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United States · Official source
5,795 records where Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1999
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2002, the duty on dark couverture chocolate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1999
Establishes the Senate Special Committee on Firearms Violence to: (1) study the causes of firearms violence in America; (2) make findings of fact on the impact of firearms violence on the well-being of American children, among other subjects; and (3) explore ways to reduce firearms violence in America, including increasing controls on the sale and distribution of firearms. Provides for funding.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1999
Amends Federal law to require the President to issue each year a proclamation designating May as National Military Appreciation Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1999
Coastal Stewardship Act - Title I: Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to it annually amounts received by the United States as rents, royalties, net profit share payments, and related late-payment interest from natural gas and oil leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) for tracts meeting specified requirements. Directs the Secretary, notwithstanding specified provisions of OCSLA and without further appropriations, to make payments from the Fund each year as specified in certain provisions of this Act. (Sec. 102) Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law, counting the receipts and disbursements under this Act as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Makes the receipts and disbursements exempt from any general budget limitation on expenditures and net U.S. lending (budget outlays). Title II: Cooperative Coastal Stewardship - Subtitle A: Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Zone Management Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to revise the purposes of the Act and various definitions. (Sec. 206) Extends provisions authorizing management program development grants. (Sec. 207) Allows grants to States for administering the State's coastal zone management program to be used for developing and implementing a coastal nonpoint pollution control program components (sic). (Sec. 208) Allows resource management improvement grants to be used (among other authorized uses) for: (1) important coastal habitats meeting certain criteria; (2) assistance to communities in assessing and managing growth, public infrastructure, and open space needs toward specified goals; and (3) the coordination and implementation of approved coastal nonpoint pollution control programs. Replaces provisions authorizing grants to any coastal State with provisions: (1) regulating the ratio of Federal to State matching funds for projects under coastal resource improvement program provisions; and (2) requiring that the Federal funding for the project be a portion of that State's annual allocation under administrative grants provisions. (Sec. 209) Modifies provisions relating to the Coastal Zone Management Fund. (Sec. 210) Alters the definition of "coastal zone enhancement objective" for provisions relating to coastal zone enhancement grants. Removes a requirement that, in making those grants, the Secretary consider specified criteria. Removes the maximum limit on the set-aside, for those grants, of amounts appropriated under provisions relating to administrative grants and to coastal resource improvement programs. (Sec. 211) Replaces provisions mandating technical assistance and management-oriented research with provisions authorizing cooperative agreements with State coastal management programs: (1) for local, community-based initiatives; and (2) to strengthen resource protection and restoration while providing for community revitalization and comprehensive growth management strategies. (Sec 212) Directs the Secretary to undertake a program of shared technical assistance, development and implementation of innovative environmental technologies and methodologies, and training and management-oriented research that supports specified activities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into related contracts or other arrangements. (Sec. 213) Requires inclusion in a currently-mandated review of State performance (regarding coastal management) of an assessment and detailed findings regarding the extent to which the State has coordinated with estuarine research reserves in the State. (Sec. 214) Allows (currently, requires) the conducting of the "Walter B. Jones Awards" program to promote excellence in coastal zone management by identifying and acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in the field. Modifies the source of the funds involved. (Sec. 215) Sets forth the nature of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a reserve if (among other criteria) the Secretary finds that designation will provide opportunities for education, interpretation, training, and demonstration projects (currently, for public education and interpretation). Revises the matters required to be included in the Secretary's guidelines for System research, education and resource stewardship (currently, for System research). Includes in the actions the Secretary must take to promote and coordinate System use for research establishing partnerships with other Federal and State estuary management programs to coordinate and collaborate on estuarine research. Authorizes grants for educational, interpretive, or training activities as well as for research and monitoring. Removes the dollar limit on the assistance provided for acquisition of lands and waters for any one reserve and allows certain nonfederal costs to be used to match the Federal share. Modifies other limits on the grants. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements, financial agreements, grants, contracts, or other agreements authorizing a nonprofit organization to solicit donations to carry out System purposes and policies; and (2) accept donations of funds and services to carry out System purposes and policies. (Sec. 216) Modifies various reporting requirements. (Sec. 217) Authorizes appropriations, subject to limitation, to carry out specified provisions of the Act. Requires that any amounts in grants to States not obligated by the State recipient within a specified period revert to the Secretary and then be available for grants under the Act. Declares that Federal funds allocated under the Act may be used by grantees to purchase Federal products and services not otherwise available. Subtitle B: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Preservation - Requires a coastal State, in order to receive funds under this subtitle, to develop projects that will restore and protect ocean and coastal habitat. Prohibits a State from receiving funds under this subtitle for an activity that includes: (1) mitigation for the adverse effects of an activity governed by Federal or State law; (2) satisfaction of environmental liability; or (3) the acquisition of land or land rights from an unwilling seller. (Sec. 255) Provides for the review, revision, and approval of State project plans. (Sec. 256) Sets forth a formula for the allocation of amounts under this subtitle from the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund established in this Act. Requires that any Fund amount available for allocation but not paid or obligated because that State does not have an approved plan (or because the amount allocated exceeded the amount obligated or expended under its plan) be retained by the Fund and disposed of according to the law otherwise applicable to revenues from leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 257) Directs the Secretary to maintain a database of information on coastal habitat restoration and preservation projects funded under this subtitle and to submit a report annually to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 259) Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out this subtitle, to enter into cooperative, financial, grant, contractual, or other agreements. (Sec. 260) Authorizes appropriations: (1) to carry out this subtitle, of any Fund amounts not authorized to be appropriated under the other titles of this Act; and (2) to administer the activities in this subtitle. Title III: Cooperative Ocean Stewardship - Subtitle A: National Marine Sanctuaries - National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to modify the Act's findings, purposes, policies, and definitions. (Sec. 305) Changes sanctuary designation standards and procedures. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and make publicly available a management plan for the proposed sanctuary. Allows modification of designation terms by following applicable procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (currently, only by the same procedures by which the original designation is made). Applies to changes in the terms of a designation provisions making designations automatically effective. Modifies the circumstances in which the Secretary may withdraw an entire designation. Subjects Federal agency actions (inside or outside a sanctuary) that may destroy (currently, that are likely to destroy) or injure a sanctuary resource to consultation with the Secretary. Requires the agency head, if the agency's action results in a threat of destruction, destruction, or injury to a sanctuary resource (including toxic spills and vessel groundings), to coordinate with the Secretary and take action to prevent, respond to, mitigate, and (if possible) restore, replace, or provide the equivalent of the resource. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to cooperate with other governments, international organizations, and other persons (currently, other governments and international organizations) in furtherance of the Act. (Sec. 308) Adds to the list of unlawful activities: (1) the offering for sale, purchasing, importing, or exporting of any sanctuary resource; and (2) provisions specifying activities that constitute interference with enforcement of the Act. (Current law prohibits enforcement interference without so specifying.) (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to conduct enforcement activities as necessary (currently, as necessary and reasonable) to carry out the Act. Empowers officers authorized to enforce the Act to arrest any person on reasonable cause to believe that the person has interfered with enforcement. Makes interference punishable by fine or imprisonment. Increases the limit on fines for Act violations. Makes protecting and enhancing the resources of the sanctuary in which a violation occurred the top priority (after certain costs) in using amounts received under enforcement provisions for civil penalties, forfeiture, and costs. Authorizes the Secretary to subpoena electronic files. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to conduct, support, and coordinate (currently, to conduct) research, monitoring, and education programs. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, solely or in partnership: (1) efforts to enhance public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the marine environment; and (2) the development of interpretive facilities. (Sec. 312) Mandates public notice before the Secretary identifies any activity subject to a sanctuary special use permit. Requires a permittee to have insurance or an equivalent bond (currently, to have insurance). Requires that permit fees the Secretary is authorized to assess include an amount representing the fair market value of access to the sanctuary resource. Allows, for nonprofit activities, waiver or reduction of certain fee portions or acceptance of in-kind services in lieu of fees. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary to use by agreement the personnel, services, or facilities of Federal, State, or local agencies on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis to assist in carrying out the Act. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who creates an imminent risk of destruction or injury to a sanctuary resource liable to the United States. Includes in the liability damages resulting from response actions and costs related to seizure, forfeiture, storage, or disposal. Makes any vessel used to destroy or injure any sanctuary resource liable in rem for those amounts. Makes a person not liable if the destruction or injury was specifically authorized by Federal or State law or permit (currently, if the destruction or injury was caused by an activity authorized by Federal or State law), except for actions by any person authorized to enforce the Act in responding to an incident creating liability. Removes provisions making a person not liable if the destruction or injury was negligible. Declares that nothing in specified Federal laws limits the liability of any person or vessel (currently, any person) under the Act. Makes liability joint and several. Authorizes the Attorney General, on request of the Secretary, to begin a civil action for response, seizure, forfeiture, storage, and disposal costs (currently, for response costs and damages). Requires the Secretary to so request whenever a person or vessel (currently, whenever a person) may be liable for such costs or damages. Replaces provisions regulating the use of amounts recovered with provisions requiring the use, without further appropriation, of amounts recovered and interest on those amounts for: (1) past and future response costs and damage assessments; (2) restoration or replacement relating to the resources that were the subject of the action or prevention of threats to the sanctuary involved; and (3) management and improvements to that or other marine sanctuaries. Imposes a statute of limitation on actions. (Sec. 316) Changes the function of sanctuary advisory councils from assisting to giving advice and recommendations to the Secretary. Allows council membership to include persons interested in the conservation (currently, in the protection and multiple use management) of sanctuary resources. (Sec. 317) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) solicit and collect monetary or in-kind contributions from official sponsors for the manufacture, reproduction, sale, or use of the symbols of the national sanctuary program or an individual sanctuary; and (2) authorize the use of those symbols by any person engaged in a collaborative effort with the national sanctuary program. (Sec. 319) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act, including authorizing deriving a specified amount from the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Fund. Subtitle B: Coral Reef Protection - Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 356) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide: (1) financial assistance for projects that provide for the restoration or conservation of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems; and (2) technical assistance to any State or Federal agency with coral reef jurisdiction. (Sec. 357) Authorizes: (1) the conducting of activities that conserve coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems or that further public awareness and education; and (2) joint projects with any Federal, State, or local authority or financial assistance to any person for such activities. (Sec. 358) Amends Federal law relating to vessels eligible for documentation to prohibit a vessel that is otherwise qualified to be documented as a vessel of the United States from being documented if the owner has abandoned any vessel on a reef subject to U.S. jurisdiction and the vessel remains on the reef or was removed using funds under this subtitle or any other Act on the same subject enacted after 1998. (Sec. 359) Designates, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, nine fishing vessels driven by Typhoon Val in 1991 onto coral reefs inside Pago Pago harbor near the villages of Leloaloa and Aua and the reefs they are on as sites at which there is a substantial threat of release of a hazardous substance into the environment. Declares that, for purposes of that Act, the site shall not be considered to have resulted from an act of God. (Sec. 360) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a foundation under which the foundation may receive, hold, and administer amounts to support public-private partnerships that further this subtitle's purposes. Authorizes such a foundation to solicit and accept any gift or donation to further this subtitle's purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer certain funds appropriated under this subtitle to such a foundation. (Sec.361) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle, including authorizing deriving a specified amount from the Ocean and Coastal Conservation Fund. Title IV: Cooperative Research and Enforcement - Amends the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 (IFA) to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to establish cooperative agreements on a side-source basis with any appropriate Marine Fisheries Commission, State, regional, or tribal entities to implement the standardized fishing vessel registration and information management system transmitted under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary, if requested by the Governor of a State represented on an interstate commission, to enter into an agreement under that Act that authorizes the deputization of State law enforcement officers to perform the Secretary's duties relating to enforcement of the IFA or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, after execution of that agreement and if requested by a State, to enter into an agreement for a joint project on matters of mutual interest. Declares that those joint project agreements will provide a framework for enforcement and prosecution of Federal and State living marine resource laws and regulations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement on a sole-source basis with an appropriate marine fisheries commission to assist in oversight and coordination of the joint project agreement. (Sec. 404) Exempts funds for the joint projects from provisions regulating the apportionment of funds under the Act. (Sec. 405) Authorizes appropriations from the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund for cooperative agreements with States under provisions added by section 402 of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate authorized amounts consistent with a specified report to certain congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for the joint projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1999
Small Business Brownfields Redevelopment Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Act to directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), each year, to set aside the lesser of $50 million or ten percent of the amounts authorized for the Small Business Development Company program for use by qualified States and local development companies to finance projects that assist qualified small businesses in: (1) carrying out site assessment and cleanup activities at brownfield sites or sites contaminated with petroleum; and (2) acquiring new, clean technologies and production equipment. Defines as a qualified small business for such assistance one which: (1) has acquired a brownfield site; or (2) uses any hazardous substance during its course of business and has limited or no access to cleanup capital from conventional sources. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the SBA to promote the establishment of one or more small business investment companies the primary purpose of which is to finance: (1)such cleanup activities; or (2) projects that assist small businesses in cleaning up their facilities and adopting new, clean technologies. Provides a set-aside for such financing of the lesser of $2 million or ten percent of the amount authorized for purchases of participating securities and guarantees of debentures under such Act. Defines a "brownfield site" as an abandoned, idled, or underused commercial or industrial facility, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1999
Designates October 21, 1999, as a Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Family Planning and Choice Protection Act of 1999 - Title I: Prevention - Subtitle A: Family Planning - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to authorize appropriations for voluntary family planning projects. (Sec. 102) Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit, notwithstanding any other provision of law, any authority of the United States, in or through any health care services or information program or activity administered or assisted by that authority, from limiting any person's right to provide or receive nonfraudulent information regarding reproductive health care services. Subtitle B: Prescription Equity and Contraceptive Coverage - Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the PHSA to prohibit a group health plan, and an insurer providing coverage in connection with a group plan, from restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, or outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or services. Prohibits related denial of eligibility or enrollment, monetary payments or rebates to covered individuals, and penalties or incentives to health care professionals. Amends the PHSA to apply these prohibitions to insurers in the individual market. Declares that this paragraph does not preempt State law providing greater enrollee protections. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for a contract that includes prescription drug coverage unless the contract includes a provision for contraceptive coverage, except for plans that object to such coverage for religious reasons. Prohibits a plan from discriminating against an individual because the individual refuses, for religious reasons, to prescribe contraceptives. Subtitle C: Emergency Contraceptives - Mandates development and dissemination to the public and health care providers of information on drugs or devices designed to be used after sexual relations to prevent pregnancy. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Choice Protection - Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal provisions prohibiting the expenditure of any funds appropriated by that Act and the expenditure of any funds in any trust fund to which funds are appropriated under that Act for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Sec. 202) Makes congressional findings that: (1) Federal resources are necessary to ensure safety for women and health professionals regarding reproductive health facilities and services; (2) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; and (3) Congress should support increasing Federal resources to fully ensure the safety of health professionals, center staff, and all women using reproductive health center services and the family members of such persons. Establishes in the Department of Justice the Task Force on Violence Against Health Care Providers to: (1) coordinate investigative, prosecutorial, and enforcement efforts of Federal, State, and local governments regarding violence at reproductive health care facilities and violence against health care providers; (2) conduct security assessments for such facilities; and (3) provide related training for local law enforcement and provide methodologies for assessing risks and promoting facility security. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Department of Justice to make grants to such facilities to enhance security and to purchase and install security devices. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) ensure that a Food and Drug Administration decision to approve the drug called Mifepristone or RU-486 is made only on the basis provided in law; and (2) assess initiatives to promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing in the United States of the drug or other antiprogestins. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a State from restricting a woman's freedom to choose pregnancy termination before fetal viability. Allows a State to: (1) restrict that freedom after viability unless termination is necessary to preserve the woman's life or health; and (2) impose requirements on abortions if the requirements are medically necessary to protect the woman's health. (Sec. 205) Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law, construing any Federal law to prohibit a health plan from offering coverage for the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion services. (Sec. 206) Amends Federal law to allow funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) to be used for abortions when the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest or when the abortion is medically necessary or appropriate. Replaces provisions prohibiting (with exceptions) the use of DOD facilities to perform abortions with provisions declaring that certain provisions do not limit performing abortions in a uniformed services facility outside the 48 contiguous States if the cost is fully paid by non-DOD funds, abortions are not prohibited by the facility's jurisdiction, and the abortion would otherwise be permitted under laws regarding health care for uniformed services members and former members and their dependents in that facility. (Sec. 207) Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) of the Social Security Act to remove provisions prohibiting using funds under the title for abortions or for health insurance that includes coverage of abortions. Includes (currently, includes only to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest) abortion services in the definition of "child health assistance." (Sec. 208) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal provisions prohibiting using any funds appropriated in that Act to the Department of Justice from being used to pay for an abortion or to require any person to perform, or facilitate the performance of, an abortion. (Sec. 209) Amends the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal provisions prohibiting using funds appropriated by that Act for abortions. (Sec. 210) Amends the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal provisions prohibiting using any funds appropriated in that Act to pay for an abortion or the administrative expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefit program that covers abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
U.S.S. New Jersey Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins in commemoration of the U.S.S. New Jersey. Mandates that ten percent of all coin surcharges be paid to the U.S.S. New Jersey Battleship Foundation in Middletown, New Jersey, for activities associated with the costs of moving the U.S.S. New Jersey and permanently berthing her in her new location.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Calls upon the Senate, when it adjourns on July 19, 1999, to do so as a further mark of respect for the grieving families of John F. Kennedy, Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Lauren Bessette.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 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. New Jersey and all those who served aboard her.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1999
Clean Energy Act of 1999 - Sets deadlines by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) is directed to: (1) promulgate a final regulation to establish a schedule of limits on the quantity of certain pollutants that all covered generation facilities in the aggregate nationwide shall be permitted to emit in each calendar year; and (2) determine the generation performance standard for such pollutants per megawatt- hour of electric production by covered generation facilities for the next calendar year. Prescribes guidelines for an annual individual emissions allocation formula. Instructs the Administrator to: (1) establish a system for the accurate monitoring of the quantity of each pollutant annually emitted by a covered generation facility; (2) compare the quantity of a pollutant emitted annually by a generation facility with the individual emissions allocation applicable to the facility for the year; and (3) issue emissions credits to a covered generation facility for reduced pollutant emissions. Sets forth a penalty schedule for noncompliance by an owner or operator of a covered generation facility required to submit an emissions credit. Prohibits a generating plant from emitting specified pollutants if the Administrator determines, upon review, that an emissions rate of specified pollutants in excess of the generation performance standard can be reasonably anticipated to cause or contribute to significant adverse local impacts. Establishes a civil penalty for noncompliance. (Sec.5) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Electric System Public Benefits Board (the Board). Requires the Board to establish at a financial institution the "National Electric System Public Benefits Fund" to provide matching funds to support specified State public service energy programs. Prescribes funding guidelines and implementation. (Sec.7) Sets forth renewable energy portfolio standards for a nonhydroelectric facility that generates electric energy for sale (covered generation facility). Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) establish standards and procedures for certification by a covered generation facility to a purchaser of electricity regarding the amount of electricity generated by renewable and non-renewable energy sources; (2) issue renewable energy credits to covered generation facilities; and (3) maintain records of all renewable energy credit issued and all those sold or exchanged by a covered generation facility. Imposes a civil penalty upon a covered generation facility for noncompliance. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal its provisions governing cogeneration and small power production facilities. Retains: (1) the validity of contracts entered under such provisions; and (2) FERC jurisdiction to ensure continued status of such facilities and specified exemptions under those provisions. (Sec.8) Requires an electric company to allow a retail electric customer to interconnect and employ a net metering system using specified equipment. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) net metering accounting and measurements; (2)electricity supplied exceeding electricity generated; (3) electricity generated exceeding electricity supplied; (4) unused credit; and (5) safety requirements. (Sec.9) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a disclosure system enabling retail consumers to knowledgeably compare retail electric services; (2) promulgate regulations in consultation with a specified interagency Federal task force governing disclosures of emissions and electricity generation data. Deems failure of a retail company to accurately disclose such requisite data as a deceptive act in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Grants the Secretary enforcement powers. Precludes a State or political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any emission standard or limitation that is less stringent that mandated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1999
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1999- Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Welfare-to-Work Amendments of 1999 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for welfare-to-work grants for welfare-to-work States. Includes among such revisions the following major changes: (1) extending and reauthorizing the Welfare-to-Work (WtW) program through FY 2000 at reduced levels; (2) changing State mandates to options to expend funds for hard-to-employ recipients and noncustodial parents for whom separate expanded categories of eligibility criteria for WtW services have been created; (3) authorizing WtW services for children aging out of the foster care system; (4) establishing a new minimum level of State expenditures for noncustodial parents for FY 2000; (5) requiring additional specified elements for the State's plan for consideration of the State as a WtW State; (6) replacing requirements for the reversion of unallotted formula funds to the General Fund of the Treasury with requirements for the transfer of unallotted formula funds for use in FY 2000 or 2001 for awarding competitive grants; (7) adding requirements for eligible service providers; (8) modifying requirements for performance bonuses, including set-aside provisions; (9) increasing the reserve for WtW grants for Indian tribes for FY 2000; (10) establishing a reserve for funding technical assistance for entities carrying out WtW projects and modifying the current funding reserves for WtW and abstinence education evaluations; and (11) including job skills training, vocational educational training, and basic education as allowable WtW activities to move individuals into and keep them in lasting unsubsidized employment. Revises requirements for reports to Congress on evaluation of WtW programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish reporting requirements for the collection and maintenance of financial and WtW program participant information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Father Theodore M. Hesburgh in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act of 1999 - Title I: Prohibition of Health Insurance Discrimination on the Basis of Predictive Genetic Information - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (regarding a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group insurance through a group plan) the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) (regarding such a plan or issuer, and with regard to an issuer offering health insurance in the individual market), the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) (regarding a group health plan), and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) (regarding Medicare supplemental policies) to prohibit, with respect to genetic information: (1) discriminating in individual enrollment; (2) discriminating in group eligibility or group premium or contribution rates; (3) requesting or requiring test performance; and (4) requesting, requiring, collecting, purchasing, or disclosing information, unless authorized by the individual. Allows a plan or issuer: (1) regarding payment for genetic services, to request evidence that the services were performed; and (2) regarding payment for other benefits, to request predictive genetic information in certain circumstances. Allows a court, for violations, to award any appropriate legal or equitable relief, attorney's fees and costs, and expert witness costs. Allows