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
Mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add provisions relating to State and local taxation on mobile telecommunications services (mobile services) and set forth exceptions. States that all charges for mobile services provided by the customer's home service provider (provider) are authorized to be subject to tax, charge, or fee by the taxing jurisdictions whose territorial limits encompass such customer's place of primary use, regardless of where the mobile services originate, pass through, or terminate. Prohibits any other taxing jurisdiction from imposing a tax, charge, or fee for such mobile services. Provides tax limitations. Authorizes a State to provide an electronic database to a provider, or allows a designated database provider to provide such database to a provider. Requires such database to designate the appropriate taxing jurisdiction identified by one nationwide standard numerical code. Outlines additional database requirements. Requires a State or database provider to provide notice of the availability of such database in that taxing jurisdiction. Holds a provider harmless if neither a State nor designated database provider provides such a database, as long as the provider employs an enhanced zip code to assign each street address to a specific taxing jurisdiction for each appropriate level of taxation and exercises due diligence to ensure that such information is correct. Outlines procedures to be undertaken by a provider when the enhanced zip code overlaps boundaries of taxing jurisdictions. Terminates the exclusion from liability of a provider acting in such manner on the later of: (1) 18 months after the nationwide standard numeric code has been approved; or (2) six months after that State or designated database provider provides the database for such use. Authorizes a taxing jurisdiction, or a State acting on behalf of any taxing jurisdiction within such State, to take appropriate action to correct erroneous data concerning a customer's place of primary use. Makes a provider responsible for obtaining and maintaining each customer's place of primary use for tax purposes. Allows the provider, for two years after the enactment of this Act with respect to existing service contracts, to treat the customer billing address as that customer's place of primary use. Excludes the Federal Communications Commission from jurisdiction over the interpretation, implementation, or enforcement of this Act.
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 · 12 October 1999
Lifesaving Vaccine Technology Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an income tax credit for 30 percent of the qualified expenses (excluding amounts funded by any grant, contract, or otherwise by another person or any governmental entity) for medical research related to developing vaccines against malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1999
School Environment Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools. Directs local educational agencies (LEAs) of school districts to develop and implement systems in schools in compliance with this Act. Permits LEAs to continue to implement existing State systems that meet this Act's standards and criteria. Applies this Act's requirements to pesticide application in school buildings and on school grounds. Requires schools to prohibit: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or (2) the use of an area or room treated by a pesticide, other than a least toxic pesticide, during the 24-hour period beginning at the end of the treatment. Requires the Administrator to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board. Directs the Board, among other duties, to: (1) review pesticides used in schools for their acute toxicity and chronic effects; and (2) recommend a list of least toxic pesticides. Authorizes the Board to recommend restrictions on pesticide use in schools. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a list of least toxic pesticides that may be used in schools; (2) publish pesticide restrictions in the Federal Register; and (3) issue findings on whether use of registered pesticides in schools may endanger children's health. Directs the Administrator to appoint an official for school pest management within the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs to coordinate integrated pest management systems in schools. Requires LEAs to: (1) designate contact persons for carrying out such systems; (2) maintain all pesticide use data for each school in the district and make such data publicly available; and (3) include notice of such systems in forms of universal notification at the beginning of each school year. Permits the use of a pesticide only if the pesticide has been disclosed in such notice. Prescribes procedures to be followed if a pest cannot be controlled after having used an integrated pest management system and least toxic pesticides, including prior notification of parents, guardians, and staff members of the use of a pesticide and posting of signs. Prescribes alternative procedures in emergency situations. Provides for public comments, through school board meetings, on integrated pest management systems. Establishes a complaint procedure to remedy violations of this Act. Prescribes civil penalties for violations. Establishes the Integrated Pest Management Trust Fund to carry out education, training, propagation, and development activities under integrated pest management systems of schools to remedy the harmful effect of actions taken by persons who paid civil penalties. Describes remedies for employees alleging violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to LEAs to develop systems under this Act. Prohibits, no later than six years after this Act's enactment, the use of any pesticide other than a least toxic pesticide in schools unless the Administrator has met the requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Debt Relief for Poor Countries Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, subject to authorization of appropriations, to cancel or reduce all amounts owed to the United States by heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) as a result of concessional and nonconcessional loans made, guarantees issued, or credits extended prior to January 1, 1996, under any provision of law. Sets forth eligibility requirements for cancellation or reduction of debt. Directs the President, in canceling or reducing debt, to give priority to HIPCs that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to poverty alleviation or have recently suffered a major natural disaster. (Sec. 2) Provides that cancellation or reduction of debt shall not be considered to be assistance for purposes of any law limiting assistance to a country. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth certain procedures for the making of new loans, extending new credits, or issuing new guarantees to the governments of developing countries. (Sec. 3) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to urge the President, in order to accelerate multilateral debt relief and promote economic and human development and poverty alleviation in HIPCs, to commence diplomatic efforts within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, as well as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions to make certain modifications in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, including: (1) the placing of a limit on maximum waiting period before a country receives debt relief; (2) the revision of country eligibility requirements under the HIPC Initiative; (3) the adoption of an economic opportunity and human development action plan by HIPCs; (4) limits on the amount of debt reduction; (5) transparency and participation by HIPCs in HIPC decision making; and (6) the provision of HIPC review. Authorizes appropriations for the HIPC Trust Fund. Declares the sense of Congress that the amounts that would otherwise be provided by the United States for development aid or other debt relief should not be reduced on account of any such appropriations. Directs the President to work with the member countries of international financial institutions to ensure transparency and public participation in decisions to make new loans to developing countries, including terms and conditions.
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
Breast Reconstruction Implementation Act of 1999 - Amends the group health plan requirements of the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits with respect to a mastectomy to ensure that, in a case in which a mastectomy patient elects breast reconstruction, coverage is provided for: (1) all stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed; and (2) surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance in the manner determined by the attending physician and the patient to be appropriate.
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
Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 1999 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" to include all aspects of religious observance, practice, and belief unless, after initiating and engaging in an affirmative and bona fide effort, an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate a religious observance or practice without undue hardship (action requiring significant difficulty or expense) on the conduct of the employer's business. Prohibits deeming an accommodation by the employer reasonable if the accommodation does not remove the conflict between employment requirements and the religious observance or practice. Excludes, in certain circumstances, a defense that the accommodation would be in violation of a seniority system. Prohibits requiring payment of premium wages for work performed during hours to which premium wages would ordinarily be applicable if work is performed during those hours only to accommodate religious requirements of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Designates October 10 through October 16, 1999, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. Commits to increasing the quality of life for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis by promoting public knowledge and understanding in a manner that will result in earlier diagnoses, more fund raising efforts for research, and increased levels of support for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999
Condemns the repressive anti-Baha'i policies and actions of the Government of Iran. Continues to hold such Government responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals in a manner consistent with Iran's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens. Expresses concern that individual Baha'is continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion. Urges the Government of Iran to: (1) permit Baha'i students to attend and Baha'i faculty to teach at Iranian universities, return property confiscated from the Baha'i Open University (OU), free imprisoned faculty members of OU, and permit OU to continue to function; (2) implement fully the conclusions and recommendations on the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community made by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Professor Abdelfattah Amor, in his March 1996 report to the UN Commission of Human Rights; and (3) extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants of human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of its concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the Iranian Government's human rights practices, particularly its treatment of such community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the U.S. Government's relations with the Government of Iran; (3) emphasize the need for the UN Special Representative for Human Rights to be granted permission to enter Iran; (4) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting rights guaranteed by UDHR and the international covenants on human rights; and (5) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Iranian Government, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, including the UN, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities through joint appeals and other appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Designates the Old Executive Office Building located at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C., as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pilot Program Title II: Technology Education Grants Helping Improve Technology Education and Competitiveness Act or the HITEC Act - Title I: Pilot Program - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a pilot program under which certain aliens completing a postsecondary degree in mathematics, science, engineering, or computer science may have their nonimmigrant status adjusted to permit U.S. employment for up to five years in such fields. Sets forth related employer filing and enforcement provisions. Establishes in the Treasury the High-Tech Education Account Fund. Title II: Technology Education Grants - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to make matching grants to eligible business entities (which may additionally consist of government and education representatives) to assist public schools improve mathematics, science, and technology education. States that such grants shall be used for: (1) teacher training; and (2) provision of resources and technology support and specialized teaching personnel. Requires grantees to track program performance. Directs the Secretary to carry out an awards program (HITEC Gold Medal) to recognize entities that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of mathematics, science, and technology education through public school partnering. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999
Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit children covered under a State CHIP plan to continue to be eligible for benefits under State pediatric vaccine distribution programs (Vaccine for Children program) under Medicaid (SSA title XIX).
