United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1999
Energy Employees' Compensation Act - Title I: Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act - Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to include in subsequent regulations: (1) additional definitions to those set forth in this Act with respect to vendors, processors, or producers of beryllium or related products; and (2) criteria by which a claimant may establish the existence of a covered illness. (Sec. 105) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the Secretary to administer this Act; (2) determinative criteria for exposure to beryllium in the performance of duty; (3) compensation for disability or death, medical services, and vocational rehabilitation; (4) computation of pay; (5) limitations on receiving compensation; (6) coordination of benefits; and (7) retroactive compensation. (Sec. 112) Declares: (1) this Act to be the exclusive remedy against the United States, its instrumentalities, and specified contractors and subcontractors; and (2) acceptance of payment under this Act shall be in full settlement of all claims. Declares void any assignment of a claim for compensation under this Act. (Sec. 120) Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Fund for the payment of compensation and other benefits and expenses under this Act. (Sec. 121) Provides for forfeiture of benefits by persons convicted of fraud with respect to Federal or State workers' compensation benefits. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the administration and enforcement of this Act. Mandates that such regulations provide for a Beryllium Compensation Appeals Panel to make final decisions on appeals. (Sec. 125) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Energy Employees Pilot Project Act - Energy Employees Pilot Project Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to examine the relationship between workplace exposures to radiation, hazardous materials, and occupational illness or other adverse health conditions. (Sec. 203) Mandates that a physicians' panel of specialists in health conditions related to occupational exposure to radiation and hazardous materials selected by the contractor that managed DOE's East Tennessee Technology Park (facility) prepare a report on medical examinations of a specified number of current and former facility employees. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Secretary to make specified compensation awards to facility employees found to have sustained an adverse health condition resulting from exposure to radiation or hazardous materials. Grants employees the option to elect such award in lieu of compensation under the Energy Employees' Beryllium Compensation Act. Deems such award to be payment in full settlement of claims against the United States, contractors, and subcontractors. (Sec. 211) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Paducah Employees Exposure Compensation Act - Paducah Employees' Exposure Compensation Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Paducah Employees' Exposure Compensation Fund to be disbursed exclusively by the Attorney General for the payment of compensation claims to eligible Paducah employees. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund. (Sec. 305) Deems such award to be payment in full settlement of claims against the United States, contractors, and subcontractors. (Sec. 308) Limits the amount of claimants' attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Ending Discrimination Against Parents Act of 1999 - Prohibits employment discrimination against parents and those with parental responsibilities. Grants such protected status to parents of children under 18 years of age and children who remain under parental supervision because of a mental or physical disability, if such individuals are biological, adoptive or foster parents, stepparents, custodians of legal wards, or actively seek legal custody or adoption, or stand in loco parentis. Prohibits public and private employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs controlled by employers, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees (all covered entities) from discriminating with respect to employment, in specified ways, against individuals because of their status as parents, including discrimination in recruitment, referral, hiring, promotions, discharge, training, and other terms and conditions of employment. Prohibits retaliation and coercion with respect to rights granted or protected under this Act. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on their employment of parents, or compelling the collection of such statistics by covered entities, unless such statistics are to be used in investigation, litigation, or resolution of a claim of discrimination under this Act. Prohibits covered entities from adopting or implementing quotas with respect to their employment of parents. Sets forth guidelines with respect to mixed-motive discrimination. Establishes an unlawful employment practice under this Act when the complaining party demonstrates that a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated the practice, was: (1) an individual's status as a parent; or (2) retaliation, coercion, or threats against, intimidation of, or interference with an individual with respect to exercising rights under this Act. Provides, when an individual proves such a violation and the respondent demonstrates that it would have taken the same action in the absence of the prohibited motivating factor, that a court or other authorized entity: (1) may grant declaratory relief, injunctive relief (with specified exceptions), and attorney's fees and costs demonstrated to be directly attributable only to the pursuit of such a mixed-motivation claim; and (2) shall not award damages or issue an order requiring any admission, reinstatement, hiring, promotion, or payment. Declares that the fact that an employment practice has a disparate impact on parents, as disparate impact is used in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, shall not establish a violation of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) defenses where actions are taken in a foreign country; (2) enforcement and remedies; (3) Federal immunity from punitive damages (but not from other remedies); and (4) posting of notices. Authorizes the EEOC to issue regulations to carry out this Act in general, and the following officials to do so with respect to certain covered employees: (1) the Librarian of Congress; (2) the Board of the Office of Compliance, under the Congressional Accountability Act; (3) the President; and (4) the EEOC and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
High-Speed Rail Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of a qualified Amtrak bond. Sets forth definitions, State matching requirements, and other rules.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Japanese Imperial Army Disclosure Act - Directs the President to establish the Japanese Imperial Army Records Interagency Working Group, to remain in existence for three years. Requires the Group to: (1) locate, identify, inventory, recommend for declassification, and make available to the public all classified Japanese Imperial Army records of the United States relating to the experimentation and persecution by the Japanese Army, Government, or its allies of persons because of race, religion, national origin, or political option; (2) expedite the release of such records to the public; and (3) report to Congress. Requires the Group to release such records in their entirety, with an exception for disclosures protected under Federal privacy laws or for certain national security information reasons. Provides a rebuttable presumption that the public interest will be served by the disclosure of such records. Provides for the expedited processing of Freedom of Information Act requests for such records by parties claiming to have been so persecuted.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999
Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act - Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the treatment by the Federal Government of Italian Americans during World War II (between September 1, 1939, and December 31, 1945) and to report to Congress on the findings of such review. Requires the findings to include information regarding: (1) Italian Americans who were taken into custody, interned, ordered to move out of designated areas, or arrested for curfew, contraband, or other violations; (2) Federal Bureau of Investigations raids on Italian Americans' homes; (3) restrictions on Italian American fishermen and railroad workers; and (4) civil liberties infringements suffered by Italian Americans during World War II as a result of Executive Order 9066. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the story of the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II needs to be told; (2) Federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Humanities, should support projects such as conferences, seminars, and lectures to heighten awareness of this unfortunate chapter in our nation's history, the refurbishment and payment of all expenses associated with the traveling exhibit "Una Storia Segreta," and documentaries allowing this issue to be presented to the American public; (3) an advisory committee should be established to assist in the compilation, research, and dissemination of information on the treatment of Italian Americans; and (4) financial support should be provided for educating the American public through the production of a documentary film suited for public broadcast. States that the U.S. Government formally acknowledges that these events during World War II represented a fundamental injustice against Italian Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999
