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United States · Official source
2,390 records where Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Organ Donor Leave Act - Permits a Federal employee, in any calendar year, to use not to exceed: (1) seven days of paid leave to serve as a bone-marrow donor; and (2) 30 days of paid leave to serve as an organ donor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
Main Street Business Incentive Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to accelerate, from taxable years beginning in 2003 to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998, the $25,000 maximum dollar limitation applicable to the expensing of certain depreciable assets under section 179 of the IRC. Expands the definition of section 179 property (while maintaining the exclusion for air conditioning and heating units) to include any tangible property used in a trade or business.
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 · 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
Health Care Access and Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of individuals not covered by an employer-subsidized plan; (2) expand the availability of medical savings accounts; (3) permit the carryover of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts; and (4) permit contributions towards a Medical Savings Account through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999 - Title I: Use of Controlled Substances Consistent With the Controlled Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that for purposes of such Act, alleviating pain or discomfort in the usual course of professional practice is a legitimate medical purpose for the dispensing, distributing, or administering of a controlled substance consistent with public health and safety even if the use of such a substance may increase the risk of death. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes intentionally dispensing or administering a controlled substance for purposes of causing death or assisting another person in causing death. Prohibits the Attorney General, in determining whether a controlled substance manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser registration is consistent with the public interest under the Act, from giving force and effect to State law permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia. Authorizes certain educational and research programs carried out by the Attorney General under the Act to include educational and training programs for local, State, and Federal personnel on the necessary and legitimate use of controlled substances in pain management and palliative care and means by which investigation and enforcement actions by law enforcement personnel may accommodate such use. Title II: Promoting Palliative Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to carry out a program to: (1) develop and advance scientific understanding of palliative care; and (2) collect and disseminate protocols and evidence-based practices regarding such care, with priority given to pain management for terminally ill patients, and make such information publicly available. Defines "palliative care" as the active total care of patients whose prognosis is limited due to progressive, far-advanced disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other entities for programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in palliative care. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants. Provides for the evaluation of such programs to determine their effect on knowledge and practice regarding palliative care. Makes funds available for such grants and contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
S. 01265 (rd) DGST MRL H.R. 01402 DGST MRL Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the Class I milk price structure known as Option A as part of the final rule to consolidate Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Makes marked (currently, only unmarked) graves of certain veterans eligible for the provision of a headstone or marker through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Allows such headstone or marker to be placed at another area appropriate for commemorating the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, increase retirement plan limits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Prohibits any U.S. assistance for reconstruction efforts in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, or any contiguous country, on account of the armed conflict or atrocities that have occurred there since March 24, 1999, from consisting of, or from being used for the procurement of, any article produced outside the United States or any service provided by a foreign person. Waives such prohibition if it would require procurement of any article or service that is prohibitively expensive or unavailable.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. share of the costs of reconstruction measures carried out in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or contiguous countries on account of the armed conflict and atrocities that have occurred in Yugoslavia since March 24, 1999, should not exceed the U.S. share of the common-funded budgets of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to: (1) include among permissible uses of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants improving the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes; and (2) require State certification that it has established a forensic science laboratory or laboratory system or a medical examiner's office that meets specified requirements, with respect to any such grant for such purpose. Amends the Act to require a State to submit to the Attorney General: (1) a certification that the State has developed a consolidated State plan that meets specified requirements and a specific description of the manner in which the grant will be used to carry out that plan; (2) a certification that any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's office in the State that will receive any portion of the grant amount uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures, established by accrediting organizations; and (3) a specific description of any new facility to be constructed as part of the program, estimated costs of that facility, and a certification that the grant will not be used to fund more than 40 percent of such facility's total costs. Prohibits the use of grant funds for any general law enforcement or non-forensic investigatory function. Limits facilities and administrative costs. Sets forth provisions regarding record-keeping (and access to records and documents) and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
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
National Uniformity for Food Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food labeling or food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.
