to be used for developing and implementing a coastal nonpoint pollution control program components (sic). (Sec. 208) Allows resource management improvement grants to be used (among other authorized uses) for: (1) important coastal habitats meeting certain criteria; (2) assistance to communities in assessing and managing growth, public infrastructure, and open space needs toward specified goals; and (3) the coordination and implementation of approved coastal nonpoint pollution control programs. Replaces provisions authorizing grants to any coastal State with provisions: (1) regulating the ratio of Federal to State matching funds for projects under coastal resource improvement program provisions; and (2) requiring that the Federal funding for the project be a portion of that State's annual allocation under administrative grants provisions. (Sec. 209) Modifies provisions relating to the Coastal Zone Management Fund. (Sec. 210) Alters the definition of "coastal zone enhancement objective" for provisions relating to coastal zone enhancement grants. Removes a requirement that, in making those grants, the Secretary consider specified criteria. Removes the maximum limit on the set-aside, for those grants, of amounts appropriated under provisions relating to administrative grants and to coastal resource improvement programs. (Sec. 211) Replaces provisions mandating technical assistance and management-oriented research with provisions authorizing cooperative agreements with State coastal management programs: (1) for local, community-based initiatives; and (2) to strengthen resource protection and restoration while providing for community revitalization and comprehensive growth management strategies. (Sec 212) Directs the Secretary to undertake a program of shared technical assistance, development and implementation of innovative environmental technologies and methodologies, and training and management-oriented research that supports specified activities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into related contracts or other arrangements. (Sec. 213) Requires inclusion in a currently-mandated review of State performance (regarding coastal management) of an assessment and detailed findings regarding the extent to which the State has coordinated with estuarine research reserves in the State. (Sec. 214) Allows (currently, requires) the conducting of the "Walter B. Jones Awards" program to promote excellence in coastal zone management by identifying and acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in the field. Modifies the source of the funds involved. (Sec. 215) Sets forth the nature of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a reserve if (among other criteria) the Secretary finds that designation will provide opportunities for education, interpretation, training, and demonstration projects (currently, for public education and interpretation). Revises the matters required to be included in the Secretary's guidelines for System research, education and resource stewardship (currently, for System research). Includes in the actions the Secretary must take to promote and coordinate System use for research establishing partnerships with other Federal and State estuary management programs to coordinate and collaborate on estuarine research. Authorizes grants for educational, interpretive, or training activities as well as for research and monitoring. Removes the dollar limit on the assistance provided for acquisition of lands and waters for any one reserve and allows certain nonfederal costs to be used to match the Federal share. Modifies other limits on the grants. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements, financial agreements, grants, contracts, or other agreements authorizing a nonprofit organization to solicit donations to carry out System purposes and policies; and (2) accept donations of funds and services to carry out System purposes and policies. (Sec. 216) Modifies various reporting requirements. (Sec. 217) Authorizes appropriations, subject to limitation, to carry out specified provisions of the Act. Requires that any amounts in grants to States not obligated by the State recipient within a specified period revert to the Secretary and then be available for grants under the Act. Declares that Federal funds allocated under the Act may be used by grantees to purchase Federal products and services not otherwise available. Subtitle B: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Preservation - Requires a coastal State, in order to receive funds under this subtitle, to develop projects that will restore and protect ocean and coastal habitat. Prohibits a State from receiving funds under this subtitle for an activity that includes: (1) mitigation for the adverse effects of an activity governed by Federal or State law; (2) satisfaction of environmental liability; or (3) the acquisition of land or land rights from an unwilling seller. (Sec. 255) Provides for the review, revision, and approval of State project plans. (Sec. 256) Sets forth a formula for the allocation of amounts under this subtitle from the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund established in this Act. Requires that any Fund amount available for allocation but not paid or obligated because that State does not have an approved plan (or because the amount allocated exceeded the amount obligated or expended under its plan) be retained by the Fund and disposed of according to the law otherwise applicable to revenues from leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 257) Directs the Secretary to maintain a database of information on coastal habitat restoration and preservation projects funded under this subtitle and to submit a report annually to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 259) Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out this subtitle, to enter into cooperative, financial, grant, contractual, or other agreements. (Sec. 260) Authorizes appropriations: (1) to carry out this subtitle, of any Fund amounts not authorized to be appropriated under the other titles of this Act; and (2) to administer the activities in this subtitle. Title III: Cooperative Ocean Stewardship - Subtitle A: National Marine Sanctuaries - National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to modify the Act's findings, purposes, policies, and definitions. (Sec. 305) Changes sanctuary designation standards and procedures. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and make publicly available a management plan for the proposed sanctuary. Allows modification of designation terms by following applicable procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (currently, only by the same procedures by which the original designation is made). Applies to changes in the terms of a designation provisions making designations automatically effective. Modifies the circumstances in which the Secretary may withdraw an entire designation. Subjects Federal agency actions (inside or outside a sanctuary) that may destroy (currently, that are likely to destroy) or injure a sanctuary resource to consultation with the Secretary. Requires the agency head, if the agency's action results in a threat of destruction, destruction, or injury to a sanctuary resource (including toxic spills and vessel groundings), to coordinate with the Secretary and take action to prevent, respond to, mitigate, and (if possible) restore, replace, or provide the equivalent of the resource. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to cooperate with other governments, international organizations, and other persons (currently, other governments and international organizations) in furtherance of the Act. (Sec. 308) Adds to the list of unlawful activities: (1) the offering for sale, purchasing, importing, or exporting of any sanctuary resource; and (2) provisions specifying activities that constitute interference with enforcement of the Act. (Current law prohibits enforcement interference without so specifying.) (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to conduct enforcement activities as necessary (currently, as necessary and reasonable) to carry out the Act. Empowers officers authorized to enforce the Act to arrest any person on reasonable cause to believe that the person has interfered with enforcement. Makes interference punishable by fine or imprisonment. Increases the limit on fines for Act violations. Makes protecting and enhancing the resources of the sanctuary in which a violation occurred the top priority (after certain costs) in using amounts received under enforcement provisions for civil penalties, forfeiture, and costs. Authorizes the Secretary to subpoena electronic files. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to conduct, support, and coordinate (currently, to conduct) research, monitoring, and education programs. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, solely or in partnership: (1) efforts to enhance public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the marine environment; and (2) the development of interpretive facilities. (Sec. 312) Mandates public notice before the Secretary identifies any activity subject to a sanctuary special use permit. Requires a permittee to have insurance or an equivalent bond (currently, to have insurance). Requires that permit fees the Secretary is authorized to assess include an amount representing the fair market value of access to the sanctuary resource. Allows, for nonprofit activities, waiver or reduction of certain fee portions or acceptance of in-kind services in lieu of fees. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary to use by agreement the personnel, services, or facilities of Federal, State, or local agencies on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis to assist in carrying out the Act. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who creates an imminent risk of destruction or injury to a sanctuary resource liable to the United States. Includes in the liability damages resulting from response actions and costs related to seizure, forfeiture, storage, or disposal. Makes any vessel used to destroy or injure any sanctuary resource liable in rem for those amounts. Makes a person not liable if the destruction or injury was specifically authorized by Federal or State law or permit (currently, if the destruction or injury was caused by an activity authorized by Federal or State law), except for actions by any person authorized to enforce the Act in responding to an incident creating liability. Removes provisions making a person not liable if the destruction or injury was negligible. Declares that nothing in specified Federal laws limits the liability of any person or vessel (currently, any person) under the Act. Makes liability joint and several. Authorizes the Attorney General, on request of the Secretary, to begin a civil action for response, seizure, forfeiture, storage, and disposal costs (currently, for response costs and damages). Requires the Secretary to so request whenever a person or vessel (currently, whenever a person) may be liable for such costs or damages. Replaces provisions regulating the use of amounts recovered with provisions requiring the use, without further appropriation, of amounts recovered and interest on those amounts for: (1) past and future response costs and damage assessments; (2) restoration or replacement relating to the resources that were the subject of the action or prevention of threats to the sanctuary involved; and (3) management and improvements to that or other marine sanctuaries. Imposes a statute of limitation on actions. (Sec. 316) Changes the function of sanctuary advisory councils from assisting to giving advice and recommendations to the Secretary. Allows council membership to include persons interested in the conservation (currently, in the protection and multiple use management) of sanctuary resources. (Sec. 317) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) solicit and collect monetary or in-kind contributions from official sponsors for the manufacture, reproduction, sale, or use of the symbols of the national sanctuary program or an individual sanctuary; and (2) authorize the use of those symbols by any person engaged in a collaborative effort with the national sanctuary program. (Sec. 319) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act, including authorizing deriving a specified amount from the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Fund. Subtitle B: Coral Reef Protection - Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 356) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide: (1) financial assistance for projects that provide for the restoration or conservation of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems; and (2) technical assistance to any State or Federal agency with coral reef jurisdiction. (Sec. 357) Authorizes: (1) the conducting of activities that conserve coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems or that further public awareness and education; and (2) joint projects with any Federal, State, or local authority or financial assistance to any person for such activities. (Sec. 358) Amends Federal law relating to vessels eligible for documentation to prohibit a vessel that is otherwise qualified to be documented as a vessel of the United States from being documented if the owner has abandoned any vessel on a reef subject to U.S. jurisdiction and the vessel remains on the reef or was removed using funds under this subtitle or any other Act on the same subject enacted after 1998. (Sec. 359) Designates, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, nine fishing vessels driven by Typhoon Val in 1991 onto coral reefs inside Pago Pago harbor near the villages of Leloaloa and Aua and the reefs they are on as sites at which there is a substantial threat of release of a hazardous substance into the environment. Declares that, for purposes of that Act, the site shall not be considered to have resulted from an act of God. (Sec. 360) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a foundation under which the foundation may receive, hold, and administer amounts to support public-private partnerships that further this subtitle's purposes. Authorizes such a foundation to solicit and accept any gift or donation to further this subtitle's purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer certain funds appropriated under this subtitle to such a foundation. (Sec.361) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle, including authorizing deriving a specified amount from the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Fund. Title IV: Cooperative Research and Enforcement - Amends the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 (IFA) to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to establish cooperative agreements on a side-source basis with any appropriate Marine Fisheries Commission, State, regional, or tribal entities to implement the standardized fishing vessel registration and information management system transmitted under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary, if requested by the Governor of a State represented on an interstate commission, to enter into an agreement under that Act that authorizes the deputization of State law enforcement officers to perform the Secretary's duties relating to enforcement of the IFA or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, after execution of that agreement and if requested by a State, to enter into an agreement for a joint project on matters of mutual interest. Declares that those joint project agreements will provide a framework for enforcement and prosecution of Federal and State living marine resource laws and regulations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement on a sole-source basis with an appropriate marine fisheries commission to assist in oversight and coordination of the joint project agreement. (Sec. 404) Exempts funds for the joint projects from provisions regulating the apportionment of funds under the Act. (Sec. 405) Authorizes appropriations from the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund for cooperative agreements with States under provisions added by section 402 of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate authorized amounts consistent with a specified report to certain congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for the joint projects.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Calls upon the Senate, when it adjourns on July 19, 1999, to do so as a further mark of respect for the grieving families of John F. Kennedy, Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Lauren Bessette.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1999
Deficit and Debt Reduction and Social Security Solvency Act of 1999 - Title I: Value Added Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new chapter which imposes a tax on each taxable transaction. Defines such transactions as: (1) the sale of property or services in the United States by a taxable person in connection with a business; (2) the import of property or services for use or consumption in the United States; (3) the (a) sale of property or services (not included in (b)) in the United States other than in connection with business for a consideration that exceeds $1,000, or (b) lease of property in the United States other than in connection with a business, if the fair market value of the leased property exceeds $1,000; and (4) the sale of property or services exported from the United States for use or consumption outside the United States. Sets forth further provisions: (1) concerning taxable transactions; (2) taxable amount, rate of tax and exemption from tax for certain transactions and certain entities, and credits; (3) administration; and (4) definitions and special rules. Title I: Surplus Revenues - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the Debt Reduction and Social Security Solvency Trust Fund into which amounts received from the taxes imposed under title I of this Act will be deposited. Requires the Trust Fund to be used to: (1) pay the administrative costs of collecting such taxes; (2) pay at maturity, or to redeem or buy before maturity, an obligation of the Government included in the public debt; and (3) if any moneys remain after all obligations in (2) are paid, redeemed, or bought, to transfer such moneys to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1999
Postal Hazardous Materials Safety Enhancement Act - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994 to extend Federal transportation of hazardous material safety requirements to the transportation of hazardous material in the U.S. mail.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Telecommunications Competition Enforcement Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to mandate that if the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finds that a Bell operating company (BOC) has not fully implemented the requirements under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 for full and open competition with regard to network access for all telecommunications (voice, video, and data) for at least one-half of the States in its region by February 8, 2001, the FCC shall assess a forfeiture penalty of $100,000 per day for each day of continuing violation of such requirements. Provides that if such requirements are not met by a BOC by February 8, 2003, the FCC shall order the BOC to divest itself of its telecommunications network facilities within 180 days. Requires the FCC to ensure, for an incumbent local exchange carrier, other than a BOC, with more than five percent of the national access lines, that such company's markets are open to competition by completing an investigation within 120 days to determine whether such carrier has fully complied with such competition requirements for all telecommunications. Allows a noncomplying carrier 60 days to achieve such compliance, with penalties for violations after such period. Allows the FCC to assess forfeiture penalties on a BOC if, at any time after its approval, the FCC determines that such BOC has ceased to meet the open competition requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Joseph Jefferson "Shoeless Joe" Jackson should be appropriately honored for his outstanding baseball accomplishments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Home Health Equity Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to eliminate the 15 percent home health services payment reduction which would occur if the Secretary of Health and Human Services did not establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for such services as provided for in such Act. Provides for: (1) outlier payments to home health agencies (agencies) in spite of applicable per beneficiary payment limits when a provider demonstrates to the Secretary that an individual was furnished appropriate home health services at a reasonable cost that significantly exceeded such applicable per beneficiary limit because of certain conditions; and (2) recoupment of overpayments by the Secretary to agencies over a 36-month period as specified. Makes various Medicare amendments under reasonable cost provisions with regard to an increase in payment amounts to agencies with limits under the national average and an increase in the per visit limit for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1999, with regard to the amount of payments that may be made under Medicare for services furnished by agencies. Eliminates timekeeping requirements under the prospective payment system for home health services. Provides for periodic interim payment for certain agencies under Medicare provisions regarding payment to service providers. Revises surety bond requirements for agencies. Excludes additional Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) costs from determination of the Medicare part B premium.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999