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1999
Medicare Patient Access to Technology Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of the Medicare Access to Technology Advisory Committee; and (2) annual adjustments to Medicare payment systems for changes in technology and medical practice. Provides for the treatment of new medical technologies under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services. Adds special rules for excluded technologies. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) make adjustments to the amounts payable under the PPS necessary to ensure that there is no increase or decrease in Medicare expenditures as a result of this Act; and (2) monitor the utilization of medical technology in hospital outpatient departments. Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the changes in utilization of and access to medical technologies furnished under Medicare, together with recommendations for legislation and administrative actions to improve Medicare beneficiary access to appropriate medical technologies. Amends SSA title XVIII to prohibit the exclusion of a drug or biological from Medicare coverage because it is not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, if such drug or biological has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is prescribed for an FDA-approved use or a use supported in medical compendia. Directs the Secretary to: (1) accept recommendations for Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) level II code modifications yearly from the public; (2) cause determinations on recommendations received during the three months immediately preceding the last month of a calendar quarter to be made not later than the first day of the following calendar quarter; and (3) implement approved modifications to HCPCS level II codes established under Medicare (including the Medicare fee schedule database) with respect to the payment system not later than 180 days after the determination approving a modification was made. Sets forth a special rule for certain medical technologies with regard to HCPCS level II codes. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a minimum period of marketing experience with respect to a drug or device as a condition of consideration or approval of a recommendation for a HCPCS level II code modification for such drug or device. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility and desirability of opening meetings of the HHS Alpha-Numeric Editorial Panel to the public. Directs the Secretary to maintain and continue the use of HCPCS level III codes (as in effect on June 1, 1999), and to make them available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1999
Medicare Wellness Act of 1999 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to establish policies and criteria for the HHS Secretary to make grants to approved applicants to study specified approaches to further health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) encourage inclusion of preventive health measures in all Medicare treatments; (2) HCFA expand the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine establish a Medicare health promotion and disease prevention intervention clearinghouse. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to outline Medicare coverage of various specified preventive services, including: (1) counseling for cessation of tobacco use; (2) screening for hypertension; (3) counseling for hormone replacement therapy; (4) screening for glaucoma and for diminished visual acuity; and (5) screening and counseling for osteoporosis. (Sec. 209) Waives coinsurance and deductibles for certain preventive services, such as: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; (2) colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests; and (3) bone mass measurement. (Sec. 210) Directs the Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries and to integrate specified preventive benefits added by this Act with existing program integrity measures. Title III: Medicare Health Education and Risk Appraisal Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish a health education and risk appraisal program to inform certain target individuals, including Medicare beneficiaries, of described major behavioral risk factors through self-assessment; and (2) conduct periodic followups. Title IV: Disease Self-Management Demonstration Projects - Establishes in HHS a Disease Self-Management Working Group. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to promote disease self-management for conditions identified by the Group for described target individuals. Provides funding. Title V: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in the Field of Disease Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise reporting requirements for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Sec. 502) Directs the Director of the National Institutes on Aging to conduct one or more studies, for associated reports to the HHS Secretary and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, that focus on ways to: (1) improve quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute to study and report to the President and Congress on health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 504) Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999
American Hospital Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce for FY 2000 through 2002 the market basket percentage based update factor used for purposes of determining payment for prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1999