Congratulates the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, its staff, and volunteers for their commitment to our national defense, for their contribution of time and talent, and for maintaining the much needed support of employers and communities for the National Guard and Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Health Care Fairness Act of 1999 - Title I: Improving Minority Health Through the National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the Center for Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to be headed by a Director who shall: (1) chair a trans-NIH task force (task force) that will establish a comprehensive plan and budget estimates for minority health that should be conducted or supported by NIH and recommend an appropriate agenda for such research; (2) establish a minority health research information system to track minority-related research, training, and construction; (3) act as the primary Federal official for monitoring all minority health research conducted or supported by NIH; and (4) identify areas of insufficient minority health research at NIH and its institutes and centers, and provide funds to such entities for the awarding of peer-review grants for innovative projects that address high priority areas of minority health research. Provides a fiscal year limit on grant funds. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an advisory council for providing advice to the Director for carrying out responsibilities under this Act. Requires the Director and task force to: (1) establish a comprehensive plan and budget for conducting and supporting all minority health research activities of NIH agencies; (2) ensure that such plan and budget establish minority health research priorities; (3) ensure that budget amounts are properly expended; and (4) review the plan and budget at least annually. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Directs the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, designated biomedical research institutions and other public and nonprofit health or educational entities to assist such entities in supporting programs of excellence in biomedical research education for under-represented minority individuals. Outlines entity requirements and grant conditions, including a grant term limit of five years. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Directs the Secretary to contract with qualified health professionals who agree to engage in minority health research or research into the nature of health disparities that affect racial, ethnic, and indigenous populations, in return for the Federal repayment of up to $35,000 for each year of such research of the principal and interest of educational loans of such health professionals. Requires the Secretary to ensure the active participation of appropriately qualified minority health professionals, including extensive outreach and recruitment efforts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress and the Secretary on progress and expenditures made with regard to minority health research. Requires the Secretary to provide administrative and support services to the Director and ensure that such support takes maximum advantage of existing administrative structures at NIH agencies. Requires the use of appropriate scientific expertise and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an evaluation of minority health research programs at NIH institutes; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on evaluation results. Title II: Medical Education - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public and private nonprofit entities to carry out research and demonstration projects which develop curricula to reduce disparity in health care outcomes, including cultural competency in graduate and undergraduate health professions education. Outlines eligibility requirements and grant conditions, including a maximum of 20 grants and a term limit of three years. Directs the Secretary to award up to 20 grants, contracts, or agreements to eligible entities to establish demonstration projects which develop curricula to reduce minority disparity in health care and health care outcomes (health care disparity) as part of continuing medical education. Limits such grants, contracts, or agreements to a three-year term. Requires monitoring of awardees. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the effectiveness of such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to convene a national conference on continuing health professions education as a method for reducing health care disparity, including continuing medical education on cultural competency. Requires the publication of conference findings. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a committee to advise the Secretary on matters related to development, implementation, and evaluation of graduate and continuing education curricula for health care professionals to decrease the health care disparity. Terminates the committee four years after appointment of its first member. (Sec. 204) Requires the Director of the Office of Minority Health within HHS to establish within the Resource Center of such Office, or through the awarding of a contract provide for the establishment of, an information clearinghouse for curricula to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparity. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Minority Health Research by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research - Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support research for improving the quality and outcomes of health care services for minority populations and the causes of such health care disparities; (2) identify, test, and evaluate strategies for eliminating such disparities; and (3) endeavor to increase the number of minority health care researchers and health services research capacity of institutions that train minority health care researchers. Authorizes the use of demonstration projects as part of such research. Requires the Administrator to support the development of measures that assess the experience of minority populations with health care systems. Requires a report from the Secretary to the appropriate congressional committees describing quality measurement for minority populations which will identify critical unmet needs and activities to address those needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Title IV: Data Collection Relating to Race or Ethnicity - Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study of HHS data collection systems and practices relating to the collection of data on race or ethnicity, including other Federal data collection systems with which HHS interacts. Requires a report from the Academy to specified congressional committees on study results and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Public Awareness - Directs the Secretary to conduct a national media campaign for informing the public about racial and ethnic health care disparities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Designates November 23, 2000, Thanksgiving Day, as a day to "Give Thanks, Give Life" and to discuss organ and tissue donation with other family members so that informed decisions can be made if the occasion to donate arises.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999
Designates November 11, 1999, as a special day for: (1) recognizing and welcoming home the members of the armed forces and the civilian personnel of the United States who participated in the operations in Kosovo and the Balkans, including combat operations and humanitarian assistance operations; and (2) remembering the members of the armed forces deployed in Kosovo and throughout the world and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Act of 1999 - Directs the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice, for each of FY 2000 through 2004, to award a grant to the Police Athletic League (PAL) for the purposes of establishing PAL chapters to serve public housing projects and other distressed areas and expanding existing chapters to serve additional youths. Requires PAL, in order to be eligible to receive a grant, to submit to the Assistant Attorney General an application which shall include: (1) a long-term strategy to establish 250 additional chapters and a detailed summary of those areas in which new chapters will be established, or in which existing chapters will be expanded to serve additional youths, during the next fiscal year; (2) a plan to ensure that there are a total of not less than 570 chapters in operation before January 1, 2003; (3) a certification that there will be appropriate coordination with those communities where new chapters will be located; and (4) an explanation of the manner in which new chapters will operate without additional, direct Federal financial assistance once assistance under this Act is discontinued. Directs the Assistant Attorney General to review, and take action on, an application within 120 days after the date of submission. (Sec. 6) Directs that amounts made available under a grant awarded under this Act be used by the PAL to provide funding for the establishment of PAL chapters serving public housing projects and other distressed areas, or the expansion of existing PAL chapters. Requires that each new or expanded PAL chapter assisted carry out not less than four programs during non-school hours, of which: (1) not less than two programs shall provide mentoring assistance, academic assistance, recreational and athletic activities, or technology training; and (2) any remaining programs shall provide drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; health and nutrition counseling; cultural and social programs; conflict resolution training, anger management, and peer pressure training; job skill preparation activities; or Youth Police Athletic League Conferences or Youth Forums. (Sec. 7) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. Sets aside specified percentages of grant sums for research and evaluation, technical assistance, and management and administration.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. naval shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1999
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Act - Redesignates the Coastal Barrier Resources System as the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1999
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 1999 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage (currently $5.15 per hour) to: (1) $5.65 an hour during the year beginning on January 1, 2000; and (2) $6.15 an hour beginning on January 1, 2001. Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