Competitive Access to Federal Buildings Act - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to authorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to: (1) implement policies for federally-owned buildings and structures for providing non-discriminatory access to such buildings and structures for the provision of telecommunications or information services by telecommunications carriers; and (2) advise the Federal Communications Commission on the development of such policies for commercial property. Prohibits a Federal agency from entering into a contract to rent or lease commercial property unless the property owner or operator permits such non-discriminatory access for a carrier that has obtained, where required, a Federal or State certificate of public convenience and necessity for the provision of such services and that seeks to provide such services to tenants. Allows such owner or operator to: (1) charge a reasonable fee for such access; and (2) impose other reasonable, non-discriminatory requirements in connection with such access. Prohibits a Federal agency from entering into a contract with an owner or operator unless such owner or operator agrees to resolve disputes regarding such access. Authorizes the waiver of this Act's prohibitions on a case-by-case basis: (1) by a Federal agency head when such agency would be unable to obtain any suitable space in that area; and (2) by the President for national security reasons. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Telecommunications and Information, to promulgate final rules to apply the requirements of this Act to all Federal buildings and structures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1999
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate revised regulations to require air carrier certificate holders to limit each air passenger to two pieces of carry-on baggage of specified dimensions when boarding an airplane. Declares that "carry-on baggage" does not include child safety seats or assistive devices used by disabled passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Safety Net Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a new prospective payment system for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
S. 01265 (rd) DGST MRL H.R. 01402 DGST MRL Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the Class I milk price structure known as Option A as part of the final rule to consolidate Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999
Increases the authorization of appropriations for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with respect to motor vehicle safety and information programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999
Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide: (1) financial assistance for projects that provide for the restoration or conservation of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems; and (2) technical assistance to any State or Federal agency with coral reef jurisdiction. (Sec. 7) Authorizes: (1) the conducting of activities that conserve coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems or that further public awareness and education; and (2) joint projects with any Federal, State, or local authority or financial assistance to any person for such activities. (Sec. 8) Amends Federal law relating to vessels eligible for documentation to prohibit a vessel that is otherwise qualified to be documented as a vessel of the United States from being documented if the owner has abandoned any vessel on a reef subject to U.S. jurisdiction and the vessel remains on the reef or was removed using funds under this Act or any other Act on the same subject enacted after 1998. (Sec. 9) Designates, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, nine fishing vessels driven by Typhoon Val in 1991 onto coral reefs inside Pago Pago harbor near the villages of Leloaloa and Aua and the reefs they are on as sites at which there is a substantial threat of release of a hazardous substance into the environment. Declares that, for purposes of that Act, the site shall not be considered to have resulted from an act of God. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a foundation under which the foundation may receive, hold, and administer amounts to support public-private partnerships that further this Act's purposes. Authorizes such a foundation to solicit and accept any gift or donation to further this Act's purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer certain funds appropriated under this Act to such a foundation. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Commends the armed forces, President Clinton, specified military and administration officials, and the NATO forces on the success of Operation Allied Force. Demands from Slobodan Milosevic the withdrawal of all Yugoslav and Serb forces from Kosovo, a permanent end to hostilities there, the return of Kosovo citizens to their homes, and unimpeded access to Kosovo for humanitarian relief operations. Urges the leadership of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) to ensure KLA compliance with ceasefire and demilitarization obligations. Calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and assistance in bringing indicted war criminals, including Milosevic and other Serb military and political leaders, to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Surface Transportation Act of 1999 - Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to remove restrictions on the State Infrastructure Bank Pilot Program, including the limitation on the Secretary of Transportation's entering into cooperative agreements with no more than ten States for the establishment of State and multi-state infrastructure banks. (Sec. 3) Amends Federal transportation provisions to authorize a State to use for a project under the High Priority Projects Program any funds apportioned under such provisions for which the project is eligible. Allows a State, if a project is not eligible for such funds, to use for the project certain funds apportioned to the State under the Surface Transportation Program (STP). Directs that such apportioned funds be reimbursed from amounts allocated for the project in an amount equal to that used under this section, but not to exceed the total of the amounts allocated for the project. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the obligation of National Highway System funds for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of, and preventative maintenance for, intercity rail passenger facilities and rolling stock. Authorizes the use of STP funds for capital costs for transit projects eligible for assistance, including rail, or a combination of bus and rail. Makes eligible under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program certain projects or programs that will have air quality benefits through acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of, and preventative maintenance for, intercity rail passenger facilities and rolling stock. Transfers to Amtrak and publicly-owned intercity or intracity passenger rail lines specified highway and transit funds. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding the Historic Bridges Program to eliminate a restriction that caps the amount of Federal-aid highway funds that can be spent on a historic bridge to a sum equal to the cost of demolition. (Sec. 6) Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to make a change with respect to the distribution of the Federal-aid obligation limitation to make all obligation authority for the program available as multi-year funding.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Drug Patent Term Restoration Review Procedure Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to require, if the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks determines that certain standards are met, restoration of the term of any patent already extended (subject to a two-year limitation), as well as in force on September 24, 1984, and on the filing date of a patent term restoration application under this Act, that claims: (1) a drug product; (2) a method of using a drug product; or (3) a method of manufacturing a drug product. (Sec. 1) Defines such standards as: (1) a regulatory review period from application submission to application approval exceeding 60 months; (2) clear and convincing evidence by the owner of record of the patent (or its agent) that the patent owner acted with due diligence; and (3) absence of any detriment by the granting of patent restoration to the public interest and the interest of fairness. Requires subtraction from the total amount of the restoration term of any time during the regulatory review period during which the Commissioner finds that the applicant for patent term restoration did not act with due diligence. Limits a restoration period, together with any extension period, and subject to other specified restrictions and adjustments, to five years. Requires restoration term applications to be filed within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Specifies factors of public interest and fairness the Commissioner shall consider when making a term restoration determination, including whether: (1) grant of the application would disserve society's interest in the availability of innovative drugs at competitive prices; or (2) denial of the application would disserve society's interest in encouraging and rewarding pharmaceutical research and innovation. Provides for: (1) claim determination procedure; (2) a one-year extension of the patent term pending final disposition; and (3) appeal of the Commissioner's determinations to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit only. Entitles to compensation by the patent owner of any person who has submitted an new drug application under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for a drug product covered by a patent for which a patent term was restored under this Act, if such application has been found by the Food and Drug Administration on or before enactment of this Act to be sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. Sets the amount of compensation at: (1) $2 million; or (2) $1 million for any holder of a Type II Drug Master File that has permitted a reference to its File to be made in such application. Limits a patent owner's overall liability to: (1) $10 million to persons submitting new drug applications; or (2) $5 million to holders of Type II Drug Master Files. Requires the Commissioner to report to Congress: (1) an evaluation of the patent term restoration review procedure established by this Act; and (2) a recommendation whether Congress should consider establishing such a patent term review procedure for patents not covered by this Act. (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to limit a certain required certification in an application (including an abbreviated application) for an approved product claimed in a patent whose term has been restored, to any patent that claims an active ingredient, including any salt or ester of the active ingredient, of the approved product, alone or in combination with another active ingredient (thus limiting the use of patents to prevent new drug approval).
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Physical Education for Progress Act - Amends title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to, and enter into contracts with, local educational agencies (LEAs) to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for all kindergarten through 12th grade students. Requires such grants and contracts to be used for: (1) providing equipment and support to enable students to actively participate in physical education activities; (2) developing or enhancing physical education curricula to meet national goals for physical education developed by the Secretary in consultation with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education; and (3) providing funds for staff and teacher training and education. Requires LEA applications for such assistance to contain plans for school physical education programs that meet specified requirements, including: (1) curricula providing students with at least 150 minutes per week of instructional physical education per week, along with certain types of instructional contents; (2) physical education teachers with baccalaureate degrees qualifying them as physical education specialists; and (3) professional development opportunities for physical education teachers. Prohibits extracurricular activities such as team sports and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program activities from being considered as part of the curriculum of a physical education program assisted under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) proportionality of awards; (2) private school students and home-schooled students; (3) LEA reports for continued funding; (4) the Secretary's report to the Congress; (5) administrative costs; and (6) Federal share. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Seniors' Access to Continuing Care Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to prohibit health insurance provided through a managed care organization under a group health plan (and, for the PHSA, health insurance in the individual market) from denying coverage with regard to a continuing care retirement community or other qualified facility concerning: (1) post-hospitalization services in the same community or facility as in pre-hospitalization; (2) skilled nursing services without a preceding hospitalization; and (3) the same facility the participant's or beneficiary's spouse already resides in. Makes the prohibition: (1) depend on whether such services are otherwise covered; and (2) regardless of whether the organization is under contract with the community or facility. Prohibits related denial of enrollment or renewal, incentives to enrollees, and penalties or incentives to physicians. Declares that this Act does not preempt State laws meeting certain requirements, including requirements more protective of participants or beneficiaries than requirements under this Act. Provides for enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Fragile X Research Breakthrough Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's activities respecting research on the disease known as Fragile X; and (2) make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of at least three centers to conduct research for improving the diagnosis and treatment of, and finding the cure for, Fragile X. Requires each such center assisted to conduct basic and clinical research, which may include clinical trials of new or improved diagnostic methods and drugs or other treatment approaches. Allows such centers to use grant funds provided under this Act to provide fees to individuals serving as subjects in clinical trials. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of the centers' activities, including the exchange of information. Requires each center to use the facilities of a single institution, or be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions. Allows support to be provided to a center for a period not exceeding five years with authorized extensions. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which the Federal Government enters into contracts with qualified health professionals who agree to conduct research on Fragile X in consideration of the Government's agreement to repay, for each year of such service, no more than $35,000 of the principal and interest of the educational loans owed by such health professionals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that In Memory Day should be observed on the third Monday in April each year, the day on which Patriots Day is also observed, in honor of the men and women of the United States whose deaths had a basis in their service in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and who are thereby true examples to the Nation of patriotism and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Crop Insurance Coverage Title II: Administration Crop Insurance Equity Act of 1999 - Title I: Crop Insurance Coverage - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide that the Commodity Credit Corporation, with respect to prevented planting crop insurance, shall: (1) offer such coverage as an option to a crop insurance policy; (2) provide equal coverage levels for all covered commodities; and (3) permit (noninsurable) substitute plantings. (Sec. 102) Directs the Corporation to develop alternative rates and methodologies for rating insurance plans, which shall take into account nonparticipating producers and producers participating only in catastrophic risk protection. Grants priority to commodities with the largest acreage and the lowest percentage of participating producers. (Sec. 103) Directs the Corporation to: (1) offer optional quality adjustment policies; and (2) establish a low-risk producer pilot program. (Sec. 105) Increases catastrophic risk coverage. Revises related loss adjustment fee provisions. (Sec. 107) Establishes a projected-cost price level (expected market price) for production insurance plans. (Sec. 108) Directs the Corporation to provide premium discounts for qualifying risk-reducing production practices. (Sec. 109) Provides for 50 percent premium subsidies. (Sec. 112) Directs the Corporation, for production history calculation purposes, to assign a producer a commodity yield equal to 85 percent of the county's transition yield for a year in which disasters have reduced yield to below such level. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the Corporation from subsidizing a plan that offers coverage for losses based on change of price. (Sec. 114) Limits underwriting gains to 50 percent of the policy. Title II: Administration - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to revise the membership of the Corporation's Board of Directors. (Sec. 202) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to place the Office of Risk Management under the Board. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Office of Private Sector Partnership to provide specified Board-private sector liaison functions. (Sec. 204) Increases monetary penalties for intentionally providing false insurance information. Authorizes disbarment from Department of Agriculture programs for such violations. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to establish a crop insurance compliance monitoring program. (Sec. 207) Authorizes a cooperative association acting as an insurance agent to provide its members with funds received from the Corporation. (Sec. 208) Prohibits purchasing insurance for more than one crop per year on the same acreage unless the producer or the acreage has a previous history of double-cropping. (Sec. 209) Provides for State consultation. (Sec. 211) Authorizes specified insurance plan fees. (Sec. 212) Directs the Corporation to carry out a flexible subsidy pilot program to encourage private sector innovation through exclusive marketing rights and premium rate competition.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization Title II: Personnel Management Title III: Marine Safety Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1999 - Title I: Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (5) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities; and (6) alteration or removal of bridges constituting obstructions to navigation. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and its average military training student loads. Title II: Personnel Management - Limits the director of the Coast Guard band to the rank of captain (currently, commander). (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe regulations under which certain members of Ready Reserve forces may receive special pay. (Sec. 203) Adds the Secretary of Transportation (when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy) to the required members of the Board of Governors of the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO). (Sec. 204) Authorizes compensatory absence from duty for military Coast Guard personnel serving at isolated duty stations (currently, at isolated aids to navigation) in certain circumstances. (Sec. 205) Allows a promotion selection board to recommend officers of particular merit for placement at the top of the list of selectees and requires, if approved by the President, placement of those officers (in seniority order) at the top of the list. Title III: Marine Safety - Amends the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act to revise requirements regarding the waters on which vessels, dredges, and floating plants must carry a radiotelephone. (Sec. 302) Mandates a report to specified congressional committees on the use of WYTL-class harbor tugs, including their use to perform icebreaking. Prohibits the Coast Guard from planning or implementing decommissioning of such vessels until nine months after report submission. (Sec. 303) Ends a requirement of annual reports regarding all transfers to and expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. (Sec. 304) Allows the Coast Guard to borrow a limited amount from the Fund when the limit of $50 million in unappropriated funds is inadequate to deal with a discharge or threatened discharge. Mandates repayment to the Fund when, and to the extent that, removal costs are recovered from responsible parties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1999