civil monetary penalties. Applies the requirements of this paragraph to plans that have fewer than two participants who are current employees. Amends ERISA and the PHSA to: (1) declare that the provisions of paragraph above do not preempt any provision of State law that protects genetic information confidentiality or privacy, or prohibits genetic discrimination, more completely than ERISA's and the PHSA's group health plan provisions; and (2) apply the requirements of the paragraph above to Medicare supplemental health insurance and similar supplemental coverage, if provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance. Amends the PHSA to disallow nonfederal governmental group plans from electing to be exempted from the requirements of this title. Title II: Prohibition of Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Predictive Genetic Information - Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or training program to discriminate because of predictive genetic information, including making it unlawful to request, require, collect, or purchase such information. Allows an employer to request, require, collect, or purchase such information: (1) where used for genetic monitoring of biological effects of workplace toxic substances; or (2) with consent of the employee, if results are received only by the employee (or the employee's family). (Sec. 206) Requires employers possessing such information to treat and maintain the information as part of the employee's confidential medical records. Prohibits disclosure, subject to exception. (Sec. 207) Empowers one or more employees, labor organization members, or training participants to bring an action in Federal or State court for violations. Applies to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for enforcement of this title, the powers, remedies, and procedures under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows a court to award any appropriate legal or equitable relief, attorney's fees and costs, and costs of experts. (Sec. 209) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Home Health Equity Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to eliminate the 15 percent home health services payment reduction which would occur if the Secretary of Health and Human Services did not establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for such services as provided for in such Act. Provides for: (1) outlier payments to home health agencies (agencies) in spite of applicable per beneficiary payment limits when a provider demonstrates to the Secretary that an individual was furnished appropriate home health services at a reasonable cost that significantly exceeded such applicable per beneficiary limit because of certain conditions; and (2) recoupment of overpayments by the Secretary to agencies over a 36-month period as specified. Makes various Medicare amendments under reasonable cost provisions with regard to an increase in payment amounts to agencies with limits under the national average and an increase in the per visit limit for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1999, with regard to the amount of payments that may be made under Medicare for services furnished by agencies. Eliminates timekeeping requirements under the prospective payment system for home health services. Provides for periodic interim payment for certain agencies under Medicare provisions regarding payment to service providers. Revises surety bond requirements for agencies. Excludes additional Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) costs from determination of the Medicare part B premium.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Time for Schools Act of 1999 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same school involvement leave allowance to Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Targeted Gun Dealer Enforcement Act of 1999 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit, and set penalties for, making certain false or fictitious statements with respect to the identity of the person purchasing or attempting to purchase a firearm or ammunition. Prohibits a licensed dealer from transferring a firearm without notifying the transferee whether applicable State law requires persons to be licensed to carry concealed firearms in the State or prohibits the carrying of concealed firearms in the State. Rewrites Brady Act provisions to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend or revoke a license and to assess and collect a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, subject to specified requirements and procedures. Directs the Secretary to designate a licensed dealer as a "high-volume crime gun dealer": (1) upon determining that the dealer sold, delivered, or otherwise transferred to one or more unlicensed persons at least 25 firearms that, during the preceding calendar year, were used during the commission or attempted commission of a criminal offense under, or were possessed in violation of, Federal, State, or local law; or (2) immediately upon the expiration date of a suspension of that dealer's license for a willful violation that involved one or more firearms that were subsequently used during the commission or attempted commission of a criminal offense under Federal, State, or local law. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the effective period of such designation; (2) requirements for designation notification by the Secretary to the appropriate U.S. attorney's office, appropriate State and local law enforcement agencies, and State and local agencies responsible for issuing business licenses in the jurisdiction; (3) dealer reporting and record keeping requirements regarding the transfer of a handgun; (4) inspection of such dealer at any time without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant for purposes of determining compliance with requirements of this Act; (5) handgun transfer record keeping requirements for local police departments; (6) time requirements for license renewal decisions; and (7) suspension of the license of a high-volume crime gun dealer for violations. Sets penalties for failure to comply with requirements of this Act. (Sec. 3) Amends the Brady Act to authorize a successor licensee to retain the records of a discontinued firearms or ammunition business or submit them to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to receive and centralize any information or records submitted and to maintain such information or records in whatever manner will enable their most efficient use in law enforcement investigations. Directs the Secretary to retain a record of each firearms trace conducted by the Secretary unless the Secretary determines that there is a valid law enforcement reason not to retain the record. Requires a licensed importer, manufacturer, and dealer to submit to the Secretary a monthly report of each firearm received from an unlicensed person, excluding any identifying information relating to the transferor or any subsequent purchaser. (Sec. 4) Prohibits, and sets penalties for, knowingly transferring a firearm having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Increases penalties for trafficking in firearms with obliterated serial numbers. (Sec. 5) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to reflect the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Expresses deep appreciation and gratitude to Ron Kavulick for his years of faithful service to his country and to the United States Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1999
Designates March 2000 as Arts Education Month.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1999
Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of the Lower Delaware River and associated tributaries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Requires such segments to be managed: (1) in accordance with the Lower Delaware River management plan which ensures the long-term protection of the River's values and the compatible management of land and water resources associated with the River; and (2) in cooperation with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local agencies. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to provide planning, financial, and technical assistance to affected local municipalities to protect the natural, economic, and historic resources of the segments; and (2) if adequate local support to add additional segments to the System is found, to publish a notice of such designation, after which such segments shall be so included. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Safety Net Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a new prospective payment system for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1999 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities. Declares that a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares that this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's domestic partner. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from: (1) collecting statistics on sexual orientation from covered entities; and (2) compelling covered entities to collect such statistics. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) an order or consent decree for a violation of this Act that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Prohibits the imposition of affirmative action for a violation of this Act. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees, applicants, and members.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a political subdivision of a State from imposing a tax on income earned within such political subdivision by nonresidents of the political subdivision unless the effective rate of such tax imposed on such nonresidents who are residents of such State is not less than such rate imposed on such nonresidents who are not residents of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Commends the armed forces, President Clinton, specified military and administration officials, and the NATO forces on the success of Operation Allied Force. Demands from Slobodan Milosevic the withdrawal of all Yugoslav and Serb forces from Kosovo, a permanent end to hostilities there, the return of Kosovo citizens to their homes, and unimpeded access to Kosovo for humanitarian relief operations. Urges the leadership of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) to ensure KLA compliance with ceasefire and demilitarization obligations. Calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and assistance in bringing indicted war criminals, including Milosevic and other Serb military and political leaders, to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with respect to lawful resident aliens and their eligibility for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA)) and other types of Federal assistance. Provides States with the option of extending Medicaid-eligibility to certain lawful resident alien pregnant women and children, as well as the option of extending SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) eligibility to such children. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize a State to waive affidavit of support requirements for benefits provided through such State options.