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 · 28 October 1999
Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set standards requiring that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage for treatment of a minor child's congenital or developmental deformity or disorder due to trauma, infection, tumor, or disease.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Title I: Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Incorporates existing recordkeeping requirements of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the Act). (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement an accountability process to monitor entities that received funds under this Act to carry out activities under subtitles B, C, and D and determine the extent to which they have been responsive to this title's purposes and have taken actions consistent with stated policy. Requires the Secretary to develop a process for identifying and reporting on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities undertaken by such entities that resulted in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participating in the design of and having access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that promotes self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration in all facets of community life. Provides for development of indicators of progress for each area of emphasis (defined as areas related to quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation activities and other services offered to individuals in a community). Requires entities to meet such indicators of progress. Directs the Secretary to maintain the interagency committee authorized under the Act, except as otherwise provided by this Act. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary, using information submitted in the reports and required under subtitles B, C, D, and E of this Act, to report to the President, Congress, and the National Council on Disability at least biennially on the goals and outcomes of programs supported under such subtitles. (Sec. 107) Conditions assistance under this title on a recipient taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 109) Sets forth congressional findings with respect to the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Subtitle B: Federal Assistance to State Councils on Developmental Disabilities - Sets forth an allotment formula for assistance to States for services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 124) Requires States desiring to receive assistance under this subtitle to obtain the Secretary's approval of a five-year strategic plan. Requires plans to: (1) provide for the establishment of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities; (2) identify the State agency designated to support the Council; (3) describe the results of a review and analysis of the extent to which services, supports, and other assistance are available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and the extent of unmet needs for such assistance in the State; (4) focus on Council efforts to bring about this subtitle's purposes by specifying five-year goals for advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change related to the areas of emphasis under this Act to be undertaken by the Council; and (5) contain certain assurances and information similar to that required under the Act. Bases plans on public input. (Sec. 125) Requires each State that receives assistance under this subtitle to establish a Council to undertake advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that contribute to a coordinated consumer- and family-centered and directed system of community services, individualized supports, and other assistance that contributes to the achievement of this subtitle's purposes. Sets forth provisions regarding Council appointments and membership rotation similar to those existing under the Act. Requires at least 60 percent of Council membership to consist of: (1) individuals with developmental disabilities; (2) parents or guardians of children with such disabilities; or (3) immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. Incorporates provisions of the Act that bar employees of a State agency that receives funds or provides services under this subtitle or managing employees (as defined in the Social Security Act) of any entity that receives such funds or provides such services from being on Councils. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act regarding: (1) Council duties; (2) State agencies designated to provide support to Councils; (3) designated State agency duties; (4) Federal and non-Federal shares of project costs; (5) withholding of payments for certain failures to comply with plan provisions or regulations; and (6) appeals by States of certain actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 129) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights - Sets forth provisions similar to those under the Act regarding allotment to States of funds for protection and advocacy systems to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Establishes minimum allotments. (Sec. 143) Conditions the receipt of an allotment under this subtitle or subtitle B on certain requirements, including that the: (1) State have a system to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with disabilities; and (2) system have certain legal and investigative authorities and meet other specified requirements. Incorporates provisions similar to those under the Act that authorize an American Indian consortium established to provide protection and advocacy services to receive funding to provide such services. (Sec. 144) Requires systems to submit annual reports to the Secretary. (Sec. 145) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service in each State as well as grants for training initiatives related to the unmet needs of individuals with disabilities and their families and technical assistance. (Sec. 153) Requires the Centers to be interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in specified core functions. (Sec. 154) Limits the Federal share of Center administration or operation costs or the costs of training initiatives to 75 percent, with exceptions for projects that target individuals in poverty areas. (Sec. 156) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Projects of National Significance - Requires the Secretary to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities for projects of national significance relating to the development of policies that reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion in community life of individuals with developmental disabilities. Authorizes Federal interagency initiatives to carry out such projects. (Sec. 163) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Family Support - Families of Children With Disabilities Support Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States on a competitive basis to support systems change activities to assist States in developing or enhancing statewide systems of family support services for families of children with disabilities, including individuals who are not younger than age 18 who have certain significant impairments and reside with and receive assistance from a family member. Limits the Federal share of such assistance to 75 percent of the cost of activities and the award period to three years. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and organizations to provide technical assistance and information with respect to the development or enhancement of such systems. (Sec. 210) Provides for a national evaluation of the grant program by the Secretary and a report to Congress. (Sec. 211) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review Federal programs to determine the extent to which programs facilitate or impede access to, provision of, and funding for family support services for families of children with disabilities; and (2) make grants or enter into contracts for projects of national significance to support the development of policies related to developing or enhancing family-centered and -directed systems of such services. (Sec. 212) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title III: Program for Direct Support Workers Who Assist Individuals With Developmental Disabilities - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education, State agencies, or a consortium of such agencies on a competitive basis to enable such entities to carry out scholarship programs by providing vouchers for postsecondary education to direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities residing in diverse settings. Limits the Federal share of the cost of such vouchers to 80 percent. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to award funding, on a competitive basis, to public or private entities for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a staff development curriculum and related guidelines for computer-assisted, competency-based, multimedia, interactive instruction relating to service as a direct support worker. Requires the curriculum to be provided to individuals who seek to: (1) become direct support workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities or are such workers; and (2) upgrade their skills and competencies related to being such a worker. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title IV: Repeal - Repeals the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Veterans Claims and Appeals Procedures Clarification and Improvement Act - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) emphasize that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must assist a veteran in developing all facts pertinent to a veterans' claim for compensation or benefits; (2) make the current veterans' claims adjudication and hearing procedures exclusive with respect to hearings, investigations, and other proceedings in connection with the consideration of a claim; (3) preclude the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from entertaining any allegation of error by the Secretary in a decision which was not raised by the appellant or the Court; and (4) require such Court to set aside a previous finding of material fact not reasonably supported by a preponderance of the evidence (currently, when clearly erroneous).
