United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to maintain the exemption of Alaska from dyeing requirements for diesel fuel and kerosene exempt from the gasoline tax. Repeals the exemption from such dyeing requirements for other States exempted by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from such requirements under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Provides that, upon the joint motion of the United States and the State of Alaska and the issuance of an appropriate order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, any portion of the joint trust funds (including interest) received or to be received by the United States and Alaska pursuant to the Agreement and Consent Decree issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation et al. and State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation et al. may be deposited in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund, accounts outside the U.S. Treasury, or both. Sets forth requirements regarding outside accounts. Directs that any interest accrued under the authority in this Act be used only for a peer reviewed grant program consisting of: (1) marine research; (2) monitoring; and (3) restoration, other than habitat acquisition, and additionally for community and economic restoration projects and facilities. Specifies that the trustees shall administer grants authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Taiwan Security Enhancement Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments should make every effort to reserve additional positions for Taiwan military officers at the National Defense University, the senior war colleges, and the military academies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should, when considering foreign military sales to Taiwan, take into account Taiwan's special status and make every effort to ensure it has full and timely access to price and availability data for defense articles and defense services. Directs the President, upon the request of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, to use Department of Defense funds for the assignment of additional technical staff to the American Institute in Taiwan. Directs the President to report annually to Congress with respect to Taiwan's defense needs. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for the enhancement of programs for operational training and exchanges of personnel between U.S. armed forces and Taiwanese armed forces for work in threat analysis, doctrine, force planning, operational methods, and other areas. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish secure direct communications between the U.S. Pacific military command and the Taiwan military command. Authorizes the President, subject to the Arms Export Control Act, to make available for sale to Taiwan, at reasonable cost, theater missile defense equipment and related items, satellite early warning data, modern air-defense equipment, and naval defense systems.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rural and Remote Community Development Block Grants Title II: Rural and Remote Community Electrification Grants The Rural and Remote Community Fairness Act - Title I: Rural and Remote Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize (including appropriations) a rural and remote community development block grant program. Sets forth eligible program activities, including housing, water and waste water, and fuel and energy enhancements. Title II: Rural and Remote Community Electrification Grants - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize (including appropriations) rural and remote community electrification grants. Title III: Rural Recovery Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize (including appropriations) rural housing and community development assistance through rural recovery community development block grants for eligible local governments and Indian tribes in areas with high rates of outmigration and low per capita income.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Vicksburg Campaign Trail Battlefields Preservation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to study and report to specified congressional committees on what measures should be taken to preserve certain Civil War battlefields along the Vicksburg Campaign Trail. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of: (1) recovering the costs of high altitude rescues on Mt. McKinley, within Denali National Park and Preserve; and (2) requiring climbers to provide proof of medical insurance prior to the issuance of a climbing permit by the National Park Service. Requires the report also to review the amount of fees charged for a climbing permit, and make any appropriate recommendations for changing the fee structure.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Expresses support for the U.S. military personnel who are engaged in military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and recognizes their professionalism, dedication, patriotism, and courage.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Transit in Parks (TRIP) Act - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a cooperative relationship with the Secretary of the Interior providing for: (1) the exchange of technical assistance; (2) interagency and multidisciplinary teams to develop Federal land management agency (the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Land Management) transportation policy, procedures, and coordination; and (3) the development of procedures and criteria relating to the planning, selection, and funding of qualified mass transportation projects carried out within or adjacent to national parks and related public lands, and implementation and oversight of the project plan in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the Government's share (as the Secretary determines it) to any qualified participant that carries out any part of such a project without assistance under this Act. Lists Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Acadia National Park as locations that may be included in the initial projects. Makes any such project eligible for funding through a State Infrastructure Bank or other innovative financing mechanism otherwise available. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permanently extend the credit for increasing research activities; and (2) increase the incremental rates for the alternative research credit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of making medical assistance for breast and cervical cancer-related treatment services available during a presumptive eligibility period to certain low-income women without creditable coverage who have already been screened for such cancers under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breast and cervical cancer early detection program and need treatment. Provides for an enhanced match with regard to such Medicaid treatment services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting an individual under age 18 across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the individual resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the individual obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the individual resides, took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers legal harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