Community Development and Venture Capital Act of 1999 - Title I: New Markets Venture Capital Program - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish a New Markets Venture Capital Program under which the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) is authorized to make grants to new market venture capital companies (NMVCs) and guarantee debentures issued by NMVCs. Makes eligible as participating companies in the Program those companies which submit an approved business plan for: (1) making venture capital investments in small enterprises; and (2) providing marketing, management, and technical assistance to such enterprises. Requires applicants to be experienced in making venture capital investments in small enterprises. Provides additional application requirements and SBA selection criteria. Outlines conditions to be met by each company before final approval as an NMVC, including: (1) a capital investment requirement of at least $5 million from investors who meet SBA-established criteria; and (2) cash or binding commitments with non-SBA sources for Program marketing, management, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make grants to each approved NMVC to provide marketing, management, and technical assistance for the benefit of small enterprises financed by the NMVC; (2) guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on debentures issued by NMVCs, not to exceed 150 percent of the contributed capital of the NMVC; (3) issue trust certificates representing ownership of all or a fractional part of SBA-guaranteed debentures under this Act; and (4) charge fees with respect to any guarantee issued or grant awarded. Authorizes any national bank, member bank of the Federal Reserve System, and any other bank which is insured to the extent permitted under applicable State law to invest in any NMVC, or in any entity established to invest solely in NMVCs. Limits such investment to five percent of such bank's capital and surplus. Requires each NMVC to provide the SBA with any required information. Subjects each NMVC to examinations made at the direction of the Investment Division of the SBA. Authorizes the Administrator to obtain injunctions and other relief against companies violating requirements of this Act, which shall include a breach of fiduciary duty in unlawful acts and omissions by company officers, directors, employees, or agents. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2005 to carry out this title. (Sec. 102) Exempts an NMVC from debtor status under Federal bankruptcy law. (Sec. 103) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize a Federal savings association to invest in NMVC securities, with an investment limit of five percent of the association's capital and surplus. Title II: Community Development Venture Capital Assistance - Community Development Venture Capital Capacity Building and Professional Development Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator to: (1) contract with one or more community development organizations to carry out training and research activities for individuals in community development venture capital organizations (privately-controlled organizations which promote community development in low-income communities through investment in private businesses); and (2) make grants to community development organizations for the cost of such training and research activities and to intermediary organizations to provide intense marketing, management, and technical assistance and training to community development venture capital organizations. Outlines authorized training and research activities. Directs the Administrator to require, as a condition to a grant to an intermediary organization, a matching contribution from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003 to carry out this title. Title III: Business Linc - Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, any coalition of private or public sector participants that: (1) expand business-to-business relationships between large and small businesses; and (2) provide businesses with on-line information and a database of companies interested in mentor-protege programs or community-based, Statewide, or local business development programs. Provides a matching funds requirement, with an authorized waiver in the best interests of the program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003 to carry out this title.
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 · 15 September 1999
Surface Transportation Board Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends Federal transportation law to require a rail carrier or corporation that is involved in a purchase and sale, a lease, or a corporate consolidation or merger transaction that has been approved or exempted by the Surface Transportation Board, and which is exempt from State regulation, to obtain, before such transaction can be carried out, the assent of a majority (or the number required under applicable State law) of the votes of the holders of the capital stock of such corporation. Revises certain requirements to subject employee protective arrangements to specified conditions.
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
Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to establish a class A license for qualifying low-power television (LPT) stations. Requires notification of LPT licensees of the requirements for class A designation. Requires requesting licensees to submit to the FCC a certification of eligibility based on the requirements of this Act. Requires the FCC to: (1) grant such certification absent a material deficiency; and (2) act to preserve the contours of LPT stations pending final resolution of such applications. Allows an LPT station to submit an application for class A designation only within 30 days after final regulations are adopted. Defines as a qualifying LPT station one which, during the 90 days preceding the date of enactment of this Act: (1) broadcast for at least 18 hours per day; (2) broadcast an average of at least three hours per week of programming that was produced within the market area served by such station or the market area served by a group of commonly controlled stations that carry common local or specialized programming not otherwise available to their communities; and (3) complied with other requirements applicable to LPT stations and, after the date of its license application, complies with the FCC's operating rules for full power television stations. Allows the FCC to treat non-qualifying stations as LPT stations under this Act if public interest, convenience, and necessity would be so served. Provides that: (1) the FCC is not required to issue any additional licenses for advanced television services to the licensees of class A television stations; and (2) the FCC shall approve such license applications proposing facilities that will not cause interference to any other broadcast facility authorized on the date of the filing of the class A advanced television application. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt Federal provisions concerning the allocation and assignment of new public safety services licenses and commercial licenses. Prohibits the FCC from granting a class A license to an LPT station operating between 698 and 806 megahertz, but requires the FCC to provide to LPT stations assigned to and temporarily operating within such bandwidth the opportunity to meet the licensing requirements.