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) support and expand the NIH's involvement in clinical research; (2) support and expand the resources available for the clinical research community; and (3) establish peer review mechanisms. (Sec. 4) Mandates grants to: (1) establish general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research, including clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) support individual careers in clinical research at general clinical research centers or at other institutions (to be known as Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Awards); (3) support individual clinical research projects at general clinical research centers or at other institutions (to be known as Mid-Career Investigator Awards in Patient-Oriented Research); (4) support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in clinical investigation (to be known as Graduate Training in Clinical Investigation Awards); and (5) develop and support programs for training clinical investigators in biostatistics, pharmacology, and other core curricula (to be known as Clinical Research Curriculum Awards). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a loan repayment program for qualified health professionals who have contracted with the Federal Government to conduct clinical research in return for the Government's repayment of a specified amount of their educational loans for each year of service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the loan repayment provisions. (Sec. 7) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the extent to which the NIH has complied with requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Hunger Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to remove specified restrictions on qualified aliens' eligibility for food stamp and supplemental security income benefits. Exempts food stamp provisions respecting aliens from: (1) the five-year waiting period for Federal means-tested public benefits eligibility; (2) inclusion of sponsor income and resources to an alien for State benefits eligibility; and (3) sponsor reimbursement requirements in cases of hardship. Sets forth effective dates for: (1) aliens; and (2) refugees and asylees. (Sec. 3) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize a State to use an alternative State auto valuation rather than the Federal one in order to provide a lower household resource attribution for food stamp program purposes. (Sec. 4) Increases, and indexes for inflation, the food stamp excess shelter deduction. (Sec. 5) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize additional appropriations for commodity purchases under the emergency food assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the June 30, 1999, termination date for the research tax credit. Increases by one percent the alternative incremental tax credit for qualified research. Extends such credit to qualified research performed after December 31, 1999, in Puerto Rico or any other U.S. possession.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to temporarily suspend, through December 31, 2004, the duty on instant print film for color photography.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999
Food Stamp Outreach and Research for Kids Act of 1999 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to (temporarily) carry out mandatory annual onsite inspections of State food stamp program agencies. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to carry out a caseworker training demonstration program. (Sec. 104) Provides for Food and Nutrition Service studies to measure food stamp program impacts on nutrition policy formulation. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of grants to qualifying organizations for community partnerships and innovative outreach programs. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to conduct online and telephone program participation demonstration programs. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to facilitate partnerships with State, local, private, and public entities to provide information on nutrition programs, and maintain a toll-free information number. Makes an entity maintaining a toll-free number eligible for a specified Internal Revenue Code business tax credit. (Sec. 108) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of State outreach programs. Title II: Medicaid and Food Stamp Information Through TANF Program and Tax Credit - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a model application for receiving benefits under a State TANF program (Social Security Act block grants to States for temporary assistance to needy families). Requires the application to provide Medicaid and food stamp program eligibility information, for which the Secretary shall develop a model notice. Declares that State use of the application and notice shall be voluntary unless the Secretary determines that a State is not adequately providing food stamp information. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a business credit for establishment of the toll-free number under title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1999
Food and Medicine for the World Act - Prohibits the President from imposing a unilateral agricultural sanction or unilateral medical sanction against a foreign country, except in specified circumstances, unless: (1) not less than 60 days before the sanction is proposed to be imposed, the President makes a specified report to Congress; and (2) Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the report.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 1999 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use funding under COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community policing efforts; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for the costs associated with seeking a college or graduate school education. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations; (3) school-based partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school systems by using school resource officers who operate in and around elementary and secondary schools (current law) to serve as a law enforcement liaison with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and to combat gang membership and criminal activity, firearms and explosives-related incidents, illegal use and possession of alcohol, and the illegal possession, use, and distribution of drugs; and (4) innovative programs that bring together a community's sheriff, police chief, and elderly residents to address the public safety concerns of older citizens. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities. Requires the technical assistance provided by the Attorney General to include the establishment and operation of regional community policing institutes training centers or facilities. Permits the functions of the centers or facilities to include instruction and seminars for specified individuals, including representatives of police labor and management organizations and community residents. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding: (1) termination of grants for hiring officers; and (2) preferential consideration of applications for certain grants. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for units of local government with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted specifically for retention of police officers to grantees in good standing, with preference to those that demonstrate financial hardship or severe budget constraint that impacts the entire local budget and may result in the termination of employment for officers. Redefines: (1) "career law enforcement officer" to include sheriffs' deputies charged with supervising offenders who are released into the community but also engaged in local community policing efforts; and (2) "school resource officer" to mean a career law enforcement officer deployed in community-oriented policing and assigned to work in collaboration with schools and community-based organizations (as under current law) to engage in specified activities, including serving as a law enforcement liaison with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies to address and document crime and disorder problems, training students in conflict resolution and crime awareness, and assisting school administrators with the preparation of an annual report on the number of students expelled per year for bringing a weapon, firearm, or explosive to school. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1999
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien who is adopted while under the age of 18 may be considered a child under such Act if adopted with or after a natural sibling who is a child (under the age of 16).
