United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2000
Privacy Commission Act - Establishes the Commission for the Comprehensive Study of Privacy Protection to study and report to Congress and the President on issues relating to protection of individual privacy and the appropriate balance to be achieved between protecting such privacy and allowing appropriate uses of information, including: (1) the monitoring, collection, and distribution of personal information by the government and by individuals or entities; and (2) privacy protection efforts of the public and private sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2000
Pipeline Integrity, Safety, and Reliability Research and Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to develop and implement an accelerated cooperative research and development program to ensure the integrity of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for the establishment of a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee; and (2) prepare, along with the Committee, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, and submit to Congress a five-year research and development program plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Access to Affordable Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) in the case of an employer, for an employee health insurance expenses credit; (2) in the case of an individual (including the self-employed), for the deduction of 100 percent of the cost of medical care insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Student Education Enrichment Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a demonstration program of competitive matching grants to State educational agencies to enable them to assist local educational agencies in carrying out high quality summer academic enrichment programs as part of statewide education accountability programs. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact of such program on student achievement. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Open and Accountable Campaign Financing Act of 2000 - Title I: Disclosure - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to revise reporting requirements, including: (1) changing from quarterly to monthly the additional reports required to be filed with regard to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the House of Representatives or the Senate in any calendar year during which there is a regularly scheduled election for which such candidate is seeking nomination or election; (2) requiring a national committee of a political party to file the same monthly reports designated for all political committees other than authorized committees of a candidate; (3) requiring the national committee of a political party, any national congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any subordinate committee of either, to report all receipts and disbursements during the appropriate reporting period; and (4) directing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to make report information available on the Internet and at FEC offices. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a licensee to maintain and make available for public inspection a complete record of certain requests to purchase broadcast time that are related to legally qualified candidates. Title II: Soft Money of National Political Parties and Contribution Limits - Amends FECA to limit to $60,000 aggregate (indexed for inflation) per calendar year per contributor the amount of soft money a national committee of a political party, a congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such committee may accept. Places an aggregate limit on the soft money donor of $60,000 in any calendar year. Provides for judicial review with respect to such amendment. Increases individual, political committee, and multicandidate political committee contribution limits. Revises indexing provisions. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit solicitation of soft money in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an officer or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof, or a person receiving any salary or compensation for service from the Treasury. Amends FECA to provide for the indexing of certain penalty and other amounts under enforcement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Middle East Peace Process Support Act - Prohibits U.S. assistance to any unilaterally-declared Palestinian state. Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations to oppose admission to the United Nations of a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state or formal recognition by the United Nations of such a state.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Declares that: (1) the International Committee of the Red Cross should immediately recognize the Magen David Adom Society and the Society should be granted full membership in the International Red Cross (IRC) and Red Crescent Movement; (2) the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies should grant full membership to the Society immediately following recognition by the IRC; (3) the Society should not be required to give up or diminish its use of its emblem as a condition for membership; and (4) the Red Shield of David should be accorded the same recognition under international law as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2000
Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act of 2000 - Title I: Central American and Haitian Parity Act - Central American and Haitian Parity Act of 2000 - Amends the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (Act) to: (1) extend permanent resident status adjustment provisions to qualifying Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Haitian nationals; and (2) extend the application filing deadline. Permits certain pending applications filed by Salvadoran or Guatemalan nationals under the Act or Haitian nationals under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to be converted to an application for status adjustment under the Act. Amends such Acts to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility; and (2) provide for issuance of immigrant visas to certain spouses and children. Provides for the limited reopening of certain orders of deportation, exclusion, or removal by certain Haitian, Cuban, or Nicaraguan nationals. Title II: Restoration of Section 245(i) Adjustment of Status Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the restriction that only aliens with preference petitions or labor certifications filed by January 14, 1998, are eligible to adjust to permanent resident status without leaving the United States if they entered without inspection or fall within one of other specified classes (including aliens accepting unauthorized employment and aliens not maintaining legal nonimmigrant status). Title III: Extension of Registry Benefits - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Ac to extend registry benefits to aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to elect to use the completed contract accounting method with respect to an qualified naval construction contract (more than 24 months in duration).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2000