National Salvage Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1999 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States receiving Federal funds for the compilation of passenger motor vehicle titling information, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "older model salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood, and the name of the State that issued the title. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply specified uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a record of the States which are in compliance with the uniform Federal title requirements; and (2) a mechanism to identify to interested parties which States are compliant. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring: (1) a person transferring ownership of a rebuilt salvage vehicle to disclose to the transferee, before the time of transfer, that the motor vehicle is a rebuilt salvage vehicle when such person has actual knowledge of such fact; and (2) that a label containing such information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits any person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the first retail purchaser. Directs the Secretary to report to appropriate congressional committees on whether the costs to States for compliance with the requirements of this Act can be met by user fees for titling, registration, inspection, or other services, or by earmarking moneys collected through law enforcement action to enforce such requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly to: (1) make false statements on the application for a motor vehicle title or any disclosure with respect to a rebuilt salvage vehicle; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle, or any disclosure with respect to a rebuilt salvage vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; (6) fail to give notice to a transferee of a motor vehicle that it has been damaged by flood; (7) fail to make any required disclosure with respect to a rebuilt salvage vehicle; (8) violate a regulation under this Act; (9) move a vehicle or a vehicle title in interstate commerce for the purpose of avoiding the titling requirements of this Act; or (10) conspire to commit any of these acts. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the chief law enforcement officer of a State, whenever a person violates a requirement of this Act, to bring an action in district court to restrain the violation, or recover amounts for which a person is civilly liable, or recover the amount of damage suffered by a resident in the State as a result of the knowing commission of the unlawful act by another person. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to each State that demonstrates that it is taking appropriate actions to implement this Act, including such conformance related activities as issuing titles, establishing and administering vehicle theft or salvage vehicles safety inspections, enforcement, and other related purposes. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Requires the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to permit a user to establish instantly and reliably, among other things, whether: (1) an automobile known to be titled in a particular State is or has been a nonrepairable vehicle, a rebuilt salvage vehicle, or a flood vehicle; and (2) an automobile bearing a known vehicle identification number has been reported as a nonrepairable vehicle, a rebuilt salvage vehicle, or a flood vehicle. Limits to States receiving certain Federal grants for the compilation of passenger motor vehicle titling information the current requirement that every State make such information available for use in operating the System. (Sec. 4) Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary to develop and implement a program to notify U.S. dealers and distributors of the prohibition on the sale or delivery of any vehicle for use as a schoolbus that does not meet prescribed standards.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Commends U.S. Senator J. Robert Kerrey of Nebraska, on the 30th anniversary of the events giving rise to his receiving the Medal of Honor, for service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to revise requirements for the responsibilities of the U.S. Geological Survey with respect to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including to require the: (1) development of national priorities (currently, priorities) and standards; (2) development of a five-year strategic plan (currently, an implementation plan); (3) appointment of a new geologic mapping advisory committee; and (4) biennial submission of the report on the development and implementation of the program. Revises requirements for program components, including by: (1) including among the objectives of each component determining the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to environmental welfare; (2) deleting provisions governing a geologic mapping support component and including interdisciplinary studies that add value to geologic mapping under the Federal geologic mapping component's responsibilities; (3) basing mapping priorities for the State geologic mapping component on State requirements for geologic map information in areas of multiple-issue need or of compelling single-issue need and in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth science problems; (4) prohibiting the Survey and recipients of grants under the State or education component from using more than a specified percentage of the Federal funds made available under such component for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges; and (5) limiting to 50 percent the Federal share of the cost of activities under such components for any fiscal year. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding the geologic mapping advisory committee, including by requiring such committee to update the five-year strategic plan. (Sec. 6) Sets forth requirements for the five- year strategic plan (similar to those for the implementation plan). (Sec. 7) Revises the provisions establishing the National geologic-map database, including by requiring that such database serve as a national catalog and archive (currently, archive), distributed through links to Federal and State geologic map holdings; and (2) provide for such database to include all maps developed under the Federal and education components (currently all maps developed pursuant to the Act). (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations. Allocates 48 percent of any amounts appropriated in excess of the amount appropriated for FY 2000 for the State component and two percent for the education component.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate a repository for the permanent geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by no later than June 30, 2003; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes; (4) pursue expeditiously the development of each component of the integrated management system; and (5) engage private sector participation to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of this Act. Shields the United States from any financial liability for the Secretary's failure to meet acceptance or emplacement deadlines under this Act. Instructs the Secretary to utilize truck transport to move spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from the mainline rail line at Caliente, Nevada, to the interim storage facility site. Authorizes the Secretary to use rail transportation to meet the requirements of this Act if direct rail access becomes available to the interim storage facility site. Sets a deadline for the Secretary to develop the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer at Caliente, Nevada. Provides for heavy-haul transportation route and truck transportation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada, to provide advice to the Commission regarding intermodal transfer and to facilitate on-site representation. Provides that reasonable expenses of such representation shall be paid by the Secretary. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the availability of safe transportation for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from Department of Energy sites and sites designated by the contract holders to mainline transportation facilities and from mainline transportation facilities to the interim storage facility or repository, using routes that minimize transportation through populated areas. Mandates development of a comprehensive management plan that ensures safe transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from Department of Energy sites and sites designated by the contract holders to the interim storage facility site. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall: (1) develop a transportation plan for the implementation of each shipping campaign from each site at which high-level nuclear waste is stored; and (2) evaluate the relative safety of proposed shipping routes and modes from each shipping origin to the interim storage facility or repository compared with the safety of alternative modes and routes. Prescribes general transportation requirements, including technical assistance and funds for: (1) States, Indian tribes, and nonprofit employee and joint labor-management organizations for worker health and safety training and education programs; and (2) emergency response situations. Prohibits shipments of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste through any grant-eligible jurisdiction: (1) until the Secretary has determined that personnel in all State, local, and tribal jurisdictions on primary and alternative shipping routes have met acceptable standards of training for emergency responses to accidents involving spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste; and (2) unless technical assistance and funds to implement safe transportation procedures and emergency response situations have been available for at least three years prior to shipment. Directs the Secretary to award grants to States and Indian tribes for development and implementation of plans to prepare for such shipments. Requires a transporter of nuclear waste under contract with the Secretary to comply with all governmental and Indian tribal transportation regulations. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate employee protection training standards for workers directly involved in nuclear waste transportation, storage, and disposal. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Energy is instructed to design, construct, and operate an interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in accordance with Federal licensing regulations governing independent spent fuel storage installations. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary is instructed to implement site characterization activities at the Yucca Mountain site in accordance with the Secretary's program approach to site characterization (Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Program Plan). Prescribes authorization guidelines for an interim storage facility, and for a permanent repository, including: (1) licensing standards; (2) compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act; and (3) land withdrawal. Instructs the Secretary to offer Nye County, Nevada, an opportunity to designate an on-site oversight representative to conduct on-site oversight activities at the Yucca Mountain site. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to enable affected Indian tribes or local governmental units to monitor and review the impact of the integrated management system upon residents at the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) offer financial and technical assistance, as well as payments in lieu of taxes, to help a tribe or local governmental unit to mitigate such impact. Instructs the Secretary to offer to enter into separate benefits agreements with Lincoln and Nye Counties concerning the integrated management system. Provides that acceptance of benefits under this Act by any affected Indian tribe or local government shall not be deemed an expression of consent to the siting of an interim storage facility or repository in Nevada. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary of the Interior shall convey all Federal interest in specified property to Nye County, Lincoln County, or to the city of Caliente, Nevada. Authorizes the Secretary to grant payments in lieu of taxes to any affected Indian or local jurisdiction until the termination of the integrated management system activities. Prescribes contract guidelines for the Secretary to accept title to, and transport, store, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Prescribes a schedule of annual fees payable to the Secretary of Energy for electricity generated and sold by civilian nuclear power reactors, and of a one-time fee for spent nuclear fuel used in such generation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to suspend the license of any licensee who fails or refuses to pay such fee. States that payment of the fee relieves the payer of further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal of spent fuel or waste derived from spent nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian power reactor before January 7, 1983. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund. Prohibits the Secretary from expending certain funds to design or construct packages for the transportation, storage, or disposal of spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear power reactors. Establishes the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management within the Department of Energy, whose Director shall be directly responsible to the Secretary for executing the Secretary's functions under this Act. Mandates audits of Office operations, including its contractors and subcontractors at all tiers, and audits of management practices and performances every five years. Directs the Secretary to issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities and spent nuclear fuel from foreign research reactors. Authorizes appropriations. Preempts State and local law in favor of this Act. Precludes this Act from being construed as: (1) constituting either an express or implied Federal reservation of water rights for any purpose arising under it; (2) authorizing the Federal use of eminent domain to acquire water rights; or (3) limiting the exercise of water rights as provided under Nevada State laws. Grants U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings regarding facility expansions and transshipments. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for them. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial arrangements for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Delineates an emplacement schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Prohibits: (1) subseabed or ocean water disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste; and (2) any obligation of funds for any such related activity. States that the Secretary's acceptance of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste constitutes a transfer of title to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept all spent nuclear fuel withdrawn from Dairyland Power Cooperative's La Crosse Reactor; and (2) pay for the on-site storage of such fuel until DOE removes it from the site. Expresses the sense of the Congress that to the greatest extent practicable all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. Prohibits contracts with persons falsely labeling products as "Made in America." Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure to the maximum extent its operation like a private business. Directs the Secretary to employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. Instructs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions planned to implement this Act, (including the development of the Integrated Waste Management System) and to provide annual status updates. Provides for continuation of specified contracts executed under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Domestic Oil and Gas Production Preservation Provisions Title II: Domestic Oil and Gas Industry Crisis Tax Relief Subtitle A: Credits to Cash Provisions Subtitle B: Hard Times Tax Relief Subtitle C: Oil-for-Food Program Compensating Tax Benefits Title III: Foreign Oil Reliance Reversal Provisions Title IV: National Security Emergency Provisions Domestic Oil and Gas Crises Tax Relief and Foreign Oil Reliance Reversal Act of 1999 - Title I: Domestic Oil and Gas Production Preservation Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a marginal oil and gas well production credit. Excludes from gross income certain income attributable to independent producer oil from a recovered inactive well. Extends the enhanced oil recovery credit to include certain nontertiary recovery methods. Title II: Domestic Oil and Gas Industry Crisis Tax Relief - Subtitle A: Credits to Cash Provisions - Provides a ten-year carryback for: (1) unused energy minimum tax credits; (2) percentage depletion for oil and gas recovery; and (3) losses attributable to oil servicing companies and mineral interests of oil and gas producers. Provides for a waiver of limitations. Subtitle B: Hard Times Tax Relief - Provides, as a general rule, that in computing the alternative minimum taxable income of any taxpayer which is an integrated oil company for any taxable year beginning after 1998, there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the alternative tax energy preference deduction (as defined). Makes the depreciation adjustment inapplicable to property used in the active conduct of the trade or business of exploring for, extracting, developing, or gathering crude oil or natural gas. Repeals specified adjustments. Allows using the enhanced oil recovery credit and the credit for producing oil from a nonconventional source against the minimum tax. Subtitle C: Oil-for-Food Program Compensating Tax Benefits - Increases the percentage depletion for stripper wells. Repeals the net income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and gas properties. Permits a taxpayer to treat geological and geophysical expenses incurred in connection with the exploration for, or development of, oil or gas within the United States as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Doubles from the 90th to the 180th day the time allowed under the "spudding rule." Title III: Foreign Oil Reliance