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
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
Y2K Act - Makes this Act: (1) applicable to any Y2K action brought in a Federal or State court after January 1, 1999, for a Y2K failure occurring before January 1, 2003; and (2) inapplicable to a claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Preempts inconsistent State law. (Sec. 5) Mandates that, in any Y2K action in which punitive damages are permitted, the defendant shall not be liable unless the plaintiff proves that the applicable standard for awarding damages has been met. Limits punitive damages in such an action to the lesser of three times the amount awarded for compensatory damages or $250,000. Makes such limitation applicable to: (1) individuals whose net worth does not exceed $500,000; or (2) an entity employing fewer than 50 full-time employees. Waives such limitation when specific intent to injure is established. Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded against a government entity. (Sec. 6) Requires the application of proportionate liability upon each person against whom a final judgment is entered in a Y2K action. Makes the liability of a defendant in such an action joint and several if the trier of fact determines that such defendant: (1) acted with specific intent to injure the plaintiff; or (2) knowingly committed fraud. Makes any other defendant proportionately liable for the uncollectible share of a judgment against a defendant for compensatory damages, with a limitation. States that a defendant who settles a Y2K action at any time before final verdict or judgment shall be discharged from all claims for contribution brought by other persons. Entitles a defendant who is jointly and severally liable in a Y2K action to recover contribution from any other person who, if joined in the original action, would have been liable for the same damages. Applies a six-month statute of limitations for such contribution. (Sec. 7) Requires a prospective plaintiff, before commencing a Y2K action (except in an action seeking only injunctive relief), to serve on each prospective defendant a written notice that identifies with particularity the manifestations of any material defect causing harm or loss, the harm or loss suffered, the remedy sought, and certain information identifying any individual authorized to negotiate on behalf of the plaintiff. Requires a response to such notice within 30 days proposing remedial actions. Allows a plaintiff to immediately commence a legal action if the defendant fails to respond to such notice or does not propose remedial actions. Allows a defendant 60 days after an appropriate response to complete any proposed remedial action. (Sec. 8) Outlines pleading requirements, including specification of the nature, amount, and factual basis for calculating damages. Requires damages awarded to exclude compensation for damages the plaintiff would reasonably have avoided in light of disclosures. (Sec. 10) Requires the application of the doctrines of impossibility and commercial impracticability, as such doctrines were in existence as of January 1, 1999, in any Y2K action involving breach or repudiation of contract. Prohibits the award of damages by contract unless such damages are allowed by the express terms of the contract or by operation of State or Federal law. (Sec. 12) Prohibits a party to a Y2K action making a tort claim from recovering damages for economic loss unless such damages are permitted under applicable Federal or State law and: (1) such recovery is provided for under a contract entered into by the party; or (2) such losses result directly from damage to tangible property caused by the Y2K failure. Excludes from such limitation patent, copyright, trade-secret, or trademark action, or any claim for defamation or invasion of privacy under Federal or State law. (Sec. 13) Requires the plaintiff, in a Y2K action other than a claim for breach or repudiation of contract, to prove a defendant's state of mind when the defendant's actual or constructive awareness of the Y2K failure is an element of the claim. Provides specific limitations on bystander liability for Y2K failures. Applies to this Act the protections for the exchange of information afforded under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act. (Sec. 14) Authorizes the appointment in any U.S. district court of special masters or magistrate judges for hearing Y2K actions. (Sec. 15) Provides that, in any Y2K action involving a claim that a product or service is defective, a class action may be maintained only if: (1) it satisfies all other Federal or State class action procedural laws or rules; and (2) the court finds that the alleged defect would be material to the majority of such class. Requires specified notice to class members. Provides jurisdiction in U.S. district court for class action Y2K suits involving more than $1 million, with an exception when the parties concerned or the claims asserted primarily involve only one State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Amends Federal aviation law to subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 any individual who interferes with the duties or responsibilities of the flight crew or cabin crew of a civil aircraft, or who poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or other individuals on the aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, in addition or as an alternative, to prohibit for not more than one year the individual from flying as a passenger on a civil aircraft. Requires the Secretary to notify all air carriers of the prohibition, including its term. Subjects to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 any air carrier which provides air transportation to an individual who has been prohibited from flying on a civil aircraft. (Sec. 2) Establishes a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to any violation of a Federal Aviation Administration order, regulation, or standard, or any other Federal law relating to air carrier safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to such violations. Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act. (Sec. 3) Establishes a program under which the Attorney General may deputize State and local law enforcement officers as Deputy U.S. Marshals for the limited purpose of enforcing Federal laws that regulate security on board aircraft, including laws relating to violent, abusive, or disruptive behavior by airline passengers. Provides for the training and law enforcement powers of such marshals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act with respect to the sugar program to: (1) reduce sugarcane loan rates through crop year 2002; (2) revise the sugar beet loan rate; (3) eliminate nonrecourse loans; and (4) eliminate sugar price supports after crop year 2002. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal sugar and crystalline fructose marketing quota and allotment provisions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985, beginning after the 1998- 1999 quota year, to direct the President to use all available authority to ensure that U.S. market raw sugar shall be available at not more than the higher of the world sugar price or the U.S. loan rate.