Declares Antonio Costa to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Authorizes the President, on behalf of Congress, to present a gold medal to General Wesley K. Clark, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during the military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2000
Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Management and Administration - Subtitle A: Establishment of the Competitive Medicare Agency - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Medicare Competition and Prescription Drugs) to establish, as an independent agency in the executive branch, a Medicare Competition Agency, headed by a Commissioner, to administer the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program (program) under part B (established by title II of this Act) and the Medicare+Choice program under part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare). (Sec. 101) Establishes a Medicare Competition and Prescription Drug Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XVIII to make the Commissioner a member of the Board of Trustees of the Medicare trust funds. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal civil service law to provide for a salary increase for the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Subtitle B: Redefined Medicare Solvency Measures - Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Board of Trustees to make a separate annual report on the operation and status of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and on the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under Medicare part B (Supplementary Insurance), including the Medicare Prescription Drug Account (created by title II of this Act) within it. (Sec. 151) Expresses the sense of Congress that the committees of jurisdiction shall hold hearings on such reports. Title II: Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program - Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part B (Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program) requiring the Commissioner to establish the Medicare Prescription Drug and Supplemental Benefit Program under which an eligible beneficiary may voluntarily enroll in, and receive access to covered outpatient prescription drugs and other benefits through, a Medicare Prescription Plus plan (plan) offered by a private entity or by a Medicare+Choice plan. Makes the costs of providing program benefits payable from the Medicare Prescription Drug Account. (Sec. 201) Outlines program procedures, including procedures for: (1) enrollment; (2) a Commissioner study and report to Congress on permitting individuals enrolled under Medicare part B but not entitled to benefits under Medicare part A to buy into the program; (3) plan election; (4) beneficiary outreach; (5) application of Medicare+Choice secondary payor requirements to the program in the same manner as they apply under the Medicare+Choice program; (5) alternative coverage requirements; (6) access to negotiated prices; (7) actuarial valuation and determination of annual percentage increases; (8) beneficiary protections, including grievance resolution; (9) requirements for entities offering plans, including licensure; (10) submission and approval of plans; (11) payments to plans for benefits; (12) computation and collection of beneficiary share of premium; (13) additional prescription drug subsidies through reinsurance; (14) plan fees for administrative costs; and (15) creation and use of the Medicare Prescription Drug Account. (Sec. 202) Revises requirements for the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to comply with this Act. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to prohibit a Medicare+Choice organization from offering prescription drug coverage to a Medicare+Choice plan enrollee unless such drug coverage is at least qualified prescription drug coverage under this Act, and unless specified requirements for such coverage are met. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require a State, as a condition for receiving Federal financial assistance for its Medicaid plan, to make Medicare prescription drug benefit eligibility determinations for low-income premium and cost-sharing subsidies. Mandates specified increases in applicable Federal matching rates for State expenditures for additional administrative costs. Provides for phased-in Federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs in the case of an individual dually entitled to qualified prescription drug coverage under a Medicaid plan or under a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C. (Sec. 205) Prohibits any new Medigap policy covering prescription drugs from being issued, on or after January 1, 2003, to an individual unless it replaces a Medigap policy that was issued to that individual and that provided some coverage of expenses for prescription drugs. Prohibits the issuer of a Medigap policy from denying or conditioning Medigap coverage for an individual who terminates certain kinds of Medigap policies and applies for certain other kinds. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish Medigap protections for individuals who lose Medicare prescription plus plan coverage. (Sec. 206) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the extent to which reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology overpays for the cost of such drugs and biologicals compared to the average acquisition cost paid by physicians or other drug suppliers. Title III: Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends Medicare part C with respect to: (1) increasing in national per capita Medicare+Choice growth percentage in 2001 and 2002; (2) removing application of budget neutrality beginning in 2002; (3) payments to Medicare+Choice organizations based on risk-adjusted bids; (4) premium reduction and Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium; (5) rules relating to premiums owed by Medicare+Choice enrollees; (6) allowing plans to include described reductions and other benefits in their basic benefits; (7) a special rule for end-stage renal disease; (8) information comparing plan premiums; (9) national coverage determinations; (10) disclosure requirements; (11) geographic adjustment; (12) Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium; (13) a freeze of the health risk adjuster at 20 percent after 2002; and (14) adjustment in payment to include the Commissioner's estimate of the amount of additional payments that would have been made in the area involved if individuals entitled to Medicare+Choice benefits had not received services from facilities of the Departments of Veterans Affairs or of Defense for purposes of calculating annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. Title IV: Medicare Beneficiary Outreach and Education - Amends SSA title XXII to add a new part C (Medicare Consumer Coalitions) authorizing the Commissioner of the Competitive Medicare Agency to establish Medicare Consumer Coalitions to conduct information programs comparing the original Medicare fee-for-service program, available Medicare+Choice plans, and available Medicare Prescription Plus plans. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000
Violence Against Women Act of 2000 - Title I: Strengthening Law Enforcement to Reduce Violence Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General (AG) to make grants to provide technical assistance and equipment to police departments, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions to facilitate the widespread enforcement of protection orders. Revises provisions of the Federal criminal code governing the full faith and credit of protection orders. Designates State, local, and Indian tribal courts as eligible grantees under the program to combat violent crimes against women. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 various programs which address violence against women, including domestic violence and stalking offenses. Title II: Strengthening Services to Victims of Violence - Authorizes the AG to award grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 various grants and programs under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. Title III: Limiting the Effects of Violence on Children - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for the provision of supervised visitation and safe visitation exchange of children by and between parents in situations involving domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. Reauthorizes through FY 2005 runaway and homeless youth grants and programs for victims of child abuse. Title IV: Strengthening Education and Training to Combat Violence Against Women - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for model programs of education and training in appropriate responses to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Title V: Battered Immigrant Women - Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide certain protections to battered immigrant women. Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Extends through FY 2005 the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Savings Accounts Are Valuable for Everyone Act of 2000 - Title I: Qualified Individual Development Accounts for Low-Income Workers - Allows any qualified financial institution or qualified nonprofit organization to establish one or more qualified individual development account (IDA) programs which meet the requirements of this Act. Requires each qualified IDA program to consist of: (1) an IDA to which an eligible individual contributes money; and (2) a tax-exempt parallel account for receiving matching funds. (Sec. 101) Limits qualified IDA programs to those in which at least one third of the IDAs under such program are owned by eligible individuals each of whom is a member of a household whose gross income does not exceed 50 percent of the area median income. (Sec. 102) Sets forth procedures for opening an IDA and qualifying for IDA matching funds. Requires completion of a financial education course before holders of IDAs are eligible to withdraw matching funds to pay for qualified expenses. (Sec. 103) Provides that except in the case of a qualified rollover, individual contributions to an IDA will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of the lesser of the following: (1) $2,000; or (2) an amount equal to the compensation includible in the individual's gross income for such taxable year. (Sec. 104) Requires the qualified financial institution or qualified nonprofit organization to deposit all matching funds for each IDA into a parallel account, which shall earn not less than the market rate of interest. Requires the qualified financial institution or qualified nonprofit organization to deposit not less than quarterly into the parallel account with respect to each eligible individual: (1) a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $500 the eligible individual contributes into an IDA with respect to any taxable year; and (2) any matching funds provided by State, local, or private sources in accordance to the matching ratio set by those sources. (Sec. 105) Outlines withdrawal procedures for qualified (higher education, first-time home-buyer, business capitalization, rollovers) and for nonqualified expenses. Excludes from an eligible individual's gross income any amount withdrawn from a parallel account. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations for monitoring IDA programs. (Sec. 108) Disregards funds in parallel accounts of IDA account program participants for purposes of certain means-tested Federal programs. Title II: Qualified Individual Development Account Program Investment Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to a qualified taxpayer that is: (1) a qualified financial institution; or (2) neither a qualified financial institution nor the individual owning an IDA. Allows for such a qualified taxpayer a credit (determined according to a specified formula) against both the income tax (with certain exceptions) and the employer's excise tax for old age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI) for matching contributions to an eligible individual's qualified IDA program investment for the taxable year. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the general fund of the Treasury to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the reduction in the employer's OASDI taxes by reason of the tax credit relating to the qualified IDA program investment credit. (Sec. 202) Prohibits qualified financial institutions which establish qualified IDA programs from receiving credit for funding, administration, and education expenses under any test contained in regulations for the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 for those activities and related expenses and taken into account for purposes of the qualified IDA program investment tax credit. (Sec. 203) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for designation of earned income tax credit payments for deposit to IDAs. Title III: Modification of IRA Contribution Limit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $2,000 to $3,500 the annual limit on deductible IRA contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Amends Federal law to direct the Postal Service to establish a special (semipostal) postage rate for first-class mail in order to afford the public a convenient way to contribute to funding for the establishment of the World War II Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) directly or indirectly cause a net decrease in total funds received by the American Battle Monuments Commission below the level that would otherwise have been received but for the enactment of this section; or (2) affect regular first-class rates of postage or any other regular rates of postage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Health Care Access and Rural Equality Act of 2000 - Title I: Increase in Market Basket Percentage Adjustment for Rural Hospitals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for an increase in the market basket percentage adjustment for rural hospitals. Title II: Capital Relief for Rural Health Care Infrastructure - Amends part A (Determination of Benefits) of SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to establish a Capital Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make loans up to a specified amount from the loan and loan guarantee fund to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements. Title III: Refinement of the Medicare Dependent, Small Rural Hospital Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to make the Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital program permanent and to give any hospital under such program the option of basing eligibility for payment on discharges during any of the three most recent audited cost reporting periods in lieu of the current basing of eligibility for payment on discharges during the cost reporting period beginning in FY 1987. Title IV: Exemption for Medicare Swing Bed Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII to exempt Medicare swing bed hospitals from the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to make January 1, 2001, the effective date of the elimination of certain restrictions with respect to the hospital swing bed program. Title V: Treatment of Physician Pathology Services - Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Title VI: Technical Corrections to the Balanced Budget Refinement Act - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) payments to critical access hospitals for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (2) the all-inclusive payment option for outpatient critical access hospital services; and (3) the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. Makes technical corrections to the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished by a critical access hospital and other specified matters. Amends Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to authorize the Secretary to make grants of up to a specified amount to applicant hospitals to assist eligible small rural hospitals in meeting the costs of establish data systems required to meet requirements established under Medicare pursuant to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance and Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment and operation of a national sanctuary system for all surplus federally owned chimpanzees that are no longer needed in research conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, or other Federal agencies. Mandates that any chimpanzee that is not owned by the Federal Government be accepted into the system if the owner transfers title to the chimpanzee to the sanctuary system. Provides for standards for permanent retirement of chimpanzees into the system. Requires such standards to empower the Secretary to authorize imposition of a fee (except in certain circumstances) for accepting a non-Federal chimpanzee into the system. Provides for funding. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or contracts for the operation of facilities that provide for the retirement of chimpanzees in accordance with the same standards that apply to the sanctuary system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Declares that the Senate: (1) recognizes the need to encourage active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children and that while there are millions of fathers who serve as a wonderful caring parent for their children, there are children on Father's Day who will have no one to celebrate with; (2) urges fathers to participate in their children's lives both financially and emotionally and to understand the level of responsibility required when fathering a child and to fulfill that responsibility; (3) encourages fathers to devote time, energy, and resources to their children; (4) is committed to assist absent fathers become more responsible and engaged in their children's lives; (5) designates June 18, 2000, as National Responsible Father's Day; and (6) calls on fathers around the country to use the day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, to spend such day with them, and to express their love and support for their children.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2000
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home; (2) Members of the Senate should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; and (3) Members of the Senate and contributing organizations should sponsor and construct two homes in the District of Columbia, each of which to be known as a "House That the Senate Built."