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Commends the Department of State for the vote of the United States against United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution ES-10-6, Illegal Israeli Actions In Occupied East Jerusalem And The Rest Of The Occupied Palestinian Territory, to convene a conference of the participants of the Fourth Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians in Time of War. Urges: (1) the Department of State to continue its efforts against convening the conference; and (2) the Swiss Government, as the depository of the Geneva Convention, not to convene a meeting of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Designates December 12, 1999, as National Children's Memorial Day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Clinton administration should: (1) be commended for supporting United Nations Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1999-13 (concerning continued discrimination against religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran), and should continue to work through the United Nations to assure that Iran implements that resolution's recommendations; (2) condemn the recent arrest of members of Iran's Jewish minority and urge their immediate release; (3) urge all nations having relations with Iran to condemn the treatment of religious minorities in Iran and call for the release of all prisoners held on the basis of their religious beliefs; and (4) maintain the current U.S. policy toward Iran unless and until that country moderates its treatment of religious minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the Marine Mammal Rescue Grant Program to provide grants to eligible stranding centers and stranding network participants for the recovery or treatment of marine mammals and the collection of health information relating to them. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Animal Welfare Title II: Transportation Safe Air Travel for Animals Act - Title I: Animal Welfare - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to define "transport" with respect to air carrier transport of animals. Requires airlines to report to: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture in advance of any flight that will be carrying a live animal; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation concerning injury, loss, death, or mistreatment of a carried animal. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make such information available to the public; and (2) forward animal-injury consumer complaints to the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to include animal-injury information in the annual report on animal transportation. Title II: Transportation - Amends Federal law to require airlines to include in their contract of carriage policies and procedures for animal transportation safety. Amends Federal law to provide civil penalties and compensation for animal loss, injury, or death during air transport. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide for animal safety cargo hold improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Designates June 22, 1999, as National Pediatric AIDS Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1999
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Surface Transportation Act of 1999 - Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to remove restrictions on the State Infrastructure Bank Pilot Program, including the limitation on the Secretary of Transportation's entering into cooperative agreements with no more than ten States for the establishment of State and multi-state infrastructure banks. (Sec. 3) Amends Federal transportation provisions to authorize a State to use for a project under the High Priority Projects Program any funds apportioned under such provisions for which the project is eligible. Allows a State, if a project is not eligible for such funds, to use for the project certain funds apportioned to the State under the Surface Transportation Program (STP). Directs that such apportioned funds be reimbursed from amounts allocated for the project in an amount equal to that used under this section, but not to exceed the total of the amounts allocated for the project. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the obligation of National Highway System funds for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of, and preventative maintenance for, intercity rail passenger facilities and rolling stock. Authorizes the use of STP funds for capital costs for transit projects eligible for assistance, including rail, or a combination of bus and rail. Makes eligible under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program certain projects or programs that will have air quality benefits through acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of, and preventative maintenance for, intercity rail passenger facilities and rolling stock. Transfers to Amtrak and publicly-owned intercity or intracity passenger rail lines specified highway and transit funds. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding the Historic Bridges Program to eliminate a restriction that caps the amount of Federal-aid highway funds that can be spent on a historic bridge to a sum equal to the cost of demolition. (Sec. 6) Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to make a change with respect to the distribution of the Federal-aid obligation limitation to make all obligation authority for the program available as multi-year funding.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Physical Education for Progress Act - Amends title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to, and enter into contracts with, local educational agencies (LEAs) to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for all kindergarten through 12th grade students. Requires such grants and contracts to be used for: (1) providing equipment and support to enable students to actively participate in physical education activities; (2) developing or enhancing physical education curricula to meet national goals for physical education developed by the Secretary in consultation with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education; and (3) providing funds for staff and teacher training and education. Requires LEA applications for such assistance to contain plans for school physical education programs that meet specified requirements, including: (1) curricula providing students with at least 150 minutes per week of instructional physical education per week, along with certain types of instructional contents; (2) physical education teachers with baccalaureate degrees qualifying them as physical education specialists; and (3) professional development opportunities for physical education teachers. Prohibits extracurricular activities such as team sports and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program activities from being considered as part of the curriculum of a physical education program assisted under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) proportionality of awards; (2) private school students and home-schooled students; (3) LEA reports for continued funding; (4) the Secretary's report to the Congress; (5) administrative costs; and (6) Federal share. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Drinking Water Right-to-Know Act of 1999 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require a national primary drinking water regulation for radionuclides to require the testing of drinking water for the presence of radium 224 no later than 48 hours after taking a sample. Requires annual consumer confidence reports by community water systems to include a report on the level of each contaminant that may be difficult to detect in finished water and present at levels that present a public health concern in such water. Requires regulations regarding such reports to direct public water systems to mail such reports to residential consumers and such reports suitable for posting to customers providing water to non-residential consumers. Provides that certain procedures for systems serving smaller communities that are not required to mail such report to consumers shall require such systems to notify consumers of new contamination or a significant increase in contamination by a regulated contaminant that is above the maximum contaminant level goal for the contaminant or of such contamination or increase by an unregulated contaminant. Requires State source water assessment programs to assess the susceptibility of each public water system in the delineated areas to any contaminant that is: (1) subject to a national primary drinking water regulation; (2) included on a specified list of unregulated contaminants; (3) the subject of a health advisory published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (4) monitored under such programs; (5) known or suspected to be from a pollution source; or (6) monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey under the National Water Quality Assessment program. Requires such programs to: (1) identify contaminants described in the preceding paragraph that the State determines present a public health threat; (2) require monitoring for such contaminants if a contaminant may have been released by a potentially significant source; (3) identify known or suspected sources of pollution that may threaten public health; (4) apply to wellheads, groundwater recharge areas, watersheds and other areas determined to be appropriate; and (5) be developed, updated, and implemented in cooperation with the public served by the source water assessment areas included in such programs. Directs States to submit plans for such programs to the Administrator. Provides for plan updates every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Declares that the Senate: (1) condemns the National Islamic Front (NIF) Government in Sudan for its support for terrorism and its continued human rights violations; and (2) deplores the slave raids in southern Sudan and calls on such Government to end immediately slavery in Sudan. Calls on the United Nations Security Council to: (1) condemn such slave raids and bring to justice those responsible; (2) implement the existing air embargo and impose an arms embargo on such Government; (3) implement reforms of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) to enhance the independence of that operation from such Government; (4) determine whether or not such Government's war policy constitutes genocide; and (5) implement the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur for Sudan, Leonardo Franco, who has called for the posting of human rights monitors throughout Sudan. Calls for the President to take leadership on policies to: (1) increase support for relief organizations working outside the umbrella of OLS; (2) instruct the Agency for International Development (AID) and other appropriate to provide additional support to nongovernmental relief organizations that work outside the OLS umbrella and to enhance the independence of OLS from such Government; (3) double the funds that are made available through the STAR Program for the promotion of the rule of law to advance democracy and the enhancement of infrastructure in areas in Sudan controlled by the opposition to such Government; (4) instruct AID to provide humanitarian assistance directly to indigenous service groups in southern Sudan and the Nuba Mountains; (5) intensify and expand U.S. diplomatic and economic pressure on such Government in conjunction with and urging other countries to impose sanctions on such Government that are similar to U.S.