Reversal Provisions - Establishes a crude oil and natural gas exploration credit. Title IV: National Security Emergency Provisions - Directs the President to: (1) establish a National Security Energy Independence Ceiling which shall represent a ceiling beyond which foreign crude and oil product imports as a share of U.S. crude and oil product consumption shall not rise; (2) report to Congress annually with a national security projection for energy independence; and (3) certify whether such imports will exceed the ceiling. Provides for review of each projection by Congress. Requires the President, if the ceiling level will be exceeded, to submit a National Security and Oil production policy to Congress which shall prevent such imports from the exceeding the National Security Energy Independence Ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the use of appropriated funds for: (1) any system to implement the Act that does not require and result in the immediate destruction of all information submitted by or on behalf of any person who has been determined not to be prohibited from owning a firearm; and (2) the implementation or collection of any tax or fee by any Federal officer, agent, or employee, or by any State or local officer or agent acting on behalf of the United States, in connection with such implementation. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring an action in Federal district court and, if successful, to receive damages, punitive damages, and such other remedies as the court may determine to be appropriate, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the specific guarantees of provision of legitimate defense arrangements to Taiwan contained therein; and (2) Congress has grave concerns over the People's Republic of China's growing arsenal of nuclear and conventionally armed ballistic missiles, the movement of those missiles into a closer geographic proximity to Taiwan, and the effect that buildup may have on stability in the Taiwan Strait. Calls on the President to: (1) direct all appropriate officials to raise with Chinese officials such concerns; (2) seek from Chinese leaders a public renunciation of any use of (or threat to use) force against Taiwan; and (3) provide an annual report detailing the military balance on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Calls for the Secretary of Defense to inform the appropriate congressional committees when officials from Taiwan seek to purchase defense articles for self-defense. Declares that: (1) the U.S. Government should encourage a high-level dialogue with officials from Taiwan and other U.S. allies in East Asia; and (2) it should be U.S. policy to publicly support Taiwan's admission to the World Trade Organization and encourage others to adopt similar policies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Graduate Medical Education Technical Amendments of 1999 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the ceiling on the total number of full-time equivalent interns and residences in allopathic and osteopathic medicine in either a hospital or nonhospital setting for purposes of indirect and direct graduate medical education (GME) payments. Repeals the current limitation on program residents in a hospital with respect to the hospital's most recent cost reporting period ending on or before December 31, 1996. Replaces such limitation with one based on the number of residents who were appointed by a hospital's approved medical residency training program for such reporting period. Provides that beginning on or after January 1, 1997, in the case of a hospital that sponsors only one allopathic or osteopathic residency program, the new limit determined above for such hospital may, at the hospital's discretion, be increased by one for each calendar year but shall not exceed a total of three more than such limit. Limits to programs established between January 1, 1995, and September 30, 1999, (currently, programs established on or after January 1, 1995) the mandate for special rules applying limitations on interns and residents in any kind of medical residence training program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in promulgating such rules, to include in the special consideration for facilities meeting the needs of underserved rural areas any facility not located in an underserved rural area which has established a separately accredited rural training track. Makes this Act's amendments effective as if included in the enactment of BBA '97.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and revise provisions for the National Writing Project (NWP). Increases the maximum amount for any one contractor under limits on the Federal share of NWP teacher training programs. Repeals the classroom teacher grants program under NWP. Increases and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for NWP.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Glacier Bay Fisheries Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, in the Glacier Bay National Park, to accommodate the conduct: (1) of subsistence fishing and gathering under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act; and (2) by the State of Alaska, in accordance with the principles of sustained yield, of marine commercial fisheries, except fishing for Dungeness crab in the waters of the Beardslee Islands and upper Dundas Bay. Permits the use of Glacier Bay entrance fees to pay an aggregate of not more than $2 million per fiscal year in actual and punitive damages to persons that, at any time after January 1, 1999, suffer a loss in earnings from commercial fisheries legally conducted in the marine waters of Glacier Bay, due to any action by any Federal officer, employee, or agent, that interferes with any person legally fishing or attempting to fish in such commercial fisheries.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the President to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Nursing Home Residential Security Act of 1999 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish certain restrictions on transfers or discharges of nursing facility residents in the case of voluntary withdrawal from Medicaid participation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal to commemorate organ donors and their families. Makes any organ donor, or the family or family member of any organ donor, eligible for the medal. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with the OPTN to collect funds to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit all solicited donations into the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the Federal-aid highway sanctions available to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in cases of failure of State implementation plans for air quality nonattainment areas.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of NIH with respect to autism. Requires the Director, among other things, to make awards of grants and contracts to public or nonprofit entities for centers of excellence regarding research on autism. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) make awards of grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities to public or nonprofit private entities; (2) establish up to five regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology, through grants or cooperative agreements, for purposes of collecting and analyzing information on autism and developmental disabilities; (3) establish a clearinghouse within the Center for the collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring programs created by this Act; and (4) coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health department officials regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the general public. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Bring Them Home Alive Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General to grant refugee status in the United States to any alien (and the parent, spouse, and child of such) who: (1) is a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and (2) personally delivers into U.S. custody a living American Vietnam War POW or MIA. Requires the granting of the same status to any alien (and parent, spouse, and child) who is a national of North Korea, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union and who personally delivers a living American Korean War POW or MIA. Directs the International Broadcasting Bureau to broadcast to such foreign countries information that promotes such refugee programs. Requires: (1) a minimum level of such broadcasting; and (2) the Bureau to ensure that such information is made available on the Internet. Expresses the sense of the Congress that RFE-RL, Inc., Radio Free Asia, and any other recipient of Federal grants that broadcasts to such countries should also broadcast such information.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide certain Medicare beneficiaries with an exemption to the financial limitations imposed on physical, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the specified effects of this Act for a report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
State and Local Investment Opportunities Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the State ceiling on private activity bonds. Provides for inflation adjustment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
Federal Home Loan Bank System Modernization Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) to instruct the Federal Housing Finance Board (the FHF Board) to divide the States into not fewer than one Federal Home Loan Bank district (currently 8 to 12 districts). (Sec. 4) Amends Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) membership parameters to make a Federal savings association's membership in the FHLB system voluntary instead of mandatory. (Sec. 5) Modifies guidelines governing long-term advances to: (1) allow advances to any community financial institution for small businesses, agricultural, rural development, or low-income community development lending; (2) make the cash (as well as the deposits) of an FHLB eligible collateral for securing a bank's interest in a loan or advance; and (3) repeal the 30 percent of capital cap on the aggregate amount of outstanding advances secured by real estate related collateral. Includes within the categories of collateral eligible for a bank loan secured loans for small business, agriculture, rural development, or low-income community development, or securities representing a whole interest in such secured loans in the case of any community financial institution. Authorizes the FHF Board to review certain collateral standards and require an increase in such standards for safety and soundness purposes. Authorizes an FHLB to renew certain advances on its own determination without concurrence by the FHF Board. Requires an FHLB member with an advance secured by insufficient eligible collateral to reduce its level of outstanding advances according to a schedule determined by the FHLB (currently, by the FHF Board). (Sec. 6) Revises eligibility criteria to permit certain community financial institutions to gain FHLB membership regardless of the percentage of total assets represented by residential mortgage loans. (Sec. 7) Repeals certain requirements for advances to qualified thrift lenders (QTLs) and to FHLB members that are not QTLs. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to repeal the ineligibility of a non-QTL savings association to obtain new advances from a FHLB bank (thus making such savings associations eligible for such advances). Declares that, beginning three years after a savings association should have become or ceases to be a QTL, the savings association shall not retain any investment (including an investment in any subsidiary) or engage, directly or indirectly, in any activity unless that investment or activity would be permissible for the savings association if it were a national bank, and is also permissible for the savings association as a savings association. (Sec. 8) Amends the FHLBA to establish the Federal Home Loan Bank Finance Corporation (Corporation) as a federally chartered instrumentality of the United States to issue and service consolidated debt obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks. Vests management of the Corporation in a board of directors. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corporation issuance of voting capital stock to each member Bank. Transfers to the Corporation the functions of the Office of Finance of the Federal Home Loan Banks. (Sec. 9) Permits an FHLB to include as part of its capital structure plan provisions establishing a structure for its elective and appointive directors other than the structure prescribed by the FHLBA. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Corporation to issue consolidated bonds. (Sec. 11) Modifies mergers and consolidations guidelines to permit: (1) voluntary mergers, combinations, or consolidations of FHLB banks; and (2) FHLBs to establish, subject to FHF Board approval and supervision, a subsidiary or holding company to perform administrative or operational functions. (Sec. 12) Terminates the Housing Opportunity Hotline program. Repeals the requirement that an FHLB receive prior approval of the FHF Board for the purchase, construction, or leasing of buildings. Specifies the FHF Board's power to issue notices of violations to any FHLB, and to take affirmative action to correct resulting conditions. Repeals: (1) the FHF Board's authority to approve FHLB advances; and (2) the attendant loan limitation restriction. Requires each Federal home loan bank to contribute annually ten percent of the preceding year's net income or the prorated sums required to assure that the aggregate contribution of the banks shall not be less than $100 million for each such year, to support subsidies, including subsidized advances, through the Affordable Housing Program. Declares that no FHLB dividends shall be paid except out of previously retained earnings or current net earnings (currently, net earnings) remaining after certain reductions. Repeals the FHF Board's authority to levy a special one-time assessment upon FHLBs for its estimated transitional expenses. (Sec. 13) States that FHLB payments to the Resolution Funding Corporation to cover interest payments on obligations shall be a specified percentage of net earnings (currently an aggregate sum certain). (Sec. 14) Revamps FHLB capital structure parameters to direct: (1) the Finance Board to issue uniform capital standards regulations governing FHLB leverage limitation and risk-based capital requirements; and (2) each FHLB board of directors to submit for FHF Board approval a capital structure plan determined to be best suited for the bank's condition and operation as well as for the interests of its shareholders. Prescribes plan contents.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
Veterans' Equal Access to Medicare Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Veterans Affairs (VA) (the administering Secretaries) to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary reimburses the VA Secretary for Medicare health care services furnished to certain veterans at a VA medical facility. Makes eligible for such services a veteran who has attained age 65, is entitled to Medicare benefits, and was enrolled for Medicare benefits on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires voluntary participation of eligible veterans under the demonstration program. Directs the administering Secretaries to establish a data matching program under which there is an exchange of information between HHS and VA to identify those entitled to such benefits. Allows the administering Secretaries to select up to ten demonstration sites in geographically dispersed sites for program participation. Requires at least one site to: (1) be near a base which was closed under a defense base closure law; and (2) serve a predominately rural population area. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted during the three-year period beginning on January 1, 2000. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to waive certain Medicare requirements in connection with the program. Requires the administering Secretaries to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a copy of the demonstration program agreement. Authorizes the VA Secretary to establish and operate up to four managed health care plans at demonstration sites. Requires such Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for the use of appropriate sites and entities. Requires certain certifications from the VA Inspector General before a plan may be implemented. Directs the HHS Secretary to reimburse the VA Secretary for demonstration project services at specified rates. Provides for such payments from Medicare trust funds, with an annual limit of $50 million. Authorizes the reduction of such reimbursement payments for VA failure to maintain its effort level for targeted veterans. Directs the administering Secretaries to closely monitor the expenditures made under the Medicare program for targeted veterans during the period of the demonstration project compared to expenditures that would have been made for such veterans if the demonstration project had not been conducted. Requires: (1) an annual report by the Comptroller General during each year of the demonstration project; (2) the administering Secretaries to take certain steps in the case of increased costs under the demonstration project and arrange for an independent evaluation of the project; (3) annual reports from such independent entity during the demonstration project period; and (4) a report from the administering Secretaries on the possibility of extending the demonstration project, making it permanent, or expanding it to cover additional demonstration sites.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1999
Kake Tribal Corporation Public Interest Land Exchange Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to valid existing rights, to convey to the Kake Tribal Corporation and the Sealaska Corporation the surface and subsurface estates, respectively, of specified lands in the Hamilton Bay and Saginaw Bay areas (to be identified by the Kake Tribal Corporation) in exchange for the surface and subsurface estates of specified municipal watershed lands. Requires that the exchange of lands be on an equal value basis. Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the City of Kake, Alaska, to provide for management of the municipal watershed. Prohibits: (1) timber harvested from land conveyed to Kake Tribal Corporation from being exported as unprocessed logs from Alaska; and (2) the Kake Tribal Corporation from selling, trading, substituting, or otherwise conveying that timber to any person for export from Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Huna Totem Corporation Public Interest Land Exchange Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to valid existing rights, to convey to the Huna Totem Corporation and the Sealaska Corporation the surface and subsurface estates, respectively, of specified lands that are readily accessible to the Village of Hoonah and, where possible, located on the road system to such Village (to be identified by the Huna Totem Corporation) in exchange for the surface and subsurface estates of specified municipal watershed lands. Requires the exchange of lands be on an equal value basis. Prohibits: (1) timber harvested from land conveyed to Huna Totem Corporation from being exported as unprocessed logs from Alaska; and (2) the Huna Totem Corporation from selling, trading, substituting, or otherwise conveying that timber to any person for export from Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1999