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2000 - Title I: Brownfields Revitalization Funding - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish programs to provide grants to eligible entities (including local government units, redevelopment agencies, States, and Indian tribes) for: (1) inventorying, characterizing, assessing, and conducting planning related to brownfield sites; and (2) remediating brownfield sites through loans. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. Includes within such definition a site contaminated by a controlled substance or mine-scarred land. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Brownfields Liability Clarifications - Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a hazardous substance release or threatened release that is not owned by such persons. (Sec. 202) Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any casefor which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. (Sec. 203) Deems a person, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to have undertaken appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person demonstrates that inquiries were undertaken in accordance with specified requirements (for property purchased after May 31, 1997, compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard until standards are issued by the Administrator). Deems the appropriate inquiry requirements to be satisfied by a facility inspection and title search that reveal no basis for further investigation in the case of property for residential or similar use purchased by a nongovernmental or noncommercial entity. Title III: State Response Programs - Adds CERCLA provisions authorizing the Administrator to provide grants to States or Indian tribes to establish or enhance response programs comprised of elements including survey and inventory of brownfield sites, public participation opportunities, oversight and enforcement authorities, and certification mechanisms. Authorizes appropriations. Restricts authority to take enforcement actions under CERCLA in cases of hazardous substance releases addressed by a State response plan. Authorizes the President to bring enforcement actions in certain instances, including cases where a State requests assistance, there is migration of contamination across State lines or onto Federal property, or there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or welfare or the environment and additional response actions are likely to be necessary. Makes restrictions on the President's authority to take such actions applicable only at sites in States that maintain, update at least annually, and make publicly available a record of sites at which response actions have been completed in the previous year and are planned to be addressed under the State response program in the upcoming year. Applies enforcement action requirements only to response actions conducted after June 8, 2000. (Sec. 302) Requires the President to defer final listing of an eligible response site on the National Priorities List if the State is conducting a response action in compliance with a State response program that will provide long-term health and environmental protection or is actively pursuing an agreement to perform such an action with a capable person. Requires reasonable progress toward completion of actions for deferral of listing. Permits the President to decline to defer, or discontinue a deferral if: (1) deferral would be inappropriate because the State, as an owner, operator, or significant contributor is a potentially responsible party; (2) the criteria under the National Contingency Plan for issuance of a health advisory have been met; or (3) the other conditions under this section for deferral are no longer being met.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Broadband Internet Access Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the broadband credit which shall be the sum of: (1) the current generation broadband credit; plus; (2) the next generation broadband credit. Defines terms. Requires a study and report.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Calls upon the President to: (1) issue a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, reasserting the U.S. commitment to full implementation of the Act, and urging all signatory states to abide by their obligations under the Act; and (2) convey to all signatory states that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, economic liberty, and the implementation of related commitments continue to be vital elements in promoting a new era of democracy, peace, and unity in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Andrew Jackson Higgins Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to: (1) the family of Andrew Jackson Higgins, honoring his contributions to the Nation and world peace; and (2) the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for public display, honoring Higgins and the employees of Higgins Industries for their contributions to the Nation and world peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Congratulates and thanks the members of the U.S. armed forces who participated in the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe for forever changing the course of history by helping bring an end to World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Mental Health Early Intervention, Treatment, and Prevention Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish programs for the treatment of mental illness. Directs the creation of a national anti-stigma and suicide prevention campaign to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. Provides for award grants to States, their political subdivisions, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to train teachers and school personnel to recognize and respond to symptoms of adolescent mental disorders. Authorizes grants to support the designation of emergency mental health centers. Provides for a program of up to 125 grants to develop programs to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system to community-based services. Establishes grant programs for: (1) reduction of suicide deaths; (2) outreach screening to identify and refer persons with mental