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
Social Security Benefits Guarantee Act of 1999 - Directs Secretary of the Treasury to issue to each individual receiving benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act, and to each individual who applies for such benefits, a certificate representing a legally enforceable guarantee (entitlement): (1) of the monthly amount of OASDI benefits the individual will receive, determined as of the certificate's date of issuance; and (2) that the benefits will be adjusted not less frequently than annually on the basis of an accurate determination of the increase in the individual's cost-of-living.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Declares that the U.S. Government should pursue policies that: (1) support and encourage the U.S. people to master the English language plus other languages of the world, with special emphasis on the growing importance of Spanish for our Nation's economic and cultural relationships with Mexico, Central America, and South America; (2) recognize the value of Spanish to millions of U.S. people of Hispanic descent, who will be the Nation's largest minority by the year 2005, constituting one of every four U.S. people by the year 2030; (3) recognize the importance of English as the unifying language of the United States, and the importance of English fluency for individuals who want to succeed in U.S. society; (4) recognize that command of the English language is a critical component of the success and productivity of U.S. children, and should be encouraged at every age; (5) recognize that a skilled labor force is crucial to U.S. competitiveness in a global economy, and the ability to speak one or more languages in addition to English is a significant skill; (6) support literacy programs, including programs designed to teach English, as well as those dedicated to helping U.S. people learn and maintain other languages in addition to English; and (7) develop U.S. linguistic resources by encouraging U.S. citizens to learn and maintain Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, African languages, sign language, and the many other languages of the world, in addition to English.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1999
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, no later than 15 days after Congress adjourns to end the first session of the 106th Congress and on the same day as a specified sequestration (if any) under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), to cause a sequestration for FY 2000 of all non-exempt accounts within the discretionary spending category (excluding national defense) to achieve a reduction in budget authority equal to $13.303 billion minus the amount of reimbursements identified in a report under the 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act regarding efforts to increase burden sharing for Operation Allied Force.
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 · 12 May 1999
Graduate Medical Education Payment Restoration Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to terminate the multiyear reduction of indirect graduate medical education payments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Nursing and Allied Health Payment Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude nursing and allied health education costs from calculation of the annual area- specific Medicare+Choice capitation (payment) rate.
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 · 12 May 1999
Managed Care Fair Payment Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) remove from payments to Medicare+Choice organizations those amounts attributable to disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; and (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make direct payments to a DSH for any individual who is enrolled with a Medicare+Choice organization under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice).
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) no bilateral or multilateral assistance or benefit to any country should be conditioned upon or linked to that country's adoption or failure to adopt population programs or to the relinquishment of that country's sovereign right to implement the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development consistent with its own national laws and development priorities, with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of its people, and in conformity with universally recognized international human rights; (2) family planning service providers or referral agents should not implement or be subject to quotas or other numerical targets for total number of births, number of family planning acceptors, or acceptors of a particular method of family planning (but allows the use of quantitative estimates or indicators for budgeting and planning purposes); (3) no family planning project should include payment of incentives, bribes, gratuities, or financial reward to any person in exchange for becoming a family planning acceptor or to program personnel for achieving a numerical target or quota of total number of births, number of family planning acceptors, or acceptors of a particular method of family planning; (4) no project should deny any right or benefit, including the right of access to participate in any program of general welfare or the right of access to health care, as a consequence of any person's decision not to accept family planning services; (5) every family planning project should provide family planning acceptors with comprehensible information on the health benefits and risks of the method chosen; (6) every family planning project should ensure that experimental contraceptive drugs and devices and medical procedures are provided only in the context of a scientific study in which participants are advised of the potential risks and benefits; (7) the United States should reaffirm these principles in the special session of the United Nations General Assembly to be held between June 30 and July 2, 1999, and in all preparatory meetings for the special session; and (8) the United States should support vigorously the principle that meetings under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council be open to the public, and should oppose vigorously attempts to exclude from meetings legitimate non-government organizations and private citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999