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the U.S.S. Wisconsin and those who served on that vessel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1999
S Visa and Refugee Assistance Authorization Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that in light of increased alien smuggling into the United States, the Attorney General should increase the use of providing nonimmigrant status for aliens assisting in criminal or security investigations ("S" visa) in alien smuggling operations. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the "S" visa period of admissions. Authorizes appropriations for refugee assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1999
Leif Ericson Millennium Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins, in conjunction with the simultaneous minting and issuance of commemorative coins by the Republic of Iceland, in commemoration of the millennium of the discovery of the New World by Leif Ericson. Mandates that all coin surcharges be paid to the Leifur Eirikson Foundation for the purpose of funding student exchanges between the United States and Iceland.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999
Commends the past and present personnel of the submarine force of the U.S. Navy for their technical excellence, accomplishments, professionalism, and sacrifices. Congratulates them for the 100 years of exemplary service that they have provided the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that, in the next millennium, the submarine force should continue to constitute an integral part of the Navy, and to carry out missions that are key to maintaining the Nation's freedom and security as the superior submarine force in the world.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999
Medicare Beneficiary Access to Care Act of 1999 - Title I: Hospitals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) multiyear transition to prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services and a special rule for rural and cancer hospitals; (2) limitation in reduction of payments to disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals; (3) revision of criteria for designation as a critical access hospital; and (4) sole community and Medicare-dependent, small rural hospitals and the applicable percentage increase for FY 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year. (Sec. 103) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase DSH hospital allotments for Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to make the Medicaid DSH transition rule permanent. Title II: Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to revision of multiyear reduction of indirect graduate medical education (GME) payments. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII parts D (Miscellaneous) and C (Medicare+Choice) with respect to acceleration of payment to hospitals of indirect and direct GME costs for Medicare+Choice enrollees. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with respect to the exclusion of nursing and allied health education costs in calculating the Medicare+Choice payment rate. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to: (1) payment to hospitals of nursing and allied health education program costs for Medicare+Choice enrollees; and (2) adjustments to limitations on the number of interns and residents and GME payments for certain interns and residents. Title III: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to increase payments for routine home care and other services included in hospice care for a fiscal year after FY 1999. Title IV: Skilled Nursing Facilities - Provides that, for purposes of applying any formula under the PPS for covered skilled nursing facility services (SNFs) for services provided between April 1, 2000, and the end of FY 2001, the Secretary shall increase, by a specified applicable payment add-on, the adjusted Federal per diem rate otherwise determined for services provided to any individual during the period in which such individual is in a RUG III case mix category. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XVIII to exclude clinical social worker services and services performed under a contract with a rural health clinic or a Federally-qualified health center from the PPS for SNFs, as well as certain ambulance services, chemotherapy administration services, and other specified items, services, and devices, including swing beds in critical access hospitals. Title V: Outpatient Rehabilitation Services - Amends title XVIII to repeal for three years a specified financial limitation on outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient occupational therapy services, and outpatient speech-language pathology services covered under Medicare and furnished on or after January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary to implement by January 1, 2003, a payment system for such services that takes into account the needs of Medicare beneficiaries for differing amounts of therapy based on certain factors. Title VI: Physicians' Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for physicians' services to revise the formula for determining the update adjustment factor and the formula for determining the sustainable growth rate for all physicians' services. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register an estimate of the single conversion factor to be used in the next calendar year for reimbursement of physicians' services, and data on which such estimate is based. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPac) to review annually and report to the Secretary and specified congressional committees on such estimates and data. Title VII: Home Health - Amends BBA '97 and SSA title XVIII to delay application of the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services until one year after implementation of the PPS for home health services. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XVIII to increase the FY 2000 per visit limit for home health agencies furnishing home health services, but in such a way that has no effect on the PPS for home health services. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary to pay such excess reasonable cost to a home health services provider that furnishes services appropriate to an individual's condition at a reasonable cost which significantly exceeds the applicable per beneficiary limit because of unusual variations in the type or amount of medically necessary care required. (Sec. 704) Eliminates the 15-minute billing requirement for the payment of claims for home health services furnished on or after October 1, 1998. (Sec. 705) Provides that, in the case of an overpayment by the Secretary to a home health agency for services furnished during a cost reporting period beginning on or after October 1, 1997, as a result of certain payment limitations, the home health agency may elect to repay the amount of such overpayment ratably over a 36-month period beginning on the overpayment notification date. (Sec. 706) Amends SSA title XVIII to include medical supplies (but not durable medical equipment) as home health services for purposes of home health consolidated billing. Title VIII: Medicare+Choice - Amends Medicare part C to delay the submission of proposed premiums, adjusted community rates, and related information each Medicare+Choice organization is required to submit to the Secretary for each Medicare+Choice plan for the service area in which it is intended to be offered in the following year. (Sec. 802) Reduces from five years to three years the general exclusion period for Medicare+Choice organizations whose contract has been terminated. (Sec. 803) Authorizes enrollment in alternative Medicare+Choice plans and Medigap coverage in the event of an involuntary