illnesses and co- occurring substance abuse disorders; (3) expansion of community-based mental health services; and (4) establishment of centers of excellence on psychological trauma response. Requires establishment, through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, of a research program to determine factors contributing to noncompliance with outpatient treatment plans and design innovative methods to enhance compliance. Directs the creation of Centers for Excellence in Translational Research, and programs to increase the supply of basic and clinical researchers in the mental health field. Creates a grant program to provide integrated child welfare and mental health services for children and adolescents under age 19 in the child welfare system or at risk of becoming part of the system, and parents or caregivers with mental illness or mental illness and a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Provides for grants for accredited primary care residency training programs and continuing education programs to identify and refer persons with a mental illness. Establishes a commission to study mental health issues research and develop model State legislation based on such research results. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Attorney General to make grants for mental health court programs: (1) to provide training of law enforcement and judicial personnel in addressing the unique needs of individuals with a mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system; and (2) to coordinate criminal adjudication, supervision, and delivery of mental health treatment for preliminarily qualified individuals. Establishes a mental health screening and treatment grant program for persons in jails and prisons. Directs that grants be made to train State and local law enforcement officers in identification of and resources available to individuals with a mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Urges the President to adopt a policy in support of the five percent procurement goal for women- owned small businesses. Encourages the heads of Federal departments and agencies to undertake a concerted effort to meet such goal before the end of FY 2000 and calls for the President to hold them accountable.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2000
Bridging the Digital Divide Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any "qualified computer home fringe," defined as a home computer or Internet service or both provided by an employer to an employee under a written program adopted by the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2000 - Prohibits any person from sending an unsolicited commercial electronic mail (e-mail) message unless the message contains a valid and legitimately obtained e-mail address, conspicuously displayed, to which a recipient may send notice of a desire not to receive further messages. Prohibits a person from sending other unsolicited commercial e-mail messages more than ten days after receiving a notice to discontinue. Prohibits any person from sending such messages with a false or misleading transmission address or false or misleading routing information. Prohibits a person from selling, distributing, or possessing software primarily designed to falsify message transmission or routing information and having limited commercially significant purposes other than such falsification. (Sec. 5) Authorizes an Internet service provider (ISP) to decline to transmit such messages to its subscribers without compensation from the sender. Holds harmless an ISP for any action taken to block the transmission or receipt of such messages, or for the retransmission of such messages as an intermediary without knowledge that the transmission violates this Act. (Sec. 6) Prohibits a person from using or disclosing domain name registration data if: (1) such use violates policies of that registrar that are clearly posted on its website; and (2) the data is used for transmitting or enabling the transmission of unsolicited bulk commercial e-mail. Holds harmless (with limitations) a registrar that fails or refuses to disclose such information on good faith that the information would be used to perform a prohibited act. (Sec. 7) Outlines procedures for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notification of alleged violators concerning the transmission of unsolicited commercial e-mail. Requires such notification to: (1) direct the person to discontinue further transmissions of such e-mail; (2) direct the person to immediately delete the e-mail addresses of such recipients from its directories or mailing lists; and (3) prohibit the person from transferring a mailing list that contains such addresses. Provides for enforcement of such requirements. (Sec. 8) Directs the FTC to enforce this Act in the same manner as an FTC trade regulation. (Sec. 9) Authorizes any ISP adversely affected by a violation under this Act, or a State on behalf of its residents, to bring an enforcement action in the appropriate district court. (Sec. 12) Directs the FTC to report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of this Act in preventing or reducing the volume of unsolicited bulk commercial e-mail; (2) enforcement actions taken; and (3) the need, if any, for Congress to modify this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2000
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Secretary of Education should work with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Day National Committee, and veterans service organizations to encourage, prepare, and disseminate educational materials and activities for elementary and secondary school students aimed at increasing awareness of the contributions of veterans; and (2) the week that includes Veterans Day should be designated as National Veterans Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit of $5,000 for a pre-kindergarten or early childhood educator or kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, aide, or principal in an elementary or secondary school on a full-time basis; and (2) exclude from gross income the value of anything received solely by reason of the successful completion of advanced certification requirements provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2000