-imposed sanctions; (5) continue to enhance the peace process in Sudan supported by the Inter-governmental Authority for Development; and (6) report to Congress on efforts or plans to promote the end of slavery in Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Designates June 6, 1999, as National Child's Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the National Race for the Cure. Designates June 5, 1999, as National Race for the Cure Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Condemns: (1) Palestinian efforts to circumvent United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, as well as violate the Oslo peace process, by attempting to revive UN General Assembly Resolution 181 and thereby placing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process at risk; and (2) the UN Commission on Human Rights for voting to formally endorse such Resolution as the basis for the future of Palestinian self-determination. Reiterates: (1) that any just and final peace agreement regarding the final status of the territory controlled by the Palestinians can only be determined through direct negotiations and agreement between the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization; and (2) Congress' continued unequivocal support for the security and well-being of the State of Israel and of the Oslo peace process based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. Calls for the President to declare that: (1) it is U.S. policy that UN General Assembly Resolution 181 is null and void; (2) all negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338; and (3) the United States regards any attempt by the Palestinians, the UN, or any entity to resurrect UN General Assembly Resolution 181 as a basis for negotiations, or for any international decision, as an attempt to sabotage the prospects for a successful peace agreement in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Designates March of each year as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Children's Lead Screening Accountability For Early-Intervention Act of 1999 or Children's Lead SAFE Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State Medicaid plans to provide for reporting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of the number of children who: (1) are under age three and enrolled in the State plan; and (2) have received a blood lead screening test. Requires each contract between the State and an entity responsible for provision of medical assistance under the State plan to provide for: (1) compliance with mandatory blood lead screening requirements consistent with prevailing guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for such screening; and (2) coverage of qualified lead treatment services. Allows reimbursement for qualified lead treatment services for children with elevated blood lead levels. Provides for enhanced Federal matching contributions for an information retrieval system that determines whether a child is enrolled under a State plan and whether an enrolled child has received mandatory early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Head Start Act to mandate blood lead poisoning screening tests for an infant or child to be eligible to participate in either the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) or early Head Start and Head Start programs. Amends SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) to mandate CHIP coverage for blood lead poisoning screening tests for children Amends the Public Health Service Act and SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) with regard to grants for lead poisoning related activities. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes specified requirements on the CDC Director, including that the Director offer various assistance to the States with regard to children and lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations. Outlines provisions for training and congressional reports with regard to HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration and childhood lead poisoning and blood lead screening tests. Mandates a CDC bonus program to improve the blood lead screening rates of States for children under age three enrolled in Medicaid. Details program particulars. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Bear Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State to discuss issues involving such trade with the appropriate representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfields Liability Relief Title II: Small Business Liability Relief Title III: Settlements for Municipalities and Contributors of Municipal Waste Title IV: Clarification of Liability for Recycling Transactions Title V: Brownfields Cleanup Title VI: Settlement Incentives Title VII: Funding Title VIII: Definitions Superfund Litigation Reduction and Brownfield Cleanup Act of 1999 - Title I: Brownfields Liability Relief - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to absolve 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 case in which there are unrecovered costs of a response not inconsistent with the National Contingency Plan for which the owner is not liable by reason of this Act and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed before the action was taken. (Sec. 102) Amends provisions concerning defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that a site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the President) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation, prevention or cessation of hazardous substance releases at the facility, cooperation with those conducting response actions, and compliance with land use or activity restrictions. Deems the appropriate inquiry requirements to be satisfied by a site 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. Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners or operators of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a release or threatened release that is not owned or operated by such persons. Authorizes the President to issue an assurance that no enforcement action will be initiated against such individuals. Title II: Small Business Liability Relief - Provides exemptions from liability under CERCLA for: (1) certain pre-May 1999 acts if liability is based solely on arranging for disposal, treatment, or transport of, or accepting, hazardous substances and the total of materials containing such substances did not exceed a specified amount; and (2) certain owners, operators, or lessees of residential property, businesses with fewer than 100 employees, or small nonprofit organizations whose liability is based on arrangement or acceptance provisions with respect to municipal solid waste (MSW). (Sec. 202) Adds to the list of parties eligible for expedited final settlements persons and small businesses who demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties. Establishes a moratorium on litigation under CERCLA for recovery or contribution of response costs from any person eligible for an expedited settlement within a specified time frame. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a small business Superfund assistance section within the EPA small business ombudsman office to provide assistance and information regarding CERCLA and the settlement processes and to make recommendations for changes in EPA policies that would better fulfill the goals of this title in assuring equitable, simplified, and expedited settlements for small businesses. Title III: Settlements For Municipalities and Contributors of Municipal Waste - Makes municipalities currently liable for response costs on the basis of ownership or operation of a municipal landfill listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) on or before May 1, 1999, eligible for settlements. Limits liability to 20 percent of total response costs for municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000, but authorizes the President to increase or decrease such percentage to up to 35 percent or to no less than ten percent, respectively, under certain conditions. Limits liability of municipalities with populations of less than 100,000 to a maximum of ten percent of total response costs. Authorizes the President to require such municipalities to perform or participate in response actions at the facility. Considers two or more municipalities that jointly own or operate a facility to be single owners for purposes of calculating settlement offers. Requires municipalities, as a condition of such settlements, to waive claims for response costs, including those for contribution, against other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) unless the President determines that a waiver would be unjust. (Sec. 302) Adds to the list of parties eligible for expedited final settlements: (1) PRPs whose liability is based on arranging for disposal, treatment, transport of, or on accepting, MSW or municipal sewage sludge at an NPL facility; and (2) municipalities with an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Title IV: Clarification of Liability for Recycling Transactions - Absolves persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Considers 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) is a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) in the case of 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. Considers 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. Considers 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 law 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; (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. Title V: Brownfields Cleanup - Directs the Administrator to establish a program to award grants to States or local governments to inventory and conduct site assessments of brownfield sites. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to award grants to: (1) State or local governments for capitalization of loan programs for brownfield site cleanup by either the State or locality or by an owner or prospective purchaser; and (2) local governments that are not liable under CERCLA for purposes of cleaning up brownfield sites. Requires reports to specified congressional committees regarding the programs established under this title. Imposes funding limitations, including a restriction on the use of grants to meet Federal cost-sharing requirements or to pay fines or penalties. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) award grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts or provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, political subdivisions, and other entities for training, technology transfer, and information dissemination programs to strengthen environmental response activities; and (2) provide training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to inventory and conduct assessments and cleanups of brownfield sites and conduct response actions under CERCLA. (Sec. 503) Requires the Administrator to provide grants to States to develop or enhance State voluntary response programs. (Sec. 504) Provides for auditing of such grants by the EPA Inspector General. Title VI: Settlement Incentives - Authorizes settlements to provide for payment of a portion of response costs at facilities where there are parties that are insolvent or defunct or otherwise have a limited ability to pay. Authorizes the President to evaluate the ability to pay of a PRP and to enter into a settlement based on that ability. Title VII: Funding - Reauthorizes the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) through FY 2004. Adds purposes for which Superfund may be used, including payments for certain cleanup settlements. (Sec. 703) Reauthorizes certain activities under CERCLA to be carried out by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (Sec. 704) Authorizes appropriations for the brownfields activities and State voluntary response programs created by this Act. (Sec. 705) Authorizes appropriations to Superfund for FY 2000 through 2004. (Sec. 706) Increases the maximum amount available for certain worker training and education grants under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 in FY 2000 through 2004. Title VIII: Definitions - Adds definitions to CERCLA.