termination of Medicare+Choice enrollment. Guarantees access for certain Medicare beneficiaries to Medigap policies in case of such an involuntary termination. (Sec. 804) Removes certain age-related restrictions with respect to Medigap protection against medical condition or pre-existing condition discrimination. Permits an individual who develops end-stage renal disease while enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan and remains so enrolled to elect to continue enrollment in another Medicare+Choice plan if the original enrollment is discontinued. (Sec. 805) Extends the Medicare+Choice disenrollment window for certain involuntarily terminated enrollees. (Sec. 806) Provides under the Medicare+Choice program for continuation of any State law that requires the comprehensive coverage of prescription drugs, or any regulation that carries out such a law if: (1) the State has a waiver in effect with respect to requiring such coverage under Medigap policies; or (2) the Secretary provides for a waiver for the State to impose such a requirement. (Sec. 807) Exempts certain frail elderly Medicare+Choice beneficiaries from the risk-adjustment system if they are enrolled in a specialized program for the frail elderly. Sets forth special rules for frail elderly Medicare+Choice beneficiaries enrolled in such specialized programs. Provides for continuous open enrollment for certain such beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to measure the quality of care provided in specialized programs for the frail elderly in order to reflect their unique health aspects and needs. (Sec. 808) Extends for an additional three years Medicare community nursing and ambulatory care demonstration projects under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. Title IX: Clinics - Amends SSA title XIX to establish a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics under which the State Medicaid plan may provide for payment in any fiscal year to such a center or clinic for certain services in an amount exceeding the amount otherwise required to be paid under the PPS.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Congratulates the people of East Timor for their heroic vote on August 30, 1999. Recognizes the overwhelming expression of such people in favor of independence. Commends: (1) the United Nations (UN) Security Council for passing a resolution authorizing a multinational force to address the security situation in East Timor; (2) Australia for its readiness to lead the multinational force for East Timor (and welcomes the participation of other nations); and (3) UN Mission in East Timor personnel. Expresses: (1) support for a rapid and effective deployment throughout East Timor by the multinational force; and (2) approval for the United States to assist in this effort. Condemns the violent efforts of the East Timor militias and elements of the Indonesian military to overturn the results of the vote. Notes the failure of the Indonesian Government to guarantee the security of the people of East Timor and such Government's responsibility to restrain such elements and paramilitary forces. Calls upon the Government of Indonesia to: (1) recognize its responsibilities as a member of the UN and a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to cooperate with appropriate UN authorities in the restoration of order in East Timor; (2) allow unrestricted access to refugees and displaced persons in West Timor by relief agencies; (3) hold accountable those responsible for the violence, human rights abuses, and atrocities; and (4) cooperate with the international community in establishing an international commission of inquiry to investigate human rights abuses in East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it should: (1) increase the Federal investment in education, including providing increases in support for specified programs; and (2) stay within the discretionary spending caps and avoid using the resources of the social security program by finding discretionary spending offsets that do not jeopardize important investments in other key programs within the jurisdiction of a specified congressional subcommittee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1999
National Health Museum Site Selection Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey specified property to the National Health Museum, Inc. (the Museum), to provide a site for the construction and operation of a new building to serve as the National Health Museum. Requires the Museum to provide written notification to the Administrator of the date on which it will accept conveyance of the property. Sets forth provisions regarding the purchase price for the property, including requiring the Administrator to report the purchase price to Congress and to deposit it into the Federal Buildings Fund. Provides for reversion of the property to the United States and repayment of the purchase price to the Museum if : (1) it is used for a purpose other than construction and operation of the Museum; (2) the Museum does not commence construction on the property within three years after conveyance, other than for a reason not within the Museum's control; or (3) the Museum ceases to be a nonprofit corporation. Permits the Museum to: (1) demolish or renovate any existing or future improvement on the property; (2) build, own, operate, and maintain new improvements on the property; (3) finance and mortgage the property on customary terms and conditions; and (4) manage the property. Requires the United States to cooperate with the Museum on any zoning or other matter relating to the development or improvement of the property or the demolition of any improvement. Requires the costs of remediation of any environmental hazards existing on the property, including all asbestos-containing materials, to be borne by the United States. Requires the Museum to submit annual reports to the Administrator and Congress on the status of planning, development, and construction of the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1999
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 1999- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to, among other changes: (1) prohibit a national committee of a political party (including specified related entities) from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to FECA; (2) require a State, district, or local committee of a political party to make Federal election year expenditures (with exceptions) for specified Federal election activities from funds subject to FECA; (3) prohibit a national, State, district, or local committee from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (4) prohibit an incumbent or candidate for Federal office or an entity directly or indirectly established , financed, maintained or controlled by or acting on behalf of one or more candidates or incumbents from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to FECA, including funds for any Federal election activity and from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with any election other than an election for Federal office or disburse funds in connection with such an election unless the funds meet specified requirements. Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000. Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to declare it to be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to receive payments from an employee pursuant to an agreement requiring such non-member employee to make payments in lieu of organization dues or fees without establishing a specified objection procedure under which the non-member's fees are reduced by the percentage that would be used to support political activities (thus codifying the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al).