Establishes, as a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System), the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, for the purposes of: (1) conserving, enhancing, and restoring the native bottomland community characteristics of the lower Mississippi alluvial valley, habitat to maintain and assist in the recovery of animals and plants that are endangered or threatened species, and habitats as necessary to contribute to the migratory bird population goals and habitat objectives as established through the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture; (2) achieving the habitat objectives of the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resources Management Plan; (3) authorizing the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to assist in the restoration of forest habitat linkages between refuge land and other land to reverse past impacts associated with habitat fragmentation on wildlife and plant species; (4) providing compatible opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation; and (5) encouraging the use of volunteers and facilitating partnerships among the Service, local communities, conservation organizations, and other non-Federal entities to promote public awareness of the resources of the Refuge and the System (including public participation in the conservation of those resources). Directs the Secretary to seek to acquire specified land and adjacent waters of Cat Island for inclusion in the Refuge. Permits the Secretary to conduct projects and activities at the Refuge in accordance with this Act, including projects or activities to conserve or develop wildlife and natural resources, water supplies, water control structures, outdoor recreational activity programs, and interpretive education programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Pope John Paul II Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the presentation of a gold medal to Pope John Paul II in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to humanity. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates that proceeds from duplicate bronze medal sales be deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Veterans' Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2000 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to change the amount of monthly veterans' educational assistance allowance under the Montgomery GI Bill from a fixed amount adjusted for inflation to an amount equal to the average monthly costs of tuition and expenses for commuter students at public institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees (75 percent of such amount for veterans whose initial obligated period of active duty is two years). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine such average monthly costs each year, and to publish such amounts in the Federal Register. Makes such amendment effective as of October 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Water Pollution Program Enhancements Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize appropriations for grants to States and interstate agencies for pollution control programs for FY 2001 through 2007. Makes $50 million of such funds available to States for the: (1) collection of reliable monitoring data; (2) the improvement of specified lists regarding waters with insufficient controls and maximum daily loads; (3) preparation of total maximum daily load allocations for such waters; and (4) development of watershed management strategies. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2007 for grants to States for: (1) implementation of nonpoint source pollution control management programs; and (2) groundwater quality protection activities to advance States toward implementation of comprehensive nonpoint source pollution control programs. Makes $200 million available from funds appropriated for such management programs for States to provide grants to landowners to develop and implement nonpoint source control projects to restore or improve water quality of impaired waters that have been identified as a priority for restoration. Limits such grants to 90 percent of project costs. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on the: (1) scientific basis underlying the development and implementation of total maximum daily loads; (2) costs of implementing measures to comply with such loads; and (3) availability of alternative programs or mechanisms to reduce the discharge of pollutants from point sources and nonpoint source pollution to achieve water quality standards. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to submit such study to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 5) Directs the Administrator to establish jointly with the States a watershed management pilot program to evaluate the relative water quality improvements resulting from up to five State watershed management programs or strategies that incorporate non-Federal water quality control programs, innovative technologies, and incentives to reduce the discharge of pollutants or total maximum daily load allocations under the Act. Provides that a strategy, to be eligible for consideration in the program, must be expected to achieve environmental results comparable to those of the Federal total maximum daily load program. Requires reports to Congress on the program. Terminates the program after three years after a State is accepted in the program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator, prior to finalizing the Proposed Revisions to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program and Federal Antidegradation Policy and the Proposed Revisions to the Water Quality Planning and Management Regulations Concerning Total Maximum Daily Loads of August 1999, to: (1) review the NAS study prepared under this Act; and (2) take into consideration NAS recommendations in issuing any final regulations. Directs the Administrator, if provisions are included in any final regulation that are not consistent with NAS recommendations, to publish an explanation with the final rule of why such recommendations were not included in the regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Assistance