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treatment and Assistance Act of 1999 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a waiver of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals disabled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for Medicare coverage of any drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or biological licensed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for use in the treatment or alleviation of ALS-related symptoms.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Early Childhood Development Act of 1999 - Title I: Assistance for Young Children - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make allotments to eligible States to pay for the Federal share of the cost of enabling them to make competitive grants to local collaboratives for young child assistance activities. Requires the Governor of each State to establish or designate a State Early Learning Coordinating Board to make such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Child Care for Families - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to establish a Zero-to-Six program of formula payments to States for child care assistance on behalf of children under six years of age. Makes appropriations for such grants. Title III: Amendments to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to extend the authorization of appropriations and revise requirements for allotment of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999
Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require coverage of colorectal cancer screening according to certain guidelines by a group health plan, a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, and a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure coordination in the implementation and enforcement of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all Americans should be educated about the risks, prevention, screening, and treatment of colorectal cancer; and (2) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and HHS should track the impact of their coordinated education campaign on colorectal cancer and make information on its progress available to Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Motor Vehicle Franchise Contract Arbitration Fairness Act of 1999 - Provides that each party to a motor vehicle franchise contract providing for the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or relating to the contract shall have the option, after the controversy arises and before both parties commence an arbitration proceeding, to reject arbitration as the means of settling the controversy. Requires that any such rejection be in writing. Requires the arbitrator, whenever a party elects arbitration, to provide the parties with a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Affordable Housing Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999
Promoting Health in Rural Areas Act of 1999 - Title I: Promoting Access to Health Care Services in Rural Areas Under the Medicare Program - Subtitle A: Hospital-Related Provisions - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to hospital-related provisions to: (1) revise payment and geographic reclassification requirements for sole community hospitals; (2) modify the criteria for designation of a critical access hospital; (3) make certain technical amendments with regard to adjustments for graduate medical education, both indirect and direct; (4) make permanent the payment provision for the Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital program, and provide an option to base program eligibility on discharges during any of the three most recent audited cost reporting periods; and (5) provide for an all-inclusive payment rate option for outpatient critical access hospital services. (Sec. 106) Provides for: (1) exclusion of swing beds in critical access hospitals from the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities; (2) exclusion of small rural providers from the PPS for hospital outpatient department services; (3) modification of disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment requirements; (4) application of hospital geographic reclassification for inpatient services (labor costs) to all PPS-reimbursed items and services; and (5) mandatory standardization of wage levels for hospitals with respect to occupational mix before adjusting payment rates. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and costs of having the Bureau of Labor Statistics collect data on wages that would assist the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) in determining average wage levels, at the metropolitan statistical area, statewide, and rural level by sector and the proportion of the workforce in each occupational category within each sector. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Amends Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) to make certain adjustments to the calculation of annual capitation rates used in determining payments to Medicare+Choice organizations. (Sec. 122) Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to convert into a permanently authorized program the current demonstration program for direct billing of Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and other third party payors by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native health organizations. (Sec. 123) Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) provide for rural representation on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) as well as additional specified duties for MEDPAC; (2) require MEDPAC to review the impact of PPS's for skilled nursing facility services, home health services, and hospital outpatient department services on access to services in rural areas, as well as review the operating margins for hospitals in rural or frontier areas; and (3) provide for Medicare coverage of qualified mental health professional services. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the barriers that Medicare beneficiaries residing in rural areas face in obtaining quality mental health services, and on ways to reduce or eliminate such barriers. (Sec. 126) Directs the Secretary to establish a waiver process in which entities and individuals under Medicare that are located in an urban or large urban area for purposes of Medicare reimbursement may apply to be considered as located in a rural area for such purposes if the entity or individual is located in a rural area: (1) within a metropolitan county; or (2) as determined by using a census tract definition adopted by the Office of Rural Health Policy in awarding grants. (Sec. 127) Revises per-visit payment limits for rural health clinic services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 128) Amends Medicare part B to: (1) extend to physician assistant or nurse practitioner services additional payments for services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) provide authority for the Secretary to establish a PPS for rural health clinic (RHC) services in a rural hospital with 50 beds or more; (3) establish separate wage indexes for making adjustments to payments under the PPS's for skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies; and (4) require consideration of rural issues in establishing an ambulance service fee schedule. Title II: Additional Provisions to Address Shortages of Health Professionals in Rural Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary to define "frontier area" for inclusion among health professional shortage areas. Requires the Secretary to consider any pending retirements or resignations of available physicians when determining whether to designate an area as a health professional shortage area. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any regulation establishing a new methodology for designating a health professional shortage area unless such methodology: (1) is not detrimental to underserved rural or frontier communities, including that the methodology does not result in the provision of fewer services in such communities; and (2) includes consideration of the percentage of the population over age 65 residing in an area. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exclude from an individual's gross income certain amounts received under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program under PHSA. (Sec. 203) Amends Federal civil service law to provide for the designation of underserved areas under health care contracts administered by the Office of Personnel Management. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to mandate a new PPS for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics under the Medicaid program. (Sec. 205) Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to revise requirements for Medicare reimbursement of telehealth services, including store-and-forward technologies among the telecommunications systems used in providing telehealth services. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to conduct a specified study on telehealth licensure for a report to the Congress. (Sec. 207) Redesignates the Joint Working Group on Telemedicine as the Joint Working Group on Telehealth, with the chairperson being designated by the Director of the Office for the Advancement on Telehealth. Establishes the mission of the Joint Working Group, among other things, as identifying, monitoring, and coordinating Federal telehealth projects and programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Development of Telehealth Networks - Subtitle A: Development of Telehealth Networks - Directs the Secretary to provide specified financial assistance to eligible telehealth networks for the purpose of expanding access to health care services for individuals in rural and frontier areas through the use of such networks. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Rural Health Outreach and Network Development Grant Program - Amends PHSA to rename the Rural Health Outreach, Network Development, and Telemedicine Grant Program as the Rural Health Outreach and Network Development Grant Program, and to modify the renamed program. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the IRC with regard to the non-deductible interest expense of financial institutions allocable to tax-exempt income, and the limited exception from such non-deductibility for interest expense on certain tax-exempt small issuer obligations. Allows a small issuer, the proceeds of whose obligations are to be used to make or finance eligible loans for health care or educational purposes, to elect to apply specified current limitations on the amount of obligations by treating each borrower as the issuer of a separate issue. (Sec. 402) Requires the heads of the National Center for Health Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and the Bureau of the Census to negotiate and enter into interagency agreements with HHS agencies and offices under which they will be provided access to data sets for the intramural and extramural research they conduct or support.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1999
Oceans Act of 1999 - Directs the President to develop and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy, consistent with U.S. international obligations, on ocean and coastal activities and, regarding Federal agencies and departments, to review ocean and coastal activities, plan and implement an integrated and cost-effective program of ocean and coastal activities, designate responsibility for funding and conducting ocean and coastal activities, and ensure cooperation and resolve differences arising from laws and regulations. (Sec. 5) Establishes the National Ocean Council to serve as the forum for developing a national policy and program, improve coordination and cooperation among Federal agencies, and take other actions. Terminates the Council one year after submission of its final report. (Sec. 6) Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy, requiring it to report to the President and the Congress on a comprehensive national ocean and coastal policy to carry out the purpose and objectives of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs the President to report to the Congress biennially on ocean and coastal activities, budgets, and accomplishments. Directs the President to annually provide general guidance to each Federal agency or department involved in coastal activities regarding the preparation of appropriations requests. Requires each such agency or department to include with its annual appropriations request a report identifying budget elements relating to ocean and coastal activities and specifying how each element contributes to the implementation of a national ocean and coastal policy. (Sec. 8) Repeals the Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1999
Interstate Tolls Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to repeal the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation pilot program. Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to permit Federal participation in reconstruction or replacement of a toll-free tunnel. Specifies that before the Secretary may permit Federal participation in construction of a highway, bridge, or tunnel located in a State, the public authority having jurisdiction must enter into an agreement with the Secretary which provides that all toll revenues received from the operation of the toll facility will be used only for debt service, reasonable return on investment of any private person financing the project, and the costs necessary for the proper operation and maintenance of the toll facility. Repeals a provision allowing the State, upon certifying annually that the tolled facility is being adequately maintained, to use any toll revenues in excess of amounts so required for any purpose for which Federal funds may be obligated by a State under Federal transportation provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1999
Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operations and training activities; and (2) the costs of guaranteed loans authorized by the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as well as for administrative expenses related to loan guarantee commitments. (Sec. 3) Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to revise loan guarantee escrow fund provisions. Establishes a Treasury fund to hold related collateral, and provides for Secretary-obligor reserve funds. (Sec. 4) Exempts certain foreign-origin dry bulk and breakbulk cargo vessels that have transferred to United States flag registry from the three-year restriction on carrying U.S.- procured, furnished, or financially supported cargo (including agricultural cargo). (Sec. 5) Extends war risk insurance authority. (Sec. 6) Reduces specified United States Maritime Administration reporting requirements. (Sec. 7) Amends Federal law to list one of three specified vessels that may be exempted from provisions relating to inspection and regulation of vessels as belonging to the National Liberty Ship Memorial, Inc., rather than to the United States Maritime Administration.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000725_200.jpg)