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) ensure that each environmental and public health standard for an environmental pollutant protects children and other vulnerable subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (2) evaluate data concerning the special susceptibility and exposure of children to any pollutant for which such a standard is established; and (3) adopt an additional margin of safety of at least ten-fold in the establishment of such a standard in the absence of reliable data on toxicity and exposure or susceptibility of children to a pollutant for which such a standard is being established. Directs the Administrator, in establishing, modifying, or reevaluating any such standard for a pollutant under any law administered by the Administrator, to take into consideration information concerning all routes of children's exposure and the special susceptibility of children to such pollutant. Provides that the Administrator, if any such data are unavailable, shall, in completing a risk assessment or characterization or other assessment of risk underlying an environmental or public health standard, adopt an additional margin of safety of at least ten-fold to take into account potential pre- and post-natal toxicity of a pollutant and the completeness of data concerning its exposure and toxicity to children. Requires the Administrator, on an annual basis and based on the recommendations of the Children's Environmental Health Protection Advisory Committee established under this Act, to: (1) repromulgate at least three of the environmental and public health standards identified by the Committee as posing a special risk to children; or (2) publish a finding in the Federal Register that provides the Administrator's basis for declining to repromulgate such standards. Directs, the Administrator, if such finding is made, to repromulgate at least three of such standards determined to pose a greater risk to children's health than those identified by the Committee. Requires each school and day care center that receives Federal funding to: (1) take steps to reduce the exposure of children to pesticides on school grounds; and (2) provide parents with advance notification of any pesticide application on school grounds in accordance with this Act. Directs the Administrator to: (1) distribute to schools and day care centers the current EPA manual that guides schools and day care centers in the establishment of a least toxic pest control strategy; and (2) provide them with an annual list of pesticides that contain a substance identified as a carcinogen, a developmental or reproductive toxin, a category I or II acute nerve toxin, or a known or suspected endocrine disrupter. Bars schools or day care centers that receive Federal funding, beginning two years after this Act's enactment date, from applying any pesticide described above. Provides for limited emergency suspensions of such prohibition based on an imminent threat to health or safety. Requires parental notice prior to pesticide applications on school or day care grounds as well as the posting of warning signs where pesticides are to be applied. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas accessible to children; (2) create and review at least annually a list of substances with known or likely health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate children's exposure in such areas; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; and (4) make all such information publicly available. (Sec. 3) Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 to: (1) require the EPA Administrator to identify each toxic chemical that may present a significant risk to children's health or the environment; and (2) establish a threshold for each such chemical at a level that ensures reporting for at least 80 percent of the aggregate of all releases of the chemical from facilities that have ten or more full-time employees and are in Standard Industrial Classification Codes 20 through 39. Provides for reporting by facilities other than those described above if such a facility contributes substantially to total releases of such chemicals. (Sec. 4) Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the EPA Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of basic and applied research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other environmental pollutants on children and vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to Congress. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator to establish a Children's Environmental Health Protection Advisory Committee to establish an annual list of standards that merit evaluation by the Administrator in order to better protect children's health. Terminates the Committee 15 years after establishment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1999
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treatment and Assistance Act of 1999 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a waiver of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals disabled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for Medicare coverage of any drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or biological licensed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for use in the treatment or alleviation of ALS-related symptoms.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1999
Designates the Amtrak station to be constructed in the James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York, New York, as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Station.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Affordable Housing Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999
Youth Gun Crime Enforcement Act of 1999 - Title I: Extending and Strengthening the Brady Law - Subtitle A: Extending the Brady Act to Gun Shows - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit any person from organizing, planning, promoting, or operating a gun show without: (1) registering with the Secretary of the Treasury and paying a registration fee; (2) notifying the Secretary, at least 30 days in advance, of the date, time, duration, and location of the show; (3) submitting to the Secretary, at least 72 hours in advance, an updated list of all show vendors planning to participate; (4) verifying the identity of each show vendor participating by examining a valid identification document containing a photograph of the vendor; (5) requiring each vendor to sign a ledger with identifying information and a notice advising the vendor of his or her obligations; (6) notifying each attendee of requirements under the Act; (7) submitting to the Secretary, at least five days after the end of the show, a copy of the ledger and notice; and (8) maintaining a copy of the records described above at the permanent place of business of the show promoter for such period of time and in such form as the Secretary shall require. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) responsibilities of transferors and transferees who are not licensees, including criminal background check requirements; (2) responsibilities of licensees who agree to assist such persons in firearm transfers; and (3) records of licensee transfers. Sets penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter, during business hours, the place of business of any show promoter and any place where a show is held for purposes of examining required records and the inventory of licensees conducting business at the show, without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant. Increases penalties for violations of criminal background check requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Establishing a Mandatory Handgun Waiting Period and Giving Law Enforcement More Time to Complete Background Checks - Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person unless specified requirements are met, including that: (1) before completion of the transfer, the licensee transmits notice of the proposed firearm transfer to the chief law enforcement officer of the place of residence of the transferee; (2) the system provides the licensee with a unique identification number or five (currently, three) business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the system and the system has not notified the licensee that the receipt of a firearm by such person would violate the Act; and (3) if the firearm is a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon, not less than 72 hours have elapsed since the licensee contacted the system, or if the firearm is a handgun, the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement, issued by the chief law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence during the 10-day period ending on the date of the most recent proposal of such transfer by the transferee, stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or of a member of the household of the transferee. Requires a chief law enforcement officer who accepts notice of a proposed firearm transfer to destroy any statement or other record containing information derived from the notice, unless such officer determines that the transfer would violate Federal, State, or local law. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations regarding the manner in which licensees shall transmit notice of a proposed transfer to such officer; and(2) exempt licensees from the notice requirement where the Secretary determines such notice does not further the purposes of this subtitle. Subtitle C: Keeping Guns Out Of the Hands of Dangerous Juvenile Offenders - Defines the term "adjudicated delinquent" to mean an adjudication of delinquency based upon a finding of the commission of an act by a person prior to his or her eighteenth birthday that, if committed by an adult, would be a serious drug offense or violent felony. Provides that for purposes of Federal firearms provisions, any State conviction or adjudication of delinquency which has been expunged or set aside or for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored by the jurisdiction in which the conviction or adjudication of delinquency occurred shall nevertheless be considered a conviction or adjudication of delinquency unless: (1) the expunction, set aside, pardon, or restoration of civil rights (expunction) is directed to a specific person; (2) the State authority granting the expunction has expressly determined that the circumstances regarding the conviction and the person's record and reputation are such that the person will not act in a manner dangerous to public safety; and (3) the expunction expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive, or possess firearms. Specifies that the requirement for an individualized restoration of rights shall apply whether or not, under State law, the person's civil rights were taken away by virtue of the conviction or adjudication. Prohibits the sale or other disposal of a firearm or ammunition to a person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person has been an adjudicated delinquent. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restricting Youth Access to Firearms - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer: (1) of a handgun, or ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun, to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 21 (currently, such prohibition applies with respect to juveniles); or (2) of a semiautomatic assault weapon or a large capacity ammunition feeding device to persons under 21. Applies the exemption applicable with respect to possession of a handgun in defense against a home intrusion to persons under 21 (currently, juveniles). Adds an exemption with respect to the temporary possession or use of a handgun by a person who is at least 18, but under 21, in the course of employment, in the course of ranching or farming at his or her residence, or for target practice, hunting, or a course of instruction in handgun use. (Sec. 202) Provides for enhanced penalties for youth possession of handguns and semiautomatic assault weapons. Applies specified penalties to the transfer of a handgun, ammunition, semiautomatic assault weapon, or large capacity ammunition feeding device (weapon) to a person under age 21 knowing or having reasonable cause to know that such person intended to possess, discharge, or use the weapon in the commission of a crime of violence. (Sec. 203) Prohibits and sets penalties for the sale, transfer, or delivery of a firearm by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to any person (other than a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer) unless the transferee is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device. Authorizes license suspension or revocation or imposition of a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 if a licensee knowingly violates this provision. (Sec. 204) Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, knowing, or recklessly disregarding the risk, that a child is capable of gaining access to the firearm and that a child will use the firearm to cause death or serious bodily injury, or that possession of the firearm by the child is unlawful under Federal or State law, if the child uses the firearm to cause death or serious bodily injury, with exceptions. Title III: Combating Illegal Trafficking in Guns - Subtitle A: Restricting the Sources of Illegal Guns - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or transfer of: (1) two or more handguns to any single person during any 30-day period; or (2) a handgun to any single person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the transferee has already received one or more handguns within the previous 30 days. Prohibits any person from receiving more than one handgun within any 30-day period. Sets forth provisions regarding exemptions from such restrictions and penalties for violations. Increases penalties for licensees who knowingly make false statements in required records. Requires a licensee, within three days of receiving a request from the prospective transferee, to notify the national instant criminal background check system of any background check conducted within the previous 30 days that did not result in the transfer of a handgun. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from storing firearms in their business inventory in a manner not in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, in issuing such regulations, to consider the type and quantity of the firearms to be stored, as well as the standards of safety and security recognized in the firearms industry. Sets penalties for violations. Authorizes license suspension or revocation or imposition of a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 if a licensee knowingly violates this provision. Makes it a condition of licensing that within 30 days after the application is approved the firearms inventory of the business will be stored in compliance with the requirements of this section. (Sec. 303) Prohibits a common or contract carrier from failing to report to the Secretary and to the appropriate local authorities the theft or loss of a firearm within 40 hours after the theft or loss is discovered. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil fine of up to $10,000 for a violation. (Sec. 304) Increases the number of allowed compliance inspections of firearms dealers from one to three times a year. (Sec. 305) Sets penalties for transferring a firearm having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used to commit a crime of violence. (Sec. 306) Directs licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to submit to the Secretary monthly reports of all firearms obtained from non-licensees. Specifies that such information shall be reported on a form to be prescribed by the Secretary and that such reports shall not include the name of or identifying information about the firearm transferors or subsequent purchasers. (Sec. 307) Modifies provisions regarding voluntary submission of a dealer's records to allow: (1) a successor licensee, upon receipt of records, to retain the records of the discontinued business or submit them to the Secretary; and (2) a licensee to voluntarily submit the records required to be kept if such records are at least 20 years old. Subtitle B: Enhancing Penalties for Gun Trafficking - Sets penalties for violating restrictions (in subtitle A) regarding the transfer of multiple handguns. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide: (1) an appropriate enhancement for violation of the provisions prohibiting any person, except a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, from engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms or, in the course of such business, from shipping, transporting, or receiving any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) additional sentencing increases, as appropriate, for offenses involving more than 50 firearms. (Sec. 309) Provides for increased penalties for certain serious recordkeeping offenses, including making false statements or furnishing false identification with respect to a fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition. (Sec. 310) Authorizes the Secretary to suspend the license of, or assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation by, a dealer. (Current law only provides for license revocation) (Sec. 311) Provides for termination of a dealer's license upon the date of a felony conviction. (Sec. 312) Increases penalties for violations involving transactions in firearms with obliterated serial numbers. (Sec. 313) Provides for civil and criminal forfeiture of any conveyance used or intended to be used to commit a gun trafficking offense or conspiracy to commit such an offense, and property traceable to such conveyance. (Sec. 314) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Strengthening the Assault Weapons Ban -Prohibits the importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Title V: Combating Criminal Misuse of Firearms - Makes specified firearms-related offenses predicates to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 502) Increases the penalty for firearms conspiracy offenses. (Sec. 503) Makes specified firearms-related offenses, and serious juvenile drug trafficking offenses, predicate crimes under the Armed Career Criminal Act. (Sec. 505) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a five-year statute of limitations for firearms-related offenses. (Sec. 506) Provides for the civil and criminal forfeiture of firearms used or intended to be used to commit a crime of violence or a felony under Federal law. (Sec. 507) Provides for separate licenses, and license fees, for gunsmiths. Title VI: Enhanced Firearms Enforcement - Authorizes appropriations for intensive firearms prosecution projects implemented by the Department of Justice. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to expand: (1) to 75 the number of city and county law enforcement agencies that, through the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YGCII), submit identifying information relating to all firearms recovered during law enforcement investigations, including from individuals under age 25, to the Secretary to identify the types and origins of such firearms; and (2) the resources devoted to law enforcement investigations of illegal youth possessors and users and of illegal firearms traffickers identified through YGCII, including through the hiring of additional personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select cities and counties for participation in the program established under this section; and (2) establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through on-line computer technology, can promptly provide firearms-related information to the Secretary and access information derived through YCGII as soon as such capability is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Combating Criminal Misuse of Explosives - Revises explosives provisions to prohibit any person other than a licensee or permittee from knowingly transporting, shipping, causing to be transported, or receiving any explosive materials, or from distributing explosive materials to any person other than a licensee or permittee. Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring explosive materials to any other person who is not a licensee unless: (1) before the completion of the transfer, the licensee contacts the national instant criminal background check system established under the Brady Act; (2) the system provides the licensee with a unique identification number, or five business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the system and the system has not notified the licensee that the receipt of explosive materials by such other person would violate the Act; (3) the transferor has verified the identity of the transferee by examining a valid identification document of the transferee containing a photograph of the transferee; and (4) the transferor has examined the permit issued to the transferee and recorded the permit number on the record of the transfer. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) further procedures and exceptions, penalties for violations, and Federal, State, and local government immunity for preventing or failing to prevent sales of explosive materials; and (2) remedies for erroneous denial of explosive materials. Requires an application for a license or user permit for explosive materials to include the applicant's fingerprints and photograph. Modifies Federal criminal code (code) provisions to charge the applicant a fee of up to $300 for a license and up to $100 for a permit. Sets penalties for violating the requirement for a background check for purchases of explosives. Prohibits the distribution of explosive materials to: (1) anyone who has been committed to a mental institution; (2) certain aliens; (3) anyone discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions; (4) persons who have renounced their U.S. citizenship; (5) certain persons subject to a court order (such as one involving harassment, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or their child); (6) anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; or (7) persons adjudicated delinquent. Sets forth: (1) similar restrictions regarding possession of explosives; and (2) provisions relating to aliens admitted under non-immigrant visas. (Sec. 703) Prohibits the shipment, transport, receipt, or possession of explosive materials by persons under age 21, with an exception involving commercially manufactured black powder. (Sec. 704) Exempts from: (1) Federal explosives prohibitions assembled small arms ammunition and primers not assembled into cartridges (other than bulk smokeless powder); and (2) Federal explosives prohibitions on the transportation and distribution of explosives specified quantities of commercially manufactured black powder intended for sporting or recreational use in antique firearms or devices. (Sec. 705) Authorizes appropriations.