Charity Empowerment Act of 1999 - Title I: Assistance to States in Providing Charity Tax Credits - Authorizes States with a charity tax credit under State law to allocate certain Federal grant funds for specified purposes. Requires any charity receiving creditable donations primarily to assist poor individuals. (Sec. 103) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effects of the charity tax credit under this title. Title II: Budget Offset - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the earned income credit for individuals without children. Title III: Tort Reforms Relating to Charitable Contributions - Relieves business entities of civil liability (except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct) relating to any injury or death: (1) resulting from use of equipment the entity donates, or from the operation (outside the scope of business of the entity) of aircraft or a motor vehicle loaned, to a nonprofit organization; (2) occurring at a facility of the entity used by a nonprofit organization (outside the scope of business of the entity), or during a tour of the facility (in an area otherwise not accessible to the general public). Preempts State liability law in this matter, but allows a State to elect not to allow this title to apply. Title IV: Charitable Choice Expansion Act - Charitable Choice Expansion Act of 1999 - Amends the Revised Statutes to prohibit the Federal Government and State or local governments receiving Federal funds for any assistance program (except certain education and child care programs) from discriminating against an organization providing assistance under, or applying to provide assistance under, such a program, on the basis that the organization has a religious character. Title V: Tax-free Distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts for Charitable Purposes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income any qualified distributions from individual retirement accounts to tax-exempt charitable organizations, charitable remainder trusts, pooled income funds, and charitable gift annuities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified medical innovation expenses for clinical testing research expenses attributable to academic medical centers and other qualified hospital research organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Jim Thorpe should be recognized as the Athlete of the Century.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Partnership Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require each permit, order, or decree issued under such Act for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer to conform to the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Policy signed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator, notwithstanding specified compliance schedules and permit limitations, to issue or execute a permit, order, or decree for discharges from such sewers that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan for a term of up to 15 years. Provides for extensions of such term, as appropriate. Declares that no permit, order, or decree issued under the Act should require compliance with water quality based requirements contained in a long-term control plan under the Control Policy unless the Administrator has completed the water quality standards-designated use review process called for in the Control Policy. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to municipalities for planning, design, and construction of facilities to intercept, transport, control, or treat combined storm and sanitary sewer flows. Directs the Administrator to report biennially to Congress on recommended funding levels for the two fiscal years following the date of a report on activities relating to combined storm and sanitary sewer flows. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Military Reservists Small Business Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA), upon written request, to defer repayment of principal and interest due on a direct general business or disaster loan made to a member of the reserves ordered to active duty during a period of military conflict, as long as such reservist: (1) received the loan before being ordered to such duty; and (2) is the owner, manager, or key employee of a small business for which the loan was made. Extends such deferral period until 180 days after such reservist is discharged or released from active duty. Directs the SBA to encourage lenders and loan intermediaries participating in other SBA loan programs to defer repayment of similar loans as well as loans made under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Authorizes the SBA to make disaster loans to assist a small business that has or is likely to suffer economic injury as the result of the owner, manager, or key employee of such business being ordered to active duty during a period of military conflict. Extends such assistance until 180 days after such reservist is discharged or released from such duty. Provides a loan limitation. Applies such assistance to periods of military conflict occurring on or after March 24, 1999. Directs the SBA to utilize its entrepreneurial development and management assistance programs to provide business counseling and training to any small business adversely affected by the deployment of units of U.S. armed forces in support of a period of military conflict. Requires the SBA, for the duration of Operation Allied Force and 120 days thereafter, to enhance its publicity of the availability of such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Prescribes penalties. Defines a "partial birth abortion" as an abortion in which a person, deliberately and intentionally, partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Cuban Food and Medicine Security Act of 1999 - Exempts from the embargo on trade with Cuba the export of food and other agricultural products (including fertilizer), medicines, medical supplies, instruments, or equipment, or any travel incident to the delivery of such items. Declares that such exemption shall not apply to certain restrictions imposed under the Export Administration Act of 1979 or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to specified congressional committees on existing U.S. agricultural export promotion and credit programs to determine how such programs can be carried out to promote the consumption of U.S. agricultural commodities in Cuba. Directs the President to report to Congress on: (1) the extent (expressed in volume and dollar amounts) of sales to Cuba of food and other agricultural products (including fertilizer), medicines, medical supplies, instruments, and equipment; (2) the types and end users of such items; and (3) whether there has been any indication that any medicines, medical supplies, instruments, or equipment exported to Cuba since enactment of this Act have been used for torture or other human rights abuses, were reexported, or were used in the production of any bio-technological product.