in Development for Communities Act (AID for Communities Act) - Authorizes a trade-affected community, a group of such communities, or the Governor of a State on behalf of such communities to petition the Secretary of Commerce for eligibility certification for community-based economic development assistance. Specifies communities with a certain number of workers certified for trade adjustment assistance, including assistance with regard to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 5) Declares that each certified trade-affected community shall receive a grant of up to $100,000 for planning and technical assistance to develop economic plans for community adjustment assistance and community diversification. Makes community adjustment assistance available for: (1) constructing or expanding the industrial and commercial infrastructure, as well as advanced manufacturing centers, industrial parks, and water and sewer facilities; (2) improving educational opportunities, transportation, and technology infrastructure; (3) establishing small business incubators; and (4) taking other action necessary to capitalize on opportunities to diversify the economy and develop new industrial and commercial ventures. (Sec. 6) Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the work opportunity tax credit for a portion of qualified wages an employer pays members of a targeted group, to treat as a targeted group individuals certified by the designated local agency as adversely affected by trade-related activities and residing in a trade-affected community. Establishes a new markets tax credit for any taxpayer holding a qualified equity investment equal to six percent of the amount paid to the qualified community development entity for such investment at its original issue, if: (1) the investment is acquired by the taxpayer at its original issue solely in exchange for cash; and (2) substantially all of such cash is used by the entity to make qualified low-income community investments. Defines qualified community development entity as any domestic corporation or partnership (including a specialized small business investment company or community development financial institution): (1) whose primary mission is serving, or providing investment capital for, low-income communities or low-income persons; and (2) which maintains accountability to residents of low-income communities through representation on governing or advisory boards or otherwise. Sets a new markets tax credit limitation of $750 million for each of calendar years 2001 through 2005, and zero for following years. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to establish a one-stop clearinghouse for States and local governments to obtain information regarding assistance available for trade-affected communities. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Red River National Wildlife Refuge Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) seek to acquire up to 50,000 acres of land, water, or interests (including permanent conservation easements or servitudes) within the boundaries of a selection area consisting of Caddo, Bossier, Red River, DeSoto, and Natchitoches Parishes, Louisiana; and (2) establish such lands, waters, and interests as the Red River National Wildlife Refuge at such time as the Secretary determines that sufficient property has been acquired to constitute an area that can be effectively managed as a national wildlife refuge for specified purposes, including to restore and preserve native Red River ecosystems, provide habitat for migratory birds, and maximize fisheries on the Red River and its tributaries, natural lakes, and man-made reservoirs. Requires the Secretary to issue a management plan for the Refuge which includes provisions that provide for: (1) the planning and design of trails and access points; (2) the planning of wildlife and habitat restoration, including reforestation; and (3) permanent exhibits and facilities and regular educational programs throughout the Refuge. Requires that the Secretary: (1) provide an opportunity for public participation in developing such plan; and (2) give special consideration to views by local public and private entities and individuals. Directs the Secretary to construct, administer, and maintain within the Refuge, a wildlife interpretation and education center to promote environmental education and to provide an opportunity for the study and enjoyment of wildlife in its natural habitat. Sets forth requirements for the designation of boundaries for the Refuge. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting or preventing, and the Secretary shall not prohibit or prevent: (1) the continuation or development of commercial or recreational navigation on the Red River Waterway; (2) necessary construction, operation, or maintenance activities associated with the Red River Waterway project; (3) the construction, improvement, or expansion of public port or recreational facilities on such Waterway; or (4) the construction, improvement, or replacement of railroads or interstate highways within the selection area, or bridges that cross the Red River. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax deduction (for individual loss) and tax exceptions to homeowners and small businesses for the repair of Formosan termite damage.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Preservation Act of 2000 - Requires amounts allotted to a State under title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act for FY 1998 and 1999 to remain available through FY 2002, notwithstanding a specified time limitation on the availability of such amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Commends the accomplishments and unfailing spirit of women in the 20th century. Recognizes the 20th Century as the Century of Women in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Targeted Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, on joint returns, a limited credit. Provides for a decreased phaseout percentage of the earned income credit (thereby increasing the benefits of such credit) for individuals with qualifying children.
![Official portrait of Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000550_200.jpg)