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
America's Private Investment Companies Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to license America's Private Investment Companies (APICs) (for-profit investment companies formed to make equity and credit investments for large-scale business development in low-income communities). Authorizes the Secretary to impose fees and charges for administrative costs and to collect fees for loan guarantee commitments and loans made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003 for loan guarantee commitments and for administrative expenses. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to select APICs for licensing on the basis of competitions announced through the Federal Register. Outlines application and licensee selection requirements and criteria, including that each such entity have available at least $25 million in equity capital. (Sec. 106) Requires substantially all investments made by selected APICs to be qualified low-income community investments if such investments are financed by the Secretary under this Act. Outlines investment limits and borrowing and repayment conditions. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Secretary, consistent with the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, to make commitments to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on debentures issued by APICs, to issue trust certificates representing ownership of all or a fractional part of such debentures, and to guarantee the payment of principal and interest on such certificates. (Sec. 108) Authorizes an APIC to request that the Secretary guarantee a debenture that the APIC intends to issue under this Act. Outlines special requirements for: (1) requests which would include funding for initial expenditures for a project or activity; and (2) certification by a State or unit of general local government of responsibility for environmental reviews in connection with authorized projects or activities. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to examine and monitor the operations and activities of APICs for compliance with sound financial management practices and satisfaction of the program and procedural goals of this and related Acts. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) increase the credit subsidy allocated to an APIC as an award for high performance in carrying out its investment strategy and public purpose goals; and (2) penalize APICs for fraud, mismanagement, or noncompliance (allowing for notice and opportunity to respond prior to such penalties).
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999
Condemns prejudice against individuals of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry in the United States. Supports their participation in U.S. political, public, and civic affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) no Member of Congress or any other individual in the United States should stereotype or generalize the actions of an individual to an entire group of people; (2) individuals of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry in the United States are entitled to all rights and privileges afforded to all individuals in the United States; and (3) the Attorney General, the Secretary of Energy, and the Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should, within their respective jurisdictions, investigate all allegations of discrimination in public or private workplaces and vigorously enforce the security of U.S. national laboratories, without discriminating against such individuals.
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
Excellence in Economic Education Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a program for excellence in economic education under title X (Programs of National Significance). (Sec. 1) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the National Council on Economic Education (the grantee), a nonprofit educational organization. Requires the grantee to reserve certain amounts for States that do not have designated recipients. Requires the grantee to use one-quarter of the grant amount (after such reservation) to: (1) strengthen and expand the grantee's nationwide network on economic education; (2) support and promote training of teachers who teach a grade from kindergarten through grade 12 regarding economics, including the dissemination of information on effective practices and research findings regarding the teaching of economics; (3) support research on effective teaching practices and the development of assessment instruments to document student performance; (4) develop and disseminate appropriate materials to foster economic literacy; and (5) coordinate activities assisted under this Act with activities assisted under of ESEA title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). Requires the grantee to use of three-quarters of the grant amount (after such reservation) to award grants to State economic education councils, or in the case of a State that does not have a State economic education council, a center for economic education (a recipient). Requires that such a grant pay for the Federal share of the cost of enabling the recipient to work in partnership with one or more specified educational entities for one or more of the following purposes: (1) collaboratively establishing and conducting teacher training programs that use effective and innovative approaches to the teaching of economics; (2) providing resources to school districts that want to incorporate economics into the curricula of their schools; (3) evaluating the impact of economic education on students; (4) conducting economic education research; (5) creating and conducting school-based student activities to promote consumer, economic, and personal finance education, such as saving, investing, and entrepreneurial education, and to encourage awareness and student achievement in economics; (6) establishing interstate and international student and teacher exchanges to promote economic literacy; and (7) encouraging replication of best practices to encourage economic literacy. Sets forth requirements for recipients in carrying out teacher training programs under this Act. Encourages the grantee and recipients, in carrying out assisted activities under this Act, to: (1) include interactions with the local business community to the fullest extent possible, to reinforce the connection between economic education and economic development; and (2) work with private businesses to obtain matching contributions for Federal funds and assist recipients in working toward self-sufficiency. Sets forth requirements for Federal and non-Federal shares, grantee and recipient applications, reserved funds for States without recipients, and reports. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to allow a new composite theoretical performance level established by the President for high-performance computers subject to certain export controls to take effect 30 (currently 180) days after the President reports to specified congressional committees setting forth the new level and its justification.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999