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Made in USA Label Defense Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to prohibit the affixation of the "Made in the USA" label to a product of the Northern Mariana Islands. Prohibits such products from being imported into the United States free of duty or quotas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Lackawanna Valley American Heritage Area Act of 1999 - Establishes the Lackawanna Valley American Heritage Area, composed of all or parts of four coal-producing counties in northeast Pennsylvania, to be managed by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a management compact with the Authority to determine Area goals and objectives. Directs the Authority to develop an Area management plan that presents comprehensive recommendations for the Area's conservation, funding, management, and development. Requires the plan to be submitted to the Secretary for approval within three years after the enactment of this Act. Outlines related management duties. Prohibits the Authority from using Federal funds to acquire real property under this Act. Provides for: (1) technical and financial assistance from the Secretary to the Authority to develop and implement the plan; and (2) approval or disapproval of management plans. Requires the Historic American Buildings Survey-Historic American Engineering Record to conduct studies to document the industrial, engineering, building, and architectural history of the Heritage Area. Authorizes appropriations. Limits Federal funding for the Area to 50 percent of total costs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual Development Accounts for Low-Income Workers Title II: Individual Development Account Investment Credits Savings for Working Families Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to provide for the establishment of individual development accounts (IDAs) projects for the following stated objectives: (1) providing individuals and families with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets and to enter the financial mainstream; (2) promoting education, homeownership, and small business development; and (3) stabilizing families and building communities. Title I: Individual Development Accounts For Low-Income Workers - Sets forth requirements for IDAs for low-income workers, including the following: (1) the basic structure and administration of IDA programs established by qualified financial institutions (QFIs) either alone or in partnership with community-based, nonprofit organizations; (2) procedures for opening an IDA with a QFI and contributing money (of up to a certain amount, except in the case of qualified rollovers) in accordance with specified guidelines to qualify for matching funds from QFIs, State, local, or private sources to be held in either one of two special separate described accounts; (3) QFI deposits of all matching funds (matched dollar-for-dollar for the first $300 contributed by an eligible individual to an IDA for any taxable year) for each IDA in one such an account which is interest-bearing; (4) withdrawal procedures for IDA holders who have completed a QFI economic literacy course to obtain matching funds to pay for qualified expenses upon obtaining appropriate permission; (5) certification to the Secretary of the Treasury that IDAs and other described accounts are operating pursuant to this Act, and termination of IDA programs if the Secretary determines that a QFI is not operating an IDA program in accordance with this Act; and (6) reporting and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Individual Development Account Investment Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a QFI's IDA investment during the taxable year, including the aggregate amount of dollar-for-dollar matches under the IDA program, plus the lesser of $100 times the number of IDA accounts maintained by the QFI, or a specified portion of certain costs of providing economic literacy training to IDA holders and underwriting the activities of collaborating community-based, not-for-profit organizations. (Sec. 202) Declares that QFIs which establish IDA programs shall receive credit for funding, administration, and education expenses under the services test contained in regulations for the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 for those activities related to IDAs. (Sec. 203) Authorizes an individual to designate that a specified portion (not less than $1) of any overpayment of tax for a taxable year which is attributable to the earned income credit shall be deposited by the Secretary into the individual's IDA.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999
Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual's Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Information Protection Act of 1999 - Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified health entities in possession of protected health information to arrange (except in certain circumstances) for its inspection or copying upon the request of the individual subject of such information (subject individual). Prescribes procedures for: (1) notification upon request denial, including the reasons for such denial, and the concomitant review procedures; (2) requests by such individual to amend such information; and (3) conspicuous disclosure of such entities' confidentiality practices. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to develop model notices of confidentiality. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Mandates: (1) administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for protected health information; (2) a record of any protected health information disclosures; and (3) identification of disclosed information as protected health information. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prescribes guidelines for disclosure of protected health information with respect to: (1) authorizations for treatment, payment, and health care operations; (3) the individual's next of kin and directory information; (4) emergency circumstances; (5) certain oversight agencies; (6) public health authorities; (7) health researchers; (8) civil, judicial, and administrative procedures; (9) certain law enforcement procedures; (10) payment for health care through card or electronic means; (11) certain duly authorized representatives acting on behalf of a subject individual (including a deceased subject individual, and a minor); and (12) certain business sales, transfers, or mergers. (Sec. 213) Precludes permissible disclosures from liability. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions - Establishes civil monetary penalties for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. (Sec. 312) Prescribes a procedure for imposition and judicial review of such penalties. (Sec. 313) Grants exclusive enforcement authority to the insurance commissioner of the life insurer's domicile State. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Preempts, subject to exceptions, any State law relating to matters covered by this Act. (Sec. 401) Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and of Transportation to establish exceptions to the disclosure requirements of this Act with respect to Department of Defense and Coast Guard personnel, respectively, pursuant to the Secretaries' determination that exceptions are necessary for national defense purposes. (Sec. 403) Directs the National Research Council, in conjunction with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, to study and report to the Congress on research issues relating to protected health information.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999
Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the International Visitors Program. Commends the achievements of the thousands of volunteers who are part of the National Council for International Visitors "citizen diplomats."