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1999
Older Workers Pension Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit plan amendments that reduce future accrued benefits for years of service for participants in defined benefit plans with 100 or more members.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1999
Central American and Haitian Parity Act of 1999 - Amends the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (Act) to: (1) extend permanent resident status adjustment provisions to qualifying Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Haitian nationals; and (2) extend the application filing deadline. Permits certain pending applications filed by Salvadoran or Guatemalan nationals under the Act or Haitian nationals under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to be converted to an application for status adjustment under the Act. Amends such Acts to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility; and (2) provide for issuance of immigrant visas to certain spouses and children. Provides for the limited reopening of certain orders of deportation, exclusion, or removal by certain Haitian, Cuban, or Nicaraguan nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
Taunton River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 1999 - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on the Taunton River in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors to the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension by such institutions of financial assistance of any kind to the Government of Indonesia (except humanitarian assistance to it or East Timor). Expresses the sense of Congress that such institutions should withhold the balance of any undisbursed approved loans or other assistance to the Government of Indonesia. Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to Indonesia for: (1) economic and development assistance, except subject to the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications; and (2) military assistance. Prohibits the licensing of exports of defense articles and defense services to Indonesia. Urges the President to coordinate with other countries (particularly member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including urging other countries to take measures similar to those contained in this Act. Imposes such prohibitions on the Government of Indonesia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) a safe environment exists for the return of Timorese who were forced to flee the militia-led violence; (2) the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can resume its mandate pursuant to the June 11, 1999, authorization by the UN Security Council without threat or intimidation; (3) steps have been taken to implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status; and (4) the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia is conducting itself in a manner consistent with its responsibilities to its citizens and its international commitments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strongly support the authorization of an international peacekeeping force for East Timor.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 - Title I: Amendment to Title I of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add certain definitions. Title II: Amendments to Title II of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises the duties of the Administration on Aging. Provides for a set of performance outcome measures to be used for planning, managing, and evaluating activities performed and services provided under the Act. Reauthorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging. Title III: Amendments to Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes appropriations indefinitely for making grants relating to: (1) supportive services, (2) senior centers; (3) congregate nutrition services, (4) home delivered nutrition services; (5) in-home services; and (6) special needs. Authorizes appropriations for a nutrition services incentive program. Authorizes a State to require or permit cost sharing by recipients for all direct services, with specified exceptions, provided for in the Act. Expands the list of supportive services for which grants to States are provided. Establishes grant programs for support services for family caregivers, education and training related to programs for older individuals, and pension counseling projects. Title IV: Amendments to Title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Repeals provisions regarding training, research, and discretionary projects Title V: Amendments to Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish projects to place community service employment program participants in unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors. Reauthorizes the community service employment for older Americans program. Title VI: Amendments to Title VI of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Makes the authorization of appropriations for title VI of the Act indefinite, with exceptions. Establishes programs for grants to carry out vulnerable elder rights protection activities and for a Native American caregiver support program. Title VII: Amendments to Title VII of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises provisions regarding the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Title VIII: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
INS Reform and Border Security Act of 1999 - Title I: Immigration Affairs Agency - Establishes within the Department of Justice the Immigration Affairs Agency which shall consist of: (1) the Office of the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs; (2) the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications; and (3) the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs. Amends specified Federal laws to repeal authority for: (1) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (2) the office of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization; (3) compensation of assistant commissioners and district directors; and (4) special immigrant inspectors. Authorizes appropriations for the Agency. (Sec. 102) Establishes within the Agency the Office of the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs. Establishes within the Office the position of General Counsel. Establishes within the Agency the position of Chief Financial Officer. (Sec. 103) Establishes within the Agency the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications, which shall be headed by a Director of Immigration Services and Adjudications. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Bureau's structure should be based on the organization of the Social Security Administration. Establishes within the Bureau the positions of: (1) Chief Financial Officer; (2) Regional Commissioners; (3) Area Directors; and (4) Field Office Managers. Establishes within the Bureau: (1) Service Centers; (2) an Office of Quality Assurance; (3) an Office of Professional Responsibility; and (4) an Office of the Ombudsman. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Establishes within the Agency the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs, which shall be headed by a Director of the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Bureau's structure should be organized with the "best practices' of other Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Establishes within the Bureau: (1) the position of Chief Financial Officer; and (2) an Office of Professional Responsibility. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 108) Provides for the transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel. (Sec. 109) States that (prior to the effective date of this title) nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize or require transfer or delegation of any function of: (1) the Executive Office for Immigration Review of the Department of Justice; or (2) the Attorney General's litigation authorities. Title II: Personnel Flexibilities - Amends Federal law with respect to personnel provisions of the Agency, including: (1) personnel flexibilities; (2) specified pay authority; and (3) senior executives' performance awards. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs to provide voluntary separation incentive payments. Sets forth related provisions. (Sec. 204) Requires the Directors of the Bureaus to establish employee training programs. Title III: Additional Provisions - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the expedited processing of specified nonimmigrant and immigrant applications, visas, and petitions; and (2) establish an electronic filing pilot program for certain temporary workers. (Sec. 303) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to extend the increase in Border Patrol agents and support personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Public Health Response to Youth Suicide and Violence Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to carry out specified activities to expand and intensify research aimed at better understanding the underlying developmental and other causes of mental disorders that lead to youth suicide and violence. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1999 - Urges the President to seek an agreement with governments that trade with the United States to secure an international ban on trade in products of child labor (commercial exploitation of children under 15). Requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to identify foreign countries that: (1) do not comply with national laws that prohibit child labor in the workplace; (2) utilize child labor in the export of products; and (3) have on a continuing basis exported such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary requesting that a particular foreign industry and its host country be identified. Requires the Secretary, before making such identification, to: (1) consult with the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Treasury; (2) hold at least one public hearing for public comment; and (3) publish notice in the Federal Register, inviting public comment, that such identification is being considered. Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of this prohibition. Authorizes appropriations for a U.S. contribution to: (1) the International Labor Organization for the activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor; and (2) the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for those activities relating to bonded child labor that are carried out by the Subcommittee and Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to eligible intermediaries to deposit into child care revolving funds for technical and financial assistance to eligible recipients to pay the Federal matching share of costs of acquisition, construction, or improvement of center-based or home-based child care facilities or equipment, or for the improvement of related management and business practices. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