Electronic Commerce Extension Establishment Act of 1999 - Amends the National Bureau of Standards Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance for the creation and support of Regional Centers for the Transfer of Electronic Commerce Technology (Centers). Requires the Centers to be affiliated with any U.S.-based nonprofit institution or organization that applies for and is awarded financial assistance under this Act. Outlines objectives of the Centers, including aiding small businesses, especially those located in rural areas, in identifying and adopting electronic commerce technologies and business practices. Defines "electronic commerce" as the ability to buy, sell, and deliver goods and services through computer networks. Requires such Centers to: (1) establish electronic commerce demonstration systems for technology transfer; and (2) transfer and disseminate research findings and Center expertise to companies and enterprises, particularly small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial support to a Center for such activities and objectives. Outlines application requirements for such assistance. Requires Centers receiving assistance to be evaluated during the third year of operation by a panel of private experts. Requires a positive finding from such panel before a Center may receive such assistance for its fourth through sixth years. Requires independent review of a Center every two years after the sixth year, to be conducted under procedures established by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. Provides Center funding limitations. Requires the Secretary to publish a proposal for the assistance program provided under this Act, as well as a final program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1999
Child Care Quality Incentive Act of 1999 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to establish a program of incentive grants to improve the quality of, and access to, child care by increasing child care payment rates. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make such grants to eligible States from specified allotments. Conditions a State's initial eligibility on its having surveyed the market rates for child care services in the State within the two years preceding submission of its application. Authorizes the Secretary to make an annual payment to an eligible State only if: (1) the Secretary determines that the State has made progress, through the assisted activities, in maintaining increased payment rates; and (2) the State updates such survey at least once every two years. Requires the State, to be eligible to receive such a grant, to agree to make available State contributions in cash from State sources toward at least 25 percent of the costs of priority required activities and additional authorized activities. Requires an eligible State that receives such a grant to make priority use of such funds to increase significantly (up to the 100th percentile of the market rate survey) the rate of reimbursement to providers for subsidized child care. Allows an eligible State, if it demonstrates to the Secretary that it has achieved such a payment rate for provision of child care assistance of the 100th percentile of the market rate survey, to use grant funds for any additional activity it demonstrates will enhance the quality of child care services. Requires evaluation reports by States to the Secretary, as well as biennial reports by the Secretary to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1999
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide Federal foster care maintenance payments to qualifying Indian tribal plans designed for foster and adoptive care of an Indian child. Sets forth parameters within which programs operated by Indian tribal organizations are eligible for Federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance (including Federal medical assistance).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
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
Medicare Return To Home Act of 1999 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a Medicare+Choice organization from denying coverage for services provided by a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in which the enrollee resided immediately before admission to a hospital, or located within the continuing care retirement community in which the enrollee resided immediately before admission to a hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999
Public School Modernization and Overcrowding Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds; (2) provide for qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds and establish limits and allocation formulas for such bonds; (3) provide for the treatment of qualified public educational facility bonds as exempt facility bonds; (4) increase the amount by which certain governmental bonds used to finance public school capital expenditures may be exempted from specified arbitrage bond provisions; (5) revise provisions concerning advance refundings of bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1999
National Law Enforcement Museum Act - Authorizes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to construct a National Law Enforcement Museum in the District of Columbia. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from permitting construction of the Museum unless sufficient amounts are available to complete construction. Provides that the United States shall pay no expense incurred in the establishment or construction of the Museum. Terminates construction authority seven years after this Act's enactment date unless construction begins before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1999
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA), in order to assist small businesses in successfully completing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, to award, on a competitive basis, a grant to one or more eligible associations (an association that represents small businesses participating in SBIR and STTR programs) to establish and carry out a program under which one or more qualified mentoring organizations provide technical assistance to small businesses located in low participation areas in order to advise and guide them through the SBIR and STTR processes from application and award through successful program completion. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Requires a report from the SBA Administrator to the small business committees regarding recommended changes in maximum grant amounts (no less than $50,000 or more than $200,000 per association).
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.
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