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Shields a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury to, or death of, an individual occurring at a facility of the business entity if: (1) such injury or death occurs during a tour of the facility in an area of the facility that is not otherwise accessible to the general public; and (2) the business entity authorized the tour. Makes this Act inapplicable to an injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including misconduct that: (1) constitutes a hate crime or a crime of violence or act of international terrorism for which the defendant has been convicted in any court; or (2) involves a sexual offense for which the defendant has been convicted in any court, or misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law. Preempts State laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except State law that provides additional protection from liability. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede any Federal or State health or safety law. Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in a State court against a business entity, in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State, citing this Act's authority and containing no other provision, enacts a statute declaring the State's election that this Act not apply to such action in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Shields a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death occurring at a facility of that entity in connection with a use of such facility by a nonprofit organization if: (1) the use occurs outside the scope of business of the business entity; (2) such injury or death occurs during a period that such facility is used by such organization; and (3) the business entity authorized the use of such facility by the organization. Makes this Act inapplicable to an injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including misconduct that: (1) constitutes a hate crime or a crime of violence or act of international terrorism for which the defendant has been convicted in any court; or (2) involves a sexual offense for which the defendant has been convicted in any court or misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law. Preempts State laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except State law that provides additional protection from liability. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede any Federal or State health or safety law. Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in a State court against a business entity in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State, citing this Act's authority and containing no other provision, enacts a statute declaring the State's election that this Act shall not apply to such action in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Shields a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death resulting from the use of equipment donated by a business entity to a nonprofit organization. Makes this Act inapplicable to an injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including misconduct that: (1) constitutes a hate crime or a crime of violence or act of international terrorism for which the defendant has been convicted in any court; or (2) involves a sexual offense for which the defendant has been convicted in any court, or misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law. Preempts State laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except State law that provides additional protection from liability. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede any Federal or State health or safety law. Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in a State court against a business entity, in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State, citing this Act's authority and containing no other provision, enacts a statute declaring the State's election that this Act not apply to such action in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Shields a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death occurring as a result of the operation of an aircraft or a motor vehicle of a business entity loaned to a nonprofit organization for use outside the scope of business of the business entity if: (1) such injury or death occurs during a period that such vehicle or aircraft is used by such organization; and (2) the business entity authorized the use by the organization of the vehicle or aircraft that resulted in the injury or death. Makes this Act inapplicable to an injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including misconduct that: (1) constitutes a hate crime or a crime of violence or act of international terrorism for which the defendant has been convicted in any court; or (2) involves a sexual offense for which the defendant has been convicted in any court, or misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law. Preempts State laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except State law that provides additional protection from liability. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede any Federal or State health or safety law. Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in a State court against a volunteer, nonprofit organization, or governmental entity in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State, citing this Act's authority and containing no other provision, enacts a statute declaring the State's election that this Act not apply to such action in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999
Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Act, with respect to the women's business center program, to allow a private organization that has received financial assistance under the program and that is either in the final year of a five-year project or has completed the project to apply for assistance for an additional five-year period. Requires such organizations to agree to obtain matching cash contributions from non-Federal sources. Extends through FY 2001 the authorization for the program, allowing no more than 40 percent of such amounts to be used for providing such additional assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from $18 to $9 (its pre-1991 level) the per-barrel tax on beer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to reduce quota peanut price support levels through crop year 2001 and make nonrecourse loans available to all peanut producers at 85 percent of estimated market value as of crop year 2002. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to eliminate peanut quotas as of crop year 2002. Amends the National School Lunch Act to authorize the purchase at world market price of additional (excess of poundage quota) peanuts for the school lunch and other specified food and nutrition programs. States that such peanuts shall not be considered domestic edible use peanuts under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 or the Agricultural Market Transition Act.