21st Century School Modernization Act - Title I: School Modernization and Improvement - Establishes a grants program for modernization of public elementary and secondary education facilities. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to award such grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) in specified categories based on numbers of students enrolled, and to set maximum award amounts for each such category. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds to provide assistance to Indian schools. (Sec. 102) Sets forth requirements for grant award criteria, allocation among categories, and frequency. (Sec. 103) Sets forth application requirements for eligible LEAs. (Sec. 104) Requires grant funds to be used only to ensure the health and safety of students through the repair, renovation, alteration, or construction of a public elementary school or secondary school facility. Authorizes use of grant funds to meet specified requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 105) Sets forth general program provisions for the Secretary, relating to budget and accounting, use of funds, legal powers, and applicability of the Government Corporation Control Act. (Sec. 106) Requires program contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers and mechanics at least at the rate required under the Davis-Bacon Act, and provides for coverage under the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act. (Sec. 107) Sets forth requirements for maintenance of effort, supplementation of other funds, and environmental safeguards. Prohibits use of grant funds for acquiring real property, for paying associated maintenance costs, or for athletic and similar facilities. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds for data collection, studies and evaluations, and a report to the Congress. (Sec. 109) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: State Infrastructure Banks for Schools - Establishes a pilot program for State infrastructure banks. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks in States that have entered into cooperative agreements to provide initial capital for loans to LEAs for building or repairing public elementary or secondary schools and to public libraries for building or repairing library facilities. Sets forth requirements for such State infrastructure banks, including provisions for loan applications, criteria for loans, qualifying projects, Davis-Bacon wage rate coverage, program administration costs, and Secretarial review and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Schools as Centers of the Community - Establishes a grants program to assist LEAs and their communities to increase the involvement of parents, teachers, students, and community groups in the planning and design of new and renovated public elementary and secondary school buildings that: (1) enhance teaching and learning, and accommodate the needs of all learners; (2) serve as a center of the community; (3) promote health, safety, and security; (4) effectively use all available resources; and (5) are flexible and can accommodate changing community needs. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to award such one-year matching grants to LEAs participating in eligible consortia to support such planning and design. (Sec. 304) Requires such grants to be used for planning and design of a new, or of the renovation of an existing, school building. Allows grants to be used for: (1) community outreach activities; (2) developing a master plan for a school district, involving all stakeholders; and (3) administrative support. (Sec. 305) Sets forth grant application requirements for LEAs. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Parental Accountability, Recruitment, and Education National Training Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to increase parental involvement requirements under various programs. (Sec .4) Revises ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational agencies) to require State plans to demonstrate that the State has identified or developed effective research-based best practices designed to foster meaningful parental involvement. Requires such best practices to: (1) be disseminated to all schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) in the State; (2) be implemented in all schools in the State; and (3) address the full range of specified parental involvement activities. Sets forth related revisions to requirements for LEA plans, schoolwide programs, targeted assistance, assessments, State assistance, current parental involvement requirements, and State review. Requires States to collect and disseminate effective parental involvement practices to LEAs and schools. Requires such practices to be: (1) based on the most current research on effective parental involvement that fosters achievement to high standards for all children; (2) geared toward lowering barriers to greater participation in school planning, review, and improvement experienced by parents; and (3) implemented by the State in LEAs and schools requesting such assistance from the State. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs) to review LEAs' parental involvement policies and practices to determine if they are meaningful and targeted to improve home and school communication, student achievement, and parental involvement in school planning, review, and improvement. (Sec. 5) Revises ESEA title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) to include among authorized Federal activities developing and disseminating model programs that teach teachers and administrators how best to work with parents and how to encourage the parent's involvement in the full range of specified parental involvement activities. Requires SEA allotment applications to describe how the State will train teachers to foster relationships with parents and encourage parents to become collaborators with schools in their children's education. Includes among authorized State-level program activities providing professional development programs that enable teachers, administrators, and pupil services personnel to communicate effectively with and involve parents in the education process to support school planning, review, improvement, and classroom instruction, and to work effectively with parent volunteers. Requires LEA subgrant plans and applications to describe the specific professional development strategies that will be implemented to improve parental involvement in education and how the LEA will be held accountable for implementing such strategies. Authorizes LEAs and schools to engage in professional development activities to enable teachers, administrators, and pupil services personnel to communicate with parents regarding student achievement on assessments. (Sec. 6) Revises ESEA title III (Technology for Education) to require the national long-range technology plan to describe how the Secretary of Education will promote increased parental involvement in schools through the use of technology. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate model technology programs designed to improve parental involvement. Includes among authorized LEA uses of title III funds: (1) using technology to develop or expand efforts to connect schools and teachers with parents to promote meaningful parental involvement and foster increased communication about curriculum, assignments, and assessments; and (2) providing ongoing training and support for parents to help them learn and use the technology being applied in their children's education, so as to equip them to reinforce and support their children's learning. Requires local applications for such funds to describe how such activities will be carried out. Requires the Secretary to give priority in awarding national challenge grants for technology in education to consortia which demonstrate that the project will enhance parental involvement by providing parents the means and the skills needed to more fully participate in their child's learning. (Sec. 7) Revises ESEA title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities) to require State applications for allotments to describe how the SEA will receive input from parents regarding its use of title IV funds, its review of LEA applications for such funds, and the use of such funds for Governor's programs. Requires SEA and LEA reports to describe how parents were informed of and participated in violence and drug prevention efforts. (Sec. 8) Revises ESEA title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) to include as a factor in identifying effective schools a climate that promotes meaningful parental involvement in the classroom and in site-based activities. Requires State applications for title VI State program assistance to provide information on the parental involvement policies and practices promoted by the State. Includes programs to promote the meaningful involvement of parents among the innovative assistance programs which are targeted for LEA use of title VI funds. (Sec. 9) Revises ESEA title XIV (General Provisions) to require SEAs, as a condition for receiving Federal funding for any ESEA program and as part of a consolidated application, or other State plan or application submitted under ESEA, to submit to the Secretary descriptions of: (1) their parental involvement policies, with details on how Federal funds will be used to implement such policies and successful research-based practices in schools throughout the State; and (2) how such policies will be evaluated with respect to increased parental involvement in the schools throughout the State. Requires SEAs, prior to application submission, to involve parents in the development and review of such policies through notice and opportunity to make comments. Directs SEAs and LEAs that are required to establish a parental involvement plan or policy under a program assisted under ESEA to make available, to the parents of children eligible to participate in the program, the plan or policy in the language most familiar to the parents and in an easily understandable manner.
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