Designates the week of March 21 through March 27, 1999, as National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week. Encourages parents to learn about the dangers of inhalant abuse and to discuss those dangers with their children.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to discontinue its licensing and regulatory authority over certain new, small (power production capacity of 5,000 kilowatts or less) qualifying hydroelectric project works in Alaska, effective upon FERC certification that Alaska has a regulatory program in place for water-power development meeting specified criteria. Prescribes such criteria as: (1) protection of certain public and environmental interests to the same extent provided by FERC and specified Federal law; (2) equal consideration given to energy conservation, fish and wildlife protection, recreational opportunities, environmental quality, the interests of Alaska Natives, and beneficial public uses; and (3) licensing requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of lights, signals, and fishways by a licensee at its own expense, operation of navigation facilities subject to Secretary of the Army regulations, and fish and wildlife protection and enhancement based upon Federal and State agency recommendations. Authorizes the licensee of a project works licensed before enactment of this Act to elect to subject such works to licensing and regulation by Alaska in accordance with this Act. Declares that, with respect to project works on an Indian reservation, a conservation system unit, or Federal public lands, a State license or exemption from license shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary having jurisdiction over such lands, and such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires FERC to consult with the Secretaries of the Interior, of Agriculture, and of Commerce before certifying Alaska's regulatory program. Requires the State of Alaska to notify FERC within 30 days after making any significant modification to its regulatory program. Requires FERC to reassert its regulatory and licensing authority if Alaska has not complied with one or more requirements of this Act. Prescribes FERC compliance review procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Designates the week beginning April 30, 1999, as National Youth Fitness Week. Urges parents, families, caregivers, and teachers to encourage and help youth to participate in athletic activities and to teach adolescents to engage in healthy lifestyles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
Alaska Native and American Indian Direct Reimbursement Act of 1999 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to make permanent the demonstration program under which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native health organizations that contract or compact for the operation of a hospital or clinic of the Indian Health Service may directly bill for, and receive payment for, health care services provided by such hospital or clinic for which payment is made under Medicare or Medicaid or from any other third party payor. Requires participating hospitals and clinics to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services quarterly reports on the program during the first two years of participation and annual reports thereafter. Provides for: (1) application to the Secretary by an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or Alaska Native health organization for participation of a Service facility in the program (the demonstration program was limited to four facilities); (2) the ongoing examination and implementation of necessary administrative changes to facilitate direct billing and reimbursement under the program; and (3) withdrawal from participation in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 1999 - Establishes the Office of Native American Business Development within the Department of Commerce, to be headed by a Director of Native American Business Development. Provides for: (1) financial and technical assistance and administrative services for business development and legal and regulatory compliance to Indian tribes, organizations, and businesses (eligible entities); and (2) other assistance to enhance the economies of Indian tribes. Bars assistance for activities related to gaming activities on Indian lands. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to carry out a Native American export and trade promotion program. Provides for technical assistance and administrative services to eligible entities for: (1) identifying and entering appropriate markets for Indian goods and services; (2) complying with foreign or domestic laws and practices with respect to financial institutions with respect to exports and imports of such goods and services; and (3) entering into financial arrangements to provide for such exporting and importing. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to conduct a Native American tourism program to facilitate tourism demonstration projects by Indian tribes on a tribal, intertribal, or regional basis. Authorizes grants to, or other arrangements with, Indian tribes and organizations to carry out such program. Requires a demonstration project to be conducted for: (1) Indians of the Four Corners area between Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico; (2) Indians of the area known as the Great Northwest; (3) the Oklahoma Indians in Oklahoma; and (4) Indians of the Great Plains area. Provides for financial and technical assistance and administrative services for feasibility studies, market analyses, participation in tourism and trade missions, and related activities to participants selected to carry out tourism development projects. Provides for: (1) priority consideration and expediting of processing of applications involving the establishment of foreign-trade zones on Indian lands or the establishment of ports of entry necessary to permit the establishment of such zones; and (2) approval of such applications, to the maximum extent practicable.
![Official portrait of Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001085_200.jpg)